Kansas Farmhouse

Cool Kids Bath

2012-01-17T09:34:00.000-08:00

I came across this bathroom while browsing Atlanta real estate. What a perfect set up for a kids bathroom. I absolutely love the trough style sink and what a cool shower/bath combo. I bet this mom has no problem getting her boys to clean up!
Here's a link to the rest of the house in case you want to take a peek.

Eric Cohler

2012-01-10T09:57:00.000-08:00

Recently while searching through Charleston real estate listings I ran across this home in the historic district with interiors by Eric Cohler. I was immediately smitten. I tend to associate his work with more modern interiors but this space obviously leans more traditional.

All images Carriage Properties.
The above images left me wanting to see more so I did a little digging and found that his own home in Charleston was published in Veranda in 2009. Sadly I wasn't a subscriber at the time so I don't have a copy of my very own. His personal residence definitely has those modern touches I was talking about and I love it just as much as the one above.

Images courtesy Veranda Magazine.

West Elm Parsons Desk

2012-01-09T12:48:00.000-08:00

If your a blogger then you've heard of West Elm's parsons desk. Designers and bloggers alike share a love for this desk. I've seen it used in countless spaces both modern and traditional and it always looks fantastic. When I started looking for a desk for my daughter's room this desk was at the top of my list.
I've been wanting to add a desk to her room for a while now. It would be the perfect place for her to do homework, draw one of her creations, listen to her ipod or anything else she might want to do.

Always wanting to save money I also considered a nock off version from Overstock. I could tell from the pictures that it just wouldn't be the same. As luck would have it just before Christmas West Elm ran a sale. Of course I found out about it on the last day of the sale and had to make a decision before the end of the day. Although I've seen this desk many times online I've never actually seen it in person.

Shipping is not cheap so I decided that if I ordered the desk I had to keep it wether I loved it or not! I placed my order at 11:58 p.m. I'm so glad I did. It arrived a few days before Christmas and my husband and I assembled it in just a few short minutes. I was so impressed by the finish on this desk. It's the perfect high gloss. You can count this blogger in as a complete fan! Best of all my daughter loves it too!

Once we have it all styled I'll post pics of it in her room. Stay tuned!

2011-12-15T15:01:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I talked Kit into helping me paint the inside of the front door black. Here it is before ...

..... and after

I'm very happy with the way it turned out. We used Sherwin Williams High gloss black.

2011-11-13T06:49:00.000-08:00

I know this is about as boring as watching paint dry but Kit wired an outlet behind the TV for me and I wanted to show how much cleaner and nicer this looks!

Nate Berkus Dining room makeover

2011-10-31T07:51:00.000-07:00

I really like this makeover from Nate because everything he used is off the shelf and yet still looks very nice and very Nate!

Great Giveaway

2011-10-18T12:09:00.000-07:00

One of my morning reads La Dolce Vita is hosting a great giveaway on her blog. Today is the last day to enter to win a pair of fantastic lamps from Circa Lighting and Visual Comfort. Hurry and enter before midnight tonight! Good luck!

TV console

2011-10-11T09:27:00.000-07:00

Our kitchen/family room is pretty open and it's where everything happens in our house. Including TV watching. One reason I've never showed pictures of this wall in the family room is because it looked like this. Kit didn't want to go through all the time and effort to run the wiring through the walls until he new I was absolutely sure this is where the TV would stay! Ha! I finally convinced him to do it this weekend and it made a huge difference.

Yes I watch the X Factor!

Ok so I still have to live with one wire until he adds an outlet behind the TV but isn't this so much better?

Source: twoellie.com via Kansas Farmhouse on Pinterest

It reminds me a little bit of this. Don't you think? Come on work with me.

Suzanne Kasler

2011-10-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

Suzanne Kasler is one of my favorite designers. I'm always inspired by her work. I'm sure everyone is familiar with this Atlanta home she decorated that was published in House Beautiful.

Well as luck would have it I recently ran across the real estate listing for this house here. Looking at the real estate photos you get a better feel for the actual layout of the home. It seems that sometimes real life is much different than a magazine shot. In the magazine photo there are chairs on either side of the front door with framed art above. They are gone from the real estate photo.

The left side of this room is shown in the magazine with a sofa against the wall and several different sunburst mirrors hanging above it. I guess I never realized that this is actually one big room. I always thought this was two different spaces. The modern art above the fireplace has been replaced with a more traditional piece.

It's very interesting to see images of the hearth room. When your looking at the magazine you really have no idea that's even there.

The dining room looks nearly identical. The flowers have been replaced with orchids. In the magazine photo the wood and upholstered chairs are mixed around the dining table.

This room looks nearly identical as well.

In the magazine photos there is a different bed and different art work in this room. I'm surprised to see that ceiling fan too!!

I really love the striped walls. I'm not sure if this is paint or wallpaper but I do think you could achieve the same affect with paint.

2011-10-06T12:23:00.000-07:00

I've been all about videos lately. I recently ran across Dana Wolter's blog where she shares tips and inspiration. I loved this video clip about designing on a budget. I especially love how she hung the silk panel right in front of her sheer curtains. Fabulous!!

2011-10-03T07:47:00.000-07:00

I love this reveal of Dr. Ruth's apartment from the Nate Berkus show. Enjoy!

2011-09-30T08:19:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to try out the Mouseover How to I learned from The Lettered Cottage. This is our breakfast room nook during and after construction.

