House & Life

Snow Day

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 20:31:00 +0000

Hello my friends. Has it really been this long since I blogged? Well I thought I would take this snow day to bring you up to speed if you would like! Remember last time we spoke we bought another big ole house in the Hill Section of Scranton? We also in the meantime sold our little lovely nest. We knew that would be a temporary move, but buying another large renovation was not quite as expected. We love it. This is our 5th home we have gutted, renovated, whatever you want to call it. Its not easy and without major obstacles, but we apparently have passion for it and where there is passion there is proof. Remember the lobby area? Well here it is where we are as we speak: This house came with a whole lot of wallpaper. I mean every wall in the house. We resurfaced all the walls with fresh sheet rock. We meaning Floyd, our guy we have worked with for years. It was a major undertaking, including all the ceilings. All the electrical, plumbing, lighting was all changed and added. Big project. But its worth it. We bathed the far dining room in grasscloth which I use so much professionally (known as the grasscloth QUEEN). But I use it for a reason, adds lots of dimension and texture to a box of a room. We recently added the star in entry. A little theatrical effect, love it. Next up, some custom built in work in living area which we have planned for some time. Can't wait to add a little more interest! My Gigi and James are getting big to say the least. They are happy and having a great year with school and friends. They have settled into the new digs. I have moved Gigi quite a bit and she has always been up for the challenge, but she's asking to stay in this house, which I think I must give in to. But remember we also took on a farmhouse renovation in the Catskills? That too has been an exciting and challenging experiment. I have learned quite a bit on this type of house ownership. Nothing comes easy or is at your fingertips in vast country. You must be careful and go slow with your choices, practically is essential up there. I love the simplicity of the house, and cannot wait to greet Horseshoe house in the early Spring. This is a picture from the hardest day we ever experienced up there: Looks like a fun,summer day right? Well it turned out pretty good for the kids... haha. I had the bright idea to bring them up to the house under construction and painting shortly after its closing. Didn't think about nails, paint, and a mess everywhere. We worked hard that day as I drug a sofa out into our gorgeous, expansive yard for them to relax as we ripped, cleaned up, and basically starved the kids for 6 hours. I think they had some chips... hehehe. I look back on this picture and smile because it has become much easier and rewarding on our visits. We painted the whole house white and filled it with simple, industrial, and primitive furnishings we have collected over the years. This year we plan on painting exterior and adding a new window and roof, plus looking to take on the kitchen. I can't wait for that one. And my business has definitely gathered steam again which as my fellow bloggers know definitely puts a grand ole kink in your time for blogging. Add two kids on top and POOF!!! But I miss you my friends if you still might be listening a bit. I hope to hear from you soon. xoxo Ali

The Country Version.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 04:17:00 +0000

I have taken my show on the road. This farmhouse is on a gorgeous piece of property in Upstate New York in Western part of Sullivan County. A pond in the distance, views of pastures, hills, and stone walls abound. It does however have possibly the most ugly living space in history: I am inspired by Shawn Henderson's farmhouse in Hillsdale New York with its exposed raw ceilings and simple wood furnishings: So with thissmallofabudget, the nasty yellow ceilings have been pulled down, the nasty orange carpet has been pulled up, and the walls have all been painted Ben Moore White Dove. I find this to be a very good start.

Bar Hill

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 22:05:00 +0000

Hi everybody! I wanted to say hello and let you know work is quite busy these days which results in a neglected blog. But I thought I would share a recent completed project we did here in Scranton. I was commissioned by dear friends to design a wine bar for my Hill Section neighborhood! It was very exciting and daunting in the same token, lots of consideration went into the planning of this beautiful, petite space. I chose to go with a handsome custom built glossy black bar with unconventional butcher block tops. They are so beautiful! We did a food grade poly which keeps them looking fresh. The little brass lamps are Ralph Lauren and the french wine boards are from Pottery Barn. I also had a custom banquette bench built with hidden storage. This is my dear friend Jack who filled the walls with all the custom art. Isn't he cute??? We added a stripe on the brown grey walls to add some dimension. The lights are black barn lights and little cage ones were placed over the bar. Here we are with added tables and chairs (Eames inspired) Chalk board paint was added to back wall for easy menu changes and handsome leather stools paired nicely with the brass rails added to our bar. I hope you like and when you are in Scranton, come check it out! Bar Hill 1431 Ash Street Scranton PA 18510 Images courtesy of Tribal Media and Jack Puhl.

