loft & cottage

the happy news

noreply@blogger.com (casey at loft and cottage) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:09:00 +0000

I got Michael a sappy card, but he got me a ring. I could not be happier that we're engaged. After ten months together, after knowing deep down that entire time that this was meant to be, yesterday was the day that it became official. And it was easily the best, and most romantic, Valentine's day ever.

gratuitous ring shot: please excuse my undone nails

He said he couldn't wait another day before popping the question, and I'm so glad he didn't! He'd had the ring for weeks and was waiting for the right moment, but the right moment kept going wrong. The big proposal plans he had planned for Montreal two weekends ago were thrown off by me getting horribly sick. Thankfully I didn't have to say yes with red eyes, a runny nose, and a hacking cough. The physical misery mixed with emotional bliss would not have been a good combination. Now all that's a distant memory. And all is right with the world, I'm going to marry my love, and it looks like we've now got some more planning to do around here!

me & m, italy, october 2011

day of love

noreply@blogger.com (casey at loft and cottage) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:55:00 +0000

Hope your day is filled with love!

cailtin wilson textiles; all other images via pinterest

Flowers make me happy. Especially for Valentine's Day. Enjoy your day! xo

the real deal at homegoods

noreply@blogger.com (casey at loft and cottage) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:19:00 +0000

I always think of HomeGoods for the little finishing touches—accessories, mirrors, bedding, pillows maybe. But check out the incredible rug my clients snatched up. They are so smart. This was the color scheme we were looking at, and the traditional style I was going for. I'd picked out samples of new rugs for them, but none were this perfect. And none, to be honest, were this well-made. A new high-end rug was just not in the budget.

But this Safavieh hand-knotted rug, which originally retailed for $8000, was marked down to $3000, then $1500, and then finally clearanced at $995. My clients grabbed it. I'm so glad they were the lucky ones! So the lesson is look deep at HomeGoods and look for the big stuff—rugs, furniture. You might get lucky someday.

By the way, remember these chairs? Yup, there was no budget alternative necessary here. My clients loved them, and we ordered them. They're going to live with the new rug—yippee! I can't wait to see this room come together. Furniture should start arriving any week now.

down for the count

noreply@blogger.com (casey at loft and cottage) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:49:00 +0000

Where the heck have I been? Down for the count. So sick. You would not believe. I cannot believe. It's been over a week, and I feel like I've lost so many days of ~~work~~ life. In the middle of all that, Michael and I had our long-planned weekend in Montreal, and since I woke up each day totally optimistic that "I'm turning a corner today" we went anyway. Well, it wasn't what we hoped. I was pretty sick with this painful, devastating head cold to end all colds the entire time. And was happy I loved the hotel room (we stayed at the Westin and it was modern and stylish and perfect), because I saw a lot of the inside of it.

But hey, it wasn't all bad. It was beautiful driving through Vermont.

And here's the one and only pic I snapped in Montreal on the evening we arrived. So romantic with the perfect snow and charming streets.

We had a few nice dinners, but nothing tasted too great. All I wanted was soup (get Martha Stewart's minestrone recipe here). And hey, if anyone wants to drop some off for me, that'd be great ;-)

So I'm still on the mend, but really hoping I can get back to life very soon. And get you some updates on client work, kitchen progress, and random design stuff too. Thanks for standing by. How is everyone, by the way? I have some catching up to do.

how to pick neutral paint colors

noreply@blogger.com (casey at loft and cottage) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:45:00 +0000

These colors I'm considering for my new kitchen cabinets have been hanging out on the fridge, for viewing day and night, for over a week now. And I can say I am only slightly closer to picking one than I was a week ago. Now, I'm naturally indecisive, but picking neutrals is also notoriously tough. Here's my best advice for how to do it.

1. Get recommendations. What have people you trust used and loved? Try these first and you may save yourself a lot of time. Over the past months, I've picked up some hints as to a few to try. Revere Pewter and Clay Beige from Benjamin Moore were two I added to my list at the recommendation of some trusted friends.

