tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35435550665642389912024-03-13T23:15:41.358-07:00alison giese Interiorsalison giese Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505444655040656140noreply@blogger.comBlogger715125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543555066564238991.post-26638009648155266482015-08-31T11:36:00.000-07:002015-08-31T11:36:47.551-07:00Curb AppealSwitching gears for a bit to discuss the exterior of our house. For the last two years, we've spent the majority of our time and funds working on the inside of our house. We did quite a bit of landscaping last year, and earlier this Summer, but, for the most part, the exterior of the house sat idle.<br />
Not that I didn't have big plans for it, we just try to find balance of time and budget for our projects. I've always felt our house had a big case of the blahs - not an eyesore by any means, but not a lot of curb appeal, either, and that killed me. I strive to take a house to its best potential, and that has been the driving force in me with this house - the unmet potential it has.<br />
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The style of our home is traditional - a standard colonial built with brick and metal siding. The siding was faded, and needed to be cleaned, but otherwise, it was in good condition (i.e. no hailstorm dents, etc) I can't even tell you how many door-to-door salespeople we've had trying to sell us vinyl siding! Replacement just didn't seem necessary, and the control freak in me didn't want to be limited in my color selection when it came time to update the exterior.<br />
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This is the house as it looked when we bought it<br />
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So, we hired a local company that specializes in painting siding. We discussed general color options, noting the benefits of going with a higher-contrast color combo, like medium-to-dark siding, with a darker color for shutters, and true white for the trim. I knew I wanted to stay out of the true beige arena, but the brick on our house tended to pull me in that direction until I decided to ignore the brick altogether, and go with what I liked!</div>
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We ended up choosing Sherwin Williams colors: Functional Gray (as it turns out, a perfect "greige") for the siding, Peppercorn for the shutters and garage door, and Extra White for the trim.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqf3Otih4hEsem2nCqsRpj3MUJWhDIYRfqDBd31oknLye8IiJFdFEW_hCcgyTfLIknmvcj6YyHuw9E6WOPIEQ-bq5KsMmIRAC48EHuvgR0Flb4i8h9kJNnK7Cr616i0XRTPGfkxYxI9Eo/s1600/House+colors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqf3Otih4hEsem2nCqsRpj3MUJWhDIYRfqDBd31oknLye8IiJFdFEW_hCcgyTfLIknmvcj6YyHuw9E6WOPIEQ-bq5KsMmIRAC48EHuvgR0Flb4i8h9kJNnK7Cr616i0XRTPGfkxYxI9Eo/s640/House+colors.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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...and here's how it turned out</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3akRIxfW2Ed2m22viPvK23Bru5TScg_A2Sl2L85bmIQ50sTNyEhvEafQWHCOwYpafHtlmrzMkZCtY1kzZJ6lU2MTpxnaq6t2w7nKHDGvFc2ri0L_6fK3wVvfmBuHy2M2UpCPxjkjLuYE/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3akRIxfW2Ed2m22viPvK23Bru5TScg_A2Sl2L85bmIQ50sTNyEhvEafQWHCOwYpafHtlmrzMkZCtY1kzZJ6lU2MTpxnaq6t2w7nKHDGvFc2ri0L_6fK3wVvfmBuHy2M2UpCPxjkjLuYE/s640/DSC_0004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I can't get over the change. I keep driving up wondering if it's my house! </div>
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Now, to be fair, we replaced the doors last year, which has made a huge difference in our front entrance. We also added a crossbeam above the pilasters to bring some architectural interest, added fresh house numbers, and replaced the sconces. Still, the power of paint!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPFJZpWs-cJMjHRnYm5Wkg5j7MFhou87ukWbKK8YRj2Jr-EEzSHcUEzvu4l-ilUg8HtFHiGJWGI1gnzR9GDSdS-DCSIIZ2R9RxuIM5WOT1OyQPFadYml4mvlJ4BX8fc7BtbTzy2JzLJQ/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPFJZpWs-cJMjHRnYm5Wkg5j7MFhou87ukWbKK8YRj2Jr-EEzSHcUEzvu4l-ilUg8HtFHiGJWGI1gnzR9GDSdS-DCSIIZ2R9RxuIM5WOT1OyQPFadYml4mvlJ4BX8fc7BtbTzy2JzLJQ/s640/DSC_0001.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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I no longer feel like our house has the blahs, but instead is one of the happiest houses on the block!<br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D3543555066564238991%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-EYFgqAkEuNY%2FVeSXLMI5dpI%2FAAAAAAAA-X8%2FZCtt-C0pnfQ%2Fs640%2FScreen%252BShot%252B2015-08-14%252Bat%252B3.39.31%252BPM.png.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=kNS_xdydJ1qH&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 288px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D3543555066564238991%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-EYFgqAkEuNY%2FVeSXLMI5dpI%2FAAAAAAAA-X8%2FZCtt-C0pnfQ%2Fs640%2FScreen%252BShot%252B2015-08-14%252Bat%252B3.39.31%252BPM.png.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=kNS_xdydJ1qH&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 288px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>alison giese Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505444655040656140noreply@blogger.com87tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543555066564238991.post-26808664457694258392015-08-13T11:10:00.001-07:002015-08-31T11:38:06.872-07:00Master Bath Transformation - Before and AfterIt's been a long stretch since I stopped in here for an update, so I figured I'd bring you up to speed on our bathroom redo. When we moved into our house, I had a long list of "I'd like to change that." Our master bathroom, however, fell more under the S.O.S. category. Still, I think there's benefit to living with a space, no matter how discouraging, for a while to really get a sense of what works, what doesn't, and why. About six months ago, we decided to lift the quarantine.<br />
Before I jar you with the "before" images, let's cleanse the palate and see what I envisioned for the renovation.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprz3du7hBFQdrNgl0srY6gugGzP_F6mU99B4QaA3R8dHV7R1eJBUI1m3jROZVzM6JqooH6mCvhMzOtUlWmCHAh6Msehv5YANFEzrYQKve1DxfYPR0ZvX6Wtk6h_LthFYz_acAamKsbMA/s1600/Master+bath+design+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprz3du7hBFQdrNgl0srY6gugGzP_F6mU99B4QaA3R8dHV7R1eJBUI1m3jROZVzM6JqooH6mCvhMzOtUlWmCHAh6Msehv5YANFEzrYQKve1DxfYPR0ZvX6Wtk6h_LthFYz_acAamKsbMA/s640/Master+bath+design+board.jpg" width="523" /></a></div>
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Now, brace yourselves for the "before"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3q2FraYj_BWd4_Ivkh-m5RlIIGCnN4bHbHMfMw2oDAxtke70BbXudyL1COQIQ9Fvu2vnuqk7uFlKcp7KZV2IlaF5EK4GSdZHAAoTUhbB8eBo8SLGo5LBo1vyYjq60ZCndesN_EpkgNg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-08-14+at+3.37.54+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3q2FraYj_BWd4_Ivkh-m5RlIIGCnN4bHbHMfMw2oDAxtke70BbXudyL1COQIQ9Fvu2vnuqk7uFlKcp7KZV2IlaF5EK4GSdZHAAoTUhbB8eBo8SLGo5LBo1vyYjq60ZCndesN_EpkgNg/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-08-14+at+3.37.54+PM.png" width="482" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(image from the MLS listing when we bought the house)</span></div>
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I like to call it: the Mid 70s Builder-grade special. With a splash of hospital. </div>
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Original mauve tile, with walls painted to match. Original vanity, which was curiously squat - even for a short stack like me. Needless to say, there wasn't anything worth salvaging.</div>
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I use the word "master" bath loosely because, although it is ensuite, it is tiny. Yes, it would be lovely to have dual sinks, but we actually don't overlap too much in terms of use. We also didn't have much option to expand the space without creating a weird jut into our bedroom, or taking up valuable closet space. So, the footprint had to stay.<br />
The good news was that having a small footprint meant I could go a little more luxe in terms of finishes. More than anything, I wanted to brighten it up, and try to expand the space visually.<br />
I believe we accomplished that.<br />
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The design plan was pretty straight forward - I wanted marble subway tile to the ceiling in the shower, then to wrap around the other walls at a half-wall height. The floor tile needed to have a higher grout-to-tile ratio to prevent slipping, so I opted for a small marble herringbone mosaic. I carried the same tile from the vanity area into the shower to continue the visual line - another trick to make the space seem larger. We designed a small vertical panel of the mosaic in the facing wall, because, hey, I couldn't get enough of it. We were able to keep the lines all nice and clean by tucking two shampoo niches into the back wall. So again, not an inch larger, but it feels <i>soooo </i>much more open!</div>
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P.S. - Artwork by my daughter and I (yay for freebies!)</div>
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I went with brass fixtures to warm up the color scheme, but mixed in polished nickel for the towel bar and tp holder to keep it from feeling too Liberace.</div>
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The other major component to visually enlarging the space was to mirror that baby up! It was tricky, but I had plate mirrors cut for the dimensions of a mirrored medicine cabinet. It's a nice, layered finish, and bounces tons of light.</div>
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The vanity base ended up giving me a bad case of the willies. I envisioned converting an antique cabinet into a vanity, and searched for something with the <i>perfect </i>dimensions (we had no wiggle room), that would still function like a true vanity - to no avail. Having a custom vanity built was out of budget, so I had to go with a standard vanity base. Little disclaimer: Unless you can't tell the difference, I'm not a fan of using Big Box store items for renovations, and I really felt like I was selling out, design-wise to use one, but I held my nose and did it. By topping it with a custom volakas marble top, though, I think I'm at least somewhat redeemed. ;) It also meant there was room to splurge on the radiant floor heat, which. is. a. game changer. Toasty toes instead of frozen-stuck-to-the-marble feet is a huge luxury in my boat! <br />
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I think it's fair to say the space was completely transformed. Before, it was painful to see. Now, it's a pleasure to use. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sources:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/MS-International-Greecian-White-3-in-x-6-in-Polished-Marble-Floor-and-Wall-Tile-1-sq-ft-case-THDW1-T-GRE-3x6/100664302">Marble Subway Tile</a> ~ <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/MS-International-Greecian-White-3-4-in-x-12-in-Polished-Marble-Pencil-Molding-Wall-Tile-THDW1-MP-GRE/100664352?keyword=grecian+white+pencil+trim">Marble pencil trim</a> ~ <a href="http://www.thebuilderdepot.com/cgp1x3herb.html?gclid=Cj0KEQjwgLGuBRCqptLsnJCvh-wBEiQAiNRjsTa4Wnh9mvEZOYzGbrOOfhQ1Y7Xjd5YU9WuGebSCXV4aAtCs8P8HAQ">Herringbone mosaic tile </a>(similar to) ~ <a href="http://www.faucetdirect.com/kingston-brass-kb363-axso-vintage-shower-trim-with-single-function-shower-head-and-metal-cross-handle/p1506963">Shower fixture </a> (similar to) ~ <a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Metropolitan-Polished-Brass-Widespread-Bathroom-Faucet/5615585/product.html?refccid=A4DNG3MV47IKZQSPINOAYPMOOA&searchidx=29">Basin fixture</a> (similar to) ~ <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Home-Decorators-Collection-Brinkhill-36-in-Vanity-Cabinet-Only-in-Cognac-BWSD3621-CG/205400714">Vanity base </a>(similar to, but think ours was more, and is nicer) ~ <a href="http://www.marblexinc.com/">Vanity top</a> ~ <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/astor-mirror-medicine-cabinet/?pkey=cbath-medicine-cabinets&&cbath-medicine-cabinets">Mirrored Medicine Cabinet </a></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D3543555066564238991%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-i7inf-RvPYI%2FVcuAKm6klOI%2FAAAAAAAA-VQ%2FHqPwUcZytH0%2Fs640%2FDSC_0376.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=kNS_xdydJ1qH&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 5840px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D3543555066564238991%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-i7inf-RvPYI%2FVcuAKm6klOI%2FAAAAAAAA-VQ%2FHqPwUcZytH0%2Fs640%2FDSC_0376.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=kNS_xdydJ1qH&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 5840px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D3543555066564238991%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-i7inf-RvPYI%2FVcuAKm6klOI%2FAAAAAAAA-VQ%2FHqPwUcZytH0%2Fs640%2FDSC_0376.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=kNS_xdydJ1qH&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 5840px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D3543555066564238991%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-i7inf-RvPYI%2FVcuAKm6klOI%2FAAAAAAAA-VQ%2FHqPwUcZytH0%2Fs640%2FDSC_0376.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=kNS_xdydJ1qH&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 5840px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>alison giese Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505444655040656140noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543555066564238991.post-57675754714595533062015-02-24T05:53:00.000-08:002015-02-24T05:53:08.678-08:00Inspired Spaces: White walls + Old Leather + rich wood = LuxeHave ya'll seen the space put together by Will Kopelman (aka Mr. Drew Barrymore) in the latest <a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/decor/2015-03/will-kopelman-drew-barrymore-los-angeles-home-article">AD</a>? It's the most anti-man cave, beautiful man-space I've ever seen. In fact, I don't see any reason to designate it a "man space," as I'd move in in a heartbeat.<br />
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I'm generally a color gal, but throw in a neutral palette with some roughed up leather, and you'll get me every time. Besides, the home office has enough suggestion of color with the enormous John Singer Sargent reproduction (Will's an art adviser - nice work if you can get it) What I really love is the not-in-your-face luxe of it all. From the rich polished wood paired with the contemporary pieces to the men's suiting fabric that makes the window treatments - all against the perfectly-white background. As Ferris Bueller once said, "It is <i>so choice</i>."<br />
