An Update: We Made It!!

Greetings from my local internet cafe! After a whirlwind weekend, we have officially moved to Brooklyn!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_6512.jpg" /></div><br />Friday a photographer and stylist came over to take pictures of the loft (more on that soon!!). We finished at about 4 or 5 pm and then the packing began. We packed all Saturday and bright and early on Sunday, the movers showed up to load all our furniture and boxes. They ended up running out of room on the truck so we had to finish up with a Uhaul. I might never buy another solitary thing again. Ever. Why do we have so. much. STUFF!?! I feel like a stoop sale is in my future. I have more chairs and lamps and mirrors than any family could ever need. Any takers?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_6561.jpg" /></div><br />We finished unloading at about 3 am last night and we are beat. (Shout out to my sister, Heather, sister in law, Kenzi and brother in law, Matt - thanks for sticking it out with me and Michael, guys!!) The house is in a state of pure chaos because the painters are still working, which makes it hard to unpack, but overall I am happy with how things are moving forward. There are so many fun, exciting projects coming. :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_6566.jpg" /></div><br />Speaking of paint, I thought I'd give you a little update on paints. Last week while we were crazily prepping for the photo shoot, I swung by the house to throw up some samples. I took this photo when the paint was still pretty wet, which was totally a rookie mistake. The pale blue sample is the Farrow and Ball Cabbage White that I have been obsessing over. It looked much more blue than I was expecting. When I came back the next day, the color had dried into a really lovely, fresh color. Much less baby blue and a little lighter. Very airy and totally <i>PERFECT.</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_6432copy.jpg" /></i></div><i><br /></i>I picked a fun color for the girls room too- a pale lilac called Arctic White. I love it with these pinks and poppy reds.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_6452.jpg" /></div><br />Also making an appearance in the house - Farrow and Ball's Pink Ground, Down Pipe and Off Black (on the doors!!!). Stay tuned for the play by play. I've been taking photos of everything!<br /><br />xoxo

An Update: We Made It!!

Greetings from my local internet cafe! After a whirlwind weekend, we have officially moved to Brooklyn! Friday a photographer and stylist ca...

Read more »

Cabbage White

I have paint colors on the brain today. The landlord is paying to have the whole brownstone professionally painted, which is awesome (and was a bit unexpected to be honest). I'm just so, so glad I don't have to paint the 20' high stairwell on the parlor floor myself (YIKES!).<br /><br />I'm probably going to go with a very pale gray for all the common area walls (I LOVE Benjamin Moore's Pale Oak), but I'm super-duper tempted by <a href="http://us.farrow-ball.com/cabbage-white/colours//fcp-product/100269" target="_blank">Farrow and Ball's Cabbage White</a>. It's this really bright, clear greeny-bluey white. I think it would be so <i>fresh</i>!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/cabbagewhite2.jpg" /><br />image from Lonny</div><br />Off to grab some sample pots to throw up on the wall this morning before the painter needs my final choices. I'll be sure to share on instagram (my handle is @jennykomenda).

Cabbage White

I have paint colors on the brain today. The landlord is paying to have the whole brownstone professionally painted, which is awesome (and wa...

Read more »

We're Home...ish.

We made it back to New York, happy and tired. This week is going to be <i>completely nuts</i>. We originally had until the middle of August to be moved out of our loft, which was going to be nice for getting some of the bigger brownstone renovations done before moving our stuff in. But while we were in Arizona, we found out that we have to move out of the loft this weekend! Yikes! Also, we have a photographer coming to shoot the loft on Friday. Double yikes! I'm sure it will work out fine, but I'll be relieved when this week is over.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/olympics1.jpg" /></div><br />While I'm styling the loft for the photos and packing up the contents of our drawers this week, the Olympics will be playing in the background. The summer games are so much more fun to watch than the winter, don't you think? I love swimming, diving, gymnastics and I'm so excited for the track events to start up! As a side note, does any one else feel old and out of shape while watching the Olympics??<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/olympics2.jpg" /></div><br /><a href="http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_nkw=vintage+olympics+poster&_pgn=7&_skc=300&rt=nc" target="_blank"><i>Vintage Olympics posters from eBay</i></a>

We're Home...ish.

