Friday Favorites: A Recent Vintage Find & Summer Decor

Want to hear something completely ridiculous? All week long I have been totally confused on what day it is. Seriously, I know that sounds pathetic, but it’s true. For example, I thought Wednesday was really Thursday about 12 times before it finally soaked in that it was in fact Wednesday. What the heck? It’s just been a struggle this week if I’m being honest with you. Maybe my 37 week pregnancy hormones are playing tricks on my brain, I have no idea. But it’s been a looooong week and needless to say I’m thrilled it’s Friday. And that means it’s time for Friday Favorites! Today I’m sharing a recent vintage find I came across a few weeks back and did a little painting project on. (If you follow me on Instagram you saw a few videos about this project in my stories.) I also have some fun and easy summertime decor to share as well!

Vintage Headboard Piece

So a few weeks ago I was browsing one of my favorite local antique shops and I picked up a vintage headboard piece. I thought it was a pretty good deal at $40, especially considering it was already painted. I knew exactly where I wanted it, so I happily brought it home and hung it on the wall above our reading nook.

Vintage Headboard Piece Above Reading Nook

Soo…….there it was. I loved this piece in the store, but as soon as I hung it up I only felt so-so about it, which was a total bummer. Does that ever happen to you? You buy something all jazzed about it and then get home and realize it wasn’t so great after all? Not fun. I just wasn’t digging it against the cream colored walls and it seemed out of place overall. I decided to leave it for about a day or so to see if it would grow on me, but it just wasn’t happening. So I decided the only solution was white paint. White paint! I used my trusty Rust-Oleum chalk paint in Linen White and here’s how it looked after:

Vintage Headboard Piece above Reading Nook

Ta-da! What do you think? I feel like it blends better with this room now and the white paint gives it a totally different vibe. I think it was the right choice and it ended up being a fun little project. Plus it’s the perfect size for the space above the reading nook. I don’t know about you guys, but I love unique architectural pieces like this–they’re such an easy and fun way to add interest to your wall. Definitely something to keep your eyes open for at yard sales this summer!

Vintage Headboard Piece

A Summertime Doormat

I was visiting my second home the other day, aka Target, and came across the cutest summertime doormat ever. I had no choice but to buy it. Really. My hands were tied. I mean, look at this little lady:

Watermelon and Strawberry Summertime Doormat

You know I’m usually all about neutral, neutral, neutral but when it comes to summertime decor I love to mix in a bit of color and pizzazz. This doormat is just so much fun with the little watermelons and strawberries. My Allie girl is obsessed and I am too. It just brings so much happiness and cheer to the front step, I loooove it.

Watermelon and Strawberry Summertime Doormat

Here’s a few other doormats that are sure to brighten up your front door for summer:

Fun & Festive Summertime Doormats

Shop the doormats:

Painted Books for Summer

Another quick little project I did this week was painting a few old books for easy summertime decor. This is such a simple way to add a touch of color to your decor for the warmer months. I used Ella Rose from the Magnolia Home paint line on this stack of old books. It’s a soft pink color that is perfect for summer.

Easy summer decor DIY: painted vintage books

Easy summer decor project: painted vintage books

I dropped into Salvation Army and got these hardcover books for a dollar each. That’s cheap and easy decor, folks! If you haven’t painted books before I’d definitely give it a try. Any paint will do, it doesn’t have to be anything fancy. This is just a fun and simple way to add a pop of color to any room, summer mantel, or vignette.

Easy summer decor DIY: painted vintage books

Well that’s a wrap on my Friday Favorites today my friends. Can you believe it’s already Father’s Day weekend? The month of June is absolutely flying by. Part of me is thrilled because that means it’s almost baby time, but the other part of me is in a complete panic because HOLY COW IT’S ALMOST BABY TIME. I feel like it’s totally snuck up on us. There’s still so much left to do. And have I told you we still haven’t decided on a name for this little girl? Nope. Haven’t decided. We have a few names we’re debating of course, but nothing is set. With the other two we waited until they were born to decide, but that always makes me a little anxious because I hate waiting to the last minute and I’d much rather decide beforehand. Oy. I’m a hot mess. So I think that’s on the agenda this weekend for sure: figure out this baby’s name! By the way, if you have any fabulous short and sweet baby girl names be sure to let me know, ok?

I hope you all have an incredible weekend and thanks a million for dropping by the blog today! xoxo

Leave a Comment

The Comments

  • Anna
    June 16, 2017

    Never heard of painting books before, definitely going to try it!!! Thanks for the great idea! Have a wonderful weekend!

