Monday, June 27, 2016

Before and After Outside Spaces


Several weeks ago
I shared a few outdoor spaces around my
Rose Garden Cottage.
They were outdoor displays dating back five years ago.

We had lots of rain here in Texas since that post and I wasn't able to get 
the after pics to share till recently.
Now as we are steaming hot 
it's been sunny enough to capture a few more shots.

Bringing an updated look  doesn't have to break the bank.
Paint, accents and accessories 
can help bring in a fresh new look.


As I mentioned, these first pics go back five years.
That was the half way point to my blogging journey.
Yes, I've been blogging since 2006.

If you're like me, you change things often,
or maybe not.
Being the stager and styler that I am  I love to rearrange often.

The way we live, just evolves over time so the spaces around my cottage change as well.

Here below is the BEFORE front porch.

And then the AFTER


Notice the changes?

The old tile porch changed to Oklahoma flagstone which was a look my hubby really wanted
and it has made a huge difference.
I repainted the door without the distress and undated hardware was added with a kick plate.

Large urns with twisted Arborvita bushes were added to each side of the door.
(these are faux, nothing will grow on this porch, it's just too hot)
I also took down the potato vine over the door 
 but
I still like that, so I may have to add it again.

In the fall I usually add a garland of leaves in the same spot or around the door
and at Christmas I added evergreens.

Living here in Texas, while I love fresh and real plantings,
I've learned with the heat we have in the summer,
it's okay to help mother nature along a bit with faux.
(it saves on the water bill too)

The door color is Farmhouse Red by Ralph Lauren.
The door urn replaced the rose wreath.
I love changing this with the seasons.
I got this a few years ago from Hobby Lobby.
and
I've noticed when shopping they still have them in stock.

Next I added a bench in the same color.


To the side of the entry,
Mr. Rooster came to stand guard over the cottage.


                                       

A brass eagle painted white hangs proudly over the door.
This eagle is a treasure  that I've enjoyed in all our homes over the years.
We always find a spot to hang it near the roof peaks.

Small changes in the front yard that make for a big impact
 bringing an updated look to my 25 year old cottage.

The next change happened around to the side drive.
Here is,
The
BEFORE~

Behind this third car garage door,
is my Rose Garden Market Studio.

Here is the AFTER~


I love to design wreaths and
this one changed a bit too.
I simply added a trumpet vine garland 
with a homemade bow made from
burlap and lace ribbon.
The welcome in the center
is from the Dollar Tree.



Another yard rooster enjoying the sun.



Sometime when my friends are leaving,
we sit for another little bit and continue our visit right here.

Lastly going around to the back patio space,
I made a few more changes and updates.

BEFORE
This is a half covered space
over the sitting area.

The AFTER


The before cushions were coverings I made, but after several years, they faded and just wore out.
I replaced those with the gorgeous navy cushions
 which is the perfect complimentary color
to the rust on the patio floor and pool edge.


The outdoor lamps needed a freshen up
so I wrapped them with burlap ribbon.
The old vintage wood burning stove was from our home
in Indiana.
I've carried it around the country
in a few moves.
The movers were not too happy with me over that,
but accommodated my wish!!
It does burn real wood, but currently
I keep timer pillar candles inside.
These make for a cozy evening setting.


The rug was a springtime find on sale at Lowe's.
It's the same exact rust color of the patio floor. 
What a find it was and opens the space.
The patio furniture is all weather wicker and 
really stands the test of time and the elements here in Texas.
We've enjoyed this set about 13 years now.


This old fashion vintage hotel room vessel (chanber pot) holds lavender.
It was made for another function before bathrooms. haha



Great to have a tray near by to carry those refreshing drinks outdoors.


These vintage chairs are from the 1940's
and belonged to my parents.
They've been many a color over the years,
but I am loving this new shade of blue.
They work so well with the color change.
I added coordinating cushions for a comfy spot to enjoy
on a sunny summer morning.


The table is designed with tile inserts.
I took out a couple and exchanged them with tile
I had left from the kitchen.
It brings the Texas rust color outside
and accents the patio floor.


The new color looks great with the pool tile and rust pool edge.




In this area, we added the flagstone too.


