I enjoyed my first-ever blogging vacation but by the weekend my fingers were a little twitchy for the keyboard.  School finished a week ago Friday and we were out the door prison-break style Saturday morning, headed to Kiawah Island, SC.   We ran head-first into summer and I can’t stop smiling.  I’ll leave the details for a Friday post but suffice it to say I’m a fan of Kiawah.  I now understand the hype.

Today, you can find a snippet of my foyer at CNN.com  They are doing weekly features on different rooms via CNN Living. Because I get a handful of questions weekly on the rug and wallpaper, I figured I’d put it all in one spot where people can find it.

This is the spot.  And that was my Monday dose of sarcasm.

One way to design a room is to choose a focal idea and build around it.  In this case, the wallpaper was my building block.  As soon as it went up I had a vision for the space.   So many of us have open floorplans now and it can be hard to define walk-through spaces like the foyer.  I felt like the wallpaper created a true space to highlight.

If you are interested in wallpaper, I highly recommend browsing through the books at Sherwin Williams.  They have more than you can possibly look through in an afternoon.   Wallpaper is like fabric – it is much better to see it and touch it than to try and make a choice via the computer screen.

The hopscotch rug is from CB2 and was a lucky find.  I spotted it and immediately alerted Mr. C to Christmas present potential. FYI, it does go on sale from time to time.

The demilune is an antique passed down from my husband’s grandmother.  It is without question the nicest piece of furniture in our house.  I’m a sucker for the shape. The curtain serves to stop the eye from going up and up and up.  I’m not a huge fan of the mile-long two story foyer and the row of hooks helps to ground it all.

Not only is the foyer tall but it is long.  Like sometimes I think I could hold a 50 meter dash from the door to the family room.  With the hopscotch included, I could host a mini-Olympics.  Take your mark, people.  Except there is no hopscotch in the Olympics. Sigh.  I guess I’ll have to stick with curling.

Didn’t you know that dogs can play hopscotch?  Buddy is known for stealing the hopscotch “rock” that is really a nerf ball.

Usually, he naps on the rug in the afternoon when the sun comes in.  I can never seem to sneak a picture when he is asleep. My footsteps are treat-potential I suppose.

The Nitty Gritty: 

*The wallpaper brand is Candice Olsen for York.  The pattern is DE8866.

*The wall color is Natural Choice by Sherwin Williams.

*The clock is a Pier One find from last year.  (The chair was a HomeGoods steal. But I paid. )

*The rug is CB2 .

Next week I’m going to do an update on the dining room because I’ve made quite a few changes.  It coordinates with the foyer so consider it a package deal.

Oh, and you can find the frames from above here. And the original hopscotch rug post here.

Is your foyer a conversation starter? Do tell.

-Erin

Last year I wrote a post about our decision to send Lacey to transitional kindergarten instead of kindergarten.  She has a late summer birthday and it made sense for a multitude of reasons.  I have zero regrets and know that our girl is going to kick serious kindergarten butt.   Don’t tell her I said that – “butt” is a dirty word in these parts.

I have to brag on our Lacey-Bug for a minute as she deserves it.   Because her brother is loud and proud, she can be easily overlooked.  Of course we are careful about that, but birth order is a tricky thing.  She is the oldest and a mild perfectionist with a quiet demeanor.

The girl is not quiet at home.  The polar opposite of quiet.  It must be pointed out.

This past school year was a real challenge for Lacey.  It was one of those years where certain elements whirled together and spun a situation that wasn’t ideal.   Our first time dealing with a “mean girl” opened my eyes to what we have to look forward to.  It was one of those years where she just had trouble finding her place.  I felt like her light dimmed a bit and that is hard for a parent.

There was no one to blame.  Her teacher was the kind where people would line up begging for her class.  The kind who makes a scrapbook at the end of the year, nicer than anything you have ever done for your child.

Circumstances sometimes outweigh our potential BUT we learned.  OH did we learn.  Did we complain to the teacher or ask to switch to class with her friends?  No, because in real life we struggle to find our way sometimes and we have to come out the other side.

You have to keep swimming.

The girl showed us what she was made of.  Her skin is thicker and she learned the value of standing up for herself.  Her neighbor will not be getting her snack, thank-you-very-much.  Whether you have sparkle shoes or not, the sandbox is for everyone.

So many valuable lessons uncovered.

