HAMM DECOR: Doggone Good House

First, let me apologize for the late post....almost a MONTH since my last post.  Big dummy- AHEM, I didn't even think about the school year winding down for the Hamm House and all that goes into the shut down of a normal schedule...apology accepted? Good!  Let's move forward.  I think you will like this one.

We are BLESSED to have a nice, double-door pantry to put "stuff" and food inside.  The glorious, glossy WHITE pantry that is EVIL for an OCD mom.  Lots and lots of wiping fingerprints and sticky goo.  Did I say L. O. T. S? Something had to be done.  PINTEREST: "white pantry doors"....solution: paint them!

Problem: The Pantry and Weird Open Space

Second apology entry here:  When I took some of these before pics, the concept of a blog was NON-EXISTENT.  So, the lighting may be poor.  Above, you see the offender or offensive areas- weird space to the left of the pantry and glossy white doors.

THE NOW:

Okay, yes....I skipped the process pics (again, blog wasn't in my thought process) AND yes, the space appears decorated, like BAM, insta decor.  Of course, it wasn't that simple.  

Here's a breakdown....I used Glidden Exterior Pain- Martha Stewart Color: Silhouette paint to paint the doors.  Yes, I painted inside and outside of the doors.  (Matter of fact, I intend on doing this to ALL of the interior doors this summer.) Yes, I left the doors hung while painting...because the other thought of taking them down and making the painting easier....well, wasn't in my brain space.

I also made the wreaths that are on the doors, post for later, maybe?  Both of the wreaths were actually made for our front entryway doors, but then....the artificial plants were not holding up well in the direct sun....so there ya' go- pantry door.  Okay- let's proceed...

 PANTRY, DONE!  CHECK....Onto weird space....

We have two dogs, Sketch and Trace.  Quick background- being a creative person, I had to have an artsy namesake for the dogs.  Sketch is a 22 lbs. miniature schnauzer and is a gorgeous silver color; hence, the name Sketch- like the color of graphite on white paper.  Trace is a maltese.  Four and a half pounds of ferocious, flesh-eating, ankle biting, little dog man of a beast- not really...but, don't tell him that.  He's pure white, like tracing paper.  Together- Sketch and Trace.

Both dogs, obediently sorta comply to go into their kennels when we are not home, for their safety, of course.  I had been using the black wire kennels for years for the boys.  Where were these placed?  In the weird space.  Seriously, what else was going to go there anyways.  So why the change?  Well, you have two different sized kennels.  OCD kicks in.  Enough said.  Also, Sketch can see EVERYTHING, which means LOTS of barking.  Bark at the squirrels, grass, dust that floats in the air when the sun shines in....get me?  Makes us nuts and surely cannot be good for ole' Sketch's anxiety.

SOLUTION:  Built in dog kennel...

As you can see from the time stamps on my phone, I was searching for over an hour of what I wanted to accomplish.  I loved these two.....and the search was on.  

 

I measured said "Weird Space" and came up with 36" wide and 24" deep.  Not an unusual size, but enough to have to "hunt" for something to fit in the space.  I knew that I wanted to find an item that was cheap.  Something that could be restored.  I went to Goodwill, Salvation Army, asked friends on Facebook, Craigslist...you name it....searched it. I couldn't find what I wanted. 

I headed out for a two day business trip.  Honestly, this is where I get my best ideas.  I'm not sure if it's the energy from conferences or the drives.  In this case, it was a 6 hour round trip.  Plenty of time to think.  QUIET time, no kids, no dogs, no hubby....

WHAM!  BAM!  It hits me....kitchen or bathroom cabinet can go there!  I know the measurements are appropriate for such.  Heading home, I stop at a builder's warehouse.   THEN.....in unicorn and glitter fashion, the cabinet magically LIGHTS up in ALL of its glory....THE CABINET FOR SAID WEIRD SPACE....unfinished and FITS perfect.  P.E.R.F.E.C.T!  I am in LOVE...

SKETCH AND TRACE HAVE TO BREATHE!

I made a template of what I was wanting on cardboard.  We have found after MANY mess-ups, this was a necessary evil.  More so because I want Big Daddy to read my mind during project time AND well, no person should have to do this...often ever....BUT, when Big Daddy does- whoa! baby....

We decided to do 2" circles for the front of the kennel/cabinet doors.  Big enough for air and comfort, but not to big that Trace could crawl out....and believe me, that's a possibility.  Gabe uses the template to drill pilot holes.

 

This drill bit/circle thingy is used for the 2" circles.  This thingy is the BOMB.  You can buy them for $12 at Lowe's.  

If thingy bothers you, you may not want to continue with this blog.  Gabe went to work....circle thinging in ALL of his amazingness....

WARNING:  Circle thingy slowly and steady OR you will BLOW out the backside of the cabinet door.  Thank goodness it was the back.  Also, I knew I could fix it if it were going to mess up the design.

Big daddy with the glorious doggy door...