We made it back to New York, happy and tired. This week is going to be completely nuts . We originally had until the middle of August to be ...

Read more »

How to Upholster Bench Corners

<center><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_8440-1.jpg" /></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;">Remember the <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/06/spotted-bench-in-works.html" target="_blank">not-so-vintage bench</a> I was going to reupholster in the spotted leather? I finished it before we went on vacation. I used my favorite corner method and thought I'd share. It's an easy approach.</center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_5170-1.jpg" /></center><center></center><center style="text-align: left;">First I laid out the hide to figure out the pattern placement.</center><center><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_5639.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I used these new AMAZING <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VYOISU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000VYOISU&linkCode=as2&tag=littgreenote-20">heavy-duty scissors</a> to cut the edges of the piece and make a clean, straight edge.</div><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_5650.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">You want about three inches of overhang with bench tops or drop seats for chairs. It's enough fabric for you to be able to pull nice and tight, but there won't be leftovers peeking out from underneath.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_5655.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I like to stagger staples in two lines, one about an inch set in from the edge and the second line running along the inside edge of the fabric.</div><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_5653.jpg" /></center><center></center><center style="text-align: left;">Once all four edges have been stapled (don't forget to pull very tight!), it's time to tackle the corners. There are a few different ways to approach corners, but this way there are almost no folds or bunching (which is tricky especially with thicker fabric and leathers).</center><center></center><center><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_5658.jpg" /></center><center></center><center style="text-align: left;">You just bring the fabric or leather together in the corner and run staples in lines on either side of the fabric, at a 45 degree angle. Leave about an inch or so loose without staples near the outside edge of the corner.</center><center></center><center></center><center><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_5662.jpg" /></center><center></center><center style="text-align: left;">Using heavy duty scissors, cut the fabric or leather very close to the staples, but stop cutting right at the corner.</center><center></center><center></center><center><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_5665.jpg" /></center><center><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Then trim the edges down so that the flap still connected to the corner is about two inches wide.</div><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_5666.jpg" /></center><center></center><center style="text-align: left;">Then pull the flap very tight and lay it down and staple it on top of the other staples you put in at a 45 degree angle.</center><center><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_5668.jpg" /></center><center></center><center style="text-align: left;">If you have been pulling tight the whole time, the flap will lay very flat and the corner will be very smooth and professional looking.</center><center><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_5669.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">All finished! I love this spotted hide so much more than the taupe velvet.</div><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/77DSC_0004.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">See just the two tiny folds on either side of the corner? If I had just pulled and stapled around the corners like most upholstery jobs call for, there would be all sorts of bunching and really heavy-looking corners. This method makes the fabric lay almost as flat as sewing the corners (which is a pain to me).</div><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/77DSC_0020.jpg" /></center><center></center><center style="text-align: left;">PS The winner for the Jessie Mackay painting give away was chosen and she was emailed, so please check your inboxes! As soon as I hear back from her I'll update the post. Thanks for entering!</center><center></center><center></center><center><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/jennyjessiemackay.jpg" /></center>

How to Upholster Bench Corners

Remember the not-so-vintage bench I was going to reupholster in the spotted leather? I finished it before we went on vacation. I used my fa...

Read more »