Extension Mirror

2011-09-27T12:44:00.000-07:00

Typically I don't show pictures of our Master Bathroom on the blog but I wanted to show our newest addition. Last time restoration hardware had there bath items on sale I ordered the Lugarno extension mirror. I wanted this mirror mostly for function but I also really liked the style too. I'm very happy with it!

Entries

2011-09-26T08:23:00.000-07:00

Entry ways are an introduction to your home. They are an opportunity to be playful and have a lot of fun. These entries are are some of my favorites.
All images via pinterest.

Thrifting

2011-09-20T07:28:00.000-07:00

Last Friday I spent the day out first going to an estate sale and then stopping by one of my favorite antique stores. I found all kinds of really good stuff at the estate sale but only came home with an alabaster dish. I thought I would use it in our powder room to hold soap but it didn't look very good in there so I put it on my nightstand and have been using it to hold jewelry.

Antique stores and estate sales are great places to find inexpensive items to display. I thought I would give you a break down of what I spent on the items on my nightstand. The mint julep cup and round silver container were $10 each at a local antique store. The stone box was a gift from my sister. She brought it back from a mission trip she went on to Brazil when we were in high school. The clock I bought on clearance from target for $6. It was part of the Victoria Hagan collection. And the alabaster dish I bought on Friday for $3.

After I left the estate sale I stopped by my favorite antique store. There I stumbled across what I think is a great find. There were two crates full of original sketches by Elizabeth Pauline Everitt. She received a degree from the University of Missouri and taught art in a local school district as well as giving private lessons. Upon her death her entire collection was donated to the Nelson Art Gallery. What I've read online is that the museum had no need for her sketch books and threw them away. A local antique dealer found them in the trash and is selling them for a song. I felt very lucky to find them too!

Nate Berkus One Kings Lane Sale

2011-09-16T12:20:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited about the Nate Berkus One Kings Lane sale this Saturday. Click on over to La Dolce Vita to see a preview of some great items that will be in the sale tomorrow. In the meantime check out Nate's new place in New York!

2011-09-13T10:07:00.000-07:00

When I first learned Stephen Drucker was leaving House Beautiful as editor in chief I was more than a little concerned that one of my favorite magazines wouldn't be the same. But to my delight under the direction of Newell Turner the past three issues have been out of the park! My October issue came in the mail yesterday and I couldn't wait for a quiet moment to sit and enjoy it. It's phenomenal from beginning to end. Theres a fantastic home in the French Quarter decorated by Susan Noble Jones for a couple who lost their home to hurricane Katrina. Its a great mix of modern and traditional. Theres the inspiring NY apartment of Royce Pinkwater which she decorated with the help of three designers. The Dallas apartment of Craig Schumacher is one of my favorites. A mix of very traditional furnishings paired with perfect modern art and accessories. The issue ends with a beautiful bathroom by Lorraine Herr and Randal Netley. Thank you HB for an outstanding issue!

Images of Craig Schumacher's former Dallas Home via House Beautiful

Kids Rooms

2011-09-13T07:23:00.000-07:00

My daughter Shelby turned 12 on September 4. She started middle school this year. I can hardly believe it she is growing up so fast. We've decided to make a few changes to her room. These are our inspiration photos.
Last three photos viaLucite, west elm's parson desk and upholstered headboards are a common thread in all of these pictures.

Tulip Table

2011-09-12T17:32:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since I posted anything to blogger. I switched a long time ago to wordpress because it seemed much easier to use. However lately I've decided that maybe I should switch back to blogger and give it another try. It has to be much easier than it was before. I'm very slow when it comes to technology!viaOh this does seem much easier! I think I will make the move! Last week while searching craigslist I found a vintage tulip table for sale. The price was $225. My instinct was to buy and buy now! Unfortunately my husbands instinct was to save and save now! Oh how it hurt!!

Upstairs Landing and Kids Bath

2011-09-12T17:29:00.000-07:00

I haven't shared many pictures of the upstairs part of our house. The upstairs is mainly the kids floor. There is a small landing that I haven't done much with as of yet. This is what it looks like so far.

I got the pillow from high street market.

The pencil drawings came from Mission Road Antiques Mall. I'm thinking of painting the walls BM horizon.

The kids bath still needs some finishing touches but this is what it looks like now.

I absolutely love the natural light that flows through the windows.

These drawers have been fabulous for storing all the unsightly bathroom things.

I'm looking for a remnant piece of marble to use in place of the glass top.

This pocket door separates the sinks from the toilet and shower area.

This pocket door leads out into the upstairs hall. I've been very happy with the pocket doors. They are absolutely wonderful especially when you need to save space.

Framed Intaglios

2011-09-12T17:28:00.006-07:00

I really like the look of framed intaglios. About a year and a half ago I found a pair of beautiful framed intaglios at Mission Road Antique Mall. I immediately knew I wanted them but they were out of my price range so I passed on them. I couldn't quit thinking about them so a couple days later I went back to see if they were still there. I was surprised to find that there was one left and even more surprised to find that I had read the wrong price. I quickly snatched up the last one. I'm so glad to have it but really wish I would have gotten both. The paperwork I got with it says the intaglios are from the late 1800's. They are mounted on a beautiful piece of hand made wallpaper.

One Kings Lane

2011-09-12T17:28:00.005-07:00

I love shopping One Kings Lane for great deals on designer items. I do more browsing and dreaming than I do buying. A couple of months ago I snagged a pair of framed intaglios. I have one in the family room and one in a little nook outside the master bedroom.

