uh oh

so, i picked up this EXACT same wicker mirror at a yard sale 3 years ago for $5.00.

I was not/am not overly familiar with Franco Albini. Hopefully mine is just a replica or, they aren't worth a ton of money because i sprayed mine gloss black...



(www.lonnymag.com)

the kids don't know how to dance to rock n roll

if there is one area i neglect when it comes to decorating it's my kids rooms, especially my son's.

part of the reason is because i often think the amount of money parents spend on their kids is beyond ridiculous especially when half the time they don't care (the under 8 set anyway).  the other half of the equation is that there really just isn't much room in the budget right now.

but, as they start to get older and want to spend time in their rooms they will need more functional spaces. Also, though N's 3 drawer IKEA dresser was more than ample when he was in size 2 clothing, now that he's in size 5 it's getting a little tight!

M's room is easier because, well, she's a girl!  i just find it easier to find pretty things and i'll be honest, it gives me license to use pink, a colour that the husband has more or less banned from the rest of the house. N's room however, has limited lay-out options due to window and closet placement and i'm more of a loss when it comes to decorating for a boy.

One thing I can guarantee - there will be no themes or Disney characters.

(room designed by Samantha Pynn)

(Sarah Richardson - hgtv.ca)

a little girlish but i like the desk idea.

(decorpad.com)

I have actually been thinking about doing "built ins" using Expedit shelving from IKEA in N's room.

There is also a serious lack of photos online for boys rooms!

in the mix

There was a time when the thought of mixing woods or metals would have stopped me cold. The thought of light and dark wood together in the same room or gold and silver made me shudder. I have relaxed considerably in this regard.

I still think there need to be some restraint for continuity but I now see that mixed tones can be beautiful and add to that collected over time and eclectic look. Once I got my glass topped brass table home i realized that i don't need to do a thing to it.

These pics were my inspiration.



The lamps, tables and Bertoia stools all different metals. (photo houseandhome.com)



Sabrina Linn's apartment - gold tones can be beautiful and modern (photo: escapadeblog.com)


(fashionableinteriors.blogspot.com)

I still have to style my console. It's a bit bare at the moment but I'm looking forward to the challenge.

impulsive much?

I have a shopping addiction. I like stuff. I like to buy stuff. I can justify ANYTHING! Like today the GAP was having a 40% off sale so that meant I had to buy some clothes. I am also fairly impulsive and often end up making regret fueled returns (like I will be returning 2 pairs of pants and shoes that I bought today - I won't tell you what i'm still keeping!).

Of course, not everything I buy is impulsive. I've been searching for a cheap console table for behind the couch in the living room. I didn't want something wood as it would be competing with the pine harvest table and teak sideboard in the dining room. Wicker is little too...wicker so I'm left with glass as an option.

The other (more important) criteria is that it has to be CHEAP.

I found this online for $25. I will admit that the brass is a tad scary but I intend to spray it. Other than that the proportions are perfect. So hopefully all goes well and this will become mine tomorrow.

This is the photo from the Kijiji ad. I for once cannot be blamed for the bad photography.

Now, what do I spray it with? I don't want it to be white or black or brown or a colour. ideally if i could find something that would make it resemble tarnished brass/rubbed bronze? maybe pewter? At least this is a fun decision to make.

soon you're 33 and everything you tried to be...

having been built in 1987, our house is not grand. it does not have great architectural details or high ceilings. what it does have however is a great open floor plan, a family room off the kitchen and a skylight above stairwell that provides a generous amount of natural light.

we've been in the house for 3 years and i've always debated on what to do in the stairwell. art is not my strong suit, i see things i like but either i don't like it enough to spend money on or i do really like it and it's completely out of my budget. i sometimes try to paint my own but even painting "abstracts" is harder than i would have thought. who knew, art requires actual talent?!

so, finally decided it would be the perfect place to put a "gallery wall". i went to IKEA and bought some black picture frames and dug out some wedding photos, a picture from my Grandmother's wedding and some black and white shots of the Burrard and Lion's Gate bridges in Vancouver I picked up on my recent vacation and got started.

this is just the beginning, and i have a long way to go but i think it will look great. i've already got some more ready to hang.

i've decided that my only criteria will be that the frame is black but do intend to mix black and white and colour photos and or prints and various frame sizes.

here are some in the beginning shots.

an added bonus to this project is that it's been fun going through all of our photos, something i haven't done in a while.

once and a while i surprise myself

Last weekend our vacuum broke and the repair place is conveniently located by the fabric store. I went in not really looking for anything in particular and found some fantastic graphic prints in an indoor/outdoor fabric on sale for $5.00 a yard because they were "unsuitable" for sewing. Well, they seemed just fine for stapling!

Don't get me wrong - the chairs are still ugly but at least they are cheery and look better than they did before.

I also recovered my beloved vanity bench. This little bench has been in my life as long as I can remember. For the first 20 years or so it was, judging by the bad vinyl re-upholstery job and paint splatter, used as a step stool for household projects but it also came out every Thanksgiving and Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa's for one of the kids to sit on.

When my Grandpa decided to sell her house she told all of the Grandchildren we could pick something. My sister picked the bench which she then gifted to me.

Sadly, I don't think I have a before before picture but here is the change made last week.

and, after

A rather productive day don't you think?

i think i've waited long enough

great summer weekend. perfect hot sunny weather, good food, good company and a nice warm lake (and pool).

the kids really took to the water this weekend - especially Nate which was fantastic now Jay and I have to not be lazy and get them out often.

i'm so glad mom and dad are staying put for now. i may not have my own cottage but going there is pretty close.