2. Examine your samples, in the actual room you want to paint, in all kinds of light. Check out your paint colors day and night, in sun and clouds. This is how the undertones will emerge. For instance, I like Revere Pewter best in the morning light, when it's cool and clear, but less at night under indoor light, when it turns warmer and slightly peachy.

3. Get to know your undertones. There's always one to deal with, so figure out if you're okay with something a little more yellow, or pink, or blue. Gray Horse is too blue. The Sherwin Williams strip on the right is too pink. The strip on the left is looking good. A bit green. But as undertones go, this is one direction I'd head in gladly.

4. Bring in, if they're not there already, other colors and finishes that'll live in the room. For my kitchen cabinet color, that's why I initially pinned the colors up on the fridge, to see how they'd complement the stainless. I should also, according to my own rules, have a countertop and flooring sample here too, to see how the colors work together. Maybe that's why this decision has been so hard.

5. Finally, narrow down and paint a large sample. Here's where you get closer to finding what you'll really you love. Eliminate those colors you just can't live with and narrow down to just your favorites. I think three is plenty. Two is just fine. Buy some small paint samples and paint out a large sample on the wall, or even better, on a board you can move around the room and check out in the changing light of your space. Good luck! And I'll need it too!

At least I'm onto the last step. Unless anyone has any other neutral paint recommendations?!

By the way, here are some inspiration shots. If my kitchen could look like any of these, I'll be a very happy girl!

all images via pinterest

no turning back now!

noreply@blogger.com (casey at loft and cottage) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:55:00 +0000

Michael unexpectedly had a few days off this week due to a job delay, and he decided to stay busy at home.

This is happening! We are not really ready for complete demo yet (cabinets are not even ordered!), but we did want to see what was behind this wall and measure exactly where the chimney was. Actually, we have to determine whether we can, or even want to expose the chimney.

It doesn't look great now, and it will need to be sealed up and rebricked where the old coal stove fed into it. Not to mention totally cleaned up. There are also some electrical wires running up the right side to the second floor. We need to find out if we can move/hide those.

But look at how much room we have now! We took that silly closet out and gained over a foot. The fridge will sit back there eventually, next to the hopefully-exposed chimney. But see that gas line? Yeah, that's going to be tricky.

The big news is we think we can move the doorway more to the right now, which will give us room for a longer run of sink cabinets and...drumroll...a very shallow floor-to-ceiling pantry there. To say I am psyched would be a huge understatement!

On the other side of that run of cabinets (where we'll eventually have range, dishwasher, sink, pullout trash, pantry), Michael framed up the wall so we can clear up that weird gap behind the cabinets, and take advantage of the extra space with a narrow linen cabinet next to the bathroom door.

There's lots more to come, and I'll be sharing more details as we make progress. (For a reminder of what the kitchen used to look like, go here.) I hope you'll follow along! We have many decisions to make, and I, for one, cannot wait to see what happens!

mini-project: paper-lined cabinet

noreply@blogger.com (casey at loft and cottage) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:09:00 +0000

Last week I was inspired by this image that Rene featured in her pretty storage post.

bhg

I instantly thought, how easy would this be?! Rene showed how simple it was when she lined her closet with wrapping paper. Wrapping paper! No need for fancy wallpaper and booking and paste and painstaking hanging. Just some simple wrapping paper and poster tape.

So why hadn't I already done this in my dark, uninspiring medicine cabinet?

Well, I did. And it makes everything look better!

So much better! I could have chosen something brighter, but there's a new black-and-white theme going on in my bathroom now. And it's all coming together, with the addition of this great ticking stripe wrapping paper from Target. I've got a few more projects to finish this room. But for now I'm a very happy girl.

bright monday & a winner!

noreply@blogger.com (casey at loft and cottage) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:23:00 +0000

It's dark and cloudy, and there's snow on the ground this morning in New England. I'm feeling like it's going to take a long while waking up (and a miracle to actually leave the house) today. Maybe a dose of brightness here will help?

pinterest

sherry hart

pinterest, ikea chest

sarah richardson

And speaking of yellow, Angeline is the lucky winner of the DwellStudio Citrine pillows from my sponsor Windows by Melissa. Congrats, Angeline! Your living room just got a little brighter this season ;-)

don't forget!