 

TIME FOR STAIN

I asked Big Daddy to take off one of our cabinet doors to take with us to Lowe's to match the stain.   Normally, I have NO trouble matching a color.  Seriously, I have most fan decks of paint and stain memorized.  I'm NOT kidding....but I was so serious about this investment, that I wanted it to be perfect.  Purchased the stain, sanded the inside of the circles....let staining commence. 

I was so excited during this process I forgot to take pics.  I know, apology THREE.  Y'all, staining is THE EASIEST thing to do.  Open can (I use AND prefer the Rustoleum stains), dip in old tshirt rag, wipe in circles, seal with polycrylic.  Yep.  That easy.  Took me two and a half days to allow for drying and curing.  One of the hardest things I deal with- HURRY and wait.

THE REVEAL

Kennel is in it's place.  All cut, stained and coated with polycrylic.  Dog beds are washed and placed inside. I didn't stain the inside.  I left it raw for now.  We wanted to see if the dogs were going to scratch around in here first.  After many decision, we went with the ole' hook and latch on the front to secure the doors.  This is not my favorite, but it works.  When you see everything all together, the latch is not even a focus. On to the DECOR....

Sketch and Trace enjoying their new kennel :)

DOGGONE GOOD HOUSE

Here's the finished product.  All decorated and amazing!  The Beach sign (it lights up, too) is my favorite.  It's from Hobby Lobby, along with the "Love" sign.  I purchased the lamp and shade from Wal-Mart- hey! We live in small town USA and I am NOT ashamed to say Wal-Mart is rocking in my house.  The seahorse picture is from Home Goods.  Topiary- thrift store....I know, I'm a lucky gal!  Don't know about you guys, but I LOVE IT and I know my fur babies do tooooooo!

It's been a LONG hot day, off to bed...Night!

HAMM DECOR | Kyler's Bedroom - The Research Center

Of all of the home decor projects I have done so far, I can say this was my favorite.  I'm not sure if it is because we took Kyler's room from "little boy" to "young man" or if it was the theme.   I can even venture to say, maybe it was because he had so much input and was really excited about the shark/research theme.

With any makeover, it's a must that I post before pictures.  Allow me to apologize NOW for my picures.  When I took these, the concept of a blog was not even born.  These were for me to show to my friends and family.  As we move forward and post additional pictures on the blog, there will be better step-by-step pictures, PROMISE!

Here are the deets.  Kyler's bedroom was the smallest bedroom, completely appropriate for a kiddo. The walls were cream colored and textured.  His nursery big boy room was a vintage sports themed room, even had an AHMAZING baseball ceiling fan and a super cool picture of dad playing at the football state championship in high school.  

We transitioned into the bunk/loft bed and honestly, bought the bed for a steal off of Craigslist.  Of course, it came with its own decor of stickers and marker.  Kyler, ahem, added to this incredible design motif.

This bedroom was 10x11, so getting pictures was pretty hard.  You will even see shadows in some of the pictures as I placed my finger in the way of the flash.  

It's almost not fair that I cannot get the whole room in its amazing glory. (SIDE NOTE: I now know to "clean" the room for the "before" pics- lesson learned!)  So WHERE do we go from here?

Like the rest of the house, we decorated in gray and blue.  You will see I have become pretty partial to these colors.  I change things so often, the classic neutrals are a necessity.

The bedroom had to have practical storage and use for the kiddo.  Including MASSIVE storage to build with Legos.

• We painted the loft bed with "boo boo" paint from Sherwin-Williams ($15/gallon).  This was an enamel paint that dried fast and had a hard protective layer, but boy did it STINK. 
• The "RESEARCH CENTER" letters are the wood letters from Hobby Lobby.  They were $1.25 each (on sale of course) and we used paneling nails to put those into the wood.  
• The little rugs that "lead" you into the research center (where there is an amazing aquarium full of swimming species of sorts) were purchased for $5 each.
• The shark print was made up of several pieces, all DIY of course.  Total cost for the print itself was $10.  It's an engineered print.  Read more here: Inspiration and Tips for Making Large Engineering Prints

KGH Headquarters is an assembly of Kobalt garage shelving from Lowes.  We needed items that would be durable, even if kiddo decided to swing from the shelving...although I am SURE no one else out there has a boy that would even consider doing such a thing.

The shelving held all of Kyler's legos, a small area for him to build, and the components for his television. AWESOME use of space.

On the wall were three magazine racks purchased from TJ Maxx.  Each cost $15.  When you have two girls prior to a boy, there are a lot of reading materials laying around for the kiddo to breeze through.  Project: Inquiry was born.

With any home decor and DIY project are the details.  I don't know why, but this was my fav find.  It's a pendant lamp from Lowe's.  I found it on the clearance aisle for $40.  Keeping the ceiling fan was not a great idea for the kiddos head.

I don't know about you, but this space looks great and was functional for a young man ready to take on the world of engineering and research.  Dream away and accomplish all God would have you do!  

