Feminine living......thoughts on home

As I have mentioned, my goal to finish my home by the holidays.. (or almost finish it anyway). I figured I would take the advice I give to my own clients when they are feeling frazzled by their projects:  "Let's finish the room(s) that you (or we) have started so you feel as though one space is finished." This gives you both a clear sense direction and accomplishment!

My bedroom is almost finished. It only needs a few finishing touches so I have decided to wrap that up. The room will be the most feminine one in my home, besides my daughter's bedroom.

It is a fairly calming space except for a slightly graphic rug. The colors I've used so far are shades of navy, pale pink, and white. There are feminine details that I am drawn to in all of these bedrooms and I too have used a oatmeal color linen bed and fairly neutral bedding. 

Thoughts on home...

With Fall approaching, I'm looking forward to focusing some of my energy and time on the inside of my home. Much like the cobbler anecdote, my projects tend to come last. I can't really bare to spend the gorgeous weekends indoors on "home" projects during the summer months. When the weather turns raw and chilly I enjoy focusing on my house!!

This top image shows what I have done so far on my daughter Emerson's room. I had custom pillows made along with Pottery Barn Kids bedding.(PB Kids is having a 60% off  Labor Day Sale) The walls are painted light pink in Clark+Kensington's : Cherry Blossom 03D-1. It is a beautiful pale pink shade. The two images below are of my grandmother's (we called her Memere) bed. She was a very special person and I'm looking forward to using her bed in my daughter's room. Emmi and I chatted about her room this morning and we've decided to paint the bed a pretty yellow shade. I think the rug will be pink and white. Then all I have left to finish up is the artwork framing and selections. I am also adding two display shelves for her favorite books and accessories. I've also relocated an antique pine armoire to her room that didn't work in mine. 

Inspiration photos

I've always had this image in my head. I'll most likely use a yellow shade much like this! I think it will mix well with the bedding but also work with other shades should we (she) decide to change the color scheme later on. (Funny this picture is from Emerson Fry's house. I love her clothing and this sweater for the Fall!)

This bed style is similar. I like the pineapple detail on my Memere's bed though!

Thoughts on home - tiny bathroom!

I wanted to give you an update on my house. The kitchen is still in the works but the drawers are almost done. I have also ordered the lighting that I shared with you and I'm testing out the hardware selection. (It is always a good idea to order one piece of hardware and test out the scale and quality before committing to an entire order).

The tile has been installed in the tiny half bath off of my bedroom. I chose a well priced porcelain. I've also shared a couple of pictures of the tired, old space! It had not been updated since the house was built in 1972 - eek. We ripped out the toilet and the sink. I originally thought that I was going to paper this space in Rose Cumming's : Zebrine but I've decided to hold off on the paper. I need to scale back on my expenses and can always add wallpaper at a later date if I'd like!! The next step is to clean up the bathroom, replace the old baseboard, paint the walls and add the items pictured above!

I purchased the simple sink, faucet and toilet. I hope to paint the bathroom next week. I'm going with either pink or navy. I'm leaning towards the pink. Although, I love navy walls I think the pink will feel fresher and more flattering. I'm sure I'll be primping in this space. ;)

Above are my two design boards and below are the pictures of the space now - UGH!

the new tile 

1. I think I may go with this simple sconce. I'm leaving the existing wiring so it needs to be installed above the mirror.
2. Monogrammed towels add a personal touch
3. I've purchased a similar faucet to this classic Kohler one.
4. Small bathrooms and powder rooms look great when you add a one of a kind or unexpected mirror similar to this bamboo one. via Horchow (it's 30% off today!)
5. Inexpensive pedestal sink via Lowes. (again I need to save $ someplace)
6. I'm adding a colorful piece of art onto the empty wall across from the doorway.

The color chosen will be from Clark+Kensington's new color line! I'll share the color name when I make the final choice!