Keep rollin..rollin...rollin...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 24 May 2012 15:47:00 +0000

Howdy my friends! I know its been like forever. Last I reported we sold our fixer in Scranton and moved into our little nest. Its been lovely. Then my husband showed me the Sunday paper with a house for sale a street up. I wasn't really interested in taking a look, but I agreed. After one walk through, we put an offer in basically walking out the door. It's going to seem like de-ja-vu for you who went with me for the ride of the last renovation. Yes, its pretty much a mess. But the reason I wanted it was for all its lovely bones. Butler's pantry, working fireplace, leaded glass windows, large lobby with a great staircase. And we haven't given up our hunt for a country place, but we thought we would up the anty for our little city life. Here are a couple initial photos. I hope you'll come along for this journey too. xx Ali

Pears Bears and Hares.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 18:18:00 +0000

I got a bunch of emails asking where I got the two outfits for the kids for Easter. They are from my favorite designer and friend Kayce Hughes of Pears and Bears. Have you seen her Spring Line? I'm in love. I want a tunic in green and the cuts on the little one's dresses and shorts are so old school. Did I mention she has seven(yes seven!)beautiful children and manages to run this incredible business. And girlfriend runs great sales!!!

Kayce actually emailed me to blog what is on TOP of my dining room table. I found this cage at a local floral shop and then filled it with golden straw, some Pier 1 eggs, and a ceramic rabbit. People have walked in and thought the bunny is real. Lol. The kids are constantly in and out of it, I love how much of a kick they get out of it.

Easter

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 22:58:00 +0000

I hope my dear readers you had a wonderful day.

Something to Digest

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 16:29:00 +0000

The new AD features the stunning New York Duplex of Writer Brad Goldfarb and Alfredo Paredes, a major creative force for Ralph Lauren. The contrast of warm browns, white, and black are so gorgeous. And is the terrace not to weep for? Really the whole April issue is definitely worth picking up at the newstand. I love the direction AD is taking under the helm of Margaret Russell. Perhaps a little more attainable design peppered in would really inspire me further.
To see the whole article go here

Hello.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 22:26:00 +0000

I do always have the best intentions to be a TERRRIFIC blogger.

Then work, two little ones, husband, houses, always seem to take a front seat.

I thought I would just share some random pretties from the files.

I did tell you we are on a second house hunt, right? We are circling around Upstate NY,Berkshires, and Litchfield County. I know its kind of a large circle.

I'm ready to plant a garden too. I have this little patch in our house now. I put in a pea gravel bed right before the end of the season last year. Can't wait to share.

I feel like Winter is never coming to an end even though it barely snowed. But you know what its like to be stuck inside? Unless you are reading this in Florida.

That's all for now.

Images from Elements of Style, Chic Coles, Emerson Made, Unknown, Lonny Magazine.

Amore

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:11:00 +0000

My babysitter asked me what I am doing for Valentine's Day. With James on my lap trying to garner my attention by pulling on my face and Gigi asking for a bowl of cereal, I replied, You are looking at it." Love takes on many different forms as we all know. I am grateful for the love of my two kiddos, a sweet husband, a job that inspires me, my dear readers of this blog, and oh a pair of leopard Louboutins could always go on the "love" list. I hope you have a terrific day. Wasn't my Gigi cute oh too many years ago in her red cape? Where does the time go. Love this day, it will go fast.

Photos Martha Stewart, Elements of Style, Tobi Farley, Myself, Unknown.

Nate Berkus and Onions.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

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Katie Lee the famous ex of Mr. Joel was on her BFF Nate Berkus's show making French Onion Soup. She is so darn cute and said I could make it in a crock pot, so I did. I cut up 5 onions and added a half a stick of butter and water to the crock. I let it cook a few hrs to a golden carmel. Then added low sodium beef stock ( you could use vegetarian stock) and instead of Katie's fancy wine, I poured in za 1/4 of left over Pinot and cooked a few more hrs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Then I sliced french bread, sprinkled a little parm cheese and toasted in the oven. When brown, I floated them in the soup. I gotta say, out of this world! Easy too, especially nice to come to after a long day.