Here I toss lots of shells to what I call our  "stone beach".
You can find bags of these at the Dollar Store.
Why not make your own outdoor beach?


Thanks for stopping by this week
and sharing in my updates over the years.



As we soar towards the 100 degree readings,
I hope you enjoy the perfect summer day!

Stay cool and see you next week.
Image Map

47 comments:

eileeninmd said...

Hello, you do have a beautiful place. I love the outdoor decor and the new painted door. I love the yard roosters and the cute dogs. Lovely post and images. Happy Monday, enjoy your new week ahead!

AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNa said...

Oh my I don't think I could handle the 100 degree heat but your gardens and outdoor pretties seem to be doing just fine! It is all so pretty and every area looks so relaxing and peaceful to sit a while. I love the faux beach idea! I had no idea you could buy bags full of shells!

Sue Kosec said...

Oh how beautifully inviting your domain is. Perfect for welcoming guests as well as enjoying it yourself.

Stay cool!!!!!!!
xo
SuZeQ

craftyles said...

I love your outdoor spaces. Especially your patio by the pool. You are fearless when it comes to changing things out-I love that. Always so many things to enjoy and look at. I'm going back for a second look now. Stay cool in your beautiful outdoor spaces!

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

I so love before and afters!!!!!! I am hoping that I can share a post this summer with before photos and after shots to show how long we've taken to change things. But even though my photography skills are evolving, I still can't manage to capture the EMOTION I feel when I see how much progress we've made!

Lovely home, Celeste. YOU ARE BLESSED!

Linda M. said...

Celeste,
I love your decorating before and after. You have a beautiful home and you have it decorated beautifully. Thanks for always inspiring. Try to keep cool and enjoy your week.
Hugs, Linda

Debbie Harris said...

Coming to your place brings peace and tranquility, dear Celestina.
You have such grace in decorating and your energy just amazes me.
Every photo as I slowly scrolled through was a delight as I could see the touch of your hand in it all.
Thank you for sharing with us just a glimpse of your world.

Have a most beautiful day~~

Cynthia said...

Celeste, your yard is amazing. I was captivated with your before and after. When I was more mobile I changed things more often. John never new what was going to move, LOL.

Creating your own beach is clever

Cindy

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Celestina, how beautiful your whole property is. I am really surprised at the age of your home, it looks much newer to me. Right about now we probably will reach almost 100 today and I wish I had that beautiful pool! Everything that you have done looks gorgeous. Love the red front door..Happy Monday..Judy

Valerie-Jael said...

Oh my, your garden and house are really amazing, I am very impressed. Well done on making everything so beautiful. Hugs, Valerie

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

I love to see before and after's like this! Love the Ralph Lauren red door color and of course the floral arrangement on it. We experienced 94-95 degree weather 2 weekends back and I found it a bit overwhelming. You sure can't do anything without breaking a sweat. I just love that shade of blue and enjoy seeing it mixed with the colors outside. I have 4 flower pots now with that color. I like your stone beach too- neat idea. We're back home from PA and it's in the low 70's and I'm lovin it. Stay cool and enjoy that pool!

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

I love,seeing before and afters, Celeste, of your pretty outdoor areas. The red front door is so welcoming, and I love the matching bench. The new blue cushions for your wicker furniture really adds the perfect pop of color against the rust. Of course, I'm swooning over your parents' vintage chairs in blue, too. I hope all is well and that you're staying cool in our Texas heatwave! Love to you, sweet friend!

Unknown said...

Celestina Marie, What a wonderful creative before and after pictorial and essay. You make one want to sit, relax, enjoy and visit. Great job and thanks for sharing with all of us. You are a special gifted designer/artist and more importantly a great giving person.
LJ

Donna said...

I just love seeing the changes you've made over time to your lovely space, Celestina! Your yard and gardens and pool are just amazing! You've really created an oasis, and such a warm welcome from the front door, to the back yard. Sure would love to live closer to you, as I would hire you to redecorate our home and yard! You have a gift for sure, my friend!

PS: I thought about you and your wonderful vintage chairs that belonged to your parents, when I saw a commercial on tv tonight! It was for Krylon spray paint. A person bought a vintage chair like yours at a garage sale for next to nothing. They spray painted it to look new, and sold it back to the person for much more $$!

