Garage Game's Pics: Hold onto your socks!

Hi there! Well, the Olympic Games and Garage Games are almost half way through and what a first half it's been! I am enrolling this one in gymnastics asap! The basement sofa has been doubling as gym apparatus by which she leaps, flies and 'tumbles' from.


Shire isn't the only inspired girl around here. I have had a blast looking through the photos you have been sending for our Garage Games! If this is your first time visiting my blog, Welcome! I am so glad you stopped by - you're just in time! I'm doing our very own Garage Games right here on the blog over the weeks spanning the Olympics and asking anyone and everyone to email me, (chelseasgarage@gmail.com), at least one photo of a home decor piece/project/craft/room that is reflective of their style and personality. It can be anything you want so long as it represents you. I will post the photos right here on the blog as they come in as a fun way of sharing our creativity and inspiring one another. At the end of the two weeks we will do a random drawing of all the people who submit photos for a chance to win a piece of jewelry from my jewelry box clean-out! I love accessorizing and have 14 fun pieces that have served me well for several years now, but alas, it's time to change things up and pass them on! So, please don't hesitate to submit your photo(s); you never know who you'll inspire and you could get a cool piece of jewelry out of it! See this post if you'd like more details and a peek at the jewelry pieces! Photos will be accepted until Sunday August 12, (closing ceremonies day for the Olympics).

Today, you are in for a treat! This girl is my hero. She and her hubby bought just the perfectly imperfect house to transform into the home they wanted. Her use of color and pattern is brilliant, (always has been), and her style is branded by the encouraging words that are printed in the most clever ways throughout her home. They put their own hard work into these renos - and they have 4 young {beautiful} kiddos! Like I said. Hero.

{Half Bath Before}



{Half Bath After}
"When we moved in this bathroom was terrible- the wallpaper alone was enough to make me leave and never come back. We put hardwood in the entire downstairs, so it made sense to contine it in the bathroom. I wanted a pedestal sink, but because of the plumbing, this was the only kind of sink I could have (big bummer, but it turned out ok.) The bead board on the walls serves 2 purposes: it is pretty, but it is also covering up a multitude of sins- remember those fiberglass towel and toilet paper holders? You have to get those suckers out with a hammer. :)" -SB



{Laundry Room Before}


{Laundry Room After}



{Kitchen Before}






{Kitchen After}
" I have always wanted to do a kitchen remodel and was excited when we started this adventure. I never have had a problem making choices and always know just what I want, however I must say that the decisions for very overwhelming. I was excited about the easy ones, but by the time I was deciding where I wanted electrical sockets I was totally annoyed- it seems I am a big picture person more than a detail person. Anyway, I knew I wanted white cabinets, chrome hardware, and a farmhouse table. I also read some good advice in a design magazine that said don't go budget on everything and at the same time, don't spend big money on everything- pick 3 things to splurge on. So I choose to splure on my sink, my lights, and the appliances.  This house is old- built in the 60's- and I wanted to keep with the "old" style while having something new. I also knew I wanted it open and airy,
and room for all my babies to gather around the big table." -SB



{Living Room Before}



{Living Room After}
"This room was a huge transformation, mainly because it was closed up and covered in paneling when we moved in. We painted the paneling, opened the wall, and painted the fireplace and doors. This room went from a dark hole to a cozy, light room- I love the transformation."



 Somebody, call HGTV.:) Thank you, SB, for sharing the fruit of your blood sweat and tears. I know all the good moments and memories in this new home will more than pay off the work that went in. Well done!

Tomorrow will feature two sweet young mommas who's beautiful home decor reflects their beautiful hearts. 10 days left to submit your photos for the Garage Games!

Thanks for popping in!

~Chelsea

Garage Game's Pics - A thrifty find and a homemade office

Hello all! I don't know what I'm enjoying more - watching the Olympic Games, (hello USA Women's Gymnastics!), the tear jerking commercials, or receiving all your amazing home decor photos! I have been blown away by the number of responses by your creative rooms, ideas, tips and tricks.

If this is your first time visiting Chelsea's Garage I am so glad you stopped by! Let me fill you in really quick so you can join and/or enjoy! I am doing our very own Garage Games right here on the blog over the next two weeks spanning the Olympics. I am asking anyone and everyone to email me, (chelseasgarage@gmail.com), at least one photo of a home decor piece/project/craft/room that is reflective of their style and personality. It can be anything you want so long as it represents you. I will post the photos right here on the blog as they come in as a fun way of sharing our creativity and inspiring one another. At the end of the two weeks we will do a random drawing of all the people who submit photos for a chance to win a piece of jewelry from my jewelry box clean-out! I love accessorizing and have 14 fun pieces that have served me well for several years now, but alas, it's time to change things up and pass them on! So, please don't hesitate to submit your photo(s); you never know who you'll inspire and you could get a cool piece of jewelry out of it! See this post if you'd like more details and a peek at the jewelry pieces! Photos will be accepted until Sunday August 12, (closing ceremonies day for the Olympics).

Today I have two different submissions from two long time friends who don't know they're being featured together, (until now, obviously).:) My earliest memories include these two women; the first is my one and only Mom. The other, a long time family friend who lived down the street from my family in Illinois when I was a wee one.