Copy Cat Design: Caitlin Wilson's Dining Room

<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">Colleen is on fire - I love seeing what she is up to on </span><a href="http://blog.therecomesayes.com/" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;" target="_blank">There Comes A Yes</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">. Also, did you hear that she is now the head graphic designer for <a href="http://www.lonny.com/" target="_blank">Lonny</a>? She is so talented and I feel really lucky that she works with me! She's joining us today with a copy cat version of a room designed by another lovely friend, </span><a href="http://caitlinwilsondesign.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;" target="_blank">Caitlin Wilson</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">. Here's Colleen:</span><br /><div class="ii gt adP adO" id=":3pw" style="background-color: white; margin: 5px 15px 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; position: relative; z-index: 2;"><div id=":3pv" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;"><br /></div><div id=":3pv" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/caitlinwilsondiningroom.jpg" /></span></div><div id=":3pv" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;"><br /></div><div id=":3pv" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">I really love Caitlin Wilson's dining room in the July issue of <a href="http://matchbookmag.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Matchbook</a>. It's a pretty mix of traditional and feminine pieces!</div><div id=":3pv" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;"><br /></div><div id=":3pv"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/cc-caitlinwilson.jpg" /></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">1. <a href="http://www.wayfair.com/Laura-Ashley-Lighting-Ava-Table-Lamp-with-Taylor-Shade-in-Pink-SLC31013-BTP411-LAY1030.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Laura Ashley Ava Table Lamp with Taylor Shade; Wayfair, $115</a></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">It's pink, but the shape isn't overtly girly, so it works well in a dining room.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">2. <a href="http://us.farrow-ball.com/cabbage-white/colours//fcp-product/100269" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Cabbage White paint; Farrow & Ball</a></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">A fresh, light wash of blue on the walls enhances the navies and pinks.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">3. <a href="http://www.theteapotshoppe.com/yellow-dynasty-teapot.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Yellow Dynasty Teapot; The Teapot Shoppe, $35</a></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">Chintz makes me happy. That's all.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">4. <a href="http://gallery-lighting.amazonwebstore.com/French-Empire-Crystal-Chandelier-Lighting-H30/M/B004J54698.htm?traffic_src=froogle&utm_medium=CSE&utm_source=froogle" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">French Empire Crystal Chandelier; Gallery Lighting, $297</a></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">A very traditional and formal chandelier--it's best paired with a mix of furniture styles.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">5. <a href="http://www.orientalfurniture.com/oriental-furniture/BW-FLOWER-BWFL.html?Category_Code=blue-white-porcelain" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Porcelain Flower Pot; Oriental Furniture, $39</a></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">To stuff with hydrangeas, of course.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">6. <a href="http://www.theparisapartment.com/boutique/index.php?p=99" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Lucite Square Knob; The Paris Apartment, $34</a></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">Dress up a run-of-the-mill buffet with glam lucite knobs.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">7. <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80116596/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Liatorp sideboard; Ikea, $350</a></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">A basic sideboard perfect for customization.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">8. <a href="http://www.art.com/products/p12916296129-sa-i6413305/claude-monet-monet-bordighera-1884.htm?sorig=cat&sorigid=0&dimvals=0&ui=500a6b3652df4ec580b1f30bb5227c38&searchstring=monet+bordighera" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">"Bordighera" by Monet in Parma frame 37"x31"; Art.com, $245</a></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">Scour church garage sales, thrift stores, and fleas for a framed oil painting--you'll get the best deal!</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">9. <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Karges-French-Regency-Dining-Table-w-3-Leaves-/160795203440?pt=Antiques_Furniture&hash=item2570241770#ht_1307wt_1110" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Karges French Regency Dining Table; Ebay, $1595</a></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">Rarely can you go wrong with a vintage dining set. If you're searching Ebay or Craigslist, try adding "regency" to your search terms.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">10. <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/chandler-caned-high-back-chair/chairs/dining-chairs/229459?defattrib=&defattribvalue=&listIndex=1" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Chandler Caned High Back Chair; Ballard Designs, $299</a></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">To get that Regency look, search for high back chairs and caning.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">11. <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50223692/#/00160036" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Sofia Fabric in Dark Blue; Ikea, $8/yard</a></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">Upholster the dining chairs in a navy and white/cream stripe!</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">12. <a href="http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Grant_Wing_Back_Chair/130/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Grant Wing Back Chair; Home Decorators, $900</a></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">Use wing back chairs as host chairs--it breaks up the matchy-matchy look of a dining set.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">13. <a href="http://www.caitlinwilsontextiles.com/?p=product&sku=1001&d=1&pre=p!category%7Cc!fabric%7Cpatt!%7Cs!%7Cfabric!" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Navy Fleur Chinoise Fabric; Caitlin Wilson Textiles, $60/yard</a></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">Tie the room together perfectly with this floral fabric.</div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;"><br /></div><div class="yj6qo" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;"></div></div></div><div class="hq gt" id=":3q7" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; margin: 15px 0px;"></div>

Copy Cat Design: Caitlin Wilson's Dining Room

Colleen is on fire - I love seeing what she is up to on There Comes A Yes . Also, did you hear that she is now the head graphic designer for...

Read more »