House and Life

House and Life

Saturday, November 8, 2008

The First Lady




Browsing today, I found this picture of First Lady Jackie Kennedy. I'm not sure who took it, but I just loved it. I've been thinking the last couple days of what kind of First Lady Michelle Obama will be. I'm guessing pretty great. She recently said that she first wants to be a mom, which I understand and appreciate.

Apparently this picture is of the White House's Solarium, in which Jackie transformed into a classroom for Caroline and few friends, seen in the photo. Michelle's fashion has been at the forefront of the press. Do you think she'll take interest in the interior design of the White House? We'll soon see!

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Oh Domino





I love you, but I hate you! Just when a girl gets her house all painted, you put out a layout that makes you want to start all over. Jenna Lyons, Creative Director at J. Crew, home in Park Slope, Brooklyn is killer in its black, yellow, and grey tones. Who would think that much chalkboard paint could really work? Does it ever for Jenna. Run, don't walk, if you haven't picked up this month's Domino. It's one for the archives.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Etsy





I have to say I love Etsy. It's a great source for original, affordable art. I picked up this original sketch for a mere $20.00. How about them apples? Check out Sarah F. Burns other works, she is a delight!

Finally




You can order off of ABC Home's website. There is a limited number of rugs, but some are really great. The 10% off is nice too!

Monday, October 13, 2008

What is Coziness to You?







Images from the homes or works of designers: Ruthie Sommers, David Jimenez, Todd Alexander Romano, and Robin Bell.





As we three (four including the dog) settle into our new digs, I realize I've yet to create a "so-called" cozy spot. It's really driving me crazy. I think part of the reason I've been driven mad by this is I gave up a working fireplace in the new digs. I know I will add one (most likely gas, you don't even WANT to know how much it is to build a new chimney). So here is my question for you. What do you need to feel cozy in your home and do you have it? I sampled a few of my favorite rooms above which all seem to have mastered it in diverse ways. Do you need a lot of print to feel the warm vibes, or can you settle in to a neutral palette full of texture and not too much noise? What else? Funny, both appeal to me. Somebody come build me a fire.


PS DJ, I will cozy up to that bar cart one of these years...haha.

Friday, October 3, 2008

Wonderful Windsor








I have to admit, it's been hard choking out the price of most fabrics to clients in this horrific economy. So I was pleasantly suprised to see Windsor Smith's new collection for Kravet, mostly well under $100 a yard, which is totally do-able for some dining chairs or a sad bench in need of upolstering. Plus, she's a cutie pie, I love her West Coast coolness. Ever check out her digs on Domino.com?


On a personal note, I know I've fallen off the planet and I appreciate all that have tuned back in. I'll report on my house project which has kept my off the keyboard. It's nice to be back!

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Small House Beautiful





After last night's fabulous dinner at my friend Kathy's house, this kitchen came up in topic. It's House Beautiful's Kitchen of the Month designed by designer Stephanie Stokes. We marveled at the efficent and stylish outcome for this teeny kitchen. In a world of McMansions filled with seas of granite, this kitchen proves bigger isn't always better.
PS-Mirror your backsplashes, don't be afraid! It's super affordable and fabulously effective.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Sorry!


I do realize it's not Thanksgiving, and you should post words with pictures (aka the Harper's Bazaar photo.) Something is rotten in Denmark (as Erika, ironically from Denmark let me know) with the blog. I'm trying to fix it. Could it be possible that someone would possibly hack into House & Life? I dare dream that we are that important. Or maybe I am sleep walking and dreaming of turkey. All possible. I'll try to remedy!

Friday, May 23, 2008

This is why I've been missing...

The weird wall (see last post) is now gone in the living room. We found out the weird wall was load bearing (who would think a wet bar would be load bearing, but it was...hello header!!!)
No more wall between the dining and the kitchen! And notice the big opening cut in the back for the french door out to the back. Nice light! The two windows in the kitchen are being shortened to allow for base cabinets. In the middle of the windows goes the big range with (hopefully!) a herringbone tile pattern in subway. I know the world is sick of subway, but I never got a chance to use it in my own home and have always lusted after it. So subway it is! And notice that framed cutout next to the first door opening? That is my floor to ceiling hutch with brass chickenwire! I have no uppers, so we need the storage for sure. We are doing a good size island in the middle of the kitchen, and then a skinnier one between the dining and kitchen room. All in a painted grey.
Another shot of the opening. We found that the back porch was in really bad shape, so we are reframing. To the left is the new powder room which can't be seen in this photo. Then to the right, I want to create a type of mudroom setting behind that hutch wall. Maybe some lockers? What do you think?
The "new" addition to the master bedroom. We took one of those front bedrooms to add on to the small master, making for a nice tidy bathroom and walk in closet.
We've made some big strides on the house. Between the litter of racoons found in the eaves, to loads of rain and work, I've been slow on posting on the progress. But we are getting there!

Friday, May 2, 2008

Drum Roll.......

THE HOUSE!
The "prom" stairs as my husband and I have joked about as you enter the house. I love them. In the living and dining room, beautiful yellow stain glass windows.
The dining room. Felix is preparing to rip out that wall in the dining room. Look out!
Coming down the prom stairs to the sea of mauve and an odd wetbar. Both hot in the 80's. Not so much in 2008.
The "new kitchen" area. We are removing that arched wall and the wall to the left (behind is the dining room seen before.) Believe it or not, that is the actual kitchen behind that arch, with the oldest stove known to man.







Well its ours. Pink moulding and all. We now own our "new" home and I am thrilled to share the journey with you.