Archive for June 2010
Bedroom Makeover, part 5: Building nightstands
A brief update on our master bedroom makeover project:
This weekend Ryan and I built the frames of the two nightstands, based on the plans from the fabulous Ana at Knock-Off Wood. We still need to attach the feet and install the shelves, but after my deep thinking on Saturday I chose to not worry, because we’ll get them finished during this week.
That being said, we basically built two boxes this weekend. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, we were able to put four boards together and make a rectangle. Twice.
We were even able to countersink most of the screws, so that we can get a seamless finish, and we only broke one drill bit (hence the smaller hole in the photo below).
The drilling was a total breeze thanks to the fabulous new DeWalt drill that Ryan got. I. Love. It. The powerful new drill has totally left my cheap old $30 Ryobi drill in the dust. It makes me want to build, build, build! Now I just need a table saw. . .
Hopefully we can get to Home Depot tonight and be more successful than we were on our trip late Sunday night. We needed one tool to proceed on the nightstand project, and we put it in the cart. . . and somehow left without purchasing it. But as a wise man pointed out – no project, no matter how small, can be accomplished with only one trip to Home Depot.
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What’s the rush?
One of my goals for my second year of blogging is to make things a bit more personal; write about me and my life just a little bit more. I think it’s silly to try too hard to make your blog fit in a perfect box, when life itself does not work that way. Part of what makes a house a home is the personalities and quirks of those who inhabit it. And believe me, I have quirks to spare. So expect a few more doses of these ramblings, filed under “thoughts on life.”
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Do you ever have those moments where you are just so chill and happy, enjoying the present moments in life? Not happy in a jumping-up-and-down with excitement way. Not happy in an I-just-won-the-lottery way. More like a quiet, peaceful, contentedness where you are just so relaxed and chill that nothing could bother you.
That happy contentedness flooded me Saturday morning, that led to much deep thinking.
I awoke early Saturday morning,despite staying up all too late the night before playing Dr. Mario on the Wii. [Don't. Even. Ask.] I was beyond excited to have my second consecutive weekend at home in since the move, because it meant I had time to do all sorts of projects. However, I didn’t feel rushed to get started at all.
Walking the mile to my local farmers’ market was sweaty work, but still enjoyable. With so many beautifully landscaped homes in my town, walks always give me something to look at. I don’t usually love new construction, but the newer homes in Vienna were built in a gorgeous vintage craftsman style, blending perfectly with the grand older homes.
Oh, the vegetables spilling out onto the tables at more than a dozen vendors’ stalls were just oozing with delicious ripeness. I had to be careful not to buy too many, keeping in mind that there were only two of us to feed, not to mention that I had to carry my organic bounty home.
Ah, the fresh veggies of summer.
On that walk home, I realized I felt great. And when I spotted a bird energetically cleaning himself in a deep puddle, in a manner so humorous and clumsy that I couldn’t help but giggle out loud, I stopped to enjoy the show. What harm was there in taking a moment – less than one minute, even – to enjoy the world around me? It was worth every second. And when he flew away, I continued my walk home – thinking how often we see something like that bird, and rush by it, thinking we’re too busy to take that moment.
When I reached my house, I set down my groceries, and turned on the sprinkler. I ran through it a few times, feeling a bit childish, but not minding in the least. Cooled down and face rinsed, I unpacked my veggies and set off on a day of errands and projects. It was during those errands that all these thoughts came to me. I’m always rushing from task to task, wanting to do things right now! Immediately!
And what’s the rush? I can always finish building those nightstands tomorrow.
As for you all – have a great end of weekend, and don’t forget to take some time to smell the flowers; fall will be here before we know it.
Loving the variety of heirloom cherry tomatoes.
Bedroom Inspiration
When I stumbled across this Coastal Living bedroom on My Home Ideas, I couldn’t help but share it. I love it. Everything about it. From the funky yellow lamps, to the perfectly coordinated art above the bed, and the striped rug that – amazingly enough – really does work with the room.
I think what I love overall about this space is that it still has a serene, calm feel to it even with the little splashes of bright color.
Bedroom Makeover, part 4: Fabric ideas
I’m hell bent on finding the perfect va-va-voom fabric for my bedroom drapes, so I went ahead and ordered a bunch of samples from Fabric.com. Here’s a peek, then at the bottom I’ll tell you what I’m leaning towards.
Shantung Bangelore Tan
Waverly Matelasse Tonga Snow
Dupioni Silk Iridescent Ice Blue
Waverly Sally Embroidered Stripe Nest
Waverly Matelasse Checked Out Frost
Dupioni Silk White Hyacinth
Premier Prints Barber Taupe/Robin
Dupioni Silk Iridescent
Shimmer Back Shantung Light Blue
Dupioni Silk Iridescent Aqua Chameleon
Now It’s possible that drapes sewn from the Premier Prints Barber Taupe/Robin, topped with a thick, 12″ border of the plain white Dupioni silk would be sweet. But I’m not sure I want a pattern. I’m still leaning towards a simple set of plain silk drapes.
Either way, that Taupe/Robin pattern will probably be purchased just for throw pillows.
