Takeaways from 2023 as we move into 2024

Takeaways from 2023 as we move into 2024

 

Goodbye, 2023.

 

 I’m ready to dust off ’23 and move on to ’24.  You?

Our strength was tested again in 2023, was it not? And I’m not talking about remodeling a kitchen. It’s all the other crazy stuff that just keeps happening. Humans are a resilient bunch, but there’s a lot.  We have all had more than our fair share of challenges these past few years. I don’t want to bore you with my own personal journey, but I will share some insights, lessons, and new outlooks for 2024.

But first, I want to share a few HIGHLIGHTS that have brought me joy this past year.

FAVORITE BOOK for CREATIVES

This book teaches you to honor the artist within as a sacred gift and teaches you the discipline and rewards of writing 3 pages each morning (for three + months).

FAVORITE ART EXHIBIT

Elefant Medium –  by PDX CONTEMPORARY ART A solo exhibition of new work by artist JEFFRY MITCHELL.
I am so happy that I can now walk to this gallery from work, and go to a beautiful well-lit space with amazing art!

PDX CONTEMPORARY ART

“Elephant (Medium) is one of a family of fonts and is a reworking of a traditional English extra bold serif style…The elephant has been a beloved subject matter for Jeffry Mitchell’s artwork for four decades.  The exhibition focused on the way that graphic design and interior spaces create space, fields that make us feel. As well as the way that subject matter and materials, like elephants and flowers, clay and wood, afford joy, generosity, and enthusiasm. Elefant Medium features furniture made from wood and ceramic, housewares, lamps, and drawings and prints displayed in wonderfully elaborate, handcrafted wooden and porcelain frames. The work and the transformative benevolence of craft create the field, the flow, the space, and the possibility of ecstasy.”  – Variable West

MOST BEAUTIFUL BOOK

Oprah interviewed author, Abraham Verghese about his work for 6 episodes on her podcast Oprah’s Super Soul. I just loved their exchange, discussion of characters, and the dedication required to write such a book.  I’m still not done with this epic book.  It is beautifully written, by a doctor who has witnessed a lot over the years, and he shares the rich cultural senses, exotic spices and storied traditions of India.

The Covenant of Water Audiobook By Abraham Verghese cover art

 

FAVORITE DESIGN PROJECT

If you want to re-connect with your teenager, do a deep dive into their interests and build a bedroom they love.  This one was way more than we could complete during an 8 WK ONE ROOM CHALLENGE, but it got the ball rolling and we are close to the finish line. I will have an update for you soon.  We had to gut a 1940’s kitchen and build a new bedroom. We are installing the wooden floor this weekend. Heating vent and lighting needs to be installed, some paint touch-ups, and we can move in!  Stay tuned.  We are getting close to completion!

FAVORITE DESIGN CRUSH

BEATA HEUMAN, from London

Design by Beata Heuman

 

Design by Beata Heuman

 

Design by Beata Heuman

 

Design by Beata Heuman

Design by Beata Heuman

This will be my next DESIGN BOOK purchase:

'Every Room Should Sing' Signed Book

FAVORITE LOVE STORY

My 60 year old brother and his wife were married, on December 29th.  Each bringing two grown children from previous marriages.  A true love story, of a dozen plus years’ courtship, with families formally united. Know that love can happen at any age, and at any time.  And a grand wedding it was, in one of my favorite cities in the world. SAN FRANCISCO. It was ambitious, beautiful, and loaded with tributes and meaning.  And a damn good party.  A perfect send off for the New Year!

HEALTH

 

As one ages, so do your parents; the challenges that present themselves can be heartbreaking and frustrating at times…as this Baby Boom generation ages and retires, living longer and not always with a great retirement plan, families must navigate crisis, financial hardship and challenges as they present themselves.  There are a lot of great doctors, nurses and amazing organizations like Meals on Wheels and The Council on Aging that are there to help.  And retirement homes are popping up like crazy.  And I’m not even going to mention COVID and how that keeps coming back in new variants.