Domino's Back!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:28:00 +0000

Well sort of. Conde Nast has released a press statement that a "Quick Fixes" editions will be on stands in mid April. Does this mean it's coming back for good???? Domino fans (like myself)can only hope!

See here

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:56:00 +0000

Happy Friday!!!!! Off to an adventure today, wish me luck.

Images via Habitually Chic, Shelter, Elle Decor, James Taylor website,unknown

Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:17:00 +0000

Via Apartment Therapy and Unknown.

Patience and Penny Pinching.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:31:00 +0000

So I told you all we have moved into our little house down the way. Part of the reason is to be able to afford a house in the country and we have been looking in the Berkshires for over a year now. I am super excited. I know I am going to want to fix up up right away to the fullest, but the budget is sure not going to allow that. This is why I love An Urban Cottage's blog. The owner has been renovating this little greek revival in Cambridge MA which wasn't so greek or revival till he brought it back to life. It goes to show you that you can make some quick fixes initially in a bad kitchen that can really be transform the space. With a lot of vision and little money, look how gorgeous this space is! The exterior renovation was much more extensive, but what a showstopper.
This is the before (thanks to Vintique Object, another great blog )

And this is the after

Steve painted the tile (yes, you can!) and gave it a clean, white backdrop. He added stock cabinets which he painted out, added some little shelving, butcher block counters, and an antique island. Smart accessories add to a very functional, pleasing space.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:29:00 +0000

Howdy!

I thought I would share this DIY I did in the New Year. I picked up this server quite awhile ago at our local Goodwill. I loved the lines of it with its tall, skinny point legs and great brass handles. Here it is with the first coat.

I grabbed a quart of Martha Stewart high gloss. Because the color is quite dark, I skipped priming. I know Eddie would not approve.

So here is the after!

The lamps are also from Sal Val and the shades just picked up from Tar-jay. I was so happy to find Bunny Williams "Point of View" on clearance at our local bookstore. So for under $150, I have a chic serving space in the dining room. Hope you like!

Let's Start Over

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:37:00 +0000

Let's go 2012. I'm dreaming of white, leapard sofas, roaring fires,burlap, oak,and the Berkshires. Wearing this

Here's to a wonderful year.

Images from Pink Wallpaper,MFAMB,dress and boots from Net-A-Porter.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:46:00 +0000

I apologize ,old posts and jibberish letters are being sent to my readers. Trying to get to the bottom of it.

Round here

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 17:45:00 +0000

Merry Christmas to my beloved readers.

Help!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 13:51:00 +0000

Dying for a copy of this magazine! I can't find it in Pennsylvania. Jill Brinson Sharp's Atlanta home (remember it from the cover of HB?) is decorated to its finest for the holidays with the help of Suzanna Kazler for Ballard Designs. Word is gorgeous blond is coming out with a new book! I love the chevron tablecloth, what a pop! To see more of this gorgeous house, head on over to Cote De Texas for a terrific post by Joni. Or here.

***** I love blogland and I love Cynthia Cowles from St.Simon's Island in Georgia for sending me a copy and for being a loyal reader. xx

Spirit

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:49:00 +0000

It snowed here last night in Scranton. It certainly put me in a holiday spirit. Here are a couple of images to inspire this chilly morning as well. Don't you love how Eddie Ross stacked his wood on his porch with a couple of friends to help?

Thank you so much for all the sweet emails that you are happy to see me posting. They really mean the world to me.

Images from Tartanscot,Country Living, Eddie Ross, Unknown

Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 01:23:00 +0000

Profoundly absent, I know.

Life takes many twists and turns as we know. Mine twisted, I turned. I find myself now standing at a crossroads. As an individual unit, I am unusually quite happy in that position.

I'm never one to sweat change. But add two little people to your name and that is a game changer. We sold our renovation house. I loved taking that house from near disaster and bringing it back to life with you of course along for the ride. But it was time for a change.

We have a new focus. So we did what we do best. Fix again. We moved into our little house and added some fresh energy. Going from big to small is not without challenge and you have to remain steady in your course. I'm excited to share how I made it work for us.

