I just recently discovered Jeanette’s blog – Snazzy Little Things, and have had a ball looking through all of her projects. This lady is a DIYer extraordinaire. You really need to visit her blog and take her home tour, you don’t want to miss anything. I especially love her closet makeover. Talk about glamorous and fabulous and throw in totally chic too. I love it.
I’m Jeanette, and I’m a Mom, a (new) and devoted wife, and the DIY blogger behind Snazzy Little Things. I’ve been documenting my DIY adventures as I add vintage character and architectural interest to my newer, builders-grade home. I enjoy expensive-looking DIY while maintaining an extremely conservative budget. My adventures are also documented on Facebook daily.
Today I’ll share my tips on how I “pulled it all together” over the years.
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First, let me tell you the backstory…
Back in 2005, I took a gigantic leap of faith and built my very first home. This decision placed me smack-dab in the middle of a terrific neighborhood with excellent schools for my kids. But as you can see from the pictures below, I lived in a builders-grade, all-white “gymnasium” for several years. It even echoed inside when I’d call my kids’ names 🙂
During the construction phase, I opted to increase square footage over and above splurging on fancy (and overpriced) builders’ upgrades–even though I desperately wanted them. My overall home is now over 3000 square feet, which is great for resale — yet it was extremely overwhelming to decorate (especially as a single Mom on an extreme budget, which I was at the time).
So…where did I start?
“First Impressions…FIRST”
The first few years I was here, I would often ask myself “what do visitors see when they walk in my front door?” So I focused on those spaces first. Small, inexpensive touches can go a long way, too, such as adding potted flowers to the front porch. Painting the front door. Installing a new floor in the entrance foyer. Later I added DIY wainscot, which made a major impact in the overall aesthetic.
My newly painted black front door. Read about how to achieve a high-gloss finish, tips and tricks here.
Foyer upon entering.
Above: See how you can upgrade your space with a DIY wainscot project, inspired by my old Chicago brownstone apartment.
My office is immediately to your right when you walk into my home.
You can take a full home tour here.
Above: The office houses a thrifted, old weathered bench. The locker baskets serve a practical purpose-they hold my kids’ library books. I’m in the process of mixing “junque” with my more modern purchases. You can read more about that here.
Above: Inexpensive, personalized DIY art using vintage postcards of some of my favorite places, vintage style.
“Salvage What You Own”
For years, I simply made due with what I had. As my tastes evolved, I would weed out pieces that no longer fit, but I was never hasty. I would salvage my favorite pieces and repurpose them. I even tried reupholstery for the sake of saving money. I started to figure how I wanted each room to flow. When I shopped for new items, I did so with a vision and would buy one piece at a time. I would thrift and repurposed items to personalize each space. My DIY furniture gallery showcases some of the pieces I kept over the years. I always choose pieces with “good bones” and would serve me well if repurposed.
“Know When To Splurge”
Where did I splurge? I invested in key upgrades. I added a deck, stamped the exterior front porch and invested in some newer, key furniture pieces. We hired someone to also install our vision for an industrial-style basement. Sometimes you just can’t DIY, you have to give yourself a break and know when you’re in over your head and save for a splurge.
“Developing Your Style”
I recently began to describe my style as French-Industrial…and while I haven’t fully achieved this look…it is certainly something I am striving towards. Historically, I have been a minimalist when it comes to decorating. My preference is a no-fuss approach, with clean lines and a simpler look. Although, lately I admit to trying my hand at busier, seasonal vignettes (and having a lot of fun with it). You can see how I decorate my home for the holidays as well…I tend to go all out. Even for Halloween. Mine is the “party house” according to my friends.
I find ways to mix in elegant pieces with industrial ironwork, old chippy windows, and I love ALL tufted furniture. Interesting vintage items almost always make their way into the trunk of my car after an afternoon of thrifting. And because of the exquisite craftsmanship of French-inspired opulence, I am always drawn to anything from France. The language, the wine, the food…and of course, the furniture.
Everyone gathers in the kitchen, don’t they? Here is a little accent I added – my kitchen backsplash. Approximate cost was only $200.
I only spent $1600 on all the kitchen upgrades. I painted the cabinets, and added an inexpensive backsplash with paint and stencils. I also weighed several options before settling on upgrading my island with Ikea butcher block.
I’m working my way into the basement, which was unfinished for a number of years. Can you tell I’m embracing the industrial motif? You can see more of that “splurge” and the design process here.
Basement Project: Our basement remodel in an “industrial” motif. It’s still a work in progress…acquiring pieces take time! In the background you might have caught a glimpse of a fun DIY project, an oversized piece of art made from a shower curtain.
“Showcase Your Favorite Pieces”
Such as my Victorian table. This beauty had a lot of stains and water marks when I bought it, but when I applied a coat of Paris Grey Chalk Paint…I was in love.
Above: My favorite find. A damaged, $25 thrifted Victorian table that I refreshed with paint.
I get such a kick out of finding an old, forgotten piece of furniture that has potential to become something beautiful. 
Above, this Goodwill transformation is a reader favorite, but an example of that “surprise element” in home decor that I love.
My Advice for Pulling It All Together?
To relax and enjoy the process of decorating. Be patient when seeking the right pieces for your home, and avoid the temptation of buying the first item that comes along that happens to fit your dimensions. If something isn’t working, remove it from the room, and try it elsewhere in your home. Always visualize the potential, whether it’s an old piece of furniture or a full room ensemble. This opens your mind to all the possibilities – even thrifted items.
And when in doubt…simplify.
My entire blog was built with extreme budgets in mind. I was a single Mom on an extreme budget when I built my home, so I hope you’ll visit for more ideas…feel free to stop by often for inspiration!
Furniture Transformation Gallery
See what I mean, are you totally impressed like I knew you would be. She has such great style and her home has evolved into one that is warm, inviting and chic. Thanks so much Jeanette for letting me feature your beautiful work and for sharing how you Pull It All Together. If you are not a follower already, then you definitley need to rush over and click that follow button. Jeanette always has something interesting and inspirational going on, so don’t miss a thing.
I am joining the following parties:
Pieced Pastimes , Funky Junk Interiors ,It’s Overflowing, Be Different act Normal
Silver Pennies , Twigg Studios , The Tablescaper ,Stephanie Lynn ,Three Mango Seeds ,
DIY Showoff , Thoughts From Alice , Boogieboard Cottage , Creatively Living ,
Pink When , Mod Vintage Life ,The Dedicated House , Between Naps On The Porch ,
Dwellings-Heart of Your Home , Rain on a Tin Roof ,Lou Lou Girls , Remodelaholic
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