WORK

JOBS are iffy these days.
After a rough couple years, a job outside the home was necessary for our finances and my marriage.  When a seasoned entrepreneur goes back to a full time job with a manager and a boss, its an adjustment. I almost walked out at least 3 times. You see things differently and are used to honoring your authenticity and own wishes. You have to accommodate to someone else’s brand, vision and desires. Oy.

I love stuff – textiles, furniture, art so that part has been fun. Working with designers and architects in a swanky trade-only showroom selling textiles and furniture did require me to polish up my wardrobe. And my style. I had kind of forgotten how to dress.  A lot has changed about the design profession with so much commerce now done online, but there are always new young talents coming along, and so many older designers who still work, while flirting with retirement.  The to-the-trade design world is mostly comprised of women clientele, who are eccentric by nature, with varied projects and new challenges that always keeps things interesting.

FAVORITE FABRIC

LEE JOFA’s TREE of LIFE, reintroduced from their archives.  In wallpaper and fabric. This 1840’s pattern was brought back with new color ways for their 200th anniversary.  The vertical pattern repeat is more than 36″. Hand blocked on heavy weight linen and so beautiful.

Although I am loving how these SCHUMACHER wallpapers and textiles are styled:

SCHUMACHER

FAVORITE MAGAZINE

FREDERIC MAGAZINE, by Schumacher

Frederic Magazine

 

OUR CUSTOMERS

THANK YOU!
I am forever grateful for your great sense of style and your business!
My business has managed to stay afloat this past year, with many exciting new things on the horizon.
I cant wait to share what’s coming in 2024.

 

A LITTLE ADVICE…

We are having a great sale right now on many ready-to-ship items.

UP TO 25% OFF

Decorative pillows by STUDIO TULLIA

 

So, let’s raise a glass to 2024!   Thanks for following along. Have a wonderful week.

 

XOXO,

SUZANNE

 

Pastel Pinks, Dewy Florals and Lush Greens inspire a Spring Collection by Studio Tullia

Pastel Pinks, Dewy Florals and Lush Greens inspire a Spring Collection by Studio Tullia

a well lived house

SPRING!

After a deluge of rain, we are reaping the rewards this Spring. Rhododendrons, cherry blossoms and dogwoods abound.  Lush greens and dewy florals.

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LEAF GREEN VELVET

Bring those gorgeous colors into your home.

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TULIP VELVET

tulip+velvet

THE SOFTEST PINK SUEDE PILLOWS

Act fast as these are a one-of-a-kind offering.  I only have two.

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APPLIQUE & EMBROIDERED VINTAGE FLOWER

This is an unusual embroidered and appliqued pillow found in an antique store not too long ago. I can never pass up hand-made work.

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LT PINK VELVET KNOT PILLOW

What do you think of our new knot pillow in shimmery light pink? 

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Monte Carlo

Our Sunset Floral has already sold out, with more on the way.

 

inisfree sunset pillow
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Our Meadow Floral

And Inlet Floral

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COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE

Multnomah Falls  & Lodge is a must see if you are ever in the Portland area. Have a small hike to the bridge followed by lunch at the historic lodge.

The Eagle Creek fire of a few years ago devastated the area, but the firemen managed to somehow save this historic landmark.

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MULTNOMAH FALLS

hi

Check out loads of lumbars and other pillows on SALE now.

Lots of Spring cleaning happening in the STUDIO…

lumbar pillows on sa

XO,

SUZANNE

STUDIO TULLIA’S Free ‘No Rules’ STYLE GUIDES for Chairs, Sofas and Sectionals…

STUDIO TULLIA’S Free ‘No Rules’ STYLE GUIDES for Chairs, Sofas and Sectionals…

For over a dozen years, STUDIO TULLIA has been making and shipping pillows all over the world.

Out of  gratitude to our uber-stylish customers, we thought it would be fun to create and share these three “no rules” PILLOW STYLE GUIDES!

These easy to print style guides are useful when considering what type/size/grouping to use in various home decor scenarios!

 

CHAIRS

style guide for pillows

SOFAS & LOVESEATS

pillow styling guide for pillows

SECTIONALS

pillow style guide for sectionals

We have quite a few ready-to-ship pillow covers on sale right now.

