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Live Laugh Rowe

Live Laugh Rowe

A lifestyle blog that shares crafts, recipes, tutorials and life's moments.

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A Southern Romance with Phantom Screens

05/06/2015 · Kelly Rowe · 14 Comments

This post may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Let’s talk a little bit about a Southern Romance with Phantom Screens — a couple of days filled with old and new friends and learning about dreams coming true!

On occasion, I get to be a part of something pretty darn cool.  Last month was one of those occasions. Earlier this year, I received a flattering invitation from Phantom Screens to join them (and seven other bloggers) in Mobile, Alabama to learn more about an incredible house renovation that was taking place.

A Southern Romance with Phantom Screens. Bloggers - Live Laugh RoweOf course when I accepted the invitation I had no idea I was going to be hanging out with so many friends — and Phantom Screens had no idea how many of us already knew each other.  It was such a blast!  If you’re not acquainted with all of them, you really should swing by and take a look around.

Shannon: AKA Designs | Beth: Unskinny Boppy | Shannon: Fox Hollow Cottage
ME!! | Robin: Renovation Bootcamp | Rhoda: Southern Hospitality
Debbie: Refresh Restyle |KariAnne: Thistlewood Farms

This trip was the result of a dream.  A dream that Esther De Wolde (CEO of Phantom Screens) has had for years and is now getting to see it come to fruition! This dream is actually #67  on Esther’s bucket list (awesome-sauce). She’s always wanted to restore an old southern home to it’s former glory, so when the opportunity presented itself, her Southern Romance began.  Woo Hoo!

A Southern Romance with Phantom ScreenNow, I could share with you how Phantom Screens wined and dined us!  And I could tell you all about the lovely Fort Conde Inn we stayed at (and how the week before our arrival, Matthew McConaughey had stayed there).  I could even describe all of the wonderful swag and food we got as well.  However,  I’m not going to…  I don’t think those details embrace why we were really there — we were there to hear about Esther’s dream and become better acquainted with the Southern Romance project taking place at The Morgan-Ford Home, a 1906 arts and craft bungalow.

A Southern Romance with Phantom Screens. The Morgan-Ford HouseIf a house could be lucky — well, this one is just that… lucky!  Esther and Phantom Screens have teamed with Danny Lipford (host of Today’s Homeowner TV show) for this renovation.  Danny is her General Contractor.  It’s incredible how friendships and business relationships can morph into making dreams come true, isn’t it?  p.s.  Danny is all kinds of awesome.  The nicest guy!

A Southern Romance with Phantom Screens. Meeting Danny Lipford.I’ll share some pictures (courtesy of Phantom Screens) of the home before it was gutted down to the wooded studs (which is what we saw).  In hearing from Esther and then seeing these photos, it’s hard not to imagine the memories that were made within these walls.

A Southern Romance with Phantom Screens. Kitchen - Live Laugh RoweOld Kitchen

A Southern Romance with Phantom Screens. Mary's Pantry - Live Laugh RoweMary’s Pantry

A Southern Romance with Phantom Screens. Dining Room.Dining Room

A Southern Romance with Phantom Screens. Dog Run.Main Hall.  You can see from the back door to the front door (aka dog run).
Here is what this hall looked like when we visited:

A Southern Romance with Phantom Screens. Gutted Main HallPhantom Screens had placed an easel with a mood board on it in each room, allowing us to see a before picture and some of the stunning inspiration for the final design of each room.

A Southern Romance with Phantom Screens. After Esther gave us a tour and shared about the history of the home and her hopes of keeping some of the character in the home (i.e. fireplaces, etc), we were able to go our separate ways to walk through the house, read the boards, and soak up the sights and sounds of the construction.

A Southern Romance with Phantom ScreensAs I walked back through some of the rooms, I was reminded of the old song, “If these walls Could Speak” by Amy Grant.  A favorite of mine, for sure…

If these old walls
If these old walls could speak
Of things that they remembered well
Stories and faces dearly held
A couple in love
Livin’ week to week
Rooms full of laughter
If these walls could speak 

If these old halls
If hallowed halls could talk
These would have a tale to tell
Of sun goin’ down and dinner bell
And children playing at hide and seek
From floor to rafter
If these halls could speak 

They would tell you that I’m sorry
For bein’ cold and blind and weak
They would tell you that it’s only
That I have a stubborn streak
If these walls could speak

If these old fashioned window panes were eyes
I guess they would have seen it all
Each little tear and sigh and footfall
And every dream that we came to seek
Or followed after
If these walls could speak 

The bones of a home could tell so many stories.  While this home is going through renovations, it’s also starting a brand new story — one that Esther is unfolding! Eeeeks!  Isn’t that exciting?

