The Best of Maison de Pax 2014
Is it really almost 2015? I can’t believe it… This little project of mine has grown exponentially in this last year, and I have YOU ALL to thank. I can’t believe how much encouragement and sharing has gone on, and I am humbled. In case you are a recent addition to the family or you simply missed something this past year, I’ve collected all my top posts from 2014. All in one place.
In January, I shared updates to my office, including tips for choosing the right paint color and how to update a bookcase with DIY decorative molding. I also shared my favorite and easiest seasonal decorating tip and a killer blackberry cobbler – just 7 ingredients you likely already have on hand and the option to put them in mason jars for individual servings? Yes, please.
In Feburary, I got in touch with my inner Valentine with my Anthro-inspired XO pillows and my “love note” throw (which makes a great Valentine’s Day present, by the way). Your favorite projects, though, were my paint tutorials: how to get the chippy look using chalk-based paint and how to give wood a painted, aged look (using an Ikea stool).
In March, my biggest project was our planked attic renovation, and my tutorial on how to whitewash wood was one of my all-time reader favorites. We also finished the facelift on our guest/kid’s bathroom.
April was a flurry of a month – opening my Etsy shop and getting ready for baby #3. We finished the major work in the attic with our stairwell bookcase made from reclaimed wood and my simple bedside table makeover. Your favorites that month, though, were two chalk-based paint tutorials: how to paint mason jars and my PB crib knock off.
In May, my baby girl was born! But since she was almost two weeks late, I was able to finish her nursery (which might be my favorite room in the house – so peaceful and serene) and share how I gave her clock a chippy white finish, made her blackout curtains and refinished an antique farmhouse dresser for her changing table. The most popular post, though, was another all-time reader favorite: monogrammed chalk slates.
June was mostly spent snuggling with my new baby girl, but I did manage to celebrate my 10th anniversary with a handmade sign and share my summer home tour.
July was celebrated with this amazing DIY planked American flag and more summer fun with my paint-washed terra cotta pots. The favorite of the month, though, was our before-and-after home tour.
In August, my chalk and milk paint tutorials took the cake again with how to create green patina and how to faux plank a desk top.
Fall kicked off with our home tour in September. You all seemed to love my homemade foccaccia (and I know why… just a few ingredients and fool-proof, delicious homemade bread!). My favorite, though, was probably our industrial spool turned patio table.
October brought more fall home tours and one of my favorites for the year: this gorgeous DIY eucalyptus wreath.
November started with some Christmas projects, including my DIY marquee lights and thrift store sweaters turned stockings. But my favorite post of the month was probably the post on defining thankfulness.
And here we are: December. Wow. This month naturally brought a Christmas home tour, full of clever DIYs like a curtain rod stocking hanger, burlap wrapped rosemary trees, book page bunting for the tree, and more. But the most special project for me this year was the French-influenced Christmas decor, which inspired my French dining set makeover and my rustic and chic library. Now if only I could leave all these decorations up all year…
I also hope you caught my special night time Christmas tour. If you love the twinkling glow of Christmas lights as much as I do and need one more fix before everything gets packed away until next year, be sure to take a look.
And now, here’s to 2015! May you find peace, joy, and hope in this upcoming year. Thank you so much for stopping by.
So many beautiful projects in 2014 and looking forward to yours in 2015!
Thank you, Shirley! Happy New Year!!
Thank you for posting this Rachel, since I missed the earlier part of the year I can get caught up.
You are so welcome. Thank you for joining the Maison de Pax family and sticking with it! 🙂
I remember loving so many of these throughout the year. You are so incredibly talented, Rachel. Hope you have a wonderful 2015!
You’re the best, Lauren! By the way, many congratulations on your fabulous feature over at Remodelaholic… that fireplace is STUNNING!! xoxo
Wow- what a year full of beautiful and amazing projects Rachel- the most beautiful of which is your darling baby girl. I can’t believe all that you managed to do and share at the same time as managing your growing family. It was amazing to have the opportunity to meet you this year:) I look forward to following along in 2015!
~Krista
2014 was quite a year! And Juliet is pretty wonderful… though I’m not quite sure how I managed it all either! 😉 Hope your 2015 is wonderful! xoxo
A. Seriously great post. I adore how much amazing stuff you squeezed into it.
B. I’m realizing how much I’ve missed since I’ve been so caught up just trying to manage my own blog. Maybe I should just quit blogging and read Maison de Pax from now on. 🙂
Ha! I always feel the same way, Jen… I NEVER have time to read other blogs like I’d like! But so glad to have gotten to “know” you more this year… Happy New Year! (Oh, and don’t stop – we’d all miss out if you did!!)
I am so glad i found your blog and have truly enjoyed it and am looking forward to 2015. Have a Happy New Year.
I’m so glad you found me, too, Marlene. Happy happy New Year!!
I am beyond amazed at how much you’ve accomplished this year! Your projects are stunning {especially little Juliet}. I’m so glad we got to meet this year and can’t wait until I see you again! Happy New Year friend. xoxo.
Oh, Sarah, you are so kind! Juliet is definitely a keeper, isn’t she? 😉 Here’s to 2015! xoxo
So many amazing posts, Rachel! I’m off to read and pin some of these!! 😉
Thanks, April! xoxo
Rachel, your blog and projects are so pretty. Great stuff this year. Best Wishes for an even better 2015. Happy new Year.
Thank you so much, Laura! I’m looking forward to this next adventure. 🙂 Happy New Year to you, too!!
You’ve had a great year, Rachel! I always love all of your projects.
Hugs, Jamie
You’re so sweet, Jamie. Thank you! Happy New Year!!
Rachel, I’ve loved getting to know you and your blog this year. I love everything you do + your photos are always so inspiring and stunning! I can’t wait to see everything you share in 2015!
Thank you, Chelsea! I feel the same about you. 🙂 Hope you had a wonderful New Year!