Julie's Lifestyle said...

Hello Celestina, thanks so much for your tour of your gorgeous home! I love the outside and the changes you have made on everything. Congrats too so many years blogging which is totally amazing to me. I hope you are enjoying the summer. I love the new blue color scheme you have going on and your pool. Stay cool and enjoy. :)
Wishing you a wonderful week and a happy 4th of July.
Julie xo

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Dearest Celeste, hello! Thank you for coming over to visit my blog again! OH you should see the hydrangeas now! Cascades of puff balls enchanting our walks in the city and suburbs and rural areas. SUMMER IS HERE!

Enjoy your day sweet Celeste! Anita

Tete said...

I love the befores and the afters! It would be hard for me to pick which I like better. So much pretty going on there, you are so talented. Wish you weren't so hot. We have a cooler couple of days here. I am liking it.

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

Good Afternoon My Friend,
So fun to see the subtle changes and yet the wow factor that these changes bring!
Oh I am a nut over flagstone-it just changes everything up and it is those details that really do make the difference.
Your home is so pretty and welcoming and oh goodness, I just imagine that you are relaxing in style in that gorgeous pool!
We really miss ours-going to have one put in, in the Fall.
They are a must for our Texas heat.
Have a beautiful afternoon!
xo
Jemma

Debby Ray said...

Celeste, although your home was a lovely place before, the changes you have made are just beautiful! I really like the touches of blue in the back by the pool and the red front door is so welcoming! Enjoy the rest of your week :)

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Love the red door! It is a lovely patio area. A nice place to relax.
warmly,
deb

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Celestina, just another little note to thank you for your visit and have a wonderful and festive 4th..Judy

Michelle said...

I love the "after" look! You have a beautiful home!

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Celeste, beautiful post. I enjoyed seeing the before photos and my takeaway is the subtle changes and enhancements added and layered over time has evolved with heartfelt love and home dedication. Beautiful simply beautiful.
xoxo,
Vera

Unknown said...

Just beautiful. I can bring the sangria and come on over right now 😀
Simply beautiful.

Jill said...

I love all you have done with these spaces! Those vintage chairs are such a treasure too. There is just so much love and pride in your home that is captured through these photos. Great job! Enjoy your evening :-)

Blessings,
Jill

Claudia said...

Hi Celeste,
wonderful changes! I love the new colour from the frontdoor, looks really bright and friendly!
all changes did come very nice...you have such a wonderful home, filled with so much Love and warmth!
Thank you for sharing all the wonderful pictures!
Wishing you a lovely and joyful rest of the week, sending loce and hugs and blessings,
Claudia xo

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

All of your outdoor spaces are so beautiful, Dear Celestina! Such lovely attention to detail and color make everything so welcoming and cozy. I can imagine sitting by the pool with a tall drink, having a wonderful conversation about decorating with you! Hugs xo Karen

At Rivercrest Cottage said...

what a beautiful backyard, and I love how you replaced the tile in the front entryway with the stone. Wondering if you were able to just place it on top of the tile or did you have to remove everything to put it down?

Anonymous said...

What a gorgeous home you have!! I just loved looking at all your great pictures. The red front door looks great...what a nice update. It looks like a lovely space to be able to enjoy your summer. Thanks for sharing your space.

Creations By Cindy said...

I love looking at your before and after pictures! Everything is so pretty. Warm and inviting...and WARM might be more the word I am looking for with 100 degree temps huh? YEP...I know how you feel! You have such a beautiful haven my friend. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Anna said...

You have indeed a beautiful house and you are a master of decoration !!!
Have a cool day !
Anna

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

How fun! The before and afters are amazing and so pretty. Love your pops of color. It makes everything pop! You must be sitting by your pool to stay cool. It has been in the 100's here. Enjoy the rest of your week. I am trying to get caught up....busy designing and baby showers. xo

Kim said...

Wow, I love the blue accents, they really pop by the pool!! I too enjoy swapping and styling, especially when the seasons change. I think you have a beautiful job throughout and I just adore of your charming accents. Enjoy your updated spaces and stay cool!!

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Love all the changes that you have made - everything looks terrific.

