Miss Progress Gets Progressive

I am of course referring to my mama's kitchen, which I have unofficially named "Progress".  I am pleased as punch to report that Miss Progress has undergone some exciting transformations since last we saw her.  She isn't quite complete, but really, who is?  She'll probably be done just in time for a year to have passed since we embarked on this adventure.  Patience and progress.  
Here's the proof. But first, let's recall the before...

And now, I present Miss Progress....

Since my last update, [almost] all of the overhead lighting has been installed and the beautiful back splash tile has been completed.  The light over the sink is from Rejuvenations.com and the overhead lights I purchased at Lowe's.  The glass lamp on the counter is from Target and was formerly on the stainless steel work table/desk, but I shifted some things around before I took pictures and liked it better near the sink.  The improvised desk light was less than $10 at the hardware store.  I found it in another room and decided to give it a try, just for shits.  Turned out kind of cute- I don't know if it's permanent, but I rather like it.

Miss Progress has come a long way and my client is very happy with the results, but there is still some work to do.  Namely, the crown molding needs to be put up, the flooring installed (although I am not offended by the current floor), plug covers attached, window treatments finished and other stylistic details completed.  A bit daunting considering all we've already done, but progress keeps us wanting more and anxiously anticipating the finished product.

One Word: Furbish

The other day I was searching for an online swatch of a paint color we are considering for the den.  It's a minty, springy green blue and when I typed in the color name, this was one of the images that came up:

Now as you can clearly see, this picture is neither minty, nor green, so I believe it was only meant to be that I discover the origins of this wonderfully dreamy bedroom.  After a few mouse clicks, I came upon... Furbish Studio.  It's like a chic American Black + Spiro and it's right in my hood!  Well, North Carolina, but close enough.  Check out some other eye candy from the fabulous Furbish Studio...

Love: Paper and Swedes

I am hurrying and scurrying trying to to do everything I need to do, so I'm only stopping by for a minute, but I wanted to share two things that are inspiring me right now: paper and swedes!

First. Rifle Paper Co. I am just recently hip to this wonderfully artful and fabulously creative paperie...

... See what I mean.

Next, I stumbled upon Alvhem, a Swedish real estate agency slash interior design firm and their icy hot designs make me want to PURGE, paint all my floors white and change my name to Sven.

Ahhhh.  When I grow up, I want to be a minimalist.

Happy New Year!

"Whose life shall you touch this year? Whose will you impact? Whose will you inspire? Whose will you support? Whose will you live unconditionally? Whose will you forgive any transgressions? Whose will you deliver your service? Why not start with your own? Make a difference in 2012 in your own life and see how it ripples out in the world! Happy New Year! Happy New You!" 
-Simran Singh


I have no doubt in my mind that 2012 is going to be an unbelievable year.  Surrounding me are people doing amazing and inspiring things and I can feel the positive in the air.  I'm so excited about what is to come and all of the foundations built and friends met in 2011.  So, thanks.  For helping to make my 2011 great and my 2012 full of hope, promise, and opportunity.  


It is only ten days into the year and I already have amazing news about what is to come, but I'm not going to tell until the time is right!!  For now, I wanted to share some progress, projects, and plans.


First, my favorite client's kitchen (my mom's!) is coming along at tortoise speed and that's better than no speed at all!  A recent development: the back splash is almost complete!  Here are some progress photos:

In addition to the back splash, we painted the ceiling Benjamin Moore's Italian Ice.  I love how the green blue of the ceiling looks next to the puddy gray of the cabinets. We also ordered this fixture for above the sink that I found at  Rejuvenation :

It's all coming together and I am SO excited to see the finished product.  Last stop:  the floors.  Both my mom and I really want small white hexagon tiles, but they are proving to be a little on the pricey side.  It's difficult and disappointing to settle for less when we have put so much time, money, and thought into this kitchen.  Needless to say, I want it to be EXACTLY what she envisioned so my search will continue!!

Next, my projects, and they are many, so I will condense.  At any given moment, my mind is working ten different ideas that I want to begin, but don't for the sake of my family!  I'm particularly psyched about the following:

This chair I bought at a local thrift store for $15.00!!!  Yup.  The frame is completely sound, it doesn't smell and, um, it's adorbs.  I plan on painting the wood and reupholstering, but I'm not definite on colors and fabrics.  I think it's going to go into Lilly's room for now because it won't fit anywhere else!  Eventually I'd love to use it as my desk chair.

The showstopper... This beauty I found at my favorite local antique mall for... $90!!!!  I have literally been eyeing it for a year and when I went the last time it had been marked down and I had to buy it.  I had to.  It's in fabulous condition with new springs.  The beautifully carved wood frame is close to perfect with only one or two scratches.  The guy at the antique shop said it was a French antique, and I said of course it is.  Although my natural inclination is to paint.  Everything.  I think I will spare the wood on this beauty, but I will definitely be reupholstering in something very chic and mod. More to come on my fabric selections.  

