This week- there are tons of recaps and re-shares on the blogs
which is good since I am not getting ANY projects done right now! lol!
So today sharing some of your (and mine) favorite before and afters of the year
in no particular order
Just click on the title to view the post.
Here’s the Before– Before:
If you followed my blog in the spring-
you will remember that our pergola collapsed into the house
(and through the french doors)
under the weight of the ridiculous heavy snowfall we had overnight.
We had nearly a dozen HUGE old trees that broke off or fell over and
caused LOTS of damage on our property
and there were similar stories all over the county.
It was a record year for snow in California.
UGH.
In an effort to get that pergola up in time for the Kmart backyard posts,
my husband and sons rebuilt the pergola in just a few days
Here it is part way finished- in the BEFORE
Yes, it was freeeeeezing outside while they worked on it
and yes, it did snow again after it was built.
In May. In California.
Absolutely insane.
Luckily we were able to re-use a lot of the wood from the original
and we rebuilt the pergola in a different spot behind our bedroom.
Whoo Whoo!!
They did an amazing job!!
😀
It was perfect for the table setting in the Kmart post.
Here’s the pea gravel patio /beach area
and after:
As part of the Kmart makeover-
I picked up French style bistro chairs for the outside table.
They started out looking like this:
Darling…
but bright turquoise and not the shabby french look I was going for.
They ended up looking like this after paint & a little stenciling.
Love them.
I made over this old antique chest of drawers in a copy cat challenge.
Love the Americana look. So classic & proud.
The little chalkboards were readers favorites
They were made out of frames I found at the thrift store
After:
These were a big contrast to the
that we made for the dining room
There was the Swedish Clock
makeover using a clock from Walmart
and the Ruffled tablecloth
that started out as bedskirts that I found at Overstock.com
which I also made into a ruffled ottoman slipcover as well.
(Laurie… I am working on it soon! REALLY!)
One of my favorites this year was the bathroom refresh.
We remodeled this bathroom several years ago but it got a little bit of a new look this year.
What started out as a few pieces of burlap from Home Depot’s garden department…
turned into this
My Bedroom…
got a little refresh as well
and you loved the open
that were created by taking the doors off
and using a large platter & a jigsaw to make the arches.
(I will be sharing more photos of the refreshed kitchen soon!!)
So that’s the review of some of your favorite makeovers of 2011!
Back with my favorite posts soon
and Feathered Nest Friday this Thursday!!
sharing at
Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique says
All gorgeous projects Courtney.
Happy New Year ~ Kerryanne
Unknown says
Each foto has its own beauty! Wow! Great job!
The Cottage Market {Andrea} ♥ says
simply stunning and positively amazing! thank you for sharing! sending morning hugs..
Shabby chic Sandy says
Everything looks so beautiful–amazing how you can take something ordinary and make it divine!
Mariaelena says
Courtney, just have to tell you that I'd have a hard time picking a favorite of your projects…although I still say that your bathroom is THE most beautiful bathroom I have ever seen…want to take a cup of tea in there with me…hehe…thanks for sharing your beauty again…love browsing through…xo, Mariaelena
Amy Chalmers says
YOu had an excellent year Courtney! I told you this already, but sooo many great results over here at the French Country Cottage. I don't think I had seen the kitchen, is it new? I will search your blog to see if I find more. It looks so pretty!
Katie @ Wildwood Creek says
Beautiful makeovers! A few of my favorites: the Swedish clock, burlap tablecloth and bathroom makeover.
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
Great before and afters, Courtney! I think I missed the pergola collapse, but you would never know it now! Such a gorgeous outdoor space you've created. Love your master bedroom post, too!
Beth @A Little Country House says
I love it all! Everything is so romantic and elegant. You are so talented! God Bless you in 2012!
Val says
You have created the most magical home I have ever seen!!! I need to come over and make you a vegetarian dinner =))
Eclectically Vintage says
Wow – I feel so lazy in comparison! Lots of great inspiration! Hope you have a fabulous New Year!
Kelly
Anonymous says
Beautiful projects. Can't wait to see what you have in store for us in 2012! Jo @ Let's Face the Music
At The Picket Fence says
Oh, Courtney, everything is just so amazing and seeing it all again just makes me remember the very first time I visited your blog and how inspired I was! 🙂 Your talent and love for all things "home" is so obvious and we can't wait to see what you come up with in 2012!
