Remember in the last post where I told you I was done decorating and I was gonna be all Carol Brady and do crafts with my boys and like, rest, relax and enjoy and junk? I lied. It started out so innocently. Five minutes after publishing that post I just wanted to see how the armoire would look moved to the left about 12 inches or so. I couldn’t figure out why I had it pushed so far over towards the fireplace.
So I moved it, loved it and then I needed to move that red chair. I also have wanted to move the sofa over. I’ve always hated that my sofa floats but I wasn’t sure how to make it stop floating. We needed the walkway behind it and I had measured every wall in the house for that black hutch and it wasn’t going to work anywhere.
Guess what, the hutch fit somewhere else. Sometimes the only way to know if something will really fit is to try it. It would have been a huge pain to move it back but it would have only taken 20 minutes total both ways, and then I would have known for sure if it could work in a different spot and I could stop thinking about it. Well worth the trouble no matter what the outcome. Not only did it fit, it let out a big sigh of relief and said “it’s about time you put me in my rightful place, and by the way, you need to start working out.” I measured this spot no less than 5 times and logically there was no way this piece was supposed to fit there with the table and chairs. Y’all, it’s a Christmas miracle! The only problem is that there is a light switch right smack dab in the middle of that wall behind the hutch. Lights, smights. Who needs them?
Then I was faced with THIS montrosity. Monstrosity. A HUGE empty wall with nothing to fill it with. Meanwhile, my house is getting more and more disorganized by the miliseceond. Crafts? Right, my kids ate ketchup and cheese nips for lunch I think. I was all, “Mom needs to run to Home Goods, fend for yourselves, mkay?”.
I left them with this.
Came back and tried this lamp from our bedroom with some mirrors that I found. Nope, not expansive enough for that huge empty wall.
I took a photo of my son with his legos. See, I’m such an involved mom. I did at least notice what they were doing while I was tearing our house to pieces. They actually love it when I move stuff around because it gives them a new set to play in.
Then I decided to steal from Peter and give to Paul as my sister would say, and I removed all the blue/green plates from all the walls in my house. My bedroom was Peter and my living room was Paul if you are wondering. I guess that makes me Mary.
Two trips to Home Goods and 24 hours later I got this. I love it. I want about 24 more plates for the wall and then I’ll be done. The lamps are new and I love them but the shades are such a pure white they make it look like I opted for tiny hunks of the white hot sun in place of light bulbs. I prefer off white shades for warmer light. I can’t imagine how fast I’d blind my guests if I used those awful reveal light bulbs or those Al Gore curly, politically correct light bulbs.
I had to make due with this wall. I just kept repeating “like with like.” The key was to group like things together. And it’s the wall behind the sofa so I can’t have much there. And I don’t have anything else that will work there right now. No worries, I’m thinking on it.
The ramifications of moving my armoire 12 inches are far reaching. My son got a bookshelf in his room. We have 3 pretty mirrors above our bed, I’ve got a terrarium sitting in the middle of my foyer with no home. But our living room is so much cozier AND had 2 extra seats. For you that want to know, yes, I moved all the furniture by myself. Most of my pieces have those little plastic things on the bottom that make it slide really easily. My husband did help me move the bookshelf upstairs to our son’s room.
Our 20%2B guests will be here in about 24 hours and my house looks like a blind fraternity majoring in snacks containing saturated fat lives here with their dogs. And we don’t even have a dog. So today I will do exactly what I said I wasn’t going to do, I’ll clean like a mad woman, run to Target for a few stocking stuffers, remember that I forgot to take some new photos of my boys and have them printed out, try to wrap gifts, do a few loads of laundry and love every minute of it. For me the last two days were pure bliss getting to try my furniture in new places and the added pressure of a deadline made it all the more exciting. I have a sickness.
Does your armoire need to be moved 12 inches to the left?
Customized sign available here.
It looks great – terrific kids you’ve got, my niece used to throw temper tantrums any time anything was changed.
BTW – this redoing furniture arrangements at the last minute with accompanying trips to various stores – it’s in the genes and I’m sure we’re related.
I love it. Every bit of it. You are a mad woman and I am so glad I get to read your blog.
Merry Christmas Nester.
okay – so I’ve had the light switch issue before. All you have to do is pull the piece of furniture off the wall a smidge. Stretch out a wire coat hanger. Use the hook of the coat hanger to turn the switch on and off. You can even set it behind the furniture when you are not using it!!!!
Problem fixed.