I intend on putting this sofa in our entry hallway, which will also be getting a fresh coat of paint and some new artwork.

Last, the plans.  Some recent developments and new opportunities have forced me to make the home beautification act a top priority.  Here are the plans:

Master Bedroom:

Photo courtesy of the fabulous Ashley Brokop 

Photo courtesy of the fabulous Ashley Brokop

Photo courtesy of the fabulous Ashley Brokop 

• Curtains are a must.  I know the fabric.  I know the color.  Brentwood Nepal in Onyx shown above.  It's like an ikat and a leopard print got together and had a fabulous love child.  This fabric also comes in green and it's a top three choice for the antique sofa upholstery.
• Linens.  Nothing makes a bedroom look crisp and clean like some fresh bed linens.  I had my heart set on the Frette Classic Hotel Percale sheets from Garnet Hill with black embroidery, but they are no longer available so they may have to be improvised.  
• Closet doors.  I don't mind the mirrored doors.  They aren't too chic, but they sure are handy when I'm picking out my outfits.  When we moved in, I wanted to do a scalloped corner "frame" three inches within the edge of each mirrored closet door with white removable paint.  I plan on seeing this idea through, but will need to find some good removable paint.  I am open to suggestions on this one!!

Guest Bathroom:

 Photo courtesy of the fabulous Ashley Brokop 

 Photo courtesy of the fabulous Ashley Brokop 

 Photo courtesy of the fabulous Ashley Brokop 

 Photo courtesy of the fabulous Ashley Brokop 

Photo courtesy of the fabulous Ashley Brokop 

• Wallpaper.  Above the tile, we are wallpapering these walls with the same black and white toile used to cover the laundry room cabinets.  (Shown below)  The results will be stunning.

Photo courtesy of the fabulous Ashley Brokop 

The "den":

I have no proud pictures of the den because it is still going through it's awkward phase.  Frustrating, but I'm just glad we made it through the ugly stage.  Next, the beautiful stage!! 

 Photo courtesy of the fabulous Ashley Brokop 

 Photo courtesy of the fabulous Ashley Brokop 

 Photo courtesy of the fabulous Ashley Brokop 

 Photo courtesy of the fabulous Ashley Brokop 

 Photo courtesy of the fabulous Ashley Brokop 

Photo courtesy of the fabulous Ashley Brokop 

• Paint.  The walls will be either an icy green, a seafoam green, or a pure light blue.  We are still debating.  My vote is for the 50s green blue color of my favorite colander.  My roommate (hubby) is pushing for the blue.  Additionally, I think I will paint the antique dresser shown in the pictures above the pink color of our bedroom and then rough it up a bit, but I'm always subject to change my mind.
• Accessories.  On the two walls not shown there is a white slipcovered sofa with a large painting above it and a round white table with chairs that serves as our "breakfast nook".  Both of these areas, along with my mantle, need to be restyled with new artwork, accessories, and fabrics.  

Sigh.  I am grateful for my problems!  I'll keep you posted on all my finished projects, further progress, and additional plans.  

Happy 2012.  I wish you an AMAZING year.  Thanks for reading.

All I Want: A Christmas Wish List

Listen to this song while reading this blog!

Okay, now, on to my semi-make believe Christmas list/gift guide...  I want to preface all this silly "stuff lust" by saying that the only thing I really want this Christmas is peace, love, faith and good health in the lives of my friends and family.  AND maybe some David Yurman jewelry.  Just kidding, of course!  Now on to the fun!!

1. & 2.  Books & Magazines  I don't care how many cool gadgets come out for digitally reading print, nothing can duplicate the feeling of sitting down with a book at my fingertips.  I love to smell the book, touch the pictures and hold it up to my nose so I can see all the little details.  My magazine collection is ever growing  and I cherish it like I did our Encyclopedias as a child.  A few books and magazines I'm currently eyeing are: 

1. A Perfectly Kept House is the Sign of a Misspent Life by Mary Randolph Carter
2. Flea Market Style by Emily Chalmers and  Debi Treloar
3. Chairs by Judith Miller
4. Canadian House and Home magazine
5. real living magazine

3.  kate spade Cocktail Rings  There are zero kate spade items that I wouldn't sport, but I particularly love their jewelry and accessories.  The jewelry is fun and costume-y and very affordable.  These make great gifts for the fashionista on your list.  The two I've shown here are the Curled Ribbon and the Bow Ring.  

4.  Graphic Word Art  If you ask me, 2011 was the year of the graphic artist.  Word art is at it's best and so easy to find thanks to sites like Etsy.com.  The best thing about giving word art as a gift is that it's less taste specific than fine art.  If you find a phrase that's relevant or inspiring to the recipient, most likely, they will like it, even if only because it's quirky.  The "EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON" poster is one of my favorites.  Find it here.