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Moving on to the bath and dressing room portion of the program, Will turns the tables and goes dark and rich. The dressing room in black lacquer with hits of wood and brass still serves to scratch my itch for dark, high gloss rooms.<br />
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It also serves to remind me that rooms with drastically different feels can exist beautifully as neighbors - they key is the streamlined palette, and shared materials.<br />
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The bathroom is just - wow. It's a lot, and I'm not sure I could deal with this much going on on a daily basis, but I LOVE that he went for it. Like all-out, gentleman's glam. I admire a man who knows his style and rocks it to the last detail. Drew says she cried when she first saw the space - because it made her bathroom look downright granny.<br />
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I've had this white walls, rich wood, worn leather, mix of modern soup in my brain so much, I decided to use it to put together a design scheme for a class project. My assignment is to design a Living/Dining room space. I put more of a feminine twist on my interpretation, and the items I sourced would be filed under a budget known as...uh, <i>dreamy</i>, but here ya go.<br />
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In this room, every hour would feel like martini hour. {sly grin}<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D3543555066564238991%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-Qu0O9btisG4%252FVOumgw-zc5I%252FAAAAAAAA9PU%252FaAEoe-8xHNM%252Fs1600%252FScreen%25252BShot%25252B2015-02-23%25252Bat%25252B5.15.07%25252BPM.png%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 104px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 910px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D3543555066564238991%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-Qu0O9btisG4%252FVOumgw-zc5I%252FAAAAAAAA9PU%252FaAEoe-8xHNM%252Fs1600%252FScreen%25252BShot%25252B2015-02-23%25252Bat%25252B5.15.07%25252BPM.png%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 104px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 910px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>alison giese Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505444655040656140noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543555066564238991.post-5140324820875948502015-02-05T09:45:00.000-08:002015-02-05T09:45:17.212-08:00Window Treatments - An Opinion PieceI'm finally getting around to having window treatments made for our kitchen. Our kitchen (we remodeled last year) is lovely, and doesn't necessarily need treatments, but I think it might give it a more polished, finished look. That, and I remembered I have a large remnant of Katsugi I've been dying to use forever.<br />
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I'm planning to do relaxed (fixed) roman shades. - something like these<br />
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I know it sounds strange, but I have this love/hate relationship with curtains, etc. Outside of the wide blinds we have for privacy, the windows in our house are bare. Our home doesn't get a ton of natural light, so I don't want to do anything to impede light coming in. But, there's more to it than that. I have what might be called curtain paranoia that stems (I believe) from being too roped into the world of decorating.<br />
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What I mean is - the gorgeous, custom window treatments we see in magazines cost <i>uh-lot</i> of dinero. Often, it's those custom treatments that make a room look complete, pulled together. But cheap window treatments can do the exact opposite. They can take a room that was looking nice, and downgrade it. <br />
I once read a fellow decorator say something along the lines of, "If you can't swing $5000 on curtains, don't bother at all," and it's that kind of thinking that keeps me in stagnant curtain mode. I don't have 5k in the curtain budget, so rather than go inexpensive and risk cheapening the room, I just don't do anything at all.<br />
Thing is, that line of thought doesn't play well with a lot of clients. People want to be able to have nice curtains, etc without blowing out their budget. There has to be a middle ground. And this is how I found it:<br />
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1) I bought my high-end fabric from another designer who sells her remnants at a greatly-discounted price. I highly recommend her site - <a href="http://www.thedesignersattic.com/">The Designer's Attic</a>. Often, she has smaller yardages, but if you're flexible and looking for inspiration, Shannon's your gal.<br />
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2) I found a seamstress via Craigslist. DISCLAIMER - this is my first time to work with her!! I'll update once everything is done, but my point is - look for a knowledgeable seamstress with experience who may work out of his/her home. They have less overhead, and are often not as busy. A go-to workroom is a decorator's best friend, but if you're competing with a lot of other people's projects a) yours may not get priority and b) it'll cost you more.<br />
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3) Go with more practical options. Because I don't expect to ever want to close the shades in my kitchen, the ones I'm having made will be fixed - meaning, they will appear to be operable, but won't be. This saves yardage = $$, but the look will still be custom. The same thought can be applied to other rooms. A standard curtain panel runs 3 yards, and many times, you'd want a more plush look than that would allow. So, you can see how quickly you could get into the 10+ yard range. Decent fabric, liner, hardware, labor - you can do the math. But, if your style will allow it, a lovely and tailored roman shade can give you a lot of custom bang for the buck without all that yardage.<br />
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I picked up on a lot of gorgeous examples of roman shades in lieu of curtains in designer <a href="http://www.elementsofstyleblog.com/">Erin Gates'</a> book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1476744874?tag=simonsayscom">Elements of Style</a> - a great resource, btw.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">photos via <a href="http://www.elementsofstyleblog.com/">EoS</a></span></div>
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So, my takeaway is: don't let high-end decorating ways deter you from pursuing a custom look. It can be done. It just might take a little more research and legwork. Totally worth it, if you ask me. Stay tuned for the reveal of my custom/savvy spender kitchen shades.</div>
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<br />alison giese Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505444655040656140noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543555066564238991.post-46170578837576671642015-01-29T09:46:00.000-08:002015-01-29T09:46:05.310-08:00Looking at 40<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I turn 40 this year. It's getting easier to say that, btw. For some time, I've been dreaming about the ultimate getaway trip to celebrate this milestone. You know, how you picture yourself somewhere fabulous, doing fabulous things you otherwise never get to to do? I don't know, like sleeping in late, or lounging near a beautiful pool without wondering if your kids are drowning. Casually browsing mesmerizing shopfronts, or lingering over dinner with your Significant. You get the idea.</div>
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I've alway dreamed of Morocco as an incredible destination. Can you imagine? The sights, the aromas (spice heaven!), the shopping (I might as well book an export crate for the rugs, baskets, etc). Over the past, oh, five years or so, Morocco has blossomed as a legit and luxurious destination for Americans, but, over the past, oh, year or so, there's also been a lot of scary shiznit happening that might make you think twice about your personal security in that locale. </div>
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So, let's just say I've had a rethinking. Somewhere a little closer, a little less likely to see you captured and beheaded for your beliefs, but by all accounts (and we've done some Intel), incredible.</div>
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Panama. I'm lookin' at you. Specifically, the American Trade Hotel in Casco Viejo. It's uh-maze. A design junkie's end all. </div>
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Check it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiy741LBQLp5S_t7JYhzqAFemSDmxs-uF5G7gHu41Mfm9vFGqpMeYCtJ98y4QsvU7pWZVE-fLfXj34psTBmEyAQNTUmKZMOrAC_lYNwwq6guHc5tNkhrZLGOLxNRROBONmtIt10bQmlAE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-01-29+at+11.58.20+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJEmK8TC6YtniOo9k51YwqT9OYEwPH3lt59L9CUHyIIRs2IMMtNGIa1VW518NtCfHFa5sBnpRFGAXGB_RimWfEO4k3CAmKiutbgzQExT7o47nh7FH3Z_9rJpjjMK4J0Gs6vPXhjXtQHE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-01-29+at+11.57.41+AM.png" /></div>
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The Lobby bar, and a guest suite. I'm all about a contrasting black trim; we've done some in our own house, and I love the crisp-ness it adds to a room. I love it even more the way it's paired with the amazing wood floors.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixO8HQar1xq_Cat_YgBGcghLGQ7dx7Nyv2VfWcRpd1ewUJYCMwgfvcS-3GPMGdQ4g1lh3YQNoNj30jRskKIDL7dnzUDKVCNH59Ytl4XRlIxTprnpbqdN6Tpn-zaoQkS4GZD2XdfKZUbIc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-01-29+at+12.17.55+PM.png" /></div>
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They have me at hello with that perfect Trad/Colonial facade tricked out with contemporary iron-framed glass on the main floor, and yeah, you might convince me to soak in that tub. #bathdesignporn</div>
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Just stop already with the badass tile situations, 'K. If our newly-finished study had a Central American sister, this space would be it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiy741LBQLp5S_t7JYhzqAFemSDmxs-uF5G7gHu41Mfm9vFGqpMeYCtJ98y4QsvU7pWZVE-fLfXj34psTBmEyAQNTUmKZMOrAC_lYNwwq6guHc5tNkhrZLGOLxNRROBONmtIt10bQmlAE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-01-29+at+11.58.20+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiy741LBQLp5S_t7JYhzqAFemSDmxs-uF5G7gHu41Mfm9vFGqpMeYCtJ98y4QsvU7pWZVE-fLfXj34psTBmEyAQNTUmKZMOrAC_lYNwwq6guHc5tNkhrZLGOLxNRROBONmtIt10bQmlAE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-01-29+at+11.58.20+AM.png" /></a></div>
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Your choice of cocktail-serving spaces. (There's a pool, too. Case you were wonderin'}</div>
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Yeeeah. I think it might work. For what we'll save in time and airfare, we could stay an extra day to take in more cool stuff. <br />
Forty's not looking' so bad, ya'll.<br />
ag<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*images by <a href="http://www.ruemag.com/trends-shopping/wanderlust/american-trade-hotel-in-panama">Rue</a> and <a href="http://www.acehotel.com/panama">American Trade Hotel</a> - An Ace Hotel</span><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D3543555066564238991%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F4.bp.blogspot.com%252F-RoA-cfS4A2I%252FVMpnBIVP4kI%252FAAAAAAAA8hU%252FiTrSOe2qHwA%252Fs1600%252FScreen%25252BShot%25252B2015-01-29%25252Bat%25252B11.58.55%25252BAM.png%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 2554px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D3543555066564238991%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F4.bp.blogspot.com%252F-RoA-cfS4A2I%252FVMpnBIVP4kI%252FAAAAAAAA8hU%252FiTrSOe2qHwA%252Fs1600%252FScreen%25252BShot%25252B2015-01-29%25252Bat%25252B11.58.55%25252BAM.png%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 2554px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>alison giese Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505444655040656140noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543555066564238991.post-66654534102216566452015-01-21T18:42:00.000-08:002015-01-21T18:42:37.090-08:00Staging a blog comeback: The Ick Master BathroomSo, new year, new me. As <i>'</i>muricans, we all love a good comeback, so I'm attempting to make this mine. Attempt being the key word. We've done a lot of renovating over the last year and a half, and I've been a total slacker about documenting it. So, I hope to catch up somewhat with that, but really, I just want to get back to the reason I ever blogged to begin with. To give voice to my inner monologue, the heavy emphasis being on interiors, and to plan and organize decorating projects.<br />
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Jumping right in...Our master* bath. It's en suite to our room, but otherwise, there's nothing master about it. It is wee. Eight by five feet, to be exact. Anyway, it's next on our project list.<br />
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Behold.<br />
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It's charming in that hospital-grade kind of way, right?</div>
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Original vanity that is super low, even for a shortstack like me.</div>
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New tile, but I just can't deal.</div>
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I feel like I just stood in front of you naked.<br />
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For the record, it came to us this way. The tile in the shower, and the vanity are the original 1970s builder-grade selections. The previous owners installed new floor tile, and put a fresh coat of the oh-so-flattering mauve (flat finish, btw) paint and called it a day.<br />
In the time we've lived here, the lack of an exhaust fan caused the ceiling paint to chip, and the sheetrock to bubble/chip. Most of the walls also have water lines from condensation. We've since installed an exhaust fan, but the damage was done. <br />
We've been focusing our time/money/effort on other rooms the whole family enjoys, and I've been putting off the decision-making, but now it's time to bite this bullet. Truth is, though<i> I </i>may not have run out of designing steam, our checkbook might've, so my original plans to make this a tiny but luxe bath have scaled back.<br />
