Archive for May, 2011

Cheers!

Friday, May 27th, 2011

Last week I showed you our painted built-in bookshelves in our new house. Phase II of the built-in transformation was to set up the small back shelves with our bar ware. Phase I was painting them Indigo Batik.

built-in bar

built-in bar -- close up

built-in bar

We were eager to figure out a way to replicate our bar closet from our old house that we loved so much. The open shelves and built-in cabinet below offer the perfect arrangement for pretty glasses on display and functional pieces stashed away.

We added individual lights beneath each of the wooden shelves to get the same dramatic effect we had from the overhead lights that poured through the glass shelving in the old house. And, obviously this time we went with paint instead of wall paper.

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend to those of you in the U.S. celebrating Memorial Day. Cheers!

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The List

Tuesday, May 24th, 2011

I’m still making gradual progress on my list.  I just checked off #4  - which was a big one!  Now on to a few of the smaller projects.

I’m still taking a short break from sewing, but the porch swing refresh is almost done.  This week, I’m bringing the chandelier for Violet’s room to the lighting repair shop to be rewired.

I found this vintage piece on ebay for $30, and I can’t wait to see it hanging in Violet’s room!  If you are interested in something similar, you can search for “Vintage Tole Chandelier” on ebay.

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Stationery Love

Friday, May 20th, 2011

The National Stationery Show took place this past Sunday-Wednesday in New York. I was not in attendance this year, but I have been drooling over all the images I’ve seen posted on the web this week. Seeing the fresh design and fun booth set-ups always gets my creative juices flowing. The following images are all from Oh So Beautiful Paper, who each year, has great coverage of the show. Do you have any favorites?

Hammerpress

Smock

Hello Lucky!

Mr. Boddington’s Studio

Suzy Jack

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Porch Progress

Wednesday, May 18th, 2011

Two cushions down!  After I finished the cushion for the new window bench in the guest room, I moved right on to the cushion for the front porch swing.

Oh, and the new outdoor rug is in place!  I love the navy cushion against the taupe rug and stucco.

Now I just need to get motivated to whip up the pillows, but I’m a little sewn-out at the moment…  I’ll get to it soon!

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Indigo Batik

Monday, May 16th, 2011

Just a quick post since things are still a bit crazy around the new house. We tackled the den this weekend, which is where we’ll likely spend most of our evenings. The main feature is the painted built-in bookshelves.

The backs were painted a rich red. This isn’t really a fair before and after, since the photo below was taken before we bought the house. I completely forgot to snap a shot of the space either empty or with our own furniture.

Once I decided I wanted a dark blue for the bookshelves, I simply snagged Rachel’s “Indigo Batik” by Sherwin Williams that she used in Nathan’s nursery and ran with it. I’m super-excited about the results!

Next week, I’ll show you the back wall where we built our bar!

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Oh, Patio

Thursday, May 12th, 2011

So how many of you have been following John’s patio project over at Young House Love? Are you as impressed as I am? It looks so professional and really makes me want to hang out back there! This is their before pic:

{ image from young house love }

And after:

{ image from young house love }

{ image from young house love }

Seeing him complete this project, with step-by-step instructions, has really got me inspired to get to work on my own backyard. You may remember that my yard currently looks like this:

Last year I created this little mock-up showing my ideas for an outdoor space. I think my husband and I might really be able to tackle this by ourselves. We’re going to check our schedules and our budget to figure out a good time to get started…I’m thinking maybe towards the end of summer. Has anyone else taken on a patio or outdoor living space? Do you have advice for a novice?

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Tea for Three

Tuesday, May 10th, 2011

I’ve been meaning to share a little peak of how Violet and I celebrated the royal wedding.  She was so excited to see an actual princess wedding, and I couldn’t resist making a little bit of an occasion out of it.  So, we had a friend over for tea on Friday afternoon and watched the ceremony during Nathan’s nap.

We made lemon scones and tea and brought in some fresh cut peonies from our yard.  We even had our own homemade “fascinator” hats!  It was a treat and something I hope Violet will remember like I remember watching Princess Diana’s wedding with my mom.

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Garden Growth

Thursday, May 5th, 2011

A couple of months ago I shared with you the small plot of land my husband and I dug up to turn into our new garden.

After lots of watering and waiting, I’m finally seeing some of those little seedlings popping through the surface! After thinking I have a black thumb, it’s definitely rewarding to see something happening.

Most likely, we still have another 6-8 weeks before we’ll get to enjoy the fruits of our labor…but I can’t wait! Peas, carrots, zucchini, lettuce…yum.

On another note, if you have any tips about keeping unwanted bugs away please advise. I’ve started noticing some of the leaves being eaten and I don’t want to lose the plants after my efforts.

What are you growing this spring?

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Shiny and New

Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011

The second coat of stain went on our floors this morning and boy does it smell terrible in here!  At least the view from our family room looks great (minus a few little finger prints on the french door).

I’m hoping we can move back into the living and dining rooms tomorrow, because right now our family room is also the storage room.  We’re a little cramped.

It’s a small price to pay for shiny new floors and radiator free rooms.  Time to head back outside for more fresh air!

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Montauk Nest Chair by West Elm

Monday, May 2nd, 2011

I love the Montauk Nest Chair* by West Elm. I have two in mind for our new living room, though my co-designer/husband says, “No way!” I think he’s hung up on the fact that they are outdoor chairs; I might agree after seeing them in person. But until he, or they, prove me wrong I say, “What’s wrong with bringing an outdoor chair indoors?” If the shoe fits…

West Elm "Montauk Nest" Chair

What do you think? Have you seen these up close? Am I crazy? I really like the washed grey color and I would put more of an “indoor” upholstered cushion on the seats. They look so lounge-y without being heavy or stuffy.

I’m not giving up…

*it appears the chair isn’t available on the website; I originally saw it in the catalog

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