Starting to Pick Paint Colors

I keep kicking myself for not painting the house before the floors were put in (we're on the home stretch there, by the way! So happy!). But the fact is, it just didn't make sense to paint before now. The walls just weren't ready. We still have some drywall work that has to get done and one of the rooms needs to be skim-coated, so I haven't been thinking all that seriously about paint colors. But it's time to figure it out now. I had so much fun sitting on the beach in San Diego over the long weekend, looking at paint decks and finally thinking about how I want to decorate our home. Let the games begin!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xDSC_0445.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/xDSC_0445.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For the most of the main areas and the hallways, I want to do a neutral light gray. I do this in most every home I decorate, just because I think it always looks so fresh and bright and clean.</div><a name="more"></a>The two colors that I thought were going to be my main contenders are on the left, above. On top is Benjamin Moore's Titanium and Wickham Gray is on the bottom.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xxDSC_0442.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/xxDSC_0442.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I thought I needed something with a bit more blue in the undertones, but I think Wickham Gray (bottom) is too blue. I'm leaning toward the Titanium (top). Those green undertones are just singing to me in here!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The order is switched in the photo below. Titanium is on the bottom.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo sDSC_0452.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/sDSC_0452.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I might throw up a few different colors up on poster boards today to see if there's a color I like more. Maybe something a hair darker. I don't want to go too dark though.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo sDSC_0465.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/sDSC_0465.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0473.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/DSC_0473.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In the music room, I was thinking about doing a green lacquer. The color here is Kennebunkport Green. I'm going to let this one sort of simmer for a bit.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo vDSC_0439.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/vDSC_0439.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm pretty positive I want to do Knoxville Gray on the big wall of built-ins in the library. This is one of my very favorite colors. It is like a chameleon - it just sort of works with whatever you pair it with.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo vDSC_0440.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/vDSC_0440.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If I don't use Knoxville Gray on the shelving, I might be tempted to use it in our bedroom. I put up a sample of Palladian Blue, but it might be too sweet for what I'm imagining in here. It's a great color though.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo sDSC_0461.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/sDSC_0461.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ssDSC_0459.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/ssDSC_0459.jpg" /></div><br />Also on the to do list today is to finalize a layered trim design for the big doors and pass-throughs. Jason (who is very good at carpentry) is tackling those for me. I'm going to start the base boards and the regular door and window casings myself, so I really need to figure out these paint colors soon.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo sDSC_0474.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/sDSC_0474.jpg" /></div>

Starting to Pick Paint Colors

I keep kicking myself for not painting the house before the floors were put in (we're on the home stretch there, by the way! So happy!)....

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Amazing Finds on Chairish (and a $500 Give Away!!)

