vignette design

Botanical Prints In The Family Room

2026-02-15T12:09:00.000-08:00

When designing the lighting for the family room/kitchen, I knew I wanted library sconces.

My electrician was perplexed because I didn't have the art in mind yet, but I assured him that it didn't matter.

Originally, I figured I would hang a series of oils that we've collected over the years.

Until I found these botanical prints at Oka.

I love how their white background, along with the white curtains contrasts with the grasscloth.

Decorating With Crystals

2020-11-10T12:44:00.000-08:00

Crystals are a fun way to add that organic, earthy element that I so love to the decor. When sitting atop a collection of design books on the coffee table, they add elegance and sparkle to the room.

This is my latest find, a beautiful amethyst geode--I love its deep, deep purple.

Amethyst crystal is my favorite, not only because it's my birth stone, but because it's the most dramatic of crystals.

Another coffee table vignette at home.

I like how the crystals are able to mix and coexist with the sea shell collection.

All part of my organic natural curiosity vibe.

I'm always on the hunt for crystals, finding them in rock shops along the highway, antique stores, Etsy, Ebay and even at Homegoods.

They are my latest obsession!

The New Deck, Before and After

2020-10-27T07:30:00.001-07:00

Our evenings on the deck, enjoying al fresco dinners or a glass of wine are about to end for a while as fall is in the air and the time change around the corner.

It has made sheltering in place a lot easier to have this extra space to enjoy.

When we bought the house two years ago, this was the deck.

It was clearly in need of a redo.

Overall, the footprint remained the same.

I knew I definitely wanted to keep the privacy wall.

Basically, I wanted an updated and modern approach to the deck.

My contractor, Paul replaced the floor with a composite material that will never warp or rot.

We chose cedar for the privacy wall and the railing.

Horizontal boards replaced the lattice privacy wall.

As for the railing, at first it was going to be hogwire--a contemporary look that many are going for.

But in the middle of the night, it came to me that I wanted a classic look, so pencil to paper, I designed the X-shaped rail.

Here's what it looked like before the pergola was installed.

Here is what it looks like now with the new pergola.

Mr. A and I put up string lights the other day, which gave the whole area a romantic glow.

I'm really sorry to have our summer evening time come to a close.

But on a cool fall evening, we'll just put on our coats, sit out here and look at the stars.

Gardening Is Good For The Soul

2020-10-21T07:00:00.001-07:00

Our raised bed garden has exceeded our expectations.

When we came back from our month long road trip, we couldn't believe how much it grew!

It went from this...

...to this!

It literally tripled in size.

This garden is the best thing ever. It's literally good for my soul!

Every morning, I come out here with my coffee and water and putter!

In the evening, Mr. A and I pick tomatoes and cucumbers, herbs and lettuce for our dinner.

Mr. A even made tomatillo salsa from our garden which was amazing, especially on top of sea bass or even steak.

I wish I could say we grew the asparagus, but maybe next year!

Texas Farmhouse Update

2020-10-16T12:06:00.001-07:00

When we visited Texas in July, we had the task of finishing and furnishing the farmhouse.

Since then, the landscape was completed, the exterior and interior was painted and the finishing touches

were added to the decor.

The back patio area with crushed granite and stone border.

A fire pit and Adirondack chairs will soon be added.

A crushed granite path joins the back to the front.

The front door got a coat of black paint to match the shutters.

The porch is now ready to sit awhile and sip tea...

...or a glass of wine!

Let's go inside for a closer look...

We sourced a lot of the furniture from local furniture and antique stores in Granbury.

We brought a lot with us though, like lamps and art which I had already.

I replaced the drapes with off-white linen--a huge upgrade to the ones that came with the house.

We found this fabulous cabinet in Granbury.

It fills up a very big wall and houses games, throws and a bar.

The dining table was mine from years ago.

Chairs were ordered online.

The art I had already--the botanicals were found at the Paris flea market that I framed.

I think they really pop on the charcoal wall, along with the linen drapes.

I replaced the island lights and chandelier in the kitchen/dining area.

It was really fun furnishing this room which was inspired by Wes Anderson.

