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Kitchen Renovation: Details

I’m overwhelmed by the outpouring of kindness + sweet thoughts for the new kitchen space.

It being called, A HAPPY KITCHEN, was by far my favorite comment because that just completely + perfectly sums up the new setting.  A happy space is exactly how I envisioned the new kitchen to look + feel.

As a whole, the kitchen from top to bottom is entirely new, and last weeks KITCHEN REVEAL post focused on the before + after, as well as the overall design & changes.  But there is still so much more to tell… a follow up post to share the nitty-gritty details + thought-process of WHY & HOW the design came to be, had to be told…

When the planning process of the kitchen renovation began, I started by focusing on the big picture; the space as a whole.  From there I put my efforts into spending time on the details + layers.  This attention to the smaller elements is what really makes a space complete and unique.

Upon making the decision to change the layout & have the new cabinetry be white, I set out to find inspiration.  Before putting together the mood board for the new space, I wanted to analyze + dissect other kitchens to see what elements I liked and didn’t like.  With this process, along with my past experience designing client kitchens, here is a list I created as to what details were important and needed extra focus + attention:

> tile backsplash

> open shelving

> outlets

> cabinet hardware

> lighting

> color

> storage

With attention to detail in these 7 areas, I knew my kitchen would be set apart from the norm.

Here’s How…

1. TILE BACKSPLASH

The white subway tile I chose is probably the most common + least expensive tile out there.  Yes, very ordinary. That’s okay though, because I was still going to set it apart from the others.

How? Grout and Layout.

Instead of choosing a grout color that coordinated with the tile (which would’ve been white), I chose to use a contrasting grout color.  Lowe’s has a display with all their grout colors and with a sample of the island color in hand – a dark grey called Greyloft by Kraftmaid – I chose a grout color that matched.  By choosing a like color to the island, this allowed the deep hue to carry through in other areas of the kitchen.  The dark island color wouldn’t be a stand-alone in one spot but instead a common thread throughout.

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

The staggered / brick layout of the subway tile is Oh So Norm, BUT I set it apart by continuing the tile behind the hood, as well as up and around the window.  Instead of stopping the tile at the line of the upper cabinets, I continued it up to heighten the space.  Additionally, the tile was installed behind the open shelves, which makes the space feel larger.

>>> CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS ON THE TILE INSTALLATION

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

2. OPEN SHELVING

Since we’re on that subject, let’s jump right in…  Open Shelving.  Most of you would never think of open shelving in the kitchen.  Who would want to display plastic cups + mismatched dishes?!  Wrong my friends…  My kitchen doesn’t have all open shelving.  In actuality only a small portion of the space has open shelves.  Like you, I have cups, plates, and a lot of other things that I want hidden.  And those things are behind closed doors.  BUT, I do have some nice dishes, pretty glasses, and colorful bowls.  All perfect for display + easy access to grab.

Why open shelving? Shelves add depth, openness, and a way to introduce color.  Look through your cabinets and figure out how many ‘nice’ things you have to display, then figure out how much open shelving is appropriate for your kitchen.

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

3. OUTLETS

Still on the subject of the backsplash, outlet locations are important to figure out during the design phase.  More often or not, outlets are typically every 18-24″ apart and are positioned half way between the counter and the upper cabinets.  So basically, they’re an eyesore smack in the center of the tile.  Outlet placement can be daunting, but avoid the eyesore mistake by giving thought to the outlet placement BEFORE you renovate.

Moving the outlets lower, about 3″ above the counter, and to a horizontal position, will help keep them out of sight and in line with your appliance plugs. As an alternative, try one horizontal outlet on the backsplash for the appliances / items that sit permanent on the counter – think beforehand about where they’ll be placed – then add outlets to the underside of the upper cabinet for the temporary plug-in / take-out items.

The outlets in my new backplash can barely be seen…

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

And please always use GFCI outlets above countertop level to avoid electrocution!

Outlets in the island is another area of focus.  You want + need outlets in the island (and they are required by building code), but it is important to place them in a pleasant looking place.  Have a recessed panel on the side of the island?  Be sure the outlet is centered and position it in the same orientation as the backsplash.

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

Aside from the major appliances – refrig, micro, hood – it’s important to think about what will be going where when the kitchen is finished.  I knew I wanted to create a coffee station + charging station in the new pantry next to the refrigerator.  With the specs of the cabinet – showing the heights – in hand, the contractor and I layed out the outlets to provide electric for our needs.

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

4. CABINET HARDWARE

Hardware (and lighting, which I’ll get to) is like the jewelry for an outfit.  A black shirt + jeans are nice, but the outfit is set apart by the layers that are added.  That is where hardware plays a huge part in a kitchen!  White cabinets + White backsplash in a kitchen are pretty norm, but it was the details that were added that set it apart from others.  I had this nutty idea about placing the cabinet hardware in the center of cabinet doors instead of at the side which is typical.  Because many of the doors lined up with the drawers below, I had a feeling it was going to look stellar as a whole.  In the end, it did!

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

I chose polished nickel for the modern cup pulls and they are bold.  Against the basic, minimal door, they shine.  Truly, the polished pulls shine and make a statement.

Doors are doors, make a statement with the hardware!

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

5. LIGHTING

I’m a lighting snob.  I like big lights and I can not lie! that was corny… sorry.

Seriously though, big or small, lighting is important.

I had a difficult time with the lighting because I knew it would make or break the new space.  I didn’t feel polished nickel lights (to match the cabinet hardware) would work well in our open concept home where the other lights are black / dark.  I found these gorgeous statement-worthy pendants from Rejuvenation and hit place order.  They took a few weeks to arrive and when they were installed, the kitchen looked truly complete.

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white + gray cabinets, open shelves, subway backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

For the pendant over the sink, I chose something that was different but that coordinated well with the oversized island pendants.  This prism pentagon pendant was the right match.

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

6. COLOR

I’m a color person.  I heart color. Yet everything was white. What? I knew when all was complete, the kitchen would come alive with the layers of color that I would add. From the dishes to glasses to artwork to food, this kitchen comes alive with the color that has been injected into it with all the layers.

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

7. STORAGE

The insides of the cabinets are truly just as important as the exterior. The insides of the Kraftmaid cabinets are filled with savvy storage components.  Everything has a place.  There is no question of what goes where…

These are a few favorites…

Full depth cabinet above the refrigerator with Vertical Dividers, perfect for trays, cookies sheets, and more…

Full depth cabinet above the refrigerator with Vertical Dividers, perfect for trays, cookies sheets, and more!

Trash Bin + Recycling Pull Out… no more floating garbage can in the center of the kitchen.

