tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13602342703792672302024-03-13T14:59:29.409-04:00Designing BlissInspiring Interiors, Small Space Living, DIY and Budget DecoratingUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360234270379267230.post-33098823153122149062010-10-27T15:19:00.000-04:002010-10-27T15:19:41.642-04:00A Done in a Day Project For The MantleI bought two of these sweet little ceramic urn vases at a local thrift store on 50% off day so I paid just $2.50 each. One had an "as is" sticker, but it was just because of a small stain. I just turn the stained area to the wall. I mean for $2.50 who cares about a little stain?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidciFhRy8HfvFZkzkroqFmzql2JXM-fhqZazFcpm6I9tLEHUDIaYiAIppVeQD4xgXF6u6Kcz_i2Zl1wgH5_NCMyHLr8_YnwCa8cKQzdysVtj7Ug8OhGC9B2gNXHbu8KyjuXZZ4wA4fAOe/s1600/IMG_0409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidciFhRy8HfvFZkzkroqFmzql2JXM-fhqZazFcpm6I9tLEHUDIaYiAIppVeQD4xgXF6u6Kcz_i2Zl1wgH5_NCMyHLr8_YnwCa8cKQzdysVtj7Ug8OhGC9B2gNXHbu8KyjuXZZ4wA4fAOe/s320/IMG_0409.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Then the dilemma began as to what to put in the little urns (that I had determined would go on the mantle). I don't have a cutting garden and I can't afford to buy fresh flowers weekly to keep them filled, but I really wanted something "green" but not an artificial plant. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I finally decided on decorative moss balls. Since I needed a very specific size to fit perfectly into each vase opening, I decided to make my own.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I picked up two foam balls and a sheet of the instant green moss at JoAnn's which ended up being super cheap because I had those handy 50% off coupons.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmrt5LRAOqDTbKLehYAw6JzIhIxGq898xTj8Y_WAw0b49ZYttRgCH6OHABrsnv0HwasCIQQvPgbpK74yL7ETbJ1o4uIuVjgHZLiXyKNwoWVDvI6AyJSSn4S87tKvDEUPZI6iv6gwe1nqj/s1600/IMG_0477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmrt5LRAOqDTbKLehYAw6JzIhIxGq898xTj8Y_WAw0b49ZYttRgCH6OHABrsnv0HwasCIQQvPgbpK74yL7ETbJ1o4uIuVjgHZLiXyKNwoWVDvI6AyJSSn4S87tKvDEUPZI6iv6gwe1nqj/s320/IMG_0477.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I got out my trusty glue gun and got down to it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqer3iQ1IzMA5XLU6Kt4KITwG8sDArKx3VibP6SXJazHi8zYHT8lYdhbgizxM6cpAcFqDZ8wgE9N2PxFyi7kuZOtenqQhuqOkfIzeIRulogyu5DECRdEgFj7r7BMEBVwOoDCKSTldcTbP/s1600/IMG_0478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqer3iQ1IzMA5XLU6Kt4KITwG8sDArKx3VibP6SXJazHi8zYHT8lYdhbgizxM6cpAcFqDZ8wgE9N2PxFyi7kuZOtenqQhuqOkfIzeIRulogyu5DECRdEgFj7r7BMEBVwOoDCKSTldcTbP/s320/IMG_0478.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And many minor and one major (ugly, blistering) burns later, my moss balls were done and looking lovely in their little vases.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDF6u-_zlNbMHSPjlgZeQgWW7RDyh2yzNgqHRNIuKfJ2tLIc-QpHTyt894Wxt8NS5L96IVmtNZ10tZL0naySt2HjtIqUBRz7a7cMJBUndtC3MONUki0Z0CGj8swN3CvQIVex0HYfHuLPy/s1600/IMG_0480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDF6u-_zlNbMHSPjlgZeQgWW7RDyh2yzNgqHRNIuKfJ2tLIc-QpHTyt894Wxt8NS5L96IVmtNZ10tZL0naySt2HjtIqUBRz7a7cMJBUndtC3MONUki0Z0CGj8swN3CvQIVex0HYfHuLPy/s320/IMG_0480.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-pQqSJCbBxeI4al1pKkPvycCONYcxVEu5OPCjtKlBaRRcMr0Pgit30YY2Xzsgb9tsjV-jJQMXfyoAqhOMgIzQO1lQg90YbHmtRQixbDPOzXs9lKNwSekTZPnTi_DhhLwdur4YAsov2KE/s1600/IMG_0481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-pQqSJCbBxeI4al1pKkPvycCONYcxVEu5OPCjtKlBaRRcMr0Pgit30YY2Xzsgb9tsjV-jJQMXfyoAqhOMgIzQO1lQg90YbHmtRQixbDPOzXs9lKNwSekTZPnTi_DhhLwdur4YAsov2KE/s320/IMG_0481.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm still awaiting the arrival of <a href="http://designingbliss.blogspot.com/2010/08/spend-or-save-carved-candlesticks-for.html">these candlesticks I ordered from Restoration Hardware</a> that will eventually flank either end of the mantel. However, I just received yet another notice from Resto that they are delayed until "early November" so who knows? It may look like this until the Christmas decorations go up in a few weeks.<br />
<br />
Off to work....</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360234270379267230.post-19324876911611355292010-10-18T16:18:00.000-04:002010-10-18T16:18:51.016-04:00The Foyer (finally) Got Its MakeoverI've said it before and, sadly, I must say it again, I'm a bad blogger. I can't believe it's been a month since I last posted.<br />
<br />
I actually tried to post a few times but was unsuccessful. I won't bore you with too much detail but I took my macbook to the "genius bar" at the local Apple store to have it upgraded and he accidentally wiped out my hard drive. Yeah....it hurt. Still hurts to remember it. After the Apple expert (stuck to the experts on their phone help line this time) patiently worked with me over several days, we restored much of the drive but some things just don't work the same way.<br />
<br />
I tried a few times to post and just as I was finishing up the post, it would abruptly "blow up". Nothing. Everything wiped out. My choices were to throw the laptop at the wall, cry or shut the lid and walk away. I chose walking away cause I really need the laptop and crying....well, it isn't much fun is it?<br />
<br />
So a month later, here I am. I've been crazy busy and my business is really picking up (yay!!). Still, I've been finding time for lots of little projects that I plan to share. <br />
<br />
We left off with my <a href="http://designingbliss.blogspot.com/">foyer that I wanted to makeover.</a> After having had my garage sale, I had a pretty good grip on what I had stashed away. So I decided on a wall of retro images .... mostly black and white with just a couple in color and I actually found ones I like within the same color group. I also had a nice supply of black frames and white mats.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMJfI9LEjhkvZNki8HJLMIGqkx6U402j70xcxW9xlkokE1_qXl9IGbG9IB8iliXV3FhmUoUjrKP9H9WMhqeXySvpLNxC1GrCOqfmeV1CQFDhzZ2_0fP2TASI4SNE6EHEGlu-6Y8XaPvJJ/s1600/IMG_0487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMJfI9LEjhkvZNki8HJLMIGqkx6U402j70xcxW9xlkokE1_qXl9IGbG9IB8iliXV3FhmUoUjrKP9H9WMhqeXySvpLNxC1GrCOqfmeV1CQFDhzZ2_0fP2TASI4SNE6EHEGlu-6Y8XaPvJJ/s320/IMG_0487.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>For this frame, I just pulled three vintage looking post cards from a book of post cards I purchased...ummm...well, a loooong time ago. I think it was while living in my second apartment. Wow, I kept those things for a ridiculously long time. But hey, they did come in handy :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhIeecNlsNJAGRrNhOi9k554BBmk1KTCvTdn8fi8tEdUQguZEBPKrBQJ8ao_xpzCBQuYAue_oMLFn8Ohs3aW2QGy3pHXNPCHY1V03RnKx6zK_6mQ5W86pQ7Dc9QBJTVTUrTm4G0hKqRAA/s1600/IMG_0488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhIeecNlsNJAGRrNhOi9k554BBmk1KTCvTdn8fi8tEdUQguZEBPKrBQJ8ao_xpzCBQuYAue_oMLFn8Ohs3aW2QGy3pHXNPCHY1V03RnKx6zK_6mQ5W86pQ7Dc9QBJTVTUrTm4G0hKqRAA/s320/IMG_0488.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>This black and white exhibition poster I bought at an artists studio in Cleveland's Little Italy on one of the art walks I attended about 13 years ago. They had a ton of old advertisements and posters in cheap plastic frames for about $1 each. I was looking for cheap art for my guest room and this fit the bill.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGCR7AHDyhiVq9s3LYiihfperQ4vsxHwgLrftEx87yj8Hti2HR_xQZm6zN9osV7fkK-g-XPwvXaS9mWHmz_06gdCaD6AmP9QLbqv-3pOpkLwHnaw7tn8N_0Oxhf2h-6mgz_LnfQOWsDqT/s1600/IMG_0489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGCR7AHDyhiVq9s3LYiihfperQ4vsxHwgLrftEx87yj8Hti2HR_xQZm6zN9osV7fkK-g-XPwvXaS9mWHmz_06gdCaD6AmP9QLbqv-3pOpkLwHnaw7tn8N_0Oxhf2h-6mgz_LnfQOWsDqT/s320/IMG_0489.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The sketch of Jackie Kennedy I cut from an old coffee table book on the 60s and the sketch of Grace Kelly I downloaded from the web. Both were chosen because I love their style. Jackie for obvious reasons. Grace because she was such a mystery and truly a classic movie star. No one has mystery today in the age of TMZ.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHpQHm41VfxTCr-r3qqELNw06X53dwuWZuNILpBH75XPaRc2_J_k1tryXDT-350c-76Rk5W75J0lwIFKzg7tefzSGdaqeZ1jtnENn01v6HvHTw7RDOPla8r1di6DdJgMwR08QYIuG01_Y/s1600/IMG_0491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHpQHm41VfxTCr-r3qqELNw06X53dwuWZuNILpBH75XPaRc2_J_k1tryXDT-350c-76Rk5W75J0lwIFKzg7tefzSGdaqeZ1jtnENn01v6HvHTw7RDOPla8r1di6DdJgMwR08QYIuG01_Y/s320/IMG_0491.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>This Derry & Tom's poster was purchased at the same art gallery as the exhibition poster, also in the same cheap plastic frame I bought it in. Derry & Tom's is an old London department store that no longer exists. I love that the oranges, tans and black echo the vintage post cards in the top frame.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rJYt18swdJ7bnKfRhuuzeF-qcT20O6trZ6TkOL1SmTR2tO8xFGHlCMFzGFnW2eFtz2XSPZwHos_d8jvDxJPdz9_AlNpL8VlRW-VAZ4Jv-waNIb1dK_XqTAhTs6BOyhpE3JUtU8pbV5Tu/s1600/IMG_0490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rJYt18swdJ7bnKfRhuuzeF-qcT20O6trZ6TkOL1SmTR2tO8xFGHlCMFzGFnW2eFtz2XSPZwHos_d8jvDxJPdz9_AlNpL8VlRW-VAZ4Jv-waNIb1dK_XqTAhTs6BOyhpE3JUtU8pbV5Tu/s320/IMG_0490.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>For my initials I just went to JoAnn Etc. and purchased those cheap wood letters and spray painted them white. This is my first and middle initial. I attempted to put my last name initial as well, but it chose to plunge to its death and shatter after I hung it. I did buy another one, but when that one also attempted to plunge to its death (I managed to catch it in time), I decided it was best to just leave it at these two. Who needs a last name? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13sGs2HXQt_Zmn6f8R9fnm_UsF8TGxl6es41KmoOtTGsndx5T2gF6YZv_9qcoX-rOWnR5n7pPBrifeCAeZYSlZZFIJxrvTshr4e6F9goTqYrJ9UMWGjzIMFJ0tBbFZxVAtWKznW_szXUF/s1600/IMG_0493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13sGs2HXQt_Zmn6f8R9fnm_UsF8TGxl6es41KmoOtTGsndx5T2gF6YZv_9qcoX-rOWnR5n7pPBrifeCAeZYSlZZFIJxrvTshr4e6F9goTqYrJ9UMWGjzIMFJ0tBbFZxVAtWKznW_szXUF/s320/IMG_0493.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Lastly, I cut this photo of a 60s art installation from the same book I cut Jackie's sketch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbUraMY3EEAgT9bEbRUZEF8IG1CoARpKUQiDx7r4AKe3rYv8N1HFS8QVsXk7IUiW5Lr4m62R781NlCBLs7VviUlusGkG6SjXupmFX-gTswlfM3XCPp86U-2YOtlwo3u2urHnpBrBSQZ9K/s1600/IMG_0492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbUraMY3EEAgT9bEbRUZEF8IG1CoARpKUQiDx7r4AKe3rYv8N1HFS8QVsXk7IUiW5Lr4m62R781NlCBLs7VviUlusGkG6SjXupmFX-gTswlfM3XCPp86U-2YOtlwo3u2urHnpBrBSQZ9K/s320/IMG_0492.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>On the other side, I simply swapped out the large gold mirror for this more contemporary mirror with coat hooks mounted on the sides. It was hard to get a good picture of it without getting major flash.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKqXmFJaZEiIo2WSfhfiEkSura14MSEA-tsqKARBSD6W0fQBpa01fvQLAZsmLl21ARLdGHeIsyZD_Jz7SDc5xeV3-4LSzeX0xyRWSuwpQJXBEDEG3uWidVVbJNSA9ZkKFM6bKRj1i3sJ9/s1600/IMG_0472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKqXmFJaZEiIo2WSfhfiEkSura14MSEA-tsqKARBSD6W0fQBpa01fvQLAZsmLl21ARLdGHeIsyZD_Jz7SDc5xeV3-4LSzeX0xyRWSuwpQJXBEDEG3uWidVVbJNSA9ZkKFM6bKRj1i3sJ9/s320/IMG_0472.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
So that's my use what you have makeover of my tiny foyer. Happily only one letter was harmed in the making of this foyer wall.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360234270379267230.post-35743565284325150662010-09-15T16:31:00.000-04:002010-09-15T16:31:42.801-04:00I'm baaack!After a rather painful episode involving the "genius bar" at my local Apple store, I finally have my macbook up and running and almost restored to its original magnificence. Some things are lost forever, but that's life right? Always hand over your laptop with great apprehension and never do so without backing up your hard drive before hand. Lesson learned.<br />
<br />
On to my current project. I'm giving my teeny tiny foyer a cheapo makeover. Prior to selling much of my junk this past weekend in a garage sale, one wall of my foyer looked like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRt7HGKW8wZdrtpyYTgFgv9l3sM0ObnVOpIwc-PkNTeOmii2pTpCNo0ROKX7gVFANiOA-BY8GkNENEwBYK-vD9JlSSTbsEZy8p564JKMjfCkoczpjx6h9F1bRmpBNsVle_crND2EcCHRSx/s1600/IMG_0370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRt7HGKW8wZdrtpyYTgFgv9l3sM0ObnVOpIwc-PkNTeOmii2pTpCNo0ROKX7gVFANiOA-BY8GkNENEwBYK-vD9JlSSTbsEZy8p564JKMjfCkoczpjx6h9F1bRmpBNsVle_crND2EcCHRSx/s400/IMG_0370.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The other side had a larger gold mirror (all of the mirrors sold in the garage sale - yay) that I forgot to photograph. Rather unremarkable but it served its purpose.<br />
