cottage/cabin

Construction update...

2010-05-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

Time to choose the appliances:

refridgerator drawers:
GE monogram

fridge-
GE monogram
OR
a Leibherr

and the pieces de resistance?

60 inch Wolf gas range with french burner

extra closet re-assigned

2010-05-25T09:10:00.000-07:00

Show house idea I will use...

Saddle River, NJ Designer Show House

2010-05-24T17:22:00.000-07:00

Can't say I wasn't inspired the three weeks I was a vendor at the Show House. The designers were awesome and I could relate to much of the rooms, thinking...

that might work... at my house!

Loved the library. The light was incredible and the designer took advantage of that. The wood paneling glowed and the creamy, beige palate with blues subtly woven in made this room one of my favs.

This chair needs to be in MY future library.

This wall in the breakfast room was another favorite. A modern take on silhouettes pops on the textured, denim blue wall.

Although the stove and tiling is nothing special, it is EXACTLY what I want in my future ( very near future) kitchen.

And this wall in the dining room works for me. The mirrored breakfront is classic.
The house this year was not what you would call a "wow" house. In fact many design house devotees/groupies were disappointed. However most "normal" people were charmed and inspired as the house reflected changes in economy. Things are more conservative these days.
Even at designer show houses!

For real

2010-05-10T05:23:00.000-07:00

Yes, this is actually a modern house in the German countryside- with a thatched roof!
We were in farm country and shortly after this photo was taken a horse drawn carriage drove by...
I wish I could have gone inside to check out the kitchen :)

German fence

2010-04-27T16:34:00.000-07:00

This was actually a gate at the Rhododendron Park in Bremen. I think I like the gate very much, but LOVE the girl and the cute little doggie more!

This house was so lovely. With its gravel walk, and surrounding blooming Dogwood trees- I was captivated.
But the fence?

It was so unique and still... classic. The brick posts were perfect and the dark stain on the fencing made all the Spring green growth...POP! I am going to figure out a way to incorporate this into our garden, stay tuned.

Monet's Garden, the saboteur was there too!

2010-04-27T14:53:00.000-07:00

Certainly this is an iconic image.
Monet's garden was as I imagined, absolutely beautiful.
Dreamy really.

We took many photos of the green bridge.

It was so beautiful and peaceful.

I actually thought the saboteur could control himself and he did...

But not for long.

Traveling with a saboteur...

2010-04-27T14:45:00.000-07:00

I guess this is his "normal."

Volcanos, contractors, and chairs- oh my!

2010-04-26T03:28:00.000-07:00

So, yeah. Volcanos. They can cause problems, especially Icelandic ones.
My son and I were in Europe, volcano erupted as we traveled to Germany and extended our trip about 6 days. Luckily we were with my sister and treated like royalty.

Still, it is good to be home and, almost, back to a routine. I came back to a designer showhouse boutique that, lucky for me, my very amazing friend Susan was able to staff until I came home.
And now, We will choose our contractor/builder for our kitchen addition!
YES! Then the real blogging begins!

And, isn't this chair-Chloe, from Bungalow 5 divine?
I am picturing ten of these babies around my long kitchen table I plan on having... if there is any $$$ left after the construction that is!

Mono

2010-03-31T19:31:00.000-07:00

What a good natured girl.
Her sport is lacrosse and sophomore year is a big year if you want to play in college... she does.
And now she is in the 3rd week of mono.
She doesn't complain, whine or moan.
She stoically goes to practice every day even in the rain and cold, though she can't play.
it could be a few weeks before she can step foot on the field.

I really admire her spirit and attitude.
And those qualities will take her further than any sport ever could.

In my dream home office?

2010-03-31T13:15:00.000-07:00

This would shine!

And wouldn't this console be an awesome desk?

And, how about hall trees?

2010-03-26T17:50:00.000-07:00

Have a great weekend!

benched, oly

2010-03-24T08:38:00.000-07:00

Who minds sitting on the bench when it looks like this? oly, of course.

Have a seat, Oly

2010-03-22T18:58:00.000-07:00

Oly.
http://www.olystudio.com/index.php

Lamp post

2010-03-20T20:37:00.000-07:00

This will be mine.

Botanicals- too many choices

2010-03-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

I collect these cottage style botanicals from the 1930's and 1940's by TL Prevost. They were easy to come by and inexpensive. I don't think I ever paid more than $20. They usually came in plain, maple frames without any matting.
Now I have a hard time finding them, which makes the hunt more fun.

Still, although they are more difficult to find the most I ever see them sold for is $50.

I like that the print is always of bouquets, showing a variety of flowers.

This is one area of my living room where I mixed the prints and frames and although you can not see the entire wall, there are many more there.

In our den, I have a few botanical palm prints.

Forgive the pic of me in front of the palm print.