You sound like me!! I LOVE rearranging my house – a sickness that I get from my grandma. My husband is great about it though. He says, “Wow honey, this looks great!” every time! When I ask if he minds, he always says, “As long as you move it. I don’t care where it is.” =)
~Heather
p.s. I love your description of those florescent light bulbs! I laughed out loud!
hilarious! my whole house needs to be moved 2 feet to the left… but since we just moved in, i’m giving myself a break. who can arrange a house around a christmas tree? better wait until new years!
merry christmas!
rachel
Rearranging is like a huge big puzzle, isn’t it? But it’s so much FUN! Love it.
Merry Christmas, Nester!
i think we’re kindred spirits…rearranging furniture right before guests come is also one of my favorite hobbies :) LOVE what you did with everything!!
“I have a sickness” – so funny! Merry Christmas
Girl, I so get it! It is nice to know other people do the very same thing — it starts with one little move and the next thing you know the whole darn house is in a mess!
I love the display. Were the hangers adhesive like the plate hangers, because I could not really see any wires in the pictures.
Nester~
Oh MY GOODNESS!! I love you. Let’s be best friends (since we were obviously separated at birth….. are you sure you have the right parents???)
You are fabulous!!!!!
Please tell me where you got the new lamps. They have the tuscany look that I am doing my kitchen in. I would love to add one or two! Thank you for the inspiring ideas!
Ohhhhhhhhhhh. THANK YOU. Hahahahahaha.
You are so me. That’s why I love you.
Sandy
I have to periodically move furniture in my house as well. I think it is an inherited trait. We have a fall and spring living room arrangement. (the Fall arrangement makes room for the coming Christmas tree!) I love changing it up, it is so refreshing!
Thank yo so much! All day I was envying your ability to let go and just relax this close to hte big day. I was feeling bad that I was not crafting and hanging out with my kids.
I spent the day in the kitchen and the kids were there cooking too (on and off) It was quality family time but I have been stressed out over all that needs to get done. We host our annual open house “Feast of the Seven Fish” tomorrow starting at 5pm.
Thanks for admitting that you had chaos too.
Merry Christmas!
This is great! I know exactly how you feel…but I love the big breath at the end when it finally all works.
I know you keep saying not to freak out over nail holes. I absolutely LOVE what you did, but if *I* did that, I’d need an entire bottle of Benedryl to treat the hives I’d get because of my nail-hole-itis.
You are brave. And crazy. And awesome!
so funny..today i shopped in a nearby little town’s downtown and got some new garlands on early christmas sale and BOUGHT my fudge at the bakery instead of making and instead of going to their “good grocery store” like i told my MIL/babysitter i was doing when i left my children with her..then i had to go to our crappy grocery store in the rain later in the day..and i totally REDID my mantle today while i should have been cleaning..oh well…my house is cozier just like i am sure yours is..you do i have a sickness, i know because i have it as well! ha!
Earlier this week I re-hung all my wall art at or below eye level – much lower than originally. I’m so pleased with the welcoming feel and unification it’s produced! Now I must try moving the furniture! We have a dolly too, but to me it’s just easier to push everything on the hard woods.
Hahaha!! But I did it the super smart way. All day yesterday was spent decorating someone ELSE’S home. I could just leave when I had my fill. 7 hours later and slurring my thoughts, I finally did. And as tired as I was, I had never had so much fun.
And yep. Baking and wrapping undone and no clean clothes. Tis the season!!
Donna
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/
One thing ALWAYS leads to another, right?
Love moving the furniture. I think it is a sickness!
GREAT post! I believe there are many others just like us, out there. The plate arrangement is spectacular! good job!
You are actually doing your future daughters-in-law a favor – just think how easy-going your sons will be about decorating. AND they won’t be picky about dinner.
Something about alot of people coming over that will make you take a second look at your home. I’d better get busy.
Merry Christmas!
-Trish
Things look great, as always, but a quilt on that expansive wall would be just perfect! (Yes, I’m a quilter!)
oh, yes!! This is my life in a nutshell! Company coming, my highly distract-able brain gets me going in the most unlikely arenas, usually involving some table/wall /furniture flow decorating swap out, and almost always for the better! What is it about the imminent pressure of guests arriving in, say 48 hrs or less that makes me my most creative!! Arrggh! Merry Christmas, Nester and family!
-nancy
I used to think I was crazy when I would arrange my furniture a million times and have nail holes that didn’t bother me a bit. Right now I am in the middle of 3 projects and company is coming over CHRISTMAS DAY and my house is a wreck! I’m not stressed one bit! I have just recovered half of my dining chair cushions and have tons of fabric left over. What better way to put it to use than some mistreatments, just in time for the guests!? Since reading your posts, I am confident that I am not crazy, at least just pleased that “I’m not the only one!” Love this post- you are hilarious! Merry Christmas!