Trash Bin + Recycling Pull Out... no more floating garbage can in the center of the kitchen

Tilt Tray at the sink front to hold sponges + clothes, which eliminates sitting on the counter.

Tilt Tray at the sink front to hold sponges + clothes

Full extension roll-out drawers in the base cabinets so from front to back, everything can be seen!

Roll-out drawers in the base cabinet

As you can see, the details are important and those details are what make up the whole to create something different.  The details are what make the kitchen stand out of the norm.  Most elements are typical and ‘most popular’ but it’s how they are mixed together that sets them apart.

One more post coming soon… the Resources of the kitchen.  I’m sharing all the scoop of where I shopped!

If you want to see all the posts documenting the kitchen renovation, here they are from start to finish:
Wonderful White Kitchen Inspiration
Kitchen Remodel: Before + Plan of Action
Demo Day: Steps for Demolishing the Kitchen
Kitchen Progress: Staining Hardwood Floors
The Cabinets Arrive + Get Installed
Natural Quartz Countertops in the Kitchen
10 Countertop Materials to Consider for the Kitchen
Subway Tile Installation + Choosing the RIGHT Subway
Kitchen Backsplash Tile Options + Inspiration
Choosing a Paint Color + Wallpaper for the Kitchen and Dining Room
Kitchen Renovation: The Appliances
Dissecting the Details
Kitchen Renovation: REVEAL + RESOURCES

DISCLAIMER: THIS KITCHEN RENOVATION IS A COLLABORATION WITH LOWE’S, KRAFTMAID, FRIGIDAIRE, AND HGTV HOME BY SHERWIN WILLIAMS.  ALL OPINIONS + SELECTIONS ARE MY OWN WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LOWE’S DESIGN TEAM.

How to Get the ‘Fixer Upper’ Look in Your Home

I’m mildly obsessed with the show Fixer Upper. Who isn’t? I haven’t met anyone that doesn’t love the hugely popular HGTV design show.

The farm.

The goats.

That house.

Her gorgeous design style (and her boots).

His humor + wit.

Their love + playfulness.

Come on, it’s all perfection!

Who doesn't love the HGTV show Fixer Upper with Joanna + Chip Gaines?! Check out these 5 Ways to Get the 'FIXER UPPER' style in your home. Inspiration round up by www.JennaBurger.comPHOTOS VIA: DESIGN MOM, HOOKED ON HOUSES, POP SUGAR, HGTV.COM

Joanna and Chip – yes, we’re on a first name basis – are over-the-top outgoing, down to earth, and just plain ole’ REAL – if that’s not how they are in real life, they’re incredible actors.  They just click with viewers and I, like most of you, become 110% wholeheartedly engaged as soon as I turn on the show. Even my kids love it.

BUT ASIDE from the couples fun loving personality, their design style is equally simple, chic, clean and most important of all, meaningful. They truly create homes that their clients – and us viewers – drool over.

To score a meeting with the fabulous design duo might be tricky, unless you live in their neck of the woods in Texas, but that doesn’t mean you can’t achieve a similar aesthetic in YOUR HOME.

You too can get the ‘fixer upper’ look. Here are 5 ways to do it…

Who doesn't love the HGTV show Fixer Upper with Joanna + Chip Gaines?! Check out these 5 Ways to Get the 'FIXER UPPER' style in your home. Inspiration round up by www.JennaBurger.comLet’s break it down…

NEUTRAL HUES

Once Chip finishes the shell, Joanna swoops in to put her magical touches on the interiors to truly make the renovated house into a home.  Most of the spaces that Joanna creates are a neutral color palette using varying shades of taupe, beige, gray, cream, white, and maybe a few accents of green and/or blue are thrown in.  This chic, yet comfortable farmhouse, industrial aesthetic that she creates feels modern, but lived-in.  It feels new, yet old.

The beauty of choosing a neutral palette throughout the home is to create flow + cohesiveness.  Each room isn’t just a room on it’s one, but the multiple spaces become one; it’s the whole versus just the part. Layers of color can be introduced upon the neutrals, which can easily be swapped out with the changing seasons & holidays.  But overall, neutral is quiet & serene.  With the hustle + bustle of our lives, a calm palette is what’s needed to relax & rejuvenate.

Choosing a neutral color palette can be challenging because there needs to be substance in other ways.  And that oomph is brought in through texture, which leads to the next idea for getting the fixer upper style

Who doesn't love the HGTV show Fixer Upper with Joanna + Chip Gaines?! Check out these 5 Ways to Get the 'FIXER UPPER' style in your home. Inspiration round up by www.JennaBurger.com

VIA BHG.COM

Who doesn't love the HGTV show Fixer Upper with Joanna + Chip Gaines?! Check out these 5 Ways to Get the 'FIXER UPPER' style in your home. Inspiration round up by www.JennaBurger.comVIA BHG.COM

Who doesn't love the HGTV show Fixer Upper with Joanna + Chip Gaines?! Check out these 5 Ways to Get the 'FIXER UPPER' style in your home. Inspiration round up by www.JennaBurger.com

VIA BHG.COM

TEXTURE

When using neutrals, texture is a must to introduce balance + depth.

So what does that mean & how do you do it?  Add texture using pillows made of differing materials. Introduce chippy, distressed furniture.  Maybe something with a glaze overlay. Bring in elements from the outdoors.  Try a large wood bowl on the dining table or a rustic sign from a local vintage shop.  Dimensional items add interest and texture will balance the neutral.

Who doesn't love the HGTV show Fixer Upper with Joanna + Chip Gaines?! Check out these 5 Ways to Get the 'FIXER UPPER' style in your home. Inspiration round up by www.JennaBurger.com

VIA BHG.COM

Who doesn't love the HGTV show Fixer Upper with Joanna + Chip Gaines?! Check out these 5 Ways to Get the 'FIXER UPPER' style in your home. Inspiration round up by www.JennaBurger.com

VIA BHG.COM

ORGANIC ELEMENTS

From potted plants in a vase resting on a book to an entire greenhouse in the center of the home, Joanna consistently designs spaces introducing organic elements from the great outdoors.  Whether using reclaimed wood to create a kitchen island or hanging floating wood shelves on a wall paired with industrial plumbing pipe, bringing the outdoors in is a huge component if trying to achieve the fixer upper look.

Who doesn't love the HGTV show Fixer Upper with Joanna + Chip Gaines?! Check out these 5 Ways to Get the 'FIXER UPPER' style in your home. Inspiration round up by www.JennaBurger.com

VIA BHG.COM

Who doesn't love the HGTV show Fixer Upper with Joanna + Chip Gaines?! Check out these 5 Ways to Get the 'FIXER UPPER' style in your home. Inspiration round up by www.JennaBurger.com

VIA BHG.COM

WORDS 

From their own home to their clients homes, the Gaines duo consistently incorporates sayings, signs, quotes, and everything in between with words.