<br />
For my makeover, I wanted to replace it with a larger more contemporary mirror. I haunted the aisles of the local Home Goods for weeks and this weekend finally hit pay dirt when I saw this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29aKLq0-DLEduhHgcu1DfPpkio-KhrGf5zbu06IDgpN_YRgAQwizEk4PEFk69FYQYHsoieSvn3d3o8oh5p9xXpM5rQIrkPLVDvnpAPbtFm18fZYh5_xBfGIoPujXteEP9vqJn5pw0CsGR/s1600/NewFoyerMirror.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29aKLq0-DLEduhHgcu1DfPpkio-KhrGf5zbu06IDgpN_YRgAQwizEk4PEFk69FYQYHsoieSvn3d3o8oh5p9xXpM5rQIrkPLVDvnpAPbtFm18fZYh5_xBfGIoPujXteEP9vqJn5pw0CsGR/s400/NewFoyerMirror.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Keep in mind it's actually upside down because that happened to be the way I pulled it out of the car and it was rather heavy so I elected not to mess with righting it until I'm ready to hang it (either tonight or tomorrow).<br />
<br />
Best part are these hooks (again, photographed upside down because I'm too lazy to go into iphoto and flip the picture)...4 in all...that you can hang your keys or a hoodie on to grab on your way out the door.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8JfOa21Um6leKiROxWCfhCpd-DrUlcaop1n3XgHmdWUWa8irWyO7RSMHht-FhzgzGbKf_YFfsD2_xTqNcJoUmKcCkT-rrIvZlxmqDscwWQriHISJ1zAlwONsIGg-He5uEYmPFPSy5m91/s1600/NewMirrorHook.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8JfOa21Um6leKiROxWCfhCpd-DrUlcaop1n3XgHmdWUWa8irWyO7RSMHht-FhzgzGbKf_YFfsD2_xTqNcJoUmKcCkT-rrIvZlxmqDscwWQriHISJ1zAlwONsIGg-He5uEYmPFPSy5m91/s400/NewMirrorHook.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>For the opposite wall, I'm going to cover it in black framed posters, photos, etc that I had around the house. I only had to purchase a couple small black frames from JoAnn's (using my 40% off coupons) for the few things that didn't already have frames. <br />
<br />
I can't wait to show it to you :).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360234270379267230.post-13695642406431495762010-09-01T16:55:00.000-04:002010-09-01T16:55:01.828-04:00Crisp White Bedding = Sweet DreamsBedrooms have been on my mind lately. Specifically, I love how virtually any color comes alive when it has some crisp white to contrast with...white wood trim, white bedding, white accessories. There's nothing like crisp, clean white bedding to make you want to crawl into bed and dream a little dream.<br />
<br />
Here are some real life (i.e. people like us) bedrooms from BHG readers.<br />
<br />
I love the way the soft yellows and gray play off the crisp white (not to mention the dark wood raised ceiling). The ghost chair is the perfect touch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxhfK2TcaRvyhCEyAHYVCtkUixl1rOF5lawh6LWOZXqRtnpl0PINwm5BEGmFYIy0q02zM73omwf2jwiTf_rb-e1pSfrBy-o79l34keLypnsa5as-A3x50Mjg7_ZWg3bpdcPbBMItBapNS/s1600/Bedroom_SoftGrayYellow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxhfK2TcaRvyhCEyAHYVCtkUixl1rOF5lawh6LWOZXqRtnpl0PINwm5BEGmFYIy0q02zM73omwf2jwiTf_rb-e1pSfrBy-o79l34keLypnsa5as-A3x50Mjg7_ZWg3bpdcPbBMItBapNS/s400/Bedroom_SoftGrayYellow.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Sage and white...very sophisticated.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4oxysOOOiXv5-UINVP9q786djfurxxGk9jhA9_y2RIE_6Kg5gXzQ3tidZXwN4hNTDPAEN5lUmcWbODh5PAjEOqkyX8DSnUmLX7_Hz1TV6W6KeGNBn5j_W1we50XOffLxeqZYuWPQgZLE9/s1600/Bedroom_SageWht.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4oxysOOOiXv5-UINVP9q786djfurxxGk9jhA9_y2RIE_6Kg5gXzQ3tidZXwN4hNTDPAEN5lUmcWbODh5PAjEOqkyX8DSnUmLX7_Hz1TV6W6KeGNBn5j_W1we50XOffLxeqZYuWPQgZLE9/s320/Bedroom_SageWht.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Love the traditional navy and white with dark wood furniture.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYnOf9slGPg5x87T8Ja_pIduJ4TtXvCRF8WvjrCSw9_ouo5VGrFQm9PcOxjZQRbHdefy5ebfS2xJJWy36AmmpC_pT_fswtqsuhgnH-LHh_IVVYU1Co6mvwhBjMnImlpCQqSfm6fUhNf_j/s1600/Bedroom_NavyWht.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYnOf9slGPg5x87T8Ja_pIduJ4TtXvCRF8WvjrCSw9_ouo5VGrFQm9PcOxjZQRbHdefy5ebfS2xJJWy36AmmpC_pT_fswtqsuhgnH-LHh_IVVYU1Co6mvwhBjMnImlpCQqSfm6fUhNf_j/s320/Bedroom_NavyWht.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Chocolate walls and white bedding...soooo perfect.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8GkDb2jYQQYfCWOqInDlQN1gGK7BRa7DhoFv-j1dmQ2QtmYIs6KjwyvejQ9pMc8TAgveaHkU5k9uNsGTKxFPDMnBCthUwqRe5-cDc-orQncgy82A0gsu3PcIbAWHok_tPit6VNt0TZuy/s1600/Bedroom_ChocolateWht.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8GkDb2jYQQYfCWOqInDlQN1gGK7BRa7DhoFv-j1dmQ2QtmYIs6KjwyvejQ9pMc8TAgveaHkU5k9uNsGTKxFPDMnBCthUwqRe5-cDc-orQncgy82A0gsu3PcIbAWHok_tPit6VNt0TZuy/s320/Bedroom_ChocolateWht.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The picture below I included for just one reason...check out the floor. No, not the beautiful glossy dark finish...check out the stairs leading up to the glossy wood floors. The bed was placed on a platform within the bedroom. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't make it through one night in this bed. One trip to the potty at 2 AM and it's all over...<i>SPLAT.</i> Hurts just thinking about it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSR7lgAbJVbbw-6KjwEqnyRGY6KfXyMVPoGng5EmXIgGJzPJvz5-7GCT_he_HtMqmjF1BGA_jCjoiDferRZjRPokz0kUh7GMCKW-w1qW-yKG12jBBEn6dG-Yi5XZQas7bXii9G_iExqmek/s1600/Bedroom_Platform.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSR7lgAbJVbbw-6KjwEqnyRGY6KfXyMVPoGng5EmXIgGJzPJvz5-7GCT_he_HtMqmjF1BGA_jCjoiDferRZjRPokz0kUh7GMCKW-w1qW-yKG12jBBEn6dG-Yi5XZQas7bXii9G_iExqmek/s320/Bedroom_Platform.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>What are your favorite colors for a bedroom?<br />
<br />
p.s. Stay safe out there. No platforms in the bedroom <i>please.</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360234270379267230.post-78854215873994218372010-08-31T11:35:00.000-04:002010-08-31T11:35:24.794-04:00Spend or Save? Vintage French Linen PillowsIf you follow design blogs, chances are excellent that you've come across the new rage in throw pillows. They're usually made of vintage linen, burlap, grain or feed sacks and often have a few words in French or a symbol on them. And the range in prices for these babies is all over the board.<br />
<br />
Let's start with these very pretty versions from Tuesday Morning:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5O12J8xizb6ajnfYGuTJXvXq8ng4iN_72C-bWaTH6lusQVCKLX2WPNkQg55Hy4OazwaJdna6B4KXo1o2NqnxC_lMRx6QQwQMSpEnv9Mjd2nf0XdsAdDsjGQdow_YQSUwZBe-P5aWvwNrs/s1600/Pillows_TuesMorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5O12J8xizb6ajnfYGuTJXvXq8ng4iN_72C-bWaTH6lusQVCKLX2WPNkQg55Hy4OazwaJdna6B4KXo1o2NqnxC_lMRx6QQwQMSpEnv9Mjd2nf0XdsAdDsjGQdow_YQSUwZBe-P5aWvwNrs/s320/Pillows_TuesMorn.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Tuesday Morning's versions range in price from $24.99 to $39.99, but If you have experience with TM, you know it's hit or miss and when the featured item is gone, it's gone. They won't be restocking the item.<br />
<br />
Next up is Restoration Hardware, featuring the vintage linen pillow covers (inserts sold separately) ranging in price from $28 to $32. I can tell you from experience, they're super soft.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxkcRAH3XAeYD52wfgOASooLUeaioB6YSloPsYjD73_brB-Qqyb6k5996fwZGYtghupIBTI12_Sez2m2AhbOGhE-TBsGi8981Fwyh61WVuqII9VMVy40xvyEAlVz66X9x3O4x1W68BQS5/s1600/Pillows_RH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxkcRAH3XAeYD52wfgOASooLUeaioB6YSloPsYjD73_brB-Qqyb6k5996fwZGYtghupIBTI12_Sez2m2AhbOGhE-TBsGi8981Fwyh61WVuqII9VMVy40xvyEAlVz66X9x3O4x1W68BQS5/s320/Pillows_RH.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Pottery Barn gets in on the action with a vintage grain sack version, prices ranging from $89 to $99 with inserts sold separately.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0GTUI25whC061PJpmpSKa8H_q2YQ7JwIYLjAJWQz0S9FAwoOQgH_QsTeNbwyoTjrQiUnLsc1QlsOqlmzH6gViyTwUJobmBwvaThnUg2qHLDLn1lBQKeYfh5F2AbrmwQqbyFW4pdmj_UG/s1600/Pillows_PB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0GTUI25whC061PJpmpSKa8H_q2YQ7JwIYLjAJWQz0S9FAwoOQgH_QsTeNbwyoTjrQiUnLsc1QlsOqlmzH6gViyTwUJobmBwvaThnUg2qHLDLn1lBQKeYfh5F2AbrmwQqbyFW4pdmj_UG/s320/Pillows_PB.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>And if you're just positively flush with cash (you lucky, lucky girl), MySparrow on Etsy is offering up a pair of these for a mere $450 (pretty sure I have furniture that didn't cost that much, but hey that's just me ;-)).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCU9hcel9Gwm333ZjmaxQBTqeFgZFLKyzIM1puNj_IqpAAu4qr12dDoo8Sz0FkM4mNk6JDcwVs5CkEZt3OxnOdqpJVpmW6VXQoSA-9uJ2udLTwkZ_2uBQC3D5R08I0o3ix2MdyiJ026DJb/s1600/Pillows_Etsy450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCU9hcel9Gwm333ZjmaxQBTqeFgZFLKyzIM1puNj_IqpAAu4qr12dDoo8Sz0FkM4mNk6JDcwVs5CkEZt3OxnOdqpJVpmW6VXQoSA-9uJ2udLTwkZ_2uBQC3D5R08I0o3ix2MdyiJ026DJb/s320/Pillows_Etsy450.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div>Now go lay your pretty little head on something soft and vintage...oh, and French.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360234270379267230.post-18109372938136046692010-08-24T19:47:00.000-04:002010-08-24T19:47:36.226-04:00Shabby Chic Goes Super SophisticatedBack in 1989, Rachel Ashwell opened her first Shabby Chic store in Santa Monica, California and the look quickly gained momentum across the U.S. throughout the 90s. I loved the look as much as the next girl, even going so far as to buy one of her books to read and reread (okay, let's be honest, I looked at the pictures).<br />
<br />
I never did transform my decor into the shabby chic look, mostly because it just seemed so over the top feminine and un-guy friendly. There were so many flowers and ruffles and girly things. Still, I always thought doses of it here and there were gorgeous. <br />
<br />
Recently while perusing a Brit decor magazine, I came across a company that takes the shabby chic look to a new level of sophistication. Many of their furnishings are quite contemporary, but still capture the shabby chic vibe perfectly. All of the following images are from their website, http://www.chicshack.net/ <br />
and I think each one is more breathtaking than the next. Enjoy...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0E8pA_JDdNeNAil5Ykw6axR827amb5M7bNRlkMHw2tB-DW505BkUbUJur1tyxf47XWu29fDWjG9-OcLtW5o7Y9DtKnZkoWed60j3xYa6h5ADk6YfE52OEFA-yUQb3xN-4I_EuQ-feaH0a/s1600/chicshack_daybed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0E8pA_JDdNeNAil5Ykw6axR827amb5M7bNRlkMHw2tB-DW505BkUbUJur1tyxf47XWu29fDWjG9-OcLtW5o7Y9DtKnZkoWed60j3xYa6h5ADk6YfE52OEFA-yUQb3xN-4I_EuQ-feaH0a/s400/chicshack_daybed.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSbrc055kVfepu6n8gRb9dkNuNlf6_Bpx_Ir0EaE0aa8hD44wmag4K1_pVVaxFYW78V8Krhp_usz5ZmIdx1p9BepYu2aixjEuiC-0lpER3FUEzRA4Is5z-xstb9ZzcHTgKEar2MZ1sk6h/s1600/chicshack_bed17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSbrc055kVfepu6n8gRb9dkNuNlf6_Bpx_Ir0EaE0aa8hD44wmag4K1_pVVaxFYW78V8Krhp_usz5ZmIdx1p9BepYu2aixjEuiC-0lpER3FUEzRA4Is5z-xstb9ZzcHTgKEar2MZ1sk6h/s320/chicshack_bed17.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjPaZKFgft53ZtwZJENjh9dKvxOAOkBVAMPoHyfMxosrhY5m2fFZxfKqfKcVl1wQoKSSA2yrCjGlNMJu_oO00NEL8LWTpMEcaHjPEQ6Q2oMBf1Go6L9GXCo4lhgzxAhY7-VEwIruSq4Ns/s1600/chicshack_bed16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjPaZKFgft53ZtwZJENjh9dKvxOAOkBVAMPoHyfMxosrhY5m2fFZxfKqfKcVl1wQoKSSA2yrCjGlNMJu_oO00NEL8LWTpMEcaHjPEQ6Q2oMBf1Go6L9GXCo4lhgzxAhY7-VEwIruSq4Ns/s320/chicshack_bed16.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcBuUKdyhyrfBbU-XP9fZC8tq_HsSvyqiSGjjDV0wNqzZrwTB5DVwfiFmCRQLXNKzxtFJk6nAKtP-r7jOes7n17iobwYIXCySnJJAeuiCyhlpmK4T8oPJ_ZQ3SF48pNr8nsmWzmlymBBk/s1600/chicshack_bed14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcBuUKdyhyrfBbU-XP9fZC8tq_HsSvyqiSGjjDV0wNqzZrwTB5DVwfiFmCRQLXNKzxtFJk6nAKtP-r7jOes7n17iobwYIXCySnJJAeuiCyhlpmK4T8oPJ_ZQ3SF48pNr8nsmWzmlymBBk/s320/chicshack_bed14.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fnCc-VvaEvQVkopNGMtLBNtZjn2mHeKSZvGiu7tnU-cVPqMD00ariQSZb5haFumcr6C_lFTHU7T1mwqck5i9RZOKtx7j5JjlAg8vCZfUy15gS88kaEN-p0u_u6ab-wM-sQ3z6WpcxaFw/s1600/chicshack_bed13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fnCc-VvaEvQVkopNGMtLBNtZjn2mHeKSZvGiu7tnU-cVPqMD00ariQSZb5haFumcr6C_lFTHU7T1mwqck5i9RZOKtx7j5JjlAg8vCZfUy15gS88kaEN-p0u_u6ab-wM-sQ3z6WpcxaFw/s320/chicshack_bed13.