I brought the seagrass table and alabaster lamp with us and the rest was ordered online.

The ship wheel was found at a local antique and decor store.

Another guest room down the hall with a white washed headboard and matching nightstands.

Painting the wall behind the headboard charcoal highlights the damask bedding which I brought from home.

The master bedroom has all white bedding and gray walls.

There is also a huge walk-in closet--in fact all the bedrooms have walk-in closets.

Yes, the carpet isn't my first choice, but I opted to keep it anyway!

The master bathroom has a huge soaking tub, his and her sinks and a walk in shower.

I love this farmhouse in Texas!

When we bought it, the goal was to have a place to stay when we visit our daughter and her family which are right next door. It was a huge project and Covid didn't make it easy to finish and furnish.

But we got it done, and I couldn't be happier with the results.

When we aren't visiting our daughter, the farmhouse will be a vacation rental.

Our daughter will manage it and has already given it a name.

Brazos Farmhouse!

I can't wait for us to visit again and enjoy this little slice of heaven in Texas!

T For Texas

2020-08-05T11:30:00.002-07:00

We couldn't imagine over a year ago that someday we would be standing on our own porch in Texas!

We built a modular home on a piece of property next to our daughter and her family!

It has been a year long project that I've managed from afar.

I ordered the modular home last fall and sometime early March, it arrived.

In three pieces!

Yes, it arrived on wheels, but then was put on a custom built foundation.

At this point I was a little panicky. After all, the reality of Covid had hit with the realization that there would be no flying to Texas to manage this project.

But in a couple of days, the house was put together and then we waited what seemed like forever to finish the outside and trim out the interior.

Two weeks ago, we ended up driving to Texas and arriving literally a day after it was finished.

Here is what the interior looked like when we walked in the door.

Within a week, it looked like this!

I replaced the drapes and chandelier.

I've held on to this table for years and glad I did.

The chairs were ordered and delivered ahead of time.

Of course the front porch is my favorite part of the house, overlooking a large field.

When I took on this project, it was going to be our place to stay when we visited our daughter and family, and an Airbnb in between.

We even gave it a name!

Brazos Farmhouse

Check out the Instagram for more photos and follow along with the design process.

We are headed back to California in a couple of days.

We are going to miss our little Texas farmhouse and our "Texas neighbors" but hopefully we'll be back in the fall.

Airstream Dreams Come True

2020-07-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

If you've been following my blog or Instagram for very long, you know that I've been obsessed with Airstreams forever.

It was always just a dream, but it took a pandemic to make it a reality!

Actually, with our two daughters far away, we realized that this would be the only way we could ever visit them.

It's like a hotel room on wheels.

Covid-19 safe!

We named her Lucy.

#LucytheAirstream!

I've already added my personal touches to the interior with bedding...

...and of course cute dishes!

We take her out on the road tomorrow for our first road trip and we are both excited and terrified!

There is so much to learn but we can do it!

You can follow along with us on our journey on Instagram.

Check out @Airstreamtripping as we head to Texas!

Wheeeee!

TEXAS OR BUST!

Our Urban Oasis

2020-07-17T15:15:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since I've posted, mostly because while sheltering in place there just wasn't much going on.

I found myself staring out the back door and visualizing a garden, like a Victory Garden where we could grow our food while in the midst of this awful pandemic.

I decided to rip up the aggregate concrete in front of the garage and put raised beds there.

Our driveway is too narrow to get a car back there anyway, so why not put the space to good use?

We had just finished the deck, railing and pergola, so the garden would be a continuation of the Urban Oasis project.

The aggregate was replaced with gravel.
This allows for drainage under the raised beds.
Weeds won't be a problem because under the gravel is weed cloth.

Since we got a late start, we purchased mature tomato plants for the remainder of the growing season, along with herbs.

Here is how it looks from the deck.
I have to say, it makes me so happy to see our garden!

I love to sit out on the deck and just appreciate our little oasis.
In the morning, I can putter in the garden.
In the evening, hopefully pick a ripe tomato or two for dinner.