They are available on my Etsy store – check it out!

sale

XOXO,
SUZANNE

Florals, vibrant pastels and happy prints are a few of the offerings for Spring 2021

Florals, vibrant pastels and happy prints are a few of the offerings for Spring 2021

NEWS FROM THE STUDIO:

MAY FLOWERS ARE HERE

This lovely floral called INISFREE in Sunset (by Kravet) features peonies in blush, pink and light blue. The touch of aqua, tan and navy blue make it modern and easy to pair with other classic colors.

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I wanted you to see the full scale and nuances of this floral. If you are interested in curtains in this pattern, let me know. I am unveiling my curtain program soon.

This fun print JALISA on a linen/cotton ground is so versatile and comes in driftwood and copen blue.

The peonies are starting to bloom.

The softest rosewater cotton velvet is a new addition for 2021.

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A lovely soft print called SPRIG on cotton/linen reminds me of a Fortuny print. Available in Blush, Graphite, Chambray, Jade and Indigo (not shown). This is a wonderful fabric for curtains, too.

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pantone cla
palette + blues + pinks + spring 2021
Behind the scenes is maybe a bare-footed lady, balancing on a chair over the kitchen table.

Our cherry tree in Spring.

This is a fun houndstooth chenille we added to the mix that can be used year round and would be so fun on an upholstered chair.

INTERIORS:

Let’s indulge in a little light pink, peach and blue, shall we?

The pink textured wallpaper below adds a warm, rich back drop to the designer touches by MADRE everywhere from the sconces, to the custom banquette, tufted ottoman with trim, textiles and rug make this is a welcoming and richly appointed room .

Design by MADRE.

And then there is MELANIE TURNER, with her new book…such beautiful color .

Melanie turner coral peach interior

This softer palette below by MELANIE TURNER reminds me of Jordan almonds.

You can always count on JAMIE DRAKE to go bold as he did here:

Design by Drake/Anderson.

This is Josef Frank’s Citrus Garden in a
new colorway, Lime, for Schumacher:

Loving these new toile converse high tops. .

A MARGAUX/SCHUMACHER FAB COLLAB.

schumacher Margaux collaboration

OUR HOUSE

Henry in our ancient cherry tree on a recent Spring morning.

cat, cherry tree

FALL 2018 ONE ROOM CHALLENGE, week 6 DINING ROOM – FINAL REVEAL!

FALL 2018 ONE ROOM CHALLENGE, week 6 DINING ROOM – FINAL REVEAL!

At last we have made it to Week 6! I’m excited to share some pictures with you below.  When you have a chance, there is a plethora of fabulous ORC Rooms by Guest Participants and Featured Designers (click on the two boxes below to get there). Now that I am done with this dining room, I plan to spend some time there myself…

 

So, here goes. This dining room has proven to be a great challenge. The sun was spotty today in Portland so I did my best to capture the natural light in the room.

SKY MURAL

There is one accent wall where (with the help of my daughter and husband),I have painted a decorative sky painting.

 

My dear friend and floral designer Joann Andriese helped me to go for the large scale branches which I trimmed from my backyard. I reupholstered our existing dining chairs in Miles Redd Tumbling Blocks by Schumacher.

The chalkboard was created using a Portland flea market find (the carved frame), that I placed a chalkboard inside.  I am not sure what it was before, but it seemed to have been built into a wall and was apparently salvaged and sold at an auction, per antique dealer, LOOKS & BOOKS, from Milwaukee, OR.  The carving looked old world and reminded me of Italy. My daughter has been wanting a chalkboard for awhile.  It has to cure for a couple more days when I initially posted this.

 

Here is a shot of the built-in which was painted a pale aqua paint to compliment the sky wall.  It is full of various heirloom and contemporary dishes as well as crystal, vintage paintings and vases, an old clock and books.The chandelier is from FEISS. The plant from PORTLAND NURSERY.

