When entering someones home for the first time you typically absorb all of your surroundings. Some homes can be quite awkward in a sense that nothing seems to go together. I have a love hate relationship with modern design and decor. I love the idea of a lot of modern furniture and think it’s very unique however, would I put them in my home? Probably not. My future home will have a warm welcoming feeling to it. One that makes people feel like they’ve been coming over for years. I remember a good friend in high school had one of the best houses I’d ever been in. (picture above) Now aside from its humongous open rooms and high ceilings, it had warm tones and every couch you sat would instantly make you want to stay all day. They had blankets in every corner and the sense of home and family everywhere you looked. Unfortunately this family has moved and is re-molding a new home, which I’m sure will be just as homey if not better than the last.

So if you like to entertain, make your home welcoming. Don’t scare them away with white uncomfortable furniture. (picture below) There’s a way to be modern and still homey. Keep it classy.

Last, but not least post of before and afters. This is probably one of my favorite kinds of renovations. Backyards! It will be a long time though until I can do something like this of my own, I have big ideas and plans, however, on what I would like to do. Backyards are the best places to entertain and they are also a big part of your home so why not…make it your own. You can really think of a backyard as a whole other room of your house. I love fire pits, decks, small ponds and my ultimate backyard favorite are weeping willow trees. There’s something so soothing about being outside. So check out this post.

This is something I think anyone can enjoy. This post is all about furniture. For me, my family has a lot of pieces of furniture that is just sitting in our basement because it’s either out of style or they have some sort of attachment to it. I’m slowly convincing them to give me pieces so that I can refurbish them, or paint them. This dresser that I have posted is a great example of what you can do with your dull, boring furniture that sits in your house. As I always say…make it your own.

Check out more posts like this here.

The best part about before and afters is when people can take things that they already have and turn them into something extravagant. Just because you are decorating a new room doesn’t mean everything has to be new. It can be as simble as changing the color or adding a touch of your own style and personality. This kitchen is a great example of taking something you already have and making it your own. This kitchen was disgusting but the owners transformed it into their own home. I personaly believe that a kitchen is one of the most important rooms in a house and adding your own touch will only make you more happy to be in it. Kitchens, are where people gather no matter the party. So I encourage those who are capable of decorating or even remaolding you should take that chance so that you can”spice” up your home.

Before and after’s can cost a lot of money, a lot of elbow grease and a lot of time. This one however is mostly time and elbow grease. These are the kind of projects that put a DIY spark into creative minds. I have no idea what this room was used for before. A lot of old homes tend to have weird out-of-place nook and cranny’s, but it’s always impressive when they are turned into something useful. Check out this post.

Because of many difficulties… one being that I cannot seem to upload videos and two that I have now lost my voice. I will be changing my 5 part series to something different. No worries though, I will post my other series another time, when you can actually hear me talk. As for this series I will be showing you my five favorite Before and Afters from various blogs. Today’s post is my all time favorite Before and After. If I ever need inspiration I look at this post. This is the post that has had me forever hooked on interior design. Click here to check it out!

I told myself that I would not choose a senior project theme for this blog; however, I feel it is something I should share with all of you! This semester, three other seniors and I have been working on a film called “Sail Away.” We have been truly blessed with an awesome crew! They have such patience and perseverance when it comes to this project. In the end, the film will be about thirty minutes long. The story isn’t anything complicated or mind bending, but the piece is truly beautiful. Katie Eder wrote the script in one of her classes. Daniel Evans is the director of the film. He started a lot of the producing process before I could hop on board and join this project. We are also blessed with Miles Allen joining as our Cinematographer. He is a master mind and helps us accomplish gorgeous shots. Joel Cooper is our fourth senior on this project. He has been a producing champ, and when we are on set, he calms me down before I can even get upset. It’s so great to be a part of this project. We also have tremendous support from the Film Department at our school. Our hopes are to premiere the film in early December at the Cinema Center in Fort Wayne. We would love for you all to follow us as we finish this film over the next few weeks! Check out our facebook and our twitter! Thanks!

Photos by Caroline Wilson