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSN9pIu5cHsK0jUltr67VeePq5f-1K2YXveoyj54dlfV9lyQi2HYd_wKPKY4rDaswm_ZA5MI9RMsBLqtFD-X3rhO0zuJdnZf_5UyQ7gkMtAMyJRRDjbbUje2BuJkvkeSNNKmLE5OdaQk_5/s1600/chicshack_bed11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSN9pIu5cHsK0jUltr67VeePq5f-1K2YXveoyj54dlfV9lyQi2HYd_wKPKY4rDaswm_ZA5MI9RMsBLqtFD-X3rhO0zuJdnZf_5UyQ7gkMtAMyJRRDjbbUje2BuJkvkeSNNKmLE5OdaQk_5/s320/chicshack_bed11.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XVfEzmYyFEfZV39GKmC6bkj87k73g6CK_-YPioJz_etQV9FgFbHI5-RAgJPTMiplsP9U-VJwccfdIJqX7Cqws6IomE-N-pRPJZzH24iNKg6g-E8R2P3KtMjUcnXSWHriBF7_3ZeZ5xuI/s1600/chicshack_bed11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XVfEzmYyFEfZV39GKmC6bkj87k73g6CK_-YPioJz_etQV9FgFbHI5-RAgJPTMiplsP9U-VJwccfdIJqX7Cqws6IomE-N-pRPJZzH24iNKg6g-E8R2P3KtMjUcnXSWHriBF7_3ZeZ5xuI/s320/chicshack_bed11.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9hEc5htEr0sJ_96iBusjbLGG5f3SwvxXH6jtTCpEXdkiiXYS4u6beQ0uaqAakb_V6QRKY5ueYIDBja9gm-T7FEHfhJJV2SZA6HwyRRlA-g-PXqlAM5oGpRW3VSXaU-S1dvl5fEmQl9-S/s1600/chicshack_bed25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9hEc5htEr0sJ_96iBusjbLGG5f3SwvxXH6jtTCpEXdkiiXYS4u6beQ0uaqAakb_V6QRKY5ueYIDBja9gm-T7FEHfhJJV2SZA6HwyRRlA-g-PXqlAM5oGpRW3VSXaU-S1dvl5fEmQl9-S/s320/chicshack_bed25.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVIdd1YK3bS2CAyDMu42SX8tuCWQrcwXTcoP3wkn_JD24upjXv_EnmvVK0eve5D7WPbhb5B2v4bqFeCKLelRfE71uAX8aauow7S27gNh-Zsg_Yvho8y3mZ645UuBfm7Zo3ylL4tb0eM73/s1600/chicshack_bed24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVIdd1YK3bS2CAyDMu42SX8tuCWQrcwXTcoP3wkn_JD24upjXv_EnmvVK0eve5D7WPbhb5B2v4bqFeCKLelRfE71uAX8aauow7S27gNh-Zsg_Yvho8y3mZ645UuBfm7Zo3ylL4tb0eM73/s320/chicshack_bed24.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2smE0q6R4NkWxPoZu-Q64AG2LT17tKex1nReOFZmcN3XOYkiSQu0uBwmtTCiypUM5de77637AFwrpeH7BBdRmEzhUVe8OVU2W6igPkc6ja6O46dmEy_e9QVS_i1j4z5HkVLik9gi214tk/s1600/chicshack_bed23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2smE0q6R4NkWxPoZu-Q64AG2LT17tKex1nReOFZmcN3XOYkiSQu0uBwmtTCiypUM5de77637AFwrpeH7BBdRmEzhUVe8OVU2W6igPkc6ja6O46dmEy_e9QVS_i1j4z5HkVLik9gi214tk/s320/chicshack_bed23.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP154Xh4VCI1z0KX80_GT9-QxWll1wCv1HhwNT2M1X3ltflICHIKBPUeZ1EBvmgfWKFAnDpFf1feq1rrBI5gDoX7SewCVTuCvga6CzYVTHsQBzXmaCsFr28uY6UGj4kuQTtBBMS2f8OsDd/s1600/chicshack_bed22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP154Xh4VCI1z0KX80_GT9-QxWll1wCv1HhwNT2M1X3ltflICHIKBPUeZ1EBvmgfWKFAnDpFf1feq1rrBI5gDoX7SewCVTuCvga6CzYVTHsQBzXmaCsFr28uY6UGj4kuQTtBBMS2f8OsDd/s320/chicshack_bed22.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBk5C6_h7bekyfv8WXd9NpYzWUF8i4Ns4jMlnGTvVG9MWNfLBq7tzCbcSXn_JH17IU1Q8KlE2yTplwsEab5_9JjFdMd4JFkRPbP8O9WeVG6ywEiRyUwdiLrfrFYWKJJmCBib0nZ23MRqV0/s1600/chicshack_bed21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBk5C6_h7bekyfv8WXd9NpYzWUF8i4Ns4jMlnGTvVG9MWNfLBq7tzCbcSXn_JH17IU1Q8KlE2yTplwsEab5_9JjFdMd4JFkRPbP8O9WeVG6ywEiRyUwdiLrfrFYWKJJmCBib0nZ23MRqV0/s320/chicshack_bed21.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjauTy1sHVZSBF_l2CsFPbEEHBbmHrV1PsivxhjnUafYIv-rznHRCw8t0-juikaldqg9wpLOqLF_N-iNBo1YAeRrgXEQWCAXxpiSXM9kBdk1BuObB38gv3eay00uoiduRIXU_BpyZbZKdGP/s1600/chicshack_bed20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjauTy1sHVZSBF_l2CsFPbEEHBbmHrV1PsivxhjnUafYIv-rznHRCw8t0-juikaldqg9wpLOqLF_N-iNBo1YAeRrgXEQWCAXxpiSXM9kBdk1BuObB38gv3eay00uoiduRIXU_BpyZbZKdGP/s320/chicshack_bed20.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv7YSGXqxAIPk4VJoNQUGUYDVNoVgxkM3Rv1PdIrtjcZ_oYgHFVV-Qwy9NN4tmytSRm-0swdJyntKT9tXI2rgctJ9_k6gpbAECd3SMVnmwQoP7w4Yaoo2cJ4iaHfxBH-_6RdSxpkn4tXJ6/s1600/chicshack_bed19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv7YSGXqxAIPk4VJoNQUGUYDVNoVgxkM3Rv1PdIrtjcZ_oYgHFVV-Qwy9NN4tmytSRm-0swdJyntKT9tXI2rgctJ9_k6gpbAECd3SMVnmwQoP7w4Yaoo2cJ4iaHfxBH-_6RdSxpkn4tXJ6/s320/chicshack_bed19.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB7i_jS10p3cjXxnhUozg2TRl_0TieZMChyjFYIexl4uqximlo6HnhwxwJ00zlxAYNXSj2xDNSsVmfKVhCQYuebqRxVfeuJdmhq9fqhzkNGbcW3Eh-lZYIHXijo3e52_JUtfVujzoGT-2q/s1600/chicshack_bed18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB7i_jS10p3cjXxnhUozg2TRl_0TieZMChyjFYIexl4uqximlo6HnhwxwJ00zlxAYNXSj2xDNSsVmfKVhCQYuebqRxVfeuJdmhq9fqhzkNGbcW3Eh-lZYIHXijo3e52_JUtfVujzoGT-2q/s320/chicshack_bed18.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhti8fMy0xFq2aFi_IF2pkNjAycHc73X4ibmgZq9L5zrfvFUMQAY3lQeoK_-RsEZgm86LxQ7FalpsONFTtiPB3UrUm46VReWv6lbrjklewqTGXBHIvUWgZd0LYDW6wechVrw2AYqgbab6k3/s1600/chicshack_bed10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhti8fMy0xFq2aFi_IF2pkNjAycHc73X4ibmgZq9L5zrfvFUMQAY3lQeoK_-RsEZgm86LxQ7FalpsONFTtiPB3UrUm46VReWv6lbrjklewqTGXBHIvUWgZd0LYDW6wechVrw2AYqgbab6k3/s320/chicshack_bed10.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Okay, I'm exhausted. Go to the site...there is much eye candy to be had. And if you love a traditional nursery, they have amazing baby rooms too. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360234270379267230.post-81522245686250685732010-08-23T14:21:00.000-04:002010-08-23T14:21:34.173-04:00Spend or Save? Carved Candlesticks For LessA couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that I had <a href="http://designingbliss.blogspot.com/2010/08/wishful-thinking.html">recently gotten a PT job at Restoration Hardware</a> and that I had a wish list of goodies I wanted to use my awesome employee discount on, including these lovelies:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWJyN3caleULmXjtesmWlVL2q9WeUFxTOJ8Ryqcf7s6Wigf6plv9vJScEd1BLA_Vl1-tEWiu6q9bceI7ciJZysU2ipsTNl42IzEBUEwn5RDVO3upymA_3wy6-EUymeqjrLBQ-1bk1QIWJ/s1600/RH_FlorentineCandlesticks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWJyN3caleULmXjtesmWlVL2q9WeUFxTOJ8Ryqcf7s6Wigf6plv9vJScEd1BLA_Vl1-tEWiu6q9bceI7ciJZysU2ipsTNl42IzEBUEwn5RDVO3upymA_3wy6-EUymeqjrLBQ-1bk1QIWJ/s320/RH_FlorentineCandlesticks.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div> I did break down and order two of the 18" candlesticks for my mantel. They are back ordered until late October, so I can't show you how amazing they'll look on my mantel until...well, late October :(.<br />
<br />
I decided to do a quick web search to see if a similar look could be found for less and here's what I found:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8iNSn-d3wojU2iQ2d9BLDtPvZ6EDrauxis0eWdAFs0E9MtD02A6XD1Tat1WskLn90KaLpKj9IlhP_mOSWThJ30iD4YvdVFS8YxEaI14v8Ye6SI86A-ejfa-S3pQ9xclFtLS3ykWMRyWle/s1600/AntiquedCandlestick_TheFind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8iNSn-d3wojU2iQ2d9BLDtPvZ6EDrauxis0eWdAFs0E9MtD02A6XD1Tat1WskLn90KaLpKj9IlhP_mOSWThJ30iD4YvdVFS8YxEaI14v8Ye6SI86A-ejfa-S3pQ9xclFtLS3ykWMRyWle/s320/AntiquedCandlestick_TheFind.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>At www.avid-home.com, I found this 21.5" tall carved wood candlestick with a distressed finish that looks strikingly similar to my Resto version, except for the price...$112.50... <i>GASP!!</i> The 18" Resto candlestick is just $49 without my discount and the 22" (1/2" smaller than than this avid-home version) is only $59. So, you can get two of the 22" candlesticks from RH for a few dollars more than one of these avid-home candlesticks. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhieciJaawfk5W8a2VzbcarUsjQjUGJK2BxpoknOK7Sy4Za8RdjmuCmEYqc3OvAceOMiVFwG7JD6FBuyPdrf5LglQeMZzFGKP8oOvDypg312Tefs6i2waN1cUnzN5LA6WYX1DuJyniwLFoQ/s1600/CarvedCandlesticks_Guildmaster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhieciJaawfk5W8a2VzbcarUsjQjUGJK2BxpoknOK7Sy4Za8RdjmuCmEYqc3OvAceOMiVFwG7JD6FBuyPdrf5LglQeMZzFGKP8oOvDypg312Tefs6i2waN1cUnzN5LA6WYX1DuJyniwLFoQ/s320/CarvedCandlesticks_Guildmaster.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>This set of two carved candlesticks from www.accent-furniture-direct.com can be had for a mere $231.00 and that's apparently a discount from the regular price of $288.75.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>No thanks, I'll stick with my Restoration Hardware candlesticks. I just wish I didn't have to wait two plus months to get them...sigh. And no, unfortunately I'm in no way compensated by Resto for this post :-).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360234270379267230.post-50758855147431204832010-08-18T17:13:00.000-04:002010-08-18T17:13:35.871-04:00Spend or Save?Sometimes you find things at a high end store and think, "I could make that. I know I could." Then you start trying to assemble the individual pieces and parts and it quickly becomes clear that, although you might be able to capture the look well enough, you can't replicate the look without spending a fortune gathering everything needed to put it together. And then there's the time investment. If you're anything like me, this is where your <i>lazy girl gene</i> kicks in and you just pull out the wallet.<br />
<br />
I have an accessory you can replicate in no time for a quarter of what it costs at retail. Restoration Hardware is selling these bundles of old torn up books billed as Antiqued Uncovered Book Bundles, retailing for $29.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5muhNCCmzc2Eq7Jjrmhlu61jLw5D2m1RqoZDSWQrxPELm8hVCDNvEHtMPGWM7pwQjDuFdhBDDleZf9snXaCFC9l1ZapZSMF2L2W50MnzLUwbkgHrlx8Dy9CRyyPwqEJHeoXN8ZszQI5U/s1600/Resto_AntiquedBooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5muhNCCmzc2Eq7Jjrmhlu61jLw5D2m1RqoZDSWQrxPELm8hVCDNvEHtMPGWM7pwQjDuFdhBDDleZf9snXaCFC9l1ZapZSMF2L2W50MnzLUwbkgHrlx8Dy9CRyyPwqEJHeoXN8ZszQI5U/s320/Resto_AntiquedBooks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-9K50BthMas8wFSHzkmJE5nRPd06rylKHB-DDg4lcA1SDaEW2bNXnDaqWhtoAL3AqFBBrsuW3o4LFS6BxaH4pgQntDV-d3bkqwZl7v51dJxR4h4MwjIMDuiQtJRgj7bnZCUq2FQi0GuR7/s1600/Resto_AntiquedBks_Alphabet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-9K50BthMas8wFSHzkmJE5nRPd06rylKHB-DDg4lcA1SDaEW2bNXnDaqWhtoAL3AqFBBrsuW3o4LFS6BxaH4pgQntDV-d3bkqwZl7v51dJxR4h4MwjIMDuiQtJRgj7bnZCUq2FQi0GuR7/s320/Resto_AntiquedBks_Alphabet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>It seems silly really ...old torn up books...where's the appeal? For me, it's just the colors and textures grouped together. But if I ever paid $29 for them, I would hope my family would consider committing me for that 5150 hold thing Brittany Spears went through when she had her little break down.<br />
<br />
Bottom line, a trip to the thrift store and some strategic ripping and binding (used the twine I bind my recyclable papers with) later, I had my own version for the mantel:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3lYEYXJN3NDGdskJ8oEdb79UKLdWKzPp8ZpF4_SwJhlC7ekEua2gWQhnULCy2wwokOQ3F1douOFtuLS5_sZRNtQNIl6oGoN-YXPY5HeDidg0AkUZjCDlEeeqzB0ChnMaXewri4wAgWBws/s1600/IMG_0463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3lYEYXJN3NDGdskJ8oEdb79UKLdWKzPp8ZpF4_SwJhlC7ekEua2gWQhnULCy2wwokOQ3F1douOFtuLS5_sZRNtQNIl6oGoN-YXPY5HeDidg0AkUZjCDlEeeqzB0ChnMaXewri4wAgWBws/s320/IMG_0463.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I did purchase the cast iron letter C on top of the books. The 4" version (they come in 4 sizes and can be hung on the wall as well) was $6 with my Resto discount...so that's $10 for you non employees :-).<br />
<br />
Go tear up some books and tell me how it went.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360234270379267230.post-81721047629498111362010-08-16T19:43:00.000-04:002010-08-16T19:43:44.751-04:00My Windows Are Now Fully Dressed And Ready For Their Close UpAfter three failed attempts with my normal standby, Overstock.com, I <i>finally </i>found the natural style roman shades I wanted online at Home Depot.<br />
<br />
I climbed up on my step stool, drilled the holes for the screws (after much measuring, of course) and hung the shade on the first window. I stepped back to admire my handiwork and pull the shades up to the desired length and ....nothing. They just hung there all limp and pathetic. I pulled the shade away from the window to see if the cord had gotten messed up and found the problem:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAD1Djkl9kJMVME78JFg8Zs6t5Rnfqov3cOJsD8jSfTaKAKnGQd3l2JXMpijZPPpQo4QizHdGb1nAuwAprsuqhcauGR8WCLXNEojtoVFWNKunroECmcbt9y42Dnr-tntWrGd-2nkuzet8M/s1600/BrokenBlind.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAD1Djkl9kJMVME78JFg8Zs6t5Rnfqov3cOJsD8jSfTaKAKnGQd3l2JXMpijZPPpQo4QizHdGb1nAuwAprsuqhcauGR8WCLXNEojtoVFWNKunroECmcbt9y42Dnr-tntWrGd-2nkuzet8M/s400/BrokenBlind.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Every last one of these plastic rings was broken...ARRRGGGGGGG. It was apparently broken before it was even shipped because there wasn't a single spec of plastic on the floor or in the box to indicate they broke post shipping. Anyway, after the agony I went through getting the darn thing up, I was in no mood to unscrew the screws and take it down, package it up and, AGAIN, have to send it back. <br />