<span style="font-family: inherit;">So, I've been doing quite a bit of furniture shopping lately for the new house. I don't want to spend an arm and a leg, but I also don't want cheap junk either. I'm mostly looking for really special, unique stuff - the treasures. Craigslist can occasionally be a gold mine, but even in New York, I had to sift through <i>so many</i> cheesy listings to find something maybe worth looking at.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.chairish.com/sweepstakes-littlegreennotebook?utm_source=%20littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=%20LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=Sweepstakes" target="_blank">Chairish</a> is a new site that is bridging the gap between Craigslist and 1st dibs. It is a person-to-person marketplace where design lovers buy and sell exceptional pre-owned furnishings and decor. The inventory is curated by the stylish staff at Chairish, so you know you won't be sifting through junk, but the prices aren't astronomical like on other sites. You'll see a lot of familiar names pop up on Chairish. From Milo Baughman to Drexel, Eames to Barabara Barry. There are also lots of great vintage pieces with unknown origin and some fabulous newer pieces. </span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://shop.chairish.com/collections/little-green-notebook?utm_source=littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=LittleGreenNotebookCollection" target="_blank">Here are a few of my favorites</a> currently available. If you're lucky enough to snag any of these, color me jealous.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><center></center><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ChairishLGN6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/ChairishLGN6.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shop.chairish.com/collections/dining-chairs/products/5-modern-black-lacquer-chairs-with-pleather-seats?utm_source=littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=5BlackLacquerChairs" target="_blank">Black Klismos Dining Chairs</a>  //  <a href="http://shop.chairish.com/collections/all-tables/products/industrial-farm-table-with-zinc-top?utm_source=littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=IndustrialFarmTable" target="_blank">Zinc-Topped Farm Table</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ChairishLGN5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/ChairishLGN5.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shop.chairish.com/collections/club-chairs/products/armchair-covered-in-vintage-indigo-fabric?utm_source=littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=IndigoArmchair" target="_blank">Indigo Armchair</a>  //  <a href="http://shop.chairish.com/collections/all-decor/products/french-gilded-mirror-with-original-glass?utm_source=littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=FrenchMirror" target="_blank">French Mirror</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ChairishLGN4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/ChairishLGN4.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shop.chairish.com/collections/all-decor/products/metal-pear-scultpure?utm_source=littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=PearSculpture" target="_blank">Pear Sculpture</a>  //  <a href="http://shop.chairish.com/collections/all-decor/products/fireworks-throw-pillow?utm_source=littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=FireworksPillow" target="_blank">Fireworks Embroidered Pillow</a>  //  <a href="http://shop.chairish.com/collections/all-lighting/products/pair-of-chunky-metallic-table-lamps?utm_source=littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=ChunkyMetallicTableLampPair" target="_blank">Mercury Glass Lamps</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ChairishLGN3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/ChairishLGN3.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shop.chairish.com/collections/all-cabinetry/products/dresser-with-mother-of-pearl-inlay?utm_source=littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=MotherOfPearlInlayDesk" target="_blank">Mother of Pearl Inlay Chest</a>  //  <a href="http://shop.chairish.com/collections/club-chairs/products/pair-of-classic-slipper-chairs?utm_source=littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=SlipperChairPair" target="_blank">Slipper Chairs</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ChairishLGN2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/ChairishLGN2.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shop.chairish.com/collections/all-tables/products/hickory-white-louis-xv-style-desk?utm_source=littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=HickoryLouisDesk" target="_blank">Black Desk</a>  //  <a href="http://shop.chairish.com/collections/beds-1/products/custom-bold-green-queen-headboard?utm_source=littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=GreenHeadboard" target="_blank">Green Tufted Headboard</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ChairishLGN1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/ChairishLGN1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shop.chairish.com/collections/all-decor/products/pink-and-black-abstract-circles-painting-2?utm_source=littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=PinkBlackCirclePainting" target="_blank">Pink and Black Circle Painting</a>  //  <a href="http://shop.chairish.com/collections/sofas/products/custom-lee-industries-sofa-in-mokum-fabric?utm_source=littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=LeeIndustriesSofa" target="_blank">LEE Industries Sofa</a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Chairish is also a great place to sell your gently used furnishings! There's never a listing fee and they offer a few different options for selling services. Like, if you don't want to deal with it <i>at all</i> they will take care of the whole shebang from pick up and storage, to photography and listing. Chairish always handles (and verifies) payments and orchestrates delivery. They've thought of everything, officially enabling chronic decorators nationwide! :)</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's the extra exciting part: Chairish is offering up a whopping $500 gift certificate today! To enter to win, <a href="https://www.chairish.com/sweepstakes-littlegreennotebook?utm_source=%20littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=%20LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=Sweepstakes" target="_blank">click here</a>. Contest ends on Friday, September 13 at midnight. The winner will be announced here and contacted. Good luck!!</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This post is sponsored by <a href="http://shop.chairish.com/?utm_source=littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=ChairishHome" target="_blank">Chairish</a>. To see the entire Chairish collection, <a href="http://shop.chairish.com/?utm_source=littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=ChairishHome" target="_blank">visit here</a>.</span></span>

Amazing Finds on Chairish (and a $500 Give Away!!)

