Change In Plans....

Ok, so scratch what I said in my last post about re-using the left over slate from the floor and here's why:  The brick pattern of the slate on the floor is laid out horizontally.  If we were to put it on the counter top and back splash, it would be going vertically.  I didn't like that at all. We came up with all sorts of other ways to lay the tile hoping one of them would work, but at the end of the day I wasn't sold on it.  Boooooo..  So, that meant going out and looking at tile options for the counter top and back splash.  HH had already ripped out the sinks and old counter and put the Hardibacker tile board down so we figured we might as well see if we could find an affordable tile solution.  After bringing home about 7 samples of different looks, I was still undecided.  I thought about biting the bullet and getting the marble slab top but I really didn't want to spend the money on that (about $1,200.00).  The tile options were going to be around $200-250 so that was better but then I would have to rent the tile saw on top of that which would be another $90.  I was determined to get this bathroom done and make it fabulous without spending that much.  Then, I decided to go back to the Habitat for Humanity Re-Store with my slate floor tile sample and see if they had gotten anything interesting in.  Here's what I found.

I took several picture of this tile and the colors are just not translating well.  It's very similar to the colors in the  marble tile below except that the one I bought is not polished. I like this tile because it picks up the gray blues of the slate and at the same time is very light because it's not polished.  It also adds just enough unsaturated color to be a contrast to the white sinks and cabinets. 

The good thing about this tile is that it can be used as the counter top surface and the backsplash.  Also of note, I don't have to rent the tile saw for this which is a savings of $90.  Another good thing about these mosaic tile sheets is that they were $5 each.  I purchased 20 sheets which came out to $100 plus tax.  I feel like it's a wash really since I don't have to rent the tile saw.  I am also going to use the same grout that I used on the floor so I will not have any additional expenses there.  I put these on the counter when I got home and they look awesome.  Everybody gave a thumbs up and so we're back on track so to speak.  This should be completed this weekend and I can't wait to show you how it looks completed.  

Girl's Bathroom Update

Hi there everyone and happy Friday!  Just checking in and updating you on the progress on our girl's bathroom remodel.  After figuring out that we had enough slate tile left over from the floors to tile the counter top, I've decided not to do  the traditional stone slab with under mount sinks.  I thought that using the left over materials this way would not only be a good use of left over materials, it's also really affordable which is a bonus.  Plus, I could get some really cool sinks and faucets to sit on the counter top which will add a nice modern element. Well, after reading this blog post on Velvet and Linen , I saw the sinks that Brooke was going to be using in her kids bathroom remodel and they were exactly what I was looking for.  Perfect timing!  So, I ordered the sinks with the faucets and they have arrived safely and are awaiting installation.  This weekend will be spent taking out the old counter top and sinks and getting the counter prepped for tile.  We will double check our measurements and hopefully have enough to do the counter top. back splash and side splash. I'll let you know how things turn out but for now, here's some items that are going to be included in the updated bathroom.

First, the sinks.  These were ordered from Overstock.

This shower curtain from Anthropologie. 

Grundtal Mirror from Ikea

and of course, some litle vintage somethings for decor and lighting.  I'll show you what I picked out when I reveal the finished bathroom.  Until then, have a wonderful weekend!

What are you doing this weekend?

Happy Friday to you all!  If you're like me, you've probably got your weekend already planned out with things you have to accomplish and things you would like to accomplish. One of the things I would like to accomplish is replacing the tile in my daughter's bathroom.  I like to call their bathroom "gas station chic" because the floor reminds me of a bathroom in a gas station.  Super generic and slippery when it's wet so for now, I  have a big throw rug in there to hide the ugliness and prevent slips. So last week, I went to the Habitat for Humanity Restore and found these slate tiles.  They were in a brick pattern size 12" x 24" and they had just enough of the square footage that I need (75 sq.ft) so I bought them all for under $100. I think they will look great in the bathroom and the brick pattern will make the slate less rustic and more modern.  The demo should be easy and we will start tonight.  Hopefully we will be able to get it all done before the weekend is over.  Here's what the floor looks like now:)

And here's a picture of the slate tile we are using.   The color on the photo is not really an accurate depiction but you can get the idea anyway. 