<br />
I decided it would be far easier to find a replacement for the broken rings. My handy Home Depot guy at the local store was on duty and advised me to go to Michael's, troll down the jewelry making aisle and find small metal rings that I could fit over the plastic. One quick trip to Michael's later I found what he had described:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbH2EXW_ylyQXBpvuwxvtJ0Mk3U-mgAyXI3woPi55nOHflHDahTQxHnehwmQre4F7rEKQgQN4rw51t-h0C3YSIYgf6iEh1o-rKAn8gWVbws0UZwX1wpSHYeqM1ndMyIRFp8D30aSEBKueQ/s1600/PkgOfRings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbH2EXW_ylyQXBpvuwxvtJ0Mk3U-mgAyXI3woPi55nOHflHDahTQxHnehwmQre4F7rEKQgQN4rw51t-h0C3YSIYgf6iEh1o-rKAn8gWVbws0UZwX1wpSHYeqM1ndMyIRFp8D30aSEBKueQ/s400/PkgOfRings.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I had the new metal rings attached to the plastic ones in a few minutes and it works like a dream :-),<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBJbRXoo1aDI8SphBleozNHFEjGNgqT8YSsoGAs-4AjtyffWSXUehX56KEjn06e61MqDUs7on6yvo-gKZ0mbneB6UG-lvhEsTOtECq-dWKtylA-HrAIp5GEMPTkf_9WyowL7Joys23WzP/s1600/DinRm_Blind.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBJbRXoo1aDI8SphBleozNHFEjGNgqT8YSsoGAs-4AjtyffWSXUehX56KEjn06e61MqDUs7on6yvo-gKZ0mbneB6UG-lvhEsTOtECq-dWKtylA-HrAIp5GEMPTkf_9WyowL7Joys23WzP/s400/DinRm_Blind.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Sigh....so happy. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6iVr4DCZFNZyrlfGdZe7Frvaysj6prHILsO4tgFiILOc75_53KXlxT6tfiaWQABnqYWhG2Jdf3jwbTDHDHM8Fx6OyHBYKrXCU3QQTpN9y2L99Mv1d20SQ8YnVI_bum1C0P98tPykm9BO/s1600/DinRm_Blinds_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6iVr4DCZFNZyrlfGdZe7Frvaysj6prHILsO4tgFiILOc75_53KXlxT6tfiaWQABnqYWhG2Jdf3jwbTDHDHM8Fx6OyHBYKrXCU3QQTpN9y2L99Mv1d20SQ8YnVI_bum1C0P98tPykm9BO/s400/DinRm_Blinds_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div> Now, if I could just get those curtains properly arranged and fluffed. One crisis at a time...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360234270379267230.post-81511236110242675252010-08-06T15:30:00.000-04:002010-08-06T15:30:23.534-04:00I Wish I Were Here...Here is a garden I <i>wish </i>I had, instead of the eyesore I do have. One of these days I'll turn myself into one of those HGTV shows that makeover your hideous outdoor spaces (if my neighbors don't turn me in first).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtm7Agf0mDmyQFNWcAkIW1-r7TE9Bj8XK55SBM1kpt8QM0kcjKHzB8RwBUYwIB02nom_D4U0xN3dqoKGa0_jK_QLowS06-wtxtqm3nKgAEXhSfqameA9SrSeY2iy6ERyeDHmgcjfDZm9eT/s1600/Garden_BeautifulSunken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtm7Agf0mDmyQFNWcAkIW1-r7TE9Bj8XK55SBM1kpt8QM0kcjKHzB8RwBUYwIB02nom_D4U0xN3dqoKGa0_jK_QLowS06-wtxtqm3nKgAEXhSfqameA9SrSeY2iy6ERyeDHmgcjfDZm9eT/s400/Garden_BeautifulSunken.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Mom and I are hitting the garage sales tomorrow to see what bargains we can find and to get some tips for my sale later this Summer. <br />
<br />
Enjoy some peace, quiet and sunshine...wherever you are.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360234270379267230.post-17992677549933228292010-08-05T14:35:00.000-04:002010-08-05T14:35:43.945-04:00The Problem With Home ImprovementHave you ever noticed that when you paint or rehab a room in your house, suddenly every other room in your home appears old, tired and outdated? I hate that. <br />
<br />
So far I've been forced to update the dining room, the living room, the bathroom (a work in progress - already thinking of changing the walls again). I have about 9 paint swatches painted on the kitchen walls trying to decide on a color there. And the bedrooms are not just calling my name...it's like they're screaming so loud I can't think straight. They want help. They want to be a new color. They want to be dressed in new bedding. They're even demanding art work. Not sure how they imagine I will pay for all these demands.<br />
<br />
In between creating wish lists and putting costs to my big fat ideas, I seek inspiration from beautiful rooms I find courtesy of google images :) <br />
<br />
These rooms are exactly what I'd like to achieve...a soft, mostly neutral palette. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQyQmFaxhvTi5Sv-d38Snl3aECAYdmmvW6gcIpt3PS_FjSTnQPibIlewOO_S0zfdoPBsJKVwvt6OvHX1COVgSVbLASHoiLHR89q3JqDM7ZI3SbB3Xo9wpRAQeEk09GBtkfW35UYMLbc3s/s1600/Bedroom_Wht_Gray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQyQmFaxhvTi5Sv-d38Snl3aECAYdmmvW6gcIpt3PS_FjSTnQPibIlewOO_S0zfdoPBsJKVwvt6OvHX1COVgSVbLASHoiLHR89q3JqDM7ZI3SbB3Xo9wpRAQeEk09GBtkfW35UYMLbc3s/s400/Bedroom_Wht_Gray.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3V6O68JKGqyXZyy2S8OGZkGP8jIiMKZdJGeKxB-uMRLbz9asnA8s0GZDfgN7F09wYt-zKmp2_dYEbP5CXbYJ5P_jkC6PWbSStpVKslSQEJmFgmC7-zvejZ77zKzr5pwHIJMYrUEiDuVer/s1600/Bedroom_Elegant_GryWht.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3V6O68JKGqyXZyy2S8OGZkGP8jIiMKZdJGeKxB-uMRLbz9asnA8s0GZDfgN7F09wYt-zKmp2_dYEbP5CXbYJ5P_jkC6PWbSStpVKslSQEJmFgmC7-zvejZ77zKzr5pwHIJMYrUEiDuVer/s320/Bedroom_Elegant_GryWht.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqxG04pQdJ9NT_NIAZcIvF3cqpXxoyRF2F-6LM-X1x2rUk3-xjJ53L4nrx60FcDIr1JAaEIuLb4yjIho6uE-xMYRS5fWNJ-p49ngDh8Jn7ONRcNPHW5o-eGkbO337Whuq2wyVbMAmRaWc_/s1600/BedroomA_prettygray_wht.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqxG04pQdJ9NT_NIAZcIvF3cqpXxoyRF2F-6LM-X1x2rUk3-xjJ53L4nrx60FcDIr1JAaEIuLb4yjIho6uE-xMYRS5fWNJ-p49ngDh8Jn7ONRcNPHW5o-eGkbO337Whuq2wyVbMAmRaWc_/s320/BedroomA_prettygray_wht.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPwuiYy6Don4ACbEHdl_N1LkcIzjPkNrCpwq_qjtijicp2DwbWCW8WaytWgEwaP8RI25tlfbt9CwKfiGKw5JkiWCpKuT8LKvSuGMYoNhbMYXis7IZAhsVurdIHteJgrLsZ2PtTJwDQShI8/s1600/Bedroom_Elegant_Wht_Gray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPwuiYy6Don4ACbEHdl_N1LkcIzjPkNrCpwq_qjtijicp2DwbWCW8WaytWgEwaP8RI25tlfbt9CwKfiGKw5JkiWCpKuT8LKvSuGMYoNhbMYXis7IZAhsVurdIHteJgrLsZ2PtTJwDQShI8/s320/Bedroom_Elegant_Wht_Gray.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>How could you not dream beautiful dreams in these rooms?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360234270379267230.post-46527755576246082512010-08-03T15:40:00.000-04:002010-08-03T15:40:20.911-04:00Wishful ThinkingI (very) recently got a part time job at the Restoration Hardware in my neighborhood. I have been in training this week and as I'm getting to know the merchandise, I'm developing a <strike>frighteningly</strike> long list of items <strike>I can't afford</strike> that I want to use my 40% employee discount on. <br />
<br />
Here's what I'm currently enamored of...<br />
<br />
These Florentine carved wood candlesticks would be perfect for either end of my mantle. Specifically either the 18" or 22" would work. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ePxZgBV2Bi_NJ3TZ1LnEha51NqA6hz-N2-_KbsYw8L2zVvbGBvAflwwPHFw2VbTfcvSDuam0oJnGFjwvExX25y0tNaCLajyaQ_QjuDcyu0aRcmOYrUuw3WxocfbfMVZq-Zgx_an0QbN7/s1600/RH_FlorentineCandlesticks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ePxZgBV2Bi_NJ3TZ1LnEha51NqA6hz-N2-_KbsYw8L2zVvbGBvAflwwPHFw2VbTfcvSDuam0oJnGFjwvExX25y0tNaCLajyaQ_QjuDcyu0aRcmOYrUuw3WxocfbfMVZq-Zgx_an0QbN7/s320/RH_FlorentineCandlesticks.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Among the lamps, I would take any of these for my bedroom...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSNRzPTLbTu7e9kCtqSj__Z4rXhJxe9W2s7XTn5eoTTIRwzEX-LHiScZL4J6Wshcv8JnsVtWlKlEHQptGr_OpMNnA6K5Buy04OiSkuqIw9QUzTvvFrcRiatqchypdww055anmzu6d0X4L/s1600/RH_ChelseaColumnLamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSNRzPTLbTu7e9kCtqSj__Z4rXhJxe9W2s7XTn5eoTTIRwzEX-LHiScZL4J6Wshcv8JnsVtWlKlEHQptGr_OpMNnA6K5Buy04OiSkuqIw9QUzTvvFrcRiatqchypdww055anmzu6d0X4L/s320/RH_ChelseaColumnLamp.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57YG_YGYIfi-At-iaNcE8otzcAojrI0hV51v2y565bCcRJXB2Tzck8duL93uFpoWwszGPdHZug9PYsA22Nryl0ffzuyaONOS6LyGe4193ZtBk9UFsn6XuNeOMQQ7OJOKQSCDNQFz_nXrA/s1600/RH_SaxonLamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57YG_YGYIfi-At-iaNcE8otzcAojrI0hV51v2y565bCcRJXB2Tzck8duL93uFpoWwszGPdHZug9PYsA22Nryl0ffzuyaONOS6LyGe4193ZtBk9UFsn6XuNeOMQQ7OJOKQSCDNQFz_nXrA/s320/RH_SaxonLamp.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCg8sjffvAIcxs6WbyHS6u0M3bz1cFWhlIrHnr-FuUuRfvkWJPzLoiwFI8L4D97r6b7vtUvBGJEUYAw5m_joKqfdvoeu4TAUXp013C8g_W5JwPWfHaJVh_GUqXkppNlP5GDJeorrkIqkKR/s1600/RH_CrystalPierLamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCg8sjffvAIcxs6WbyHS6u0M3bz1cFWhlIrHnr-FuUuRfvkWJPzLoiwFI8L4D97r6b7vtUvBGJEUYAw5m_joKqfdvoeu4TAUXp013C8g_W5JwPWfHaJVh_GUqXkppNlP5GDJeorrkIqkKR/s320/RH_CrystalPierLamp.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I imagine one of these Marseilles chalkboards in my kitchen...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5t6aHUU133NRKDAb5uFg5J2m6Urq_cl0TWPIZg-UfVVd0YlZECd_OPKBmlPu1Wnad9nLpjoOgzCMxmcjgELKav8uNZdf7W6rBYxWoPcqvPmGvnz7GJ364_lV759KwwpsTW6ftvoXGzD-E/s1600/RH_MarseillesChalkboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5t6aHUU133NRKDAb5uFg5J2m6Urq_cl0TWPIZg-UfVVd0YlZECd_OPKBmlPu1Wnad9nLpjoOgzCMxmcjgELKav8uNZdf7W6rBYxWoPcqvPmGvnz7GJ364_lV759KwwpsTW6ftvoXGzD-E/s320/RH_MarseillesChalkboard.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The washed silk quilt in ivory for my bed...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhQ5JkVeYy5G8Ejz8Kd-IaLqJkv3RAPGHObqSwgBCj9vvnZq1F0fXnPwIJGIjOVqS1QrijZkqOXv-gGscNSAmbqg0yEll0rmxa4HOfJsHlDjtplRMRFFEuDCaOsxKqiM_ZfK2dGV99iCt/s1600/RH_WashedSilkQuilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhQ5JkVeYy5G8Ejz8Kd-IaLqJkv3RAPGHObqSwgBCj9vvnZq1F0fXnPwIJGIjOVqS1QrijZkqOXv-gGscNSAmbqg0yEll0rmxa4HOfJsHlDjtplRMRFFEuDCaOsxKqiM_ZfK2dGV99iCt/s320/RH_WashedSilkQuilt.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>This beautiful tufted bench that I bought for a client's bedroom would look great at the end of my bed too ;-).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1aexdBAtW9FX8amfHWazUSgYDLbO-aajsQQ5ecUgVbK26JIT0TaIzV2V62uWLF8UJsmCem4_rPmS3vDPtVW-Lxx2t4gnhbdMJ_oRjiApBiRwtclPv_fTI3FCnGgGcgl6bNCbopejuCnj/s1600/RH_TuftedBench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1aexdBAtW9FX8amfHWazUSgYDLbO-aajsQQ5ecUgVbK26JIT0TaIzV2V62uWLF8UJsmCem4_rPmS3vDPtVW-Lxx2t4gnhbdMJ_oRjiApBiRwtclPv_fTI3FCnGgGcgl6bNCbopejuCnj/s320/RH_TuftedBench.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Here's hoping I can <strike>squash and kill</strike> the consumerist in me and actually come home with a paycheck ;-).<br />
<br />
Later,<br />
<br />
ccUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360234270379267230.post-3063795667937020812010-07-29T15:48:00.000-04:002010-07-29T15:49:35.920-04:00Polishing Off The Dining RoomEver since I gave my dining room a makeover earlier this year, the round mirror on the north wall has looked...well, it just looks lonely. It needs sconces or something with candlelight to flank it. I finally found what I was looking for. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKxajQWGVK7gYn7DQUCdcgVJ5maNpkn9gEDFUr1VOEKANZ8jcF1bZH7vt7U8J0jar36-NESsvoM-tJI11e0VznNzirb9zQtp_oB9hR90n0WD6XOUQ0Vutl5fgUvqSQ3k0kaZlHNrZwIb4/s1600/MyNewDinRm_6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKxajQWGVK7gYn7DQUCdcgVJ5maNpkn9gEDFUr1VOEKANZ8jcF1bZH7vt7U8J0jar36-NESsvoM-tJI11e0VznNzirb9zQtp_oB9hR90n0WD6XOUQ0Vutl5fgUvqSQ3k0kaZlHNrZwIb4/s400/MyNewDinRm_6.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I had purchased two black lanterns at Home Goods a few weeks ago for about $12 each and plunked them on the mantle while I tried to figure out what I want to do with the mantle and what I want to do with the lanterns. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEuRwaMvD8uUcJlDwEVhSCvjL77qjy0Cs2EbtSsljHKwXgJBnINPiOLzGcACJVm6DaSdzuXbjUgZU4eFHSj-olgtLk6CoD-WEeS4GcZJC0qCD2BCzB7B0_gC_OqoUqY73CLQ_uJbPkfhyphenhyphenN/s1600/BlkLanternIvoryUrn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEuRwaMvD8uUcJlDwEVhSCvjL77qjy0Cs2EbtSsljHKwXgJBnINPiOLzGcACJVm6DaSdzuXbjUgZU4eFHSj-olgtLk6CoD-WEeS4GcZJC0qCD2BCzB7B0_gC_OqoUqY73CLQ_uJbPkfhyphenhyphenN/s400/BlkLanternIvoryUrn.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The gold star burst mirror hanging above the mantle and the new thrift store ivory urns don't really jive with the black lanterns so I didn't want them to stay there - they were just resting there waiting for my moment of brilliance to arrive. Sometimes I just like to place accessories somewhere and ponder them for a bit. Specifically, I put them in the living room as that's where I watch TV at night or read or listen to music, chat on the phone, etc. When you're forced to confront something often enough, you'll eventually have a moment of brilliance about what to do with it (or you'll just take it back to the store for a refund :-).<br />
