FALL FARMHOUSE TOUR

Hello, friends! Welcome to October! Happy cooler temperatures, pumpkin spice and falling leaves. I’d be lying if I said I’m not like a little kid during this season here on the farm. Our pumpkin patch bursting with pumpkins…the cornfield overflowing with cornstalks…the chill and smell of fall in the air…it’s enough to give this farm girl *heart eyes* for days.

But enough about me! As per your request (and thank you for your patience), drum roll please: I’m going to cut right to the pictures and sources for the FARMHOUSE LIVING ROOM TOUR here at Maple Creek Market. Hooray!

This space got a total refresh this season with a fresh coat of bright white paint from Behr paints. Their Marque paint and primer-in-one always get the job done. Plus, you can stock up now and have enough for those Christmas touch-ups.

We also put a new rug from Well Woven Rugs, @wellwovenrugs in this space. It sets the tone for the entire color palette in my fall decor. The quality and craftsmanship from this rug did not disappoint! Absolutely beautiful, as always. We love the plush, cozy vibes it gives the space.

I also transitioned the sectional sofa from @homereserve from our TV room into its new home here. It changes things up a bit and gives it that nudge toward lazy-day Saturdays, which are my favorite kind! (When I’m not going on a DIY-spree, that is…)

The mantle is one of my favorite spots to go all-out with decorations. I found the wooden scroll from @kirklands on clearance and thought it would be a beautiful focal point with the wreath from Floral Treasure, @floraltreasure resting on top. Never underestimate the power of a good bargain! I almost never buy things if they aren’t on sale, because this momma of four is loving the bargain life. Plus, it keeps Mr. Maple Creek happy! I’m a big fan of layering décor like this because it adds depth and visual interest to the space.

Friends, let me know in the comments below or on Instagram, @maplecreekmarket: What are YOUR favorite ways to decorate your mantle? What are you most excited about for fall? Send me your favorite fall mantle pics, and I'll share them on my stories! Have a wonderful week! Enjoy the colder temps and changing-of-the-season...

Blessings,

Ginny

#life #farm #fixerupper #vintagefarmhouse #vintage #fall #falldecor #falldesign #countryliving #livingroom #cozy #pumpkins #DIY #mantle #kirklands #rugs #autumn #rustic

MASTER BEDROOM REFRESH

I’ve had the itch for a few years now to do a total master bedroom and bathroom refresh. This past winter I finally took the plunge and started on the bathroom, which you can read about here. When that was all finished, I knew the bedroom had to be next! (No more excuses!) It was the last "untouched" room in the farmhouse. Since we bought our "labor of love" in 2010, we've taken on 80s wallpaper, outdated carpeted, and cramped spaces. The master bedroom had been refurbished but was still desperately in need of a face lift.

My goals: make the space BRIGHTER, FRESHER, and more ROMANTIC. I’ve been in love with the sliding barn doors look lately, so I thought I’d incorporate it into the final product.

The first order of business was to give the space a fresh coat of paint. (I used Behr paint.) Since I wanted to lighten and freshen things up, I went with a white on the ceiling and on the walls. I also repainted all the base boards and trim with interior trim paint from Behr as well. I thought the bedroom still needed a little more texture, so I decided to paint the floors to give them a rustic feel.

For the floors, I used a combination of varnish, white paint, white chalk paint and grey porch & floor paint. Whatever you have lying around that fits the “vibe” would work just as well! The original color was beige. I dragged varied colors over the boards with a paintbrush to create that wonderful “weathered” look. Because the end goal was more organic, it didn’t have to be perfect!

By far the biggest change was installing the vintage doors over the closet. These doors were rescued, restored and refinished to give the space a whole new look.

…HOWEVER, their original color (dark hunter green) needed to go. Yikes! I turned to my faithful friend, Citrus Strip. This product does wonders when you’re taking the paint off furniture! Especially four layers of paint!

NEXT: I found some silver tin backsplash panels at Lowe's, in the kitchen department, and knew they would be the perfect "windows" to compliment the arched portion of the doors. They were an easy install - I used superglue! Below, I've included some pictures that inspired the "look.” Truthfully, I just experimented with the look of the doors until I found an arrangement I liked...

Photos via Unsplash

Once the doors were repainted & ready to be hung, I needed hardware. I did my research on a few different hardware companies and knew I wanted a company that put quality and craftsmanship first. After many hours of research (plus visiting several different stores to check out the quality first-hand), I decided to go with a company called Rustica Hardware.

What made Rustica stand out to me was the fact that all their steel is made right here in the USA. Pretty cool, right? When I reached out to the company, they were kind enough to work with me to help find what I was looking for: hardware that would look beautiful contrasted with vintage doors. I ended up going with the “Struck” hardware, and you guys? It’s gorgeous! Bonus, the installation was super easy.

Rustica also sells a ton of furniture and beautiful metal & wooden barn doors. If you’re looking for the perfect finishing touch for your next DIY project, I can’t recommend them enough! I mentioned this on IG, but friends: please go over & say hello to the folks at Rustica. I'm not getting paid to say it, but I stand behind their product! It's great quality and the folks I've worked with have been so kind and efficient.

The hardware came in about a week, and Mr. Maple attached the hangers at the top of the door, then the track. From there we just sat the doors on the track and put the handles on. Easy-peasy! I snagged the handles from Lowe’s for cheap, in black, to match the other pieces.

