Arranging Wall Art For New Looks
Take a look around your home and consider arranging wall art in different ways–like moving some to different rooms. Sure you might have some nail holes to fix but you may like the new look better. And it’s basically free decorating.
I’m also showing how washing cushions and a great deal on an outdoor pillow made the porch feel like new, and what I’m wearing lately.
It’s Five Faves time with Annie and Cindy!
Primary Bedroom
There was a domino effect for me when I wanted to put this painting of Big Sur by Pat Huber in our bedroom.

I like the colors of the painting with the rug and being able to see it each morning.
Note about how high to hang art: A good rule of thumb is to have the center of the art about 58″ from the floor. But I like to “eyeball” it as it also depends on the height of what it relates to underneath it and the ceiling height.
Foyer and Wall Next To Staircase
Since there was a blank space next to the staircase, I decided to separate the antique shell prints and hang them vertically (but in the same line of vision).

This finishes off the foyer now. I was afraid to put nails in the wallpaper (I always am nervous about that), but I like this so much better than blank.

Living Room
We brought a round mirror from upstairs for above the French commode since the shell prints were gone.

Which meant a little restyling but now our home has a new look for free!
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Cleaning The Outdoor Ladies’ Loft For A Fresh Feel
As much as I love having outdoor spaces, they do require cleaning to remove dirt and mildew. Recently, I washed the all pillows and the Patio Lane cushion covers in the washing machine. The folding chairs were sprayed with a mildew remover, hosed off, and let dry in the sun.

The new outdoor paisley pillow is on clearance at Pottery Barn.

Check out these other outdoor pillows on clearance before they are gone:
You can read more about the Ladies Loft here.

Easy Care Comfy Dress
I showed you this comfortable poplin cotton dress last weekend in a collage. I’m wearing it here before going out to dinner (also showing some of the available patterns). This is a small Regular and it comes in Petite and Plus.

If you are new here, each Sunday I share my top five favorite things along with my friends, Cindy and Annie. It’s like our weekly “catch-up” phone call. If you would like to receive this series every week, please sign up HERE.
Let’s see what Annie and Cindy’s Five Faves are this week:
Wonderful post, Mary Ann. But then all your posts are wonderful. I’m a late in reading this and now I’m worried about you with the 2 hurricanes bearing down on Florida. Please be safe, I will be watching the weather carefully.
MA you have a knack for art … and all things styling. I’m nervous about putting nails in walls too … wallpaper or otherwise, but it must be done. Your new home is so fresh and inviting. I just love it! xo
The print dress is lovely. I’m intimidated by large prints, b/c they feel overwhelming to my petite frame. Like I’ll get lost in the dress😅 I admire them on other’s and wish I could feel comfortable.
Moving art for a refresh – looks terrific! Pat Huber’s art is just beautiful, and I absolutely love the round mirror. Love the dress on you too!
Can you tell me where the antique shell prints are from? I like the look not being overly busy.
I got them 20 years ago at a gallery and frame shop in Fort Lauderdale. They are from an old book and hand painted. You could search antique shell prints. Good luck!!
I love your dress and sandals!
Having left FL and two screened porches + a patio behind I have great sympathy for the endless pine pollen and mold there. If you cleaned well you might get two days before everything started to turn green again including your forearms if you rested them on your dining table having coffee and enjoying the sun coming up! I would often use swifter wet mop wipes to go over the surfaces and toss away the mess. Also found they ( the wipes) can be washed and reused a couple of times if you are eco conscious.
Great tips!! I’m in the loft now and seeing some cobwebs that I missed.
Hi Mary Ann,
Love that dress on you! The pattern is so pretty. Thanks for giving me the push to move things around, visually it is so nice to do something different.
Happy weekend 🙂
You’ve inspired me to move some art today. Thank you for the home refreshing ideas Mary Ann!
Mary Ann I am into moving my art and things too. Good tips and your foyer is lovely with the wallpaper.
I have to do the same with my outdoor space! I’m always shocked how dusty it gets in a week. Love the pretty pillows and the rug out there.
xo
Such charming changes! I rarely comment, but am compelled to tell you that I have been design stalking your pillow collection. And then my mouth opened wide when I spotted the rug on your sun porch. I recently purchased the runner version to use in my kitchen. I hope you think “imitation is a great form of flattery” (and not weird!). The rug and Big Sur print are so lovely together.
Thanks so much, Pamela…that’s why I write this blog…to inspire a little imitation.
Hi Mary Ann,
The changes you made added so much warmth. You have an excellent eye. To put holes in wall paper would make anyone nervous. You “nailed it.”
HA! But to be honest with so much white background in the wallpaper, if I remove the nails and use a little white spackle…I don’t think it would show up much.
My heart skips a beat when I see your post in my Sunday morning inbox 😉 Love the changes you made moving things around. I know there’s an exception to every rule but I shall use the hanging tip as a starting point. Love your outdoor space but living here in Fl I also know how challenging it is to keep it clean. I’ve surrendered to Sunbrella fabrics and furniture that can be hosed off and drys quickly. I’m in need of a professional decorating advice. How far is too far for you to travel? I’m approximately 2hrs away.
Thanks, Bess! I have taken a hiatus from decorating jobs since moving to Florida but I think that will change in January. Try emailing me at [email protected].
Mary Ann! I love all your little changes that have a big impact. I think being away and coming home is the best time to do that. Feeling refreshed and so happy to be home…love that tip on hanging art work!
Your dress is so pretty. I need to look at those…my sister said they come in tall!
xx
Yes…and it feels good, Annie!