Thoughts on home...Kitchen Update

Hello, hello..So I've put together a kitchen board. This pulls together my thoughts for the space. My goal was to incorporate both classic and modern elements. I prefer clean looking but functional kitchens!

The back splash tiles are in! Next up, is ordering and having the lighting installed!
I'm very happy with the Carrara marble and my faucet so far.
Here's are the deets on the rest..

1. + 3.  I retained the cabinet boxes and am having new drawers and cabinet door fronts made. I went with a simple shaker style front and am going to use brass pulls. I was contemplating campaign style pulls (photo below) but I like to cook and move around the kitchen pretty quickly so I don't think they'd be all that practical. Hardware source.

2. This is the faucet design I went with. I chose something classic. Mine is by Dado, but I can't find it anywhere online. It looks almost exactly like this but it's a little taller.

4. I chose honed Carrara marble for the countertops. It is not the most practical choice but so far I'm loving the look. I'm just sure not to keep my bottle of red wine on the counter top anymore!

5. Oops, that tile shifted on me. I went with white subway tile with a beveled edge. The bevel adds a bit more depth to the design and flat surface of the tile. This is where I saved some cash. I picked these up at Lowes for .49 cents each!!

6. I'm pretty sure I'm going with this pretty blown glass fixture. I'm going to place it above my dining table.

7. I'm using simple bamboo blinds and a drape on a brass rod over the sliding glass door. (which I'd eventually like to remove - the sliding glass door that it...)

8. I used a 12 x 24 slate like ceramic tile on the floor. I'm loving that too!

9. I own this white parsons table from West Elm. Unfortunately, they don't carry "white" anymore.

10. I also own a vintage version of these Chippendale inspired bamboo chairs. I'll be
spraying them black as soon as it gets warmer out.

11. I painted the inside of a large kitchen cabinet this pretty Emerald color. Clark+Kensington's, Irish Dance 29D-4 (in stores this Spring). I'm going to have glass doors made for the front.

12. I'm ordering this pretty nickel pendant for over the sink. I know it looks a lot like the Hicks pendant but I keep gravitating towards the simple elegance.

I need new flatware. I think this is my final choice!

Image via (this looks so pretty)

Thoughts on home.....Bar/Dining Area: "before"

The next area in my new home that I'm tackling is this far wall in the kitchen. It is next to the dining table. Right now it is basically a BLANK (boring) slate. I painted the walls Clark + Kensington's "Illumination" (a new color due out in Spring 2014) it is a warm white shade with pale grey undertones. If you read my blog with any frequency then you'll recall I painted the main room and hallway a deep charcoal color.  In contrast to that area I wanted the kitchen and sun porch area to be a crisp, light shade.

I've decided to hang my over sized tack board on the far left wall. (see inspiration image) It'll be a great spot for invitations, inspirational photos, a calendar etc. I'm also going to paint the wall under the tack board with chalk board paint. It will create a little contrast but they are also pretty functional. (and fun for the kids). I have two metal bamboo chairs in black (plus six more that need a coat of paint). I'm planning to place those on either side of the marble table pictured above. This is also the area that I'm going to set up my bar. (cause this mama likes a pretty cocktail set up).

Finally, I've ordered simple bamboo shades and am contemplating ordering this handblown glass light fixture in shiny nickel. (if I go with the nickel, I'm purchasing brass pulls for the kitchen cabinets)....I'll be sure to post the after pictures in a few weeks! I can't share all the details because I may be collaborating with a website/blog to feature a "final" reveal! But I'd love to continue to share some sneak peeks with you!

Thoughts on home.....

Here's a picture of my new home when I purchased it this summer. The entrance needs a little bit of love. So far we've ripped the three dated bushes out and removed the fake flowers. Here's my punch list for the rest of the transformation:

- I'm planning to paint the front door within the next week or two. I'm either going with a pale aqua or a bright coral shade. I'm still debating the choice but am leaning towards an aqua hue because my home faces the marsh and is five minutes from the beach!