So, I've been doing quite a bit of furniture shopping lately for the new house. I don't want to spend an arm and a leg, but I also d...

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DIY Les Touches Memo Boards

<center></center>Remember that DIY Les Touches project <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/02/diy-les-touches.html" target="_blank">I posted here</a> (and <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/10/more-sharpie-les-touches.html" target="_blank">another great one here</a>)? A reader used a Sharpie marker to recreate the classic Brunschwig and Fils snow leopard pattern on her dining room chair seat cushions. The idea came to mind as I was brainstorming an easy way to add some texture and interest to the simple cork memo board I have on my kitchen desk.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0637.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/aDSC_0637.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Here's how I made it...</div><a name="more"></a></div>I pulled up <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=les+touches&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=9MckUoDYDOfJigKR94HIDw&ved=0CE8QsAQ&biw=1223&bih=589#q=les+touches&tbm=isch&imgdii=_" target="_blank">a photo of the fabric pattern</a> on my laptop and started tracing out the general pattern.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_6060.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/IMG_6060.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I found it looked best to just draw vertical marks with the Sharpie.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_6063.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/IMG_6063.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I ended up not liking some of the thinner lines I started out with, so I just went right back over them with more vertical marks.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_6066.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/IMG_6066.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And I kept filling in until the spacing of the dots looked even. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_6071.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/IMG_6071.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I had two of these IKEA cork boards on hand so I think I might try doing the pattern again and maybe leave the frame the natural wood color. I think it would be a prettier contrast against the wall. <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/02/magic-of-gold-leaf-pen.html" target="_blank">My gold leaf pen</a> would be great here too, but we're already approaching crazy town with the <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/08/diy-spraying-painting-vinyl.html" target="_blank">black and white striped chair</a>, so I'll probably try to exercise a little restraint here. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo cDSC_0624.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/cDSC_0624.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div>

DIY Les Touches Memo Boards

Remember that DIY Les Touches project I posted here  (and another great one here )? A reader used a Sharpie marker to recreate the classic B...

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Making Plans for the Kitchen with Keep.com