Our gardener Martin cut some bamboo shoots and made tomato cages.

How cool is that?

I've always dreamed of having raised beds to grow our own vegetables. I just didn't think we had the room.

It took us sheltering in place to make the decision to tear up the driveway and create our own Urban Oasis.

Mixed Up Metals

2020-03-30T06:30:00.000-07:00

Remember when all the metals had to match in your kitchen and baths?

If you had polished chrome cabinet hardware, then you probably matched the light fixtures and doorknobs too!

I threw that all out the window when I designed this kitchen.

There are gilded light fixtures...

...copper pots and polished nickel cabinet hardware, and of course the stainless steel appliances.

I chose polished nickel for the faucet, but did consider aged brass for a minute.

I think it seems more interesting mixing it all up.

After all, we mix our textiles and fabrics to create a cohesive design, so why not the metals in our home too?

Sheltering In Place

2020-03-18T07:47:00.001-07:00

We've been ordered to shelter in place, here in the San Francisco Bay Area.

It's day three and I'm still wandering around the house aimlessly trying to process this new normal.

There are so many questions....

How long will we be quarantined?

Is it safe to go to the store if we run out of supplies?

What's going to happen with my hair?

Will I go gray now?

What the heck are we going to do while shut in?

Well, after thinking for three days about this, I made a to do list.

Catch up with all the Netflix shows.

Sit by the fire and read.

Take the dog for a walk at least twice a day.

Putter in the garden.

Turn off the news and spend time together with the pets.

Take our time to cook nutritious meals.
(Mr. A's specialty.)

Sit at my desk to study and be inspired.

It's especially important to practice self care at this time.

Light candles.

Listen to music.

Take a walk.

Eat a balanced diet.

Meditate.

Write a blog post about sheltering in place.

I feel better already!

Are you sheltering in place or self quarantining?

Please let me know how you are coping.

We're all in this together.

The Guest Bathroom Reveal

2020-03-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

The hallway bathroom, or the guest bathroom also got a complete remodel during the renovation.

Not just replacing tile, but relocating all the fixtures, as well as the doorway entrance.

Here is the before photo.

The vanity is now where the tub was, the toilet is now where the sink was and the shower is where the toilet was.

I sacrificed a bathtub for a larger shower with a built in bench, using the same Carrara marble subway tile as the master.
I chose a simple hexagon floor tile in marble as well.

Here is the in progress photo.

We ended up also replacing the window with a smaller window with obscure glass.

I only had 57 inches to work with for the vanity.

I chose a navy blue 49 inch vanity from Signature Hardware, complete with marble top and sink.

I really wanted to give a nod to the nautical theme in here.

Hence, the seashell mirror and ship painting over the toilet...

...and a rope mirror over the vanity.

Ideally, this bathroom would be an ensuite to the guest bedroom, but there was no way we could make that happen.

The guest bedroom is just across the hall from the bathroom, so I made sure to coordinate them.

Navy walls, ship painting and paisley bedding create an illusion of an ensuite guest quarters.

I call it ensuite-ish.

Sources:

Vanity: Signature Hardware

Bath and Sink Faucets: Newport Brass

Toilet: Kohler

Marble Tile: Carraramarble.com

Sconces: Circa Lighting

Mirror: Homegoods

Bedroom Wall Color: BM Van Deusen Blue

Duvet: One Kings Lane

Bed, Rug and Nightstands: Pottery Barn

Lamps, Paintings and Shell Art: Vintage

Dog: Maltese Terrier Mix

The Powder Room Reveal

2020-03-09T16:15:00.001-07:00

I was bound and determined to carve out a powder room when we bought this house.

I dreamed of creating a little jewel box room with fabulous wallpaper and a marble sink.

This is a difficult room to photograph which is why I have't shared it yet.
So here is the big reveal!
The marble sink came from RH and fits perfectly between the 36 inch wide wall.

Of course the wallpaper was my jumping off point.

It's called Raphael from Sanderson.

I mounted the sconces on the side walls, so it's nice that they have half shades.

I already had the mirror!

Opposite the sink is the toilet.