noreply@blogger.com (casey at loft and cottage) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:58:00 +0000

Happy Friday, everyone, and a reminder before the weekend: Don't forget to enter the awesome pillow giveaway! (It ends Sunday.) Your house needs freshening up, right?

via house of turquoise

And speaking of forgetting, I have not forgotten about showing you my jute-wrapped headboard project. It's just that I'm making painstakingly slow progress on it. Think hot glue, burnt thumbs, running out of supplies, etc. It's going to look great as soon as I can put a few more hours into it though! Wish me luck on it—and wish me motivation—again ;-)

floor & cabinet colors in the kitchen

noreply@blogger.com (casey at loft and cottage) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:56:00 +0000

A lot of you liked the dark wood floor that was my first choice for the kitchen as much as I did. I knew there was a reason we're all friends ;-) Well, friends, you can help me again. No sooner do I decide on dark wood floors then I begin to notice all the beautiful kitchens with light wood floors. Some of my favorites. Like this one.

house & home

This image has me seriously rethinking. We've got a small house and the light floors might expand the space. And I could just replicate the look of this kitchen and be completely, deliriously happy.

So if you have contrast somehwere in the space, must you have it between two surfaces that connect—the floors and lower cabinets? I had always assumed so, but the contrast is very minimal above (the stainless appliances and grey island do help overall though).

bhg

Here's another with just the island for contrast.

pinterest

The contrasting island seems to be a theme. But what about Tommy's famous kitchen? Dark lowers and dark floors. Yet it works.

tommy smythe

The contrast only kicks in with the backsplash and the upper cabinets. Hmmm. And here.

cottage living

I'm starting to think anything goes with floor and cabinet colors! As long as you have contrast somewhere in the kitchen. Maybe the uppers provide contrast. Maybe the island. Maybe both.

Most kitchens I like with dark wood floors tend to have white cabinets.

pinterest

house beautiful

ikea

But this starts to look a little predictable, no? We've seen it everywhere. What about dark floors with a light color—or any color on the cabinets? This is what we had in mind originally.

southern living

traditional home

These kitchens look great. So I'm thinking I should stick with my first instinct. Color swatches for cabinets are on the way (not white). And the dark floor still seems to work best for our house, though I do fluctuate on this a bit. But if you could weigh in, I'd be endlessly grateful! What do you think? Light floors or dark? White cabinets or painted? What kitchen do you love?

dwellstudio pillow giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (casey at loft and cottage) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:51:00 +0000

I don't know about you, but I always want new pillows to jazz up my surroundings, and in dreary January these DwellStudio for Robert Allen Gate 20" pillow covers are just the thing, especially in this Citrine colorway. Thanks to my awesome sponsor Windows by Melissa, you can win a pair now and your home will be feeling bright and cheery in no time!

The whole collection is so lovely. You just can't go wrong with it.

Here's how to enter:

{1} Follow this blog. If you don't already, click Join this site through Google Friend Connect on the right.
{2} Leave a comment about what you'll do with your new pillows!

Contest ends Sunday, January 22 at midnight, and I'll announce the winner Monday. Good luck everyone!

weekend kitchen picks

noreply@blogger.com (casey at loft and cottage) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:55:00 +0000

Surprise, surprise: some progress towards the new kitchen was made this weekend! Michael had to make a quick visit to a client and to the cabinet shop, so I offered to go with, knowing this was a great chance to get some decisions on the books.

We picked out a door style. VERY simple Shaker frame. That is all. And this organization will be finding its way into our design. Near the stove. For sure.

Then it was on to Lumber Liquidators to check out wood floors. We decided on wood versus tile because my house is so small, and we have wood in the other rooms. It'd be nice for the rooms to have more flow and feel more open to each other. Ideally the woods would blend and help with this expansive, open feeling. Of course some of the woods we like were LOVELY but would not blend well with my old oak floors. They're too dramatic. Oh well.

We both fell for this knotty, grainy, light/dark Australian cypress. It has a character like pine or oak but with a crisper, cooler feel. It was the most expensive of the three we chose, however.