So lately I've been thinking that I would like some more botanicals, but of trees.
I like the palm prints, but I think I want trees that are more indigenous to where we live,
the Northeast.

This fir could work, love the color of the berries.

Having grown up on Oak street and now having a yard with about 20 oak trees this would be perfect.

I love this variation on a botanical. pen and ink

And this seems more like an illustration. So pretty.
Now I just have to think about frames and matting.

I'm thinking Beach house!

2010-03-09T15:16:00.000-08:00

The Pier Antiques Show & Fashion Alley

2010-03-07T06:38:00.000-08:00

So I know what I'm doing next weekend.
This will be the first time I have ever attended and I plan on getting there early. I've heard it is an amazing show, but very expensive.
So I'm going to be inspired, not to buy.
Although you never know!

I've heard that the industrial trend is represented at this show and I am curious to see how different dealers style their booths. This booth is very cool... but would these type items work in my home?

I am on the look out for home accessories rather than furniture.
Of course I am loving the stars in this photo.

I plan on taking lots of pics at the show and will report back.
If you have ever been and have some tips,
Please share!

Stars

2010-03-02T20:36:00.000-08:00

I am drawn to stars.

I don't know when my borderline obsession happened or began.
I know I have collected star Christmas tree ornaments for many years.

I notice that little by little... stars or star themed furnishings have become a part of our home.

Even outside.

Some things I will miss...

2010-03-02T10:19:00.000-08:00

I am going to miss this view.
Even though our All season room/sunroom is dated, costly to keep up, costly to heat and cool...
we have enjoyed it.

We plan on replicating it with tons of windows, transoms and french doors,
but will it be the same?

I say Yes!

2010-03-02T10:14:00.001-08:00

our favorite room

2010-02-27T06:58:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure that my photography does my favorite room in our home justice.
Perhaps my words will.
Our favorite room is cozy and small, the smallest room in our house.

The carpet is wool and patterned. it hides a multitude of sins and if anything is spilled?
It is easily wiped up, even red wine.

The paint is a glaze. Fingerprints and marks easily wiped and cleaned.

The sofas are leather. The older they get, the better they look.
Once again, easily wiped off and cleaned.

The bureau is a Biedermeier copy, a tiny bit distressed so as not to be too "precious." I am not so upset should someone forget a coaster while setting down a drink.

Are you picking up on the main reason why this is my favorite room?
Low maintenance. It is one room that I feel looks elegant but can handle lots of use, children and animals.

Another huge reason why this room is the heart of our home is the fireplace, surround and bookcases.
We spent a lot of time designing all the woodwork. We wanted the design to be classic and the finish to be warm.
I think we accomplished that.

Although we have many other gathering rooms in our house, our family of seven usually ends up cuddled on those sofas enjoying good conversations or a favorite TV show.

Porte de Cligancourt, Les Puces

2010-02-26T08:51:00.000-08:00

Isn't is funny how perspective is?
My husband's worst memory of our trip to Paris was the day spent at the HUGE antique market of Porte de Cligancourt.

My favorite memory?
The day we spent at Porte de Cligancourt!

images courtesy of MOONBOARD

A cabin- for real!

2010-02-23T08:53:00.000-08:00

My sister’s cabin in Utah is what you would expect when you think Deer Valley or Jackson Hole.

High-end, designer syle.

My style.

I like rustic, but only in moderation.

I want comfy beds.

I want cozy couches and chairs.

Lots of lighting, lots of light.

I want aesthetics.

Lots of aesthetics.

Don’t you just love it?

Sports poster=happy boys

2010-02-15T06:30:00.000-08:00

Sports Posters perfect for that 7-12 year-old boy.

I want to share one of the most popular items I sell on my web site:

www.backyardartllc.com

Our sports posters fit a standard frame. They are unique, vibrant, and action packed. They are original art, commissioned by us. They are priced right, $15 ( soon to be $20.)

It’s not easy to find room décor that grows with a child. Our posters are very popular because it is one room decoration that a mother and her son usually agree on.

They are also great for use as coach gifts. Teams like to sign them, frame them, and then give to the Coach.

I retail and wholesale these posters. They work well in commercial settings,
( Dr. Offices, sports facilities, resorts),
Children's rooms, game rooms, events
( we can enlarge for use as back drop for sports themed events- tournaments, bar or bat mitzvahs, etc.)
Please contact me with any ???'s

I am not hedging

2010-02-09T07:46:00.000-08:00

As much as I love hedges, I am enthralled with garden statuary.

I’m not talking Disney characters, those little gnomes, or lions at an entrance.

I love statues that have integrated into the garden, that seem a part of it.

I especially love those that become entangled in the ivy or covered with moss.

This woman would not be found in my garden, but I appreciate it just the same!

And this face coming from the ground is a bit creepy, but I am enchanted by the creativity!

And of course there is statuary on…

A. Whole. Other. Level.