Words are powerful.  Words make a statement. And in the homes they create, words equal meaning.

Who doesn't love the HGTV show Fixer Upper with Joanna + Chip Gaines?! Check out these 5 Ways to Get the 'FIXER UPPER' style in your home. Inspiration round up by www.JennaBurger.com

HOME DESIGNED BY JOANNE + CHIP GAINES, VIA HGTV.COM

Who doesn't love the HGTV show Fixer Upper with Joanna + Chip Gaines?! Check out these 5 Ways to Get the 'FIXER UPPER' style in your home. Inspiration round up by www.JennaBurger.com

VIA LIZ MARIE BLOG

Who doesn't love the HGTV show Fixer Upper with Joanna + Chip Gaines?! Check out these 5 Ways to Get the 'FIXER UPPER' style in your home. Inspiration round up by www.JennaBurger.com

HOME DESIGNED BY JOANNE + CHIP GAINES, VIA HGTV.COM

Who doesn't love the HGTV show Fixer Upper with Joanna + Chip Gaines?! Check out these 5 Ways to Get the 'FIXER UPPER' style in your home. Inspiration round up by www.JennaBurger.com

HOME DESIGNED BY JOANNE + CHIP GAINES, VIA HGTV.COM

THE DETAILS

The most important and often the most challenging part is pulling it all together with the details.  From lighting to wall decor to accessories, the details are what pull it together to make a home complete.  Joanna has impeccable taste + an incredible eye to add just enough to blend the new with the old.  Elements that she introduces are meaningful and collected.

A house doesn’t become a home overnight.  Take your time.  Enjoy the hunt. Be inspired.  Be creative. Have fun.  Add in aged elements amongst the new + sleek. Create a space that is liveable + comfortable, yet not stark + bare.  Don’t be afraid.  What’s the worst that can happen if you put a nail hole in the wall? Make mistakes and learn from them – I’ve made plenty.

I adore this quote that Joanne shared, “I like to encourage women to always remember that their home is a reflection of their hearts and of their families, not a magazine or like someone else’s lifestyle. Keep it true to who you are. It’s important you love your home and that your children are inspired by it. I learned in our recent move that it’s not about the curb appeal or amenities…it’s about the spaces you create and who you create them for.”

So true!

Who doesn't love the HGTV show Fixer Upper with Joanna + Chip Gaines?! Check out these 5 Ways to Get the 'FIXER UPPER' style in your home. Inspiration round up by www.JennaBurger.com

VIA BHG.COM

Who doesn't love the HGTV show Fixer Upper with Joanna + Chip Gaines?! Check out these 5 Ways to Get the 'FIXER UPPER' style in your home. Inspiration round up by www.JennaBurger.com

VIA BHG.COM

Who doesn't love the HGTV show Fixer Upper with Joanna + Chip Gaines?! Check out these 5 Ways to Get the 'FIXER UPPER' style in your home. Inspiration round up by www.JennaBurger.com

HOME DESIGNED BY JOANNE + CHIP GAINES, VIA HGTV.COM

What makes the fixer upper style different?

As I was gathering inspiration for this post, I realized what sets the fixer upper style apart.  Even though the overall spaces Joanna designs are neutral, they are so engaging, warm, and full of life.  They evoke a sense of welcoming – exactly what a home should feel.  New furniture is mixed with old.  Modern blended with vintage. Function integrated with aesthetically beautiful.

Joanna’s style is not really unique, yet it totally is because of how it all comes together to read as one.  It’s not about the individual items in the room, but instead how each item is brought together to create the whole.  Her compositions are just simple, thoughtful, and meaningful.

20 words that describe the fixer upper style

Simple

Clean

White

Texture

Eclectic

Industrial

Shiplap

Farmhouse

Metal

Wood

Serene

Old

Organic

Aged

Rustic

Meaningful

Family-Friendly

Welcoming

Dramatic

Calming

I truly enjoyed putting this post together – more so than I thought I would – and dissecting the aesthetic of a designer I truly admire (and kinda want to be – yes, I’d love to have goats and live on a farm in a big ole farmhouse!).  So many of you love the show Fixer Upper, as do I, but I think we are not only drawn to the gorgeous homes + beautiful rooms that are created, but the whole package of the Gaines pair.

Are y’all ready to see your fixer upper?

Who doesn't love the HGTV show Fixer Upper with Joanna + Chip Gaines?! Check out these 5 Ways to Get the 'FIXER UPPER' style in your home. Inspiration round up by www.JennaBurger.com

VIA HGTV.COM

Kitchen Backsplash Tile Options + Inspirational Ideas

Yesterday’s post was filled with tips + useful information on choosing the right subway tile.  It’s amazing how many different styles + colors there are to choose from, so hopefully with the insight from my personal experience scouring the tile stores for our kitchen renovation, you are armed with a few helpful tools.

Aside from subway tile, there are a gazillion other tiles for the kitchen backsplash.  It can surely get overwhelming when standing in a tile store trying to choose something that fits your aesthetic + budget AND something that will be classic enough to “live” for years to come.

Here I am, coming to your rescue.  I’ve done the work for you.

I’ve rounded up 12 tiles that are perfect for the kitchen.  They are all classic + beautiful + simple + chic…

How do you choose the perfect kitchen tile backsplash? There are so many decisions. Check out this not-to-be-missed round up of 12 ideal options for the kitchen backsplash. Click over to check them out > www.JennaBurger.comclick for sources:
white backsplash tile
artistic ceramic patterned tile
stainless steel mini subway tile
grey stone mosaic tile
arabesque white tile
marble subway tile
stone herringbone tile
river rock pebble tile
carrara marble honeycomb tile
tumbled natural stone tile
penny tile
glass + stone horizontal mosaic tile

Aren’t those 12 incredible tile options for the kitchen?!

The first tile, 3 x 6 white subway, is what I chose for my kitchen backsplash and I love the classic look but with a twist since I paired it with dark grout to give it a modern edge.

How do you choose the perfect kitchen tile backsplash? There are so many decisions. Check out this not-to-be-missed round up of 12 ideal options for the kitchen backsplash. Click over to check them out > www.JennaBurger.com

MORE INSPIRATION

Want more backsplash inspiration?