Sometimes things bottled up all school day long and came out at home like a cannon wreaking havoc on anyone nearby.  We pressed on and learned.  How to express emotions and feelings and how to ask for space when it is needed.

What started as a challenge ended as a blessing.

Lacey got the “helping hands” award on the last day for her willingness to assist anyone in need.  Or her deep seeded desire to be the teacher’s pet.  Either way, we’ll take it.  At home we always praise her for her helping heart.  She finds joy in little jobs and she found her way to shine.

Next year is going to be a fun year.  I can feel it.  Her confidence is growing and things are coming together.  Lacey made the neighborhood swim team last week, showing determination we didn’t know she had.   The contagious smile is returning.

This girl is something to celebrate.

-Erin

P.S.  I’m taking the rest of the week OFF so I can fully enjoy our first week of summer.

I love browsing floor plans to share with y’all.  That is my idea of fun on a Friday night.  It will be our little secret, okay?  Half the time, I’m rearranging the plan in my head but I’m looking for a good base where you can tweak the plan according to your needs.

Not that I’m looking for house plans.  Because I’m not.   Window shopping is not a crime.

Today, I’d like to introduce a plan by Stephen Fuller Designs.  He is known for his very Southern and fairly grand plans.  I have toured a few homes that are Stephen Fuller builds and there is no detail left untouched.

Meet Andreas Springs.  She is a 1.5 story plan and comes in at 3021 square feet.  I like story and a half homes because they usually have character.  Spoken from someone that lives in one.

I know, she is a beauty.  An early 1900′s throwback and I’m a sucker for this look.  Get a load of that porch.  There are too many details to even begin to name.  I would love to see this in person.

Okay, so now that you have had time to study it, let’s break it down.   Remember, my opinion may be different from yours because we all have unique needs based on our families and stage of life.   I love your feedback even if it is different from my opinion.

Pros:

-Curb appeal is undeniable.
-Master is on the back of the house and is tucked around the corner for privacy.
-The master bath has separate vanities and a divided closet.
-The living room fireplace is a nice addition.
-There appears to be a butler’s pantry between the dining room and kitchen.
-The kitchen has a long island and is open to the family room.
-The mudroom and laundry space are tucked nicely to the side and behind a closed door no less.
-The family room space is plentiful and opens onto the deck.
-Both the dining room and living room open onto the front porch.
-The bedrooms on the second floor are large and symmetrical.  The bump-out would be a cool feature.  The closets are unreal.
-I love the extra storage closet and additional optional bonus space.

Cons:

-The kitchen feels small to me.  I noticed this right away.
-The living room is very open and I prefer a room that is more of a “study” where you can hide away a little bit.
-I would get rid of the door between the dining room and kitchen.
-All of the doors to the porches are pretty but that is a lot of entry and exit points which could be a safety concern.  Also, it could be a decorating challenge.
-I’d prefer one more bedroom and bath upstairs for a guest room.
-I’m not sure if I like the “open to below” balcony on the second floor.  Maybe I say that because we have one.  :)  It can be noisy and I don’t like the kids looking over it.

***

Okay, so what are your thoughts?  I love the style of this home so much that for me it is one for the file.  For another stage of life perhaps.

If you go to the plan on the Stephen Fuller website, you can see the back of the plan as well as more pictures.  Also, he has a nice summary of the details.

Enjoy your Saturday, folks!

-Erin

I admitted last year that my container gardening is not exactly creative.  I’m a simple girl when it comes to flowers.  Part of it is probably the stage of life, or perhaps it is just a little bit of laziness but I like flowers that are easy to keep alive and don’t require a lot.  Much like children.  Not.  Now, after going to the trouble of planting them I will water regularly and pinch off dead stuff.  Minimum maintenance I can fulfill.  I’ve got kids who need a little work to do after all and I’m sure they will be glad to soak everything in sight with the hose.

I added to the flower pot collection this year; the pedestals by the front door are a recent Garden Ridge purchase.

That is sweet potato vine (the green) mixed with purple heart.  I am a big fan of the violet/chartreuse combo.  These two plants are of the nearly impossible to kill variety.

On the bottom step is a new breed of impatiens which is actually sun-friendly as opposed to the typical shade-loving sort.  That is a self-watering pot from Garden Ridge that I got last year. You fill the bottom and it works for several days.  I like it but since none of my other containers are self-watering it is not exactly a time-saver.

