Thinking about slipcovers

I don't know if my husband can say the same thing, but all this year, I've been planning to move out of our apartment once the one-year lease ended. That's sort of just me. I start to get antsy after about eight months of the same house. It's a problem, I know. I think (hope) that it would be different if we lived in a real house. But apartments feel fluid to me. It's easy for me to feel like it's no big deal to just pick up and move for a change of scenery. There are so many amazing neighborhoods to discover in NYC! Why not try them all!? I feel the same way about furniture. Just about the time I finish a project, I'm ready for something new. Truly, it's a sickness.<br /><br />This month we signed another year lease on our apartment, which was a little hard for me. I'm feeling that itch to start fresh. I think it's because this year has been reeeaaaaaal busy for me and we still don't feel very settled here. Our place is sort of decorated, but not very well, and it's certainly not "designed." It doesn't flow. It's not very organized.<br /><br />Since we've decided to stay here in our less-expensive-than-alternative-apartments-I-was-looking-at place, I've got a little extra money each month to make this space work better for us. I can't wait to share with you guys.<br /><br />First up! A new arrangement for our living room. I'll have to share all the nitty-gritty details later, but our tv broke and is causing us to rethink the seating arrangement. I'm thinking of ditching the gray sofa (that I got for free from Custom Sofa Design, which went under for a good reason) and shuffling things around a bit.<br /><br />I will keep my Lee English roll arm for another decade or two (seriously people! Invest your decorating dollars in good quality upholstery!!!), but the currant color is not my favorite. It's upholstered in Sunbrella's outdoor velvet in Ivory, which I have been testing and "reviewing" for the past year. All in all, I give it an A-. It is super duper soft for an outdoor fabric. And it wipes down really easy. I have two problems with the fabric: 1) I don't love the creamy beige color (that's a personal problem though) and 2) I wash the cushions like once a week and the fibers are starting to pull out. Again, I sort of feel like this is a personal problem. I feel like I am not caring for the fabric correctly. So, if you're in the market for a kid-friendly velvet I recommend the Sunbrella - just maybe not in the Ivory color and also don't wash it more than every other month and make sure to air dry.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/DSC_0041.jpg" /></div><br />So, I'm realizing I might be a slipcover girl. As much as I try to keep the food and beverages in the dining area, the kids forget almost daily. Evie unbuckles herself from the Stokke and walks around with her PB&J. No bueno for the rug and the upholstery. But I love throwing the cushions of the Lee and the gray sofa in the washer and having brand new couches once a week or before guests come over.<br /><br />Wow, this post is getting chatty! Anyway, point is, I'm planning to slipcover the Lee in white denim or duck or heavy linen so I can bleach it. I would love something like this with little box pleats (from the <a href="http://wshcollection.com/Shop/Product/windsor-double-sided-sofa.html?Id=172&cookie_failed=1#">Windsor $mith collection</a>)...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/172.jpg" /></div><br />Sort of reminds me of this sofa (anyone know the maker?):<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/coleandsoncowparsley.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Cole and Sons</span><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/INEEDTHISSOFA5815477672_70ae2755e3_z.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Decor8</span></div><br />I think the white slipcover will be obviously a little more casual, and a little girlie. But the plan is to pair it with more masculine elements - like a boxy settee and more modern club chairs. (Which reminds me - anyone interested in a pair of <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-reupholster-chair-part-5-sewing.html">navy bergere chairs</a>? I told you it was a sickness.)<br /><br />So, have you sewed a slip cover for your sofa before? I've done chairs before, but nothing this big. I'm thinking between the size of my couch, the roll arms and all those little box pleats, this one might be a job for the professionals. What do you think?<br /><br />Also, anyone else out there with a similar case of Wanderlust? Am I the only one who craves constant change?

Thinking about slipcovers

I don't know if my husband can say the same thing, but all this year, I've been planning to move out of our apartment once the one-y...

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L&S Fabrics Give Away!!

