Online Orders

I finally ordered the rug and lights I've been dreaming about for my living room/dining room.




For under the table: For over the table:

For the foyer:

This light is immense. It is supposedly just over 4ft tall. I love the idea of a huge foyer light, I just hope it works out the way I think.

Stairs: Done

And done. I can just see my little princesses drifting down these stairs to meet their future prom dates. For now they will learn to climb up them. :)

Stairs:Getting Closer

In the midst of moving, I pulled down the railing, painted the blausters white and refinished the posts and railing in dark walnut.

The flooring guys installed the beautiful hardwood.

Then it was time to paint the tread, which I did, and reinstall the railing, which I left to the pros.

Can't get enough of these:love the wall color the stain and the bright white trim.

Still to do:

Touch up paint

Stain new trim pieces

Top coat railing and new trim

. . . and oh yeah, do that whole other railing that runs under the top one. But I'm not in a big hurry, I'm just going to enjoy the journey. Redoing a house is something I've wanted to do all my life.

Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

My new kitchen comes with some things I love: gray solid surface countertops, an integrated sink, oak cabinets, and a nice layout. But it also comes with some seriously ugly cabinet hardware.

Out with the old . . .

Here's what I'm thinking about swapping them out for.

I really like the look of the round pull on top, but it doesn't fit my existing holes, so I'm think the square ones are going to win out.

Some Before and (almost) Afters

Our house needs a little updating. We are starting with painting and installing new hardwood. The painting happened on Monday and today they are starting on the floors. I feel like we are off to a good start. Here are some before's and some during's (after's are still a ways down the road.)

The dining room before.

The dining room now.

The entry/stairs before.

Entry now.

The stairs now. (I'm stripping and refinishing the stairs à la Centsational Girl)

The formal living room before.

Formal Living After.

P.S. I'm loving the paint color we chose. It is just the right kind of warm grey that I really wanted. I wish I could share the name but it came from a random sample I picked up at the paint store.

Nantucket Style

In my house search I've fallen in love with a few houses. It seems that each on calls to be made into a beauty in its own style. There was the 1940 home that wanted a farmhouse sink and floral curtains. A 1980's tudor that wanted to be a craftsman with a red door. But this new house doesn't really call out to be something in particular. In a lot of ways it is a blank slate and I can choose whatever I want. Although there are many styles I find beautiful and would very much enjoy making my own, I've always dreamed of living in a traditional colonial-ish house. I love red brick and black shutters. Recently, I've discovered some thing calling itself "Nantucket Style" which seems to be a fresher/seaside take on colonial style. (I would just need to add some cedar shakes to my mostly red brick/black shuttered home :)

I really liked this house at Hooked on Houses.
I especially liked the light fixtures.

I liked how house this house at House Beautiful used unexpected punches of color, like this orange. Orange happens to be my favorite color.

I'm starting to really like grasscloth wallpaper, but I'm not sure if I'd be brave enough to use it.Sarah Richardson from HGTV's Sarah's House designed this lovely cottage. Of course, this room is breathe-taking in large part because of what is outside the windows. I'll have to make due with an ordinary Sandy neighborhood view:) But I think I might be able to make it work.

Christmas Card

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