I found the floral print at a little shop in the wine country and love how it contrasts with the wallpaper.

I had so much fun designing this little jewel box room!

To see how this space began, all the way down to the studs and plans:

"The Open Concept Plan"

Sources:

Sink: Restoration Hardware
Faucet: Newport Brass

Mirror: Ballard Designs

Wallpaper: Sanderson, "Raphael"

Sconces: Perigold

New Curtains In The Kitchen

2020-03-02T16:58:00.001-08:00

When the kitchen/family room curtains were installed last week, it was like Christmas!

I love how they finish the room and bring everything together.

Here is the same wall without the curtains.

As you can see, something is missing.

I chose off white linen for the custom made drapes because the white picks up the background of the botanical series in the room.

It's also a nice contrast to the grasscloth.

With the drapes finally installed, the kitchen remodel is complete which is a nice feeling!

My Organized Pantry

2020-01-23T08:07:00.001-08:00

My pantry is a jack of all trades!
It is a food pantry, a dish pantry and flower arranging pantry, depending on what door you open.

Behind Door #1 is our food storage.
I like to corral extra drinks, pet food and miscellaneous food in baskets to keep everything looking neat and organized. Cookbooks and small appliances also live in this cupboard.

Baskets make everything look better, don't you agree?

Between Door #1 and Door #2 is a wet bar and wine refrigerator.

The glass bistro shelving is an opportunity to display some of my glassware collection.

The sink also allows me to arrange flowers which brings me to Door #2!

Behind Door #2 are all the vases, flower pots, moss...

...and candles and candlesticks.

I put the candles in a shallow wicker tray so they're easy to see.

Likewise, the glass vases look better when they're all corralled on a tray.

I love bringing home flowers and having everything at my fingertips, as well as the sink close by to help create arrangements.

Behind Door #3 is where I store my dishes.

Not all my dishes, but a large percentage of chargers, majolica and miscellaneous dish ware.

Sets of flatware sit on the floor.

In between Door #3 and 4 is currently a bar cart, but eventually it will be replaced with a desk.

And finally, behind Door # 4 are more dishes and glassware.

This cupboard is still a work in progress, but I made it as neat as possible for this post.

This room has been my salvation!

It served as a temporary kitchen when ours was being remodeled.

But also, it allowed me a place to store so much of what I've collected over the years.

I've said many times, it was a major factor when we bought the house.

I love how it's just off the dining room, as well as the kitchen.

If we ever have a dinner party, the pantry room, wet bar or whatever you want to call it will come in very handy for creating a tablescape.

Want more pantry inspiration?
I'm joining 9 other bloggers today who are sharing their pantries and organization tips.
Be sure to pay them a visit!
Classic Casual Home
After Orange County
Driven by Decor
Rough Luxe Lifestyle
Modern Glam
Most Lovely Things
My Sweet Savannah
Northern California Style
Sheri Silver

New Kitchen Reveal

2019-12-02T12:49:00.000-08:00

Our kitchen was finally completed in November and we couldn't be happier with how it turned out!

I have to say, I was a little nervous with the black backsplash choice, but in the end, I wouldn't change a thing.

The countertops and backsplash are honed granite which mimics soapstone. I designed the curved stone behind the stove to highlight the copper pots.

The grasscloth wallcovering was always the plan. I've had it for a long time and luckily there was more than enough to wrap the entire kitchen and family room walls.

I especially love how it works with the backsplash.

At the opposite end of the room, we hung the tv on the wall with the pine buffet anchoring it.

Gray herringbone chairs flank the buffet.

A soft leather sofa faces the tv.

I had the electrician install the library lights not knowing what would end up on the walls.

I found these botanical prints to fill up the big wall which was too shallow to put a piece of furniture on it.

The new French doors will be dressed with white linen drapes offering both privacy and respite from the afternoon sun.

I remember a day when all metals had to match. It's still being done, but I chose to mix the metals. There's the polished nickel hardware and faucet mixed with the gilded island pendants and sconces. Brass library lights, bronze door hardware, and don't forget the copper pots! It all works.

It's hard to believe this project is finished!