While in Mobile, we got to watch Episode 6 (see below) before it was posted on-line…  a sneak peek of sorts.


Episode 6: Decisions, Dilemmas and Deliberations from Phantom Mfg. (Int’l) Ltd. on Vimeo.

Watching Esther cry in this episode really showed her true passion for this project.  Having 5,000 miles between you and your project has to be tough, and this episode really brought that element to life.  At that moment, I was incredibly honored to be there, brushing shoulders with her and her marketing team (Kristina, Paul and Richard).

I could keep writing — there’s so much to tell, but I’m nearing 1000 words which might be a record for me (hee-hee).  So,  I’ll leave you with this, I’d love for you join me as I follow along with this southern home renovation.  It’s going to be magical!

xo KellyBe sure to visit with me here too:
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I was invited with 7 other bloggers to Mobile, AL for this Southern Romance experience.  Phantom Screens paid for our trip, including airfare and hotel.  All opinions are my own.
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about kelly

ABOUT KELLY

A DIY fanatic, Kelly shares her journey through her blog, Live Laugh Rowe, where she showcases her recipes, tutorials, crafts, home projects, and all things DIY. This East Coast Girl at heart believes family is number one as she finds the perfect balance of being a daughter, wife, sister, entrepreneur, writer and woman of God. Be sure to follow along as she shares her passion for life, love and family! Read more...

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Comments

  1. Claire says

    05/06/2015 at 10:58 am

    Oooh – goosebumps! I love renovating old homes and this one just oozes with so much history and potential. And what an amazing group of gals!! How fun is that??
    Can’t wait to see the home when it’s finished. xo

    Reply
    • Kelly Rowe says

      05/07/2015 at 6:35 am

      Thanks so much friend! 🙂 It will be amazing to see the transformation! Have a wonderful day! HUGS.

  2. Gina says

    05/06/2015 at 12:12 pm

    Oh what a fun experience – with so many I love. That house is going to be incredible – I can see all that potential!!

    Reply
    • Kelly Rowe says

      05/07/2015 at 6:34 am

      Thanks Gina. It’s exciting to watch the transformation take place…I’m excited to be able to share it with you. 🙂 HUGS.

  3. Sondra says

    05/06/2015 at 2:46 pm

    What an awesome undertaking! And what fun to be able to tour it and see the ‘before’. Thanks for sharing… I’ll be following along!

    Reply
    • Kelly Rowe says

      05/07/2015 at 6:32 am

      Thanks Sondra! I’m thrilled to be a part of it. 🙂 Have a wonderful day. xo.

  4. Amy Anderson says

    05/10/2015 at 10:06 pm

    This is SO cool! I can’t wait to see the transformation!

    Reply
    • Kelly Rowe says

      05/21/2015 at 7:01 am

      I agree, Amy! I’m anxious to see the progress and transformation as well. It’s exciting to a part of this venture. 🙂 xo.

  5. kara says

    05/11/2015 at 1:03 am

    i love love love old home renovations….especially old southern homes! Love seeing all the potential and then the before/after side by side! Cant wait to see more!

    Reply
    • Kelly Rowe says

      05/21/2015 at 7:00 am

      It’s so exciting to be a part of this venture! ..and I couldn’t agree more about home renovations and seeing the before/afters. I look forward to sharing the progress with you. 🙂 Have a wonderful day. HUGS.

  6. Stacy says

    05/11/2015 at 12:36 pm

    What an amazing thing to be a part of!

    Reply
    • Kelly Rowe says

      05/21/2015 at 6:57 am

      I couldn’t agree more Stacy! I look forward to sharing more with everyone in the coming days. 🙂 Have a wonderful day! xo.

  7. Debbie @ Refresh Restyle says

    05/12/2015 at 8:38 pm

    I think we should move in when Esther finishes 😉
    xo
    Debbie

    Reply
    • Kelly Rowe says

      05/12/2015 at 11:26 pm

      I agree!! How fun would it be to have as a bloggers retreat spot?? Hugs to you, friend!

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