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And that's where I'm at: redesigning.<br />
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As a visual, my first thoughts were to brighten it all up (obvs), add a lot of reflective and light surfaces to bounce light, and address the seriously-lacking storage situation. Something marbly and mirror-y like these would make me happy.<br />
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<a href="http://vtinteriors.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-09-05T08:07:00%2B10:00&max-results=50">via</a></div>
BUT, after crunching some numbers, and really thinking about elements I love, I'm pulling more in a mixed materials/textures direction.<br />
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Still on the white marble train, but instead of a lot of white/light gray cabinets, walls, etc, I'm planning to mix in some med-dark wood tones with brass to keep the color palette a little warm. We live in a traditional Colonial, so keeping some wood tones suits the home, too.<br />
Heading somewhere like<br />
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<a href="http://indigochreblog.com/2012/12/12/re-imagined-the-cobbling-together-of-precious-bits/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">via indigo ochre</span></a></div>
I would love to reclaim an old chest for a vanity, and have done some searching, but our very specific space requirements have made it tough to find the right piece. I'll probably end up with a ready-made vanity (boo!), and will instead focus on the preeeeetty <a href="http://www.marblewarehouse.com/servlet/the-1045/Calacatta-Chiara-Herringbone-1%22X3%22/Detail">marble herringbone mosaic</a> that'll cover the floor.<br />
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So , I have some design-boarding to do, but at least I can think New Year, New Bath!alison giese Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505444655040656140noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543555066564238991.post-63328819417066427052014-09-04T08:52:00.000-07:002014-09-04T09:45:06.798-07:00Lovin' my Laundry Room<div class="" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;">
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I've been jonesing for a decent, even (gasp!) pretty laundry room for a long time. Being a family of five means I spend a lot of quality time with the washer and dryer, so my wishes are justified, right?</div>
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Many of the homes in our area have a utility space in the basement, so I'm grateful ours is a legit laundry room on our main floor. However, when we moved in, the layout made zero sense. The washer and dryer were up against the side wall, partially blocking the window. In what was a new "oh, that's...interesting," the drain tube from the washer was zip-tied (classy, right?) to the utility sink faucet, so each time the machine emptied, it splattered water everywhere. Last but not least, there was a wire-style shelf attached to the right wall. I'm vertically challenged, but every time I'd do laundry, the clean clothes that were hanging on the bar of the shelf batted me in the head.<br />
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So, yeah, me and the laundry room were going to have a come-to-Jesus.</div>
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First, I'll address our machines: Rarely do you see top-loading machines in those awe-inspiring utility room pics, but ours came with the house, and the washer is brand new. I would love a front-loader, so I could put a folding counter on top, but I'm gun shy. I've had several servicemen say front loaders are finicky. I can't deal with a temperamental wash machine, so for now, top loaders are where it's at in the Giese compound.</div>
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Layout Change: Clearly, the solution to the problem was to flip the washer and dryer to the back wall, then add storage, etc above. First, we had a plumber install what I believe to be a "proper" water connection and drain box on the back wall. We also had to close up the old, and cut a new dryer vent. </div>
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Next, we dealt with the floors. I considered painting the old linoleum in a fun pattern, but when I saw a box of vinyl wood planks for like, fifty bucks, I went for it. Ben installed them like some kind of pro. I think it took less than three hours.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNg1rKn5mvbHu1zIk-300McjpST4jC9t1WAdTm9yrFya9KCMonCdTnzYuQqGevoB-fI-bsHBrsA6dRRtXgiuistgyrQMMhrWGaS7Dbp4jps31bnGnlB9ojZCs5laTq_FCnNnOiGLFt9Q/s1600/floors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNg1rKn5mvbHu1zIk-300McjpST4jC9t1WAdTm9yrFya9KCMonCdTnzYuQqGevoB-fI-bsHBrsA6dRRtXgiuistgyrQMMhrWGaS7Dbp4jps31bnGnlB9ojZCs5laTq_FCnNnOiGLFt9Q/s1600/floors.jpg" height="640" width="401" /></a></div>
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Disclosure: I was aiming for a "look," but not to spend a ton on this room. I was really pleasantly surprised by how decent those vinyl planks look.</div>
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Then, the wallpaper went up. I have to tell you, this was the Game Changer. I had a general design idea in mind, so when a great Schumacher grasscloth popped up on <a href="http://www.thedesignersattic.com/">The Designer's Attic</a>, I jumped. NB: If by chance you're considering hanging your own wallpaper, grasscloth is not Beginner's level. Our paper hangers are great, and they mentioned how tough this paper was to deal with. On the other hand, I think it probably added a layer of structure stability to the room. The stuff is serious.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPknUjT1I85LPR9QJgD34YCOkaEJ_DRCBPG22Q_vmN1yviTBEzWZDmDj7-I0RgRieH_HO-otP2sucgqp-RbkTjW_SGqfYAwOROt069KeHwplBuNEMexIzGGL2qBMJnkBGZqohpH78ZxY/s1600/sink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPknUjT1I85LPR9QJgD34YCOkaEJ_DRCBPG22Q_vmN1yviTBEzWZDmDj7-I0RgRieH_HO-otP2sucgqp-RbkTjW_SGqfYAwOROt069KeHwplBuNEMexIzGGL2qBMJnkBGZqohpH78ZxY/s1600/sink.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJPx78B54xKloseAZLplc-bp2v59yOI3IWF407e-X-A0A9yoBIQUMiOqgAhg4ZhxPcb4elMSwPyE3uSvQcqpSG1mdXUUmCMq2Dl0c4KyNGqrLRO_SfXrWsSelHYqI-92FVPcXPTUNgJ0/s1600/DSC_0647.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I love the durable, "wheatey" texture, and it immediately dictated the need to pair it with a glossy, deep blue on the cabinet.</span></div>
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Speaking of...I bought a basic stock wood cabinet and closet pole, painted the cabinet, and added some vintage brass hardware.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKASbZYLDJJzPbhuXZgxmGou2neGO46YffsRyyQ_Bvqiu5A9CLEetGh7qI6AkK8asipSilUc2kA0GE0h-uwsrnAjPNLrVfiLxC-yByU8G7Tu3WxgIkwf_MHgG0EpRHTsJ1zLAfY3uBGIk/s1600/DSC_0631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKASbZYLDJJzPbhuXZgxmGou2neGO46YffsRyyQ_Bvqiu5A9CLEetGh7qI6AkK8asipSilUc2kA0GE0h-uwsrnAjPNLrVfiLxC-yByU8G7Tu3WxgIkwf_MHgG0EpRHTsJ1zLAfY3uBGIk/s1600/DSC_0631.JPG" height="640" width="536" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;">Can I just take a moment to say what a HUGE moment this was? Clothes. No longer. Batting head.</span><br />
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OK. Carrying on.</div>
I can't even tell you how happy I am with the reconfiguration. The tiny room feels so much more spacious, and appropriate for the task at hand (i.e. the endless pile of clothes.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ZAcqecuwjiUvOLTW56xKE51ypXnn0muqlN5FOZdl1m4k6sGUGyuVeTXmWcwp6sLJlsIZ5wpTA0UPZJFxZGfZynQeXUMuzO6i6ZMeRXCDHUzhAi9a4AC2pRASnHqvDsPmcfd1Ekq8HrE/s1600/DSC_0635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ZAcqecuwjiUvOLTW56xKE51ypXnn0muqlN5FOZdl1m4k6sGUGyuVeTXmWcwp6sLJlsIZ5wpTA0UPZJFxZGfZynQeXUMuzO6i6ZMeRXCDHUzhAi9a4AC2pRASnHqvDsPmcfd1Ekq8HrE/s1600/DSC_0635.JPG" height="640" width="351" /></a></div>
Even the Hubster, who initially thought it was a frivolous project, gave it a thumbs up. Win-win!<br />
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Resources:<br />
Vinyl wood planks - similar to <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_399147-84875-WD4712_0__?productId=4196485&Ntt=vinyl+wood+planks&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dvinyl%2Bwood%2Bplanks&facetInfo=">these</a><br />
Wallpaper - Schumacher grasscloth via <a href="http://www.thedesignersattic.com/">The Designer's Attic</a> - an amazing resource, btw.<br />
Cabinet - Unfinished wood cabinet from Home Depot<br />
Cabinet Paint - <a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/for-your-home/paint-products/advance-waterborne-interior-alkyd-paint?lang=en_US&role=H#s_pu=interior_product&s_cu=clean_soapwater&advs=0&tab=2">BM water-based Alkyd</a> in high gloss <a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/poloblue">Polo Blue</a><br />
Cabinet hardware - vintage.<br />
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My "big girls" are spending a couple of weeks with their "Mims and Pops" in Texas, so I thought it would be a great time to surprise them with a room redo when they come home. Currently, they have matching twin beds that are oriented in an L shape - not ideal or pretty. They've been wanting bunk beds, and since it should help open up some floor space, we caved.</div>
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At the risk of going all-out girly girly, I'm planning on a (very light) lavender striped wall to coordinate with the <a href="http://www.biscuit-home.com/store/">Biscuit</a> bedding that's on order.</div>
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Where I'm a bit stuck, though, is on rug selection. My natural tendency is to over-match, so I often have to step back a bit to choose something that works, without looking too much like a furniture showroom. I've put three variations into design boards to get a feel for what will look best. I've ordered marquee letter lights in each girl's initial, but unlike the images, the letters will be gold. </div>
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So, in general, a lot of softness going on.</div>
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My first choice is probably this loose floral rug that pulls in the lavender, but also gives me some wiggle room to accent with other colors.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJnEyErsmI0B22C1RS6PV4SPBp2JVsnlxWJornkHMfkVLr1duZ3n5nlB04crf6gPJmevtCub7P8RILtmPT46AqZvhoN0BW3sFPgaOrsVkp6kjS-GGAkYYsn1dDIf-iotJE58Nsy3Kc3U/s1600/girlsredo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJnEyErsmI0B22C1RS6PV4SPBp2JVsnlxWJornkHMfkVLr1duZ3n5nlB04crf6gPJmevtCub7P8RILtmPT46AqZvhoN0BW3sFPgaOrsVkp6kjS-GGAkYYsn1dDIf-iotJE58Nsy3Kc3U/s1600/girlsredo3.jpg" height="640" width="522" /></a></div>
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Another option is this more "matchy" overdyed, low pile.<br />
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Then there's the wild card. Offering a more high-contrast look, while still pulling in the base lavender.</div>
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Thoughts? Opinions? Give 'em to me.</div>
<br />alison giese Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505444655040656140noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543555066564238991.post-5762381256074065392014-06-13T07:13:00.000-07:002014-06-13T07:13:24.206-07:00Powder Room Idea #1001Just when I think my blogging days are over, the whim hits me to post, and I feel like I wanna share. It <i>praaaaably</i> has something to do with the fact that I've been doing a cleanse this week, the last two days of which were a fast. Brutal. But today, I am fla fla flying with inner energy, so here ya go.<br />
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The last I stopped in here, we were in demo mode for our kitchen. Happy to report kitchen is beautifully complete, but there's still things I wanna tweak before she's ready for her close-up. So, patience, peeps.<br />
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We've been trying to tackle other rooms here and there. I don't know if I've ever mentioned the scoop on the house we bought in our frantic quest for a home Stateside. In a nutshell: perfectly livable, but really generic. Trying to add in character and style from scratch takes time. And moolah. Neither of which I have the buckets of I feel I deserve (please read: sarcasm).<br />
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For the last few months, I've been going back and forth over wallpaper choices for our tiny powder room. It's the only bathroom on our main floor, and because of the micro nature of it, it needs a major injection of personality.<br />
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We replaced the old sink with a wider pedestal, and in the process discovered the lovely circa '74 floral wallpaper.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmcP-reC9i1Ak0tYmjbY0trOdD4h50V8N7QdIvMN19c6zrYhmVDC1Qys9FhUylC6lDljInapKaIDJn_PR9URyDeQc-ESgFm6N3rxPukeXw8EbtGyRZyzSNS3v1AePo6UnKsbwFBaem3U/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmcP-reC9i1Ak0tYmjbY0trOdD4h50V8N7QdIvMN19c6zrYhmVDC1Qys9FhUylC6lDljInapKaIDJn_PR9URyDeQc-ESgFm6N3rxPukeXw8EbtGyRZyzSNS3v1AePo6UnKsbwFBaem3U/s1600/photo-2.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I've been all over the map with new paper ideas, but know I want a bold pattern, with a big repeat. My first thought was to reach back to our Brazilian roots with <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/1026799">tropicali afternoon</a> - purchasable via <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/welcome">Spoonflower</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPP9ka36_laTmewmolWZXCF-1Ldor41EDeXNXvx2YBO4YthaIQ74q0xy4K7j3SXqSdB-lrMLOEJUYlewpYoxq0QjAMxTpi5zUC4fhyphenhyphenybPS5BZXz_-Rc-SLlhsV-w3AxVDsGK-V7fEqcs/s1600/Wallingfordpowder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPP9ka36_laTmewmolWZXCF-1Ldor41EDeXNXvx2YBO4YthaIQ74q0xy4K7j3SXqSdB-lrMLOEJUYlewpYoxq0QjAMxTpi5zUC4fhyphenhyphenybPS5BZXz_-Rc-SLlhsV-w3AxVDsGK-V7fEqcs/s1600/Wallingfordpowder.jpg" height="640" width="407" /></a></div>
I love this pattern, but here's my hang-ups: Unless you specifically do a rush order, Spoonflower's shipping time is ridiculous. Secondly, they price and parcel in single rolls. It makes it more expensive, and more tedious to hang.<br />