On the bargain side, I was into this hickory selection. It'd be great with a very cottagey white-cabinet kitchen. Do you like the variation of tones in the boards? I'm not sure exactly why, maybe because it makes the floor look more unique and handcrafted versus out of the box and standard, but I am sooo into that.

I've always really loved the idea of a dark wood floor, though.

Apparently, This Old House loved it too. (They must have used it in a recent project. Will have to do some research here!) I love how this stain is not too warm and not too cool. It looks to me like walnut, even though it's birch. And it's not flat; literally, it's roughly planed, giving a slightly rustic look I like. But at the same time, the color I think makes it more modern. And the tones aren't flat. The staining has some nice depth and variation. The pricing for this one was somewhere in the middle of our high and low choices.

And yeah, I know it can be hard to clean, which is a bummer, but I have a white floor now, so that's no biggie to me. I think it'd be dramatic and sleek and eventually I'd like to have my other wood floors in the house sanded and stained to match. This could be the one.

What are your thoughts? Which would you pick? For pure looks, for price, and to put in a modern-country Shaker-style painted cabinet (but not white) kitchen?

the tiniest bedroom & a diy project

noreply@blogger.com (casey at loft and cottage) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:22:00 +0000

Welcome to the tiniest guest room, under the eaves, ever. I'm still at work on this space, but after the handyman mounted the lights it started looking great! I love the bed tucked into this nook. And the bedding adds some life and eclecticism to a very simple space.

Still to come is the headboard. You'll remember from this idea board that I wanted to do a West Elm woven headboard here, but there was no way it would fit up the stairs...and even if it could it would have meant a different (read: not the best) layout in the room.

So, today I'm making one. I've got some rolls of jute rope (buy it here) and some 1 x 2 pine cut to size to make two frames.

Then I'm pretty much going to wrap the frames with the rope and mount them over the bed (between the lights, and covering up the wall switch, which you can't see in the picture because it's behind the pillows). Make sense? No? I get you. My process is not set in stone; sometimes with DIY you just have to see what happens and figure it out as you go. You, and me, will have to come back for the full tutorial next week to see how it all turned out! Have a great weekend, everyone!

farmhouse sinks: dream to reality

noreply@blogger.com (casey at loft and cottage) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:06:00 +0000

Do you love a farmhouse sink? Or do you not see the appeal? I love the way they draw attention and make a sink a standout feature in a room. Copper, porcelain, fireclay, slate. No matter the material, I think farmhouse (also called apron) sinks are beautiful. Need some persuading?

cottage living

It of course looks good in a country farmhouse setting.

pinterest

But can have a little more stateliness, yet still feel totally down to earth, in slate with a large backsplash and wall-mounted faucet.

pinterest

Keeping it simple with white on white.

lavello

It can be totally modern in stainless.

martha stewart

Or back to completely country.

pinterest

One of my favorites images. A little nostalgic and a little crisp and now.

Well, I have always wanted a farmhouse sink, and thanks to Ikea Domsjo's simple style, functional deep bowl, and crazy affordable price, that is actualy a reality now in our new kitchen. It seems to have the looks, and I know it definitely has the price. The single bowl sink (perfect for our small kitchen) is just $185.99. I have also heard from Meg that she used it and loved it and would recommend it. Then I saw it in featured in House Beautiful, and with that on top of the personal recommendation, I was sold.

A trip to Ikea is definitely in our future.

a late Christmas present

noreply@blogger.com (casey at loft and cottage) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:34:00 +0000

My iphone has arrived! Yup, after a long delay due to high demand, one of my most longed-for Christmas gifts showed up at my house yesterday afternoon. It was a cinch to set up, beautifully designed in every way, and I am now hooked.

My new cover is on its way too, found just in the nick of time on sale at Joss & Main, from blogger Karrie Kaneda at her online store Happy Habitat.