<br />
Anyhoo, my idea was to hang the lanterns on either side of the round black mirror in the dining room. So, I went to Lowe's and purchased two of these black iron plant hangers for a little less than $2 each:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU61-i7eBJDw3iwh39TthIFl8c1o7KnPwPb_ly9KWQK4-NwNKIPEWpRFEE3-BxF-jJ3YGl6W6aCAUVAVVjGCmJm_oAaO9UPR0Anrv8pAXeUZb524PLn4g2JPOFvxniYOD8Qkpr1tYxebwJ/s1600/BlkIronPlantHooks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU61-i7eBJDw3iwh39TthIFl8c1o7KnPwPb_ly9KWQK4-NwNKIPEWpRFEE3-BxF-jJ3YGl6W6aCAUVAVVjGCmJm_oAaO9UPR0Anrv8pAXeUZb524PLn4g2JPOFvxniYOD8Qkpr1tYxebwJ/s320/BlkIronPlantHooks.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Next I traced the lanterns to make paper templates. I always do this to minimize screw ups whenever I have to hang something. Sometimes it works, sometimes it fails miserably.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2N_qQbXiqPoDcgBef_dM0F_EMIoLY8NMubIf_GiNjOTjayHaTGb3-dU8a0Euh44R-j7kKOYYH6lWX99e_bRSiQaihPsCkfm6zshRQHgDjz83pBTvKl0pB9__2WZVOlo1sf1IVfJa7DSJ/s1600/LanternPaperTemplates.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2N_qQbXiqPoDcgBef_dM0F_EMIoLY8NMubIf_GiNjOTjayHaTGb3-dU8a0Euh44R-j7kKOYYH6lWX99e_bRSiQaihPsCkfm6zshRQHgDjz83pBTvKl0pB9__2WZVOlo1sf1IVfJa7DSJ/s320/LanternPaperTemplates.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Then the lanterns were ready to dangle from their new hooks. Ideally, I would have preferred narrower lanterns, but these are fine. As the Nester says, it doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONQXztN4gX0VLd1gaYMwdLFxHlAfpTWzQ9LqLTWqf7xOb4Z0B1a9PL3SmxTTbOdTUhtWM5tn3CFbchynIjutoMN0qdo_5UUov5J79O8hRjRBBfghPgTwg53bMB6IXg-XYjD0zQkcMS6F8/s1600/MirrorWithLanterns.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONQXztN4gX0VLd1gaYMwdLFxHlAfpTWzQ9LqLTWqf7xOb4Z0B1a9PL3SmxTTbOdTUhtWM5tn3CFbchynIjutoMN0qdo_5UUov5J79O8hRjRBBfghPgTwg53bMB6IXg-XYjD0zQkcMS6F8/s320/MirrorWithLanterns.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I'm expecting these matchstick shades from Home Depot to arrive any day now. I'm hoping they'll still allow some light in while obscuring the view of the side of my neighbor's house. It's a lovely house, I just don't necessarily want to look at from my dining room.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27Yhd1NuSV575y6wy2Wsz8jiQRB5SkJNJJT4IoZhQ7pTnwpAtFhG6AfyuXIhj2tSN4sVqQ_KwiIhRjPOuiJsDulNrLjCse3elJAcmXUdPoOYvPqWQSTPHXDLEUhucWV2j4xq6Ut4Dzr52/s1600/HD_SedonaNaturalRomanShade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27Yhd1NuSV575y6wy2Wsz8jiQRB5SkJNJJT4IoZhQ7pTnwpAtFhG6AfyuXIhj2tSN4sVqQ_KwiIhRjPOuiJsDulNrLjCse3elJAcmXUdPoOYvPqWQSTPHXDLEUhucWV2j4xq6Ut4Dzr52/s400/HD_SedonaNaturalRomanShade.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Next on the agenda is figuring out a new look for the living room mantle. The mirror must stay, but everything else is subject to change. Stay tuned.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360234270379267230.post-87984511973616464202010-07-28T16:30:00.000-04:002010-07-29T15:50:09.484-04:00Today Is Jackie's BirthdayShe was born in 1929 and would have been 81 today.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2F2meHwLgdOAssOmUIbCzrgUN5ZAl3ACU4R-eAI1-V9MIa00KZyPG-ctZALON4-CXLn93g8mILskbD1GsiE7oxO0sBjv1szte98OnasNeeJdxgt6dL_eb1-JA2uhBFS_W9K6FtKRktxfO/s1600/Jackie_reclining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2F2meHwLgdOAssOmUIbCzrgUN5ZAl3ACU4R-eAI1-V9MIa00KZyPG-ctZALON4-CXLn93g8mILskbD1GsiE7oxO0sBjv1szte98OnasNeeJdxgt6dL_eb1-JA2uhBFS_W9K6FtKRktxfO/s320/Jackie_reclining.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> Like millions of others, I have always loved her style. So here is just a quick homage to one of the most stylish women who ever graced us with her presence.<br />
<br />
The red room, restored by Jackie during her White House years. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVmsr1K72P-UPIMqx5_Iu_1C8rTb5uwTx4uV_jzvEobug2wejMO6KzE9_d3c2lhK8V6BfB0VJ_Kk24AfoFqPu37jsfHwiFGVdOmrNBqzHC4-3Wji5qTYByv0DlLF1TdiDpaaN9fOu6vsw/s1600/JackiesRedRm1962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVmsr1K72P-UPIMqx5_Iu_1C8rTb5uwTx4uV_jzvEobug2wejMO6KzE9_d3c2lhK8V6BfB0VJ_Kk24AfoFqPu37jsfHwiFGVdOmrNBqzHC4-3Wji5qTYByv0DlLF1TdiDpaaN9fOu6vsw/s320/JackiesRedRm1962.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The blue room...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xX27tN7jHwfBXWbaj2feyjcEZL3VrhhOgvxTQt39ecYozcVt_oQk2JN5uMIhkwB1Ak-M_l8p2vltY5d-Y1Ggp9kkRR_fpKsynK9Br6VKVrKUcsLoqzscM-_BVVvBw2vxi6iyZ1dlfbuv/s1600/JackiesBlueRm1963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xX27tN7jHwfBXWbaj2feyjcEZL3VrhhOgvxTQt39ecYozcVt_oQk2JN5uMIhkwB1Ak-M_l8p2vltY5d-Y1Ggp9kkRR_fpKsynK9Br6VKVrKUcsLoqzscM-_BVVvBw2vxi6iyZ1dlfbuv/s320/JackiesBlueRm1963.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>And her bedroom...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpk-wOkMccgvSnatzlIBO_NjE9Aq0Xo_yyCeVxOu75wnMZGlvutk4xO_I5IqiFer__nCNm36OMrlR4PN7uPgaeHLi5yKx-8qPSWaDEAHE7YqGZsN9sykGD7neBby2Kxgqc6NlGy2DfIL_Z/s1600/Jackies_WHBedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpk-wOkMccgvSnatzlIBO_NjE9Aq0Xo_yyCeVxOu75wnMZGlvutk4xO_I5IqiFer__nCNm36OMrlR4PN7uPgaeHLi5yKx-8qPSWaDEAHE7YqGZsN9sykGD7neBby2Kxgqc6NlGy2DfIL_Z/s320/Jackies_WHBedroom.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>There's never been anyone like her since.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360234270379267230.post-55915416295360566132010-07-22T15:57:00.000-04:002010-07-29T15:50:31.823-04:00Updating Accessories For LessEvery once in a while you just get sick of a perfectly good accessory, but you're too cheap (okay, maybe that's just me) to spring for something fabulous from one of the wonderful retail establishments you troll for design inspiration (oops, that was just me too). <br />
<br />
I recently decided I had enough of this...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkeVQkOXH9-bgmwBa83Tvq3QneyCiszqpctme6FKPKS6vCipE4w-z6MrN7mGW9KloySMAnBfUzybqUSNOUex8bCdti32ylEVR5f4z5fdcwsYrWPb_Gxl3ZVayViXg_hx3Oe5nfmP1cys2/s1600/Centerpiece_7_2010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkeVQkOXH9-bgmwBa83Tvq3QneyCiszqpctme6FKPKS6vCipE4w-z6MrN7mGW9KloySMAnBfUzybqUSNOUex8bCdti32ylEVR5f4z5fdcwsYrWPb_Gxl3ZVayViXg_hx3Oe5nfmP1cys2/s400/Centerpiece_7_2010.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>There's nothing wrong with it really, I'm just tired of it. It has been there for a long time and I'm over it.<br />
<br />
So, after perusing the latest issue of Canada's House & Home (<i>love </i>that magazine) and Cameron MacNeil's <i>Bringing It All Together </i>feature, I decided to try this look...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPq2j1LXmdSOYOqR-Tvqu_YYdT5-0O-HaQvBKO5JPpVOM4B8yFBKpk6U-gQSi9QvJMR5gjYAmxF-UCdc2obeMtV9H3nxnKGh0R6eU2u2tDNrOinyfRBpbW1D0YmBQb05i4-Dizlnkxejn2/s1600/PBAveryHuricanLampts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPq2j1LXmdSOYOqR-Tvqu_YYdT5-0O-HaQvBKO5JPpVOM4B8yFBKpk6U-gQSi9QvJMR5gjYAmxF-UCdc2obeMtV9H3nxnKGh0R6eU2u2tDNrOinyfRBpbW1D0YmBQb05i4-Dizlnkxejn2/s400/PBAveryHuricanLampts.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>It's not dramatically different from my current centerpiece, but enough of a change to make me happy...for a while anyway. Plus, I already have all the elements except the glass lantern. Oh, and one is fine - I didn't feel I needed three as my table isn't that large anyway.<br />
<br />
I had two bags of river rocks I picked up a year or two ago at Tuesday Morning. Wasn't sure at the time what I would do with them, but they were less than $2 a piece so what the heck? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3R9CiAcOxoPY7eBiM-U9fKKV2DKAZPm6bsUNh3XH9EkHG6hvngE9Buub9uNRwi7gPhpmSK9lFKRodNV7efWYdOc4kMnp1emVdbbZc0qkRur8ZjBFeByiJI6_TIH0CYt9kLiks5icKaGpQ/s1600/RiverRocks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3R9CiAcOxoPY7eBiM-U9fKKV2DKAZPm6bsUNh3XH9EkHG6hvngE9Buub9uNRwi7gPhpmSK9lFKRodNV7efWYdOc4kMnp1emVdbbZc0qkRur8ZjBFeByiJI6_TIH0CYt9kLiks5icKaGpQ/s400/RiverRocks.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I was too cheap to spring for the $49 glass lantern from PB, so I picked up this glass jar at T.J. Maxx for $9.99.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijq1Fe1nZFblRgIFlBmpH2Np1k9b5sorkBLakBGntPv4zx05P6e6eX0opcU74NekZ6B6h0IlB89EPycKXXy9xA5WyOyYThYDcLE1-EJ_l7SLf3XISk1z-Y5iMl2LzDWQJXFgnSpMIlGwqW/s1600/EmptyGassJar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijq1Fe1nZFblRgIFlBmpH2Np1k9b5sorkBLakBGntPv4zx05P6e6eX0opcU74NekZ6B6h0IlB89EPycKXXy9xA5WyOyYThYDcLE1-EJ_l7SLf3XISk1z-Y5iMl2LzDWQJXFgnSpMIlGwqW/s400/EmptyGassJar.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>And here is my finished version of the look...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnY2ozPaausQr2FQPyF8fux_zJvO7xB7Rs38PNVyoFCRLx7lXioC5EPMnZdHlt2CPsNBEZ5qALjxEes921h5wNgD6ixpl3sNSUftM8eaVFCA6B3e_diOOFRIgP4osRZkilLcEWsjlyW0C/s1600/GlassJarwRealCandle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnY2ozPaausQr2FQPyF8fux_zJvO7xB7Rs38PNVyoFCRLx7lXioC5EPMnZdHlt2CPsNBEZ5qALjxEes921h5wNgD6ixpl3sNSUftM8eaVFCA6B3e_diOOFRIgP4osRZkilLcEWsjlyW0C/s400/GlassJarwRealCandle.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>And here it is with an battery operated candle for when I want to leave the lid on it. Obviously I think we all love real candles best. Nothing beats or replicates the glow of a real candle, but you can't put a lid on it if you light it up. Since I keep all of my candles in baskets in the armoire a few feet away, switching out my candles from real to battery is no big deal.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qugRCbcBTGjCPESOJIwelSb3ZDxbJ4u81z5hpZh7cR1HHakh7Lf6peoQm6kZbynSpPk0lgQKWaK4_VrPM2-bc5dkHcxijXyRqiqRBAtwE8UMof9rFYe9WCBYqbIpWrA9IKIk0AabZV60/s1600/GlassJarwCandle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qugRCbcBTGjCPESOJIwelSb3ZDxbJ4u81z5hpZh7cR1HHakh7Lf6peoQm6kZbynSpPk0lgQKWaK4_VrPM2-bc5dkHcxijXyRqiqRBAtwE8UMof9rFYe9WCBYqbIpWrA9IKIk0AabZV60/s400/GlassJarwCandle.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>You've probably spied that price sticker still on the base and the initial sticker still on the top of the jar. If you've read this blog before, you know I have to date most any accessory that comes into my house before I decide to make a commitment to it. If you haven't read the blog before, <i>where have you been</i>? This is fascinating stuff people! Now, if you can tear yourself away from all this decorating brilliance, go make a new centerpiece and tell me how it went ;-)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360234270379267230.post-8795641713300868422010-07-21T12:53:00.000-04:002010-07-21T12:53:26.240-04:00Front Door Makeover UnderwayPainting the front door has been a little tricky. Apparently, paint doesn't like extreme humidity - it kind of gums a bit...not pretty. <br />
<br />
Anyway, here is the new color, Valspar's City Chartreuse. I do like it. But, it may be too much...well...green. Maybe a shade darker? I really don't want to buy more paint so I'll have to live with it for a bit before I decide. It's perfectly fine to date a look before you marry it. It prevents a lot of unhappiness (and wasted money) down the road.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMfdSK7gfy2pT27mrnn9OT7r115wQ5zDEjmFvI0ZKIDcJzS6MAPXtKQQAAMjCz1Q7TTE5kPPVwcCNhQUb9lub-nCO5DPKBsTca7xaTicv4WyPxefLl3tG0w80w0a4ZklEOdH5Q_v6fYSPe/s1600/GrnDr_HalfDone.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMfdSK7gfy2pT27mrnn9OT7r115wQ5zDEjmFvI0ZKIDcJzS6MAPXtKQQAAMjCz1Q7TTE5kPPVwcCNhQUb9lub-nCO5DPKBsTca7xaTicv4WyPxefLl3tG0w80w0a4ZklEOdH5Q_v6fYSPe/s400/GrnDr_HalfDone.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>This color looks very summer to me, but it might be a day brightener once the cold returns. What do you think?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360234270379267230.post-25431991422957169912010-07-19T15:56:00.000-04:002010-07-19T15:56:50.802-04:00My Front Door Needs a MakeoverI'm in the process of painting my front door. Not just painting really, but slapping on a brand new kick plate, door knocker and, if I can find the right size for this lovely old house, new door handle.<br />
<br />
Here is the door before in all of it's blazing red glory:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmViH1JBdUeN7CmchT0UbVYXYv4gmOu-nhJ1hkjlbXczSfMBhbAYMJXUI1bcDFAw7mYP95Mb7h3FGdnoZCoVN893P3mTMIytb2C8b9A13h78mJmwm-1k_YhMigkAU8VdlCeJ8MLURWQm_A/s1600/MyFrontDr_Red.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmViH1JBdUeN7CmchT0UbVYXYv4gmOu-nhJ1hkjlbXczSfMBhbAYMJXUI1bcDFAw7mYP95Mb7h3FGdnoZCoVN893P3mTMIytb2C8b9A13h78mJmwm-1k_YhMigkAU8VdlCeJ8MLURWQm_A/s400/MyFrontDr_Red.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
