Table That!

inspiration

While I was thinking about my new studio and how to make it work for me, I decided it was time to invest in a new design table. After some serious table talk, a bit of hemming and hawing, and some online research, the decision was finally made. I would forgo the stainless work table that I had become accustomed to, and make one from scratch. A print out of the table was all my builder (aka husband) needed to get the job done! He was off to Home Depot in a flash to put this one to bed, or "table it," as they say.

It became necessary to make a few modifications to the existing design for my own practical purposes. The top of the table needed to be extremely durable in order to withstand water, soil, hot glue guns, etc, so a solid wood top made the most sense. A gazillion coats of urethane helped to create one hard working surface to go along with my hard-working man. The hubby added two additional pieces of wood to each end, which helped to stabilize and support the table. One of the best features of this table, I think, is its recessed base. Not only does it allow me to stand close to the edge, but it also provides for easy access around the perimeter. The lolly column in my studio could prove quite hazardous, but hopefully I won't forget it's there!

As I transition into my new space (aka "the garage"), I am enjoying working in a larger space and in closer proximity to the driveway. I'm confident that this will prove handy for floral deliveries, both in and out. A big thank you to the ladies of Emeline & Annabelle, the owners of an atelier couture cafe in Montreal, for providing me with the table inspiration, and thank you to my husband for making it all come true!

The Eagle Has Landed: Naturally Flawed

                                                                               "we are all intentionally flawed to make us unique"

                                                                                                                       by Rick Warren




While watching an episode of Oprah's Lifeclass with Rick Warren, who spoke about his experience buying a pair of distressed jeans (remember when you couldn't wait to buy your first pair of acid washed jeans?), he explained that the tag on the jeans read, "These jeans are intentionally flawed to make them unique." This quote really resonated with me on many levels. Just like when the trend would later translate into interior designs, hence the introduction of distressed wood finishes. Men (my husband for one), were really not on board with this concept. Paying for stuff that was purposefully flawed, and made to look old, did not register on any level. Why would anyone want clothing or furniture that had been washed with acid or beaten with a chain? I can remember the first time I took a piece of sand paper to something that I had just freshly painted--somehow, this didn't seem logical. It's interesting when you think about the flaws that we accept, and the ones of that we don't. It's our imperfections that make us unique, and my "naturally flawed" dining room walls were no exception.

So, in thinking about my dining room walls, I made a plan to update them, and bring them into the 21st Century. The wide pine boards were filled with tons of knots and imperfections, giving them a quintessential rustic feel. With a plan to cover up all that gorgeousness with paint, and bring the room up a few levels in formality, I worried about whether my vision for the space (warm-white walls in a glossy finish), would translate well. Would I be potentially ruining the walls by covering up the natural imperfections, that I had grown to love? Only time would tell.

trying out the family room rug in the new space

With the availability of Pinterest to provide endless visuals, and plenty of home magazines for inspiration; I was able to fine tune my design plan. That's not to say that I (we), didn't try a few color samples and finish samples; before finally deciding on our trim color in semi-gloss. All the trim in our home is painted in California's Dove White (a color that isn't even available anymore), mixed in Ben Moore's Satin Impervo. Yes folks, we're talking oil-based paint; because I love how easy it is to use. A color nightmare at the paint store, but I won't bore you with those details. By using our trim color, we hoped to enhance the design flow throughout the house; and provide a sense of cohesiveness to the other spaces. In going this route, it would also leave little room for additional color complications down the road.

walls, ceiling and trim all painted in the same color and finish

With a few remaining design details still outstanding (new mirror, buffet lamps, english dresser display and possibly a rug), I am very happy with the results.

A bright new dining space with walls that are reflective and warm. A job well done, with the help of some reinforcements.

Summer Inspiration

COLOR INSPIRATION: Pettengill Farm

note to self: Incorporate eggplant this year with touches of chartreuse.

photo credit: pinterest 

TEXTURE INSPIRATION: Pinterest

note to self: Create mounding and trailing effect with hens and chicks.

photo credit: Garden Squirrel

SHADE INSPIRATION: Hanging Ferns

note to self: Drop-in shade-loving plants for an easy planter design.

INSPIRATION RESULTS: FRONT DOOR

INSPIRATION RESULTS: BASEMENT DOOR


What inspires you?

terrain

Imagine for a minute that you're me. You're driving along on the outskirts of Philly totally unfamiliar with the area, and you see this sign. You hesitate for a second... wonder if you're dreaming, and then find yourself shouting STOP THE CAR! Could this be the infamous terrarium store in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, you ask? Are we in Glen Mills, PA? Why yes, as a matter of fact we are.

Soooo... to make a long story short I ended up at terrain completely, and 100% by accident. Or maybe not?  If I were in the market for patio chairs these would be perfect, paired with my black Woodard tables. Let me just mention that I acquired my Woodard patio sets from the previous homeowner during her "Estate Sale." I restored them to classic black (from canary yellow), and have been enjoying them poolside, ever since. 

Photo credit: Terrain Website

As I have been admiring terrain on Pinterest, and on the website for quite sometime, I was in a dream state as I walked through the place. I love this design in a pedestal-style vessel with moss visible from all angles. 

Photo credit: Terrain Website

An interesting modern design with wispy oxalis triangularis aka purple shamrock tucked into a bed of moss.

My only purchase :( was a pair of terrarium tweezers, which will come in handy for my own creations. I guess?

Chalk walls are all the rage due in part to their versatility, and organic appearance. How fun is this "Dirt" menu with a variety of selections including lobster compost, all the way from Maine? While on the subject of chalk walls, I recently had the honor of meeting Erin Gates (interior designer and blogger) who was just featured on the cover of Better Homes and Gardens. Her fabulous blog, Elements of Style Blog shows pictures of her design studio fully equipped with a chalk wall. I would love to do that in my own studio someday.

Happy Terrarium Making...L.

Easter Glitz

Decorating Easter eggs can be fun at any age, especially when you have someone to share it with. No need for store-bought kits nowadays with endless DIY ideas available on Pinterest. Jennifer Kirk of Ambrosia Creative gives step-by-step instructions on her blog about how to create these beautiful egg designs. Or, you can visit my Pinterest Board | Crafty Do's where you will find additional egg decorating ideas that I am keeping in my back pocket.

With a Mona Lisa Gold Leaf Kit purchased at Michaels we were ready to go. The antique crackle finish makes for an appealing design presentation. These eggs will be the perfect addition to my Easter tablescape.

My design assistant was very pleased with the results, and I was grateful for the time spent creating memories.




Happy Easter...L.

Pumpkin Designs | 2012

We spent this past Sunday bracing for Hurricane Sandy, and preparing our pumpkins for Halloween night. The lead designer was my daughter, who did an outstanding job. She used inspiration from online sources, and from the October issue of Country Living.

Pinterest was the inspiration behind this pumpkin-eat-pumpkin design.

Silhouettes are all the design-rage this year, and pumpkin silhouettes are no exception. She created this howling wolf design with the addition of orange and black ribbon that she found in my studio.

A little vignette created with her smallest pumpkin creation positioned on the top of the lantern. This black lantern was a FIND at HomeGoods last year. I used it for my Boxford Holiday Homes Tour design, and I knew it would come in handy.

The lead designer sporting her Harry Potter scarf, and fake teeth.




Until next time...L.