  Hope you all have a great weekend!

Moving things around.....

I like to move things around and change things fairly often to keep things fresh.  Most often, I change the displays on my mantle and kitchen window ledge.  Every so often, I change furniture around and swap out lamps and pictures just to change things up a bit and get a fresh perspective.  Last week, I changed my furniture around after the upholstery folks came and picked up my love seat.  You may remember that I am finally getting a new slip cover made to replace the pathetic one that was on it previously.  Oh, and by the way, they will be delivering the love seat tomorrow and I can't wait to see it.  So, with the empty space I decided to move the wing back chairs and console table into the living room to fill in.  Actually, I've been wanting to to do that for a while just to see what it would look like but having the empty space gave me a reason to move things around.  I actually like it just as much as the love seat being there.  I really like the console table being against the wall and I just might leave it there for now. I've been looking for a console table for this wall for a while and this one might just work here until I find what I'm looking for.  As for the chairs, it makes this space more formal and I like that for a change. Here's some pictures of the space before and now....   I love moving things around and creating a different look with the same pieces by using them in different ways.  Which one do you like best?

Photo1 (with love seat and no console table)

and here's Photo 2 (with wing back chairs and console)

 

 

 

 

 

The last two pictures are where the wing back chairs were.  There used to be a rolling bar cart against this wall (see Photo 1) which I replaced with this dresser and mirror.  I've never seen a dresser so funky and I love all of the detail.  Plus, I now have a place to store candles and cocktail napkins.

Hope you have a wonderful day! 

Getting Pretty......

I love dressing tables and vanities.  There's something ritualistic and sexy about them.  I remember when I was in high school, I had a wicker table and mirror from Pier1 that I used as my vanity and I loved having my own space to get pretty for the day.  In all of the places I've lived in since then, my space to get pretty was determined by the amount of counter space in the bathroom.  To be honest, I kind of missed having a dressing table.  Then, I came across this......

 

It's not the most elaborate vanity out there but it is small in scale and functional which is what I was looking for.  Not only does it have two pre-wired lamps built in, but it also came with a mirror (not pictured but it attaches to the back) and a lot of drawers for all of my goodies.  It didn't come with a stool but I'm pretty sure I have one in the attic that will work.  Problem is, I have to go into the attic to find it. It's still really hot here so I'm not too excited to go up there and start digging around at the moment.  I'm working on this now and will show you the after.  I'm excited to have a vanity again and this time it's going to be small but chic.  I can't wait to show this to you when it's done.

 

On a side note,  I ordered a plain white roman shade for Gabriella's window and it looks great.  I might add some trim for color but that will be decided after the bench fabric and pillows are all in place.  I ordered a great vintage chevron fabric off of ebay but Gabriella didn't like it (definitely keeping for another project) so we started over.  She's decided that she likes the radomness of mixed fabrics instead.  It's actually going to be more bohemian and I'm liking this direction a lot.  I've got an old anthropologie quilt that I've deconstructed and I'm hoping this will work out because the patterns are perfect. Stay tuned......

 

This is the vintage chevron fabric that I got originally for the bench. Since Gabriella doesn't like it, I'm keeping it in my stash for a future project.  This would look great on dining room chairs! 

Project Update....

There has been a lot of progress made with the Bookcase/Bench combo in my daughter Gabriella's room.  My HH will be hopefully finishing up the trim and casings this week and then on to primer and paint.  I'm currently looking at fabric swatches for the pull down shade for her window and for the bench cushion but haven't decided on anything yet. Here's some pictures on where we are right now.

 

 

 

I've been tossing a few different ideas around for fabrics and I'm liking the play on patterns against the white. What do you think about it?  Here are some inspiration pics to get you thinking.....

