I cannot even with this new (old) house.
I love it so much.
When I was growing up here, it always felt like home. You know. The kind of home that you leave to go visit a small island in the south pacific and when you return and walk back into your front door and everything got cuter while you were away. I never really decorated it, though. There was my room and Laura Ashley wallpaper and matching comforter and shams, but most of the time? Most of the time I just spent living in it.
But now?
Now that I’ve had the incredible, amazing, I-can’t-even-believe-it’s-even-possible opportunity to buy it back and make it our own?
I love it even more.
And somewhere between Thanksgiving and New Year’s and Christmas and have 25 people over to the house and hosting friends and having a few parties and celebrating people dropping by with all these yummy recipes….
….we remodeled seven rooms in the house.
I know, right?
I’m as surprised as you are.
We just kept working and working and one day I looked up and seven rooms were done.
There’s a reason for all the changes and remodeling and painting and trim work and thrift store furniture projects.
A deadline.
And just between us—there’s no inspiration like a deadline.
And tomorrow is the day.
The day my team from my publisher is coming to film a video series at the house.
(total aside: I literally cannot even believe I just typed that sentence.)
See, I wrote this book called the DIY (Decorate It Yourself) Planner that’s scheduled to be released March 6 and I wanted to make sure that all the tips and ideas and creative projects and how-tos were explained so it would be even easier to use the planner and design a home that you love. So we came up with the idea of a decorating course to go along with the book.
And the best part?
It’s FREE if you pre-order the planner before March (if you pre-order it now, be sure and keep your receipt so you can enter the order number for access to the video series).
There will be 10 short videos that walk you through the planner chapter by chapter.
Just me and my new (old) house and laughter and joy and all things decorating.
I wrote the scripts for the videos and they mostly go something like this:
Me: blah blah blah blah (laughing)
blah blah blah (helpful tip)
blah blah blah (you CAN DO THIS) blah blah blah (creative idea) blah blah blah (more laughing)
And so on.
If you need encouragement and a smile with your decorating—this is going to be the video series for you.
I’m going to show you all the rooms and all the before’s and after’s.
But for now, here are a few little glimpses of the rooms and the finishes and the new style for the new (old house).
This is the dining room rug and the feet of the dining room table.
This is my grandmother’s chandelier.
I put it in the back of the car and drove it across the country.
And now it’s hanging in the dining room.
I’ve been thrift store shopping like it was my full-time profession.
Here’s one of the pieces I found at the Habitat ReStore for 50% off.
I didn’t even know it until I took it up to the counter and went to buy it and she told me the sticker meant that it had been here for a while and it was 50% off.
Hello lucky day.
I painted it SW Mindful Gray and it’s in the back entry.
Right next to this rug.
And this bench.
With this pom pom throw.
These windows are in the dining room.
I bought them from a vintage store downtown and added my own finish to them.
They’re on either side of the smocked jute curtains in the dining room.
Next to this hutch I bought at the thrift store and painted and distressed and added these Hobby Lobby knobs.
And these chairs pulled up to the farmhouse table.
And that’s just the beginning. I didn’t even post about the laundry room or the bedroom or the hallway or the downstairs family room.
There is so much to tell and talk about and show and celebrate.
I can’t wait to share the journey with you.
Thank you for being a rock star.
Thank you for sharing coffee and decorating glimpses on a Monday.
Thank you for the encouragement and joy and laughter and allowing me to share my heart with you.
Thank you for being you. 🙂
PS You can see all about the DIY (Decorate It Yourself) Home Planner and details and even a few of the pages here.
Oh I can't wait to see what all you are doing! I preordered the book! This is awesome because I don't think I mentioned but we are moving! Leaving a house of 20 years in South Florida to a house in Panama City, FL. This is the first time I will be picking out my own home. This book is going to help so much because even though I have redecorated rooms before, I've never done a whole house! So excited for you and to read your new book!! xoxo
Oh not fair.....I can’t take the anticipation! I wanna see everything now! :). Excited for you!
me too!!