Anyone else ready for the weekend? My body is so sore that Labor Day suddenly has a whole new meaning for me this year. :) My parents are going to watch our girls while Michael and I go to California for the long weekend. On the agenda? Eating and sleeping. That's it. Doesn't that sound <i>amazing</i>? I couldn't be more excited. I'm signing off early this week, but wanted to share some exciting-for-me updates on the kitchen.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0445.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/aDSC_0445.jpg" /></div><br />Over the weekend we pulled down just the right-most upper cabinet. I tell you, the room suddenly felt about 50% bigger with that little change. I'm hopeful that, with some work, this room can be one of my favorite spaces in the house yet!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0414.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/aDSC_0414.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />After living in the house for almost two months, we're feeling like a big reno for this space might not be necessary for quite a while - maybe five years or more? We've decided to not plan for anything at this point and to assume that we won't be changing anything in a major way (as in moving walls and plumbing) for a good long while. We've actually felt like the existing layout is working pretty well for us. It's not completely ideal, but it so, so much better than I anticipated. So the new goal is to DIY the heck out of this room over the next couple of months and then just see how it feels and how it's working for us, and if after the new year I'm still itching for bigger changes then at that point we might spring for new cabinets and counters, but will still leave the big reno for down the road quite a bit.<br /><br />So, here's what I have planned for the kitchen, with help from <a href="http://keep.com/u/jennykomenda/" target="_blank">my Keep collections</a> (which are getting my wish lists about as organized as they could be!):<br /><br /><a name="more"></a>The granite counters are not really my favorite, but I think with a few tweaks, we can make them less of a presence in the room.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0508.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/aDSC_0508.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />I'll be pulling off the granite window shelf and the short back plate that runs all along the wall.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0419.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/aDSC_0419.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />I'll also pull off the granite on the range wall and the brick surround. So the only granite in the room with be actually on the counters and that's it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0490.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/aDSC_0490.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />It looks like it should come off pretty easily. I'm hoping the brick underneath is in good shape.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aaDSC_0500.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/aaDSC_0500.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />The walls and the brick will be white and the cabinets are going to get sprayed at light gray (Ben Moore's Gray Owl) after they've been transformed with a little corner moulding. I'm so excited to tackle this project! The drawers will be a cinch to redo, but the cabinet doors, with their exposed hinges, are proving to be a little tricky, I'm going to make new door faces so there will be only square angles and clean lines on the door and drawer fronts. Can't wait!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0423.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/aDSC_0423.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aaDSC_0431.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/aaDSC_0431.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />Hardware is very TBD at this point, but I think I will do brass again (surprise, surprise). Speaking of brass, you guys are going to kill me, but I totally forgot to pull out my brass bridge faucet from the brownstone kitchen before we moved. Whoops! I'd love to do something brass in here again though, but maybe a touch more modern than the bridge faucet. I called a metal plating company to see how much it would cost to have the chrome stripped off of <a href="http://keep.com/giagni-contemporary-chrome-kitchen-faucet-overstockcom-by-jennykomenda/k/m--7f0gBBm/" target="_blank">this (inexpensive!) beauty</a>. We'll see what I can work out there.<br /><br /><img alt=" photo faucet.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/faucet.jpg" /><br /><br />I talked to my handyman, Jason, about it and he says it would be a breeze to zip through the granite with one of his special saws so we can install <a href="http://keep.com/domsjo-double-bowl-ikea-by-jennykomenda/k/m-wyJmABJS/" target="_blank">the gigantic farmhouse sink</a> I've been eyeing from IKEA. It's practically a done deal, as far as I'm concerned!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0502.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/DSC_0502.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />To the right and left of the sink area, where the uppers used to be, I want to hang three shelves on each side. I'm still working out the details on materials, but I think I want something pretty chunky, <a href="http://keep.com/lack-wall-shelf-white-ikea-by-jennykomenda/k/m_FboyABM3/" target="_blank">like these shelves</a>, and maybe, depending on what I do with the cabinet hardware and the faucet, a cool style of shelf bracket in brass. I would want to do <a href="http://keep.com/angle-brackets-90-degree-brass-brackets-and-holders-cabin-and-interior-downwind-marine-by-jennykomenda/k/nFLXyrABCO/" target="_blank">something really small though</a>. Maybe something <a href="http://keep.com/contemporary-solid-brass-hand-rail-bracket-light-duty-by-jennykomenda/k/nE-ermABLo/" target="_blank">totally unconventional</a> like this piece, which is made for holding up stair railings. The round shape could be really cool on the wall.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ssDSC_0434copy.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/ssDSC_0434copy.