My lovely friends at <a href="http://lsfabrics.com/">L&S</a> recently redesigned their website and to celebrate they'd like to offer a $100 gift certificate to one of you readers. If you'd like a chance to win, please check out <a href="http://lsfabrics.com/" target="_blank">their new site here</a> and then leave a comment on this post sharing your fabric picks. Here are mine:<br /><br />I like this ikat-ish <a href="http://lsfabrics.com/fabric/couture-kingdom-0">tiger print</a>!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/1093273_1_0.jpg" /><br /></div><br />This print is a fun, organic version of a <a href="http://lsfabrics.com/fabric/kilburn-21005-0">geometric pattern</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/1098489_1.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://lsfabrics.com/fabric/mercury-p6323">Honeycomb ikat</a>!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/1101353_1.jpg" /><br /></div><br />And a <a href="http://lsfabrics.com/fabric/mercury-p6324">coordinating ikat</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/1101357_1.jpg" /><br /></div><br />This <a href="http://lsfabrics.com/fabric/pantha">panther pattern</a> is really amazing. I can see this on a pair of chairs or maybe on a set of Louis chairs around a modern dining table...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/1098286_1_0.jpg" /><br /></div><br />I would make a pair of these <a href="http://lsfabrics.com/fabric/checkmate-37">buffalo check pillow in gray</a> and do a bright neon orangey pink welt.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/1080450_1_1.jpg" /><br /></div><br />Pretty <a href="http://lsfabrics.com/fabric/egeo-ajru02-7">yellow ikat</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/1099680_1_0.jpg" /><br /></div><br />Doesn't <a href="http://lsfabrics.com/fabric/malaga-39">this </a>sort of look like a China Seas pattern?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/1084973_1_0.jpg" /><br /></div><br />LOVE <a href="http://lsfabrics.com/fabric/toadstool">this</a> color combo!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/1099037_1_0.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://lsfabrics.com/fabric/khanjali-0">Khanjali</a> is a really lovely fabric in person! The green is a bright chartreuse..<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/1095712_1_0.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><a href="http://lsfabrics.com/fabric/adonis">This</a> reminds me of Lulu DK a bit. It would make for a great single throw pillow.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/1097400_1.jpg" /><br /></div><br />This <a href="http://lsfabrics.com/fabric/union-jack">Union Jack fabric</a> is very promising!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/1098293_1_0.jpg" /><br /></div><br />And don't forget <a href="http://lsfabrics.com/fabric/parisenne">Paris</a>!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/1096535_1_0.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Contest ends Sunday, September 11 at midnight. Good luck!!<br /><br />**UPDATE: Congratulations to Steve Steinhardt for winning the gift card!**<br /></div></div>

L&S Fabrics Give Away!!

My lovely friends at L&S recently redesigned their website and to celebrate they'd like to offer a $100 gift certificate to one of ...

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I Heart Oil Based Paints

I found the sweetest little side table at the Chelsea flea a few weeks ago for about $20 or $25. (I bought the jade color lamp too) <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_0034.jpg" /></div><br />The table was not in perfect condition, so I thought I would paint it. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_0180.jpg" /></div><br />Like my beloved <a href="http://www.chelseatextiles.com/">Chelsea Editions</a> pieces from the <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/09/jenny-keenans-home.html">last post</a>, I thought it might be kind of fun to do a high-gloss lacquered look. I normally use Rustoleum's Enamel spray paint for that kind of project, but it was sort of a rainy day when I finally had a free minute to paint. So I searched through my paint library (or more like paint graveyard? There are about 50 half-full quarts in my pantry) and remembered that a while back I bought a can of Rustoleum's Oil-based Enamel in this pretty Smoke Gray color. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_0183.jpg" /></div><br />I've used oil-base paint on furniture before, but I hated the clean up (you have to use paint thinner to clean your brush). But this time I had a good quality brush that was old, a bit gunky at the base and ready to be retired. I thought I would send the brush off with one last project and then toss it. (So no paint thinner used here) <br /><br />The really cool thing about oil-based paint is that it goes on like nail polish enamel. It sort of spreads, which is ideal for brush application. Like below, it looks like I am going to have all sorts of brush stroke issues based on this photo, but the top is a smooth as glass now after the paint spread. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_0187.jpg" /></div><br />The rain was just starting to clear up when I was testing out the paint on the table top above. Oil-based paint is pretty stinky stuff though, so I took this party up to the roof. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_0194.jpg" /></div><br />The verdict? I LOVE it. I don't know why I haven't been using oil-based on everything. I slapped literally ONE coat of paint on this little table without sanding or priming before hand, let it dry/off-gas for about 12 hours outside and then brought it in. We've been using it for a week now and I am super impressed! I looks and feels like professionally finished furniture. Look at that smooth shine! You can see the reflection of my blue and white pot as clear as day. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_7735.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_7743-1.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_7733.jpg" /></div><br />I went back to Home Depot this weekend and picked up white, black and cobalt blue for some other furniture projects I have for clients. The quarts are only $9 each, which is about 75% the cost of other Home Depot or Lowes latex quarts and the finish is about a million times better than semi-gloss or high gloss latex. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_0258.jpg" /></div><br />My only complaint is that the Rustoleum enamel line can't be tinted like latex. But you can mix the colors they have (green, blue, yellow, red, gray, brown, black, white). It would be easy to make any pastels like baby blue or pink, but would take some trial and error with colors like purple, orange or turquoise. I'm sure there are other lines of tintable oil-based paints, though I heard from the Home Depot guy that oil-based paints are a huge pain to find in NY and New England. I'll have to do some digging here... <br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">BTW I am the HUGEST fan of white foam mini-rollers for applying latex paint, but with oil paint, I recommend going with a high-quality brush all the way. <a href="http://blogs.babble.com/the-new-home-ec/2011/09/05/musings-on-paint-brushes/">Here's a post</a> I just put up this morning on my favorite paint brushes, how and when I use them. I'd love to hear what products you like to use too!</span>