I couldn’t be happier for you. Can’t wait for the new book and video series. You are such an inspiration to us all!!
This is so good! You are the best!!! I'm inspired by your energy! Looking forward to the series.
So excited-preordered awhile ago and can't wait!!!
Karieanne, you are such a tease! I can't wait to see all those newly decorated rooms. I just placed my order with Amazon, and can't wait to get the book and watch the videos!
The suspense - it's too much.
You rock! Pre-ordered book and trying to be patient about seeing all your amazing transformations. :-)
I just preordered! Can’t wait!
I just pre-ordered my copy!!!!!!
I just preordered mine! I can't wait!
Oh I can’t wait to see it all. I know it will be beautiful!!! You are teasing us and the excitement is killing me. I can’t wait for the book and the extra videos. I wish it would ship out early. You are the best 😘💋💄
Just pre-ordered my book, can't wait to see it!!
I've already pre-ordered my book and you wrote it just in the nick of time. We are selling our today house (hopefully it will sell fast) and planning on our last home. I will be able to use your planner to help me decorate. It'll be like you're there with me telling me what to do and of course giggling. Can't wait. Oh!! I hope I find my inspiration house. Sending 🤗
Singing Carly Simon right now...."An-tic-i-pa-tion!" Can hardly wait! Already preordered and marking my calendar! Don't know how you accomplished all that and Christmas, too. It has taken me 2 weeks to paint my kitchen, and of course, not happy with the color, so it's a do-over now. You amaze me, Karianne!!
I just preordered your book! I can't wait to see it...and your new/old home!! Love everything you do, Karianne! God Bless your new year and all your endeavors! Julie
This is the best! you are so lucky to have your grandmother's chanidlier. I can't believe it. Not only that but it is B E U T I F U L!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I need more info on buying a chandidler and placement. Looking forward to the planner.
I’ve pre-ordered your New Book! So excited ! Springtime and a new decorating handbook will be oh so much fun.. Question, I ordered on Amazon.. will I get the Free Vidio? Cristie in Kansas City
Oh I can't wait for the videos (I hope you share how to do such amazing paint techniques, so gorgeous!!!) You are an inspiration, I cannot WAIT to read the book!!! Running out of !!!!'s Everything looks amazing (of course!). Fondest & Warmest Wags, Terry & Agatha
PS (Oops!) I forgot to ask where you got that beautiful grey & white rug under your divine dining room table???) My floor is jealous!
The Habitat ReStore(s) are such amazing places! I find the coolest random things there. I really like the idea of remodeling under a deadline. Unfortunately I don't have a book......can one just hire a film crew in order to self-motivate? I live in Los Angeles - anything is possible! I'm off to do research!
Congratulations! I cannot wait to see the videos and the rooms.
You must be in 7th Heaven!! These teasers are really getting to me -- I just can't wait to see the new (old) house with the Karianne touch!
Holy cow! You have been on a whirlwind ever since you left your farmhouse in Kentucky! Everything sounds so exciting... Can't wait to see it. I am a decorator's biggest challenge because I like SO many things. Grateful they have a name for that! Eclectic covers a lot!!! LOL Hopefully someday you have a question and answer column that you can share your many talents. By the way, I am loving your new (old) house. It is gorgeous and has such good bones. And it is filled with love and memories too! Keep on rockin'!!!
SO EXCITING! Can't wait for the launch to start for the book!
How fun! It must feel amazing (and exhausting !) to have all of that done! I am so looking forward to the new book and seeing the video series!
March 6th? What are your plans for the new book? Let me know.
You have been a little busy ;) Can't wait to see all the fun spaces! I love the rug and put one very similar in my "almost but not quite done" office/craft room. I kinda love it. Have a wonderful Monday!
Oh my heavens!!!!!!! What beautiful features, textures, you are simply gifted, can't wait to see everything unfolding!