So what about you? Do you shop One Kings Lane?

SWANK LIGHTING GIVEAWAY via HIGH GLOSS MAGAZINE

2011-09-12T17:28:00.004-07:00

Fantastic giveaway via High Gloss Magazine. Hurry and enter by Thursday July 7th. The winner receives these gorgeous Murano glass lamps from Swank lighting.

Front Porch

2011-09-12T17:28:00.003-07:00

One of my favorite things about our farmhouse is the porches. We have a nice big front porch and side porch. We've lived in the farmhouse for almost 2 years and I had been searching for the perfect chairs for the front porch that entire time. Sure there were many chairs that I loved like the the palmeto all weather wicker collection from pottery barn. But at $699 per chair plus shipping plus tax they were a little out of my price range. Plus I also found it hard to justify spending that kind of money on something I knew would have to stand up to rain, snow, sleet and hail! Not to mention kids and pets! I also really wanted the carmel collection from restoration hardware. It's a timeless collection that I feel won't go out of style. But just when I was about to bite the bullet and buy the carmel chairs there was a price INCREASE and once again I couldn't justify spending the money. Finally this summer I was able to find the perfect chairs at family leisure. They are extremely comfortable and very well made. I think they rival the pottery barn chairs but were much more affordable. AND the cushions are made from sunbrella fabric!!

In case your wondering the window like opening on the left of the photo was my solution for a very bare and empty looking space. My idea was to install a pair of black shutters like in the photo below. Unfortunately it hasn't gotten done yet.

Image credit Heirloom Philosophy

As you can tell there is still much work to be done. We haven't even started on the landscaping. At this point we are just thrilled to have grass. And as a side note the day after I got the chairs we had a huge storm that came through and blew them right off the porch out into the field!

Hampton's Home of Michael Bruno

2011-09-12T17:28:00.002-07:00

Yesterday I posted Michael Bruno's paris apartment. Today I'm following up with his Hampton's home which I love just as well. It's interesting to see how he has used many of the same pieces. I would love to see what his space looks like today.

Paris Apartment

2011-09-12T17:28:00.001-07:00

I stopped by a local antique store a few months ago just to take a peek around. I stumbled upon some old issues of Elle Decor. I've only been subscribing to Elle Decor for a couple of years (not sure what happened there) and decided to pick up the November 2002 issue and take a look. It turned out to be a great issue and I'm not sure why someone was willing to part with it. One of the homes featured was the paris apartment of Michael Bruno founder of 1st Dibs. I absolutely love the entire apartment. It is just as stylish today as it was when in was published 9 years ago. To me that says volumes about a space and the designer. It really speaks to the fact that you should invest in antiques and pieces with history and not trends that will be out of style in no time. Here are the pictures for those of you who have been living under a rock like me!

Hermes Boxes

2011-09-12T17:28:00.000-07:00

I've had a lot of people contact me regarding the hermes scarf boxes I have for sale. I was trying to sell them as a set but have decided to sell them individually. Each box measures 9X9. Three of the boxes are in very good condition and they are $25 each plus shipping. The fourth box has some scratches and has come apart at one corner. It is $10 plus shipping.

I've also got a pair of Alexa Hampton sconces from Circa Lighting. They are brand new in the box. They are $375 for the pair plus shipping. I purchased these when we were building our house and absolutely love them. Unfortunately I haven't found the perfect spot for them yet.

UPDATE: The Hermes Boxes are sold

Master Bedroom

2011-09-12T17:27:00.002-07:00

I've been waiting to post pictures of my master bedroom until I have curtains installed. We've lived here for a year and a half and I haven't gotten it done yet. I decided to go ahead and post a picture of this giant mirror I got from restoration hardware about three years ago. I really like it on this wall in the master bedroom. Now I'm looking for an amazing bench to go underneath it.

Photos from the Sofa

2011-09-12T17:27:00.001-07:00

I took these two photos while sitting down. A tip I read on another blog. I think it was Cote de Texas. I'm sure your sick of seeing this corner of my family room but it's my favorite spot in the house.

Christopher Coffin

2011-09-12T17:27:00.000-07:00

I picked up the most recent issue of DECOR magazine at the grocery store a couple of weeks ago and was reminded of some of my favorite interiors. Scottsdale interior designer Christopher Coffin's condo is another one of my absolute favorites!

Another example of the antelope carpet by Stark!

All images from Traditional Home Magazine.

Favorite Interior Ever

2011-09-12T17:26:00.005-07:00

This is my favorite interior space ever!! It is A-MAZING! I want to live here. I tried to scan these images to my computer but failed. I couldn't wait to post this space so I snapped these pictures with my camera. The quality isn't great but you get the idea.

Interior design by Judy Longbrook. Images taken from DECOR magazine.

I love the juxtapositon of the industrial space with the beautiful traditional antiques.

Mountain Brook Beauty

2011-09-12T17:26:00.004-07:00

Originally Posted January 20, 2011

Like many bloggers I love to look through real estate listings hoping to find inspiration. Recently while browsing real estate in Mountain Brook Alabama I came across a listing for the following condo/garden home.

I could tell from the outside this one was going to be good.

The listing says the home is owned and designed by one of Birmingham's best architects. Yes indeed.

