Taking our cues from the colors of sea glass and hydrangea, our little house at the Jersey Shore got a make-over. In a weekend, we pulled up the wall to wall carpets to expose the hard woods...and then, because my husband is just that kind of man, he decided to paint the living and dining rooms! Yes, all done in a weekend. Yup, the guy still blows me away...after 34 years...he can put teenagers to shame!
The color on the walls is Valspar Bistro White. It has lightened and brightened and we are pretty darn pleased with the results.
In the living room, we painted the area above the fireplace with a tiny sample jar of turquoise paint.
I am calling it swimming pool blue because it reminds me of the 1950's swimming pools that dotted the California coast, but most who have seen the color think it is a Tiffany blue.
The shades of greens and blues were inspired by the Persian carpet in the living room as well as the mid-century La Mirada pottery used by Wendell August Forge in their vintage hammered aluminum creations. You can see some of the pieces in the hutch as well as the vases flanking the mantle.
We decorated the house with bouquets of hydrangea from around our property this weekend for a big party. Some people dread those big get togethers, but I love it. One reason is because I get to see family and friends in one place and it is usually for a celebration. However, it is also a reason to finish a project quickly. I feel that we accomplished that in great time.
It doesn't get better than this...Having Grandma and Grandpa here to sing happy birthday to you...Happy Birthday Jenna and Congratulations again on your graduation...a happy and worthy double celebration!!
Linking this post to Little Red House for Mosaic Monday, Smiling Sally's for Blue Monday and Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday.
♥, Susan
Wow, that was a quick makeover. I wish I could borrow your hubby. My hubby hates to paint. Sounds like you had a fun party, lovely photos. Have a wonderful week ahead.
Posted by: Eileen | June 10, 2012 at 05:18 PM
Happy Birthday to Jenna! And what a beautiful home to entertain in. My favorite part of the new touches is that little bit of turquoise! How beautiful!
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | June 10, 2012 at 05:23 PM
Does your hubby rent out?!!!!!! Everything looks great. Congratulations to Jenna on a birthday and graduation.
Posted by: Snap | June 10, 2012 at 05:27 PM
Aren't the hydrangeas beautiful this year!!! Thank you for sharing!!!
Posted by: Cathy | June 10, 2012 at 05:46 PM
Beautiful blue hydrangeas. No matter what we do to the soil, we always end up with pink. I love the pink too but have always wanted blue.
Posted by: Pat@BPM | June 10, 2012 at 06:10 PM
Does he rent out? That is amazing and fast work! Obviously, he does well under pressure. Congrats to Jenna on her graduation and Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Vee | June 10, 2012 at 06:17 PM
You are so blessed! My sweetheart paints, too! Your blues are gorgeous..your flowers and paint color!
Posted by: Audrey | June 10, 2012 at 06:43 PM
Wow, Susan, everything looks so beautiful! You have such alovely home. Happy birthday and graduation to Jenna. It's so nice her grandparents were able to celebrate with her!
Posted by: Pat in New York | June 10, 2012 at 06:51 PM
Hi Susan, what an amazing hubby you have. Mine is always so willing to help, but I don't think he would ever suggest painting. lol! I love the color and the pop of blue is wonderful. Happy Birthday to Jenna and I too love a party. So many of my friends get stressed when they have to host parties. Not me, love every thing about it!
Hugs,
Jann
Posted by: Jann Olson | June 10, 2012 at 07:11 PM
I love it - and I'm impressed at the speed with which the change was accomplished!
A house at the Jersey shore - *sigh* - what a treat that would be! I have fond memories of holidays there in the 70's.
Posted by: Pondside | June 10, 2012 at 09:16 PM
Your house looks full of light, and lots of love! What a great guy your husband is to do all that work so quickly.
Posted by: Lorrie | June 10, 2012 at 09:49 PM
A great makeover and mosiacs of beautiful colours and the flowers bring the room together fabulously. All ready for that celebration!Everything looks so crisp and new!
http://yvettesblogs.com/2012/06/10/coming-up-old-country-roses/
Posted by: yvette | June 10, 2012 at 10:40 PM
Your house looks GREAT! What a fantastic job you have down. Lovely mosaics. Like the hydrangeas too.