Bedroom Makeover, part 3: Drapery dilemma
It’s time for another sneak peek at the progress being made in my master bedroom. The ceiling did require two coats of paint, but now that it’s all dry and the edge tape has been removed, I think it looks pretty darn good. Remember I mentioned that I tried to match the color to the mystery color on the walls? Well, in daylight the colors seem to match perfectly, so that’s exciting. Unfortunately the camera seems to pick up and exaggerate even the slightest difference in tones, as seen here:
But oh, how I do love the way the white molding stands out just a bit more now that the ceiling has a touch of color!
Moving on to the less successful project completed this week: the hanging of the curtains. The very inexpensive white cotton curtains I picked up at Ikea last weekend are just not cutting it for me. Back they go.
I can’t put my finger on the problem, so let’s just say that they lack a certain swanky, “va-va-voom” look that I was hoping for. Ryan says they’re too lightweight and see-through. I think I’m going to have to bite the bullet and spend a bit more to get the look I’m going for – maybe a white raw silk will do the trick. A little bit of sheen, texture, and a little more weight.
But what else is “off” about this look? Maybe the curtain rods don’t extend far enough past the sides of the window? We discussed it tonight and we’re think we want to stick with white. We’ll bring more color into the room with decor on the walls, but we really don’t want a lot of color. The photos don’t do it justice, but when you’re there in person the wall color feels wonderful.
Help me out here. I’d love to hear your take on what is just not quite right with these window treatments.
Maybe if I make the white silk drapes I should make a thick top border out of the same fabric as my accent pillows?
And in the mean time, have a fantastic weekend! I can guarantee you I’ll spend mine working on this space!
Psst! Hop on to the next post to see the fabric samples I just ordered!
One whole year and nothing to say.
Today is my first blogiversary, and I’m experiencing writer’s block. Lovely! I keep trying to write about the past year, and it sounds so horribly stiff and serious and boring. And that’s not who I am.
I’ve got some goals for the coming year, but I don’t really think I need to delve into them right now. Rather than talking a ton about what I want to do, I need to just DO IT. More importantly, my boyfriend will be guest starring regularly with what is sure to be a hilarious eye-opener into the world of living with me. An idea I may regret once his humor starts flying. . .
And now, since I’m failing miserably at finding something witty or thought-provoking or amazingly insightful to say on this monumental day, I guess I’ll just say “have a great Thursday!” and leave it at that.
Oh, and I’ll share a picture of one of my yard’s inhabitants:
New Abode, Part 9: Back Yard & Porch
It’s time for the final stop in the tour of our new rental home: the back yard and porch. It’s a great space just oozing with potential; potential that right now is just not being realized. . . yet.
One of our must-haves for our new home was a yard, and this one is just perfect. It’s a good size for a neighborhood within walking distance of Vienna’s downtown area, and the abundance of mature trees makes me very, very happy. The two large storage sheds are just a total bonus.
And here we have the back porch, as seen the yard. It needs some serious decorating work. We’re having trouble growing grass in the part of the yard closest to the porch – but it’s come a long way from the bare mud puddle it was when we moved in. We’ve gotten permission from our landlord to install a brick or stone patio in front of the porch, because the area doesn’t drain well after rain. As an added bonus, I think it will really pull the whole space together more.
This doesn’t look too cohesive, does it? I’ve got my great Acacia Wood patio furniture from Ikea, but I’d like to make the space rock much more with a rug, some lighting, and a better furniture layout.
Have I mentioned that Ryan and I both love thunderstorms? During the storms we like to sit right here and enjoy them.
Regardless of the state of the decor, I do enjoy working and relaxing on the porch.
I plan to transform it into a beautiful and uber-functional outdoor lounge, like the many outdoor spaces I’ve loved in Miami. And that’s exactly what’s next on my list, as soon as the bedroom makeover is complete – so stay tuned!
Small Space Solution: Hooked
When Ryan and I did the walk-through before moving into our newly renovated rental home, we noticed that there were no towel bars in the first-floor full bath. When asked I requested that our landlord have the contractor install towel hooks rather than towel bars. Here’s why:
Simply put, hooks make it possible for you to hang way more towels comfortably in a small bathroom – while still allowing them to dry out after each use. Think about how much space a towel bar consumes. Installing a bar on the bathroom wall would have provided space for only one towel. Yeah, you could fold two towels to allow them to hang on a bar together, but then they’d have trouble drying out. And I do NOT like to use a musty towel.
Secondly, I think towels look more inviting when hanging casually from a hook, rather than straightened out on a bar.
Nowadays there are so many fantastic options for every style. You’re no longer relegated to this good old back-of-door standby that you probably remember from childhood:
You can’t beat the chic simplicity and affordability of these Ikea hooks:
You could double up and use fewer hooks with this Archer Robe Hook from Kohler:
Or, if you’d rather not put any holes in the wall, this over-the-door model from Crate and Barrel is sleek and streamlined:
Of course, if your money grows on trees, you can throw down $45 bucks for the Pegasus Baron Double Robe Hook:
Personally, I don’t think it would ever be worth it. There’s much more affordable and elegant options online and at your local hardware store.
I really love the Crestfield Double Robe Hooks