 

 

 

 

Photo 1

Photo 2

Photo 3

 Photo 4

Master Bathroom Revival

I'm ashamed to say it but every since we've moved into our house (6+ years ago) our Master Bathroom has never fully worked.  The small shower in here has a leak somewhere and when the floor gets wet (duh) you get a lovely smell that resembles sewer but is actually mold (or so I'm told by the plumber that came out).  This all occurred about 2 weeks after we bought the house (Hmmmmmm). That and the fact that there is no bath tub in here made this bathroom a must for a remodel.  I found an old pedestal tub on Craigslist and it has done a lovely job of holding basketballs and bouncy balls outside but alas, it's time to bring it in and move forward. I've been looking at tile and options for bathroom fixtures and I've decided to keep it classic and simple.  Since the layout of the bathroom is not changing, we're going to keep the vanity (for now) and change the counter top.  I will be painting the vanity a dark color and hopefully that will make me like it enough to keep it.  The counter top material is undecided until I paint the vanity but I 'm leaning towards carerra marble.  The floor tile is probably going to be a classic octagon pattern which feels vintage and classic with the tub.  Fixtures are still being worked on but I did buy this great industrial light from Etsy that I am thinking of putting in the water closet.  I love the large scale of this industrial light.  I want to add some industrial elements and think this might be a good fit.  I'll let you know when it gets here.  If it doesn't work in the bathroom, then I have another place where this will go.  I'll keep you posted.  Meanwhile, here are some of the things in my inspiration folder for this bathroom.

 

This is the industrial light I bought from Etsy.

 

 

 

 

Inspiration via Pinterest

What's the one "must have" item on your list for a dream bathroom?

Update 9-28-12-  I am happy to report that we have finished remodeling the Master Bathroom mentioned in this post.  Although the outcome is very different than the ideas I am swirling around in this post, you can see the influences from my inspiration pictures in the finished bathroom.  To be honest, the Master Bathroom is an important room and when we really got down to what we wanted, it was necessary to start over.  That is exactly what we did and the outcome is just what we wanted.  I love that plans change and things are found that change the course for the better.  I am a believer in making things great with what you find and what's available. To see the finished bathroom, click here.

Some new additions....

With school starting right around the corner, things have been very busy at our house these past few weeks.  Where does the time go?  Well, for me I've have acquired some awesome things over the past few weeks.  You know how when your looking for something you can never find it?  Then, totally random there it is!  I've come to embrace this phenomenon because the search for it makes finally finding it so great.  First item, a dining table that I have been looking for FOREVER.  Of course, I see tables that I like that are a bezillion dollars so that doesn't count.  But this one was a steal and it fits perfect in our dining room.  I even have an extra leaf for extra guests.  It's not perfect but neither am I and I take things just as I find them if possible.  If something is really trashed, then I make it pretty again but generally the flaws are what gives the item it's character.  Second, two awesome metal industrial desk chairs.  I did paint one of them black because it was a gross peachy tan color that I couldn't live with.  The other chair is rusty and perfect as is.  I re-upholstered these with a baroque like velvet and reversed the pattern on one to make it different.  The velvet with the metal is such a great contrast.  Third, a wonderful old adjustable dress form.  This is a table top version (I believe) that is old and worn and beautiful as is.  Finally, a vintage industrial desk lamp that adds that perfect industrial touch.  Where did all of these items go?  Oddly enough, my laundry room.  My laundry room is a decent size and I have a stack able washer and dryer to save even more space.  Since I got a new dining room table, my old one fits perfect in the laundry room.  Before, there was a long counter (sorry, no before pics) that was narrow and odd shaped.  The dining room table gives a lot more work space and looks way better.  I'm so glad this fit because it's a great table and I didn't want to get rid of it.  Here's some pictures of the changes.

 

   Dining Room Table

 

 

This is the buffet is in the Dining Room

 

The framed art is vintage architectural detail drawings of various decorative moldings.  This room is really dark so this fall /winter (when it's not a 200+ degrees) we are adding some recessed lights to balance the light in here. I am also going to add another chandelier like this one (I have three) over the table. I'll share pictures after it's done.

 

 

Here's the first chair that I re-upholstered in my laundry room.  The old dining room table is behind it

 

Here's the other one with the pattern reversed.  This was the chair I painted because it was yucky peachy tan. 

Every room needs fresh flowers. 

 



Found this in a thrift store and got such a sense of nostalgia, I had to buy it. 

 

 

Love the dress form.

 

 

 Just a few more item in here.  The old gas heater brick holds my scissors and pen perfectly.