Here is a more panoramic shot and you can see that I have panels flanking the bay window.   They are custom made out of linen blend fabric called BUTE in Ivory from Cowtan and Tout, which is super wide and so gorgeous.   The two pleats on the leading edge are striped cotton called ULLAKARIN from IKEA.  The woven jute rug is also from IKEA.

This heirloom rocking chair I had reupholstered when I had twins out of a leopard velvet (like Jamil Natural).  It was my great grandfather’s.  The blanket is from salvaged PENDLETON.

 

 

I’ve been playing around with table placement so here you can see that I moved the table and chairs so they are horizontal to the bay window.  It works both ways.

 

The abstract artwork is from TARGET.  The heirloom loveseat was also my great grandparents that I had reupholstered in striped ticking.

Here’s a close up of the vintage dinner plates I found at an estate sale.  The runner is also from IKEA.

The little lumbar pillow is FANTASY FOREST by SCHUMACHER , made by STUDIO TULLIA.

A detail of the curtains, also made by STUDIO TULLIA.

Here’s another shot of my kids’ favorite spot along with fabric Sonora by SCHUMACHER and a custom faux snow leopard throw which is also a favorite in the house.

The kids aren’t the only ones who like this spot.

If you look above the door there is another found painting that was framed locally by I’VE BEEN FRAMED, my go to local art store and framer.   They frame most of my found art and prints as well as family art, photographs, etc.

Here is a detail shot of the rug and chairs.

And accessories.

And a shot of the table with candles lit earlier in the day when I had no sun.

I thought this brass napkin holder and napkins from IKEA were fun to add to the mix.

Here are a few before shots just so you can appreciate how far we have come from the original orange dining room.

 

Here the kids are priming the chalkboard for the first time with white chalk after it cured for three days.

The kids have been having fun writing menus and such on the chalkboard:

So, that is a wrap.  The sources with links are listed at the end of this post.

I could not have pulled this off without my highly skilled husband, Shiloh.  I am so grateful for all his electrical, construction and installation work.

Thanks so much for following along!

 

SOURCES

BENJAMIN MOORE – chalkboard paint

COWTAN & TOUT – Bute in Ivory for curtains

FEISS LIGHTING – Chandelier

IKEA – Lonholt jute rug

IKEA – black linen and Goddag woven table runners

IKEA – Tillstallning brass napkin holder & napkins

IKEA – Ullakarian Striped Fabric on lead edge of curtain panels

I’VE BEEN FRAMED – frames for vintage paintings

MILLER – gray paint by Joanna Gaines

METRO PAINT – Mountain Snow for custom paint mixing and base coats

PENDLETON WOOLEN MILLS – salvaged Pendleton wool for throw

PORTLAND FLEA – antique carved frame

PORTLAND NURSERY – houseplant

SCHUMACHER -Miles Redd Tumbling Blocks on Chairs

SCHUMACHER – Sonora white fringe fabric on pillow

SCHUMACHER – Fantasy Forest on accent pillow

STUDIO TULLIA – throw pillows

TARGET – abstract framed embellished painting Project 62

WS HOME – black candlesticks

ORC FALL 2107 – GUEST BEDROOM MAKEOVER

ORC FALL 2107 – GUEST BEDROOM MAKEOVER

Here we are at Week 3 of the ONE ROOM CHALLENGE!   

You may follow all the other GUEST PARTICIPANTS  by clicking on this image below:

And be sure to check out the FEATURED DESIGNERS via CALLING IT HOME’s website:

I’ve been moving right along with design decisions this past week…I’ve got the rug and sconces ordered and custom bedding and curtains designed and in the works.

I just want to say that in the midst of all this craziness, we had to go to the beach last weekend. And as much as I didn’t want to go, it was such a gift. Sometimes when you think you least need a break, is exactly when you need it the most. As a stay at home entrepeneur/Mom, this is really important to remember as I often resist stepping away from my work/life.

In addition to the herd of elk we saw on the way to the beach, there were only a handful of people there.

Gearhart Ocean State Park is one of my favorite beaches in the world. These images capture the feeling I am after in this room. An escape – with calming shades of blue, natural tones and soft textures.