Sources:

Cabinets: Brookhaven

Cabinet hardware: RH

Sink: Kohler

Faucet: Newport Brass

Stove: Wolf

Dishwasher: Bosch

Refrigerator: Fisher & Paykel

Microwave: Sharp

Countertops and backsplash: Honed "mist" granite

Wallcovering: Jeffrey Phillips grasscloth

Sofa and chairs: Pottery Barn

Bar cart: Serena and Lily

Pendants and sconces: Aiden Gray

Library lights: RH

Botanicals: OKA

It's Starting To Look Like A Kitchen!

2019-09-27T15:03:00.001-07:00

How happy am I that the cabinets were installed last week?

Absolutely thrilled!

Not only were they installed, but the crown moulding also went in.

The countertops were templated and are waiting for the black granite.

What's that on the side of the cabinet you ask?

After much indecision, I decided to put sconces on the cabinet sides, instead of over the window.

The range hood also went in.

Kind of like the nose on the face, it just completes that wall.

Except for the backsplash...

Here is my backsplash inspiration.

I know, it's a lot of black, but I'm obsessed with this idea.

The stone will only go under the cabinets, but under the hood, it will transition like this.

I plan on hanging a pot rack just under the hood and hang copper pots.

Things are really moving along fast now.

The floors are scheduled for next week!

Stay tuned....

August In Asti

2019-08-31T18:22:00.005-07:00

Once the construction got to be too much, we packed our bags, the cat and dog and headed to Asti for the entire month of August.

The month started out fun and relaxing with family visiting, but then we had our well go dry for a day. Scary! It ended up being a broken pipe in the driveway which we had to dig up and repair.
Then came the hot days. 107 degrees hot!

Then deer somehow got on the property and ate all the roses!
Good thing we were there because they would have eventually eaten everything!

Did I mention the rattlesnake?
Yep, right behind one of the chaises by the pool.
Mr. A took care of that, thank goodness!

We've never spent more than 4 days at a time in Asti, so this was a real treat!
I spruced up a few places like the sitting area in the pool house with a new outdoor rug and pillows.

The living room got a refresh as well.
Nothing major, just a few new trays, candles and flowers.

Fresh cut olive branches are always a good idea!

The dining room also got a refresh.
I found another hide for the table, just like the one at home.
I also brought out my majolica to display on the hutch.
Perfect for fall.

Best of all, we finally replaced the uncomfortable pine ladderback chairs with French linen chairs.
They are a game changer!

Being in Asti the month of August has been both relaxing and productive.
We head home next week to oversee the construction.
Rumor has it our cabinets will be delivered!

Stay tuned...

The Open Concept Plan

2019-08-29T13:26:00.004-07:00

I get a kick out of watching the remodeling programs on HGTV. They're very big on tearing down walls and creating an "open concept." As if it's that easy!

I found out that it's not that easy. We had to get an architect and an engineer involved which cost money and time.

We also had to move ducting for the furnace and water heater.

While the Property Brothers and Fixer Upper make it seem like no big deal, it is.

Here is the BEFORE floor plan.

The new floor plan.
As you can see, we carved out space in the hallway for a powder room and located a stacking washer and dryer in a closet.
The hallway bathroom gets a total reconfiguration, along with relocating the door.
This allows me to put an armoire in the hallway where the previous door was.
It will serve as a linen closet, since that went away to make room for the laundry.

A peek into the new powder room.

Just this week, sheetrock was installed, taped and mudded.

The hallway bath is shaping up!

Now everything gets primed and ready for cabinets which will arrive on Tuesday next.
Things are starting to happen fast!

Powder Room Inspiration

2019-07-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

When I came across this gorgeous powder room on Instagram, I almost had a heart attack!

It just takes my breath away. Ok, I'm being dramatic, but you have to admit, it's beautiful!

It's designed by Heather Chaddack.

That wallpaper though!

It's called "Raphael" by Sandberg, and I'm in love!

Unless I find something else that I love more, this is going on the walls!

I ordered this vanity from RH, which is similar to my inspiration photo.

At first I was vacillating between polished nickel and brass legs, but ended up with the nickel.