    • Sarah
      > Anna
      June 17, 2017

      Definitely give it a try Anna, it’s super easy!

  • Lorri Rauscher
    June 16, 2017

    I love yr piece, you made the right decision.It looks perfectly at home there. It is as if that salvage piece was made just for that spot!!Happy Dance!!! Since I dont know the names of yr other two children…How about Lily Rose. So pretty???? or Emma or Emily. I usually have a few names picked out, then when I see the baby fir the first time, I know ????

    • Sarah
      > Lorri Rauscher
      June 17, 2017

      I love those names! Emma is actually a strong contender on our list, so it’s funny you mention that!

  • Betty Steinfeld
    June 16, 2017

    I love your daily blog. I have to say I look forward to it every morning.
    I love the name Grace very sweet.
    Have a great weekend

    • Sarah
      > Betty Steinfeld
      June 17, 2017

      Aw I love that name Betty! Grace is so classic and pretty. Thanks for sharing!

  • Helen
    June 16, 2017

    Love that piece, I never seem to see many here unless they’re in an antique/interior store and then they’re well over priced! Ava, Ivy and Rose are sweet? My daughter is Olivia Rose and she was going to be Lily Rose. Enjoy your weekend and happy name picking!x

    • Sarah
      > Helen
      June 17, 2017

      I know, they can definitely be hard to come by. Yard sales and craigslist are definitely the best place to find them. I love all those names suggestions, Olivia Rose is a GORGEOUS name!

  • Jen
    June 16, 2017

    Yes, I love to paint books too! My daughters name is Elyse ????. I wanted a sweet, short name and Elyse was a perfect fit! Good luck!

    • Sarah
      > Jen
      June 17, 2017

      Oh I do love that name Jen, it’s so elegant but cute at the same time!

  • MaryJean Blair
    June 16, 2017

    I love what you did with that space and painting that piece just made the whole area pop with class! Love it!

    • Sarah
      > MaryJean Blair
      June 17, 2017

      Thanks so much, I think the white paint was definitely the way to go!

  • Kristen
    June 16, 2017

    I love looking at your home! It brightens my day every morning!
    As for names…… Gemma or Gianna…..

    • Sarah
      > Kristen
      June 17, 2017

      Aw thank you Kristen, I really appreciate that! And thanks for the name suggestions, Gemma is super cute!

  • Tammy
    June 16, 2017

    Lately all my cousins are becoming grandparents and those babies are all for some reason getting family names or names that reflect family names. I looked back at a few of your posts and you have an Owen and an Allie. Well here goes this is my input…..Olivia (the O for Owen) and Lee (for al-lee) so my pick is for Olivia Lee. No matter her name she is a blessing xo

    Tammy

    • Sarah
      > Tammy
      June 17, 2017

      Oh that’s so creative Tammy! I love it, I’ll definitely share that one with my husband!

  • Jeanette Vincent
    June 16, 2017

    I love the headboard piece! Definetly like it better painted white. Good choice!

    • Sarah
      > Jeanette Vincent
      June 17, 2017

      Thank you Jeanette, I love it in white too!

  • Barbara
    June 16, 2017

    The daughter of a friend of mine just named her new baby girl Emery. Or is it Emory? Anyway, I think that is such a sweet name.

    • Sarah
      > Barbara
      June 17, 2017

      Thanks Barbara! I’ve been hearing that name a lot lately, it’s so pretty!

  • Rachel
    June 16, 2017

    Looks much better in white!
    As namesa preschool parapro I hear lots of interesting names…..how about Kinley, Rilynn, or Aliyah/

    • Sarah
      > Rachel
      June 17, 2017

      Oh I am sure you hear a LOT of interesting names in your job! Thanks for sharing those suggestions, I love Kinley!

  • Nikki
    June 16, 2017

    I never thought of painting books….thanks for that tip! I am the mother of five boys, but I’ve always loved the name Riley for a girl.

    • Corinne
      > Nikki
      June 16, 2017

      I love Riley too!! Was just going to post that lol

      • Sarah
        > Corinne
        June 17, 2017

        I do love Riley too!

    • Sarah
      > Nikki
      June 17, 2017

      You have 5 boys?! WOW Nikki, you are amazing. And I love the name Riley too, it’s such a great name!

  • Bonnie
    June 16, 2017

    Loved your Friday favorites! I’m off to get a new doormat for the front door, paint some books for deck decor and check out the Rustoleum chalk paint! Woohoo!!

    • Sarah
      > Bonnie
      June 17, 2017

      haha you go Bonnie!! So glad you enjoyed this post. Have a great weekend my friend!