Hermes Scarf Boxes

2011-09-12T17:26:00.003-07:00

Originally posted January 6, 2011

I have a set of 4 hermes scarf boxes for sale if anyone is interested. I tried to sell them on ebay but apparently it is against there policy to sell empty boxes.

Love this dressing area in Windsor Smith's home.

The Hermes boxes look equally as fabulous in this picture.

UPDATE: ***ALL BOXES HAVE BEEN SOLD***

Memories...

2011-09-12T17:26:00.002-07:00

Originally posted December 27, 2010

The farmhouse was not the first house my husband and I were blessed enough to build. Before the farmhouse we built a cottage. Below are pictures of my daughters room from our cottage. She was 3 when we moved in to this house.

I hired someone to come in and paint the flowers and butterflies on the walls. She also painted the circles on the vinyl shade.

I made the stationary valance for the dormer window.

I customized these pottery barn panels by sewing smocking tape to the top and then hung them from rings. She really loved that room!

Huge Sale at WS Home

2011-09-12T17:26:00.001-07:00

Originally Posted December 8, 2010

I got an e-mail this morning that William Sonoma Home is having a big sale. Take 30% off already reduced merchandise.

I think this sunflower mirror is pretty great and a great price too!

And how about this lamp? On sale for $238 plus additional 30% off brings it to $166.60! This is a really fantastic lamp! I would get one myself if they still had it in antique brass.

And finally while I was shopping ebay a couple of weeks ago I stumbled upon these Amy Howard putti sconces. Amy Howard is a private showroom that is available to the trade only. So imagine my surprise and enthusiasm when I found these sconces on Ebay!!! They were listed for $399. The listing expired without anyone purchasing them so I bet they will be listed again soon!

Happy Shopping!

Suzanne Kasler

2011-09-12T17:26:00.000-07:00

Originally posted December 7, 2012

I heard late last year that favorite designer Suzanne Kasler and her family had just completed a new home that was soon going to be published in one of the big magazines. I have waited with anticipation ever since but have seen nothing as of yet. I often visit her site which has been undergoing a recent remodel of its own. I checked on her website today and it was up and running again. I spent some time looking through it all and found this picture that was published in the December 2009 issue of Garden and Gun.

Could this be Suzanne's new home? I'm very doubtful because I never saw this picture make it's rounds on the blogosphere.

This is Suzanne's current home. I found it very interesting that she reused many of the pieces from this living room in the Garden and Gun photo. If you look closely you will see that she reused the beautiful antique chair with the orange leather. The lamp which is her own design for Circa lighting. I also spy the orange tray that was on the coffee table now residing on the cowhide ottoman. The chairs flanking the fireplace were used in a different room as well. You can see one of them at the desk in the photo below.

So what do you think? Is this Suzanne's new home?

Small Changes

2011-09-12T17:25:00.002-07:00

Originally posted December 10,2010

I find that I am always moving things around in my house to find where I like things the best. Sometimes it's the little changes that make the biggest impact. I thought I would post a few pictures today that show these subtle changes.

Chiavari Chairs

2011-09-12T17:25:00.001-07:00

Originally posted November 17, 2010

I received an e-mail last night from zinio that my December issue of Elle Decor was ready for viewing. Giddy excitement!! I quickly devoured the issue while hubby readied the kids for bed.

This morning I did my usual routine of blog reading and low and behold Mrs. Blandings posted about Chiavari chairs available right here in KC!

Just in case you weren't sure how fabulous these chairs are they are featured in the December issue of Elle Decor in the apartment of Kiane von Mueffing.

Puppy Love

2011-09-12T17:25:00.000-07:00

Originally Posted October 29, 2010

This is our dog Tracy and her best friend Sushi. I think they look so darn cute together that I had to post this picture of them! Happy Friday everyone!

Beautiful Bathroom

2011-09-12T17:24:00.000-07:00

Originally posted August 4, 2010
I saved this picture back in June and just ran accross it again tonight. I can't remember where I saved this from but the picture details say Jasper Conran. If I had to describe my style with just one photo this would be it! Love everything!!

Breakfast Room Update

2011-09-12T17:23:00.000-07:00

Originally posted July 16, 2010

Not long ago I posted on my breakfast room asking for suggestions. I received many lovely comments and I enjoyed reading every one of them. Due to budget constraints I haven't been able to do any of the things I was really hoping to do. Instead I moved things around from other places in my house and tried to give it a more finished look. The table is very close to the wall which doesn't allow much space for anything to stick out so the mirror ended up being a perfect option. I placed a compote I had purchased from WS home on the center of the table for now. It looks really nice when filled with fresh fruit. The chairs on each side of the chest I bought years ago at a JC Penny outlet for cheap. I covered the cushions with chair covers that I made myself. Now trust me those covers were VERY HARD to make and if I had the money I would hire someone every time. I actually made 4 of them for the chairs around the table but after putting that much time and effort into them I didn't want to actually have someone sit on them. It's also important to note that I made these about five years ago and would like to have something different now but these still work and I think they give the space a more finished look!

Craigslist Chair

2011-09-12T17:22:00.000-07:00

Originally posted May 20, 2010

I found this chair on CL but I'm not sure if I want to keep it or put it back on CL

When I bought it my thought was to turn it into something like this.

But I've had it for almost a year and I still haven't gotten it done. I'm getting ready to have a yard sale and I'm thinking it might be time to let it go. What do you think?