 

 

Thanks to my HH, I also have a gift wrapping station that holds my paper, ribbons and tape. 

 

Here's the new lamp on the end of the desk. I'm still in the process of repairing the wall where the counter top was removed but I wanted to show you what I've been up to lately.

 

What do you think? Do you have a dual purpose laundry room? What do you like best about yours?

I also want to let you know about a new venture I've started..... I've started my own business offering interior design and styling services.  My company name is Guest House Interiors and I am offering design and styling services to vacation rental owners and property managers.  I am excited about this venture because it enables me to do what I love.... Interior Design using an eclectic mix of vintage, modern and new furnishings.  It will also provide some fabulous vacation rentals for all of us to enjoy. I will still keep this blog because this is a personal blog about me and my style and what inspires me (and hopefully you will find inspiration here too).  Feel free to check out my website Guest House Interiors and my Guest House Interiors Blog. 

New Project... Bookcase/Seating Combo.......

Now that HH and I have had time to catch our breath from finishing up Tatiana's room, it's now time to start the festivities in Gabriella's room.  Of course, she wanted us to start her room the minute we finished her sister's.  I mean, after all it has to be FAIR right?  Well, her room is going to be a little different.  Her bookcases are going to be built on each side of her window and we decided to build her a bench for seating under her window as well.  I am looking at purchasing a new rug for her room and adding lots of fun and unique accessories for her bookshelves.  I will also be getting a new window treatment since she will no longer be able to use her curtains (due to the new bench).  We will be putting a cushion on her bench and adding pillows to make it extra comfortable.  Lots of new changes in here and I'm excited to see the transformation. Here is where we are starting...

 Here's the window where the new bench seating will be. 

 

 

Bookcase #1 will be built here.

 

Bookcase #2 will be built here.

 

 

One last look at the "Before".

 

We are hoping this project can be completed sooner than the 13 weeks it took to finish her sister's room (Ha! Ha!).  I'll keep you posted.  

What kind of projects have you completed this summer?   

Office Space.......

Over the years I've come to realize the importance of a proper work space. When I say "work space" I basically mean a designated space where I can concentrate comfortably on craigslist, ebay, blog reading, blog writing and my actual job.  If you've read my previous posts here , you know that we cut a hole in the wall to go through the office to make the flow of the downstairs better.  Although it brought in more natural light from the windows in the living room, the office still remains a pretty dark room.  I have a credenza desk and hutch combo in there now and even though there are lights in the hutch, I still feel that the room is too dark.  With that being said, the process started to re-desgin this office to make it more "workable".  While looking through craigslist, I came across a vintage (70's I'm sure) dresser that I thought would make a great credenza for the office.  It has great style and it would give me the ability to put lamps on it for additional lighting.  I decided to buy it and my wonderful HH drove the 2 hours to pick it up.  Step one complete.  Now for the desk.  Still searching for that piece, but I have my eye on one.  Subsequently I've listed my old set on craigslist and ebay (local p/u only) because I know someone will love it and get a screaming deal.  I will be adding curtains in here over the shutters, possibly changing the rug, getting a new desk chair, upholstering another chair and adding some unique accessories.  Here's what's leaving the office:

 

The details on this are really pretty.  I hope the new owner loves it as much as I did.


And, here's what's coming into the office:

 

The handles on this are really cool and this piece is in excellent condition.  The detail on this is fabulous and there is plenty of room for lamps on each end.  I'm thinking of leaving this as is because the color is not bad in the room. That will be decided later after the room gets pulled together a little more.

 

Here are a few more pictures of inspiration that I'm using to re-desgin this office.  I'll keep you posted on progress.

Maybe this idea for a desk chair? It could be a possibility. This is the Brighton Bamboo Chair from Williams Sonoma Home

I like the natural color of linen and think that this color would compliment the other colors that I want to use in here.  These are from Restoration Hardware

I think this is a good start.  What do you think?  If you could change one thing about your work space what would it be?

 

On another note, I am happy to report that my daughters bookcase/desk combo is finally ready for paint!  Guess what I'll be doing every night this week?  I'm so excited for her and I can't wait to show you the finished room.