- Add a new entrance light and house numbers
- Repaint the house in a paler grey shade
- Add a new full length "updated" storm door
- Add a door knocker in either brass or bright nickel. (love both) I kind of love how clean the nickel looks on Miles aqua door below. (image one)
- Add new plantings. Boxwood etc.....
- Add an updated walkway, stairs
- Lose the dated metal hand railings


Since I'm painting the door first I thought I'd share my inspirational images. Do you have a favorite?? If so, I'd love to hear your thoughts! xx
Once I choose a color, I'll be sure to share the name and after photos!!

via miles redd

Thoughts on home...

I wanted to share today's "new home" design choice with you. I'm going to install glass front doors on the largest cabinet in my kitchen. It will only house my mix of vintage and new dishes and glasses...Here's a peek at some beauties, various shades and my final color choice! eek!! Tomorrow's plan: Searching for my counter top choice!

Malachite Green shade by Clark+Kensington paint

Thoughts on home.....

Moving will surely make you reassess not only your life but your purchases and the importance and necessity of each one.  I've been living with 25% of my belongings for almost a year. When I moved into my new home two weeks ago I had most of the boxes put in the basement. I just couldn't deal with a construction site and a disaster zone of scattered boxes all of the house. I'm slowly moving the clothing a little at a time from my temporary residence. I must be in a purging mode because my give away pile is quickly growing. 

My new home doesn't have a very big closet, it's not tiny but it is hardly the walk in closet I had in my old home. I'm also using my antique armoire for all my folded clothing, so that really helps. I've decided when I look in my closet I want everything to look new, fresh and special. (hence the give away pile)...I've always admired french women for their ability to look stylish while only owning a small number of high quality pieces. That's going to be my fashion philosophy moving forward. Will I still be slightly addicted to jewels and baubles vintage and new? I'm sure but I'm certainly going to think twice before I hastily grab another bargain item at the Neiman Marcus semi annual sale.....Don't we all wear the same 5 pairs of jeans and 5 pairs of black pants anyway!? ;)

Below I've shared some smaller closet organization inspiration with you! I'm absolutely going to install hooks someplace in my bedroom or closet for my necklace collection. I love Kelly Wearstler's storage idea above! 

Cheers to a great Monday and week. The past two weeks have been a little hectic in my world, then my little kitty of fifteen years who was always by my side passed away yesterday. You'll never be forgotten Miss Gabby. I love you!!! I think you would have been happy in our new home....

Thoughts on home...the living area

Wow, it's been an insane week. I moved into my almost finished home on Tuesday (a huge thank you and kisses to: Matty, Dad, Mom + Joel for all your help). To say it has been a busy week is an understatement. My life is pretty much packed in boxes and I still need to set up my office and redo my kitchen. (It is a construction zone without a counter top, sink or finished cabinets). I figure most of my clients undergo kitchen renovations and live in disarray.  I can too!

As most of you know, this was a post divorce downsize for me. The living room area is pretty small so I'm trying to figure out the placement of my furniture..I ordered an 8 x 10 jute rug (it's coming today) and I plan to layer a smaller version of this rug (or something similar) over it.

I then need to place my furniture and other things..I'm still a bit torn about the arrangement of the tv. I have a den but it won't be finished for some time as it's currently a three season room.

I do know I'm dealing with the placement of two large chairs, a little stool or two, a 36" round zinc table, a book shelf, a dresser (hoping for the tv) and a sofa.
I'm always keeping my eyes open for inspiration. This am I was looking through Domaine. 
I especially like the celebrity section. (mind you, I have a fraction - if that, of their budget)
My living room will also incorporate vintage and new lighting, over sized accessories, artwork, layered pillows and of course design books!
I'm loving Cameron Diaz's Kelly Wearstler designed space and Molly Sims laid back abode.

Great layered pillows and poufs. She looks so pretty.

 On a side note:

I can't afford the faucet I want...boo
I might just go with something a like this instead! I also am going to install smaller backsplash tiles much like Molly's.

That window!? Fab!