Thanksgiving is about not looking back at what might have been lost, but rather what you have without sometimes even knowing it. What a better time to start blogging again. It comes as a challenge of course but I miss you my friends.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 15:50:00 +0000

Hello! So needless to say I have been a tad busy. I have so much great stuff in the works and can't wait to share One project is a small bar space that is tad dark and depressing. So nothing a little red lacquer won't solve! But in the meantime I saw the print above on my girl Pink Wallpaper's blog. It struck a note and thought it would be a perfect little addition. But upon searching, it was only available in England and it would have been a pain to ship plus um, expensive. So imagine my delight when I found this Etsy seller with it listing. I snapped it right up and can I tell you it arrived in the most beautiful box trimmed in chocolate ribbon. I can't wait to frame it up! Will share the bar very shortly. So when are you coming over for drinks?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 01:32:00 +0000

Hi there campers! Summer is in full swing! Are you having fun??? My life seems to be entering in to phase of big changes and I can't wait to soon share. In the meantime, a couple of things:

I've been obsessed with little Capes in the Berkshires. How amazing is this tiny on square footage but big on style cottage by brilliant Architect Bill Ingram in Birmingham featured in the new HB! Between the new Lonny and HB, I am in heaven.
I actually emailed Bill on how he achieved the grey shaker shingle on the body portion of the house. He was sweet enough to write me back and let me know he experimented with a grey semi translucent stain. Just beautiful.

I really want a soapstone sink in my lifetime. This one looks so beautiful against the kitchen cabinets, no?

This pic makes me want to take a trip to far away lands.

How adorable are these Lego cakes my girlfriends Cathy and Heather made for their sons Will and Max birthdays? Happy Birthday big guys!

And Eddie Ross, the start of the foyer is FAB

ok, go out there and enjoy all summer has to offer!!!!

Random Thoughts for Back to Work (or not)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 00:22:00 +0000

I want these Louboutins Mary Janes bad.

I LOVE this pic of J Crew's Jenna Lyons and her son in her fab Brooklyn bathroom. Chalkboard paint!

I wonder what Magnificent Miles is up to for the summer? Let us know Miles!!!

I want a lattice ceiling.

I will never ever get over black pendant lighting over a kitchen island. I have some to share soon!

Farm to Table.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 22:37:00 +0000

I consider myself very lucky in life that I get to do what I love and I have the most terrific clients. Take in point Kristi. She is an amazing mom of two adorable kids that along with her husband bought a house about an hour away from Scranton. Its on a beautiful piece of land and word is her surrounding landscape is becoming the place to be. Rumor also has it that Ms. Martha bought a house not too far away.
Kristi is a follower of the blog and called me up to see if I could help with her living room project. I was happy to get on board when I quickly learned she had a great eye and a williness to explore all ideas to get this room to rise up to meet this wonderful family. Once again, terrific client.

Ok lets start with the carpet. I am not going to lie, it was an awful color. I give her credit for the strength to live with it as she inherited it from the previous owner. It had to go. Here is a visual before its demise.

So we then replaced it with a gorgeous wide board pre-engineered hardwood in a dark, variegated stain. The room opened up and came alive.

So we have 2 herringbone sofas coming from Lee Industries. The antique dining table is something she had and wanted to work in. We plan on laying down a couple of seagrass rugs. And paint swatches are up on the wall. Those funny little cornices (once again old owner) are a comin down and we are looking to some striped romans with tall, no frills white panels hung high. The brass ceiling fan (why people?) is being replaced with a new chandelier. And lots of mid level lighting as well. And don't forget the accessories! Some zinc and wood dining chairs are coming to join our nailhead wings this week. Now for a touch of glamour for Mommy, our armories to pull together the dining area:

Wow!! Is there such a thing as farmhouse glam? I think so! I love how the mirror reflects the landscape and adds a bit more light to this not so bright room. And client has reported that the have somewhat of an antique finish so fingerprints haven't been a problem. And thank you to said husband client for approving the mirrors. Hooray! But as we move on our direction is clear, a master of the mix in which lots of materials and textures are put to work that make for a successful room I hope! Progress reports to follow.