When I originally placed these big terra cotta pots on either side of my front door, I had big plans for them. First they would get a nice coat of white wash to age them and make them look like they came from France. Then they were going to be
DIY Potting Bench, Toy Box Not Included
I’m a sucker for sentimental home decor. In fact, a lot of my furniture was passed down to me from family which I’ve enjoyed reusing and repurposing in my own home. One such piece was my husband’s childhood toy box. When Matt’s Dad offered it to me, I gladly took it.
Potting Bench Plans
I don’t know why, but I thought that this was going to be the Summer for projects. It’s not. Instead, I’ve been taking it easy: lounging, movie watching, reading, visiting friends and family and spending time with my daughter who now has her driver’s license by the way. I have
DIY Accent Chair Reupholster and Chalky Paint Makeover
When I saw the outdated chair listed in an online selling group, I saw past the orange toned wood and blue moire fabric to the lovely shape and lines. And, I knew that a little paint and new fabric would take care of the rest. So, I met the owner,
DIY French Wicker Laundry Basket
I hadn’t planned on it. I thought maybe I’d use the quiet of the night to write, or read. But, then I walked into the laundry room and decided that I couldn’t stand it any longer. So, at 12:30 a.m. I poured the laundry detergent, stain fighter, fabric softener and
Coral Reef: Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year
When I first saw the Sherwin-Williams color of the year, I thought it was gorgeous and a perfect complement to my existing color palette. So, I kept trying to think of a way to incorporate it into my home. Inspired by the splashes of pink I’ve been seeing in
DIY Winter Floral Arrangement
I was reading someone’s blog the other day (I don’t remember whose), and the blogger said something about “winter without Christmas.” I knew exactly what she meant; those cold, dreary, long days after the holidays, feeling like winter has nothing left to offer. I was thinking about that,
Diy Floral Arrangements
Before I burnt the spaghetti sauce, and before my guests were greeted by my unshowered, mascara smeared, paint-covered sweatshirt and cut-off jeans self, there was this moment… a beautiful, garden-inspired moment, kindred to Thelma A. Meyer, the inspiration behind Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day® who I’m proud to partner with today.
DIY Decorative Throw Pillows
Indecision. When it comes to home decor, I am sometimes plagued by indecision; spending hours, days, even weeks trying to decide. What if I don’t like it? What if I change my mind? The fear of making a mistake is bigger in our minds than it is in reality. Choosing
200+ Ways to Paint Anything
Do you ever feel like you need to just throw everything out and start over with your home decor? But you can’t because it would be too expensive? Fortunately, it’s nothing a paint project can’t fix. Spoiler Alert: paint projects aren’t just for furniture and walls anymore * Denotes affiliate
Desk Chair Makeover, Inspired by Ballard Designs
It was just a plain, basic desk chair. Gray and drab. It wasn’t quite what I had in mind, but it served a purpose. So, I kept it. At some point, I decided to put a green pillow case over the chair back to make it look more colorful. When
How to Color Wash with Chalky Finish Paint
When I was little, Nonna’s garage was a mysterious and unknown place where I wasn’t allowed because it was too cluttered and not safe for little girls. I spent my entire life wondering what was in that garage. Really. So, a couple of years ago when I went over there to
From Discarded to Divine: a DIY Mirrored Nightstand
Remember the nightstand that never quite had a home? The one that is part of the same bedroom suite as the dresser turned media console? It had a brief life as a media console, then a printer stand, until I stuck in the living room. Most recently it was my
Oh the Places You’ll Go: Diy Subway Art
Paris Italy Germany, Ireland, Spain… They are all on my list of places to go. Just so happens, that my daughter has the same list. Never doubt the influence you have on your kids…even as teenagers. So when my daughter and I saw this subway art
DIY Built-In Bookcases
I was on a mission to get my husband’s and daughter’s school books off of my dining room table. The bookcases would have to be narrow…no more than 12 inches deep. And I wanted a built-in look without the built-in price. I set my budget for $60 and then searched
10 ways to repurpose a dresser
My parents will be here in just a little while, and I can’t wait to hear what they think of the dresser makeover. In the meantime, I’d like to share 10 ways to repurpose a dresser. Please click on images before pinning. ~Sideboard ~Sofa Table ~Foyer Table ~Vanity
How To: Paint Furniture with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint
Not only did I break out of my comfort zone by painting my mom’s dresser, but I tried a new-to-me paint; Chalk Paint I’ve heard so much about it over the past couple of years and was intrigued by the idea of no sanding or priming, my least favorite things
The Cinderella Project: A Tale of a Furniture Makeover