Oh look! I already have the mirror!

It will be perfect over the vanity.

To complete the look, I chose these sconces which will compliment the mirror beautifully.

I cannot wait for this little jewel box of a powder room!

Thank you Heather Chadduck for the inspiration!

Kitchen Island Pendant Choices

2019-06-27T12:02:00.001-07:00

I've been struggling with lighting choices for our kitchen island for weeks!

The black granite island is a little over seven feet long and 3 feet wide, so I need two pendants.

This lantern from Ballard Designs is a safe bet. I know what it will look like because I had it in our City kitchen.

But, I want something a little less safe--a little different.

I fell in love with this pendant by Currey and Company.

The black metal shade is fabulous, and I love that there is a candelabra inside.

The problem is the inside of the shade and candelabra are silver and I want gilded.

At 20 inches diameter, it could be too big.

Also, the price is very high.

Here is what they look like in a kitchen....

I discovered this reasonably priced pendant from Outrageous Interiors.

It's certainly different! But is it too different? Is it too rustic?

I dunno!

Another safe choice from Currey and Company is this 13 inch diameter industrial style pendant.

I like that the inside is gilded and it has that black metal finish that I love.

This light and airy gilded pendant from Aidan Gray checks a lot of boxes.

It's different, yet traditional.

I like that the bobeches are distressed wood, but I would replace the metal candles with drip candles.

What do you think?

I found this pendant at Frontgate. It's also by Aidan Gray.

It was on sale, so I ordered two of them.

They remind me of my favorite from Currey and Company, but the shade is paper.

In the photo it looks black, but it's very light gray. The inside is splattered with gold, not solid which bugs me. They're also quite big at 20 inches diameter.

Thankfully, they are returnable because I'm not 100% about them.

I've exhausted my search for the perfect pendant and can't seem to fall in love with anything!

I feel like there is a thin line between not wanting something safe and expected and wanting to be different, cutting edge.

I would love any thoughts, ideas or feedback, please!

Before Pinterest

2019-06-17T07:45:00.000-07:00

Before the Internet, before Pinterest, there were only magazines for inspiration.

I had a subscription to most of them: House Beautiful, Traditional Home, Country Living, etc.

I would tear out favorite pages and put them in plastic sleeves to save. I had lots of binders, full of inspiration! They've all disappeared except one.

It's titled "Romantic Homes" which is where this page came from.

I still love this garden room with its floral wallpaper and chair. And that floor!

I think for the most part, this room would still be on trend today, minus the wallpaper.

Not sure who the designer was. Does anyone remember?

Another page I obsessed over!

A bedroom designed by Betsy Speert with that wonderful paisley duvet and delicious green walls.

Check out the bears on each post of the bed. It was definitely a time of embellishment.

What still stands today? Maybe the duvet?

Other than the many floral patterned pillows and red rug, this garden room could still be on trend with the mirrored coffee table and black lacquer chairs. Woven blinds would replace the cafe curtains.

This room and magazine feature had a great influence on me. A young couple decorated their home in Ralph Lauren fabrics. Lots of plaid and florals. Those fabrics are still around today. I think I still have a pillow in that floral somewhere.

Notice the sisal rug. It was at the beginning of that trend which still is around today.

Here's another page I've held on to all these years.
The cabinet with stacks of white towels, the faux bamboo desk and slipper chair upholstered in Ralph Lauren's "Charlotte" floral still makes my heart skip a beat.

I remember how much I loved this room with its leopard chairs mixed with florals and green stripe wallpaper. I loved everything about this room!
That ceiling though!

A close up of the table shows the green majolica dishes I've been collecting for years.

These pages are just a few examples of what inspired me back in the day. It took a lot of time to gather and collect when I was a young mother who enjoyed decorating my home on a budget.

These days, I search Pinterest and Instagram for ideas.

When not looking online for inspiration, I have my collection of design books.

And I'm happy there are still magazines to tear pages out and pin to my virtual board!

Check out my Pinterest and Instagram to see my projects, as well as what inspires me.

