Golden Globes and Domino

Yesterday my February Domino arrived in the mail. With the the gradual folding of shelter magazines (Blueprint, House & Garden, Cottage Living - please no more), the arrival of my next Domino gets more and more exciting. I was initially disappointed by the thin size, however was wonderfully surprised at all the articles, images and inspiration. I plan on reading it cover to cover tonight while watching the Golden Globes (I am only watching for the dresses and jewels).

Planning the Bathroom

Of course we have reached a lull in the bathroom remodel. Since we installed the new floors, we have not made any more progress. While we wait to patch the walls, get plumbing fixed and the shower tiled, I guess I should plan and order the final fixtures and finishing touches.

(1) LIGHTING Currently we have a soffit over the sink area that we are going to remove and then move the lighting into the wall so we can have wall sconces and install a fixture in the center of the room. So far here is what I have found that I like:

Circa Lighting - The Thomas O'Brien Hilton Sconce.

Circa Lighting - Thomas O'Brien Vendome Sconce (better price)

Restoration Hardware - Sutton Double Sconce (on sale, but could be too modern)

(2) SHOWER TILE. We have been looking for different options for tile, but think we will use standard white subway tile. This is our guest bathroom, so we don't want to blow the budget on this room. If that was the case we would love to use carrara marble to match the counter, but that we will save for the master bath renovation.

(3) COLOR. It has taken me a few rooms to realize I am not good at picking wall color. So far every room we painted I regretted the color within 24 hours and plan for when I can go back and paint the walls white. For the bathroom I think I am going to go white for the walls and trim and then add a wood frame mirror that I will paint a pale turquoise. I found this image on House of Turquoise. that is inspiring me for the color.

Still need to pick out an ceiling fixture, towel bars and a shower curtain, but now we at least have a plan to move us forward on the renovation project.

Guest Bathroom

Just before the holidays we started another project, the guest bathroom. The project started because during a trip to the Pottery Barn Outlet we got a really good deal on a vanity, carrara marble top with a porcelain sink. Then the next week we found the Kohler Purist faucet for $160. With those two great deals, remodeling the guest bathroom moved up on the project list.

Here is what the bathroom looked like before we started the project.


Here is our really good deal of a vanity.


The week of Christmas, Nick and his best friend installed the new tile floors. We went with gray to highlight the veins in the marble. We also placed the vanity in the room to see how it would feel.


There are still a lot more work that needs to be done. I cannot wait because Nick and I sharing the equally ugly/small master bath is not going to last much longer.

M.I.A

I have been MIA from the blog for a few months. Between work, the house and holidays it has been a busy fall and winter. The New Year is a great time to get back sharing progress and asking for more help! I have a curtain phobia in the den, guest bedroom that is now a dumping ground and many more projects to tackle. Happy New Year!!! and here are some photos of what we have been working on.


Table for my mom's Birthday party in our backyard.


Nick removed the old deck and installed new blue stone pavers in the back yard.


We painted stripes on the back wall to the bedrooms. A little "fun house" like with the crazy mirrors, but we still like it.

House Stalking

Tonight was so beautiful so Nick and I decided to go for a walk and enjoy the weather. We walked through a neighboring town that is primarily Georgian architecture, and not all of it very well executed. Every once and awhile the town's architecture review board lets one pass that does not fit the red brick standard, like this house currently under construction. The location is not the greatest but peeping through the windows (I have no shame) the owners are not skimping on any details. Wide plank pine floors, tongue and groove paneling with hidden doors to a coat closet and bathroom. I plan to continue stalking and saving the photos for my dream home folder.

Edit.

Slowing I am adding items back into the den. Currently I am working on the bookshelves. I have the Coco Chanel quote in my head about taking off the last item you put on as I bring items back into the room. Before the bookshelves were full with DVDs, books, puzzles and stuff. This time around I am trying to simplify and be more thoughtful about how I use the shelves.


This is my first go around with a set up. The white boxes contain some of the DVD collection, the collection of books are copies that are nice to have nearby and I placed only white spine magazines on the bottom shelf. I am thinking I could try orange DVD boxes for more color, but it could be too much color. (The yellow mirror is propped up only to get off the floor until I find its home.)

Please give me your suggestions: How does this set up look? Too plain? Should I have more objects on the shelves? Does it need more color?

On a roll...

With daily to do list items being checked off while working on the den, Nick is on a roll with finishing projects around the house. Today was staining the shed. Only problem was he ran out of stain 1/2 way through the building, so will need to finish next weekend. The building looks great (just don't look at the back), and really blends in with the landscape.