Rustic Refined

2010-04-05T05:48:00.000-07:00

I just love everything about these pictures. I would describe this style as rustic refined.

La Dolce Vita, Hallready, William Waldron

New Media Cabinet or not........

2010-03-30T09:29:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago I posted about this buffet I found at Mission Road Antiques Mall. I thought it would be a really good piece to use as a media cabinet. I couldn't quit thinking about it and Kit agreed to let me get it as long as I did a couple of things first. The agreement was that I would need to ask the seller to come down on the price and that I would have to sell our old entertainment center on craigslist first. Thankfully the seller was willing to negotiate on the price and the entertainment center sold the first day I listed it!! Last week I got to bring it home. Here it is sitting in our living room. Theres only one problem. Now that I got it home I don't really want to use it as a media cabinet any more.

Inspiration Photo

2010-03-23T14:50:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love this butler's pantry by Carl Palasota, featured in the May 2008 issue of Southern Accents. The whole house is pretty fabulous but this was the only picture I could find online. If you had a butler's pantry like this who would need more rooms anyway!

Charleston SC

2010-03-21T09:16:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite blogs is My Notting Hill. She and I just seem to share the same design aesthetic. She recently posted photos of a home in Charleston SC. Since then I have been hooked on browsing Charleston real estate. I came across this house and immediately saved the photos to my inspiration files. I'm drawn to just about everything this house has to offer.

All photos courtesy of Carriage House Properties.

2010-03-07T05:40:00.000-08:00

I love all things William Sonoma Home. So I guess it should be no surprise that I loved the home of Monelle Totah vice-president of design and merchandising for william-sonoma home. I'm sure most people have seen these pictures by now but I just can't get enough. Enjoy!

All pictures are from elle-decor.

Buried Treasure

2010-02-28T14:04:00.000-08:00

One thing I have found to be true among designers and those who love design like myself have in common is the tendancy to buy things that we love wether we can use them or not. I have spring fever early and I've been going through all of my treasures trying to get organized. I've decided to let go of some things that I haven't been using. I have a lot of stuff that I have purchased because I just loved it and just knew I would have a place for it someday. That is the case with these wall plaques. I purchased them thinking I would use them over a pair of windows or a cased door opening or in an outdoor area. But I haven't. They are brand new and have never even been hung. I purchased them from Art & Artifact. They measure 12"H x 33"W. If you have a place for them and are interested in them leave a comment or send an e-mail. They are $40 each plus shipping.

I listed these on e-bay as well and I have sold one of them.

2010-02-20T09:15:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week I posted pictures from an old real estate listing in University Park TX. The house I'm going to show you today is another home owned by the same individual.

I really love the use of green in this room. Something about it looks so fresh.

It's fun to see how she's used her furnishings in a different home and how her style has evolved.

I think this homeowner has done a great job decorating! The entire house looks fresh, young and inviting. Both of these homes sold very quickly!

I hope you've enjoyed touring these two homes.

2010-02-16T16:19:00.000-08:00

When we lived in Texas I loved to browse the real estate listings for Highland Park and University Park. The houses there are adorable. One day I happened across this house and I instantly fell in love. I don't know for sure but I'm guessing the owner is an interior designer.

Freestanding tub. Check.

I really think this is beautiful. I'm not sure what it would be like to take a shower in there though. Kinda like a fish bowl.

Very cool kitchen. Love the chalkboard!

Not long after this house sold another house came on the market that had the exact same furnishings. I'll take you on a tour of that house later this week.

Front Entry

2010-02-05T08:30:00.000-08:00

I thought I would post a couple pictures of our front entry. The gateleg table was a craiglist find. It works okay for now. I purchased the lamp at Mission Road antiques early last year. I think it needs a different shade. My favorite part is the runner. I scored it on ebay. It's William sonoma home. I love WS home!

It's been snowing here all morning. It's beautiful but I'm ready for spring! Have a great weekend!

More shopping

2010-01-26T12:04:00.000-08:00

Today I wanted to show you one more find from my shopping trip to the antique mall. I didn't even notice this piece the first time I walked through the shop. On my second time through it jumped out at me. I've been looking for something to put our flat screen tv on in the great room and I think this would really fit the bill. The tag was marked neoclassical buffet with screened doors. I don't know enough about furniture to know if this is an old piece or a newer reproduction. That part doesn't matter that much to me. I just want to make sure I don't pay too much for it. The price is $750.

So tell me what you think. Is this a good price for this piece?

Mission Road Antiques

2010-01-21T15:05:00.000-08:00

Today I spent the day at one of my favorite shops, Mission Road Antiques. Now it's only an hour drive from my house but I try to limit my trips to special occasions. Usually when I go it results in a day long trip and I always find something I have to have. Since I'm returning to work in a week or so I decided to make today a special occasion. As expected I stayed longer than planned and found lots of goodies.

I thought this foot stool was just too cute!

I can hardly resist anything gilded.

This piece was about the size of a small dinner plate. It was marked door knocker but you would have to have a massive door. I think this would be a really cool towel holder in a powder room.

I want these antlers so bad I can't stand it!! They would be perfect over my fireplace! If only I could decide if I want to be modern or traditional!

Loved this coffee table! And it was only $500. Oh if I only had an extra stash of cash laying around all of this stuff would be at my house right now!!

I found this brass lamp and at $50 I just couldn't resist! It works and it has a dimmer switch. What more could a girl ask for.