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So, I never ordered it, and one day stumbled upon <a href="http://www.thibautdesign.com/collection/high_res.php?patternID=1533&productID=10758">Enchanment</a> from <a href="http://www.thibautdesign.com/index.php">Thibaut</a>. A gorgeous Chinoiserie, in a bold color way, and a big repeat. Perfect. Ordered.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzYzoq2e99utwGSy9-DEfd-hT6TzRHR1VAl9c5yZ8xIV4X2zNo_-R3YuoM8n0Al9JGYpzbTsITxwldWhg8VeeLouwZFmpk3bU7XKk-ytsH8sXJx1dK84uD8LyhcjJiUvHeVAXXonmZ40/s1600/Wallingfordpowder2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzYzoq2e99utwGSy9-DEfd-hT6TzRHR1VAl9c5yZ8xIV4X2zNo_-R3YuoM8n0Al9JGYpzbTsITxwldWhg8VeeLouwZFmpk3bU7XKk-ytsH8sXJx1dK84uD8LyhcjJiUvHeVAXXonmZ40/s1600/Wallingfordpowder2.jpg" height="640" width="406" /></a></div>
The only thing left to source is a mirror. Because of the sconce placement, I need a tall, narrow mirror, but want it to have some shape. I've been toying with something with beveled edges to bounce the light around (there's no natural light), but spied this black lacquer framed one, and think it might just work. The dimensions are perfect, but is the outline too strong. Hashtag: overthinking it.<br />
<br />alison giese Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505444655040656140noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543555066564238991.post-62238062968216388162014-01-27T07:00:00.000-08:002014-01-27T07:00:09.550-08:00Oh yeah, we're Keeetchin' ReeenOvaTORSWell, I have a lot of catching up to do. With Insta giving the 1000-words-in-a-snap synopsis, it might be redundant to blog, but I'm feeling optimistic.<br />
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When we bought this house, we hoped to do quite a bit to bring it up to speed. It was, for the most part, totally livable, just not the style we would choose. For example, over the past few months, we've had the basement completely renovated from a dark, cold cave to a warm, usable space. Hopefully, I'll get around to detailing that, but today is about the KEETCHIN.<br />
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To preface: I have some guilt over redoing this kitchen. The people we bought the house from apparently prepped the kitchen for selling purposes - painted, and put it new granite. They put a fairly nice face on what was still a 1970s builder-grade kitchen.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXNJwWPk2fXvWnIzXbypdupg9qZgXWphf2-sduEjxfhHYmAl8PGQMpYrL2DUBGMZCb1PdvgBfyYEKqX8C5SbdUu4d7cJloKSBIfxyxPh0zQVQxCv_A5grd23uAPCHD1f170d83p1U6d8/s1600/kitchen3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXNJwWPk2fXvWnIzXbypdupg9qZgXWphf2-sduEjxfhHYmAl8PGQMpYrL2DUBGMZCb1PdvgBfyYEKqX8C5SbdUu4d7cJloKSBIfxyxPh0zQVQxCv_A5grd23uAPCHD1f170d83p1U6d8/s1600/kitchen3.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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Just a note of opinion, here, while I'm at it: Why do people renovate only to sell their home? Why not put in the nice features to enjoy them <i>while you live there</i>? As a buyer, I'd rather you leave the old stuff, and knock a few grand off the asking price, so I can make my own selections when it comes time to remodel. Sans the guilt of feeling wasteful.<br />
So, yes, I feel guilty busting out a kitchen someone else thought was the bee's knees. <br />
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We've lived with it for about six months to really get a feel for what did and didn't work for us in the space. It's a decent-sized kitchen, but didn't maximize the space. There's the working wall of all the appliances, which left little counter/prep space. Then, there was the fridge and pantry - pushed into a small walkway outside the main part of the kitchen.<br />
Strange.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIC0Yni_DP46IHuRsjgvLF_el3rVRxKMIDmTzPJxn7OXT-6H6qV8TPoF3f50OIdI89Oi9bMFQsB16UoBIxY8xPSoT1ZoUqi6s6yQtwa8PcNds9YhAZKv5P9YUH7nyBAU4Blc7Q9_dkJ5k/s1600/IMG_1898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIC0Yni_DP46IHuRsjgvLF_el3rVRxKMIDmTzPJxn7OXT-6H6qV8TPoF3f50OIdI89Oi9bMFQsB16UoBIxY8xPSoT1ZoUqi6s6yQtwa8PcNds9YhAZKv5P9YUH7nyBAU4Blc7Q9_dkJ5k/s1600/IMG_1898.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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The little side bar area (on right in pic) wasn't deep enough for any small appliances, nor were there any outlets. Basically, nothing more than a catch-all for all for the papers, lunch boxes, etc that traffic through here. </div>
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I liked the idea of having an eat-in area, but a round table (staged for selling) ate up a ton of real estate. </div>
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After visiting with our contractor about the feasibility of moving appliances around, I came up with a rudimentary sketch that included plans to replace the double ovens with a single range, move the fridge into the main kitchen area, and add additional counter space with the sink placement under the window. </div>
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The area vacated by the fridge in the passage-way would become a coffee station, with storage underneath for heavy small appliances (cuisinarts, etc), and the pantry would rotate to be accessible from the main kitchen.</div>
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We needed the storage the side cabinet provided, but planned it to be more of a standing desk/computer situation. </div>
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It'll be a tight fit, but we plan to put in a petite banquette/table along the back wall.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1D_k7OvIJW4qFxrs7i0JwlWYiKMoDuU1PNfV5Jz9ts9WRjMSdoWgUE3u3v-zPtG54Rih977kHLRHSAf-NB6SjG4TyGGOUwg5Cqn87EBb4Uc3h7C-CdlYmD-Pel-MR5K8oU6XcNNof1M/s1600/reicodraw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1D_k7OvIJW4qFxrs7i0JwlWYiKMoDuU1PNfV5Jz9ts9WRjMSdoWgUE3u3v-zPtG54Rih977kHLRHSAf-NB6SjG4TyGGOUwg5Cqn87EBb4Uc3h7C-CdlYmD-Pel-MR5K8oU6XcNNof1M/s1600/reicodraw.jpg" height="401" width="640" /></a></div>
...Cabinet company rendering<br />
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I've been inspired by the greige kitchen movement. I want ours to be classic - with touches of brass, nickel, white and black. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mrhc4p9Su_k4_WT-v2B10v_B6XncueS-7O6jCoq7Uoj56l4312z9uTRSpP_fzNoxQaDzcndgJYY6-U2afPDBVti_q9RRFTP6h7TdxGEctWJSY5pznQlOyf6AxRB56FXgPdBUBBLVbqc/s1600/marthagreige.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mrhc4p9Su_k4_WT-v2B10v_B6XncueS-7O6jCoq7Uoj56l4312z9uTRSpP_fzNoxQaDzcndgJYY6-U2afPDBVti_q9RRFTP6h7TdxGEctWJSY5pznQlOyf6AxRB56FXgPdBUBBLVbqc/s1600/marthagreige.jpg" height="640" width="474" /></a></div>
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Well, you know - in a non-Martha/realistic version.</div>
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My working design board...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhinPCXkGZ8g5kWz-cbkgJ0AurONr833t5TJIyUtLzf0gC-BhyZ_gmiSh-YCFadIFgUrUdBYGmiwsfjRY4mGgG9HirpQ9Wze4MlMrfV1bXBV0v-trXqUwhQFCm7YVDiLgzuM1e1TTuElrs/s1600/Giese+Kitchen+plan+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhinPCXkGZ8g5kWz-cbkgJ0AurONr833t5TJIyUtLzf0gC-BhyZ_gmiSh-YCFadIFgUrUdBYGmiwsfjRY4mGgG9HirpQ9Wze4MlMrfV1bXBV0v-trXqUwhQFCm7YVDiLgzuM1e1TTuElrs/s1600/Giese+Kitchen+plan+1.jpg" /></a>Some decisions are still in flux, but we're going with a shaker-style cabinet in a warm, mid-tone greige. I think the color is actually called mushroom. Or is it stone? Not sure. </div>
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We're about nine days in, have endured demo, and living with the essentials in a mock-kitchen. Amazing how complete you can feel with an espresso machine and a hot plate.</div>
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And. There's progress to report. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnc7tGxUcvwcKt8iCLbKAH6aKiNUocngX1Kkw4LSIU9qkbGENia3_l6FAxG9UG6xPGqxDj48BLZoT23szR9gdSjHlOuyAKgWwvRwy4_y616g5wJWZ68DgRb9EHis_GqMzo4e9-7tZKtg/s1600/photo(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnc7tGxUcvwcKt8iCLbKAH6aKiNUocngX1Kkw4LSIU9qkbGENia3_l6FAxG9UG6xPGqxDj48BLZoT23szR9gdSjHlOuyAKgWwvRwy4_y616g5wJWZ68DgRb9EHis_GqMzo4e9-7tZKtg/s1600/photo(3).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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So it's a good day to blog.</div>
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alison giese Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505444655040656140noreply@blogger.com118tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543555066564238991.post-46049965965009237312013-11-18T06:39:00.001-08:002013-11-18T06:51:18.417-08:00The Mulligan: Skylar's Nursery RevealSo, if you were sorta, kinda following me through the <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/2013/11/one-room-challenge-linking-party-pretty.html">One Room Challenge link-up</a>, you know I didn't quite make the deadline to showcase my One Room in all its glory.<br />
In my case, it was my baby girl, Skylar's, nursery.<br />
There was a snafu with the wallpaper hanger's schedule, and I was bummed I couldn't reveal with everyone else who participated, but I got over it quickly when...<br />
It happened. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vmVedjdQDimL5XR4v-LqHQEzzzmqNCsWGZNTYfvauJ1W4r7ZhrrtuM0TMoNyhxt-RKkkgWpnYhQ3QDCCoVu72oWEzme_gnYpT25FeLGC4DU7KMQ_Tspc8-r54IQG6KWhcpDFnbgkT0o/s1600/DSC_0211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vmVedjdQDimL5XR4v-LqHQEzzzmqNCsWGZNTYfvauJ1W4r7ZhrrtuM0TMoNyhxt-RKkkgWpnYhQ3QDCCoVu72oWEzme_gnYpT25FeLGC4DU7KMQ_Tspc8-r54IQG6KWhcpDFnbgkT0o/s640/DSC_0211.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Remember, her room is barely ten feet square - it's so tiny, it's really tough to photograph without distortion. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzqPqho60C2SgtEGrtxZoJgmS8Fg1pom1cbbO7fxZHpCxG9lRa8hJ0qrobylNtbLWzhH7SkjL3e03VH0Ya8IVResO87HpnivVplXcSybH9wL3AI5HZrJ8iablP2ijpqqjpALIVIeP_-g/s1600/DSC_0212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzqPqho60C2SgtEGrtxZoJgmS8Fg1pom1cbbO7fxZHpCxG9lRa8hJ0qrobylNtbLWzhH7SkjL3e03VH0Ya8IVResO87HpnivVplXcSybH9wL3AI5HZrJ8iablP2ijpqqjpALIVIeP_-g/s640/DSC_0212.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I decided on simple styling - you could easily go overboard with such a small space, and why would I try to compete with that wallpaper? The other side of the room holds the closet, and her changing table, which I'm still in the process of refinishing (read: barely sanded).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPgmkJYx9SyZIlSo6F6D0puu7iiHZZL0pIF6OUb4U5wrbrmmmGEhUIYAHtZDjPKd-2kxtc6ZgL6WcgHDmEcMqWjHhemJXTzxOgJ8fGbhZ09I3062ix-8mUDUOn2_OBc9A-93_GqECLTYc/s1600/DSC_0213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPgmkJYx9SyZIlSo6F6D0puu7iiHZZL0pIF6OUb4U5wrbrmmmGEhUIYAHtZDjPKd-2kxtc6ZgL6WcgHDmEcMqWjHhemJXTzxOgJ8fGbhZ09I3062ix-8mUDUOn2_OBc9A-93_GqECLTYc/s640/DSC_0213.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The crib linens are <a href="http://www.biscuit-home.com/store/katie-crib-sheet-fiery-red/dp/1773">the Katie</a> from the uber-talented, <a href="http://www.peppermintbliss.com/">Bailey</a> and her <a href="http://www.biscuit-home.com/">Biscuit Homegoods</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkWqot3JUuE8E0WVtDPAmnZBvJW4woviMlaj_-gzEwjmWQbwGDE73R4FXbTTEw4ltCfE4xmNGFxGO3IUID8Olv9XqPSb55C4lg2Un2xWx72__JJ-9KtW7DyPivBpNr5xeWpckbDup2Co/s1600/DSC_0214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkWqot3JUuE8E0WVtDPAmnZBvJW4woviMlaj_-gzEwjmWQbwGDE73R4FXbTTEw4ltCfE4xmNGFxGO3IUID8Olv9XqPSb55C4lg2Un2xWx72__JJ-9KtW7DyPivBpNr5xeWpckbDup2Co/s640/DSC_0214.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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The Fiery Red is perfection, isn't it?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqwXkmWhpCkcyoXznhIbu62jzuFAwUBD-druTFOIkcfxgakqOAGVErc-XxX-CpC0Ohe9GBSLIJ_AuEC0RWXQ_bP2Y97t97YIZjWzXP5y34HzT3Lm408ukaZmuPxxRD3351Ns3Oz6Ztjs/s1600/DSC_0229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqwXkmWhpCkcyoXznhIbu62jzuFAwUBD-druTFOIkcfxgakqOAGVErc-XxX-CpC0Ohe9GBSLIJ_AuEC0RWXQ_bP2Y97t97YIZjWzXP5y34HzT3Lm408ukaZmuPxxRD3351Ns3Oz6Ztjs/s640/DSC_0229.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Is that a Skylar in there?!<br />
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLANbsdvlaLgCqJtXs2WZ4mstWV7FgkhjKLPmHxtLX2kKq2XiNn8nYcJyXv-w9wRV1VMs9ASJygo7ZgvQQzp6oSWpGKYTmjauXHXDZEr3HkP78WbkLh757UCZ7jwge2dwCFPL7d_Eb51E/s640/DSC_0232.JPG" width="424" /> </div>
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We painted the walls BM Mint Julep, and <a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Safavieh-Handmade-Moroccan-Chatham-Pink-Wool-Rug-8-x-10/7153870/product.html?refccid=L5VJR3A6FUILUO2CR7HPUGUUDA&searchidx=21">the rug </a>was an Overstock find - it's nice and cushy, but has a major shedding habit. The crib is the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007CRJHUI/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Babyletto Hudson. </a> </div>
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The brass floor lamp is vintage, and may I mention my husband hates it, can't understand why I'd buy it. As Skylar gets bigger, standing up in her crib, etc, I'm sure it'll find another home.</div>
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If Ben has his way, it'll be by the curb. ;)</div>
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I'm so in love with this little jewel box of a room.</div>
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I'm even more in love with its inhabitant.</div>
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I think it's safe to say we have one satisfied customer!</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Ut26S539OXoyiMAhMoge41WU-u2MtyqaCqy3IG-L00WkFezZ5fLMJSKKToqmZv7OvPB_YsLPXtwlRyPrxTfXOsEudH4M7Dse2V6erULctr6aYCdJOv1Q933wUxRuG7sd53XDamXqSs0/s640/DSC_0220.JPG" width="424" /> </div>
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What do you think? Was it worth the extra wait time? </div>
alison giese Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505444655040656140noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543555066564238991.post-47888997070587435502013-11-13T07:07:00.000-08:002013-11-13T07:07:03.221-08:00Surprises of the House and Non-House KindWe took a little staycation in DC this weekend. We were having some work done in the house that was best done with us out of dodge, and honestly, we needed a little time away from all the craziness of living in as-yet-unpacked boxes and ongoing renovations.<br />
The weekend started off with Avery losing her first tooth at school. She didn't even realize it - I think it went down with her lunch.<br />
Saturday, however, just as we were getting settled into our hotel with room service and PJs, Isla fell off a chair, and hit the edge of a coffee table - putting a deep gash into the back of her head.