Check out these Incredible Kitchens…

KITCHEN TILE BACKSPLASH INSPIRATION: How do you choose the perfect kitchen tile backsplash? There are so many decisions. These are 12 ideal options for the kitchen backsplash and ONE is what I chose for my kitchen renovation. Click over to check them out > www.JennaBurger.comvia Better Homes and Gardens

KITCHEN TILE BACKSPLASH INSPIRATION: How do you choose the perfect kitchen tile backsplash? There are so many decisions. These are 12 ideal options for the kitchen backsplash and ONE is what I chose for my kitchen renovation. Click over to check them out > www.JennaBurger.comEclectic kitchen with mini glass tile backsplash, client project of mine

KITCHEN TILE BACKSPLASH INSPIRATION: How do you choose the perfect kitchen tile backsplash? There are so many decisions. These are 12 ideal options for the kitchen backsplash and ONE is what I chose for my kitchen renovation. Click over to check them out > www.JennaBurger.comvia Better Homes and Gardens

KITCHEN TILE BACKSPLASH INSPIRATION: How do you choose the perfect kitchen tile backsplash? There are so many decisions. These are 12 ideal options for the kitchen backsplash and ONE is what I chose for my kitchen renovation. Click over to check them out > www.JennaBurger.comvia Better Homes and Gardens

KITCHEN TILE BACKSPLASH INSPIRATION: How do you choose the perfect kitchen tile backsplash? There are so many decisions. These are 12 ideal options for the kitchen backsplash and ONE is what I chose for my kitchen renovation. Click over to check them out > www.JennaBurger.comStunning Stained Kitchen, client project of mine

KITCHEN TILE BACKSPLASH INSPIRATION: How do you choose the perfect kitchen tile backsplash? There are so many decisions. These are 12 ideal options for the kitchen backsplash and ONE is what I chose for my kitchen renovation. Click over to check them out > www.JennaBurger.comvia Better Homes and Gardens

KITCHEN TILE BACKSPLASH INSPIRATION: How do you choose the perfect kitchen tile backsplash? There are so many decisions. These are 12 ideal options for the kitchen backsplash and ONE is what I chose for my kitchen renovation. Click over to check them out > www.JennaBurger.comvia Better Homes and Gardens

KITCHEN TILE BACKSPLASH INSPIRATION: How do you choose the perfect kitchen tile backsplash? There are so many decisions. These are 12 ideal options for the kitchen backsplash and ONE is what I chose for my kitchen renovation. Click over to check them out > www.JennaBurger.comKitchen Designed by me, featured in KBMO.

KITCHEN TILE BACKSPLASH INSPIRATION: How do you choose the perfect kitchen tile backsplash? There are so many decisions. These are 12 ideal options for the kitchen backsplash and ONE is what I chose for my kitchen renovation. Click over to check them out > www.JennaBurger.comvia HGTV

KITCHEN TILE BACKSPLASH INSPIRATION: How do you choose the perfect kitchen tile backsplash? There are so many decisions. These are 12 ideal options for the kitchen backsplash and ONE is what I chose for my kitchen renovation. Click over to check them out > www.JennaBurger.comvia Hi Sugarplum

KITCHEN TILE BACKSPLASH INSPIRATION: How do you choose the perfect kitchen tile backsplash? There are so many decisions. These are 12 ideal options for the kitchen backsplash and ONE is what I chose for my kitchen renovation. Click over to check them out > www.JennaBurger.comvia Just a Girl and Her Blog

And there you have it!  Feeling inspired?  I hope you are.

FINDING ‘THE ONE’

There are so many options for backsplash tile, it can be overwhelming honing in on THE ONE.

Start out looking at kitchen spaces for inspiration via Pinterest and magazines.  Once you have a good collection (about 15), go through each to see if there is a common thread.  Are you gravitating towards a certain style and/or color?  Is it subway or glass or metal?

Once you can pinpoint what you like, then determine the size that would be the best proportion for your space.  Decide on a color range.  Do you prefer classic white or would a tile with varying shades of blue be best?

After you have the overall idea for the type of tile that fits your style + kitchen aesthetic, the search begins to find the perfect tile for your backsplash. Check out online sources + tile shops in your neck of the woods.

KITCHEN TILE BACKSPLASH INSPIRATION: How do you choose the perfect kitchen tile backsplash? There are so many decisions. These are 12 ideal options for the kitchen backsplash and ONE is what I chose for my kitchen renovation. Click over to check them out > www.JennaBurger.com

If you want to see all the posts documenting the kitchen renovation, here they are from start to finish:
Wonderful White Kitchen Inspiration
Kitchen Remodel: Before + Plan of Action
Demo Day: Steps for Demolishing the Kitchen
Kitchen Progress: Staining Hardwood Floors
The Cabinets Arrive + Get Installed
Natural Quartz Countertops in the Kitchen
10 Countertop Materials to Consider for the Kitchen
Subway Tile Installation + Choosing the RIGHT Subway
Kitchen Backsplash Tile Options + Inspiration
Choosing a Paint Color + Wallpaper for the Kitchen and Dining Room
Kitchen Renovation: The Appliances
Dissecting the Details
Kitchen Renovation: REVEAL + RESOURCES

2015 Year In Review… A Look Back

Where did the year go?!

Another year here and gone.

It feels like yesterday that I was putting together last years end-of-year recap…

check out recaps from years past: 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011

2015 was another fantastic + rewarding year.  Highlighted with many firsts, it was an exciting + busy year of new projects for our home and for clients.

2015 Year in Review of Jenna Burger Design. Filled with Top Posts + great DIY projects, www.JennaBurger.com

As always, it’s fun and a bit bittersweet to take a stroll down memory lane, but let’s do it. Here’s a recap of the last 365 days

JANUARY started off by coming up with something (a goal, I guess you could say) for what to focus on as the year kicked off.  Living with Intention (a great post that I try to read often) was set forth to truly find the meaning + purpose for tasks set in front of me.  There were many moments where I lost focus over the 12 months, but I’ve tried and will continue to in the year ahead.  With intention in the forefront of my mind, I set forth to clean up + clear out and put together a few round up posts for organizing.

Also for the first month of the year, I shared the reveal of a bathroom project I had tackled, dished on plans for a coming project – the living room, and shared details of 2 national magazines that I was featured in.

All-in-all, January was a wonderful month and set the stage for the 11 after it.

Organization Posts - Get organized in the new year!

[organization posts all in one place]

Bathroom Reveal

[bathroom makeover reveal]

FEBRUARY continued to be a great month in which I started to share some of the nitty-gritty details of the bathroom renovation (creating a simple shelf and one-of-a-kind kids modern fingerpaint art)  + the process of the living room transformation (choosing a black paint color + how to make black walls work).