We stay in Astoria a lot when when we go to the beach as the kids’ grandparents live there. It is a 15 minute drive from Gearhart.  These shots below are classic Astoria as they always have the big international freighters waiting for clearance to go up the Columbia River.  I’ve come to appreciate the patina of rust over the years.

Wondering if a couple of these beach images might come into play in the stairwell somehow leading up to the bedroom.

 LIGHTING

As much as I had my eye on some outstanding artisan shades, Im thinking I will go in this direction, as they are more budget friendly and they tie into the linen curtains without competing with the sconces.

 My final choice on the sconces:

TEXTILES

This is my palette for bedding and curtains:

And I am really excited to add some Pendleton in indigo hues to this mix. I love the texture of the fringe. Wait until you see the long lumbar “statement pillow” I designed, using scraps from “Pendleton by the pound” at our friendly Pendleton Woolen Mill End Store.

And I pulled the trigger on this runner from LOWE’s which will feel so good to step into in the morning.

This is where I am stuck.  The DRESSER. I can’t decide which color to paint it:

1. BLUE

2. RED

or

BLACK

 

 

 

 

Please tell me – what would you do?

ART

I’ve got my art all picked out as well for the salon style mini gallery I will have behind the TV. I have a nice watercolor of the beach and I’m having a pair of Abstract Venice Canal photographs framed.  I stole this large beach print from the hallway as it works so well with my theme and I had a great replacement for it anyway.

Seriously,  help me out on the dresser.  Of course, my husband says refinish the dresser, but I really want to paint it.

WEEK 5 – ORC FALL 2016 – BYE, BYE ORANGE…HELLO, WHITE

WEEK 5 – ORC FALL 2016 – BYE, BYE ORANGE…HELLO, WHITE

I finally got the orange walls covered with three coats of MOUNTAIN SNOW white paint from METRO PAINT. Now everything is looking very white.

This is where we were last week:

ORC WK 4

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And this is where we are this week:

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA I’ve finished most of the trim in a GLOSSY WHITE from MILLER PAINT and hung up this VINTAGE MIRROR.

I’ve installed this 28″ Round Mirror from TARGET.  I wanted a bigger one, but for $49 I went with this one.

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We had to stop and sand the glue and carpet remnants off the stairs and side molding before we painted anymore of the stairs.

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The WEST ELM ASHIK WOOL RUNNER arrived and while I wasn’t so sure about it initially, I think I can make it work.

It looked like this on the website: img76o-copy

And this is what it looks like in person.  This is a close up of the rug. The palette is lighter and the fibers are more coarse than the original photo, with a lot of the salmony orange pink.

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I started to panic and look for another rug, with this inspo photo of a space by ASHE + LEANDRO in mind:

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This is what I came up with two different woven Indian rugs from a local store, CARGO

img_5358-copy  and

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but in the end, I opted for the WEST ELM rug after all.  The colors seemed too busy for the hallway and the size was not really right.

MY FOCUS this last week is all about CONTRAST in this WHITE HALLWAY and a NEW LIGHT FIXTURE to replace this existing one, which is nice, but too small:

 

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So, here’s my final check list:

  1. Paint semi gloss CHARCOAL black paint on stair rail and tops of stairs
  2. Paint all four doors semi gloss SILVER GRAY
  3. Paint office door to my office semi gloss CHARCOAL
  4. Paint stoop at base of stairs white and apply the STENCIL from HEIRLOOM142 from Canada below for fun:

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5. Hang all my NEWLY MATTED AND FRAMED PHOTOS in the stairwell.

(For you Portland locals) Seth at I’VE BEEN FRAMED, was a dream to work with;  along with some pre-cut double mattes that I found, he matted and assembled “frame kits” for me that made it super easy and affordable. I went in there with ten or so frames and was worried how much that was going to cost.  It cost me about $50!

6. Install the custom cushions and lumbar for the new antique bench I scored at GOODWILL for $40:

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I thought about painting this bench but I have decided to leave the natural wood and cane work. I am making a seat cushion and lumbar pillow to give it a more modern look and hide the missing cane work until I can get it fixed.  Overall its pretty sturdy though.

