Design Challenge #2 Fran's Screened Porch

Hi everyone, meet Fran from Eleven-0-One.

Well, technically this isn't Fran, it's her great side porch.

So, this is Fran; isn't she a doll?

(Be sure to go visit Fran, she's super talented.

She paints wonderful French Script Signs,

and a chalk paint dresser re-do that will have you drooling!!)

She has this fabulous screened porch at her lovely home in Florida.

It's right off of her Living Room with two beautiful French doors,

one on either side of the fireplace.

Here are a few of Fran's thoughts on this makeover:

1. I've challenged myself to redecorate on a dime!
2. Painting furniture is definitely within my abilities so that is an option.
3. I want it to flow well from my living room and the accent colors there are red, gold and green.
4. I love the pots at Heaven's Walk and would like something similar in English and I'd like some low maintenance plants that won't cover up the pots. (Could use some advice on what plants take low light.)
5. I also make signs and although I paint lots of French signs to sell, I want to paint something with an old American style advertisement or a fun saying. I just haven't found the perfect one or a saying that I think reflects our personalities.
6. Need some lighting for evening ambiance. We need to replace the outdoor light (probably with a ceiling fan but it has to be small).

Fran has used text on her photos, I love this!

It really helps to head us in the direction that's desired.

A punch of color for the porch swing?

This is the back of the fireplace,

so her husband has nixed painting it.

She needs ideas of how to make this

"less of a yellow-orange huge expanse of brick"

And a concrete floor that takes a lot of abuse from the elements.

What about a rug?

She has great wicker pieces,

but questions about repainting and fabric for the cushions.

This is a fun project,

let's share some good advice to make this space

a comfortable inviting "room" to relax.

Comments are open to all!

Thanks so much, Fran, for sharing your

Design Challenge with us!

And if YOU would like to share a Design Challenge with us,

be sure and email me.

Please just make sure you label it as "Design Challenge" on the email.

I'm trying to keep everything separated so I don't lose anyone.

The response has been great,

but I'm always open to projects.

xxoo,

A Big Thank You!

                                                        

to everyone for making the debut of

Design Challenge

such a success!

Heather is thrilled with all of the comments

 and wonderful ideas you have shared.

If you haven't had a chance to come by and

share your design thoughts,

just scroll down to the next post.

(below is one of Heather's inspiration pics from Pinterest)

Hope you all had fun,

 I know I loved reading all the amazing ideas.

Be sure and come back next Tuesday morning as we help Fran

with a screened porch makeover!

Hope you're having a great weekend!

 



Vintage Inspiration Friday#49 and Design Challenge #1 Heather's Dining Room

Are you confused yet? I know it's a lot to take in in one sitting, but I wanted to do the very first Design Challenge as part of Vintage Inspiration Friday just to spread the word. Next week back to normal...not sure what "normal" is around here but you get my drift.

There's a link for Vintage Inspiration Friday at the end of the photos, please link up there as usual, and besides, a good design challenge is great for inspiration, don't you think?

Today is the first Design Challenge here at Common Ground. If you've missed earlier introductory posts, the premise of this new weekly feature is to help out one of our own in Blogland with decorating challenges, by sharing ideas and inspiration. You don't have to be a professional decorator to weigh in with your own opinion. Actually, we all have some great ideas.  Even though they all can't be used, bits and pieces can be sifted for a more comprehensive and cohesive design strategy...OK, more easily said, don't be afraid to throw in your own 2 cents! And really, don't overthink this, say just what comes to mind.

So now let's get this show on the road...some thoughts from Heather and then photos. Please leave comments that are kind and constructive (I know you will). Also let's be realistic like not saying that a whole new room should be purchased. Keep cost and concept in mind to give some good honest decorating and design thoughts.

In Heather's own words.

Here is what I'm hoping to achieve with my dining room:
It is very traditional. With a beautiful formal cherry dining set lovingly passed down from my mom-in-law when she didn't have the space for it anymore. I was so excited to finally have a “formal” set. But, I feel like my dining room has become TOO formal and dark. I want to lighten the room up a little. Have it blend better with the Vintage Formal Farmhouse feel I’m going for.

This room has a connecting wall between my entry and the dining room. I am not opposed to painting it but would need to paint my entryway as well. I love pale yellow's, whites and soft robin egg's blue right now. Those colors would go with my new kitchen redesign. I have attached a picture of the fabric I purchase at a STEAL to recover my seat cushions with. This is what I'm hoping to design the dining room around. As you can see it needs a light fixture now, since I transferred and painted the chandelier over my kitchen table. Also, the hideous brass and glass sofa table has got to go.

I am open to painting any frames, mirrors, lamps. etc. I would love to reuse and recycle as much as possible but will make new purchases if necessary.

Here is the link to my pinterest board that has some of my inspiration links on it, for people to see what inspires me. :)

http://pinterest.com/meetuatthefence/heather-dining-room-project/


Heather
At The Picket Fence

Heather has shared some great photos that really capture her space.

Did you check out her Pinterest Board?

http://pinterest.com/meetuatthefence/heather-dining-room-project/

She's found some fabulous inspiration,

this is my favorite and I can just "see" this room

transformed using elements from this design.

OK, Your turn!!!

Link up your vintage inspiration,

then leave a comment here on this post for Heather.

thanks for participating,

and I'd love you to grab the new

 Design Challenge Button

 on the sidebar to help spread the word!

love,

Design Challenge Kickoff

What a fabulous response I've had to this concept of

 Design Challenge!

Once it hit me, I've been so excited to see it get started,

and Thursday will be the big day.

I'll be combining the first

 Design Challenge Feature

with

Vintage Inspiration Friday.

I'll be Featuring someone, hopefully, on a weekly basis,

at the beginning of each week.

First I want to say a big Thank You to a great bunch of gals

who are my sponsors for this new feature.

Right now they are helping me spread the word,

but I hope to have some interactive blog projects and link parties in the future.

Sherry from No Minimalist Here

Marty from A Stroll Thru Life

Kim from Savvy Southern Style

Kathy from Creative Home Expressions

Heather and Vanessa

 from At the Picket Fence

Courtney from French Country Cottage

Anne from Fiona and Twig

and

Nita from Mod Vintage Life

Familiar faces here in Blogland!

Thank you so much!

Our first Design Challenge will be with Heather

from At the Picket Fence.

She has been doing a kitchen renovation

and is ready for a change in her Dining Room.

Here's a sneak peek at her space: 

Heather has wonderful traditional furniture

but wants a fresh and updated look.

Tomorrow we get to put on our "decorator hats" and

share our ideas to help her get there.

Remember,

Vintage Inspiration Friday

 is still on,

we'll be linking up "anything vintage or vintage inspired".

(Sorry, this won't be a link for design help.)

and on a completely different note,

I want to mention Rhonda from Blue Creek Home

(www.bluecreekhome.blogspot.com)

has recently changed blog addresses.

It's been somewhat of a hair raising ordeal

and if you've missed her, that's why!

So please go by Rhonda's and say Hi,

then be sure and change out your blog list link

so you can keep up with what she's up to!

(if you use the blogspot address it will link to her new dot com.)

Remember, let me know if you're interested in being featured

on Design Challenge.

I've had some great submissions this week.

See ya tomorrow!

xoxo,