Powder Rooms

2010-01-15T10:19:00.000-08:00

Powder rooms... Oh how I love a good powder room. This is my powder room. I'm actually quite proud of it but when you stand it up against all of the other beautiful powder rooms it doesn't look as good. I so wish I would have had these sonces lowered. It was very hard to get a good picture without the toilet being the focal point.

I'm very drawn to this wallpaper and the mirror, sconces and table for that matter.

From Cote de Texas

From Things That Inspire

Grant K. Gibson

Amy Morris

Dining room inspiration

2010-01-09T09:23:00.000-08:00

The following pictures are of my eating area as it looks today. My Notting Hill recently did a post on her dining room and her post inspired me to do a post on my eating area. The biggest challenges with my eating area are:

1. It's a must walk-thru room to get from the garage and mud room into the house.

2. When building I didn't have the electrician wire for a ceiling fixture. My reasoning for this was that I didn't want to have to worry about centering the table under the light. I wanted to be able to position the table where ever it looked the best. I did ask my electrician to wire for a light just in case I changed my mind down the road but that didn't happen.

3. The french doors swing in which limits the amount of space for the table. This was another struggle while building. I really wanted the doors to swing out to eliminate this problem and my framer looked at me like I was crazy.

The same two dining rooms that have been an inspiration for My Notting Hill have also been two of my favorites as well. The first image is from the November issue of Canadian House and Home. The wallpaper panels immediately caught my eye. Canadian House and Home has a DIY video on there website that shows you how to make these and it looks like they would be pretty easy and inexpensive to do.

The second image is from designer Victoria Neale. I immediately saved this image to my inspiration file when My Notting Hill originally posted it. I have seen a lot of dining rooms using bench seating lately and I love it.

One option that has caught my eye is the Louis VI bench from ballard designs. Although not cheap it is a reasonably affordable option.

If I don't go with wallpaper panels I love the idea of using vintage bus signs like the one below I saw featured on Elements of Style. I think two of these behind the ballard bench would look pretty awesome.

I purchased this rug from Wisteria. It turns out that I really love this rug. I really didn't want to get a rug because I have an 8 and 10 year old. Typical meals include at least one big spill. My husband really wanted one to protect the hardwood floors. So far this rug has been covered in Nutella (a chocolate peanut butter substance), grape juice (ugh!) and a fully loaded ketchup, mustard, relish hot dog. And you can't even tell. After a little spot cleaning it still looks brand new. I highly recommend this rug!!

I also have an old round table in my basement that I've thought about bringing upstairs and covering with a floor length table cloth. The round table would give more room for the french doors to swing open. To finish things off I would like to have flirty slip covers made for the chairs.

I would love to hear what you think of my ideas.

2009-12-31T14:06:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. We sure did here at the Farmhouse. We got somewhere between 7 and 9 inches of snow just in time for Christmas day!! It was beautiful. Kit gave me a sunburst mirror for over the bed. I think it looks great!!

I took a couple of pictures while I was doing some Christmas decorating. We are making some progress on the great room. We added these blinds from home depot.

I saw this remodel this morning on Cote de Texas. It was done by Lauren of Pure Style Home. I have been thinking about these pictures all day long!! I think this is absolute genius. I love, love, love it!!

Stehpen Elrod

2009-12-08T11:50:00.000-08:00

While looking through one of my old issues of traditional home magazine I came across the home of Stephen Elrod. It's funny how different things speak to you at different times. I don't think this was a favorite of mine at the time but it is definately a favorite now. Stephen is vice-president and creative director of Lee Jofa.

I've noticed that in most of these photos Stephen uses one lamp instead of a pair of lamps. I'm very excited about this because I typically happen across one lamp or can only afford one. I think the way he has done it looks great!

All photos are compliments of the September 08 issue of Traditional Home.

Counter Stools

2009-12-04T15:11:00.000-08:00

Not long ago I posted on the need for some cool counter stools. Well I searched hi and low to find chic stools for a reasonable price. Then Thanksgiving was fast approaching and we were going to have 6 extra people staying at our house. I had seating for 6 but not 10! So a week and a half before Thanksgiving I started to panic. I finally decided on the spin stool from CB. Okay great we have one of those about 40 minutes from my house. I'll just go pick those up. Double check online and see if they have those in stock. Nope!! Okay waist a few more days trying to settle on something else. No I think I still want the spin stool. Call CB. They'll be in in about 7-10 business days. But wait that's after Thanksgiving. Of course it is. They finally arrived this week and I picked them up this afternoon. I haven't even taken all the packaging off. I think they will work great!!

Design Crush

2009-11-30T07:50:00.000-08:00

I received my copy of House Beautiful a little over a week ago. I fell in love with the home of designer Ty Larkin. Everything about his house is my style. I had seen a picture of his foyer floating around the blogosphere but I didn't know he was the designer. After doing a little research I found out that he had his own program on HGTV. I'm not sure how I missed that.

I love everything about this room from the color of the walls to the zebra rug and the lighting. The detail on the curtains is fantastic.

I love the use of the modern white lacquered west elm desk in this mostly traditional space.

The entire house is absolute perfection. If you don't subscribe to House Beautiful run don't walk to get your December issue. You won't be disappointed!

2009-11-24T15:59:00.000-08:00

I submitted this picture of our great room to Velvet and Linen this week when I found out she was having a contest with the prize being one of three brickmaker's tables from Mark Sage. Several of her blogging friends voted on the submissions to narrow the field down to 10 rooms. Unfortunately my room was'nt selected. You can head over to velvet and linen to vote for your favorite room. The top 3 vote getters win.