  • Tina
    June 16, 2017

    Ella ❤️

    • Sarah
      > Tina
      June 17, 2017

      That is a beautiful name for sure, thank you Tina!!

  • Brenda
    June 16, 2017

    Love it all! I am definitely going to paint some old books, what a great idea! The architectural piece above the reading nook is great, and painting it white was completely the right call! I have something similar that I put above my windows in my Keeping Room because there is a high ceiling in there and I had to do something interesting up there…wish there was a way to send you a pic on here. Have a wonderful weekend.

    • Sarah
      > Brenda
      June 17, 2017

      Oh that sounds awesome Brenda! Those rooms with high ceilings are tricky. Our last house had a room with 20 foot ceilings and it was always a challenge to decorate. You can always send me photos at my email: sarah@sarahjoyblog.com. I’d love to see what you’ve been working on!

  • Karen
    June 16, 2017

    Love the paint the books idea. Also love your bedding, where is it from?

    • Sarah
      > Karen
      June 17, 2017

      Thanks Karen, that bedding is from from Amraupur Overseas and it’s the Antonella 8-piece Comforter Set. It’s available on Overstock but it looks like it’s currently out of stock. Sorry! But you can see it here: https://rstyle.me/n/cpimmyb6hgf

  • Alyssa Hampton
    June 16, 2017

    I literally have a list of baby names on my phone and I don’t even have a boyfriend. I just don’t want to forget them! Here are some that I love:
    Lilly (I will name my child this if I have a girl one day)
    Sophia
    Shiloh
    Hannah
    Lydia
    Meredith
    Jenni
    Magnolia (go by Maggie as a nickname)

    • Sarah
      > Alyssa Hampton
      June 17, 2017

      Alyssa, those are such great names! I have loved several of those for years too, especially Lilly, Hannah and Lydia! Thank you for sharing!

  • Velda
    June 16, 2017

    For names I love Selah, Ella, Briella, Mila and Presley. I’m sure she’ll be perfect!

    • Sarah
      > Velda
      June 17, 2017

      Those are great names Velda. I especially love Mila!! Thanks for sharing!

  • Susan Koehn
    June 16, 2017

    Keeping you in prayers for healthy safe delivery. Ana or Ava or Eve or Elise, Sofie or Sadie

    • Sarah
      > Susan Koehn
      June 17, 2017

      Wow thank you Susan, I really appreciate the prayers! And thanks for the name suggestions, we have talked a lot about Sadie!

  • Doreen Sulfaro
    June 16, 2017

    Love the architectural piece painted white and the pink books. I like Juliana, Hannah or Tobi. ☺️

    • Sarah
      > Doreen Sulfaro
      June 17, 2017

      Ah thanks Doreen! We have actually talked about Hannah quite a bit, it’s been on our list for a while now so that’s funny you mention it!

  • Kristen
    June 16, 2017

    Love the idea of painting the books! I think the name Eden is sweet, short and different! Not too many girls out there with that name!

    • Sarah
      > Kristen
      June 17, 2017

      Oh yes, Eden is gorgeous for sure! Thanks Kristen!

  • Jessica Hancock
    June 17, 2017

    I’ve always liked Molly Kate. Jessi and Lucy are sweet names. Autumn is a favorite as well.

    • Sarah
      > Jessica Hancock
      June 17, 2017

      Oh I love Molly Kate, SOOOO cute!!

  • kim baker jacovich
    June 17, 2017

    all so pretty! very creative! xx

  • Dianne
    June 17, 2017

    Love the headboard piece painted white. Those painted books are cute too.
    Happy name picking. The suggestions are all so cute.
    Can’t wait to meet her. Good luck.

  • Sharon Isaac
    June 18, 2017

    I can’t believe your little girl is nearly here. It seems to have come around so quickly. Looking forward to meeting her. Praying for a safe and speedy delivery. Good luck with the name choosing. Not an easy task with so many lovely girl’s names out there. My own daughter is Kate Elizabeth. Btw glad you painted the bedhead white. You’re right it looks so much better. It’s amazing what white paint can do. I have a few projects of my own, all to be painted white! God bless x

  • Sylvia Atherley
    June 22, 2017

    Love all your decor ideas. Trying to get the Farmhouse look myself and really enjoying finding different items. I was just thinking about your new baby girls name. I have a granddaughter who’s name is Denver. Her full name is Denver Taylor. She just turned 18 and the more I hear that name the more I love it. So nice to have a chance to say thank you for all your advise on Farmhouse decorating. I absolutely love it.

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