Home Design Image

Amy's Front Porch

Amy wrote in with a request for some front porch/stoop advice: I have a smallish front porch area and I am having the darndest time trying to find some ideas to decorate in a way that is both comfortable and classy. Truth be told its only about 4x8ish feet -so more of a stoop than a porch. I am trying to find some ideas that allow me to keep a little chair out there and maybe a little table so I can read my paper and drink my coffee and chat with the neighbors. I have been scouring kijiji for "something" to put there but nothing is jumping at me. I'm afraid of cluttering up the place... <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCeFUqDZb032HDms7FMmXMKW3L0HU1kjNNm-v9N_F550TCsGb-sMzr5FyehKFoDgB8sDRf8AmZCT3QMEQQ6S5rQyfdw97SA6Veg1oXcQkwtc2Y-6K4fb7U1ElqzxJkArD4hEHnpJO1DZv/s1600-h/easter+2009+030.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330208877608725186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCeFUqDZb032HDms7FMmXMKW3L0HU1kjNNm-v9N_F550TCsGb-sMzr5FyehKFoDgB8sDRf8AmZCT3QMEQQ6S5rQyfdw97SA6Veg1oXcQkwtc2Y-6K4fb7U1ElqzxJkArD4hEHnpJO1DZv/s400/easter+2009+030.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> Amy has such a cute little house in Canada. I think just a few small additions and changes would really step up her curb appeal. Though I don't know much about landscape design, I think a row of boxwoods in front of the long window would look very nice. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-7RJ-HWjyImDRKIsIGuEna5a4wWpP9cN-nLWw6wWkx0WXn5Pm8-s4G2JvLb09V5lcAavdmjd2ec4yabR77tY4-FxZQJfifHlS4GCZnBvIRQhY-WP9Et_scDAClnwlVfbPBSdKFMWEakC/s1600-h/easter+2009+031.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330208877416123250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-7RJ-HWjyImDRKIsIGuEna5a4wWpP9cN-nLWw6wWkx0WXn5Pm8-s4G2JvLb09V5lcAavdmjd2ec4yabR77tY4-FxZQJfifHlS4GCZnBvIRQhY-WP9Et_scDAClnwlVfbPBSdKFMWEakC/s400/easter+2009+031.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> I would also plant a climbing vine on the front right corner of the house to fill out and soften the sea of brick. I'm probably biased, living in Cambridge, but I love me some climbing ivy. It's pretty in the spring, summer and fall. <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKsGWImS4R0JHX3UV5J2WP3iWasxtpUwCUGgoE_rW9XtSLFZIkjDZINVseZaoeU51WS7e5hdbZaPNnE9y4G8nEQ8Os1LVvSn02pWXzcR9JrxxAV4gWXczs3tMexTC9aIWBFxbQKW-3TFI/s1600-h/atl+homes+via+bluprint+bliss+CC4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340872283732934322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKsGWImS4R0JHX3UV5J2WP3iWasxtpUwCUGgoE_rW9XtSLFZIkjDZINVseZaoeU51WS7e5hdbZaPNnE9y4G8nEQ8Os1LVvSn02pWXzcR9JrxxAV4gWXczs3tMexTC9aIWBFxbQKW-3TFI/s400/atl+homes+via+bluprint+bliss+CC4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 213px;" /></a>image courtesy of ATL Homes via <a href="http://blueprintbliss.blogspot.com/">Blueprint Bliss</a> </div>Two tall evergreen topiaries in modern urns/bases would fit perfectly in the little nooks that the columns make on the perimeter of the porch. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGZPJvYwayCa-LpU7cZSIjA-tm6Gb4Bp2OIu3UbzxUqf5ZHUJx1zXiR_dw6PNji5u_VxHfstKVDq8Vcp24J0nJXafJeeTbH3dmjnE08J1Qp6yxn-5FfhdUzkx1yIjge1rV0JfiQ_QJaU6/s1600-h/easter+2009+028.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330208879096717234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGZPJvYwayCa-LpU7cZSIjA-tm6Gb4Bp2OIu3UbzxUqf5ZHUJx1zXiR_dw6PNji5u_VxHfstKVDq8Vcp24J0nJXafJeeTbH3dmjnE08J1Qp6yxn-5FfhdUzkx1yIjge1rV0JfiQ_QJaU6/s400/easter+2009+028.