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />You can see in the photos that the wall texture is all messed up where the upper cabinet used to hang.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0420.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/aDSC_0420.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><img alt=" photo aaDSC_0517.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/aaDSC_0517.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />No biggie there because I want to put up a tile backsplash on the sink wall up to the top of the three shelves and stopping at the door frame and then again on the stove inset wall. In my dreams I'd be able to find a cool encaustic pattern that would work with the existing granite and potentially with some of my white countertop wish list choices for down the road.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo tile.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/tile.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://keep.com/handmade-cement-encaustic-tiles-classic-black-white-and-grey-image-gallery-by-jennykomenda/k/m_B5xagBOU/" target="_blank">1</a>  //  <a href="http://keep.com/moroccan-handmade-encaustic-cement-pattern-tile-color-by-jennykomenda/k/m_BzijABN9/" target="_blank">2</a>  //  <a href="http://keep.com/encaustic-calden-reclaimed-tile-company-by-jennykomenda/k/m_ALGmgBGs/" target="_blank">3</a>  //  4 </div><br />I've only started to think about wall sconces, but I've loved <a href="http://keep.com/norwell-lighting-aidan-swing-arm-wall-sconce-by-jennykomenda/k/nE6_7YgBDq/" target="_blank">these swing arm sconces</a> for so long now. Seems only appropriate to use them at this point!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 22ssDSC_0434copy.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/22ssDSC_0434copy.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hmmm, what about doing the top shelf all the way across the window?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 2ssDSC_0434copy.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/2ssDSC_0434copy.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I also have a pair of this single-head <a href="http://keep.com/msc-r1c-rotating-sconce-inspired-by-serge-mouille-infurn-by-jennykomenda/k/nE7vfRABE0/" target="_blank">Serge Mouille style sconces </a>that might look cool in a kitchen, though I was planning to use them elsewhere. A lot of the decision lies in which tile I go with for the backsplash I think.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 1ssDSC_0434copy.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/1ssDSC_0434copy.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />I'm sort of stumped on barstools. Most of them are so expensive and it just doesn't feel like a fun purchase to me, so I've been dragging my feet a little. The most obvious choice is <a href="http://keep.com/vapor-barstools-by-jennykomenda/k/nE3lWWgBMZ/" target="_blank">CB2's Vapor stools</a>. I've used them in a ton of projects and they are gorgeous in almost any kitchen and they hold up beautifully. <a href="http://keep.com/perch-counter-stool-by-jennykomenda/k/nErlVjgBGt/" target="_blank">The West Elm wire and wood</a> ones are kind of calling my name though.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ssDSC_0448.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/ssDSC_0448.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><img alt=" photo stools.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/stools.png" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><a href="http://keep.com/perch-counter-stool-by-jennykomenda/k/nErlVjgBGt/" target="_blank">1</a>  //  <a href="http://keep.com/vapor-barstools-by-jennykomenda/k/nE3lWWgBMZ/" target="_blank">2</a>  //  <a href="http://keep.com/bertoia-wire-style-counter-stool-chair-by-jennykomenda/k/m_Gn0HgBCR/" target="_blank">3</a>  //  <a href="http://keep.com/tabouret-black-with-back-30-inch-bar-stools-set-of-2-overstockcom-by-jennykomenda/k/m_GmynABCL/" target="_blank">4</a></div><br />Yesterday I scored the deal of the century on a set of Louis chairs for the dining area (photos coming!). I kept the big long Drexel table from the loft and might just use it again in here, but it might not be the right fit both in look and size. If I end up going with the Vapor stools, <a href="http://keep.com/dylan-36x80-dining-table-by-jennykomenda/k/nE3n8UABMg/" target="_blank">this hairpin leg table</a> could be really great in the space with my new Louis chairs?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo lanterns.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/lanterns.png" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />The pair of ginormous lanterns I bought in Jersey a couple months ago are going to get the red treatment (<a href="http://keep.com/currey-and-company-9033-carousel-lantern-by-jennykomenda/k/nEyXp3ABOJ/" target="_blank">just like this lantern</a>) I think and they'll hang above the dining table.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0474.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/aDSC_0474.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Okay, so a couple of questions to take you into the weekend:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">1) Have you seen any fab, affordable bar stools?</div><div style="text-align: left;">2) Have you seen my same granite (which is a pretty common one I guess) used before in an interesting way?</div><div style="text-align: left;">3) Any favorite encaustic resources that I didn't link to in <a href="http://keep.com/kitchen-by-jennykomenda/c/m-wyIGgAZR/" target="_blank">this collection</a>?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And don't forget to let me know if you're on Keep now, I'd love to follow you. It's so fun to see what my readers are wanting and buying! You guys have amazing taste!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>This post is a part of series brought to you by <a href="http://www.keep.com/" target="_blank">Keep</a>, which is a free website dedicated to helping you learn about the best products out there as determined by your friends and the people you look up to style-wise! :) I've been using Keep as a way to keep track of my purchases and wish list items for the new house. There might be a lot of <a href="http://keep.com/clothes-by-jennykomenda/c/g1mproAAcJ/" target="_blank">fashion distractions</a> thrown in the mix as well. :)</i></div></div>