On the top step are red and pink geraniums which I had last year for the first time.  They are hardy and will keep blooming into fall if you continue to pinch off the dead junk.

I wasn’t sure what to plant in the new pedestals because it is covered.  I went with Coleus for the height and shade factor.  I used the sweet potato vine again and wasn’t sure how it would do because it doesn’t get much sun there.  So far, though, the afternoon sliver of sun seems to be enough and it has been almost two weeks.

The right side has some catching up to do but I planted it a couple days after the first pot due to a soil shortage.  It is amazing the difference a few days makes!

Okay, so you see that I’m not a floral genius by any means.  I didn’t mix much or do anything out of the box but if you ask me it looks pretty darn good.

I am curious to see how those impatiens do.  I’ll let you know!   What flowers do you plant in your containers?  I know we likely live in different zones so I’d love to know.

-Erin

I mentioned furniture shifting a few weeks ago.  Truth be told, Mr. C was gone for a week and whenever that happens I get antsy.  In the evenings, my mind starts working overtime and I end up trying out new things knowing he won’t have to suffer through the temporary craziness.

I’ve also been doing a lot of aforementioned purging now that Reid is a big boy.  Old toys are getting donated and our needs have changed.  These seemingly parallel things cosmically crashed into one mini-makeover.

Goodbye, toy storage and horizontal mirror.

Hello, open space.  Hello, happy corner.

While the toy storage space was fun to decorate, the new solution leaves it much more open.  The mirror going vertical opens things up and the lack of large furniture does as well.

The white piece from the breakfast space does a nice job of making the odd walkthrough feel like more of a corner.   It feels cozier but much less crowded.

I’ve had that HomeGoods pillow for a while now and I like the size.  I also like that it doesn’t cover the hope chest like a cushion would.  We now have an empty space in the bedroom but it was sort of just squatting there so it doesn’t feel blank.

Getting pictures of this mini re-do was painful because of the mirror.  I kept either reflecting myself or the sun and it was almost comical.  Until it wasn’t and I was frustrated.  When I get the new pillows you can see how nicely it works with the couch and sofa table.

Is it Friday, yet?

-Erin

Sometimes it’s the little things.  The tiny trinkets that make a house a home.  Of course there are Mommy Treasures, but I’m referring to the things that we pick up here and there just because.  Special souvenirs or even dollar store finds.  The not-your-taste pottery from your favorite Aunt or a special picture frame that makes your heart sing.   Some trifles make us tingle and others are put in a special drawer, awaiting a visit from a certain family member. That relative who is sure to ask where the parakeet statue is before crossing the threshold into your home.

Thank goodness for special drawers.  None were needed for this post.

Do you see the book that is made to look like the number four, sitting on the ottoman?  I like that it represents our family, although Lacey is quick to point out that it should be a five to include our dog.

That houndstooth cup is from the Target dollar bin but it gives me a little zing every time I see it.  I can’t put my finger on it, but why question a warm fuzzy?

A picture frame with a romantic message is a sentimental piece.  I’m a sucker for love.

An antique candle snuffer with no place else to go.  And yes, it is still spring so the eggs stay.

And my newest treasures, the inspiration behind this post.  My sister brought me the vase and hand-carved owl from her trip to Greece.

While I was one man down last week, driving all over the planet for end of school activities, Emily was sipping wine and eating fried Feta Cheese overlooking the sea.  I tried to emulate by watching Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and having souvlaki for dinner on the porch but it was not quite the same.   I’m sweating through swim practice, getting texts about red beaches and cliff jumping.

While I’m tempted to jump off the closest cliff the last weeks of May, June brings a joy that keeps me on the brink of sanity.

One week left and summer will be ours.

Do you have any sentimental figures or crazy tchotchkes that keep things fun?

-Erin  

]]> http://www.twostorycottage.com/2013/06/ode-to-the-tchotchke.html/feed 2 http://www.twostorycottage.com/2013/05/fun-finds-for-summer.html http://www.twostorycottage.com/2013/05/fun-finds-for-summer.html#comments Fri, 31 May 2013 12:00:04 +0000 Erin http://www.twostorycottage.com/?p=4385 Dear Friends,

The spirit of summer is calling.  School isn’t out yet but we can see the finish line.  The weather is finally  porch-worthy which has thrown me into full makeover mode.   While browsing for myself, I collected some fun outdoor finds.  They aren’t sale items but you can bet that they all will be if you wait long enough.