It would be a nice consolation prize to have Brooke tell me what to do with this room. It is driving me crazy. I would like to ditch the rug and change it to something more modern or nothing at all. I bought the wing chair on craigslist and it needs to be recovered. This is where all the TV watching goes on as well and there is really not a good spot to put the TV. But those aren't the biggest issues. All of the furniture was purchased while we were living in Texas. We had both a formal living room and family room in our house there. Now I'm trying to cram 2 rooms worth of furniture into 1 room and it's not working very well. I'd really like to have a sectional with a chaise. Feel free to leave any suggestions you might have.

2009-11-19T07:14:00.000-08:00

This is my breakfast room nook. The red chest is my favorite piece of furniture that I own. In this first picture you can see that through the window is a view of our garage doors and our bevolo lantern. I think the chest looks lonely. It needs bigger chairs on each side of it to fill in the space.

This is a better picture of the area but you can't see the lantern so I posted both. As you can see it is taking a long time to get things where I want them.

Hello chair from restoration hardware. I have had my eye on you for a while now. They are very reasonably priced at $279 each. I'm thinking of asking Santa for you. I've been very good this year! I think these would look lovely on each side of the red chest.

2009-11-14T13:42:00.000-08:00

Kit and I have been married for 14 years. We bought this Thomasville bedroom set shortly after we got married. The lamps were purchases around the same time. I've really been wanting to update the look of my bedroom without purchasing a new bedroom set. I would be more than happy to buy all new furniture but Kit says we have to wait until we've been married 20 years. I started by updating the bedding. I don't have a picture of the old bedding because our hard drive crashed and we lost everyting but that's another story. Just picture a very floral waverly set it was called Lucinda Citron. The duvet and pillow shams are pottery barn. I took them to a local shop and had them embroidered. I love the way they turned out. Then I removed the iron scroll on the headboard. I think I like that better. I've been looking for new lamps for a long time. I really wanted to do the french wired crystal lamps. They weren't in the budget. I found these wall sconces on ebay and the price was fantastic. I really love them. Now I am looking for a sunburst mirror to put over the headboard. Oh and I am not a professional so the room is certainly not styled.

Master Bedroom nook

2009-10-22T13:58:00.000-07:00

This is a little nook just outside of the master bedroom. I'm thinking about wallpapering it in a grass cloth. It wouldn't take much paper and would add just the right amount of texture. What do you think?

Home at Last

2009-10-05T10:40:00.000-07:00

We finally moved in August 17! Little did I know that it would take 6 weeks to get my internet connected. Talk about torture!! Our farmhouse is on 10 acres about 40 minutes from a major metro area. Who knew it would take this long? Apparently we needed 2 permits from our lovely county and one of the groups we needed a permit from only meets once a month. Once embarq had the permits in hand they had to dig 900ft. to our house. I wanted to kiss the service man when he showed up to finish Friday! I had 284 e-mails and 300 posts waiting to be poured over in my google reader account.

We are slowly getting settled. I absolutely love everything about our house and property. I still have a lot of decorating to do. If anyone has any suggestions on where to get great ready made drapes cheap let me know. I also need counter stools. Unfortunately I can't afford $300-$400 per stool. So I'm searching antique stores and flea markets. I'd love to find something that resembles the tavern bar stool by Darryl Carter.

I'ts good to be back and to finally be home.

2009-08-12T09:29:00.000-07:00

I waited for this fixture to arrive for over 2 months because it was out of stock. It finally arrived and my electrician installed it yesterday. I'm very happy with the result. It was worth the wait.

View of the back porch with my favorite planter. Please ingnore all of the weeds.

2009-08-11T09:25:00.000-07:00

Finished kitchen picture with restoration hardware harmon pendants.

Love the way the fireplace turned out and the circa light fixture! I'll try to post a better picture of the fireplace tile and brick. This one turned out a little too dark.

2009-08-07T18:10:00.000-07:00

22 Chatham Road Nw Atlanta, GA 30305

So many great designers come from the Atlanta area. I don't live any where near there but I do have a subcription to Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles magazine. I also have a subsription to D home and even Canadian House and Home. Since all of my favorite shelter magazines continue to fold I'm looking to these magazines to help fill the void. I also love to browse real estate listings for inspiration. I came across this gorgeous house while browsing the Atlanta listings this afternoon. These interiors were created by Melanie Turner. The listing information says she is the 2009 Southeast Designer of the year. I couldn't find a website for her but I would love to see more of her work.

2009-07-24T16:10:00.000-07:00

The electrician worked today and I was so excited I had to post more pictures. I bought this fixture from an antique store (I don't think it's an antique) for $125. I absolutely love the way it turned out. This provided the look that I was going for at a fraction of the cost.

Pottery barn depot light for my sons room. My husband works for the railroad so I thought this was appropriate.

I decided to use a large mirror to open up this space. I love the result. I used the triple lugarno sconce from restoration hardware.

Let there be light!!! So cool......

Progress......

2009-07-24T08:43:00.001-07:00

There has been a lot of progress the past couple of weeks. Things are starting to come together and look like a finished house. I really like how the vanity turned out in the half bath. It really matches the style of the house.

I'm having trouble with my camera. I can't seem to get many shots that aren't blurry. My countertop was installed yesterday and I love it. I can't wait to do the touch and feel test.