And how totally happy are these covers? Mine is a hot pink chinoiserie trellis pattern. And what about the inside of this phone? What apps do I need, should I have, would make my life easier/more fun? Have you tried Siri yet? Thoughts? All recommendations, tips and tricks welcome!

impossibly pretty paper

noreply@blogger.com (casey at loft and cottage) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:46:00 +0000

I have a thing for paper. Pretty paper. Especially at this time of year, when I'm starting over with a new calendar, I'm especially attracted to all the new and novel and I want to grab every delicious style I see out there. I splurged a bit and ordered a Suzy Jack wall calendar, and I just got it on Friday. The colors are beautiful and the art, nature and textile inspired, is frame-worthy. When this year is over, that's certainly what the calendar will transition to.

Suzy Jack's other products are too tempting. I need these colors and patterns in my life! How do you pick just one?

Any of these are certain to brighten up some long winter days and make the work of getting back to work in January more fun. Here are some more eye-candy calendars that are also art-worthy.

linda & harriet

up up creative

bookhouathome

4th year

moontree letterpress

tgif (& some pretty pictures)

noreply@blogger.com (casey at loft and cottage) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:36:00 +0000

Wow, I for one am excited (okay, relieved) that it's Friday and that the weekend is a few short hours away. The first real week back at work after the holidays has been busy, right? And tiring. And none too welcome. So I say it's time for a break now. In lieu of a real post today, here are some of my recent pins on Pinterest. It's what's inspiring me/providing some balance to the craziness lately ;-) Happy Friday!

fresh, fun new year room

noreply@blogger.com (casey at loft and cottage) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 01:08:00 +0000

This image from Ballard Designs' latest catalog (aren't they hitting it out of the park lately, by the way?) stopped me in my tracks the other day. It feels so refreshing, fun, and colorful. Perfect for the new year. Perfect for the after-holiday blahs.

Wth a happy mix of colors, patterns, and textures—and the cute pup doesn't hurt—that can't help but make you smile. I also brighten at the unexpected elements (the set of three pendants, the art hung next to the pinboard, the stool instead of coffee table) that make the room feel fresh and not staid. I'm inspired and know I'll be reaching a bit more these days for this playful, surprising mood in my spaces and my clients'.

a guy's kitchen vision

noreply@blogger.com (casey at loft and cottage) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 01:23:00 +0000

Amazing what you can find out about a guy's style when you ask him to pick some pictures he likes! Michael and I are still kitchen talking and planning, trying to solidify our vision and make sure we're headed in the same direction. We all know how much images help with this. They speak design in a way words can't. So I gave Michael my idea book and asked him to pick his favorites out of the pages I'd pulled from magazines. And I asked him what he liked about them. The results were awesome. The man's got taste! And I found out we're totally on the same page about what we like and want.

lowe's

So these is what he chose. Nice, huh? Of course we know I already liked them all—they were already in my idea book. But still, I was psyched when I saw what stood out to him. First, painted cabinets. We could do taupe or gray or something like this blue, so it's not set in stone yet, but at least we are agreed we've both had wood and white cabinets and are ready for a change.

not sure of source: maybe bhg?

I know there are white cabinets here, but he does like the contrast. So maybe some different colored cabinets in our space? He unfortunately does not love that copper range hood. Just a touch too dramatic for him, I guess.

cottage living

Remember this kitchen from Cottage Living? What a great reno on a budget, and the style is so casual classic, perfect for our little home. He likes the storage above the fridge and the wood countertops.

cottage living

So pretty to be able to see into this kitchen. We wish we could do this in our house. Still thinking of a way to make the kitchen and living room a bit more open to each other.

traditional home

I cannot believe my luck that he loves this room! He's crazy about the old beamed ceiling, and I am too.

candice olsen

This suprised me, but he likes a bit of formality with the leg detail on the cabinetry. It makes it look rich, I believe is what he said. Could not agree more. Not sure this will find its way into our home, because our house is so casual and it might be too high-end looking for it, but if he's really up for doing it, I could be persuaded.

house beautiful

Be still my heart. One of my favorite rooms ever. And he picked it. We're both crazy about that rustic wood ceiling. And we may just have to go for it in our house.

So the process continues. One of these days we have to buckle down and measure, draw, and make a list, then get down to ordering materials. One of these days soon.