DIY: Simple Wood Shelf

[simple wood shelf with decorative brackets]

How To Make BLACK WALLS Work in Every Room of the Home

[how to make black walls work in every space of the home]

[favorite black paint colors]

By MARCH was ready to start thinking of Spring, so I shared ideas+ inspiration for freshening up the home for the season, making the house FEEL + LOOK instantly clean, storage solutions using baskets, and 5 favorite surfaces to spray paint.

It also was an exciting month because I was finally able to share details on a kitchen I designed in collaboration with Better Homes and Gardens for the specialty publication Kitchen + Bath Makeovers.  This was year #2 for the cover project.  It was a pretty awesome partnership!

6 Ways to make a Home Feel + Look Instantly Clean

[6 ways to make a home feel + look instantly clean]

5 Surfaces to Spray Paint

[5 surfaces to spray paint]

APRIL strolled in and it was time to finally share the reveal of the living room makeover + resources.  Also for this 4th month of 2015, I shared a client kitchen and living room makeover that I was apart of, how I organized our garage, and our simple spring mantel. Oh and I forgot… I painted our front door (check out the color if you haven’t seen it).  It was a busy month!

Living Room Makeover Reveal

[living room makeover reveal]

 

Getting Organized in the Garage

[getting organized in the garage]

MAY came with another revamp in our home, but this was a fairly quick one… the laundry “closet”.  It was a horrid space before and now it’s a dream (to me).  It’s amazing how a not-so-lavish laundry can be given new life to look + function so much better!  After the makeover, I shared my 5 favorite ways to revamp a laundry room on a budget – don’t miss them!

after1

[laundry room makeover]

[5 ways to revamp a laundry space on a budget]

May also brought the nice weather so we were finally able to get outside and enjoy the beauty of Spring. With it brought projects, of course.  We tackled, not only, jazzing up the front porch but also adding a stone border to our flower beds (what a difference!) and creating some beautiful outdoor living spaces!

JUNE came and we were still focusing on the outdoors.  We tackled a big project by adding a stone base to the foundation wall in the front of our house to add curb appeal.  It looks so good.

Spring Front Porch with Stone Veneer added to Foundation

[spring porch with stone veneer on foundation]

June also brought about the start of Year 3 of the Creating a Meaningful Home Blog Series.  The incredibly talented + outgoing Mandi of Vintage Revivals kicked off the series and once again, it was a fantastic series filled with fellow Bloggers friends who opened up their homes to show us how they’ve created meaning in the home.

Create a Meaningful Home blog series: Year 3

Vintage Revivals kicks off Year 3 of the Creating a Meaningful Home blog series

[creating a meaningful home: Year 3]

JULY was busy on the blog, but quiet on the homestead. The blog was filled with more of my favorite friends sharing their stories.  In my little spare time while the kids were off on summer break, I had a moment to sit + inspire with a post on decorating with mirrors… it’s a good one!

Ideas for to decorate with MIRRORS!

[decorate with mirrors]

AUGUST vamped up again with some new projects, specifically my office that I spiced up + organized using pegboard (my new favorite thing for every room).  I also went garage salin’ and found the most interesting things

Office Revamp using pegboard for organization

[office revamp using pegboard for organization]

SEPTEMBER arrived.  It was bittersweet to see the summer end – it was a great one – but we welcomed the Fall with open arms by creating a festive front porch with new-to-me wicker chairs and a colorful turquoise table.

Festive Fall Front Porch with COLOR![festive fall front porch with COLOR]

OCTOBER was greeted with a new furniture makeover, a cute Halloween craft, and another project using my favorite pegboard.  Also in October I started as a content creator for Better Homes and Gardens (see all my posts here) and the process of renovating our kitchen began with me sharing a round up of Wonderful White Kitchens!

Jenna Burger, BHG Content Creator

[my better homes & gardens bio landing page]

Dreamy Wonderful White Kitchens roundup, www.JennaBurger.com

[dreamy wonderful white kitchens inspiration]

NOVEMBER began with me finally sharing details about the upcoming kitchen renovation + 2 client projects reveals – beautiful budget bathroom makeover + a stunning stained kitchen.  As the month continued, I shared details on our kitchen makeover, starting with the staining of the hardwood floors. As the month winded down and the Holiday decorations started to go up, I gave you a preview of our home decorated for the Holidays by sharing pictures of the Christmas Mantel.

Tips + Steps for staining hardwood floors! www.JennaBurger.com

[steps for staining hardwood floors]

budget bathroom makeover, a MUST-SEE before & after makeover by www.JennaBurger.com

[beautiful budget bathroom makeover]

DECEMBER, which we are still enjoying for the last hours, has been an interesting month.  Decorating for Christmas (don’t miss my home tour) + the kitchen remodel (cabinet installation + countertops) kept us busy at the beginning of the month, but as the month winds down it’s been fairly quiet, which is bizarre. I know it’s going to vamp up again and be crazy very soon, so instead of fretting over the peace, I am going to enjoy it!

Christmas Home Tour by www.JennaBurger.com

[christmas 2015 home tour]

And there you have it… a recap of the last 365 days!  As another year comes to a close, I’m going to raise my glasses (or my computer mouse) and be thankful for all that’s been blessed to me.  My wonderful journey continues and with each day new + exciting opportunities arise.  As always, in turn, I will do what I know I was put here for and that is to inspire & create greatness.

Cheers to 2016 my friends!

Decorating with Southwest Style

Geometric patterns.

Rich colors.

Artisan-created goods.

All characteristics that epitomize the aesthetic of Southwestern style.

A mix of refined bohemian and Spanish styles, Southwestern decor incorporates warm hues + natural elements like wood, iron, and leather, making the beautiful, rugged style a favorite for those from the ‘burbs to the city.

New post up on BHG.com

Click to read the full article on >>> Southwest Style Decor

Decorating with Southwest Style Decor! Round up post on www.JennaBurger.com

Check out my bio page on Better Homes and Gardens

More content coming soon to be featured on BHG.com!

Schoolhouse Style Decor

Only days till Christmas.

Are you still hustlin’ + bustlin’ with shopping + preparations for the big day?

Amidst the Christmas Craze, I wanted to share that I have a new post up on BHG.com about Decorating with Schoolhouse Style.

It’s never too cool to bring classroom style + decor into the home. From industrial-style lights + school lockers, to vintage maps + globes, decorating with schoolhouse decor brings back the nostalgia of the younger years.

Click to read the full article on  >>>  Decorating with Schoolhouse Style

Decorating ideas using SCHOOLHOUSE style decor, Round up by www.JennaBurger.com

Check out my bio page on Better Homes and Gardens

More content coming soon to be featured on BHG.com!

Kitchen Renovation: Choosing a Quartz Countertop

Demo is complete.

