House & Life

Patience and Penny Pinching.

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

Merry Christmas to my beloved readers.

Help!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Alison Duffy) — 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 (Alison Duffy) — 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 (Alison Duffy) — 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 to little people to your name and that is a game changer. We moved out of the big 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 (Alison Duffy) — 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 (Alison Duffy) — 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 (Alison Duffy) — 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 (Alison Duffy) — 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.

More Reports from the Yard

noreply@blogger.com (Alison Duffy) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 14:10:00 +0000

My covered back porch is just big enough for a couple of people to hang out. I was also aiming for a bit more privacy and sun control. I found super inexpensive on sale IKEA drapes at over 100 inches and they are perfect! I love how they blow in the breeze and get a diamond pattern on them from the lattice behind. Added the mirror for a bit of shimmer. I found those great jars at our local Ollies for like 3 bucks and put some moss in them which has lived for weeks! A couple of striped cushions and planted potato vines, and you have a pretty little perch. Hubbie set up a table next to the hydrangeas the last couple days to have some friends over. I made Tyler Florence's Calamari salad from this month's House Beautiful. Totally cheated and ordered the calamari from our favorite Italian restaurant in Scranton, but it was very good!

Yard Truce

noreply@blogger.com (Alison Duffy) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 15:04:00 +0000

My cut peonies in my kitchen.

This is the first year in this house that I feel like I can go outside and not wince at a major yard issue. I'm happy!! My bed along the fence as you can see is really starting to take off and could probably use some trimming. I planted 3 Limelight Hydrangeas 2 years ago and boy are they getting big! I also "borrowed" a stalk of sedum from Cape May's Congress Hall because I loved how beautiful it looked, and can you imagine how it multiplied???? I laugh cause the husband said it would never make it home alive and was freaking that there was ants crawling all over it. I consider it a win... Also two peonies, funny the expensive Philadelphia Flower Show one didn't bloom, the 12 dollar Walmart one did.w Goes to show you. But as my friend Jen pointed out, it could take a couple of years. And of course rows of boxwood. I think I need to add some color, but still feeling successful. The yard was about a foot of brush all the way across with nothing but anaconda size grapevines. Dug them up one by one in previous years and just kept seeding with grass. It's looking good!! Here's your yard paying you back too this year! A couple of images that inspire as well....hope you feel the same way.

Images from House and Life,Rural Intelligence, Michael Devine, Domino, Unknown, Elle Decor

Howdy

noreply@blogger.com (Alison Duffy) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 19:18:00 +0000

The finger is still not happy. A couple of goodies today.

How cute are these new flats from Kate Spade?

I still obsess over Rita Konig's powder from Domino. Do you know she's with WSJ now?

Isn't Chanel's Show so summery and chic?

It's amazing what great landscaping in the front of a house achieves, right? My good friend did hers around the corner and it looks amazing like this one from CHH.

Did you see this great speckled number I have for sale in the Etsy shop?

Images from Kate Spade, Domino, Canadian House and Home, Unknown, and House and Life

Genius!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Alison Duffy) — Tue, 17 May 2011 19:51:00 +0000

Ballard has come out with this terric storage piece. Fabric lined in a gorgeous grey, throw down an oriental rug in an empty room,a couple of rolling racks, add a crystal chandy, and with this piece you have a lovely "walk in" closet!

Funny Stuff

noreply@blogger.com (Alison Duffy) — Fri, 13 May 2011 17:07:00 +0000

You know we have all felt this way with little ones! Now a grown up children's book to perhaps keep tucked away for a good laugh when you are feeling like you are at the end of your rope. Makes for a great gift (for those with a sense of humor...lol.)

Thank you Kate

noreply@blogger.com (Alison Duffy) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 18:44:00 +0000

For the memory with my 4 year old little girl. You were just beautiful.

Hippity Hop Hop.

noreply@blogger.com (Alison Duffy) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 17:44:00 +0000

I hope you have a wonderful Easter with your friends and family.

Images from Instyle Magazine,Domino, Unknown.

Where Have You Been All My Life?

noreply@blogger.com (Alison Duffy) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:38:00 +0000

I love hardwood floors and tiled kitchens. What I don't love however is the constant clean-up with two little ones running in and out with muddy, dirty shoes. So the battle of dragging out the bucket of water,mop, some chemical nastiness to make them look somewhat presentable in 10 minutes before the aformentioned little feet run back in. So I took the plunge and bought a Bisell Shark Steam Mop. Cue angels singing. Plug in, heats up quick, and glorious gentle steam glides over tile and hardwood seamlessly with very little streaking. The pad pops off and into the washer. No bucket, no mop, no soaking wet floors! Happy Mommy. Do you have one? Are you thinking of getting one? Any problems that I (don't) really want to hear? No, I do! Report please...

noreply@blogger.com (Alison Duffy) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 22:30:00 +0000

Hope you are all looking forward to Friday! I am......

Images from Gil Shafer,Stella McCarthy via Vogue, Country Living, Unknown.

Banquette or Banq-K for that matter.

noreply@blogger.com (Alison Duffy) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 20:11:00 +0000

Having to make a quick pit stop in K-Mart, I was surprised to see a wooden banquette offered for sale at around $250.00. As you know, a custom banquette can cost you $$$$$$. And if you have a rental and not a whole lot of space, this might be a great piece to grab. I probably would lose the extra bench and add two modern chairs Yes, its in an unattractive oak stain but channelling Palmer Weiss, paint it out in say Farrow and Ball's Hague Blue and then add a few Thom Felicia for Kravet cushions, and you have a very chic, affordable place to dine.

Photo credits Domino Magazine, Elle Decor, Unknown, Farrow and Ball, Kravet

Lovin.

noreply@blogger.com (Alison Duffy) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 14:31:00 +0000

Wisteria.

Sorry

noreply@blogger.com (Alison Duffy) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 22:50:00 +0000

I have a dislocated finger so typing has been a challenge to say the least. But I would like to at least share some images that make me think of happier things.

Photo credits Unknown,Domino,Cottage Living.

Today

noreply@blogger.com (Alison Duffy) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 20:02:00 +0000

I want this kitchen including that amazing pantry door.

I'm now convinced I need to dig out my old horse show ribbons and do something with them

I love vertical siding especially in white. This used to be a ranch!

I want a fabulous tablecloth much like Aerin Lauder's for my dining room.

How beautiful is this Mommy?

Images from Chicago Home, Elements of Style, Cottage Living, Elle Decor, Sorry can't remember the last!