2012

noreply@blogger.com (casey at loft and cottage) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 14:51:00 +0000

Though I didn't really plan to take such an extended blog vacation, I can truly say the break was really refreshing and much-needed. Hope you all rang in the new year well, and did something special for yourselves. I can't believe 2011 is gone, but nevertheless I'm looking forward to all the changes that 2012 will bring.

At home, we're settling in, making space for two of us, and planning a new kitchen. Let's hope we can get this started soon, before things get too busy in the spring.

Clean Mama Printables

We're getting our finances in order and doing some planning for a trip and a celebration or two.

At work, I'm getting my ducks in a row and stepping up a bit. I'm very happy to have recently become a member of the Interior Design Society and am also a part of Elle Decor's Designer Registry (I hope they make a new badge for the new year!). I'm also looking forward to a little blog redesign to make this online space a nicer one to hang out in.

Anyway, I'm sure there's much more to come this year, but this is what's on my radar right now. As for the other stuff, we'll just have to wait and see what changes the year brings. In any case, there's so so much to look forward to this year. Don't you agree?

peace & joy

noreply@blogger.com (casey at loft and cottage) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:38:00 +0000

Christmas is almost here, and I'm excited to take some time off to really savor it. Wishing you all a wonderful holiday spent with the ones you love.

pinterest

All is peaceful here at my house. We're just waiting for Santa now.

And maybe some snow.

pretty paperwhites

noreply@blogger.com (casey at loft and cottage) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:38:00 +0000

So pretty in a big urn, or planted in a bunch of small containers, paperwhites are lovely to have in the house around Christmas, and the bonus is they'll last for much of winter, brightening many dark days.

tobi fairley

merriment events

bhg

country living

Ideally, you should plant your bulbs, in peat or just stones and water, weeks before the holiday for them to bloom in time. I didn't get mine in nearly early enough, but I'm still excited to have them blooming in January and February. And in fact, maybe next year I'll stagger a few containers so I've got blooms going all through winter.

pinterest

I think paperwhites are essential to have in the house in winter. How do you (want to) display yours?

a dog in the house

noreply@blogger.com (casey at loft and cottage) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:14:00 +0000

We're getting a dog for Christmas! Well, okay, we're dog sitting for Christmas. I'm heading to Connecticut today to pick up my sister's family's dog while they go out of town for a few weeks. Dixie is such a good girl. It's going to be fun to have a dog around the house, especially this time of year, when we can be home with her more.

country living

Do you think pets make a happier home? I am feeling that way lately. After the holidays we might need one of our own.

room of the week

noreply@blogger.com (casey at loft and cottage) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 12:36:00 +0000

I've never felt the need to do a room of the week feature, until now. I guess lately I'm really starting to see some that are so worthy. And this week's has nothing to do with the holiday, though those chandeliers have a bit of sparkle, and I wouldn't mind cooking breakfast and gathering here on Christmas morning.

See, kitchen plans around our house had slowed way down...until I saw this ad for Aya Kitchens in the latest House & Home, and it got us talking again.

I'm especially loving the simple cabinet style and rich color. The hardware. The rustic open shelving. The subway tile. There's not much we don't like, and this may just be guiding us as we get back to the kitchen planning, in the hopes of starting in January. Yay! Happy Monday, all. Enjoy this special week!

counting the days

noreply@blogger.com (casey at loft and cottage) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:21:00 +0000

I don't have too much going on this weekend, and for that I'm thankful. It's time to sit back and just enjoy the season. Christmas is just 8 days away! Are you ready?

If you're counting the days in your house, this advent calendar found over at Lovely Things is one charming way to do it. It's the most fun and creative I've seen. And loving the entire gorgeous vignette created around it. But it would still be an inexpensive and easy project. If you're inspired, go to it!

If you're looking for more diy decor, Pewter + Sage's pinecone garland struck me as so simple and perfect. A little bit of time outdoors gathering pinecones and half an hour wrapping twine and you're done. My kind of project.

I also love My Many Moments mossy twig wreath, another simple, inexpensive (actually free!), rustic diy.

You can find more ideas on my Pinterest Holidays board, where I'm pinning lots of inspirations lately. Follow all my boards here. And happy weekend before Christmas, everyone!