Porch Redo

Spring cleaning doesn't just start inside the home. Concentrating on the outside of your home is important too. It is time to get the winter grime and holiday leftovers cleaned up. 

I put all the holiday things away but there are always remnants that linger. I even found some glitter lying around on the porch. It looked like a thief came in the night and stripped the porch of all its pretty.

I have to say when it is cold I really don't even want to go outside never mind clean! It was starting to look really bad around here. The doldrums was taking over and the grey of the winter days was seeping in.

So how do you freshen up for spring when winter is still around?

You add color!

Cleaning the cobwebs and sweeping the dead leaves were the priority on the porch. There was even tape leftover in the walls from Christmas decorations. I cleared all of the garbage and fixed the furniture in a better position.

I can't believe it looked this bad! I was still finding leftover decorations. I moved the porch furniture in a better position and cleaned the door window .  I added my umbrella wreath I made last year and the color was already making me happy.

Pillows and cushions change things up. The color on this porch is a cream and with the white chairs it was just getting lost. I found the prettiest black and white cushions for the bottom of the rockers. I added some bright pink pillows for some color. I can change the color anytime throughout the year by switching out the pillows. Right now I was looking for something vibrant.

I also found some lawn art to put near the bushes. It is too cold to plant colorful flowers for color so I just inserted a few of these metal pinwheels.

I love the movement of the flowers.

I added some silk hydrangeas to the planter urns till I can plant some beautiful flowers.

Just a few key moves and freshening up with color and this front porch came alive even on this grey day.

I added a few accessories to the vintage trunk. A preserved boxwood wreath on an old window gave me some more green. I found some iron work and mounted it on the top of an old door to give it an architectural detail. Moved the theater seats to the entrance and it was a good start of a complete change. I would like to add an outdoor carpet under the rockers soon.

The front door got a fresh doormat. Now it is ready for guests!

The front porch came alive and it is so inviting now. 

Just a little time spent cleaning and adding some color will make the last few days of winter more bearable. This spring I can continue to add other features to enhance the look like carpet, wall hangings and fresh flowers.

I hope this redesign inspired you!

Country Chic Paint in Tennessee

When I opened my store over a year ago, I knew I wanted to carry paint in my store. After all, that's what I do, paint. I have tried several brands and really liked Country Chic Paints for durability and color. It is a chalk based paint so it is easy to work with. One of the most important things they offered was NO VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds, In easy terms the smelly harmful vapor)

So now, after a year of carrying Country Chic Paint in Tennessee, what do I think?

I think when people use this product they are pleasantly surprised with how smooth and beautiful this finish is. The classes we offer teach application and techniques of the various products available in this line of paint. Our class schedule is posted under classes in our header.

We have our signature colors like Dreamingincolor (turquoise)

Dreamingincolor Dudley's Bandana (red) and Dreamingincolor Misha (Blue) to name a few

Seeing is believing.

The befores and afters of all the painted furniture that has sold over time says it all.

Two tones and layers of paint with dry brushing and light and dark waxes

One of my favorite colors is Elegance. It is a pretty grey blue.

Time and time again the custom pieces I paint has the customer coming back for more. They get inspired by color. Those afraid of using color begin to see how it can transform those pieces stuck in a back bedroom or in storage. After they are renewed with paint, they become the pieces that are treasured again.

With all the chalky paint on the market I take that as a compliment!

I have found that most paints, when compared apples to apples, take several coats for coverage, are too thick or too thin and have little desired colors available. They are usually harmful to the environment and to your health. When people think they are getting a deal,(cheaper price) they usually are using more of the other paints for coverage in the long run, thus spending much more.

This is my opinion.

Would love for you to try it!

Call 615-907-0091 to order some today!

Will ship to you too! (usa)

Or you can always visit the store 

504 N Maney Ave Murfreesboro, TN 37130

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We Are Having Guests!

Design Shuffle had asked me if they can do a guest post and I am pleased to have them here. I thought this post would be of interest of my readers. I hope you enjoy it!


Hello, I’m Joanna, a writer for Design Shuffle, a terrific online portal for interior designers to share their portfolios. My days are spent gathering the most beautiful images from around the web and sharing them with readers of blogs like Dreaming in Color. Today's post showcases eight painted pieces that would work well in the bedroom. Painted tables and chests in fun hues are a favorite of ours. From a formal pink bombe chest to a graphic inspired table, these furnishings inspire many of our own. Take a look at some of our favorite bedside painted tables and chests. Thanks for letting me share!

An ornately carved chest is just as perfect in this hall as it would be beside a bed. The whimsical blue hue offers a dreamy ambiance that will enrich any room it is placed in. The beautiful color of this otherwise traditionally designed chest is visually intriguing, and it glimmers with uniqueness. Pair the chest with a totally different piece, like a round skirted table, on the other side of the bed for a lovely romantic look.