6. And lastly, there is the matter off the antique DRESSER, which  I am planning to also paint MILK PAINT CHARCOAL.  img_4811

I’ve got my work cut out for me, which might have something to do with why I am getting so little sleep lately…I’m worried.

WK 5 ORC FALL 2016

See you next week for the FINAL REVEAL.

 

Don’t forget to check in with the FEATURED DESIGNERS:

 

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As well as the GUEST PARTICIPANTS:static1-squarespace-1:

 

See you soon! Thanks for following along.

 

Best,

Suzanne

 

 

WEEK 4 of the ORC – HALLWAY & STAIRS

WEEK 4 of the ORC – HALLWAY & STAIRS

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Well here we are at WEEK 4 of the ORC.  I am at a rather difficult stage of this project.

PAINTING OVER THE ORANGE WALLS

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The orange walls have required at least three coats of white paint and I’m not even sure that’s going to do it.  I still have to paint the trim on the doors and the stairs.

My intention is to finish those by the end of the weekend. We’ll see how that goes.  This is after one coat so you can see what we are dealing with.

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That old trim is looking pretty funky.img_4996

Trying to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

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The pictures for my gallery wall are being matted and assembled this week.

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I ordered a runner from West Elm and I’m hoping it’s everything I want it to be

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Once I have it, I can figure out the door paint colors

So I’ve definitely got my work cut out for me NEXT WEEK.

I’ll be painting the dresser and selecting new hardware…

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My husband’s job is to install the lighting and assist with painting. He is a seriously speedy champ on the paint roller.

We also need to restore the floor at the bottom of the stairs. It is the scariest thing we found when we pulled up the rug.  This area is also the entry into my home office so I thought it needed something.

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I found an awesome stencil on Instagram from HEIRLOOM142 . It is coming from Canada so I hope it gets here in time! They shipped it out the next day which I really appreciated.

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I’m stressing out this week so wish me good luck.

Grab a huge cup of coffee (or wine if that applies) and follow along with all the other DESIGNERS and GUEST PARTICIPANTS

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Thank you so much for taking the time to read my post.   I’ll talk to you next week!

Best,

Suzanne

 

ORC WEEK #3 – UPSTAIRS HALLWAY AND STAIRS

ORC WEEK #3 – UPSTAIRS HALLWAY AND STAIRS

  1. Pictures/Frames for the gallery wall
  2. Slipcover style for the ottoman
  3. A mirror for over the ottoman.

It really takes awhile to sort through old photos and then decide which ones to use.  I decided to opt for artful pictures; strong images that stand on on their own.  I also have a strategy for framing my pieces.  In an effort to not get too busy, Ive limited the palette to white, black, occasionally gold/silver and a few unique vintage frames to mix things up.  It takes time to build a gallery wall so I am not expecting to finish it completely in the next couple weeks, but at least I’ll be on my way.  Here are a few examples of PICTURE WALLS I really like:

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I like the simplicity of the black and white

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I also like when there is some art thrown in along with some variation in sizes. aed5fed3176be41c9676359ac6f3977a

Here are some of the PHOTOS I have gathered so far. Ive made a few trips to Goodwill and I have found frames from Aaron Brothers, IKEA, Pottery Barn as well as some higher quality custom frame shops!  I am taking them to a framer to just have the mattes cut and assembled with nice hooks on the back.

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The closest I have come to an style slip cover I want is this simple tuxedo style. The fabric is going to be a white or natural cotton fabric:

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And I would like to put a mirror over the bench. f3aeb632dacb764a830ce1a2c9eb8f86-copy

So I am on the hunt for one locally; we’ll see what I can find.

So, don’t forget to check out the progress of the ORC PARTICIPANTS HERE:http://www.callingithome.com/blog/2016/10/one-room-challenge-fall-2016-week-3:

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And the other GUEST PARTICIPANTS here: http://www.callingithome.com/blog/2016/10/one-room-challenge-guest-participants-week-3 static1-squarespace-1

 

Have a wonderful Friday and enjoy your weekend.