I Heart Oil Based Paints

I found the sweetest little side table at the Chelsea flea a few weeks ago for about $20 or $25. (I bought the jade color lamp too) The tabl...

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Jenny Keenan's Home

I was looking through my files trying to find some Chelsea Editions furniture to share with you guys (inspiration for a furniture redo I'll hope to share Friday or Monday), when I stumbled across these great photos from Pink Wallpaper. There's that <a href="http://www.chelseatextiles.com/us/furniture/lacquer/bedside-table-one-drawer-with-brass-pulls.html">side table</a> I was looking for! Man, I love <a href="http://www.chelseatextiles.com/us/furniture/mid-century-modern.html">Chelsea Editions</a>. It's like the best parts of mid century and Gustavian furniture designs all wrapped up in lacquer. So good (with a price tag to match). <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/Keenan-MasterBedroomnightstands1.jpg" /></div><br /><a href="http://thedesignersattic.blogspot.com/">Shannon</a> featured photos from Jenny Keenan's home <a href="http://pinkwallpaper.blogspot.com/2011/05/i-started-working-in-design-back-in.html">here</a> and shared a link to Jenny's great <a href="http://www.jennys-southerncomfort.blogspot.com/">blog</a>. I love the lived in, comfortable vibe of her home. But it's still colorful and a bit preppy. Couldn't you see yourself living here? Me too. I think this is going to look awesome! <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/KeenanBlog-picofupstairssettee.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/Keenan-FrontDoorConsoletable.jpg" /><br /><br /><a href="http://pinkwallpaper.blogspot.com/2011/05/i-started-working-in-design-back-in.html">More here</a></div>

Jenny Keenan's Home

I was looking through my files trying to find some Chelsea Editions furniture to share with you guys (inspiration for a furniture redo I...

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Exceptional Home Designs by Architects Johnston Marklee