Ben spent the rest of the evening in the ER with her, while I held down the fort with the baby and Avery, all the while feeling so guilty that I wasn't there when my little girl got three staples in her head.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOiOKx9DaxFRIcvVyI8gYN4ynQvb-lzogpu_3ZGccIheD9Kw2AWRAoB9V77L4yoGHeBaON5ZjlWfIkTo2HQ_eqCk7DZxUGJm29eGtVzhaqwe7REhuYH08abc-43io1pZPPfMhbWYqXow/s1600/picstitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOiOKx9DaxFRIcvVyI8gYN4ynQvb-lzogpu_3ZGccIheD9Kw2AWRAoB9V77L4yoGHeBaON5ZjlWfIkTo2HQ_eqCk7DZxUGJm29eGtVzhaqwe7REhuYH08abc-43io1pZPPfMhbWYqXow/s400/picstitch.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Frankenbaby.<br />
Apparently, they were out of the skin glue.<br />
So, chalk this weekend up to two firsts: toofers and stitches.
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We went on to have a good time in the city, and all was not lost.</div>
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After all, we came home to this: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHO-G2gVOwNYKRKOcnRklJTi56iWFRys4vHwHeizIqjscxjHXpQ2vn3bO9H2UdlpRizo7kDDCaa63lwMCY5ptOLLUpEzRIMh2LC-mCURCurHEknLNtQMTP5BM2dX55FCxI1o545T3dSFg/s1600/photo(11).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHO-G2gVOwNYKRKOcnRklJTi56iWFRys4vHwHeizIqjscxjHXpQ2vn3bO9H2UdlpRizo7kDDCaa63lwMCY5ptOLLUpEzRIMh2LC-mCURCurHEknLNtQMTP5BM2dX55FCxI1o545T3dSFg/s640/photo(11).JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
Before:<br />
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJsSs9Qkmeueq8QQ8912sbaMoZ8bF5VCbHq389pWCggEV6k2575AGFrKX98YAo4tPPWXjzRV5MG21vq7Dys8SMNS9dKmnaGquhBcOmgfM1B6BwIvfGcUZAnPBBKLrtHI6W493YBBTqng/s640/photo(12).JPG" width="480" /> </div>
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So, stairs got a B&W paint over, walls went from beige to <a href="http://us.farrow-ball.com/cornforth-white//farrow-ball/fcp-product/100228">Cornforth White</a>. Can't see, but the interior doors also went black. Then the Stark Antelope runner(s) went down. I bought them over a year ago on OKL, and have been waiting. And waiting. to use them. They feel so good, and offer a tremendous buffer against stompy little feet.</div>
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In the words of one Ferris Bueller, It is so choice.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8p9QguYjeJdsQnNa6YsPSTPIaO44i73tGIqTMVmQ1A5TB1lF0KW6AePxHCSamw0yjnOlzb8zqoktc6p9PlIgHovhNsBVb03flQxrXnUpEgPbuq-h4jCALKEFIfKwirPEAo2GKqVtzoho/s1600/photo(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8p9QguYjeJdsQnNa6YsPSTPIaO44i73tGIqTMVmQ1A5TB1lF0KW6AePxHCSamw0yjnOlzb8zqoktc6p9PlIgHovhNsBVb03flQxrXnUpEgPbuq-h4jCALKEFIfKwirPEAo2GKqVtzoho/s640/photo(10).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We're trying so hard to put our stamp on this house - to make it our own. I think this is one small step for Mankind.<br />
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P.S. - Stay tuned....Barring any other crash and burns, nursery reveal coming rurl soon.alison giese Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505444655040656140noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543555066564238991.post-56051904545749657882013-10-30T06:59:00.000-07:002013-10-30T06:59:10.153-07:00Master Bedroom design - Help me decide! I won't have much progress to report tomorrow on Skylar's nursery, but I need your thoughts, impressions, etc on our master bedroom design.<br />
Right now, we are minus a bed (boxspring/mattress on the floor is charming, btw), and I'm quickly tiring of looking for the <i>most awesome </i>bed. We just need to get one bought. Like. Now.<br />
Not wanting to make a rash decision, I put together a few design schemes to help persuade my purchase....<br />
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I'm fairly set on deep navy walls, and we already own the bedside tables and lamps. We need more clothing storage, a rug, and I'd like some mirrors to place behind the nightstands.<br />
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Here ya go...<br />
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Room 1: Soothing palette using some lilac floral fabric I already purchased for some kind of canopy, pale gray bed, moroccan shag rug, and a midcentury-esque chest of drawers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWizAxRnB_BMkoSM8Z5WcSFBxAGZ_K8IUheYsTXv-kDOpQkg9ZUXJzFaEdpC6z9N9fGUeasw_4J4gyEB71bMBzPkwxbon0wOipASAyWYiKdW8_fpzLsOo6JRPirBDsCkz3PJprFxum3k/s1600/Wallingford+master+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWizAxRnB_BMkoSM8Z5WcSFBxAGZ_K8IUheYsTXv-kDOpQkg9ZUXJzFaEdpC6z9N9fGUeasw_4J4gyEB71bMBzPkwxbon0wOipASAyWYiKdW8_fpzLsOo6JRPirBDsCkz3PJprFxum3k/s640/Wallingford+master+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Room 2: The <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?navAction=jump&id=28764553&cm_mmc=CJ-_-Affiliates-_-rewardStyle-_-11292623&utm_medium=rewardStyle&utm_source=AFFILIATES&utm_content=rewardStyle">wall mural</a> from Anthro is a game-changer (thank you,<a href="http://www.callingithome.com/2013/10/anthropologie-wallpaper.html"> Linda</a> for the heads-up). In this scheme, paired with a navy velvet, clean wingback bed, french gilt mirrors, and a nubby jute rug.<br />
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<img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLHvyQNuWIhZncolIKTDEPAOzovXMwFURJzNAVcn08yZc6yGnhR84G7LQrwErSl7hPW329So6wYaisI6GeHFKfVJevQCYhx8vSMKCsyhf2F5LQwZyW5-eU9a32-HTCc0477ZVBcapZyY/s640/Wallingford+master+1.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Room 3: More or less the same scheme, warmed up with a chocolate velvet bed, layered kilim over the nubby jute, and a dash of black with the dresser.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWizAxRnB_BMkoSM8Z5WcSFBxAGZ_K8IUheYsTXv-kDOpQkg9ZUXJzFaEdpC6z9N9fGUeasw_4J4gyEB71bMBzPkwxbon0wOipASAyWYiKdW8_fpzLsOo6JRPirBDsCkz3PJprFxum3k/s1600/Wallingford+master+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRedC_PmKGNM-4dPo4GmrP-m9i7hTS4eWLNCBGTOMDLpAs-vAZ2RrNzhzAfDGR0GWPcp0v7go1GsM9DJ-Oz-21U4ofrYvwvm3TsYgKQEQUv8-kuUUqVqjpQnQU5-jLUKaVitgy4nQbFk0/s1600/Wallingford+master+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRedC_PmKGNM-4dPo4GmrP-m9i7hTS4eWLNCBGTOMDLpAs-vAZ2RrNzhzAfDGR0GWPcp0v7go1GsM9DJ-Oz-21U4ofrYvwvm3TsYgKQEQUv8-kuUUqVqjpQnQU5-jLUKaVitgy4nQbFk0/s640/Wallingford+master+2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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So, which one? Talk to me, Goose.alison giese Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505444655040656140noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543555066564238991.post-74787312900939565172013-10-24T07:47:00.000-07:002013-10-24T07:47:24.179-07:00ORC - Week Four - Short and Sweet UpdateI'll make this snappy...
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<a href="http://www.callingithome.com/2013/10/one-room-challenge-linking-party-week-4.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqI4OfUz9RXi0yv8jB6gW99JmBhBeXSdQGtOeQS1JpPVlvrx0jLps1y20WNYKo4tnk8h7DGS_ODxqWV7ql6KfHiUkpc5R1NLR98NxCRsESIhMAnWIbz_2QhmN11hX9W_zr44HLuiNxm4/s1600/ORClinkingparticipantCIH.png" /></a></div>
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If I were a gambler, I'd put 70/30 odds on Skylar's nursery being finished by week 6.</div>
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Yesterday, paint went up on three walls. Major, MAH-jor improvement. The back wall will be papered next week.</div>
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Full Disclosure: I had them painted. I fully intended to do the painting myself, but we had painters here working on another project, and when they agreed to paint the nursery for $150, it was too good to pass up. They had it done in less than two hours, too. Would've taken me two days.</div>
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Ask and ye shall receive.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1NUwmKx0gGh647UFV75R_oZZeo3eXIRJtwZY5fXPSDAOHDTS1zepgfen4z_s_lhRIdeFylpVAzVctaqRBbcRbGMxyHI524-oadwbfeIKp0Gl7JQyj40KB-08QNJTD-HQU0_8X7-uHxE/s1600/photo(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1NUwmKx0gGh647UFV75R_oZZeo3eXIRJtwZY5fXPSDAOHDTS1zepgfen4z_s_lhRIdeFylpVAzVctaqRBbcRbGMxyHI524-oadwbfeIKp0Gl7JQyj40KB-08QNJTD-HQU0_8X7-uHxE/s640/photo(3).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
You can see the new, BM Mint Julep compared against the old, murky mauve and feel the life being breathed into this room. When the Perroquet wallpaper goes up on the back wall, I think this tiny room is gonna positively SING.<br />
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Since that's all the progress there is to report, I'll do a quick little prop to <a href="http://www.sherwin-williams.com/">Sherwin-Williams</a>, and their <a href="http://www.sherwin-williams.com/architects-specifiers-designers/products/catalog/harmony-interior-acrylic-latex/?referringCategory=interior-paint-coatings/paint-coatings/">Harmony</a> paint line.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuCaD5vq1a5I1Ga5Zll47eu5t6C7nK4-z7lM7f97l_Ohk9JNqK8J7n4SVpsYA7CPqrVMmsrva9Sco3OKFRuzHYJS-uji1g_E0kMH9bV-21bhYqzOBn3wp_ZI79RTvfWHXqtXeN4on8us/s1600/photo(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuCaD5vq1a5I1Ga5Zll47eu5t6C7nK4-z7lM7f97l_Ohk9JNqK8J7n4SVpsYA7CPqrVMmsrva9Sco3OKFRuzHYJS-uji1g_E0kMH9bV-21bhYqzOBn3wp_ZI79RTvfWHXqtXeN4on8us/s320/photo(6).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Since this is a baby nursery, I wanted low or no VOC paint. The Harmony line is no-VOC, and actually has formaldehyde-reducing properties. The sales guy at SW told me it would actually make the room smell good after painting.<br />
It's true - there was a pleasant, fresh (not perfume-y) smell coming from her room as the paint dried.<br />
I approve. <br />
Up next: Wallpaper, light fixture, window covering, and a redo of the changing table (I hope)<br />
Until then..alison giese Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505444655040656140noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543555066564238991.post-13918765379074855852013-10-17T07:10:00.000-07:002013-10-17T07:12:08.222-07:00One Room Challenge: Week Three<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.callingithome.com/2013/10/one-room-challenge-week-1.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-gRNU4jfcKt8pZ4t4vT6AgDO9P2a_94-cd3TF7Rf5ENBpCmPiJ1NtMNeS3ymcQFN42nJMC66pcoVqy0zmV-z9B1yttMQhd3rOSF02NYq2WNdHnKD9NNl_oqFp4WwPR2QMmbp4TmkAgY/s1600/ORClinkingparticipantCIH.png" /></a></div>
Week Three. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(ORC, hosted by Linda at<a href="http://www.callingithome.com/2013/10/one-room-challenge-week-1.html"> Calling It Home</a>)</span><br />
More like Weak to See.<br />
Not a ton of pretty progress to feast your eyes upon this week.<br />
Sorry.<br />
<a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Safavieh-Handmade-Moroccan-Chatham-Pink-Wool-Rug-7-Square/7153871/product.html">The rug</a> did come in, and I'm fairly pleased with it. The colors are slightly different than they appeared in the product image - more purply-lilac than the pinky-lilac I was aiming for. Then again, it could be that the sweet, mauve color currently on the walls is giving the rug the heebs.<br />
For a wool rug, in the odd size I needed, and the under $300 clams category, it'll work just fine. It also offers such a nice, plush contrast to my (<i>ahem</i>, haven't been vacuumed/mopped in over two weeks) hardwoods.<br />
No judging.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFnNQ7jDLMEwPyky93RLnyn1laU-oTd69hT4OXelD3eOhyooFD95Zb8BEt7vzz7HxBQbErFR7ws6fqiOOxFXxiOBtg0BeIcUkryALfUc1BVoxhOdri2WuM7AmROjL8vWlF-R-NeMeohKo/s1600/photo.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFnNQ7jDLMEwPyky93RLnyn1laU-oTd69hT4OXelD3eOhyooFD95Zb8BEt7vzz7HxBQbErFR7ws6fqiOOxFXxiOBtg0BeIcUkryALfUc1BVoxhOdri2WuM7AmROjL8vWlF-R-NeMeohKo/s640/photo.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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In other news....Our stuff arrived from Brazil - woo hoo! We're still up to our ears in unpacked boxes. Progress is sloooooow with three Little People in the mix.</div>
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My old changing table made it through Giese customs. Sweet. </div>
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I have big, shiny plans for her - hope you'll approve.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKgwzfKslanhmZtbZnnXLUGWxLD-G5iblpixx3Qq2fNHpPrKBjcqTnxm_4NHjxhHuLJqQG1kPm3_5ixgLEvhJlw05zOhI5ihiob_Zo5wreUgv9vMsfGTsKGlqIQ74LGJ8pd3INTHccj0/s1600/photo(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKgwzfKslanhmZtbZnnXLUGWxLD-G5iblpixx3Qq2fNHpPrKBjcqTnxm_4NHjxhHuLJqQG1kPm3_5ixgLEvhJlw05zOhI5ihiob_Zo5wreUgv9vMsfGTsKGlqIQ74LGJ8pd3INTHccj0/s640/photo(1).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
And, that's about it. I really, <i>rully</i> gotta get the walls painted. I don't mind painting, and the three itty walls should be easy to knock out, it's just a matter of getting the ball rolling.<br />
Thus, the call of the ORC.<br />
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<br />alison giese Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505444655040656140noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543555066564238991.post-10394069388635735802013-10-10T05:53:00.000-07:002013-10-10T05:59:12.595-07:00One Room Challenge: Week 2Have I mentioned I'm a little indecisive these days?