The kids bath upstairs is coming along really nicely as well. I bought these pedestals from restoration hardware around Christmas time when they were having some great sales. I got these pretty cheap.

I chose cliffside gray from Benjamin Moore for the Master bedroom. I absolutely love it. It is a gray with blue undertones.

Our tile installer ran out of tile and will have to come back next week to finish. I think this will turn out nicely too. I chose Benjamin Moore moonlight white for the wall color. It really made the trim look gray. Once all the furnishings are in I think it will look really good.

We had to wait to finish the hand rail until after the floors were finished. I feel much safer for the kids now that it is in. I'm not sure if I like the black handrail yet. I might have the painter paint it white. What do you think? These walls are painted moonlight white now too.

2009-07-08T21:33:00.000-07:00

More kitchen images. The installer finished the back of the island. I think it turned out fantastic. I can't wait to get the countertop!

More Progress..........

2009-07-08T06:31:00.000-07:00

This is the way we all feel after the past couple of weeks. We have been running like crazy!

My kitchen island is finally installed. I can't wait until the kids can eat breakfast here for the first time.

The crown moulding was added today. It is starting to look finished!

This is the kids bathroom that they are going to share. There will be a pedestal sink on each side of the vanity.

Kitchen ingredients

2009-07-03T09:06:00.000-07:00

What do you think about using this Windsor Smith fabric to make cafe curtains for the window above my sink?

I didn't go with a farmhouse sink even though I really wanted to. Instead I went with this double basin sink from Kohler. I think it will look fantastic.

One of my favorite blogs is Cote De Texas. I fell in love with the faucet from her post on "Stalking the Wheats." I new the minute I saw it that it was the one for me. It is sitting in my closet just waiting for the day it will be installed.

Kitchen Love

2009-07-02T20:57:00.000-07:00

My cabinets are finally being installed! They have been stored in our garage since February. At long last they are finally being unveiled and I think I'm in love!! My sink arrived today as well. Things are finally starting to come together. I've decided to go with labrador black/silver brushed granite. It will take approx. 14 days to get it from the fabricator.

It really is a Farmhouse

2009-06-10T13:57:00.000-07:00

I thought I would post some pictures of the progress on the outside of the house. My goal was to build a house that looked like it belonged on this farm land. These pictures make me so happy because I think we accomplished our goal.

The floors are being finished this week and we haven't been able to go inside. We had a small set back last week when one of the flooring contractors hit a water line in our half bath. The hardwood floor had to be removed and replaced. It seems with every passing day our "move in date" gets farther away instead of closer. Surely we will be in by the middle of July. I'm keeping my fingers (toes and everything else) crossed.

2009-05-14T21:39:00.000-07:00

I took a few shots of the trim after it was primed. Just a glimpse of what it will look like when it is finally done.

2009-04-21T06:48:00.000-07:00

The trim carpenters have been working for the past two weeks. They are finished with the first and second floor and they are now working on the stairs. I'll post a picture of the stairs in the next couple of days. I really love how the five panel doors look!

One of my favorite things in the house so far is the french door. I've always wanted one! I haven't decided if I should paint it to match the other doors or have it stained.

All of the woodwork will be painted white. Now I just need to finish selecting wall colors. It's hard enough picking a color for one room let alone an entire house. Just when I think I've found the perfect color another one comes along that just might be the one.

2009-04-01T07:20:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that today is April 1st and we thought we would be moving in by the middle of April. Well now it looks more like the middle of May. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. The flooring guys have been busy installing the hardwoods this week. I can't wait to see the finished product. The trim carpenter is scheduled to start first thing tomorrow morning. Now if we could only get the weather to cooperate.

Light at the end of the tunnel or at least the front porch

2009-03-23T07:14:00.001-07:00

I can't wait to start seeing some finishing touches. My Bevolo lantern is just waiting to be installed. I coudn't take it any longer so I had Kit hold it up for me. There will be another one of these beauties over the large garage door with the addition of a mustache curl.

2009-03-23T06:22:00.000-07:00

We are using this Rohl faucet with metal handles.

I found this game table a year ago and thought it would be neat to use it in the powder room. It has been sitting in our living room with the sink on it for a few months now. I would like to have a piece of marble cut for the top. I'm not sure if we should try and refinish it or leave it as it is.

2009-03-22T20:11:00.000-07:00

These images show the front entry, great room, laundry room, mud room and then back to the breakfast room.

2009-03-22T19:55:00.000-07:00

Okay! So it's been a long time since I've posted an update. This blogging thing is not as easy as it looks. It's a lot more fun to see what everyone else is up to than to post on my chaos. We have made much progress since my last post. The drywall is up, the walls have been primed and we are getting ready to start trim and flooring. The above pictures are of the Kitchen and breakfast room. The laminate countertop shown in the picture will actually be used in the laundry room.

2009-01-05T06:25:00.000-08:00

I'm starting this blog so friends and family can view the progress on the farmhouse we are building. This week we are suppose to have the insulation installed. I'm so excited we are getting close to the drywall stage. We spent several days over the holiday cleaning up from our last contractors and getting ready for the insulation. We also had our county inspection for the HVAC, electrical, plumbing and framing. We passed!

Our cabinets are ahead of schedule and will be delivered before we need them. This week I need to find a place to store them until we are ready. We have learned to always expect the unexpected when you are your own general contractor.