<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHdWOgudfDfSx3NKQjaHAfjrSsTipk60gCsLD9PhImxBh5sYsKKhr2LvY7oQ0iABSvt41bTBlTSzsa4-vGZBBSrm8Z3RHNSFmwSg__xS_TQ8-CJ2TiLV68-XLGkEAqX8duIC7bwOWno6j/s1600/Exceptional+Home+Designs+by+Architects+Johnston+Marklee+%25284%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647276729727871650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHdWOgudfDfSx3NKQjaHAfjrSsTipk60gCsLD9PhImxBh5sYsKKhr2LvY7oQ0iABSvt41bTBlTSzsa4-vGZBBSrm8Z3RHNSFmwSg__xS_TQ8-CJ2TiLV68-XLGkEAqX8duIC7bwOWno6j/s400/Exceptional+Home+Designs+by+Architects+Johnston+Marklee+%25284%2529.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 439px; height: 405px;" /></a>Exceptional <a href="http://minimalist-home-designs.blogspot.com/">Home</a> Designs by Architects Johnston Marklee. Perched on a hillside with picture windows facing the horizon, the open-concept plan maximizes the incredible views, from Rustic and Sullivan Canyons to Santa Monica Bay. Minimalist interiors are notable for their lack of walls, resulting in an awesome open interior that promoted socialization. The main living area is overlooked by an upper loft, where a library offers privacy while maintaining a connection to the rest of the house. Johnston Marklee<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphenjwDO6DgAhXXzZFZwTvidqwxRZd7AbeDZZmRmoWjj13zvaw-vsY6plCE_K4hqnP1_wEGaSDSyr1RsxHLg_rjJMz6KFgB88kbrXeb8Vm90eQn8MBna-vnRms22F6qHh4vkInv2xe-I7NU/s1600/Exceptional+Home+Designs+by+Architects+Johnston+Marklee+%25283%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647276722119812642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphenjwDO6DgAhXXzZFZwTvidqwxRZd7AbeDZZmRmoWjj13zvaw-vsY6plCE_K4hqnP1_wEGaSDSyr1RsxHLg_rjJMz6KFgB88kbrXeb8Vm90eQn8MBna-vnRms22F6qHh4vkInv2xe-I7NU/s400/Exceptional+Home+Designs+by+Architects+Johnston+Marklee+%25283%2529.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 440px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJK2qjPAyt4d8jSui5rM0Swt_aHmgrgxlrvqm6ERB7VnkZG90GP4egL2LPz1QRCwYEMwlFzd0bvAvuw0YNbhEctoF64j3CeuWnAdzkDkbi7YOSxtYCvi37Mf4Xmue7rXHc6etbatf-ODv/s1600/Exceptional+Home+Designs+by+Architects+Johnston+Marklee+%25282%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647276723154701570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJK2qjPAyt4d8jSui5rM0Swt_aHmgrgxlrvqm6ERB7VnkZG90GP4egL2LPz1QRCwYEMwlFzd0bvAvuw0YNbhEctoF64j3CeuWnAdzkDkbi7YOSxtYCvi37Mf4Xmue7rXHc6etbatf-ODv/s400/Exceptional+Home+Designs+by+Architects+Johnston+Marklee+%25282%2529.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 440px; height: 522px;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-MjNwsNtyDUKO6ZVjxhz_qChE5cVpYhRQ0YIURklYTizGyg7djdg4cIl3z76NUPrLPUYwomjbOszhKsPytt2kv0hdD7Rj-BT1-Ge86d9rZdeuamuoDCfRIC0tZgIl3Gw-DN42ahvXZoH/s1600/Exceptional+Home+Designs+by+Architects+Johnston+Marklee.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647276724475677682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-MjNwsNtyDUKO6ZVjxhz_qChE5cVpYhRQ0YIURklYTizGyg7djdg4cIl3z76NUPrLPUYwomjbOszhKsPytt2kv0hdD7Rj-BT1-Ge86d9rZdeuamuoDCfRIC0tZgIl3Gw-DN42ahvXZoH/s400/Exceptional+Home+Designs+by+Architects+Johnston+Marklee.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 440px; height: 510px;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHX5BjkFzuehN6lmGtGvkutu_mZDQ4-T6E314-Kt3YeJIZljI41fOZ9MpQDWQHwd1J9SInBLNvfMW2_tFcmlQ8-6xRySm7AcQ_ULNbK2DISwWx7IAXaKZU51Qz4OohNKizbThL3MB-2MN/s1600/Exceptional+Home+Designs+by+Architects+Johnston+Marklee+%25285%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647276728015441922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHX5BjkFzuehN6lmGtGvkutu_mZDQ4-T6E314-Kt3YeJIZljI41fOZ9MpQDWQHwd1J9SInBLNvfMW2_tFcmlQ8-6xRySm7AcQ_ULNbK2DISwWx7IAXaKZU51Qz4OohNKizbThL3MB-2MN/s400/Exceptional+Home+Designs+by+Architects+Johnston+Marklee+%25285%2529.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 440px; height: 534px;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCM68zP2wQcj8n6SFoW8xPEKWGNkx18sTLvq7kSUDihpLiFuXvJY5DXaBtCclFQbrIJjoNBxb8G9VxIB-yIGEz_8XlGJ0XaFEcNl9WodOIh0JVixNXphQvUTzbqqKdmW4iPkx74pI1Q3bR/s1600/Exceptional+Home+Designs+by+Architects+Johnston+Marklee+%25286%2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647277080807880786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCM68zP2wQcj8n6SFoW8xPEKWGNkx18sTLvq7kSUDihpLiFuXvJY5DXaBtCclFQbrIJjoNBxb8G9VxIB-yIGEz_8XlGJ0XaFEcNl9WodOIh0JVixNXphQvUTzbqqKdmW4iPkx74pI1Q3bR/s400/Exceptional+Home+Designs+by+Architects+Johnston+Marklee+%25286%2529.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 440px; height: 345px;" /></a>This incredible house design by Los Angeles-based architecture firm Johnston Marklee makes a striking addition to its surroundings. The irregular-shaped hill house features a contemporary silhouette with a minimalist white facade punctuated by lots of windows – a wonderful contrast to its lush, leafy backdrop of Pacific Palisades, California. This 3,300-sq.-ft. slope house features modern interiors, sun-soaked through the home’s numerous windows and skylights.<br /><br />photo credit: Eric Staudenmaier. Via: trendir<br /><br />

Exceptional Home Designs by Architects Johnston Marklee

Exceptional Home Designs by Architects Johnston Marklee. Perched on a hillside with picture windows facing the horizon, the open-concept pl...

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