Welcome back to the <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/2013/10/one-room-challenge-week-2.html">One Room Challenge</a> link partaaay: Week 2.<br />
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<a href="http://www.callingithome.com/2013/10/one-room-challenge-week-2.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUCZdd8uTZTXLKgvngUcSdnR738KcZZGweA5sntTUV-u2QqyRx_XbwXE8zhF0IGqCrQz7fZBNR3RH2ct7YhxK3tEeOz1C5l88Rmae_VcnEo9V2Eznm6mS_WpL27TzUXhZWo2Ah7L2_exY/s1600/ORClinkingparticipantCIH.png" /></a></div>
As of last week, I had jumped on this ORC bandwagon as a way to focus my energies on getting one room in our house more or less completed. We moved in from Brazil in August, and the "to do" list for our circa '70s builder-grade home is long and distinguished.<br />
Giving myself a six-week time limit via the ORC may or may not put me on the road to madness. Either way, it should be fun for you to watch.<br />
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As promised, I put together a design board, with the key feature of the room being the <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-wallpaper/963130.jsp">c'est magnifique wallpaper</a> from Anthro. The more I put the sample against the wall behind the white crib, the more I thought there wasn't enough contrast. A quick polling of family & friends furthered that notion.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7ptc1W6yS5tQD3U0sk0CRmsLyt5rAKyYQKPxv2oFIeNrG9EuOvb0JDBQKJDuy6cBda3y0pC9Yc2w4PUChHrD7iEMQtGBOS46AY6KQxyElNo7zlTh4fWNhacML8cyVatKHFYGFstE2M0/s1600/skylarnursery1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7ptc1W6yS5tQD3U0sk0CRmsLyt5rAKyYQKPxv2oFIeNrG9EuOvb0JDBQKJDuy6cBda3y0pC9Yc2w4PUChHrD7iEMQtGBOS46AY6KQxyElNo7zlTh4fWNhacML8cyVatKHFYGFstE2M0/s640/skylarnursery1.jpg" width="378" /></a></div>
So, I kept thinking what other papers I love that would be a better contrast.<br />
<a href="http://shop.ninacampbell.com/perroquet-wallpaper.html">Perroquet</a>, duh.<br />
I do love me a good parrot.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fXNngy96LqVcIDqPZN-juLuFkC3ugS8BnRxwGVCiglGFxh4-EnAkdGvs6K5Q6Jvm_64BBS059RrTphPu5BfoenJVHWMmmqk-Jh6mMSQCrvnpag0rAjf9pKZpOrkXGPfaC0xUuW9mMuY/s1600/skylarnursery2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fXNngy96LqVcIDqPZN-juLuFkC3ugS8BnRxwGVCiglGFxh4-EnAkdGvs6K5Q6Jvm_64BBS059RrTphPu5BfoenJVHWMmmqk-Jh6mMSQCrvnpag0rAjf9pKZpOrkXGPfaC0xUuW9mMuY/s640/skylarnursery2.jpg" width="378" /></a></div>
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And so it shall be.<br />
Since I'm using the black colorway, I'll pay extra attention to lighting choices in the room to keep it from being too gloomy. Maybe I can get the hubster to spring for some sconces.<br />
So.<br />
Paper ordered.<br />
Rug ordered.<br />
Hope I can get my paintin' pants on sometime soon!
alison giese Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505444655040656140noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543555066564238991.post-17290935919345574252013-10-03T09:37:00.000-07:002013-10-24T07:49:24.490-07:00One Room Challenge Link PartyI saw the lovely group of ladies headed up by Linda at <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/">Calling it Home </a>were doing another One Room Challenge, and decided to join in via the link party. Nothing like a little 6-week deadline as a motivator, right?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Sa-JIxfTM97R-fFwHbN8lgUHtDb4NBlbmzHOVsQQrJzPRNzMQKPoyv_DK6KO-0kDTE5sP_fx0Lh8kt0SLX2y8o9_e-y3j6UoyzOwMZdUCGmgeSREXNAM6U5BxuSQ-mTFeWg9i7sVHDA/s1600/ORClinkingparticipantCIH.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Sa-JIxfTM97R-fFwHbN8lgUHtDb4NBlbmzHOVsQQrJzPRNzMQKPoyv_DK6KO-0kDTE5sP_fx0Lh8kt0SLX2y8o9_e-y3j6UoyzOwMZdUCGmgeSREXNAM6U5BxuSQ-mTFeWg9i7sVHDA/s1600/ORClinkingparticipantCIH.png" /></a></div>
For those of you I haven't met - my husband and our three kiddos just "repatriated" back to the US after living in Brazil for five years. It's been a long time since I've had a house of my own to work magic on, and I have plans for just about every room. It's been a little overwhelming to be honest, so this here little challenge should be a great way for me to focus my energies and target one room.<br />
<br />
So....our three month-old baby girl, Skylar, needs her nursery done STAT. It's a wee room, for a wee person - only 10x10, so I have to balance out the need for some practical furnishings, without overwhelming the space. It's also a dark room - only one window, and surrounded by trees.<br />
<br />
Poor baby, it's also been the holding place for the luggage menagerie we returned with from Brazil.<br />
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Did you ever see a more sad "before" pic? Should be easy to make an improvement ;)<br />
<br />
So, here's my plan:<br />
1) Paint and/or Wallpaper to brighten up the walls, and add detail.<br />
2) Hang window treatments<br />
3) Install an overhead light fixture<br />
4) Buy coordinating baby bedding<br />
5) Buy a rug<br />
6) Hope our furniture arrives from Brazil in time for the 6-week deadline<br />
<br />
I've been all over the map when it comes to the design for this tiny little room, but I keep coming back to this wallpaper from Anthro. The worldly-whimsicalness of it seems to fit our story of living overseas, especially since Skylar was born in Rio de Janeiro.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-2mfBysX2dkma8S3JcbVrsBhD8TJWaD0qSqt686hQQ567laq3_6VhXKnJ3LEzBalwpBOXNQ1Qon74KTEiO4BdjMVjE-Tq5SKjzHXTVi4W0sU0PLUC6C7Lrbn2Xrhx6VtjhGeHYeaeVM/s1600/c'est+magnifique+wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="598" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-2mfBysX2dkma8S3JcbVrsBhD8TJWaD0qSqt686hQQ567laq3_6VhXKnJ3LEzBalwpBOXNQ1Qon74KTEiO4BdjMVjE-Tq5SKjzHXTVi4W0sU0PLUC6C7Lrbn2Xrhx6VtjhGeHYeaeVM/s640/c'est+magnifique+wallpaper.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Other than that, we'll have to see where the road takes me, but here's some nurseries with wallpaper features that make me go, Ga-Ga.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPyoVyMsWryoTJb3-DqVI_HrxD-22KKqOETr1UBLm9lNJbQB82Sc4FHOm1_D0NlHkiNxWEvadrwfBe4h97TWdVcybYvumQhDihnxXMZ5MI0HbyYnFB5WCdV2Rvv8TeK-KketIb227EZo/s1600/hadleyfireworksnursery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPyoVyMsWryoTJb3-DqVI_HrxD-22KKqOETr1UBLm9lNJbQB82Sc4FHOm1_D0NlHkiNxWEvadrwfBe4h97TWdVcybYvumQhDihnxXMZ5MI0HbyYnFB5WCdV2Rvv8TeK-KketIb227EZo/s640/hadleyfireworksnursery.jpg" width="401" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYSVksSt8QZIpUCoyGVZsU3DZ3L8S1bXoT01eeko_9oRRCZLDtvoVj1pAXzbxcOifD_2lm5phGROkbyGOmU8dZWbWD9f_Ye85_-UnNNuTqIgKeKkQhUhrwBEHeRCoktkOhfE6OEBr-VY/s1600/papered+nursery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYSVksSt8QZIpUCoyGVZsU3DZ3L8S1bXoT01eeko_9oRRCZLDtvoVj1pAXzbxcOifD_2lm5phGROkbyGOmU8dZWbWD9f_Ye85_-UnNNuTqIgKeKkQhUhrwBEHeRCoktkOhfE6OEBr-VY/s640/papered+nursery.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWvCaqMvdHYtDI_vbQwLgeu9SeTfn1O8M6groAFLueZIfoA6NArf2rxVk70dhYXEywqFe_W3Bl2j9Ppka_1sIjkFBYRsWBrEgNYPg9EpdxjsgvkUe6gPbkGHMqrqbwASRjLylkSHbpkhQ/s1600/treepapernursery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWvCaqMvdHYtDI_vbQwLgeu9SeTfn1O8M6groAFLueZIfoA6NArf2rxVk70dhYXEywqFe_W3Bl2j9Ppka_1sIjkFBYRsWBrEgNYPg9EpdxjsgvkUe6gPbkGHMqrqbwASRjLylkSHbpkhQ/s640/treepapernursery.jpg" width="512" /> </a></div>
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Next week, I'll have a design board, and a "where I'm at" update. </div>
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In the meantime, I'll be scoping the other ORC participants, and likely pinning like a madwoman.</div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/alisongiese/boards/">Pinterest</a></div>
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Instagram at <a href="http://instagram.com/alison_giese#">alison_giese</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Week 2</span> </div>
Have I mentioned I'm a little indecisive these days?
Welcome back to the <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/2013/10/one-room-challenge-week-2.html">One Room Challenge</a> link partaaay: Week 2.<br />
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<a href="http://www.callingithome.com/2013/10/one-room-challenge-week-2.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUCZdd8uTZTXLKgvngUcSdnR738KcZZGweA5sntTUV-u2QqyRx_XbwXE8zhF0IGqCrQz7fZBNR3RH2ct7YhxK3tEeOz1C5l88Rmae_VcnEo9V2Eznm6mS_WpL27TzUXhZWo2Ah7L2_exY/s1600/ORClinkingparticipantCIH.png" /></a></div>
As
of last week, I had jumped on this ORC bandwagon as a way to focus my
energies on getting one room in our house more or less completed. We
moved in from Brazil in August, and the "to do" list for our circa '70s
builder-grade home is long and distinguished.<br />
Giving myself a
six-week time limit via the ORC may or may not put me on the road to
madness. Either way, it should be fun for you to watch.<br />
<br />
As promised, I put together a design board, with the key feature of the room being the <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-wallpaper/963130.jsp">c'est magnifique wallpaper</a>
from Anthro. The more I put the sample against the wall behind the
white crib, the more I thought there wasn't enough contrast. A quick
polling of family & friends furthered that notion.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7ptc1W6yS5tQD3U0sk0CRmsLyt5rAKyYQKPxv2oFIeNrG9EuOvb0JDBQKJDuy6cBda3y0pC9Yc2w4PUChHrD7iEMQtGBOS46AY6KQxyElNo7zlTh4fWNhacML8cyVatKHFYGFstE2M0/s1600/skylarnursery1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7ptc1W6yS5tQD3U0sk0CRmsLyt5rAKyYQKPxv2oFIeNrG9EuOvb0JDBQKJDuy6cBda3y0pC9Yc2w4PUChHrD7iEMQtGBOS46AY6KQxyElNo7zlTh4fWNhacML8cyVatKHFYGFstE2M0/s640/skylarnursery1.jpg" width="378" /></a></div>
So, I kept thinking what other papers I love that would be a better contrast.<br />
<a href="http://shop.ninacampbell.com/perroquet-wallpaper.html">Perroquet</a>, duh.<br />
I do love me a good parrot.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fXNngy96LqVcIDqPZN-juLuFkC3ugS8BnRxwGVCiglGFxh4-EnAkdGvs6K5Q6Jvm_64BBS059RrTphPu5BfoenJVHWMmmqk-Jh6mMSQCrvnpag0rAjf9pKZpOrkXGPfaC0xUuW9mMuY/s1600/skylarnursery2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fXNngy96LqVcIDqPZN-juLuFkC3ugS8BnRxwGVCiglGFxh4-EnAkdGvs6K5Q6Jvm_64BBS059RrTphPu5BfoenJVHWMmmqk-Jh6mMSQCrvnpag0rAjf9pKZpOrkXGPfaC0xUuW9mMuY/s640/skylarnursery2.jpg" width="378" /></a></div>
<br />
And so it shall be.<br />
Since
I'm using the black colorway, I'll pay extra attention to lighting
choices in the room to keep it from being too gloomy. Maybe I can get
the hubster to spring for some sconces.<br />
So.<br />
Paper ordered.<br />
Rug ordered.<br />
Hope I can get my paintin' pants on sometime soon!