Let's start with my Mom. I have no design background, never taken a class, but I have 28 years under my belt of watching my Mom transform many a home, (we moved several times), into this soothing yet fun, comfortable yet classy, modern meets antique, peaceful abode. When you walk into my parent's home, you will see my Mom's personality at every corner and 'ahhh, yesss' moment.  I don't know how to describe her home decor style except that she just 'knows'. She's got an eye for things like no one else. She mixes pattern and color like a pro. She knows how to accessorize and where to stop. I've heard guests of hers gush that there is no better feeling than being in her home - it is just that warm and inviting. I've studied and watched her in action. Most of what I do 'right', (and let's be honest, there are hardly any black and white rules when it comes to home decor), is from what I've learned through her.

She submitted a photo of a beautiful piece she found a long time ago. I've never heard it's story, until now.:)

"Twenty years ago we were living in New Hampshire and I was on the hunt for some new sofas. I heard about a huge tent sale at a very upscale place in Massachusetts. I got there early (it was a madhouse!), found my sofas, and as I was leaving I spotted this heavy iron table with no glass top. I don't know why I liked it because it's not my usual style. I thought it would be great 'in the mix' in our family room. I asked my sales lady whom I just bought 2 sofas from, what the price was. She waved her hand and said, "Just take it". So I hurriedly did! Got home, had a glass top cut for it and it has been with me ever since. Goes with everything and nothing....my kind of decorating!" -J


This next submission is an absolute brilliant transformation for an office space. If you work full time away from home, then most of your awake time is probably spent...away from home.

"Wanting my office to be a reflection of the things I love, I grabbed some things from home and this is what I came up with. Like you, I like lighting, and opted for some lamps in my office, to avoid the blaringly bright overhead lights. Combined with the light from my window, it’s just perfect. The picture on the wall is a watercolor my mom did. It’s a scene of the waterwheel on our campus (where I work). She painted it long before I ever started working here, so when I took the job, she gave it to me! The quilt hanging on the wall helps to cut down on the noise, adds visual interest, and I made it (a hobby on hold right now—but just looking at it inspires me to pick it up again). The colors are perfect for the room. People stop to comment on it all the time. I got rid of the metal bookshelf that came with the office, and brought in the antique washstand. My husband and I love looking for old pieces, and this was the perfect size for the space. It’s functional too! Haven’t found the perfect guest chair yet, but the one here does fine (can’t be too comfortable or my visitors will never leave!). Folks often comment how they feel like they are coming into my home, and not my office. It’s comfy, cozy, and makes me smile when I walk in to start my day. I figure if I’m here 40 hours/week, I better love the environment I’m in!! Just these few things have made it perfect for me."-D

Beautiful photos and thank you to the beautiful women who sent them in.

Tomorrow's post will feature a seriously talented mom who submitted some befores and afters which will knock your socks off! Don't wait too long to get your photos in! Deadline is Sunday, August 12.

Thanks for stopping by!

~Chelsea

Something Old, Something New; A beautiful collaboration

Today's Garage Games submission features photos from an extraordinary woman; my Mom-in-law! If this is your first time visiting Chelsea's Garage, I am so glad you stopped by! Let me fill you in really quick so you can join! I am doing our very own Garage Games right here on the blog over the next two weeks spanning the Olympics. I am asking anyone and everyone to email me, (chelseasgarage@gmail.com), at least one photo of a home decor piece/project/craft/room that is reflective of their style and personality. It can be anything you want so long as it represents you. I will post the photos right here on the blog as they come in as a fun way of sharing our creativity and inspiring one another. At the end of the two weeks we will do a random drawing of all the people who submit photos for a chance to win a piece of jewelry from my jewelry box clean-out! I love accessorizing and have 14 fun pieces that have served me well for several years now, but alas, it's time to change things up and pass them on! So, please don't hesitate to submit your photo(s); you never know who you'll inspire and you could get a cool piece of jewelry out of it! See this post if you'd like more details and a peek at the jewelry pieces! Photos will be accepted until Sunday August 12, (closing ceremonies day for the Olympics).

Moving on to today's photos - I was so excited when I saw that my Mom in-law sent some photos in because her home is the most awesome mix of passed down antiques and new finds from all over the world! Through my father in law's work for the government they have had the opportunity to live in various places all over the world. Wherever they have lived, you can always find pieces that trace them back to their PA roots. I've learned so much from her about pairing old with new.

"On the table is a seashell from FL, Botero picture from Colombia, and a vase that welcomed me to Okinawa upon my arrival. The table is, of course, made by the Amish of Lancaster Co." -D


This GORGEOUS bedroom set is from her grandmother's side. Not sure how old it is, but her grandmother's maiden name is written inside a drawer of the dresser, (right, D?). So awesome! The beachy bedding is such a fun nod to their current residence in FL.

This dining set they picked out when they lived in Colombia for this house that, at the time, was being built in FL. The sparkling one-of-a-kind sunburst mirror is also from Colombia. Perfect accessory for a home in the Sunshine State!

A special thank you to my Mom in law for the lovely peak into her home! Isn't it beautiful?!

We've received some truly unique and stunning photos and ideas so far! Don't forget to send yours in as soon as it's ready - there are no 'wrong' photos! Whether it's an entire room that you just love spending time in or a particular accessory that caught your eye and went home with you - all are welcome here! I can't wait to see what you send!

As they say in Colombia, por favor devuelva! Please come back....I think.:)

~Chelsea