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

Random

As I'm wrapping up my week getting ready to enjoy a long weekend, I wanted to leave you with some photos that I've saved that really don't have a fitting category other than "Random".  These are images that are moving to me in some way and just all around beautiful. Wishing you all have an opportunity to relax this weekend and spend some time with good people. 

 

 

Photo credits from top:  Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3 and 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.

Too Cool for Back to School.......

Our family has been in back to school mode for the past couple of weeks and we've come across some pretty cool things that I thought I would share with you. If your not shopping for Back to School, perhaps you can pick up a new lunch container or a colorful lunch bag for work?  Or maybe you want to perk up your desk with a colorful journal or some educational pencils.   Here's some of the cool stuff we found.

This Dakine Prom backpack is so colorful but not over the top.  The pattern is awesome and reminds me of neon tribal. The inside is really colorful as well and is padded for a laptop.  There are plenty of pockets including a side zip pocket for the water bottle. It's affordable, durable and stylish.  Backpack, check. Love it too?  Get it here from Sierra Trading Post.

 

Up next.... the lunch box.  I laugh when I see this because my girls have used this lunchbox since the first day of kindergarten.  They will be starting 6th grade next week. The philosophy behind this is simple.  There is simply WAYYYYYY to much trash being produced with school lunches. Not only do I detest plastic and plastic baggies, it's insane to see the amount of trash generated from school lunches.  These stainless lunch containers go into the dishwasher and are almost indestructable. This has by far been the best thing we've ever used for lunches when they don't need to be insulated.  These containers also come in other sizes and can be purchased at Pearl River.

Or, how about one of these fair trade colorful lunch bags made by One Mango Tree and can be purchased at World of Good.

 

How about those days when you just want to buy your lunch or go to the snack bar?   I love this sassy zippered money pouch from Pearl River.

 

Know It All Pencil Set.  Comes with it's own muslin pouch.  Perfect for student and teacher alike!  Get them at Reform School Rules.

 

 

Don't forget to pick out some fun and colorful journals. This journal  has a kitschy pattern that is bright and cheery.  This one is from Pearl River. 

 

How about some chic wallpaper for your locker?  These are locker sized sheets that have super strong magnets so they're super easy to put up and take down. 

 

What locker wouldn't be complete without the chandelier?  This chandelier runs on 3AAA batteries, is motion sensored and will hang effortlessly from your locker ceiling with super strong magnets.  Get this and the locker wallpaper plus many other accessories at Locker Lookz

Gone are the days when you got some new clothes, a new pair of shoes and the original and classic Pee-Chee folder.  What better way to express yourself and display your doodling skills than on a Pee-Chee folder? I digress....

 



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?   

Before and After...... A bookcase and room makeover story.......

It's only been 13 weeks (Ha! Ha!) since we started the bookcase/desk project for our daughter Tatiana but I am happy to report that it is finally done.  You may remember when the project started here, I talked about the need for additional storage and a proper desk space.  The wall we decided to use is situated perfectly in her room to really maximize the space, give her plenty of storage solutions and provide a work space that is functional and stylish.  I also talked about adding some new accessories, a new rug and giving her a seating area. Enough talk, let's see her room now.  But first, just a few before shots....

 

Here are the plans.  

 

 

Here's the wall before.

 

Here's the bookcase before the primer.  I actually found the two bookcases on craigslist and they were the perfect dimensions so my HH just incorporated them into our design and added the molding.

 

Here's what it looks like with both bookcases completed and ready to prime and paint. 

 

And now for the after.........

 

 



This is now her new seating area complete with new rug and table (vintage).  The chair (vintage) got a new pillow from Ikea that really contrasts nicely with the rug and the vintage canvas over her bed. 

 

We put mirrors on both sides of the wall opposite the bookcase.  This helps to reflect the light from the window and also gives her room a bigger feeling.  You can see the bookcase (and my arm...sorry) in the reflection.  I ask you, what 11 year old girl doesn't want a peace sign somewhere in her room? I can't think of any.......

 

Here's the other mirror just to the left of the curtain. 

 

Here's the bookcase/desk combo all completed.  We are still working on decorating the shelves but we have a good head start.  Tatiana picked out the handles and the knobs and has been busy putting all of her touches in her room.

 

Remember the Paris souvenir from here?  It has now found it's home atop a stack of vintage french books (and a old High School History Book).  I think the vintage rhinestone clock adds just the right amount of sparkle.

 

I decided to cover the spines of some old books with great covers in a thick weight wrapping paper that I bought at World Market.  Because there is a lot of shelf space now, I wanted some symmetry to maintain some order and provide color.  This similar stack is on the other side as well.  The vintage brass owls are actually candle holders but work just as well as book weights.  

 

This vintage USA vase adds a nice shade of yellow to the mix.  

 

Here's one last look.  Oh yeah, the wood diamond moldings on the door are from a $2.00 bin at a thrift store.  They were green originally but they fit perfectly on these doors and I think add a nice touch to the overall look.  I also want to give a big THANK YOU to my wonderfully gifted and talented husband for doing such a fabulous job. Thank you HH! 

 

I really like the way her room has turned out and she "loves" it which is the most important part.  What do you think?  What has been your biggest decorating challenge?