5.  Socks  I honestly think there is a sock curse in my family.  As my husband says, "You have tons of socks, just no matches."  Story of my life.  My middle drawer is a treasure trove of stag sock singles, waiting and hoping for their mate to show up one day.  And it's not just me.  My mom kept a basket of loner socks for years.  Now that's optimism.  But really, it's puzzling.  I mean, where do those other socks go?!  So, this Christmas, I have decided to put socks on my list.  Seriously.  I need socks and these little cuties from Madewell are a favorite.

6.  Original Art by Michelle Armas  If you do not know of Michelle Armas, please educate yourself here. I am obsessed and so inspired by her work.  It is fresh and happy and beautiful and I love it.  Her artwork has been on my list since last year, but I'm holding out and saving up for a large commission.

When Louis stops, play some Harry.


7.  Dolce & Gabbana's Miss Sicily Satchel  Che Bella!  It really is a thing of beauty.  Really.  I'm saving up for this one too (in black crochet as shown).  I'm only $1,594.54 away!  So close I can taste it.

8.  Vintage Carved Wood Chiviari Chairs  I first spotted one of these at the All Local Farmer's Market at 701 Whaley where they have a long Tuscan style table for diners and some of these chairs scattered about.  Unfortunately, I have had no luck finding them.  The one pictured is from 1stdibs.com and is WAY out of my price range.  If anyone has any ideas where I could buy a set of these, PLEASE let me know.

9.  Kees Salentijn Screenprint  My favorite local gallery has an exceptional collection of work from this Dutch born artist.  I see a Salentijn in my near future.  For sure.

10.  Logo Design by Emma Robertson  This graphic designer slash knitter is the best there is as far as I'm concerned.  I dream of her designing a logo, business cards, etc. for my business whim.  Check out her inspiring blog here.

What is on your Christmas list this year??  Please do share.  

And, just in case I don't return again for a while, Happy Holidays.  

[Mostly] DIY Christmas Tree

[contented sigh]  Christmas time is here again and I love it.  We finally completed our tree last night, just in the nick of time, and it was so worth all the time and effort.  There is something truly nostalgic about the warm glow of those tiny lights, I could honestly lay on the sofa for hours and just stare, letting my eyes go blurry so the lights twinkled like stars.  I don't discriminate, I love all Christmas trees, but I've been wanting a monochromatic Christmas tree for years.  I am not a Christmas tree scrooge... for the most part.  I want my children to have fun decorating, use colored lights, wonky ornaments, Corn POP garland, etc.  So, in the spirit of savoring my last years of "designer" Christmas tree-dom, I carefully plotted and planned my tree and I am so pleased with the results.  I did this on a budget of course.  Here's how...

First was the skirt.  I had seen this magnificent ruffled linen tree skirt on Pinterest via Miss Mustard Seed's blog.  You can follow the link to get to her tutorial, but my mama made mine a bit different.  Miss Mustard Seed used a glue gun to fasten the ruffles, BUT we live in the hottest city in the US and that glue would surely melt come July.  SO, we used a ruffler foot for the sewing machine and ruffled the linen strips that way.  This took quite a long time and more fabric then I want to divulge.  (hours; roughly 11 yards)  I then cut some broadcloth fabric (you can use canvas too) into a circle.  I cut a circle out of the center and one slit.  My mom then sewed the ruffles around and around... and around.  Pictures below:

1.  Cut the linen into roughly 4 inch strips.  2.  Ruffle the strips using a purchased foot for your sewing machine.  3. - 5. In whatever way makes sense to you (!!) , cut a circle out of your canvas or broadcloth.  6.  Cut a small circle out of the center of that circle.  7.  Cut a slit so that you can get it around the base of your tree.  8.  Fasten the ruffles to your circle of fabric.

Because we did the skirt this way, it wasn't really on a budget, per se, BUT I still saved money by waiting until Jo-Ann's had a 50% off coupon in their mailer.  I then used that to purchase the fabric.  You could save even more money by either (a) lowering the setting on the ruffler foot to make a looser ruffle OR following Miss Mustard Seed's instructions.  

Next, the ornaments.  I gathered pine cones from my yard, which was 100% free, and I sprayed them metallic gold, rotating after each coat.  Then, I had some red ornaments that I've used for a few years.  I hung them on a string and sprayed them ivory. 

In addition to the Christmas tree accoutrements above, I also purchased some gold, beaded, pear-shape ornaments from TJ Maxx for $19.99.  When I found them, I was unsure what color family I was going to use for the tree, but these gold ones decided for me.  If you have some silver or red ornaments around, go with it and use the scheme you have on hand.  While at Jo-Ann's buying fabric, I found some ribbon on clearance.  The entire scheme is below (minus the purchased ornaments):

And finally, the fun part.  I got to decorate the tree!  Here is the finished product.