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<span style="font-size: large;">Week Three</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.callingithome.com/2013/10/one-room-challenge-week-1.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-gRNU4jfcKt8pZ4t4vT6AgDO9P2a_94-cd3TF7Rf5ENBpCmPiJ1NtMNeS3ymcQFN42nJMC66pcoVqy0zmV-z9B1yttMQhd3rOSF02NYq2WNdHnKD9NNl_oqFp4WwPR2QMmbp4TmkAgY/s1600/ORClinkingparticipantCIH.png" /></a></div>
Week Three. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(ORC, hosted by Linda at<a href="http://www.callingithome.com/2013/10/one-room-challenge-week-1.html"> Calling It Home</a>)</span><br />
More like Weak to See.<br />
Not a ton of pretty progress to feast your eyes upon this week.<br />
Sorry.<br />
<a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Safavieh-Handmade-Moroccan-Chatham-Pink-Wool-Rug-7-Square/7153871/product.html">The rug</a> did come in, and I'm fairly pleased with it. The colors are slightly different than they appeared in the product image - more purply-lilac than the pinky-lilac I was aiming for. Then again, it could be that the sweet, mauve color currently on the walls is giving the rug the heebs.<br />
For a wool rug, in the odd size I needed, and the under $300 clams category, it'll work just fine. It also offers such a nice, plush contrast to my (<i>ahem</i>, haven't been vacuumed/mopped in over two weeks) hardwoods.<br />
No judging.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFnNQ7jDLMEwPyky93RLnyn1laU-oTd69hT4OXelD3eOhyooFD95Zb8BEt7vzz7HxBQbErFR7ws6fqiOOxFXxiOBtg0BeIcUkryALfUc1BVoxhOdri2WuM7AmROjL8vWlF-R-NeMeohKo/s1600/photo.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFnNQ7jDLMEwPyky93RLnyn1laU-oTd69hT4OXelD3eOhyooFD95Zb8BEt7vzz7HxBQbErFR7ws6fqiOOxFXxiOBtg0BeIcUkryALfUc1BVoxhOdri2WuM7AmROjL8vWlF-R-NeMeohKo/s640/photo.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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In other news....Our stuff arrived from Brazil - woo hoo! We're still up to our ears in unpacked boxes. Progress is sloooooow with three Little People in the mix.</div>
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BUT</div>
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My old changing table made it through Giese customs. Sweet. </div>
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I have big, shiny plans for her - hope you'll approve.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKgwzfKslanhmZtbZnnXLUGWxLD-G5iblpixx3Qq2fNHpPrKBjcqTnxm_4NHjxhHuLJqQG1kPm3_5ixgLEvhJlw05zOhI5ihiob_Zo5wreUgv9vMsfGTsKGlqIQ74LGJ8pd3INTHccj0/s1600/photo(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKgwzfKslanhmZtbZnnXLUGWxLD-G5iblpixx3Qq2fNHpPrKBjcqTnxm_4NHjxhHuLJqQG1kPm3_5ixgLEvhJlw05zOhI5ihiob_Zo5wreUgv9vMsfGTsKGlqIQ74LGJ8pd3INTHccj0/s640/photo(1).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
And, that's about it. I really, <i>rully</i> gotta get the walls painted. I don't mind painting, and the three itty walls should be easy to knock out, it's just a matter of getting the ball rolling.<br />
Thus, the call of the ORC.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Week Four</span><br />
I'll make this snappy...
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<a href="http://www.callingithome.com/2013/10/one-room-challenge-linking-party-week-4.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqI4OfUz9RXi0yv8jB6gW99JmBhBeXSdQGtOeQS1JpPVlvrx0jLps1y20WNYKo4tnk8h7DGS_ODxqWV7ql6KfHiUkpc5R1NLR98NxCRsESIhMAnWIbz_2QhmN11hX9W_zr44HLuiNxm4/s1600/ORClinkingparticipantCIH.png" /></a></div>
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If I were a gambler, I'd put 70/30 odds on Skylar's nursery being finished by week 6.</div>
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Yesterday, paint went up on three walls. Major, MAH-jor improvement. The back wall will be papered next week.</div>
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Full Disclosure: I had them painted. I fully intended to do the painting myself, but we had painters here working on another project, and when they agreed to paint the nursery for $150, it was too good to pass up. They had it done in less than two hours, too. Would've taken me two days.</div>
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Ask and ye shall receive.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1NUwmKx0gGh647UFV75R_oZZeo3eXIRJtwZY5fXPSDAOHDTS1zepgfen4z_s_lhRIdeFylpVAzVctaqRBbcRbGMxyHI524-oadwbfeIKp0Gl7JQyj40KB-08QNJTD-HQU0_8X7-uHxE/s1600/photo(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1NUwmKx0gGh647UFV75R_oZZeo3eXIRJtwZY5fXPSDAOHDTS1zepgfen4z_s_lhRIdeFylpVAzVctaqRBbcRbGMxyHI524-oadwbfeIKp0Gl7JQyj40KB-08QNJTD-HQU0_8X7-uHxE/s640/photo(3).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
You can see the new, BM Mint Julep compared against the old, murky mauve and feel the life being breathed into this room. When the Perroquet wallpaper goes up on the back wall, I think this tiny room is gonna positively SING.<br />
<br />
Since that's all the progress there is to report, I'll do a quick little prop to <a href="http://www.sherwin-williams.com/">Sherwin-Williams</a>, and their <a href="http://www.sherwin-williams.com/architects-specifiers-designers/products/catalog/harmony-interior-acrylic-latex/?referringCategory=interior-paint-coatings/paint-coatings/">Harmony</a> paint line.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuCaD5vq1a5I1Ga5Zll47eu5t6C7nK4-z7lM7f97l_Ohk9JNqK8J7n4SVpsYA7CPqrVMmsrva9Sco3OKFRuzHYJS-uji1g_E0kMH9bV-21bhYqzOBn3wp_ZI79RTvfWHXqtXeN4on8us/s1600/photo(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuCaD5vq1a5I1Ga5Zll47eu5t6C7nK4-z7lM7f97l_Ohk9JNqK8J7n4SVpsYA7CPqrVMmsrva9Sco3OKFRuzHYJS-uji1g_E0kMH9bV-21bhYqzOBn3wp_ZI79RTvfWHXqtXeN4on8us/s320/photo(6).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Since this is a baby nursery, I wanted low or no VOC paint. The Harmony line is no-VOC, and actually has formaldehyde-reducing properties. The sales guy at SW told me it would actually make the room smell good after painting.<br />
It's true - there was a pleasant, fresh (not perfume-y) smell coming from her room as the paint dried.<br />
I approve. <br />
Up next: Wallpaper, light fixture, window covering, and a redo of the changing table (I hope)<br />
Until then..alison giese Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505444655040656140noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543555066564238991.post-70057935284762036932013-08-26T08:14:00.000-07:002013-08-26T08:14:19.006-07:00Stateside, and a Project UpdateWhat? Where am I? I think I'm having serious displacement issues. We made the big move from Brazil about three weeks ago. It was so bittersweet: happy to be moving Stateside, and closer to family/friends, but very sad to leave the Country we've grown to love, and which has been the only home our kids have known. Now that we're back in the US, we definitely have the reverse culture-shock thing going on, but have thankfully been distracted by good times catching up with peeps.<br />
We took a two-week stopover in Texas before heading up to our new place in Virginia, and I had a chance to check in on some progress going on with an e-design client. It's not often I get to see the fruits of my design ideas in person. Considering the clients are still unpacking boxes from their recent move, I think we can agree they have been super-motivated in pulling this room together.<br />
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When they moved in, the entire house (trim included) was painted a nice, muddy peach color, so a fresh coat of glossy white paint was numero uno on the agenda.<br />
The house has fantastic, classic bones, so the idea is to bring in a hint of modern lines with clean, neutral furniture.<br />
I think we're accomplishing that nicely so far...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6D-FIyKFiKJmuTWtQUvmFUSe5XeY-T3mEGw-gIeZgSCCLoqVHEhXwB0tUNYeC0RW0FdrBPsc-FgIrDeOoq13zDooMJNc5qg-lI0i1AU78Gyil-4zVkU07qujhTN2M2bak-461DKicR5I/s1600/photo.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6D-FIyKFiKJmuTWtQUvmFUSe5XeY-T3mEGw-gIeZgSCCLoqVHEhXwB0tUNYeC0RW0FdrBPsc-FgIrDeOoq13zDooMJNc5qg-lI0i1AU78Gyil-4zVkU07qujhTN2M2bak-461DKicR5I/s640/photo.JPG" width="640" /> </a>Remember, we were working off this design board. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQfqxR9MVTAOEBjA75XI8xhtp0l680eNHjxtVPo0sdfSN6gpfB8WQ16BqADWcJTcOg1_UxtS7cI0w0deU4a3KjaBDlMBVW8doPbSn-PKbbqHTQxzsZIy5nKl0r64ndFQbhRD8FfqMvtyc/s1600/Elsmere+2+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQfqxR9MVTAOEBjA75XI8xhtp0l680eNHjxtVPo0sdfSN6gpfB8WQ16BqADWcJTcOg1_UxtS7cI0w0deU4a3KjaBDlMBVW8doPbSn-PKbbqHTQxzsZIy5nKl0r64ndFQbhRD8FfqMvtyc/s640/Elsmere+2+board.jpg" width="522" /></a></div>
We subbed in a large traditional rug the clients already owned, and went with the neutral colorway of New Vase on the cane chairs.<br />
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Looking back towards the entrance. I'm kinda bonkers over the door. </div>
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Detail of the chest with the clients' own photography work.<br />
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Everything in our life is so crazy right now, the calm color palette going on here feels really good to my brain.<br />
Speaking of OUR situation, I'm trying to wrap my head around the fact that I have a<i> whole house</i> of our own to decorate! We're actually starting from the basement level (again, a new thing for me) and will work our way up. There's demo work happening there as we speak, so I'll get my blogging act together soon to give ya'll the scoop scoop on those plans.<br />
In the meantime, I'm scooting kiddos off to new schools, and snuggling on a baby who is growing way too fast for my own comfort.<br />
Thank you to all of you who have left sweet comments of welcome on <a href="http://instagram.com/alison_giese#">my 'gram feed</a> - it feels good to be Home. alison giese Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505444655040656140noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543555066564238991.post-30838079391525519412013-08-12T14:29:00.000-07:002013-08-12T14:41:04.831-07:00Our apartment featured in Rue!So, apparently, I'm pretty good at keeping secrets, and this is one I've had to hold onto for awhile, but TODAY I can let it rip that our apartment in Rio de Janeiro has been immortalized in the latest issue of <a href="http://www.ruemag.com/magazine/issue/issue-twenty-one#130">Rue Magazine</a>!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbfZHdVIa7n8Oi1qSsYCjrjiMN4IfRgQWeF8lo3HSt2-nb8dlVe6WHKM1ik2T03iZ0qm3IOfqa6nJJpOhEVRwpiBaoImGz2md4nVysx1Tt56k_3OtLZKWeExhguofIGjBgpMGynTkYPoU/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbfZHdVIa7n8Oi1qSsYCjrjiMN4IfRgQWeF8lo3HSt2-nb8dlVe6WHKM1ik2T03iZ0qm3IOfqa6nJJpOhEVRwpiBaoImGz2md4nVysx1Tt56k_3OtLZKWeExhguofIGjBgpMGynTkYPoU/s640/image.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Stoked and humbled are two words that come to mind at being featured alongside such other talented designers, and amazing homes. We're now spending some downtime with family in Texas, and I can't imagine a better send off of our special time in Brazil. Thank you to amazingly-talented photographer, <a href="http://www.emilyjohnstonanderson.com/">Emily Johnston Anderson</a>, Crystal , and the other ladies at Rue for putting together such a lovely article.<br />
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Go check it out!! <a href="http://www.ruemag.com/magazine/issue/issue-twenty-one#130">HERE</a><br />
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<br />alison giese Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505444655040656140noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543555066564238991.post-65624055597416520002013-07-29T10:15:00.003-07:002013-07-29T10:15:42.610-07:00Lost in Translation: the diaper bag editionOver the course of our five years here in Brazil, there's been countless times where things I tried to convey in my butchered Portuguese became "lost in translation" At the time, the situations drove me nuts, but in hindsight are comical. <br />
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A few weeks before I was due with Skylar, I took my old, leather diaper bag to be reconditioned at a bag 'n shoe shop. A little background info: when I had my first kiddo, I purchased <a href="http://www.storksak.com/product.php?shopprodid=45&variantid=149">this leather </a>bag from Storksak.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfLHehYtCJJpVtnqpcQvdloAdvCLV2Bm0EE4cYMD3vLTIWAMDHiYk5uozzvBSqEXHmTz-Km5osCXhqcEjFT_nglZgqUUhSzlxyB5rEyAdxHCUvgsxL_czB_ZYOW4qJln46XmMg84btAo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-07-27+at+3.18.33+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfLHehYtCJJpVtnqpcQvdloAdvCLV2Bm0EE4cYMD3vLTIWAMDHiYk5uozzvBSqEXHmTz-Km5osCXhqcEjFT_nglZgqUUhSzlxyB5rEyAdxHCUvgsxL_czB_ZYOW4qJln46XmMg84btAo/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-07-27+at+3.18.33+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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At the time, the $300+ price tag seemed like a major splurge, but now, six years later, I can say the cost-per-use is practically pennies. A great "non-diaper" diaper bag, that I highly recommend.<br />
Mine had seen some serious wear, so I took it to the shop thinking to have it reconditioned. You know, some mink oil or something to blend the water stains, and soften the leather. At least, that what I thought I was saying.<br />
Bells probably should have gone off in my head when I picked up the Portuguese words for "darker" and "paint." <br />
A couple of weeks later, I returned to this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEget0ffsofErYvft-EmB1-bcMssc1M38Y3RcqaFLrFofC5Qx2v6inU0qLDMOsvRe7xdgShY3pQAuHcVOMo0OJZ8BYI6ARRkK3hjJ_FMu46T8nl5fg9esuyj7hFDQK1SH9cSkd7fe72ei2c/s1600/DSC_0119.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEget0ffsofErYvft-EmB1-bcMssc1M38Y3RcqaFLrFofC5Qx2v6inU0qLDMOsvRe7xdgShY3pQAuHcVOMo0OJZ8BYI6ARRkK3hjJ_FMu46T8nl5fg9esuyj7hFDQK1SH9cSkd7fe72ei2c/s400/DSC_0119.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The nice, leather bag had been....vinylized. It's like they painted it (poorly) with some kind of liquid plastic substance that's the color of a sewer rat. The thing even smells like a vinyl sofa circa '75.</div>
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I also must mention how the brass hardware was "touched up" with gold paint. </div>
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The picture doesn't do it justice.</div>
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Translation: Diaper bag sads. </div>