Your personality is SO refreshing. Oh you brighten my day with your fun sense of humor and such.
This is why we love you! Hope you have a Merry Christmas!
I SO hear you on this! You get obsessed by an idea and can’t rest until it’s finished. I just did that on Monday. I thought, let’s fill my wooden tomato crate on the porch with fresh greens, won’t that be festive? By Monday night my husband was ferrying me to Home Depot at 9 pm to pick up an “outdoor” Christmas tree to go with my now totally decorated festive porch. I had so much fun doing it and it was totally worth it even though I should have spent those two days wrapping gifts rather than creating outdoor pine arrangements. Gifts, schmifts, I love my porch and it makes me happy and I feel the holiday spirit every time I walk out there@ (which is a lot)
I’m glad I’m not the only crazy one with this disease. It makes me feel a lot better to read about your rearranging- like, see, I’m not really crazy!! I should should show this post to my husband, he’s learned to just shake his head and go along!
I love the new arrangement btw, and have yourself a very Merry Christmas!
I love it! And what a great time to make the change–just as you’re about to wish for more seating and coziness in your living room. Well done.
Several times I’ve thought about you and Emily doing the “Sisters” number from White Christmas. I envy your having a sister close by. But I’m also really glad for both of you. And I hope you all have a wonderfully merry Christmas. God bless you, every one.
Your post gave me the extra push I needed…. http://thestainfam.blogspot.com/2009/12/nesting.html
:)
I love it! I laughed as I read your post today. I’m an exactly the same way and always feel the need to “try this in a different place” at the most inopportune times . I usually love the results though! So glad to know that I’m not alone :)
Have a Merry Christmas!!
you’re a complete mess :) and you remind me so much of myself!
merry christmas!
amy
Just say no to Al Gore curly, politically correct light bulbs!
I love the new look and now I want to go move furniture!
Haha. That was too funny! Loved your post and boy can I relate! My husband is always saying…”all it takes is a new lamp shade and suddenly you are redoing the whole room!”
LOVE THE NEW PLATE WALL. Even the husband was very impressed (after hours of griping over the one I created…or maybe I should say I dreamed up and he made happen!).
I love it too!
I was right in there, helping you move it all around. haha. At least, you made me feel as if I got to enjoy it, too. Thank you. Have a Merry Christmas!
~ Just Joany
Red Wagon Flights
I can’t figure out how to become a follower. What am I doing wrong?
~ Just Joany
Red Wagon Flights
About once a month my armoire needs to be moved 12″ (perhaps it’s hormonal?), and things get moved around. My dh never knows what will greet him when he returns home. I haven’t gotten the dear man used to the idea of painting wood, yet, but one of these days I’ll take the leap.
I am looking for a red chair like the one you have in your living room (the one next to the armoire). Where did you get it?
I have this sickness as well…Is it cureable? :)
Hugs,
Rhonda
I share your addiction to moving furniture! Do you get all excited just planning it out in your head- then you start to invision the change and then to actually get to do it is like hope fulfilled!!! Maybe that’s extreme- but I, too, love the movement and recreation/repurposing of furniture and household goods!!
Merry Christmas
I have to say, that was the busiest day I have heard of in quite a while AND on Christmas Eve Eve no doubt! After the big day is over…..relax…you deserve it…MERRY CHRISTMAS!
I’m a big believer in you have to live in a house for a while before knowing what it needs. I can see it happening that way! Hope your guests all arrived and you had a wonderful Christmas! Looking forward to what the new year brings from you! Love, Dana
Love it, love it, love it! I am also prone to crazy bouts of furniture rearranging and organizing right before trips or company. This year was no different. I do my best work in the midst of looming deadlines. Hope your Christmas was lovely!
I love the hutch in the new spot. It looks great there. I also love how you move your furniture and accessories around all the time. Once I’ve hung something on the wall–it stays for 5 years. Pathetic. You inspire me.
Should I send you the hospital because I just fell off my chair. That looks f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s! I want one! Too bad I have no plates (or free walls for that matter!) ::Sigh:: You’re my hero. Won’t you come to Michigan and re-do my house for me? I have a cute baby girl who loves to snuggle. Huh? Huh? What do you say?!?
Dear Nester,
I am an American expat living in China. If you are ever in the neighborhood ;), PLEASE stop by and help me decorate! You would absolutely LOVE the used furniture market and the wholesale area of our town where you can get all kinds of fun and beautiful plates, bowls and serving platters. I just need you to tell me what to buy and where to put it! [smiles]