Hardwood floors are stained.

Cabinets have been installed.

Countertops are FINISHED.

You heard me right… we have counters, which means we have a sink, which means we have use of a kitchen. YES!

It has been a busy few weeks around our homestead, but the kitchen is taking shape and I am thrilled to share with you all the details on the countertops I chose (natural quartz) + why…

Natural Quartz countertops in the kitchen was a great choice! It's durable, maintenance free, and so stylish. Check out more at www.JennaBurger.com

When the process of the kitchen remodel began, I was dead set on using granite for the counter material.  I’ve always steered my clients towards granite.  believed it was the best choice because of the vast selection, durability, and its uniqueness. No one anywhere will have the exact same piece.

When the time came to choose a material for my kitchen remodel, I wanted something light and minimal, like the gorgeous + drool-worthy look of marble.  And I say the look of marble, because it’s a material I wanted to steer clear of because it is too porous and will easily stain from acidic spills like orange juice, tomato sauce, and red wine.  As a family of 5 with young kids, I can’t be watching + micro-managing our kitchen like a hawk every minute.

With marble crossed off my list, I started my search out with lighter toned granites.  I found 2 I loved – Bianco Gabrielle and Bianco Romano – at Lowe’s, but I felt they had too much movement for the overall minimal, clean look I was trying to achieve.

Then my eye honed in on just what I wanted aesthetically + functionally!

Natural Quartz.

Silestone Quartz Lagoon

After giving myself a day to think it over, I knew that choosing quartz was the right + best choice for our kitchen.

The design options for natural quartz has grown tremendously over the past years and with it being a natural material (a must on my checklist), incredibly durable, and maintenance-free, it truly was the perfect material.

WHY NATURAL QUARTZ?

Natural Quartz

> Natural stone

> Extremely hard mineral giving it great strength

> Nonporous

> Stain-resistant

> Maintenance-free / never has to be sealed

> Cleanup can be done with water + mild soap.

> Cost: $60 to $100 per square foot

Once my cabinets were in place and I finalized my order for Silestone Lagoon quartz, a templater came to my home to take all the needed measurements for the new counters.

After a few weeks of living with plywood counters…

Gettign ready for new countertops to be installed

… and no sink…

Getting ready for new countertops to be installed

…the day had finally arrived for install.

I was floating on cloud 9 with excitement.

It was estimated for the counters to take 2-4 weeks for fabrication, but it took just about 2 weeks from templating to installation (with Thanksgiving in between).

The independent contractor that does the fabrication + installation through Lowe’s was incredible.  They were timely, courteous, and did a great job.  I was 100% satisfied!

eek – watch my wreath. they did.

Installation of Quartz Countertops

Because of the countertop overhang on the island, a steel plate was installed to give extra support.

Getting ready for new countertops to be installed

And then they laid the tops in place on the island and on the perimeter cabinets.

Installation of Quartz Countertops

There was one area on the perimeter cabinets that needed a seam.  The process for connecting the seam was very interesting.  They used this neat gadget to level + tighten the joint to make a perfectly, unrecognizable seam.

Installation of Quartz Countertops

And then they were done + gone, and I was left with gorgeous new countertops that I could finally stop dreaming about and instead enjoy for many days + months + years ahead…

Silestone Quartz Lagoon

And here’s a peek at the kitchen and how it’s progressing…  It’s almost done.

How To Choose the Right Countertop for Your Kitchen! Pros + Cons + Advice for countertop materials by www.jennaburger.com

There are many other materials to consider for the kitchen, but our top choice was Natural Quartz!

Want to learn about other countertop materials for the kitchen? Check out this post with a breakdown of 10 countertop materials to consider for the kitchen + the pros & con for each. 

10 Countertop Materials to Consider for your KITCHEN! Round up of material choices at www.JennaBurger.com

If you want to see all the posts documenting the kitchen renovation, here they are from start to finish:
Wonderful White Kitchen Inspiration
Kitchen Remodel: Before + Plan of Action
Demo Day: Steps for Demolishing the Kitchen
Kitchen Progress: Staining Hardwood Floors
The Cabinets Arrive + Get Installed
Natural Quartz Countertops in the Kitchen
10 Countertop Materials to Consider for the Kitchen
Subway Tile Installation + Choosing the RIGHT Subway
Kitchen Backsplash Tile Options + Inspiration
Choosing a Paint Color + Wallpaper for the Kitchen and Dining Room
Kitchen Renovation: The Appliances
Dissecting the Details
Kitchen Renovation: REVEAL + RESOURCES

DISCLAIMER: THIS KITCHEN RENOVATION IS A COLLABORATION WITH LOWE’S USING KRAFTMAID CABINETRY.  ALL OPINIONS + SELECTIONS ARE MY OWN WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF KRAFTMAID AND THE LOWE’S DESIGN TEAM.

Creating an Interior Design Plan + Mood Board

A few weeks ago, I shared a few favorite tools that I use to run my design business + blog.

All are must-haves to run my office efficiently (as possible, it’s never perfectly smooth), but my main go-to day in and day out is my Intel 2 in 1 laptop + computer!

From morning till night, this is my #1 for creating design plans to writing blog posts to browsing the web for inspiration.

I’m often asked what programs I use for the floor plans + mood boards I create for my blog and for client presentations. And today, you lucky dogs are going to get the inside scoop…

Creating a Design Plan + Mood Board

Whether designing a space for myself or for a client, the process typically starts by gathering inspiration + making notes about the proposed space.

Before an initial meeting with a client, I ask them to look through magazines + search online for spaces & elements that they are drawn to.  There’s no need for a common thread or a specific style.  That doesn’t matter.  Basically, if you love it – for whatever reason – tag it. Later, we can dig through the why do you love it…

The next part of the initial design process is to write down wants, needs, and use of the space + what the objective of the room will be.  How do you want the room to feel?  If the room could talk, how would the room describe itself?

These first steps gets the ball rolling for me to pull together how the room(s) will look, feel, and function!

FURNITURE PLAN

Next up, I create a furniture plan for the space(s).

For this, I use AutoCAD. Unlike inexpensive drag & drop architectural programs, AutoCAD is 100% manual to create the plan with exact measurements needed.  This program is most used by professionals in the Architectural field and has been around for many years.  I use an older version of Architectural Desktop 3.3.  Here’s a look…

Creating a Design Plan + Mood Board

For those of you who want to create your own furniture plan, there are many drag + drop programs to give a try.  Or you can try SketchUp, which is a 3D modeling program.

GATHER IDEAS

Simultaneously to creating the furniture plan (I make changes as I find items and can input the exact measurements), I am also scouring the web + my design resource library for furniture and decor elements to create the room that fits the look + feel + function I am designing.