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I think I might just put this one in the donation pile, and call it a day. So...I'm in the market for a new "diaper" bag. I tend to go for styles that transcend the baby look, and can function beyond diapees and wipes. Here's a few I'm considering.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilKTKDbtuN_86TR30IXaN7w-d9zTVT5DUA0bqBkHoqgeT3ZW7bdMdR8CSGWkCywxhw7ArRss0HJF2j8KPd0evrUME9Je5MT8KtmaOmVUOlpE0xbNCBhEaMWtP1ZL8JDrTbFLVXXKwKLms/s1600/diaperbags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilKTKDbtuN_86TR30IXaN7w-d9zTVT5DUA0bqBkHoqgeT3ZW7bdMdR8CSGWkCywxhw7ArRss0HJF2j8KPd0evrUME9Je5MT8KtmaOmVUOlpE0xbNCBhEaMWtP1ZL8JDrTbFLVXXKwKLms/s1600/diaperbags.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.skiphop.com/product/duodiaperbag.html">1</a>/<a href="http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446465649&R=98689177717&P_name=Kate+Spade+New+York&sid=1402A3359329&Ntt=diaper+bag&N=0&bmUID=k0BCoqX">2</a>/<a href="http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446574700&R=5060219253777&P_name=Storksak&sid=1402A3359329&Ntt=diaper+bag&N=0&bmUID=k0BCGcM">3</a>/<a href="http://www.storksak.com/product.php?shopprodid=312&variantid=872">4</a>/<a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/black-classic-mom-diaper-bag/?pkey=bdiaper-bag&">5</a>/<a href="http://www.rosenberryrooms.com/268-emma-tangerine-diaper-bag.html?green=43F35461-ED38-5558-9AAB-5420C5B78D79">6</a>/<a href="http://www.rosenberryrooms.com/670-hannah-diaper-bag-in-tan.html">7</a>/<a href="http://www.rosenberryrooms.com/228-charlie-diaper-bag-black.html">8</a>/<a href="http://www.rosenberryrooms.com/228-hayley-diaper-bag-mushroom-brown.html"> 9</a></div>
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Do you have a fave go-to that can pull diaper bag duty?</div>
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alison giese Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505444655040656140noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543555066564238991.post-57386541670231844822013-07-11T06:33:00.000-07:002013-07-11T06:33:29.547-07:00Surfacing The first few weeks with a newborn always feel like I'm functioning under water. So, I'm surfacing for air before things get really nuts. <br />
It's almost surreal how quickly time is passing. Skylar turned three weeks old yesterday, and the movers begin packing us out on Monday. We're simultaneously trying to soak up as much of Rio as we can, while mentally preparing for life back in the States. Send us some good vibes, will ya?<br />
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Lots of good things are on the horizon, and I can't wait for them to unfold, but I'm trying to be patient. NOT one of my strong points.<br />
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Speaking of good things...<br />
I commissioned some paintings from the (soon-to-be-way, WAY famous) <a href="http://www.myfavoriteandmybest.com/">Jenny</a> of MFAMB. I asked her to interpret my daughters Avery and Isla with paintings. They were a Mother's Day gift to myself - instead of a Mother's ring or jewelry, I envision a Mother's Wall with a grouping of her fantastic work that each girl can have one day. When the baby is a little older, I'll get her to do another one, and somewhere in the mix, I'll pick out something just for <i>moi</i>!<br />
First, though, get a load of the Isla and Avery.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzlbp42p0ps8ZroeB6N0uRNnNDPQfFSeT0TlRikHvWr87p9cDiRyaBYrxyIHgWxs3I8-hH-nwNVDtfTrkkcEdt8D5UBeLiKfJtMOM53hav5EK8HieEbl73ssfCL_I6Vba-Bu4wFG-UA5g/s1600/photo(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzlbp42p0ps8ZroeB6N0uRNnNDPQfFSeT0TlRikHvWr87p9cDiRyaBYrxyIHgWxs3I8-hH-nwNVDtfTrkkcEdt8D5UBeLiKfJtMOM53hav5EK8HieEbl73ssfCL_I6Vba-Bu4wFG-UA5g/s640/photo(8).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Got them back from the framers yesterday, and am so loving the natural wood.</div>
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They're even prettier in person, and I think everyone (and any room) could benefit from some of Jenny's talent. She offers originals via <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/JennyAndrewsAnderson?ref=ss_profile">her Etsy store</a>, and now, via <a href="http://www.furbishstudio.com/home/art/?sort=newest">Furbish</a>, you can purchase prints. There's no excuse - go get yo'self some!</div>
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I also managed to have Skylar's birth announcement designed. As much as I love a nice paper card, I know the truth is most people toss them (how dare they!), so I sent a digital announcement this go-round. #thirdchild </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkctlPEPpgC-LVnNi4bu-CsW4pKNjuCx_-5U9sOZywupY6UTDYedi1bo5vjNwHcClln4jvdSiLruL9oFz21LxKMmZjHxDLemm43e4ghwUFq5W9m2bcuB1mrenVw4uzMfv2vIe2xpsWXC4/s1600/skylar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkctlPEPpgC-LVnNi4bu-CsW4pKNjuCx_-5U9sOZywupY6UTDYedi1bo5vjNwHcClln4jvdSiLruL9oFz21LxKMmZjHxDLemm43e4ghwUFq5W9m2bcuB1mrenVw4uzMfv2vIe2xpsWXC4/s640/skylar.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">design by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/riverandbridge?ref=seller_info">River & Bridge</a></span> </div>
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Lastly, I ordered these Paige denim skinnies about three weeks before my Due Date to act as Post Partum motivation.</div>
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I've been giving them the side-eye since they arrived...</div>
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...but succumbed to their promise of fabulous-ass-ness yesterday, and started <a href="http://tracyandersonmethod.com/">Tracy Anderson's</a> post partum workouts. Her Pregnancy Project dvds served me well for nine months, so I have faith the post partum one will, too. We'll see....alison giese Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505444655040656140noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543555066564238991.post-72248398874248382682013-06-25T11:33:00.001-07:002013-06-25T11:33:08.703-07:00Skylar Areia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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It's not like I'm the MOST consistent blogger, but I have been trying to be more so. Of course, that really gets put on the rails when you have <i>a new baby</i> in the house!<br />
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That's right, Baby Girl surprised us last Wednesday (can't believe it's almost been a week, already), and decided she was ready for this world on her due date: June 19. Funny how your mind-body works when it's time to have a baby. The day started off with us attending Avery's Kindergarten graduation, no signs of labor on the horizon. I even teased her teachers that once the ceremonies were over, the baby was "cleared for take-off," and that's pretty much how it went. Sometime around mid-afternoon, my contractions began, and that was that. She was born early evening.<br />
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As we had planned, she was born at home. I'm a huge cheerleader for natural birth, and have always wanted a birth at home. Here, with an amazing midwife, we delivered her in calm and comfort, without the interference of hospital protocols and interventions. It was incredible.<br />
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Her name is Skylar Areia. Areia (ah-ray-uh) is Portuguese for sand - a nod to her Cariocan birthplace, and head of blond hair. <br />
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Needless to say, we are smitten.<br />
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOQ9ZAy_DOAmKPj_5aL77mmdOGuGr-ns37qgmDA4I1jEChMoB1XNu9fLekMgpGE88Nxlvag6clD0lf2TFMUTGBqimFHTjC3US2Uiyy53t2Qy_1VyvzYt0MDKnqp4psv5VUBTjmrkCdX4/s640/photo(2).JPG" width="521" /><br />
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alison giese Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505444655040656140noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543555066564238991.post-79006172645874050522013-06-17T04:30:00.000-07:002013-06-17T04:30:03.513-07:00The Male EquationThe other night, I was in a Pinterest-induced stupor, conjuring up images of <i>what will be</i> in our newly-purchased house in Virginia - code name: <b>Wallingford</b>.<span style="font-size: x-small;">(because I know you want to follow <a href="http://pinterest.com/alisongiese/wallingford/">that board</a>)</span><br />
<br />
Initially, we'll take a live-with-it-and-plan approach on a lot of the house, but we're tackling a few messier projects before or as we move in. One of those is the Family Room - or what we'll use as a family/tv room.<br />
For starters - it is <i>vewy, vewy</i> small.
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...and nondescript.<br />
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My hope is to do away with the circa 70s paneling, add some much-needed mill work, and turn it into a jewel box of a room, all glossy, cozy, and layered like so...<br />
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Key to my plans are: rich, high-gloss paint (color TBD), and saddle/caramel leathuh.<br />
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So, I was stoked when I saw <a href="http://www.jcpenney.com/dotcom/for-the-home/decorate-your-room/furniture/living-room-furniture/living-room-collections/darrin-collection/darrin-89-leather-sofa/prod.jump?ppId=pp5001030015&cmvc=JCP|dept20000011|cat1002350013|cat1002350028|RICHREL&grView=&eventRootCatId=&currentTabCatId=&regId=">this</a> MCM-esque leather sofa from JCPenney getting good reviews. The Hubster's not the biggest fan of this style, so....<br />
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Me: "Ben, do you think you could stomach this sofa for the family room at Wallingford?"<br />
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Ben: "It looks like I would slide off."<br />
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<b>Score: Ben - 1 Sofa - 0</b><br />
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How do I compete with this?<br />
<b> </b><br />
Happy Monday, peeps.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(P.S. - no baby, obvs)</span><b><br /></b>alison giese Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505444655040656140noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543555066564238991.post-27065631761705756452013-06-14T05:19:00.001-07:002013-06-14T05:19:24.730-07:00Foodster Friday: Easy G-Free BrowniesDo you ever feel like Pinterest has taken over most aspects of your life? Not only is it my go-to for home design ideas, and wanna-be fashionista pics, now it's sorta my food planner, too.<br />
I saw <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/73605775132706942/">this recipe</a> for from-scratch brownies that gave the ingredient list without having to click-through, (laziness wins) and I happened to have them on hand. I can't say brownies are my <i>faaaavorite</i> dessert, but this preggo also hasn't been known to turn one down, so...<br />
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The original recipe is not gluten-free, but I was out of regular flour, and happened to have some G-free flour mix, so I used it. I also subbed coconut oil for the vegetable oil. Healthier, and adds a subtle-tropical twist. <br />
Super-quick and easy, and the halved recipe makes the perfect small batch for those of use who will sit and eat an entire pan, given the chance.<br />
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Flaky-crusty on top, ooey-goey on bottom. More of a spoon-worthy brownie, really.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Quick & Easy G-Free Brownies</span></b><br />
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<ul>
<li>1 c Sugar</li>
<li>1/2 c Gluten-Free flour* (I use <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gluten-Free-Mama-Purpose-Gluten-Free/dp/B002YR7B7C/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1371211543&sr=8-11&keywords=gluten+free+flour">Mama's Almond Blend</a> - substitution ratio is 1:1, and you don't need other items like xantham or guar gum)</li>
<li>1/3 c Cocoa powder</li>
<li>1/4 tsp Salt</li>
<li>1/4 tsp Baking Powder</li>
<li>2 Eggs</li>
<li>1/2 c Coconut Oil</li>
<li>1 tsp Vanilla</li>
</ul>
<b>Directions</b><br />
<ol>
<li> Pre-heat oven to 350 F</li>
<li>Mix dry ingredients in a bowl</li>
<li>In a separate bowl, mix Eggs, Oil and Vanilla, then add to wet ingredients</li>
<li>Stir until evenly mixed</li>
<li> Pour batter into small baking dish (I used an 8x6 pyrex)</li>
<li>Bake @ 350 for 35-45 minutes, or until toothpick comes clean</li>
</ol>
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Mmmmmm....Face plant.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Recipe adapted from <a href="http://afewshortcuts.com/2012/05/homemade-brownie-mix/">A Few Short Cuts</a></span>alison giese Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505444655040656140noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3543555066564238991.post-87802974374836439202013-06-12T04:51:00.000-07:002013-06-12T09:46:58.002-07:00Mental HygieneJust in case you were wondering, there's no baby news yet. I'm a week from Due Date today, so the official Kettle Watching has begun. As I waddle around our neighborhood, I catch glimpses of passersby with that look of 'Wow, you're about to pop - don't do it here, please." Good times.<br />
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Things have been really hectic 'round Casa Portu-Giese. We've had to attend to some major issues in our US <i>affaires</i>, and all of it has had both Ben and I mentally drained. It's times like this when I tend to pull back from things like blogs and (to a lesser degree), Pinterest because I feel like I let them unduly influence my scope of reality. You could say I'm performing a little mental alignment hygiene. <br />
Summer is a good time to do that.<br />
Pre-baby is a <i>very</i> good time to do that.<br />
<br />
I've also been reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-War-Art-Through-Creative/dp/1936891026/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=12UIOO7U8TJ3Z&coliid=I141RSL650TFP2">The War of Art </a>by Steven Pressfield about overcoming inner creative battles. So often, people who are called to creative endeavors are challenged by severe inner Resistance that keeps them from being their Ultimate Self. If it sounds hokey to you, you've perhaps been lucky in not experiencing it. I have it in droves, but instead of just calling it Resistance, I call it my Gremlin. That nagging inner voice that lives to create self doubt anyway she can.<br />
Anyway, so far, the book is very promising, and I'll share my take when I'm done. <br />
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That's not to say I'm totally forgoing internet eye candy. How perfect is this <a href="http://www.clarke-clarke.co.uk/design.php?hdnDesignID=361&hdnColourID=2992&hdnCollectionID=0">Globetrotter</a> wallpaper?<br />
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I know.<br />
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Stay tuned for Baby G updates...alison giese Interiorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12505444655040656140noreply@blogger.com4