The World Market deep bench would be a good porch pick. It reminds me of our current settee because you can lay it on like a bed.  I’m also a fan of the green garden stool which is a contender for the side porch. The color is right and it is a nice twist on a regular garden stool. Both Pier One chairs come in a rainbow of fun colors. Of course, anything with birds or dragonflies gets me every time.

I’m not looking to “redo” our outdoor spaces every year so whatever I purchase I’d like to keep for the long haul.  That being said, certain things eventually will succumb to the weather.   Hopefully,  I can try to maintain what we have so that it will last.

TGIF, People!

-Erin

Today you can find me at The Handmade Home, with a mini-tutorial on creating a chalkboard coffee table.  This is my newest addition to the screened porch which is slowly coming together. I’m so excited to really use it this year!

Now, I just need a chair or two and I’ll be set.  Oh, and the porch needs one more scrub-down as does the rug.  Plants would be good also…

Okay, go find me over there!

-Erin

I asked for your opinion on bamboo shades for the naked patio doors and was met with an overwhelming yes.   My gut instinct was to go for it but I was happy to get back-up feedback before I had two more custom cut.  You can’t exactly put them back together once they go through the machine!

I’m tickled pink about the finished look that the wall of shades provides.  It really gives the room a cozier feel.  The walk-through, hollow feeling is nearly gone.

I can’t wait to get my new custom birthday pillows for the sofa and chairs.  I think after that this room will be nearly complete, with the exception of a moulding treatment that lives in the recesses of my mind.

I got a little panicky at first with the space between the shades on the doors.  Do you see what I’m talking about?  When I first put them up it felt like a cavern but I don’t even notice it anymore.  Because of the door handle, I couldn’t put the left-hand door shade any further to the right.  I had to match it accordingly on the right side.  From a visual stand-point I wish they could meet a little closer but I want them to be usable.

I toyed with the idea of another curtain panel in the middle but I think I like it as is.  What do you think?

Those panels are worth the dough.  Ballard Designs carries very quality panels and the fabric is beautiful.  As a reminder, the bamboo shades are Levolor and you can have them custom cut at Lowe’s.

*The original panel post is here.
*The extra-wide curtain rod post is here.
*The original shade post can be found here.

Let’s tie it up in a tidy package (with baker’s twine of course)  so you can see the full progression!   A finished project feels euphoric.  Like dark chocolate and sea salt waves of happy.

I hope you are enjoying the holiday weekend.  Today is Memorial Day so between bites of that cheeseburger, maybe we can all try to remember those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

-Erin

I got good feedback after the first installment of Floorplan Saturday so I decided to run with it. I’m thinking it will be twice a month max.   Every week would get boring for those of you who don’t get weak in the knees for floor plans like I do.

I could and will write a whole post on what I like and don’t like in a floor plan but for now lets take a look at one of my personal favorites.

Kensington Park by Frank Betz

No doubt, Kensington Park is a cottage lover’s dream .  The lines, mixture of materials, and details.  Yes, please.   Of course, every cottage needs a front porch and beautiful windows.  The doors make an impact as well.   I saw this house being built in a nearby custom home subdivision which lead to my seeking out the plan.  This particular house was brick but even without the board and batten it was incredibly charming.

The funny thing about floor plans is that what doesn’t appeal to me might appeal to you. What is a positive in my book might be a negative for your family.  So much depends on your stage of life and what your needs are.

Square footage:
first floor: 1755
second floor: 864
Total: 2619

Positives:

-Side load garage (the one I saw in person had a 3-car)
-front porch
-double sinks in Master
-huge kitchen with great usable space
-mudroom area
-two bathrooms upstairs
-potential bonus space in attic
-several closets for storage
-laundry tub
-separate breakfast space
-sizable bedrooms with good closets

Negatives:

-no living room or study
-only one closet in master
-master is close to the main living space

Master down is a positive for many but sometimes a negative for those with young children. While I love this house,  I do like a separate space for a study or den.  If we didn’t have a piano, I probably wouldn’t care as much.

Regardless of any negatives, this plan makes a beautiful home.  Having seen it in person, I can tell you it is a very livable plan with a lot of lovely details.

Now, what are your likes and dislikes about the plan?

-Erin