I Love this wallpaper!!  The black and white is right up my alley and the pattern is simple but interesting.  I found this picture in the LuxeSource magazine (along with many other amazing rooms) and immediately was drawn to it.  I also love the sconces and the face art.  

 

 

Penn and I have been toying with redoing our dining room.  Like I mentioned yesterday old houses have their quirks and it turns out the previous owners painted the entire house white before they put it on the market.  However, they did not PRIME the walls!!!  They just painted latex over oil base paint which is a major No No.  What's happening is that the latex is bubbling up in places because it doesn't adhere to oil paint and is causing me real nightmares.  We have two options... sand all the paint off the walls, prime, and then repaint.  OR we could add wainscoting around the dining room and then add new sheet rock above the wainscoting.  Option number two solves two problems... it will also hide the painted knotty pine walls (and I could get my awesome wallpaper!)

Something like this...

 

 

Hampton's Magazine - Libby Langdon

 

Weekend Update

Happy Monday!  We had a productive weekend.  We put up beadboard in the master bathroom and it looks fab!!  Still needs paint and a little wood filler for the seams but already it looks so much better.  Old houses have their challenges and this little bathroom proved to be one.  The walls are not square making installing wood trim difficult.  We chose the breadboard look to avoid using base molding that isn't as flexible as shoe molding. I really love the chair molding that we used...  We laid three chair moldings out before we made any purchases so we could get the full effect.  The one we chose had a little interest without being overwhelming and was the middle size. We aren't finished but I wanted to give you a sneak peek! 

Pardon me for my lack of posts this week... I have had morning meetings both Wednesday and Thursday.  Anyway... I stumbled across the BEAUTIFUL home of Atlanta designer Kay Douglass.  I completely love it.

 

The exterior of the home is gorgeous.  A Tudor style with a high pitched roof and the slightly white washed brick.  The lantern is perfect above the wooden front door and the what I am assuming is fig ivy growing on the entry façade.

 

Clean crisp white walls can do a lot for any room... especially if you don't get enough natural light.  I always recommend a satin finish to reflect the light.  Kay's living room below is so simple yet stunning.  I love the white walls, white curtains, and the white furniture with pops of yellow.  And my absolute FAVORITE thing is the antler sphere chandelier.  Stunning! And the way it reflects in the mirror is a major bonus. Notice how she uses the rustic tables in front of the sofas to bring in the rustic chandelier.  

 

 Check out a close up of one of the sofas... So cool! She found the object above the sofa on a trip to Belgium... get this, it's a part of an old farm tool!!  What a unique way to incorporate a trip to remember and also a great conversation starter.  Love this! 

 

 This kitchen is to die for... the bar/island is both functional and good looking.  Notice the double seater barstools.  This is a great way to get extra seating with out a row of barstools that you are always having to straighten.  The legs on these particular bar stools are white washed which is a great idea.  Had they been stained brown they would have taken away from the entire feel of the room.

 

 We sell a version of these rattan woven pendants in the showroom and they are so great!  Where typically you see metal or glass fixtures in kitchens the use of natural product softens the metal appliances.  All please note the ceiling planks!  Love this!!

 

For more information be sure to visit http://www.atlantahomesmag.com/article/cleverly-conceived to see other pictures of Kay Douglass' home and to read the article. 

 

 

Winter Escape

So, so, so, excited!!  We finalized plans for our winter escape to Snowshoe, WV!  We rented the cutest cottage on the slopes and you can ski in and ski out the back door.  There are a few of us who aren't skiers but sledding is an activity I love.  Can't wait for the snow ball fights, toasty fires, good food and good friends. 

 

photo

 

We have a few months before we head off but I can't wait.

Weekend Update

What a great weekend!! We got so much done around the house this weekend and it felt so good.  We took out Bonnie Blue (our 1979 Ford F-150) to practice driving a "H" stick shift.  It's different than a regular stick shift so I need to get some practice.  I like to go early in the AM when there aren't too many cars on the road (I tend to crack under pressure.)  Penn and I bought a black metal tool box for behind the bench seat.  Not sure why I'm so excited about that but I am! 

 BTW - we have always named our cars since I was a little girl.  My grandfather had a beautiful yellow Cadillac with yellow Interior - Lemon Chiffon.  That was one of my fav's)

Making progress on the front door! We made an appt. for a professional to come out and measure this week and then we will special order the door.  Very exciting.  We did go ahead and purchase the hardware and house numbers so once it gets here we'll be ready to go. 

 

On another note we are working on several projects right now.  We have our living room chairs at the upholsterer, having a custom shower curtain made for our guest bath, and now working on a custom dust ruffle in Schumacher's Chiang Mia Dragon in Mocha.  I know it's been out for years and we've all seen it everywhere but I love it.  So happy it's going to finally be in my house!

 Living room fabric for chairs on the left and Schumacher fabric on the right Schumacher Fabric

 

We also bought some new hardware from Pottery Barn for our new dining room window treatments.  Love them!  I will be using this for all window treatments - it also comes in a antique nickel.  So easy to install (well, easy for Penn.) We didn't use the tie backs but I really like them a lot so will keep those in mind for other projects.

 

 

 

Pottery Barn hardware

 

 

 

DIY weekend

Alright - it's happening this weekend.  We are finally getting a new front door- emphasis on finally.  I am trying to decide between two styles both are pictured below.  Windows are a must as we need natural light in the foyer, sadly we have no sidelights or other natural light.  The green door is Arts & Craft style and the blue door looks more traditional.  Our house is a 1950's ranch and currently the front door is very retro and I'm over it. We need an update.

Current front door

Option #1

www.bhg.com

Option #2

www.pintrest.com

We will paint the front door to match our French doors leading to the deck - LOVE this color! 

SW Gabol Gold

Hardware similar to this bronze 

www.doorhardwaresupply.com

I'm leaning towards option #2...  I will be sure to let you know what we decide.  Wish us luck!

Thursday Thought

This is a master bedroom in Aspen, Colorado (via Elle Decor.).  Can't you imagine snuggling up to watch the snow fall??  This room has so many comfort qualities and the pops of orange and pink add some drama.  I have recently gone back to a white duvet and shams and it has made me so happy.  I know that probably sounds cheesy but the white bedding sooths me and that is essential for a bedroom.  The neutral bedding also allows me to change pillows and a throw to bring out different colors.  I am a huge fan of neutral staple pieces and adding color through accessories such as art and pillows.  There is a closet of pillows in our house!