I loved the maple wood, but I could just see the dresser painted. I could see how beautiful it would be: how a coat of paint would not only transform the tired, old dresser, but the living room too. So, with careful consideration I chose Annie Sloan’s Chateau Gray. After
fall gardening tips
One of my favorite things about Fall is the chance to get out into the garden again. TIP: Did you know that Fall is a great time to plant trees and shrubs? As the air cools, the plant’s roots dig down into the still warm earth, creating a strong
Staining the Front Door
Today I did something that I’ve been putting off for about four years. Actually, I didn’t do it. Tami from Curb Alert came to my rescue. Year after year, I watched as my front door deteriorated, losing it’s luster and deep mahogany color. And every year I’d say to
Burlap Wreath Tutorial
As you may recall, I’ve invited Laura from Inspiration For Moms to be a monthly contributor here at Mrs. Hines’ Class. She is back today with a Fall wreath that I know you’re going to love. But before we take a look at the wreath, I just want to take a moment
The Dresser, The Buffet and the Media Console- 3 New Uses for a Dresser
Who knew that the very dresser from which I fetched a pair of panties for Nonna would end up in my home one day? I couldn’t have predicted the future of that dresser, serving as a buffet in my home, housing silverware and tablecloths and serving dishes. I never
DIY Fern and Moss Terrarium
Hello friends! I’m so excited to introduce you to a special guest. Her blog is filled with creativity and inspiration. The more I delved into her writing, the more I thought, “She’s a perfect fit for Mrs. Hines’ Class.” So, I asked her to be a monthly contributor. And
DIY Boxwood Topiary
I‘m inspired by nature. It calms me. Maybe it’s the tranquil blues and greens, or the singing of birds, or the surprise of seeing fireflies dart through the trees. So magical! I find that bringing those natural elements indoors provides a soothing atmosphere in my home as well. I think
beautiful backyards
I love looking at other people’s landscaping. So much so that I have collected inspiration on Houzz, Pinterest and Hometalk. Some of the ideas shared on Hometalk are inspiration for my own backyard designs. Like this backyard shared by HGTV Gardens. I love the secluded, secret garden feel of this
11 Practical Tips for the DIY Painter
Everyone has to start somewhere. I remember the first time that I picked up a paint roller. As I rolled the soft lavender paint over my then two-year-old little girl’s new bedroom, I was amazed at how simple it was. My confidence grew with each purple patch of wall that
dressing the part
Nonna was babysitting and decided to go out and work in the yard. She called me over, “Will you get me a pair of panties?” “Ma’am?” “I need something to wear on my head to keep the sweat off of my face.” My grandmother commanded respect. So, I obediently retrieved
garden design and landscaping tutorial
It’s the first day of Spring! To celebrate, I’m going to share the gardening process from planning to planting. Let’s get right to it! First, know your hardiness zone. This information will tell you which plants will thrive in your climate conditions. To find your hardiness zone, visit this site
how does your garden grow?
I’m so excited to be out working in the garden today! I plan to show you the before and after pictures as well as share some advice for planning your garden on Monday. In the meantime, I just wanted to leave you with a little inspiration. My “how does
Gardening 101
Do you wish you had a green thumb? Well, please join me and my fabulous co-hosts today on “After Class with Mrs. Hines” for some helpful gardening tips for Spring. We’ll join Leo and Jane at their Cottage on the Crossroads where they’ll share tips on getting a vegetable garden ready
a backyard makeover: before
Last year, I won an e-design for one room with Annabelle of Stylish Design Services. I had a hard time choosing which room I wanted to design, and finally asked if we could design my backyard. Annabelle readily agreed. She turned this into this. I love Annabelle’s ideas, and I CANNOT
February Gardening Tips
As soon as the new year begins, I start thinking about gardening. What will I transplant? What new plants do I want to add this year? I get so excited at the thought of getting outside and digging in the dirt. As soon as we’re past any potential for a
How to Tackle DIY Projects From Start to Finish!
Do you have a lot of unfinished projects? You’re not alone. It’s easy to lose momentum somewhere between Pinterest and picking up the paint brush, because we get stuck in indecision or in not knowing where or how to start. So, today I want to teach you a strategy for
back yard makeover
Hey friends! My co-hosts and I are mid way through our Christmas in July blogger block party. I hope you’re enjoying it as much as I am. Today, Jennifer at Laughter and Grace is sharing some excellent tips on planning your own Christmas cookie exchange as well as several scrumptious cookie
A Repurposed Dresser Set
This mirror, this dresser, and this nightstand were all a part of my parent’s bedroom furniture suite in my childhood home. All of it was the same wood as the body of the dresser, and the mirror was attached to the dresser. Over time, each piece has been painted and