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) | For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

HAMM DECOR | The House We Made a Home!

Home decor (aka Hamm Decor) is one of my therapeutic outlets. For those who know me, I am often CONSTANTLY looking for opportunities to decorate...something. Yes, I am that Pinteresty chick, maybe an original, but nonetheless....UBER creative.  The people at Lowes, Home Depot and Hobby Lobby know me by name.  I. AM. NOT. KIDDING. 

I want to share some of the projects from our home and share some stories along the way. I'm hoping you will be inspired in the process, too!

In 2001, we built our first home.  Nothing fancy, a white, ranch vinyl siding home with a double-car garage for just the two of us, three cats and two labrador retrievers, snuggled in at a little over 1,200 square feet, with three bedrooms and two baths. In the words of my pastor, Joel Hendricks or PJ, I'm not trying to be "bragadocious"...we were blessed to build our first home and worked hard for what we have. Oh, might I add that we lived with my hubby's aunt for one year and rented one year, trying to save up for our down payment.

For twelve years, we celebrated blessings abundantly here.  This is where we brought our children home from the hospital, celebrated first birthdays, Christmases (my fav holiday, btw), Thanksgivings, anniversaries, several lifetime milestones, all within this amazing home.  

This series of posts will share the Hamm decor of the rooms within!  Two that were featured on the front page of HGTV's Rate My Space.  Stay tuned to see the makeovers:  The Girls' Room, Kyler's Bedroom, The Master Bedroom, and An Open Concept Kitchen.  When working with these spaces, I will share the "Before and After" photos to help you with affordable, DIY inspiration in your home.  ARE YOU READY? I sure hope so....because this house we made a home!

I am not a fan of Mother's Day

TONS of Mother's Day posts and pictures started popping up on my Facebook account this morning; including several text messages and Facebook messages from family, friends and former students for me.  For this, I am truly thankful.

Allow me to be honest, I am not a fan of Mother’s Day.  Now before you send out the mob to knock me around, allow me to share.  

I am an only child.  Please do not feel sorry for me in any way, I had wonderful imaginary friends, an exorbitant amount of stuffed animals, and fantastic childhood friends, many of whom I still share life with. 

Growing up, I was positive I was not going to be a wife or mother.  I wanted to travel the world, speak several foreign languages and make lots of money in corporate America.  Where would I fit a marriage or family into this formula?  Much less time for church.

But, as you can see that changed.  It’s unexplainable what God chose for me; my plan, nowhere near His, or so I thought.

When my second daughter was born, that was the last time I saw my mom.  Kaidence is 11 years old now.  My mom is still alive, but we are estranged.  See, my mother has a dependent personality and is grossly controlled by outside influences.  

I have struggled for more years than I would like to admit about forgiveness, as God would have me do.  I have beat myself up thinking that I am a terrible Christian because of my bitter and anger towards the person who brought me into this world.  It wasn’t until I had children, that I realized I wasn’t truly angry or bitter.  I was mad with the disease and choices she made that took my mother away from me.

I pray for my mom every day.  Sometimes, multiple times a day, as I see things that remind me of her OR my children do something that I wish I could share.  Until that day comes, I will not cease praying for my mom and I ask you to do the same.  “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13

I am NOT a fan of Mother’s Day!  I am a fan of 365 days I get to be a mother.  I am a fan that God chose me to have three biological children and ‘dopt another, with THE MOST AMAZING man ever.  Today, I am not celebrating Mother’s Day.  Today, I celebrate: Happy Dr. Pastor Mama Ugly Face Day, because God chose me to raise and love these little humans in Him. 

A Blog is Born | A Hot Hamm Mess

In South Carolina, born and raised, with their children is where they spent most of their days. Playing out back and shuffling kids to sports when a blonde boy appeared in a t-shirt and shorts. 

When God called to them and said, “Make him part of your fam!” and the Hamm’s said “Whoa now! That’s not part of our plan!” God just laughed and said “Just see what I have in store!” and this family of five had to make room for one more.

The Hamm family was a family of five: Mom (Theresa, aka Tee or Ugly Face), Dad (Gabe, aka Big Daddy or Bob) and three precious tan skinned, dark haired, brown-eyed children, Kira, Kaidence and Kyler. 

One day God placed a tiny, pale skinned, blonde hair, blue-eyed boy in their path and said, “Guess what?! He’s one of you!”...and Noah became part of the madness.  The Hamm family was complete. 

From that point on the adventure continued and the blessings flowed. This family is proof of Jeremiah 29:11-13, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 

No one knows what the Lord has in store for them, but they trust His will and follow His plan the best they can.  They know at times, it will be A Hot Hamm Mess, but what a beautiful, blessed mess it is!

Photo credit: Mary Mason Photography | http://www.marymasonphotography.com/ 

Blog intro credit: Mrs. Ashley Ellison, Noah's AMAZING first grade teacher and friend