Best,

Suzanne

 

 

 

 

ORC FALL 2016 – WEEK 1 ~ HALLWAY & STAIRS

ORC FALL 2016 – WEEK 1 ~ HALLWAY & STAIRS

Well, here I am again, taking the challenge. Along with hundreds of other designers, I am committing to 6 weeks of design starting today! This bi-annual event, sponsored by Linda from CALLING IT HOME, is super fun to follow along.

Here is the link for the ORC DESIGNERS

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And here is the link for the ORC GUEST PARTICIPANTS, who are free to join in with their own projects.

A little history…Our house is an Arts & Crafts 1906 Bungalow style house. Grandma used to live upstairs in our house, which was converted into a duplex a long time ago, but she moved out a little over a year ago.The kids (two 9 year old twins) have moved upstairs so they could each have their own rooms. We are slowly transforming the space into a lighter, more kid-friendly zone.

Last Spring I did my DAUGHTER’S ROOM as part of the ORC SPRING 2016:

BEFORE:

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AFTER:

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This time, I am going to spruce up the UPSTAIRS HALLWAY & STAIRS.

Here is the BEFORE:

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The walls and carpet have got to g0! I am also rethinking the furniture and its functionality. And the lighting.

Here is the chair I have there now which is not that comfortable and the wrong color.

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My daughter needs a dresser just outside of her room, where the large trunk is so I am planning to paint an old heirloom piece that we have. I like the idea of a punch of color. Here’s an example:

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The banister and post are looking warped. The woodwork on the upper level is kind of wobbly and in a perfect world, needs to be replaced.

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We recently stripped the carpet on the stairs to see what we were dealing with underneath.

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This is what we found under the carpet at the bottom of the stairs. Pretty bad. So, that needs to be replaced and painted also.

BLACK & WHITE with COLOR ACCENTS is pretty much the direction I am headed.

Here are a few inspiration pictures I have found by the firm, ASHE_LEANDRO. Boy do they have the BLACK & WHITE motif down:

IMG_4499.jpgPhoto Credit: ASHE_LEANDRO

 

I need to put some artwork up on the wall going upstairs and in the hallway. This salon style hung artwork could work.

IMG_4484.jpgPhoto Credit: ASHE_LEANDRO

There is a possibility I might tint the white walls slightly. I like the way this yellow piece looks as an accent color (for the heirloom dresser).

IMG_4225.jpg

I should probably mention The BATHROOM, as it is off from the HALLWAY and is the next item on the list when this is done. We were going to do it for the ORC, but weren’t sure we could get it done in time.

I would like to continue the BLACK & WHITE motif into this room as well.

Here is a BEFORE:

IMG_4240.jpg

I really like these bathrooms:

IMG_4134.jpgIMG_4502.jpg5f218f13-0410-4e51-bd15-27ed428689ab_400.jpg

And some kind of black/white tile, but I don’t know that I will get too far with the BATHROOM just yet.

So, to summarize my tasks in the next several weeks, here it is:

ORC FALL 2016 TO DO LIST

Date

Task

10/9/16

PAINT HALLWAY & DOORS

Reoccur walls and trim and paint

Select Door colors and paint – black or color.

10/16/16

REPAIR/REPLACE WOODWORK ON STAIRS

Paint stairs and wood work

Possible replace column/post at top of stairs

Repair floor at base of stairs and paint

10/23/16

PAINT STAIRS AND WOODWORK

Paint Selection, possible design motif/stencil

FURNITURE SELECTION

Replace Chair and Chest with more functional furniture

10/30/16

Paint heirloom Dresser for Charlotte

Select a new piece of furniture or spruce up the one I have

FLOORS & CARPET

Replace wall to wall carpet

Select a Runner for upstairs

10/6/16

LIGHTING

Select a new light fixture and install

SELECT ARTWORK, FRAME IT & INSTALL

Select art work, family photos and have it framed and hung up on the walls

Select artwork/mirror for over the dresser and piece of upholstery.

ACCESSORIZE & STYLE

Accessorize with plant, throw, pillows.

Nothing like a little accountability to get things rolling. So I am off….

Thanks for reading my post!

Best,

Suzanne

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