I pull images from the web by saving them to my desktop or taking a screenshot.

Ever take a screenshot – a snapshot of your computer screen – on the web?  If not, it’s easy!  On your computer keyboard there is a button, PRNTSCR, typically on the top right.  Click it and you’ll take a shot of your computer screen at that moment.

This is a screenshot of a rug that was perfect for a loft space I am designing…

Creating a Design Plan + Mood Board

MOOD BOARD

Once I have a good handle on about 90% of the items that I want for the space, I start the creation of the mood board.  For this part of the design process, I use Picasa, a free picture program to organize + edit.  It has a collage-making section and is very user-friendly.

Here is a snippet when I was creating the mood board for the loft…

Creating a Design Plan + Mood Board

Once the Furniture Plan + Mood Board was complete, I was ready to print.

Here is the result…

Creating a Design Plan + Mood Board

This is the bedroom space mood board…

Creating a Design Plan + Mood Board

And lastly, the overall floor plan for the loft…

Creating a Design Plan + Mood Board

From the initial thoughts + ideas all the way through to creating a real living space, this is the process of developing the design + making the mood board!

ALL with my Intel computer.  I told you it’s my main go-to for running my business.

Along with working on local client projects, I also offer E-Design services to those living anywhere in the US.  For those projects, all communication is online. Along with my business + my blog, as I said before, my computer is like my 4th child… a little sad to say, but true.

Interested in learning more about my E-Design program?  I offer a slew of services.

Here’s an example of what I can do for you…

E-Design Services by www.JennaBurger.com

There you have it… a peek into how I create a design plan + mood board for clients.

I’m off to meet with a possible new client about another project…

More questions about running a design business?  Ask me!  I’d also love to hear about your ideas + experiences.

DISCLOSURE: THIS POST IS A PARTNERSHIP WITH INTEL TO SHARE MY THOUGHTS + HOW I USE THE INTEL 2 IN 1 LAPTOP FOR MY DESIGN BUSINESS. #spon

Christmas Home Tour 2015

Welcome!

I am elated that this day has finally arrived.  I’ve been busily and excitedly preparing + waiting for weeks to give you a tour of my home decorated for Christmas…  And today is the day!

I can not believe it is my 3rd year (check out 2013 + 2014) on the Jennifer Rizzo Holiday Housewalk and I am thrilled to show you lots of new spaces.  If you are following along on tour (start the tour here), I am house #19 and the first on the tour for today.  If you’re continuing through from yesterday, then you just hopped on over from Restoration House.  Wasn’t Kennesha’s house just beautiful with all her fresh greenery?!

holiday housewalk Restoration house, stop 18

Amidst a big renovation (we ripped out our kitchen…), I ‘m shocked that I was able to pull ‘Christmas’ off this year.  I think without this Housewalk Tour planned, decorating for Christmas would have gone to the wayside.  So thank you ALL for the nudge to create this years magical space.

Without further ado, grab a cup of joe or your favorite hot chocolate, put your feet up, and enjoy.

Let the tour begin…

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com

Our beautiful boxwood (by the way, it’s faux…) welcomes us + guests into our home.  It adorns the apple green colored front door and a red burlap bow gives the perfect layering contrast.

Come on in…

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Not overly large, but well-thought out + functional, our foyer is decorated with hues of golds and reds.

My approach for holiday decorating, especially at Christmas, is to add in seasonal layers amongst the everyday decor.  Accessories are changed out, but our family is still hustling & bustling all day, everyday, so the main elements are still in use.

My new favorite addition to this years holiday decor is the adorable vintage red bicycle pillow created by none other than the fabulous Jennifer Rizzo.  Snag one for yourself at her Society 6 shop!

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

The beautiful gold dresser (which holds the kids shoes) is still the main focus of our foyer.  I swapped out the pictures above and added in a chalkboard printable that was created by my sweet friend KellieMay you days be merry & bright, And may all your Christmases be white.  Above it I added a simple gold glitter wreath.

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Atop the dresser, I filled a large vase with branches from the yard and hung medium sized ornaments in shades of chocolate. hmmm. I love the height & ‘drama’ the branch arrangement gives our entry.

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Other seasonal favorites fill the dresser top including small trees, wrapped presents, and DIY creations like the JOY ornament that I made using a gold Sharpie.

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Since making our CHRISTMAS BLESSING card holder a few years back, I seem to find a ‘new home’ for it each holiday season.  This year it fit perfectly in this spot of the foyer & beautiful cards from friends + family have already started to trickle in.

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Pretty paper in patterns of houndstooth, stripes, and a reindeer silhouette were used to wrap presents.  Then ribbon, ornaments, and rosemary were used to dress them up. I love giving a present that smells just as good as it looks…

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Let’s head from the foyer to the dining room where you can finally get a glimpse of our tree…

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Do you see it?  Do you see it? White twinkly lights reflected in the glass…  We’re getting closer…

My beautiful Craigslist-found china cabinet is draped with beautiful magnolia garland (again it’s faux) along with a simple strand of pom pom garland (sent by my friends at Minted).

I wish I could show you more of this space, but honestly it’s still kind of a construction zone.  I guess I could put bows on all the boxes & add them tot the tour, but I’ll spare you, lol.

Let’s just keep looking for the lights.  I see another glimpse…

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

There it is.  Our Tree. Our beautiful Tree decorated for another Christmas season.

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

And the lights off for a different view without the lights…

just snagged that copper Merry Christmas garland from Target & I love it!

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Yes the tree is a material object, but it symbolizes so much.  It tells so much about our family.

Who we are.

Where we’ve been.

What we love.

I can honestly say, other than putting the garland + ribbon on, I had no part in the creation of the tree.

All the credit goes to these 2 …

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

It might not be the prettiest or ornately decorated (hands down, I know it isn’t), but I don’t care.  My kids l-o-v-e decorating for Christmas and since I have control of creating beautiful vignettes around the house, they have the tree.  Complete ownership goes to them!

No joke, this is me watching & enjoying as they took over…

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

To me, FAMILY + MEMORIES is what Christmas is about.

I’m in love with how the family room came together for this Christmas.  It was enjoyable having a new palette to work with since renovating this space earlier in the year.

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Again, our everyday is layered with our seasonal favorites, family keepsakes, and DIY creations…

I shared our Christmas Mantel earlier this week, but it got a slight revamp since then.  Check out what’s inside the fireplace…  A lot of logs that my husband laboriously cut (not, it just looks like that – tutorial coming soon).

The look of the logs gives a beautiful focal point to the fireplace especially since we rarely have a roarin’ fire going.