This is the color it was painted when I bought the house and I did love it for a long time. I think the Chinese believe red is good luck...or I thought I heard that once. Eventually though, it was in desperate need of a paint job and I was in desperate need of a change in color.<br />
<br />
I have settled on green, just not on the exact shade of green. Something in the chartreuse family I think. Chartreuse is such a cheerful color. A chartreuse door just says this is a happy house, don't you think? <br />
<br />
This is how far I've gotten with City Chartreuse from Valspar:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6A7c1SEMDMeei980xw9wu4Z1eB_nDEtyIiXilSOPiIpTczrtg9frqLLFSxhIJnFvpX95V9pqfmNvDAiHt984xK5ycUL_58EqA7Jiw_uHbCjyfAEUg8JEgDj35OMU4-PNIttAHKWEHJTI/s1600/MyFrontDr_halfpainted.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6A7c1SEMDMeei980xw9wu4Z1eB_nDEtyIiXilSOPiIpTczrtg9frqLLFSxhIJnFvpX95V9pqfmNvDAiHt984xK5ycUL_58EqA7Jiw_uHbCjyfAEUg8JEgDj35OMU4-PNIttAHKWEHJTI/s400/MyFrontDr_halfpainted.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div>It'a a little brighter in person. Not sure if it's too bright or not ... hence the unfinished bottom half of the door.<br />
<br />
See that slightly darker swatch down the center? That's a bit of Benjamin Moore's Olive Tree. I really like that shade too. It's just a bit darker...maybe a little more palatable? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8XI6gNInMc0oLWYM6UbyK1R6wree2pSMC73TcKqmtUCAN3qSqFSGpOSNh5NqI5VdZErUiTDK8CQaaBCXC8HGwNiog4TaAt-v3LUeA_PF3s9HUooTWDqu7BMoggTbZAzDufdsE49Nspjo/s1600/MyFrontDr_twogrns.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8XI6gNInMc0oLWYM6UbyK1R6wree2pSMC73TcKqmtUCAN3qSqFSGpOSNh5NqI5VdZErUiTDK8CQaaBCXC8HGwNiog4TaAt-v3LUeA_PF3s9HUooTWDqu7BMoggTbZAzDufdsE49Nspjo/s400/MyFrontDr_twogrns.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Tonight I'm just going to finish painting it City Chartreuse and then decide if it's just too much or not. If it is, I'm taking it back to Lowe's to see if they can deepen it a little more for me. <br />
<br />
Weigh in if you have an opinion. I love opinions :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360234270379267230.post-67261098561029041352010-07-15T10:57:00.000-04:002010-07-15T10:57:50.063-04:00Perfect PorchesIt's <i>really, really HOT </i>here in Cleveland right now and has been for weeks now. I mostly love the heat because we plunge into a deep freeze every winter. I say mostly because it can really sap your energy and just make you want to lie down and take a nice long nap on the porch.<br />
<br />
Since I don't really have a porch (more like a mini landing pad that barely has room for the two urns filled with flowers I use to "decorate" it), I like to imagine some day being able to build a little version of one in the back of the house. Of course, I'm filled with brilliant ;-) ideas for my imaginary porch, but here are some real porches that make you want to grab a book, pour a glass of wine and relax...or you could just take a nap.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij95FF2kRbhG7FvTc_Yql7uDsOKkd4iSizn4ZaGlA0YexUst414GG3f7x7e0PIZLa2s5ju4HbOmhvZcdF_iUPpJzRawkMkIBrFXN3iS0yR1MP60SCJk2EhXZ8bFylEfLB_Ih98kVXLoxeN/s1600/Porch_1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij95FF2kRbhG7FvTc_Yql7uDsOKkd4iSizn4ZaGlA0YexUst414GG3f7x7e0PIZLa2s5ju4HbOmhvZcdF_iUPpJzRawkMkIBrFXN3iS0yR1MP60SCJk2EhXZ8bFylEfLB_Ih98kVXLoxeN/s320/Porch_1" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpGYNP8fTsIkSFTuPmIDOvoTtMOsdpgsqxfIzHVCwngYCgxUYMEcIaaEowEFO7io7GNNw2rUh82CJ7pKYMgw7B4RbVdpCpjgQGOuhPbCUI1AbfuNK4VwJk50HN1-mQssGgBqMPauwIcpC/s1600/Porch_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpGYNP8fTsIkSFTuPmIDOvoTtMOsdpgsqxfIzHVCwngYCgxUYMEcIaaEowEFO7io7GNNw2rUh82CJ7pKYMgw7B4RbVdpCpjgQGOuhPbCUI1AbfuNK4VwJk50HN1-mQssGgBqMPauwIcpC/s320/Porch_2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDmlsumKLUXM-YFY_Aidro510Y8Ynn9jkbQdQxLPTdPDuzKsK96ago6i8_P5Jn3Jg89yim0lSlXZD8hN1jrDkRrCr0Ipqq0HnB0AvdjjkUzSYAZY74vmABqf_0sbdARz05kvg4Uc_xVHT/s1600/Porch_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDmlsumKLUXM-YFY_Aidro510Y8Ynn9jkbQdQxLPTdPDuzKsK96ago6i8_P5Jn3Jg89yim0lSlXZD8hN1jrDkRrCr0Ipqq0HnB0AvdjjkUzSYAZY74vmABqf_0sbdARz05kvg4Uc_xVHT/s320/Porch_3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZihYvlfIJeDfCiuWW3ROTyCnHKUBMtip5c3fOeDDhPZ9SOEhXHMUcsv-Dk15nv5QciYTMm253hRNa-rsp965qlxOD6sffJZcaGTLCGxzDipMcn43GbQ0NcEWkB61SO9j_m0OKakyydh8P/s1600/Porch_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZihYvlfIJeDfCiuWW3ROTyCnHKUBMtip5c3fOeDDhPZ9SOEhXHMUcsv-Dk15nv5QciYTMm253hRNa-rsp965qlxOD6sffJZcaGTLCGxzDipMcn43GbQ0NcEWkB61SO9j_m0OKakyydh8P/s320/Porch_4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylFwyv-i4Kj6fZMucdzxOWEAgBWrR9jHVG4vNbDicEdr9ZAJIdPLPTZ5LbmbMD2cU2JW4hRXw4nHuzoqa6Sxwn14ZDOQ1jL13SRrR0njEVylf9olkO8JDhopjx2VZYCmZTAK1plxpqvWG/s1600/Porch_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylFwyv-i4Kj6fZMucdzxOWEAgBWrR9jHVG4vNbDicEdr9ZAJIdPLPTZ5LbmbMD2cU2JW4hRXw4nHuzoqa6Sxwn14ZDOQ1jL13SRrR0njEVylf9olkO8JDhopjx2VZYCmZTAK1plxpqvWG/s320/Porch_5.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YrmF6mLU6dJPHVOX3hFBF44piZrozIVXvrQ4z4x0Hy9KyMFvDOlhcKYLf9IReZMyVhBrc_qsXQetf8Br5qAhH-c9xiPxBPkVeCXAOuqrH6_EJoXmBP8Hxxb1J8FRQ7ZXIUM6EHkAWJqB/s1600/Porch_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YrmF6mLU6dJPHVOX3hFBF44piZrozIVXvrQ4z4x0Hy9KyMFvDOlhcKYLf9IReZMyVhBrc_qsXQetf8Br5qAhH-c9xiPxBPkVeCXAOuqrH6_EJoXmBP8Hxxb1J8FRQ7ZXIUM6EHkAWJqB/s320/Porch_6.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWiQhKIgEMPY0lpzQ4XSQNNVAp3n8ruYaxLRruLrmcUTxa07U_WRVQG_HAGjJ5zKCM1IL_LRafE7TDD_yuQ0zh45_VAbUhmcYmdWEIw9XN-gRsoSuDFVqaTe-H4cXA1V06ZvO5aRZ4WVM/s1600/Porch_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWiQhKIgEMPY0lpzQ4XSQNNVAp3n8ruYaxLRruLrmcUTxa07U_WRVQG_HAGjJ5zKCM1IL_LRafE7TDD_yuQ0zh45_VAbUhmcYmdWEIw9XN-gRsoSuDFVqaTe-H4cXA1V06ZvO5aRZ4WVM/s320/Porch_7.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDl5Oh79mNnL2mUsRNOiMKO-hS2BrIlcavd57S_TC1_WNYY6szKJyXdfLHRXCq1j1N22TZkmeoJeuVWB5lYO8-P3WFw5ef5e9k7YDtlJzXVef1KyG8Up-GdXcPlKxBBJ1OC2m0Y_AR4Ky/s1600/Porch_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDl5Oh79mNnL2mUsRNOiMKO-hS2BrIlcavd57S_TC1_WNYY6szKJyXdfLHRXCq1j1N22TZkmeoJeuVWB5lYO8-P3WFw5ef5e9k7YDtlJzXVef1KyG8Up-GdXcPlKxBBJ1OC2m0Y_AR4Ky/s320/Porch_8.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuT-7MrMBsmCG-jh6gLhwNYylbIne7ilWgUeCQU-fMC3pB-1SZZdQaXXEAGEAKEu3M4V3fK5ejY6c6Z_RdzAhahZobzyX8hHYjN8m3OhCz5pGLIrMZu0vOhkOUt7yWJ0XeZPxULl5muZk/s1600/Porch_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuT-7MrMBsmCG-jh6gLhwNYylbIne7ilWgUeCQU-fMC3pB-1SZZdQaXXEAGEAKEu3M4V3fK5ejY6c6Z_RdzAhahZobzyX8hHYjN8m3OhCz5pGLIrMZu0vOhkOUt7yWJ0XeZPxULl5muZk/s320/Porch_9.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7Li37NcNiP0JIdPqMCsD92tLebk5JnhVR14D_9jhdou8V1PyXfHwfSQBF4VZxs_B9zAvuyp5EOWP4Dwg0M5Oy6vZ9I0xu9Tv-9R54EKGMxJmx8UfxAUwLt_z0zVztDEYP4WmopQHgAsz/s1600/Porch_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7Li37NcNiP0JIdPqMCsD92tLebk5JnhVR14D_9jhdou8V1PyXfHwfSQBF4VZxs_B9zAvuyp5EOWP4Dwg0M5Oy6vZ9I0xu9Tv-9R54EKGMxJmx8UfxAUwLt_z0zVztDEYP4WmopQHgAsz/s320/Porch_9.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiO3uf7-VYNlkwIV0U3II6XmYLJFxkDh64wvEKGxCGoMhhGHdWmSZkM4njNUIV59kB6E15HSwe3WoCo_Su9J6jwJnIkevZjyU1fFhE91WuK9ZKa1r6c4rqDs-rOMTFDGu8TrFlCcMljJT4/s1600/Porch_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiO3uf7-VYNlkwIV0U3II6XmYLJFxkDh64wvEKGxCGoMhhGHdWmSZkM4njNUIV59kB6E15HSwe3WoCo_Su9J6jwJnIkevZjyU1fFhE91WuK9ZKa1r6c4rqDs-rOMTFDGu8TrFlCcMljJT4/s320/Porch_11.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYXbYswGcN7K3NixKz1FcAeI20dg4kZUJ7sgHA5graJqd68q0n6QPSkG5B5CgtKLFe3t1q-CSZuPbLSXSPQrQYsBomCBIiJ-sGtnh-zcKsg7bj6MRNODYBSIqpqBTZUe4mB_ychY0fxTrQ/s1600/Porch_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYXbYswGcN7K3NixKz1FcAeI20dg4kZUJ7sgHA5graJqd68q0n6QPSkG5B5CgtKLFe3t1q-CSZuPbLSXSPQrQYsBomCBIiJ-sGtnh-zcKsg7bj6MRNODYBSIqpqBTZUe4mB_ychY0fxTrQ/s320/Porch_12.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div> This last porch is really more of an outdoor room, a glorified screened porch that I could pretty much live in all year...if it wasn't freezing here during the winter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCwEMRn9acIwKt-MW9Wm6_zByVjtN8Itd2QA9ntjvZ2ArkjLKYvXY7vnB-cFR8YipopfNtur6rWHxudLwatzxkaX1XpDcyuRVDf6bmlG0FEt_U8ZyqV6saGjiSWRiBkpLiOumzX60UbLPQ/s1600/Porch_OutdoorRm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCwEMRn9acIwKt-MW9Wm6_zByVjtN8Itd2QA9ntjvZ2ArkjLKYvXY7vnB-cFR8YipopfNtur6rWHxudLwatzxkaX1XpDcyuRVDf6bmlG0FEt_U8ZyqV6saGjiSWRiBkpLiOumzX60UbLPQ/s320/Porch_OutdoorRm.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div> If you have a porch, dress it up and enjoy it. You're truly blessed to be able to enjoy one of the greatest pleasures of the Summer.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360234270379267230.post-20016545166371421422010-07-14T14:40:00.000-04:002010-07-29T15:50:56.143-04:00Coastal ChicMakes me wish I living on the beach (of course, who doesn't wish they lived by the beach?):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgkE-1virrHoQ10-ja2HgPyf8QGYDKjgV6YYNsJt_fiJGVyxXhyphenhyphenuOV2d34o1TS2Zx88b-nm1OReLJOgm4i_7Llb1HI8I0OgF_O5Kj9zffa9jD_44HxEE7QpZxBQ6Q6HZ5zqTOptI9jrbh/s1600/CoastalLiving_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgkE-1virrHoQ10-ja2HgPyf8QGYDKjgV6YYNsJt_fiJGVyxXhyphenhyphenuOV2d34o1TS2Zx88b-nm1OReLJOgm4i_7Llb1HI8I0OgF_O5Kj9zffa9jD_44HxEE7QpZxBQ6Q6HZ5zqTOptI9jrbh/s320/CoastalLiving_1.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nXq24RRSvkWrmLO8lZZez8tWPPB9H3DU_6WcomuryqULiGnARq1WiU0PkEm7wU1uy3uMIZp5nRCmkMV1vJpOkhE7G_M9-i5ND-rd1uRH-fBp5XrDwYQvLiTwl3t5q3MoT2AUsnE2dW_b/s1600/CoastalLiving_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nXq24RRSvkWrmLO8lZZez8tWPPB9H3DU_6WcomuryqULiGnARq1WiU0PkEm7wU1uy3uMIZp5nRCmkMV1vJpOkhE7G_M9-i5ND-rd1uRH-fBp5XrDwYQvLiTwl3t5q3MoT2AUsnE2dW_b/s320/CoastalLiving_7.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOq9uyEtS0PMdPjzjD9YbZNuT4MDjAkAq1H4yjWhtuGaqdrrU6KVKX8t9lP6A7C9mMrg3PZp12psJK6nLSt26OojuvgB2JACFdNLUrLTW5nKz6rh6xUndauQKuiDcZdMuvk2E9LlURA8W/s1600/CoastalLiving_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOq9uyEtS0PMdPjzjD9YbZNuT4MDjAkAq1H4yjWhtuGaqdrrU6KVKX8t9lP6A7C9mMrg3PZp12psJK6nLSt26OojuvgB2JACFdNLUrLTW5nKz6rh6xUndauQKuiDcZdMuvk2E9LlURA8W/s320/CoastalLiving_2.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpB53rb1CuaCGmpkq4gD5UileZIH5OTZzqWPRHdqPuQfW5v-WhgpNQSclNZvXb_6lE8gv4fBKZGXKrFIsxN2a7_AsOuA_JLym-wUNX5rOQUXGYfvl2n9PlVrNSP07H5Ft9TDlS6pNVXxFT/s1600/CoastalLiving_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpB53rb1CuaCGmpkq4gD5UileZIH5OTZzqWPRHdqPuQfW5v-WhgpNQSclNZvXb_6lE8gv4fBKZGXKrFIsxN2a7_AsOuA_JLym-wUNX5rOQUXGYfvl2n9PlVrNSP07H5Ft9TDlS6pNVXxFT/s320/CoastalLiving_6.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84O2pGJOdIMJGfq72S779mOClhdWBaKSDRWVDjZaJemELlB2nWovrGPsALq9jh-VvjWk7BQqIqoBtK3HFRvenVmy7OaQye4C7ua9kl6lq7nXDa1bcGqTg88W9F9kUG_hgKFr2RfS14cdl/s1600/CoastalLiving_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84O2pGJOdIMJGfq72S779mOClhdWBaKSDRWVDjZaJemELlB2nWovrGPsALq9jh-VvjWk7BQqIqoBtK3HFRvenVmy7OaQye4C7ua9kl6lq7nXDa1bcGqTg88W9F9kUG_hgKFr2RfS14cdl/s320/CoastalLiving_4.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgON2mH5XzDm83xANutnWIj4-xePE9XuXiI6OZ_Jv4H_M6L5mS5TCdp9WTPjkAgKYjH5SvcAaWwzDglaorrw7v8T7K8Or88h1rAN_h8T12fNnqurZH6XwZDW8m-93xUmN98c8iKi5IUBRy/s1600/CoastalLiving_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgON2mH5XzDm83xANutnWIj4-xePE9XuXiI6OZ_Jv4H_M6L5mS5TCdp9WTPjkAgKYjH5SvcAaWwzDglaorrw7v8T7K8Or88h1rAN_h8T12fNnqurZH6XwZDW8m-93xUmN98c8iKi5IUBRy/s320/CoastalLiving_3.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZNXujGwDMoRe-jJksDaHXiml4TdPiJMjBSKgmrzsEjTk9OiUM_cJWLXlqqH9WArI4zjL2HQS9DrR_vUNUv4EgnCQRm1wyAINh92ab7WHmLOX0tEzjnsI2Qe3IOuRb4ldRArZ-yskzLl5/s1600/CoastalLiving_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZNXujGwDMoRe-jJksDaHXiml4TdPiJMjBSKgmrzsEjTk9OiUM_cJWLXlqqH9WArI4zjL2HQS9DrR_vUNUv4EgnCQRm1wyAINh92ab7WHmLOX0tEzjnsI2Qe3IOuRb4ldRArZ-yskzLl5/s320/CoastalLiving_5.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Sometimes you have to settle for dreaming :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360234270379267230.post-7347170485488817032010-07-12T10:55:00.000-04:002010-07-12T10:55:20.471-04:00The Pine Monster Gets A Distressing MakeoverI mentioned a while ago that I really wanted to do something about the monster that lives in the corner of my living room...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9-KISG2lV4NfG-tRiK_y-uMUHnNl8CSdymPMNQjYi3jBrME31_k6nzLefpDIf8Ajo3Rk9QYBceuPW-iN5t3fUXq4vweK5G5Lx3fyLSYsbam4jla2MDPpVPGK_vP6ZlJLQDNbcB1XYY0w/s1600/Armoire_BEFORE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9-KISG2lV4NfG-tRiK_y-uMUHnNl8CSdymPMNQjYi3jBrME31_k6nzLefpDIf8Ajo3Rk9QYBceuPW-iN5t3fUXq4vweK5G5Lx3fyLSYsbam4jla2MDPpVPGK_vP6ZlJLQDNbcB1XYY0w/s320/Armoire_BEFORE.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>It's useful for hiding the TV (no sleek sexy flat screen for me) that is quite fat and extraordinarily heavy. Still, even if I did have a lovely new TV, I would want to hide it. TVs aren't pretty to me and I don't like looking at them unless they're turned on. But I digress.<br />