This is all so exciting!!! I can't wait to see more!!! Enjoy this amazing time!!!
Thinking of you on a snowy day in KY! So happy for you and all you are doing. Take a breather soon though sweet girl. Only one Karianne and yes we need you! Love your post but love you more. Getting ready to brave the snow...4 inches maybe 2 more today... to feed my birds. Making me feel guilty looking at me through my sunroof windows. Love them and yes maybe then I can enjoy my cocoa and yep being lazy. True treat amd you deserve it soon too! Woohooing always from Webster!!!
Oops sun room 😂 but I do loveand am windows down crazy kind of girl yes even in snow. Got to get that fresh air every now and then!
Oh, I so need encouragement today! It has been three and a half years of projects here with plenty of hiccups along the way. I cannot wait to see your new book.
I can't wait!
Where did you find the dining room rug? I need one!
I just preordered and can’t wait! I love the throw with the pompoms, can you tell me where you found that. Thanks!
Donna, I got the throw at a boutique about seven years ago! I think I saw some super similar, though at Home Goods! Happy day! karianne
Love that you're still #1 in Decorative Arts! Also cracking up that amongst all the books that purchasers of this book bought (many from our blogging friends), we also bought E6000 glue! Nothing a good glue (and red lipstick) can't fix.
I just pre-ordered! My husband and I are going on the new house hunt this year, so the planner will be a great resource! So excited for you with what 2018 will bring for you and your family! Excited to get the pre-order but also your first book! Excited to have KariAnne in my home! Can you tell I'm excited?!!! LOL Love the blog! Thanks for all the inspiration!
I pre-ordered the book and can't wait to watch the videos! I loved your first book, SO CLOSE TO AMAZING (sorry friend but you are already there), and I'm so eager to read your second!
Love your site & look forward to your posts. Your new rug is glorious & would like to know the source so that I might purchase one like it. Thanks for the inspiration.
Did you use a SW semi-gloss or satin or? what of fon the the beautiful piece of furniture? Love your blog!
Oh my. If the book became available to me already How will I get your video.
I just pre-ordered and am so thrilled to go through the videos. I loved your first book so much I bought two other copies and handed them out to friends! Congrats and I love everything you do ❤️
I pre-ordered when I pre-ordered So Close to Amazing. Can't wait to watch the videos. Love the little snippets I have seen.
Although I cannot do much about redecorating my home, I ordered your book!!! It may help me--we'll see girlfriend!!!
I just love home projects and it is obvious that you do too. Well Done,
I can not wait to see your transformations. As others can you give up the rug source, it is Beautiful. Thank you
Oh, I love all the sneak peeks! It's looking AMAZING!!! And I'm secretly envious of the pom-pom throw, except not secretly anymore, because I just told you I am! :) The video series will be awesome. Because all the laughing!!! Hooray!
KariAnne! Thanks, so much, for sharing your heart and your gorgeous home with us! You are so special! I ordered your book and will look forward to getting it! Blessings!
Wow!! Exciting! It sounds fantastic! I had a giggle at how you said the videos go :) I can only imagine how fabulous it's going to be.Congratulations!!
ohhhh... I see how it is... this is just a Teaser Post !!! Leave us hanging.... waiting in suspense kind of post!!!! lololol...I see glimpses of GORGEOUS.... so excited to see & hear "The Rest of the Story" ........ :)
So exciting! I love what I see so far and can't wait for more! Cheers! Shelley
I preordered mine!! So excited!!!
So excited for you! I preordered mine, will you let us know when and where we put the receipt number in for access to the videos?
I absolutely cannot wait to see! Especially, that Habitat cabinet's before! Annnnd, so looking forward to this book! It looks awesome!
I am so excited!! I just ordered your book since we're building a little farmhouse this Spring/Summer! Your book will be PERFECT to help me! Thanks KariAnne!
Gorgeous post! Pinning! Thanks for sharing at TFT this week!
What a teaser. This is wonderful. I cannot wait to see more.