Making Plans for the Kitchen with Keep.com

Anyone else ready for the weekend? My body is so sore that Labor Day suddenly has a whole new meaning for me this year. :) My parents are go...

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DIY Antiqued Mirror (With No Harsh Chemicals!)

<center></center>I feel like this might end up being the baby version of a tutorial on antiquing glass to look like aged mirror. I really like the results, but when I try it again, I think I'll figure out a way to make the look a little more dramatic. So stay tuned for that.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0666.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/aDSC_0666.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />If you like a more subtle look though, here are the easy, harsh-chemical-free steps...<br /><br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br />You can do this to the underside of any glass you have. I tried it on my glass cabinet doors, but the possibilities are pretty endless: the underside of glass tabletops (you'd want to seal that), a regular picture frame with glass to be made into a mirror, interior french doors for privacy (I'd give the inside a fresh topcoat to match the doors though), glassware and ornaments for a mercury glass look, etc, etc.<br /><br />You'll need only a few things to get started: Krylon's Looking Glass spray paint (I found mine at Hobby Lobby - Michael's stopped selling it), a half and half mixture of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and some paper towels.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0538.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/aDSC_0538.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After taping off just the underside of the frame of my cabinet door, I lightly misted the vinegar mixture on the glass. If I could go back I would have really doused the glass the first round and especially focused on a few spots, rather than doing a uniform spray.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo sDSC_0540.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/sDSC_0540.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then working quickly while the vinegar is still wet, spray the Looking Glass all over.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0544.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/DSC_0544.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Wait a few seconds (maybe 10 or 15?) and then wipe off the glass.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0548a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/aDSC_0548a.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You'll be left with a cool, patchy look. I almost wish I had just stopped here and spray the whole thing black for a great contrast against the silvery mirrored spots, but you know, live and learn.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo zDSC_0551.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/zDSC_0551.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I sprayed another light mist layer of the vinegar mixture and repeated the layer of Looking Glass spray and wiped it down all again. This is what it looked like after the second round:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0554.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/aDSC_0554.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pretty, right? Again, definitely should have stopped at this point. But I lightly misted the whole thing with just the Looking Glass spray as a final step.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo sDSC_0558.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/sDSC_0558.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Even though I knew my mistake right away, I went ahead and repeated the steps for the matching door on the desk area cabinet, just so the two panes would match. I think it's still really pretty though. So much better than the clear glass! It's all sparkly and bright, just like real mirror. And I can actually use the cabinet for storage and not just pretty display stuff now. Total bonus.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0615.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/aDSC_0615.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When I tackle these big cabinet doors in a week or so, I'll probably go a little more dramatic with the mirror. I'll be sure to report back on how that goes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo sDSC_0467.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/sDSC_0467.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Have you ever tried this project before? I've seen <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=diy+antiqued+mirror&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=DkAdUrShM4OqyAHM0YGgBA&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1223&bih=589#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=uG9jRShnw0kxBM%3A%3BubOzil3bjETapM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fburlapanddenim.com%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2012%252F03%252FHow-to-spray-glass-and-create-an-antiqued-mirror.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fburlapanddenim.com%252F2012%252F03%252Fdumped-found-half-light-door-vaseline-finish-antiqued-mirror%252F%3B750%3B498" target="_blank">other tutorials</a> that use these steps on the outside of glassware, but the end finish is pretty textured, so I'd probably stick to doing just the inside or underside of your glass if you're trying this on a bigger surface.</div>

DIY Antiqued Mirror (With No Harsh Chemicals!)

I feel like this might end up being the baby version of a tutorial on antiquing glass to look like aged mirror. I really like the results, b...

Read more »