<br />
Last week I took on the 80s pine monster and now she looks like this...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBJHBt79m7I2kzeuJy6_qCGqm5yIoEEA0wU_sfymj0n9oh4qCNUjcuMVMeQuJrNzo4mQIk31rq6xGIoYta5PJFjbe9cO9-jhlZgB5Em07HOFURD6-lJt-YGhc7-o_gdnJj51ANLRv0Bd5/s1600/Armoire_AFTER_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBJHBt79m7I2kzeuJy6_qCGqm5yIoEEA0wU_sfymj0n9oh4qCNUjcuMVMeQuJrNzo4mQIk31rq6xGIoYta5PJFjbe9cO9-jhlZgB5Em07HOFURD6-lJt-YGhc7-o_gdnJj51ANLRv0Bd5/s320/Armoire_AFTER_2.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Two coats of paint, some sanding to achieve a distressed look and toner, along with one final "wash" with a mix that was three parts water and one part latex paint and I'm back in love with my armoire. I no longer see her as the big ugly monster hogging the corner of the living room :-).<br />
<br />
I even like the top of the piece that I had grown to hate for it's fancy scroll work that just screamed 80s at me. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4HOV0FQ85GHzIMKk9yU7eu9Dq8aAP90_L5SvWXdFoVKASFbpxewI7xU2XBwEAmTQMRioy8e5_idnInchn_4s6vn4EN7H2SEB2Tt9lWcSpZ3Lq5zcmV1b5k4_vCt1-1hDK6o7C-ov5PWb/s1600/Armoire_TopDetail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4HOV0FQ85GHzIMKk9yU7eu9Dq8aAP90_L5SvWXdFoVKASFbpxewI7xU2XBwEAmTQMRioy8e5_idnInchn_4s6vn4EN7H2SEB2Tt9lWcSpZ3Lq5zcmV1b5k4_vCt1-1hDK6o7C-ov5PWb/s320/Armoire_TopDetail.JPG" /></a></div> As you can see, I did put new hardware on the doors, but I don't love it. It looked great immediately after the painting, but once I started using the toner and darkening the piece more, the white knobs were just too...well, white. I'll keep them until I find something else for a price I'm willing to pay (if cost were no object, I'd head over to Anthropologie and pick up some but, that's not in the budget).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqovnRFiWgGUrhNXvi4ufoM-Ptw6rVmB_Pocb60m1OaJxG1XQUSOY1BDvzOcD8XMK0DFJhYQgcYh73JplG7UN7ImraT000rnHWs24325HIVpFGdGRspEjttvEfvP41PJPBFWma-PtFwTG/s1600/Armoire_After_door.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqovnRFiWgGUrhNXvi4ufoM-Ptw6rVmB_Pocb60m1OaJxG1XQUSOY1BDvzOcD8XMK0DFJhYQgcYh73JplG7UN7ImraT000rnHWs24325HIVpFGdGRspEjttvEfvP41PJPBFWma-PtFwTG/s400/Armoire_After_door.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7eN3XPsWWDMmtRpC1d0jmrDuKuZk0-H8JQj0m3gZjsMf5laNNuZTWfQ_n1NqEa4Upy7CQ8DNA0yLM49HhDv7fmgmCSKu_7bg6svRUdSh2ASEXQfEOZi5QZo_WQV34vSaEvm-DEwBJ2Zaj/s1600/Armoire_knobs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7eN3XPsWWDMmtRpC1d0jmrDuKuZk0-H8JQj0m3gZjsMf5laNNuZTWfQ_n1NqEa4Upy7CQ8DNA0yLM49HhDv7fmgmCSKu_7bg6svRUdSh2ASEXQfEOZi5QZo_WQV34vSaEvm-DEwBJ2Zaj/s400/Armoire_knobs.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go find something else to paint :-).</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360234270379267230.post-15960849540885411312010-07-07T14:02:00.000-04:002010-07-07T14:02:14.684-04:00Bedrooms That Make You Go Hmmmm....Less of me talking, more of some interesting bedrooms...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlI3hog3d9MvgX9teeosmqRsYSN-2HhjqnUHDvxT5YYLyv4E8vv9WGiz4dtgElVHvGweVwN41oA4G_tVXbE4yi5jMjoTp618LzhHkzf0vaDJJIukL9oCjPmQSkzebGY5k-w6wo9ssol4Ne/s1600/Bedroom_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlI3hog3d9MvgX9teeosmqRsYSN-2HhjqnUHDvxT5YYLyv4E8vv9WGiz4dtgElVHvGweVwN41oA4G_tVXbE4yi5jMjoTp618LzhHkzf0vaDJJIukL9oCjPmQSkzebGY5k-w6wo9ssol4Ne/s320/Bedroom_001.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Love the giant "lace" as headboard...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8AkOkk2Ri0N6l3ZTlhL12eyriVNp-j1Qp49ZJWG5nBDLgVzNOxoalnnZq0EfaPtB6OLaQTygl6gzkR51SIeRLjOXo6sTR2TP_5VaAZJTfjGFyysr8Ku2h2WwwEqR3VZKcinkBo7SAD4Ce/s1600/BedroomMonochrome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8AkOkk2Ri0N6l3ZTlhL12eyriVNp-j1Qp49ZJWG5nBDLgVzNOxoalnnZq0EfaPtB6OLaQTygl6gzkR51SIeRLjOXo6sTR2TP_5VaAZJTfjGFyysr8Ku2h2WwwEqR3VZKcinkBo7SAD4Ce/s320/BedroomMonochrome.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTT_trSDA3paQIlEC3B0Ofp04_DDxJB2yST1kSoaKuaXQTSTzCO-3H9WARiU73j3WlJHExnARGHhogLVd_TrIf0CCJgcG6Lgora_8gANyPOe__fsnR6oysnjG8kefI6DaEtDhnoaQllqWu/s1600/Bedroom_BlkWhtBalance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTT_trSDA3paQIlEC3B0Ofp04_DDxJB2yST1kSoaKuaXQTSTzCO-3H9WARiU73j3WlJHExnARGHhogLVd_TrIf0CCJgcG6Lgora_8gANyPOe__fsnR6oysnjG8kefI6DaEtDhnoaQllqWu/s320/Bedroom_BlkWhtBalance.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Love the headboard and pillows (below).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbo55iwuvzDi1qPjrccPlqmau7T9g5HcK3T88DKRCSug3hUaLbvooV_kMenMYEVv-DNiKpnq3kRqalqdoxMY_itvioAVIsOMZZY-T8qrhEPr-C7I4DCr4n_ls8srhO4ygrNLrkaBtJ6NC/s1600/Bedroom_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbo55iwuvzDi1qPjrccPlqmau7T9g5HcK3T88DKRCSug3hUaLbvooV_kMenMYEVv-DNiKpnq3kRqalqdoxMY_itvioAVIsOMZZY-T8qrhEPr-C7I4DCr4n_ls8srhO4ygrNLrkaBtJ6NC/s320/Bedroom_002.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplHZko2rWrIiVq3WU9EP1mp3xTWS5c60XiKmyK5Rnb5ovIcWdIYh4K-DpulFb5l3zktQExifWUtJIsPmhRMPF5RlFuwX_ojmo27PrpYrIIY0VK4DIbsEzuEki0vfFNOCH7gHEC0XLG7BR/s1600/Bedroom_ensuite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplHZko2rWrIiVq3WU9EP1mp3xTWS5c60XiKmyK5Rnb5ovIcWdIYh4K-DpulFb5l3zktQExifWUtJIsPmhRMPF5RlFuwX_ojmo27PrpYrIIY0VK4DIbsEzuEki0vfFNOCH7gHEC0XLG7BR/s320/Bedroom_ensuite.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkCOIBLJLMnxISDaX2h4Eft_2rJu12eFu9CoEn3r7lyVviWJ4EwocgjuIjSpi74llpqwhquMp4MxxDaVn5sJhYIfwTbC5wM7edlunyIuKZu5Ch_7hiZdDb5I6Z6tg1RsUY3Bjvnnm0XYHP/s1600/Bedroom_exotic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkCOIBLJLMnxISDaX2h4Eft_2rJu12eFu9CoEn3r7lyVviWJ4EwocgjuIjSpi74llpqwhquMp4MxxDaVn5sJhYIfwTbC5wM7edlunyIuKZu5Ch_7hiZdDb5I6Z6tg1RsUY3Bjvnnm0XYHP/s320/Bedroom_exotic.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTmc0kwsWZKnsBoEuMR5BP5kVla1zEZ_p_jf8I6G8QXhHJ8EAL5Y1G3cC7L26pO4Zrg0FQZgYGc8SLiMPhaaKby9PVdYA25QapjlknPbc4X9Quft2fGNM5sZyVGSLMUHjiuk-c5h5NmWb/s1600/Bed_interesting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTmc0kwsWZKnsBoEuMR5BP5kVla1zEZ_p_jf8I6G8QXhHJ8EAL5Y1G3cC7L26pO4Zrg0FQZgYGc8SLiMPhaaKby9PVdYA25QapjlknPbc4X9Quft2fGNM5sZyVGSLMUHjiuk-c5h5NmWb/s320/Bed_interesting.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>It's just too hot to think right now. Maybe a nap :-)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360234270379267230.post-23302131012972823942010-06-30T17:06:00.000-04:002010-06-30T17:06:24.558-04:00Bedroom Tour in EssexI love home tours. I don't care where they are or what kind of houses are included, I just love the chance to peek inside someone else's house and see how they decorated. <br />
<br />
One house type I typically don't like the decor of (when included in a home tour) is the Victorian. They are beautiful structures, but often the ones included on a home tour are decorated in a period accurate way and I'm just not a fan of the Victorian style decor. It just seems so heavy and dark and overwhelming. And you would pretty much have to spend a fortune on a cleaning service willing to move and dust beneath all those tchotchkes.<br />
<br />
Still, every once in a while you find one you love and here are two bedrooms I found in a restored Victorian in Essex England. <br />
<br />
Love the floors, chandelier, turquoise and gold touches. I even like the fancy window treatment that's usually not my thing. And the very modern chair is perfect.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNgsJtGhcMHHlx0HMtCNoLI3jqSODcsPJH0di8VsTL6HJoGYuUHHHh5k_gxT38aUHTtiaJchbbLNt7k83QRGGgdxwFDE1BK-Q9Qc0HUGVxnJWKQoI5lkn998Hev5YyRz2UmDGX1AGBPN1/s1600/VictorianEssex_BlueBedroom1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNgsJtGhcMHHlx0HMtCNoLI3jqSODcsPJH0di8VsTL6HJoGYuUHHHh5k_gxT38aUHTtiaJchbbLNt7k83QRGGgdxwFDE1BK-Q9Qc0HUGVxnJWKQoI5lkn998Hev5YyRz2UmDGX1AGBPN1/s400/VictorianEssex_BlueBedroom1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Does this distressed leather gem not look like the most comfortable chair ever? Although it might be a serious challenge getting back out of it once you're that close to the ground.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPysWJ7SvhO6qCYzRQ3hShGDvpSy0RvGDRzILaCqiYj9MFnnLxwavUNmOsm5PwlLPk54iplZI4zFJ1OYYPw4f2ye9hdp7H7lkT0ebmws5J7Rbs2__1g5DT_-uOWVX-fkBJqNIeDJYCybd/s1600/VictorianEssex_BlueBedromm_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPysWJ7SvhO6qCYzRQ3hShGDvpSy0RvGDRzILaCqiYj9MFnnLxwavUNmOsm5PwlLPk54iplZI4zFJ1OYYPw4f2ye9hdp7H7lkT0ebmws5J7Rbs2__1g5DT_-uOWVX-fkBJqNIeDJYCybd/s400/VictorianEssex_BlueBedromm_2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Here's the other bedroom in the same house. I love the very modern lighting choice above the bed that keeps the whole look from being too formal and perfect. That rug is amazing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9kxUZxmjoGJW1GH2jbKuroQU3JPqPDgNDhZcZlJsC8OWx_ec-_GLk0FGHXDS2gHhMA34BewVqGOyUKW4bGpPyuvp9PI8NSsje4xUUq6-rD3EVKuPWHynadaLeteYx6fw0QYHrqc0QPNd/s1600/VictorianEssex_RedBedroom_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9kxUZxmjoGJW1GH2jbKuroQU3JPqPDgNDhZcZlJsC8OWx_ec-_GLk0FGHXDS2gHhMA34BewVqGOyUKW4bGpPyuvp9PI8NSsje4xUUq6-rD3EVKuPWHynadaLeteYx6fw0QYHrqc0QPNd/s400/VictorianEssex_RedBedroom_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRi4eoKNlhyphenhypheneDS-QjrZo4hpr2dnuKQ0w3ISeG324ZrEI6SWwView81OUoExV6uOze5ls9DOmU6S2tN8wpQzWFsuRRADIq_gTiHbqaDsPNOX-td4gD4gBLbKpIeDf08akSJL51fVsYui4q/s1600/VictorianEssex_RedBedroom_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRi4eoKNlhyphenhypheneDS-QjrZo4hpr2dnuKQ0w3ISeG324ZrEI6SWwView81OUoExV6uOze5ls9DOmU6S2tN8wpQzWFsuRRADIq_gTiHbqaDsPNOX-td4gD4gBLbKpIeDf08akSJL51fVsYui4q/s400/VictorianEssex_RedBedroom_2.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for stopping by :)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360234270379267230.post-28953193357203058692010-06-28T15:09:00.001-04:002010-06-29T15:59:53.841-04:00Guest Bedroom / Home Office ReDesignOn Friday of last week, I did a redesign for a client who wanted to turn a room she called "a dumping ground" into a guest bedroom that could also serve as a mini home office for her.<br />
<br />
She needed it done quickly because her older son, who is getting ready to leave for medical school, had invited his girlfriend to stay with his family over the long holiday weekend. The homeowner wanted the room ready for her to use when she arrives on July 1st.<br />
<br />
<b>BEFORE: </b>This is the view across the room from the doorway. The black hutch wasn't going anywhere as it weighs a ton and this is the only place she has for it. She bought it to house her very large glass and ceramic collection.<br />
<br />
The TV had to stay where it was. The man of the house has plans to mount it on the wall to free up some floor space, but for the time being my redesign had to include leaving it where it is.<br />
<br />