Wet Bar Reveal

2019-06-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

The wet bar is done! Well, almost. Eventually, we will add glass shelves when the hardware arrives.

But for now, it's as good as done.

What's nice about this little room, is that while the kitchen is gutted, this is now our mini kitchen.

All of the dishes went into the cupboards, along with the pantry items.

Having running water is a plus!

The rattan bar cart replaced the desk and now holds the microwave and toaster.

Here is the before photo...

...and the during photo.

The entire room was sanded and painted a glossy finish.

Then, a honed black granite counter went in.

I chose a brass sink and faucet in a living finish.

Our contractor built a cabinet for under the sink that looks like it was always there.

Luckily, the area to the right is a perfect size for a wine fridge.

New hardware from RH.

I do love this room that I called "the dish room" when we first moved in.

Then it was the office for a while.

Now it's a Butler's Pantry, holding all my dishes and crystal with a wet bar!

Stay tuned for the glass shelves addition....

Demo Day!

2019-06-10T17:03:00.001-07:00

Demo day was about as exciting as you can imagine!

In preparation for it, I emptied everything from the kitchen and stacked it all in the dining room.

Goodbye kitchen.

Goodbye center island that I've probably walked around a million times!

Goodbye bathroom...

Goodbye family room!

Yes, that's a toilet. Doesn't everyone have a toilet in the family room?

Our contractor, Paul built a wall between the construction zone and our living space.

Right down the middle of the hallway!

He then sealed off the door between the dining room and kitchen.

The refrigerator will go in front of it for the duration of the construction.

When the demo crew arrived--all eleven of them, it took them just eight hours.

This is looking at the kitchen from the family room.

That wall will come down when we put up a header.

The kitchen during demo.

For now, this is our kitchen.

We have a microwave, refrigerator and toaster.

What more does one need?

Converting From Wood to Gas Fireplace

2019-04-19T06:40:00.000-07:00

As much as I love a real fire with burning wood, I also recognize the health risks of breathing smoke.

Here in California, we've had a lot of devastating fires that have created a health hazard, so not contributing to the pollution is the right thing to do. That's why I converted our 1924 wood burning fireplace to gas logs.

The process involved bringing gas to the fireplace, which meant cutting a hole in the wall.

The company that installed the gas logs arrived after the gas was installed and coated our old chimney so we wouldn't burn the house down!

I'm so happy that we did this!

Not only does it look realistic, it gives off a good amount of warmth.

Keep in mind, this is not an insert, but logs that give a realistic burning fire.

Once the logs were installed, we were free to enjoy the ambiance of a fire.

Gas logs by Real Fyre

The Master Bedroom--Our Little Sanctuary

2019-03-15T15:24:00.000-07:00

The master bedroom looked gorgeous in the real estate photos. And it also looked good staged for sale, but once the furniture was removed, I realized that I wanted to replace the carpet before we moved in.

Under the carpet there was only subfloor. No hardwood at all because this room was added on at some point.
So I decided to carpet all the bedrooms in wall to wall seagrass and layer wool area rugs over them.
I'm so glad I did!

After the seagrass was installed, I wrapped the room in Madagascar grasscloth creating a warm and cozy feel.

Here is the bedroom with all the artwork hung, furnished and window coverings installed.

I chose a tortoise bamboo shade for window above the bed. I love how it coordinates with the grasscloth.

A collection of fern prints bring a feeling of tranquility.

My pine sofa table found a new home in the bedroom.
It anchors the television and holds my collection of turquoise, clutches and belts displayed in glass cases.

A charcoal velvet chaise is the perfect spot to sit and read or watch tv.

I hung a series of botanical specimens mounted on black linen next to the chaise.

California Closets turned the dingy little closet into an efficient closet with room to spare.
It isn't as glamorous as our City closet, but that's ok.

What I love most about our bedroom is the French doors that open to the deck.
They were replaced with energy efficient doors that open out, instead of in.
I hung white linen draperies on either side for privacy and light control.

With Phase 1 finished, we're gearing up for the larger construction of Phase 2.
This room will be a retreat from all of that chaos.
Our little sanctuary!