Posted by: Ingmarie We/Refugium | June 11, 2012 at 12:17 AM
Love the pop of swimming pool or Tiffany blue over your fireplace! I'm always amazed what a coat of paint does to a room, I'm just not fond of doing the prep and clean up! Lucky you to have a hubby that is that handy with a roller and a bucket of paint :)
Posted by: Mary | June 11, 2012 at 04:33 AM
Wow, that husband of yours is industrious. What a great looking job and beautiful home. those hydrangeas are fabulous. I agree that it doesn't get better than having your grandmother and grandfather wish you Happy Birthday and Happy Graduation. It's a true blessing.
Posted by: Ciaochowlinda | June 11, 2012 at 06:37 AM
Good morning Susan, We are on vacation and having a grand relaxing time. Thank you for your visit. I have been away from my computer but this morning I am trying to catch up with my dear blogging friends.
Your makeover so beautiful. I am so impressed with your husband's energy and dedication for accomplishing so much in one weekend. I'm the one who paints in our family!!! I would call your fireplace accent color Tiffany Blue and I adore that color. Your dining room and your Little house on the Jersey shore is stunning. Company is the best motivation on the planet. HA!. Love your family celebration photo.
Hugs, Jeanne
Posted by: jeanne, backyard neighbor | June 11, 2012 at 06:42 AM
The touch of color above the mantel - and behind the mirror - is perfect. Love hydrangeas! Happy birthday and congratulations on the graduation to Jenna!
Thanks for your sweet comment.
Allison
Atticmag
Posted by: Allison | June 11, 2012 at 07:11 AM
Your swimming pool blue wall is the perfect accent! I love it!
Posted by: Pat | June 11, 2012 at 07:17 AM
I love that idea and the look around the mantle. My house if full of hydrangea also. Congrats on all the work done in one weekend. I am all for family gettogethers also.
QMM
Posted by: QMM | June 11, 2012 at 07:27 AM
Susan,
I am so envious of your Jersey shore house (oh how I miss the Atlantic ocean) and love the changes in said Jersey shore house that I envy ...
:)
Linda
Posted by: Linda @ it all started with paint | June 11, 2012 at 07:28 AM
I like your blues. Jenna sure had a Happy Birthday with both of her grandparents singing to her.
Happy Blue Monday, Susan! Be sure to check out my Kindle Fire giveaway.
Posted by: Sally | June 11, 2012 at 09:11 AM
Happy Blue Monday! The hydrangeas are gorgeous, and I love the way you painted your fireplace area!
Posted by: Sarah ~ Magnolia Surprise | June 11, 2012 at 09:45 AM
Your improvements look wonderful and the hydrangeas are beautiful.
Posted by: Michele | June 11, 2012 at 11:02 AM
Love that pop of blue, and the floors are beautiful, too! Who could help but smile in those rooms!
Posted by: Roban | June 11, 2012 at 01:22 PM
You have a beautiful house!
Visiting from Blue Monday. Here is my BLUE post. Have a nice week ahead.
Posted by: rose | June 11, 2012 at 03:42 PM
Very pretty and the flowers are beautiful.
Posted by: Joy | June 11, 2012 at 05:39 PM
Beautiful Blues and Happy birthday to Jenna:)
Visiting for Blue Monday- hope you can stop by:)
http://dsahmblogs.com/2012/06/summer-babies-are-here.html
Posted by: Leah H. | June 11, 2012 at 08:14 PM
Susan,
A double celebration is worth a "makeover". Your place looks wonderful; I love the hydrangeas and the artwork, the swimmming pool blue, the works!
-Karen
Posted by: My Little Home and Garden | June 12, 2012 at 07:17 AM
I love the look Susan! Your husband puts most men to shame! :)
Posted by: laura | June 12, 2012 at 09:02 AM
Hello Laura...indeed he does!
Posted by: susan ericson | June 12, 2012 at 09:43 AM
What gorgeous beauty! WOW!!!
Posted by: Mary Howell Cromer | June 13, 2012 at 03:58 AM
What an amazing job! I love the turquoise blue on the accent wall. It does remind me of a crystal clear pool :) Wonderful transformation.
blessings,
karianne
Posted by: thistle | June 13, 2012 at 07:14 PM
What a beautiful home ! I loved all your pictures
Posted by: Debra | June 14, 2012 at 08:09 AM