Happy New Year friend,
Vanesssa
Karen says
I'm in complete awe, they are all so beautiful.
HIBISCUS HOUSE says
Absolutely Gorgeous!!!!
Jan says
This post today just reminds me why I frequent your blog so much 🙂
Curtains in My Tree says
All I can say is YOU DID GOOD GIRL
Happy New Year
Rachel Noelle Pallas says
WOW! You were a busy girl!;) LOve it all~ xoxo Rachel
Rosemary@villabarnes says
I love all your before and afters Courtney. I couldn't pick just one. Who needs new projects, the recaps are way more fun. lol I've jumped in to, and have been enjoying them all over blogland.
Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says
I love all your transformations this year. Your bedroom, which I love, is huge!
Blondie's Journal says
The pergola was quite a job and one of your best! It's beautiful! Love all of your projects and can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve for 2012!!
XO,
Jane
raggygirlvintage says
Loved the review, especially the outdoor settings which are so nice to see in the middle of winter, a reminder that summer will come! I bought the same bedskirts after seeing them on your blog and used them as tablecloths at my vintage markets this year, and I had so many comments and queries about them. Adore them! In fact I think I need to get one out for a little staging….
Tracey
Debbiedoos says
You had some amazing transformations Courtney. I really heart your outdoor area and those chairs are awesome in their new color.
Shanon at Vintage Sparkle Chic says
Your vignettes do not disappoint! I always love your ruffled tablecloths and I am sooo hoping to find those bistro chairs at Kmart this spring. Loved your year in review!
Happy New Year!
~Shanon
Heaven's Walk says
LOL! You had me laughing when I read your little comment, Courtney! lolol! I thought…."Who's Laurie? Wait! She means MEEE!" lolol! I feel so blessed to have met you this year, and am soooo looking forward to more of your inspiring posts, girlfriend! Hugs!
xoxo laurie
Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage says
What a beautiful and productive year you've had! You deserve a break! Happy New Year!
Tina@WhatWeKeep says
So beautiful, Courtney! Each and every one. You are amazing.
Happy New Year!
Erin of Salvaged Whimsy says
I'm already a follower, but I've missed a couple of these projects. I love the bathroom makeover.
Linda @ it all started with paint says
Such beautiful projects! Just loving the numbered bistro chairs …
Kathy says
Hello, Wonderful review – love the pergola! I hope KMart still has those Bistro chairs – the ruffles are fabulous – and those chalkboards! My favorites! I hope you have a very Delightsome New Year!
God Bless,
Kathy
ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says
BEAUTIFUL before & afters! Your always an inspiration Courtney!
Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ says
Super beautiful makeovers!!!
Dee
Shabby soul says
Your bathroom is divine! I'm waiting to see your kitchen…
Wish you a very Happy New Year!
Silvia
Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says
Courtney, Everything you touch turns out beautiful. I love everyone of your projects. Thank you for joining my party and I hope you have a wonderful 2012.
xoxo,
Sherry
High Street Cottage says
Hi Courtney, what wonderful and inspiring projects! I've enjoyed visiting your blog all year, and have appreciated your support as well. Keep up the good work, can't wait to see what 2012 brings, hugs, tami
Anonymous says
You really had some amazing projects this year Courtney! Love the KMart posts and the open shelving is so pretty! Still have my eye out for some rufflishious something to make a tablecloth!
Happy New Year
mary
Unknown says
Just Beautiful! I think I must be your biggest fan, I have really enjoyed following your blog.
So inspiring. And congrats on your features this year! That is so impressive to be featured in a publication.
Honey at 2805 says
You have had a year of fabulous projects! What a great recap post!
Thank you for being a friend to me and 2805 and for sharing at Potpourri Friday. I wish you a healthy, prosperous and sparkling New Year!
Eileen says
You really have one of the most inspiring blogs around Courtney! It is such a pleasure to visit and read about your projects. Blessings in 2012 to you and yours.
Eileen@ cottage beach house
The Charm of Home says
Courtney,
You French Country Cottage is a real treat to visit! I also love how you create these awesome looks with very affordable tricks. I will be watching for all the great things to come from you in 2012! I am sure it will be another great year. Thanks for joining me for HSH!
Sherry