Hope all is well with you and you are enjoying summer.

Have a wonderful safe 4th of July.

Hugs,
Mary

Anonymous said...

Hi Celeste! Oh, your home is just stunning and everywhere you touch is so beautiful! I know it's hot in Texas but everything is gorgeous and looks cool at your house. If I don't see you ;) in a few days, happy 4th!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Gypsy Heart said...

Wow, everything looks so beautiful!! I love the flagstone ~ isn't it amazing how it changes the look? You have such beautiful sitting areas and the blue reminds me of a pool and/or a beach. I'm sure you thoroughly enjoy having a pool. The front door looks so pretty refreshed and with the decor you added. I can tell you've been quite busy! Your home always looks beautiful and the gardens along the pool area are stunning. You truly have a green thumb!

I hope you're staying cool and that you have a safe and fun 4th!

xo
Pat

Alessandra said...

Hi! I love all of your before and after. Everything looks gorgeous. You' ve got a such beautiful outdoor place to stay. The swimming pool is fabulous and the bench is fantastic
Hugs
Alessandra

Brandi said...

Celeste, you have such a beautiful home! I love all of the changes you made. Your new door color is so much brighter. I love your outdoor areas too. Your pool looks like such a fun hangout.

Jillayne said...

i love all your updates, but most especially the front door. Classy and elegant, and love the kick-plate. You have amazing taste, and though you say it's all so simple, it does take vision... I love yours Celestina. You have such an amazing eye!
Enjoy your summer - your pool looks so inviting!
Many hugs,

jillayne

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Celestina,
First of all, WOW!! What an amazing post filled with so much eye candy! love all your changes!! Adore the red door!! So inviting !! and the bench too!!
Thanks so much for visiting and for following me on my new blog! I truly appreciate it!!

HUgs,
Deb

Lisa said...

Celeste you've made so many wonderful changes! I love them all! Who doesn't love a red door? and the stone on your porch really looks beautiful.

Createology said...

Oh how lovely your home and outdoor areas are dear. I feel refreshed and calm now...just as if I had sat and chatted with you while enjoying a cool lemonade with a blue straw. Every detail you add is just the perfect touch. BLUEtiful is my very favorite color and your addition of this around the pool is gorgeous. We are extremely dry here and El Niño has not performed as was expected. So far we are safe from all the horrific fires that are burning in California. Summer Sunshine Smiiles mmy friend...

Mrs. W. said...

Hello,

Oh my, I really love your updated look, so clean and fresh! You have a lovely home and yard. That pool looks so inviting and refreshing.

It is great having warm enough weather to get to enjoy the pool. We have just a small above ground pool; even so,we have loads of fun in it :)

Happy Summer Days!
♥Hope

Katherines Corner said...

everything looks so beautiful. I invite you to share at my Thursday Link party ( you can link up until Sat.) Hugs!

Anonymous said...

I'm back, Celeste, to enjoy your beautiful surroundings! Thank you always for popping in to see me and your more than kind comments. Wishing you a happy 4th!
Continue being a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Stephanie said...

Good evening, sweet friend! How are you on this first of July? I hope you are doing well and staying cool. We enjoyed rain off and on today and my, what a difference in the temperature. We are supposed to get rain until Monday which is a blessing.

Your home is so beautiful and I love the touches you add that make it "you." How I would love to stop by and enjoy a cup of tea with you :)

Have a very Happy 4th of July! Hugs!

Red Rose Alley said...

The pops of "blue" look perfect for these summer days. Your pool looks so refreshing. Oh, how I miss my pool. It's been pretty warm here and would love to jump in! The lavender in the white cup is so lovely, and those black and white bird pillows are sweet. Everything looks wonderful around your home this summer.

love, ~Sheri

ps your front porch is so charming, Celestina. I love seeing pics of it.

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Celestina Marie
Celestina Marie

Welcome To Rose Garden Market from Celestina Marie Design. It is so nice to meet you. My name is Celestina Marie named after my grandmother and my friends call me Celeste.My creative journey extends over 30 years enjoying the love of painting and redesigning vintage and new treasures. I love to go treasure hunting and the fun of finding great vintage pieces to redesign..