We also had to incorporate the chair and a half sleeper, desk and chair and some pictures and artwork into the room. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEileuAwgeBIJ-wDOd06ADPzZf1o3BmqrXL4_COCGl5OwHe5-jEsOWP6EQl58IBnZC4ROnH81kIZYh2EO5X1Oqxa-Au0DOI1F7QutMFmU2hCFA9vY_E7DaLYRtECVE7HpRxA6wL9y6CHi1UZ/s1600/L_Gasbarro_BEFORE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEileuAwgeBIJ-wDOd06ADPzZf1o3BmqrXL4_COCGl5OwHe5-jEsOWP6EQl58IBnZC4ROnH81kIZYh2EO5X1Oqxa-Au0DOI1F7QutMFmU2hCFA9vY_E7DaLYRtECVE7HpRxA6wL9y6CHi1UZ/s320/L_Gasbarro_BEFORE.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Everything is just crammed into the hutch for storage with no real attempt to display or arrange for viewing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHwDzW7HZrLG6vDlVQ0gucDQEuv0QdIL0tsRkdVY9uIkir4XbuUKx3fvEIp5GXfa9mb_rSDUMh3M1tZft-Jcname_2eShGEf99T33-0GBMhaapFo4ipYcY5iYhOfs5q8U-kxFrN7WPOlN/s1600/L_GASBARRO_BEFORE_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHwDzW7HZrLG6vDlVQ0gucDQEuv0QdIL0tsRkdVY9uIkir4XbuUKx3fvEIp5GXfa9mb_rSDUMh3M1tZft-Jcname_2eShGEf99T33-0GBMhaapFo4ipYcY5iYhOfs5q8U-kxFrN7WPOlN/s320/L_GASBARRO_BEFORE_3.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">These are some of the items the homeowner wanted me to work into the redesign. The clock was a gift from her sister-in-law, the large antique gold mirror belonged to her mother and behind the mirror is a black wood table with drawers to store small items. One top of the small table is a piece of pottery she really liked and wanted in the room.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That doorway leads to a half bath with no other access from anywhere else in the house. You couldn't pick a better spot for either a guest room or a home office than one with its own bathroom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTlnhXU9B5adKHZk2lYi94WfP_itEQB8BUojYLtrlCtEUY_Q67p0FGn84qKMO6VpK6V5vTPnxImJWFIWd8dw0xmFSkUG5du34VeSocRIv8938cjdReVKAhdp5DqtaGVx_E737-d5JpywwS/s1600/L_Gasbarro_Before_4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTlnhXU9B5adKHZk2lYi94WfP_itEQB8BUojYLtrlCtEUY_Q67p0FGn84qKMO6VpK6V5vTPnxImJWFIWd8dw0xmFSkUG5du34VeSocRIv8938cjdReVKAhdp5DqtaGVx_E737-d5JpywwS/s400/L_Gasbarro_Before_4.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This is the view from the corner where the TV is to the doorway into the room. Right outside the room is <i>another </i>bathroom! The room is accessible from the kitchen and just past that bathroom door is the door coming in from the garage.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQJbJtb5w3cVqagTi6s2HnXt6iVlGV9E_oCItTUA_sVJLJR15DankFkZUHsCj2JRo-g4y9DxBxNKU54NQQkEfCPWL9OWoEOYpg1OwglqvVf90IiLK49FOdkvquhACyTa5SP8K8bmbQw7g/s1600/L_Gasbarro_Before_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQJbJtb5w3cVqagTi6s2HnXt6iVlGV9E_oCItTUA_sVJLJR15DankFkZUHsCj2JRo-g4y9DxBxNKU54NQQkEfCPWL9OWoEOYpg1OwglqvVf90IiLK49FOdkvquhACyTa5SP8K8bmbQw7g/s320/L_Gasbarro_Before_6.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b>AFTER: </b>Here is the corner outside of the bathroom where we created a little space for the homeowner to use her laptop as well as a spot for her guest to do her makeup (I placed an 8 x 10 mirror on a plate stand next to the lamp).<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijcGo-XVjDdzpHn7F51oAVzwPKwPi-G8h9KfmQG5_rgkh8UogtImes7s0uM4lhu9TC-E6jKip_6o9FaZyrM9DOSiA69HyNJMGh_XuPDsbzSTGjjEbsKcAAS-G92Ao8Gsma0HZ4vQvThItD/s1600/L_Gasbarro_After_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijcGo-XVjDdzpHn7F51oAVzwPKwPi-G8h9KfmQG5_rgkh8UogtImes7s0uM4lhu9TC-E6jKip_6o9FaZyrM9DOSiA69HyNJMGh_XuPDsbzSTGjjEbsKcAAS-G92Ao8Gsma0HZ4vQvThItD/s320/L_Gasbarro_After_2.JPG" /></a></div>The tall buffet lamp was swiped from a bathroom (the husband seemed happy to see it go :)). <br />
<br />
The watercolor painting above the desk was done by the homeowner's mother and depicts a house that sits on the campus of <a href="http://www.wra.net/">Western Reserve Academy</a> where her sons were educated. The house in the painting is beautiful and the oldest in Summit county (built in 1806). She also gave me a black and white photo of the house to include in the room.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is the chair and a half that turns into a pull out sleeper for guests. We hung the antique mirror over the chair so that guests have a place to check their look before walking into the mail house. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjW_VpBq5nOXmBPc408qUCRstTjZarQrvbXdOlerA8GO1siCCV7X2cmIKUOJS6udESLBkki3bIJ-nX1Y6QTEw9wpwiBENnRZqjC8qx4rFk_wCijrIpS2ij7aVxv-e2rcywtd-fw_qkPzoQ/s1600/L_Gasbarro_After_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjW_VpBq5nOXmBPc408qUCRstTjZarQrvbXdOlerA8GO1siCCV7X2cmIKUOJS6udESLBkki3bIJ-nX1Y6QTEw9wpwiBENnRZqjC8qx4rFk_wCijrIpS2ij7aVxv-e2rcywtd-fw_qkPzoQ/s320/L_Gasbarro_After_3.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Because the chair was very low profile, we had to hang the mirror a little higher than preferred so that taller women and male guests could use it also without anyone's head getting cut off in the view. Normally, anything hung above a chair, sofa, table, etc. should stay within 6" to 8" above the piece.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">We reworked the hutch to create a more balanced and attractive arrangement and incorporate the reds and greens in the rest of the room into the hutch. Of course, the homeowner then had to find a home for all of the rejected pieces (I suggested a BIG garage sale).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGE55QW76oymwhrebX7xpUWa4drURTjZV7548tthI1TMUvvDD5pxbM1zCChGgHT2K4AQhwPqn469co_sewgVqzdeukiAsvbaXckSfBk1EKcRVWN54pv4Owz-Guw_rHXwsV_AGwyE_6aTSQ/s1600/L_Gasbarro_After_7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGE55QW76oymwhrebX7xpUWa4drURTjZV7548tthI1TMUvvDD5pxbM1zCChGgHT2K4AQhwPqn469co_sewgVqzdeukiAsvbaXckSfBk1EKcRVWN54pv4Owz-Guw_rHXwsV_AGwyE_6aTSQ/s400/L_Gasbarro_After_7.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In the end the homeowner was thrilled with the new space and happy to have it off her to do list before her <strike>future daughter in law </strike>guest arrives.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I sent her a follow up email with suggestions on a window treatment (roman shades - either bamboo or simple red cloth) hung high above the window frame to draw the eye up and balance the height of the hutch. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I also suggested a tall floor vase like the one below to place in the corner on the other side of the hutch to balance the heaviness of the TV in one corner and the hutch in the middle. That small black table didn't work there because the closet door (that is used frequently) kept hitting it when we opened it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDym6SvLzfFBI5f14hEpFhYyn4OoZRABaUFPj5OwtcE_XpHOclfvpZiS77bVQNBl9SMJ1-Ld7BvwO01VvbuaiknvBzVc3XychXRwh3QoZYFCFJv0vOM1cTipgpEGHDCo9OXV8kK0eKoUU/s1600/TallRedFloorVase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDym6SvLzfFBI5f14hEpFhYyn4OoZRABaUFPj5OwtcE_XpHOclfvpZiS77bVQNBl9SMJ1-Ld7BvwO01VvbuaiknvBzVc3XychXRwh3QoZYFCFJv0vOM1cTipgpEGHDCo9OXV8kK0eKoUU/s320/TallRedFloorVase.jpg" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I also sent her some rug and other decorative ideas to help give the room a little more polish.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Although I love helping homeowners design rooms from the ground up, redesigns are my favorite. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">With a redesign, it's not about my taste or what I like so I have no worries about whether or not the items I'm selecting are going to be well received by the client. They already own everything I'm using so I know it's their taste. Sure we add things when requested, but at that point, we've pretty well figured out their style and adding decorative items they'll like is pretty easy.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks to the homeowner for allowing me to use the pictures. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy Monday!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360234270379267230.post-71012403239118658792010-06-24T17:15:00.000-04:002010-06-24T17:15:51.930-04:00More Beautiful Living RoomsWhenever I read design magazines or websites, I am drawn to certain rooms in the house over and over. When I was looking to remodel my kitchen, I obsessed over kitchen design until the kitchen was completely remodeled and had morphed into my dream vision. Once the kitchen was (my idea of) perfect, I lost nearly all interest in kitchen design. With the exception of tweaking the colors and decorative elements every few years, I'm good to go with the kitchen.<br />
<br />
One of my favorite rooms to peruse is the living room. Because my house is tiny, there is no family or great room. There is just the living room to...well, live in. I love my living room, but I love to tweak the design and accessories and to just obsess over everyone else's too.<br />
<br />
Here are a few I came across today that I thought were pretty sweet...<br />
<br />
I <i>love</i> the pink and green. You almost have to be single to pull this off as I don't think most men would be loving the girlie vibe, but it is sweet. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_Zk1BRinwUGaDvLzS1IsEf_OAMm7B6Egamyfs0f4fe6QquV6-mlGmzXOuUTmH-Gwq5SqtpOT53RYIHEV4_IDa7RIQs-B5-9jcPYTF99cjDh4Laiqlzq4MiJ7vpSXCmmiUvb4BfbnJzPA/s1600/LIvRm_PinkBrown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_Zk1BRinwUGaDvLzS1IsEf_OAMm7B6Egamyfs0f4fe6QquV6-mlGmzXOuUTmH-Gwq5SqtpOT53RYIHEV4_IDa7RIQs-B5-9jcPYTF99cjDh4Laiqlzq4MiJ7vpSXCmmiUvb4BfbnJzPA/s320/LIvRm_PinkBrown.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">More pink and brow that is still very feminine, but not too much so. It's super sophisticated. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZoGf5cFKRBoV3-A54Eo5QWqEfx7BgAwkGX08hk1ZFdto5OYVEzpKz3gU4t4BJI9pu39RDbbSCmOI2Da2CsuVfhiIbmq9cEKkgHj3xCNYsV6gErR_tiTZb0-GfGHjnYqQXUr4ohFjp9U3/s1600/LivRmStyleMix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZoGf5cFKRBoV3-A54Eo5QWqEfx7BgAwkGX08hk1ZFdto5OYVEzpKz3gU4t4BJI9pu39RDbbSCmOI2Da2CsuVfhiIbmq9cEKkgHj3xCNYsV6gErR_tiTZb0-GfGHjnYqQXUr4ohFjp9U3/s320/LivRmStyleMix.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm not a huge fan of blue, but this mirror is amazing.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJR_XLSWEm336FZfEX5N1g2g4XJds6oNGNk4kQnJDqGhzqOgdOdx3y3WXaGpF53K3UBV6X7w8DFvjffyhLcYRLLFsQ97TAd77-pOdVfednnS-40DoxiZ44W2eP5Ul8bD44yOM2a-uHWvw/s1600/LivRmBlueCondo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJR_XLSWEm336FZfEX5N1g2g4XJds6oNGNk4kQnJDqGhzqOgdOdx3y3WXaGpF53K3UBV6X7w8DFvjffyhLcYRLLFsQ97TAd77-pOdVfednnS-40DoxiZ44W2eP5Ul8bD44yOM2a-uHWvw/s320/LivRmBlueCondo.jpg" />I </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love the cool feeling you get from the soft green walls, white sofa, chrome and lucite coffee table and mirrors.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-Zh9gNbIRYksHbS5I0bvz8USlO91-Y1KFWlJBwdd7CppjBQcbq_xYceloHPpTfKkiDm0F0n1zoviKlFz5USI2Umj8qmSnthXEHGpbOyTQqdAl4qQ3URjLes-F-QpwScI99ETnk_up4PM/s1600/LivRmMirrorsSofa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-Zh9gNbIRYksHbS5I0bvz8USlO91-Y1KFWlJBwdd7CppjBQcbq_xYceloHPpTfKkiDm0F0n1zoviKlFz5USI2Umj8qmSnthXEHGpbOyTQqdAl4qQ3URjLes-F-QpwScI99ETnk_up4PM/s320/LivRmMirrorsSofa.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Saving the best for last, I love everything about this soft tan and yellow room. The unexpected lantern hanging next to the sofa, the gorgeous brocade on the sofa, the bird prints...perfection. Definitely not casual enough for my lifestyle, but if your living room is just for entertaining, this would be heaven.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvKK6fwTmbH3t7p-bK1fvj0FxGUNgq_VSh3uL7Hz0iplia07truuvqeaSuoLqlzhAAuJBXEaWYFRCLiX6uMywpKEUgsRKtt9mH0hF0c0KNpvImGSzS6Xbixf1l_L3C_WkREJcNY7xEWbD/s1600/LivRm_SoftYellowLampSofa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvKK6fwTmbH3t7p-bK1fvj0FxGUNgq_VSh3uL7Hz0iplia07truuvqeaSuoLqlzhAAuJBXEaWYFRCLiX6uMywpKEUgsRKtt9mH0hF0c0KNpvImGSzS6Xbixf1l_L3C_WkREJcNY7xEWbD/s320/LivRm_SoftYellowLampSofa.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I have a redesign tomorrow. If it's okay with the homeowner, I'll share the pics.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">cc</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360234270379267230.post-9167078366376609282010-06-22T16:47:00.000-04:002010-06-22T16:47:22.995-04:00I'm A Really Bad Blogger...Yes, I am a <i>very</i> bad blogger. I can't believe it's been a week since I blogged. Work has been very busy (yay!!!) and the whole making money thing really gets in the way of living sometimes you know?<br />
<br />
So one of my new clients is a lovely single girl who wants a shiny new bedroom to go with the rest of her lovely home. Hopefully she won't mind me sharing the experience with you. Right now I'm busy finalizing the color palette and researching the individual pieces she wants incorporated.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">The only thing she had chosen before our first meeting was <a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1613156&navCount=3">this bed from Restoration Hardware. </a>Yesterday we settled on the vintage velvet in white for the upholstery. Beautiful isn't it? It seems almost 40s glam to me. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYReK-pYj2XvgCnHRxDsZXZdqaBnZY2i6cPhdf5ujK2bBGtRgyvHZw37i3adafr-_W_7MJzNgblYz6VWncJXelRY65sPcyZX52z9Ya954jHotVEdyasQVpO_E69MLVfQDxhnyRJKBtwKhY/s1600/WS_HumphreyUpholsteredBed_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYReK-pYj2XvgCnHRxDsZXZdqaBnZY2i6cPhdf5ujK2bBGtRgyvHZw37i3adafr-_W_7MJzNgblYz6VWncJXelRY65sPcyZX52z9Ya954jHotVEdyasQVpO_E69MLVfQDxhnyRJKBtwKhY/s320/WS_HumphreyUpholsteredBed_2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Stay tuned for more ;).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0