Our stockings are definitely hung by the chimney with care…

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

This space is our hang-out-do-everything room, so it has to be comfortable + inviting + functional. It’s not stuffy or inhibiting, but instead relaxing, enjoyable, AND most importantly reflects US!

A new favorite this season is this Oh-So-Warm + cute down blanket with the most adorable vintage car pattern.  It’s put us to sleep many-a-nights on this sofa with the TV still on at 3am…

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

The Ho Ho Ho knit pillow is another addition this season and makes such a pretty layer on the sofa.

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

On a typical day, most things that sit on the coffee table get knocked off (thanks to the busy hands of a 17-month old), but for the tour I jazzed it up with gorgeous gold glitter cone trees + a few of our holiday books we love to read as we countdown to the BIG 2-5!

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Along with our special keepsakes to decorate with, I also love incorporating elements from nature.  Cut branches and greenery are all around us so where I can, I’ve layered branches + greens on the bookcase tops, the mantel, and in front of the TV…

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

And on the windows I added three small boxwood wreaths.  They are just the cutest…

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Lots of old mixed in with a few new festive treats, like this pillow that I just couldn’t resist from Target.

There is a definite reindeer ‘theme’ this Christmas…

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...

Well there you have it.  Thank you so much for taking the tour of my home decorated for Christmas.  A lot of thought + love went into this years seasonal space, but important of all it’s meaningful to our family.

I hope I’ve inspired you with what I’ve created + shared.

Now on to the next house, At the Picket Fence, which is stop #20 on the Holiday Housewalk Tour.

You are in for a treat…

holiday housewalk tour, At The Picket Fence

Christmas Home Tour at JennaBurger.com. Come on over...
Thank you to Joss & Main and Good Housekeeping magazine for partnering with this years Housewalk Tour.  Also a big shout out to Garnet Hill + Lowe’s, who I collaborated with for this years Christmas spaces.  Their decor is gorgeous and I love showcasing their beautiful goods in my home!

Merry Christmas

Christmas Mantel

Christmas Mantel filled with old & new. Created by www.jennaburger.com

The Holiday season is underway – yay!

Since Friday – the day after Thanksgiving – we’ve been hustling + bustling indoors and out decorating for Christmas.  This year has been a bit tricky with the kitchen renovation (walls are still being painted & the hardwood floors are still curing), but we are making do with the areas that we can add our festive favorites…

One area of our home that’s been decorated for a few weeks is the mantel.

I got the Christmas bug a few weeks ago after making my way into the Christmas section of Lowe’s and leaving with a handful of new fun finds.  They’re selection of seasonal decor this year is stellar.

I incorporated a lot of new with the old…

Christmas Mantel filled with old & new. Created by www.jennaburger.com

Christmas Mantel filled with old & new. Created by www.jennaburger.com

I had such a fun + relaxing (well kinda in my OCD way) time creating this years Christmas mantel.  It was enjoyable to have a different backdrop to work with since this room, specifically the fireplace wall, got a revamp for burnt orange to black earlier this year >>> check out the living room transformation

The new black wall – color: Valspar Black Heron – was the perfect backdrop to layering contrast white elements.

Christmas Mantel filled with old & new. Created by www.jennaburger.com

I stumbled upon these adorable white houses – in varying sizes – and couldn’t resist incorporating them in the mantel.  The same houses come in red as well, but I loved the crisp white with glitter roof.

Christmas Mantel filled with old & new. Created by www.jennaburger.com

As the base of the mantel, I used a faux greenery garland and added in real cut magnolia leaves that I got from the tree in my yard.

Adding in real leaves amongst the faux, gives such a great look.  It is a nice idea to create a realistic-looking garland without the headache of drying branches + can be used year after year.

I also added a few magnolia branches to a tall white vase to introduce an organic element + height to the fireplace.

Christmas Mantel filled with old & new. Created by www.jennaburger.com

Christmas Mantel filled with old & new. Created by www.jennaburger.com

The sparkly reindeer is another new + fun find and if I could put my finger on a ‘theme’ for this years decor, it would be reindeer…

I snagged a few reindeer elements and I just love what they represent… a woodland, outdoorsy, winter feeling.

Christmas Mantel filled with old & new. Created by www.jennaburger.com

On the face of the fireplace, I draped several strands of differing garland.  I picked up a beautiful pinecone garland – which was a pleasant surprise because I thought they were individual pinecones which I was going to pile in a bowl – and hung it them from end to end on the mantel.

Then using red bead garland – that I got from Dollar General years ago – I hung a longer swag from edge to edge, and finished it with a silver snowflake garland across the front.

Hung by the fireplace with care are adorable knit red + white stockings.  I just love the oversized tassels!

Christmas Mantel filled with old & new. Created by www.jennaburger.com

Christmas Mantel filled with old & new. Created by www.jennaburger.com

Christmas Mantel filled with old & new. Created by www.jennaburger.com

Recognize the mirror?  I used it for my Thanksgiving table, then decided to use it as the focal point above the fireplace and mounted a beautiful berry wreath on the face.

Giving height and grounding each end, I added in my one of my seasonal favorites, the glitter cone-shaped trees in silver + white (check out similar ones here).  I have gold too and they’ll be someplace else in the room.

Christmas Mantel filled with old & new. Created by www.jennaburger.com

My reindeer ‘theme’ also continued with the wrapping paper I chose.  Check out this paper with the reindeer silhouette – I couldn’t resist.  I loved pairing it with the houndstooth + striped paper.

Christmas Mantel filled with old & new. Created by www.jennaburger.com

Christmas Mantel filled with old & new. Created by www.jennaburger.com

Throughout, I layered in new + old ornaments that added sparkle + shine.  These wood laser-cute ornaments were a surprising find this year and I grabbed a similar wood reindeer ornament version as well.

Christmas Mantel filled with old & new. Created by www.jennaburger.com

I am so happy with how this years Christmas mantel came out.  I had no real plan when I started decorating, but as usual when the everyday decor came down and I was left with a blank canvas, the ideas started to flow.

With some changes + tweaks, the result is pretty fantastically festive…

Christmas Mantel filled with old & new. Created by www.jennaburger.com

I can’t let you go without sharing that the annual Holiday Housewalk hosted by Jennifer Rizzo begins today!  This is the 3rd year that my home will be on the tour along with about 30 others.  You will NOT WANT TO MISS IT.  My home is coming up later in the week, so I hope you will stop back.

Holiday Housewalk hotsed by Jennifer Rizzo

Have a blessed Christmas season and thanks for checking out my mantel.

DISCLOSURE: THIS POST IS A COLLABORATION WITH LOWES, BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE 100% MY OWN.