Archive for 2011
2011 Rental Decorating Ideas Roundup
As one of my goals for 2011 was to discuss more rental decorating ideas on The Borrowed Abode, I thought it fitting to usher in the new year with a roundup of our most popular rental-related posts from 2011. But if you’re a homeowner, you can peek too – because all of these ideas could be used in your homes, too!
Of course, our whole house is rented – so anything I blog about doing here is most likely landlord-approved. (You’ll never read about a kitchen renovation on this blog!) But these are topics we tackled for those of you who have more difficult or restrictive landlords. Read the rest of this entry »
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Design Dilemma: Should I move my sewing studio?
Just when I thought I had everything figured out in our house, my brain had to go and get another idea.
Should I move my sewing studio to the basement, and put it where I’m currently in the process of setting up a reading nook / computer & crafting station?
I already determined that moving my computer to the basement, and away from my sewing studio, was a good move. I needed to separate blogging and sewing. But now I’m wondering if I should have accomplished it by putting my studio in the basement, and leaving the upstairs as my computer office / dressing room. Read the rest of this entry »
Guest Posted: My Favorite Things
I’m a little late announcing this, becuase my computer died while I was on holiday, but last Friday I was given the honor of a guest posting spot over at Design Build Love!
The topic? My Favorite Things. Every other guest blogger had a fabulous list of their faves in one category (and you should totally check them out) . . . but me? Nope. I decided to just let ‘er rip with my most favorite things across the spectrum. So hop on over and check it out, especially if you’re wanting a peek at what I’m just crazy about.
Thanks, Ashley, for inviting me!
2011′s Most Awesome Projects
Thinking over what new resolutions, goals, and to-do lists to make for 2012 is straight-up exciting. Revisiting 2011 is a good way to gauge what successes 2012 may hold – and also a rare opportunity to look back and go “Dang, a lot happened this year.” In that spirit, I present The Borrowed Abode’s top projects of 2011!
Ryan’s Office Makeover
It was an exciting year at TBA what with Ryan and I getting engaged. He planned to decorate his office, but his business trip gave me the chance to give him an engagement surprise using a paint color he had already selected, and some of our favorite vintage pieces from our favorite vintage store. For all the details, check out the full post. There is more than meets the eye in this room seeing as it doubles as Ryan’s Dressing Room/Closet (Kind of like my studio). Read the rest of this entry »
Not the 2011 Borrowed Abode Pre-Christmas Tornado Tour
This December, as I watched blog post after blog post about roll through my reader, I saw more holiday perfection (decor, gift wrapping, parties, etc) than I could bear to look at. Frankly – and please don’t hate me for this – I had to stop reading them, because I was only getting more discouraged with how far behind I was with holiday preparations.
Running my shop, my blog, and working 9-5 (or longer) has done a number on me this holiday season. I could barely keep up with all of those things. As of this week I pretty much gave up trying to enjoy the holiday and was just counting down to my 4 day weekend at home for New Years’ Eve. One thing after another seemed to go wrong – don’t even get me started on the deer I ran over. That was the last straw. Read the rest of this entry »
Weekend Adventure: Mountains, Friends, Wine & Business Advice
This post is a little mix of business, wine, and fun.
In a bizarre diversion from the norm (lately), I set about having actual fun – and not doing any work – for most of this past weekend. The highlight? Spending Sunday in the “country”, driving through the mountains, wine tasting, dining, and attempting to shop in a small town.
Ryan and I headed out on this day-long adventure with two of our favorite people, who just got married in October. It’s awesome that Ryan’s best friend happened to marry an awesome chick with whom I get along fabulously. Together the four of us make a great adventuresome group. Read the rest of this entry »
Basement Makeover, Part 3: Functioning, but far from finished
We’ve made a little progress on the basement makeover, and even though it’s far from finished – I totally love where we’re going with it.
After much thought. . .
Ok, that’s a lie.
On a whim, I brought my computer down to the desk area, thinking it would help me stay focused – by separating blogging/social media from my sewing studio space. So far, so good.
It’s actually been really refreshing to blog and compute in a space that’s separated from the pressure of my piles of fabric. Before I was feeling rather guilty whenever using my computer, because I could literally see the sewing I had (or wanted) to do.
So yes, now I have an office AND a sewing studio. Two spaces to call my own. Believe me, I am super grateful for this luxury of space. And also totally cognizant of the fact that it will cease to exist when the day comes that we have kids. So I’m making the most of every inch now, while I can.
We’ve got the layout essentially decided . . . now we just have to make it pretty.
See the makeshift wine crate bookshelf combo against the stairwell wall? This is only temporary. There will be a bookshelf along the whole angled wall, but not this one. I just have to rustle up the supplies to make it happen.
I know that red is going to be our accent color, so I was stoked to score this small red & white lamp at Goodwill (complete with working efficiency bulb!) for $9. And the Ikea armchair? Well, my poorly dyed cover got replaced with a pretty dark gray one. I love Ikea’s slipcovers.
Like I said, it’s far from finished. But the little touches like this cozy armchair corner are making me so glad we decided to rethink the function and layout of the space. It feels so much cozier divided into the two sections – TV room and crafting/puzzle/computer space. Remember how it was just a few weeks ago?
As for what really matters . . . there’s plenty of space for the menagerie to supervise my blogging. ;) The stairs have proven especially useful for the cats, who use them for to supervise my typing from all levels.
Janery Update & Vacation Announcement
Good morning! Ryan and I had a fantastic weekend, chock-full of holiday cheer and celebration, but I still managed to squeeze in a lot of sewing for Janery, of course! It’s a busy time of year where my to-do list is overflowing with wholesale and regular orders to fill, as well as special orders. I love the fast pace, but I will admit that the top item on my business to-do list in 2012 will be “create a better organization system.” :)
I added a few new pillows to the shop and I just love the beautiful blue color. I only wish I had a place to use them in my own home! Actually, that’s probably why I chose these fabrics. Adding them to the shop gives me an excuse to play with fabrics and colors and patterns that I otherwise would not have a reason to work with! Read the rest of this entry »
