Cottage Living magazine.......such a great source of beautifully simple inspiration. Unfortunately, it no longer exists. When my copy would come in the mail, I would cancel everything for the evening, put on my big ol' do-not-disturb me pajamas, fill a big bowl full of chocolate chips and drool over every page of the magazine for hours......do I know how to have a good time, or what?! Luckily, I saved all my copies and continue to look through them when I need to feel inspired. When we bought our home, I was disappointed that there wasn't a fireplace and mantel. So I tried to come up with something that would be just as good or maybe even better. I was thrilled to come across this photo in an issue of the magazine.
(Image via Cottage Living)
I couldn't think of anything more perfect than this ledge to display treasured family photos but also something that could function as a mantel whenever I wanted to change things up. So, of course, I had to build my own version.I spent $45 to build this myself, much cheaper than purchasing something similar already made at a home store. All that is needed is a couple of pine boards and a piece of crown molding and lattice trim, as well as, white paint. The most costly part of the project was the hooks, which were $3.62 each and I needed 5 of them. You could always buy less expensive hooks to cut the cost a little.
We hung it in our entry/sitting area. The red stripe pillow is from Pottery Barn and the other pillow I made from a burlap coffee bean sack. I took an extra piece of it and wrapped the pot of the plant on the ledge to soften it up a bit. The metal F (for Family) was found by my hubby on one of his picking trips, along with the antique lantern/candle holder. A coat of spray paint made it as good as new. The camera is an antique and the little red bowl is from Anthropologie. The frames were purchased at Wal-Mart. Has anyone else been inspired by Cottage Living magazine?
Fantastic, like all your projects!
ReplyDeletevery very pretty - I've always loved that inspiration photo and your turned out even BETTER! well done girlie!
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How I miss that magazine!!!! you really capture the essence of their spirit, you managed to achieve a great cottage corner with the bench, picture ledge, coat rack, etc. The gold brooch for me is the lamp.
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Great shelf and those pillows are very lovely!
ReplyDeleteNo, becuase I haven't seen that magazine (I'm addicted to them though), but I have been inspired by you! I am making this as soon as I can get the materials. I have been looking for something to put in my entry and this is perfect! I LOVE your ladder also. I think I'm going to put one in my 1/2 bath. Thank you! What are the dimensions on your shelf? and/or you do have pics of how you did it?
ReplyDeleteP.S. I have a big black R (for Reed) that I have been looking for just the right place for.
I loved that magazine. I hate that it isn't published any more. I really like your ideas too. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteThanks to Lettered Cottage for showcasing you on their blog....since that day I've been your loyal follower...love your STYLE and your REALNESS in your decor!...I can't wait to see everything else you have in store for the future..KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!!
ReplyDeleteLove it! Perfect magazine quality you have done yourself.
ReplyDeleteSo happy to see the camera there on your shelf. I have loads of vintage cameras and got excited to see you have one as well! I love the the metal F as well.
ReplyDeleteLove this, and loved that magazine. Hubby is picking up material tomorrow... :) YAY! We too have 3 boys, and one precious girl...also due w/#5 in Dec. :) We're building and living in our new home all at the same time. yikes! but it's fun, really! My creative juices can run wild, and my thrifty style helps. Just found your blog, and love it!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
can you post the directions on how you made this beautiful shelf!!! I'd love to give it a try.
ReplyDeleteneed directions...Thanks!
You have a beautiful home...
Love love love this.... could you please post how you made this. Love your house too!! You have great style.
ReplyDeleteI'm sooo glad that you posted this! We are in the process of redoing our entryway and I had found the image of the original coat rack from the magazine on google, and desperately wanted it! I have not been able to find anything even similar. I will definitely be putting my own together now with your instructions! I am so excited, and it will be less expensive then other things I have seen and been considering.
ReplyDeleteWould love to have the instructions to make this shelf. Been searching online for this shelf for hours and found your site. Thank you so much
ReplyDeleteLove this shelf!! Any chance you can post directions?
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