1: hanging the track. 2: putting the doors on. 3: handles!

For my FINAL LOOK, I staged the room with sunflowers and lots of sunlight. The bedding is from Piper Classics – seriously, the coziest bedding! Perfect for those chilly fall & winter nights. (IG here.) The chandelier is from Antique Farmhouse. (They have the coolest wooden signs!)

I’m so happy with the overall product, and glad I get to finally share it with you guys! Have you ever refinished any furniture or doors? What’s your latest DIY project? How do you think this one turned out? Let me know in the comments or on Instagram, @maplecreekmarket !

Blessings,

Ginny

#life #diy #famrhouse #farm #vintage #vintagefarmhouse #countryliving #rusticahardware #rustic #doors #bedroom #bedroomremodel #sunflowers #summer

COLLEGE MOVE-IN DAY

Well, here we are folks! Welcome to the start of August! It’s that time of year again: parents starting prepping their college students for “The Big Move” back to dorms or apartments. Over at Maple Creek, we’re getting ready to push the last two chicks out of the nest (LOL!) as they embark on their next adventure at Baylor.

This is round three for us, and I’d like to think that I’ve learned a few things from my first two experiences. It wasn’t always pretty – or peaceful! – but we got everyone settled in and set up for their first semester away. For my fellow college-student mommas, I thought I’d share some tips and tricks that helped make move-in day a huge success. The goal is to keep the process as stress-free as possible from start to finish!

My NUMBER ONE recommendation is….

When you get that first college essentials list, it’s tempting to rattle through the whole thing in an attempt to be AS PREPARED AS POSSIBLE, which tends to mean more bags, more packing, and more mess.

I’ve found that you can wait on buying many on these “essentials” until you arrive at the dorms and start to get settled. Make a list of things that you think you may need (or know your kids can’t live without, like favorite shoes, or a blanket or comforter from home) and compare lists when you get there.

It’s definitely a different generation from when us mommas went to college, and with the touch of a button most major retailers can have what you need in a day or two. When my oldest moved in I made the mistake of purchasing everything but the kitchen sink. Lots of the stuff, he never even used! So be cautious when packing up the car. If you, like us, have a one- or two-day car trip ahead of you, a lighter packed car can be helpful!

Photo by Erol Ahemd on Unsplash

Unless you’re flying, there’s no real need to buy a ton of suitcases for clothes…because, as we found out the hard way, where do you store them once they’re empty?!

Large heavy-duty garbage bags work great to put clothes in. For nicer garments, you can keep the hangers on and pull white garbage bags up from the bottom to tie at the top. Voila! Cheap, inexpensive garment bags that can be recycled and reused.

Photo by Erda Estremera on Unsplash

Yup, that’s right…make sure your student has their very own first aid kit! Not the coolest accessory on the block, but definitely one that will come in handy.

Fill with band-aids and the usual supplies, PLUS extra goodies like Emergen-C, cold medicine, multivitamins, scissors, a tiny sewing kit (for those at-the-worst-moment loose buttons) and even different kinds of tape. The essentials are up to you!

Just make sure you have a well-rounded kit that’s ready to face down any emergency.

Photo by Jesse Ramirez on Unsplash

This is a big one! Make sure you check the college’s website for all move-in day policies & procedures.

At Baylor, where my children attend, they have teams of students waiting curbside to help unpack cars and direct students to check-in.

The website will also have schedules for parents, things that might be banned from dorms (such as blenders, coffee makers, etc.), parking information and directions to your child’s dorm.

Putting my crew to work!

It sounds simple, but we forgot it in a big way the first time around. Moving in is a lot of work!

It tends to be hot in August, no matter what part of the country you’re in, so bring a small cooler with ice, drinks and snacks to help provide a little pick-me-up during the long day.

If at all possible, bring a small tool kit for hanging things and putting containers and shelving units together.

Figuring out efficient storage can be a little chaotic, so it helps to have at least a hammer and screwdriver.

You can even leave it with your college students so they have it for future use (or if any of that DIY furniture falls apart!).

Photo by Liana Mikah on Unsplash

…and make the bed last. Use the bed as a docking station to put bags and cases.

Once everything is organized and put away, then make the bed. It’s an easy final touch to the dorm room and helps to pull everything together.

Congratulations! You’re almost there! This time next year, you’ll be offering up your own tips & tricks like a pro. If I can gently remind you of one thing – that I constantly, constantly remind myself – it would be to be PATIENT.

This is a huge transition for you and your student, and it isn’t easy on anyone. While this time of growth can be challenging, it’s incredibly rewarding to help set your student up for success as they step into this next chapter of their lives.

Photo by Anton Darius on Unsplash

Friends, do you feel MORE PREPARED for this year? Let me know in the comments if any of these tips helped! Be sure to tag me on Instagram if you try them! @maplecreekmarket ! What’s your college move-in essential? Your favorite moving day memory?

Don't forget to stay tuned for some fun blog news...

Have a blessed week, and thanks for reading!

-Ginny

#vintage #vintagefarmhouse #college #movein #dorm #backtoschool #sheep #farm #farmhouse #betterhomesandgardens #tipsandtrick #diy #life #love