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> I think a little greenery and symmetry here would look amazing. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75eirZ0Ep7SLFXdLx4xN4BuVnwrkvXugFBvOJyXZLnc1H_aVOV39ngPUdm32aNQBQm2B6ztU9bgqYDzcPiFtx3M4z3WNGDUv8UBByGzQnE5fgV9H4aoccXAYzA7VUqvsb5r8eCxmhyphenhyphen1eL/s1600-h/SpiralTopSet.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340879058548732402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75eirZ0Ep7SLFXdLx4xN4BuVnwrkvXugFBvOJyXZLnc1H_aVOV39ngPUdm32aNQBQm2B6ztU9bgqYDzcPiFtx3M4z3WNGDUv8UBByGzQnE5fgV9H4aoccXAYzA7VUqvsb5r8eCxmhyphenhyphen1eL/s400/SpiralTopSet.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 332px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 216px;" /></a> I would go for some planters like the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/80151504">Mynta from IKEA</a>. They are narrow and tall, so they'll fill up that space perfectly. The white is safe and a good choice. But maybe go with the citrine color? It might be a fun play off the more serious green in your trim. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwK7xixGn7cceM_x8pPQ9zBhJa6r7lqHqNStizXcbKs_xq2aVsOXLCtwwwM6NpLse6qPcIg5noX9aCYUqo85UbXrDA12a2obte0xwARm3RShAopBKpa7YHiTEAUHikswu81e2ixbCPW2Ak/s1600-h/0093445_PE231068_S4.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340868138817453714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwK7xixGn7cceM_x8pPQ9zBhJa6r7lqHqNStizXcbKs_xq2aVsOXLCtwwwM6NpLse6qPcIg5noX9aCYUqo85UbXrDA12a2obte0xwARm3RShAopBKpa7YHiTEAUHikswu81e2ixbCPW2Ak/s400/0093445_PE231068_S4.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>I would paint your front door black for some contrast and depth. How about a new mailbox? Something modern with clean lines, to combat all the trad design you have here. What about <a href="http://www.chiasso.com/shopping/modern-outdoor-accessories/mailboxes/postino-mailbox.aspx">this one</a>?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGN8jZn2rSsQpXKdjuHMyDZGI2F6yn-dEmyGMbsRTigBGJPnYIBaCwi2v8sXftdrBp5LNHKzA9gaIV5tHorX6ZnWGchkybN02qFKbMBLXxmA8BXftYzbUn8LkaycjX7mkBuK8Tg9LGbK7E/s1600-h/Picture+4.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340872280274635314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGN8jZn2rSsQpXKdjuHMyDZGI2F6yn-dEmyGMbsRTigBGJPnYIBaCwi2v8sXftdrBp5LNHKzA9gaIV5tHorX6ZnWGchkybN02qFKbMBLXxmA8BXftYzbUn8LkaycjX7mkBuK8Tg9LGbK7E/s400/Picture+4.png" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 368px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>A new lantern would be cool. What about something industrial/nautical like <a href="http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=296590-17771-296590&lpage=none">this one</a> from Lowes? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6e96Z61qx3TzhFYW3YKwsqiBB9pta1cArrttCfMVVcv9obLAHKdFYaBt-rW2OWhegmcB7jGmZ6zlM-kIxiM1yjbTxaLC2NEYIeD2ALyraOYjViuCKLvyTC5Pc8lMRFoeLH5nDBqlnBAX/s1600-h/736916550611.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340873051293426162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6e96Z61qx3TzhFYW3YKwsqiBB9pta1cArrttCfMVVcv9obLAHKdFYaBt-rW2OWhegmcB7jGmZ6zlM-kIxiM1yjbTxaLC2NEYIeD2ALyraOYjViuCKLvyTC5Pc8lMRFoeLH5nDBqlnBAX/s400/736916550611.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Maybe some new <a href="http://www.chiasso.com/store/item.aspx?ItemId=50327">house numbers</a>? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRVGNJAzn85SkzeV3MDdQl-DI9eBn2Jbga2FDwJV8m7wuOkXK9wtbjmC2ZSERJ529aGMq9R88UeeZhpkoY5zBvz9FiBs3_ItS1cgvSuXKxDQM38B0PtVH9gjLx8BGqL7q7davushSysnj/s1600-h/Picture+3.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340868142323176626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRVGNJAzn85SkzeV3MDdQl-DI9eBn2Jbga2FDwJV8m7wuOkXK9wtbjmC2ZSERJ529aGMq9R88UeeZhpkoY5zBvz9FiBs3_ItS1cgvSuXKxDQM38B0PtVH9gjLx8BGqL7q7davushSysnj/s400/Picture+3.png" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 383px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> You'll need a good all-weather rug to put down. Since this will stay out all year most likely, I would go with something more neutral, like this <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p12085/index.cfm?pkey=csynthetic-outdoor-rugs">PB rug</a> in the 3x5 size. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnppw4c6hiE2nJ6Xd3p1xQcDD8VZUK-rVrBWzRqU5SNzFXYdp1JOR1DUf8jQ6FoYq0sHawBSxsRESb0zCw-hxWyz2CUNLM6FAE3za-9CzvGIvM2PyvLbtCMe3xOe4kqmcCOjd2QtwdRS7I/s1600-h/img61m.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340868150086269234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnppw4c6hiE2nJ6Xd3p1xQcDD8VZUK-rVrBWzRqU5SNzFXYdp1JOR1DUf8jQ6FoYq0sHawBSxsRESb0zCw-hxWyz2CUNLM6FAE3za-9CzvGIvM2PyvLbtCMe3xOe4kqmcCOjd2QtwdRS7I/s400/img61m.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 344px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 383px;" /></a> I would paint your current chair if you're trying to watch the budget. Maybe a very, very pale sky blue? If you're ready for a new chair there go with vintage or vintage inspired. I think <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/New-vintage-Metal-Retro-Tulip-Lawn-Chair-Free-Shipping_W0QQitemZ130297326150QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item1e56536a46&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A2103%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A3%7C294%3A50">these</a> from eBay are great ($99 including shipping), but you could probably find something less expensive on Craig's list or kijiji. I would do the white, but if you do chose a color here, stay away from the red with your forest green trim! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqI0G9KtrZkyeWsxrv19SHadEWfNJQ6l9io1XHyeNmWAWUsZxoiLMHx1H8iEmwEidoWJ8jnuinnqHDlzH8CpqRJRiJnvs3OHrksW9y7YkCPXKOjb0_RknbdxlOWpaK2g6vHrXVljLanDov/s1600-h/6815711_tp.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340868152338508146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqI0G9KtrZkyeWsxrv19SHadEWfNJQ6l9io1XHyeNmWAWUsZxoiLMHx1H8iEmwEidoWJ8jnuinnqHDlzH8CpqRJRiJnvs3OHrksW9y7YkCPXKOjb0_RknbdxlOWpaK2g6vHrXVljLanDov/s400/6815711_tp.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 172px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> I'm really impressed with the selection at this site if you're ready to purchase some extra fabulous <a href="http://www.everypatiofurniture.com/">patio furniture</a>. Don't forget a fun outdoor pillow. I like <a href="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/80144066">these small bolsters</a> ($12.99 ea). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCAU7RJMbUTSkycD_UYraxsCCnzkycf0pyeN6Wqv4KBYHX1fqBf2D9DMC1SnX8VhzO0LIE52SBS2wWCNtWIBdQ57U8Hhf63rWjDglMevUtH2iz6EAq-ZSBsaL_5hjtLRT6B4ReQ2616gbn/s1600-h/Picture+5.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340884416365418674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCAU7RJMbUTSkycD_UYraxsCCnzkycf0pyeN6Wqv4KBYHX1fqBf2D9DMC1SnX8VhzO0LIE52SBS2wWCNtWIBdQ57U8Hhf63rWjDglMevUtH2iz6EAq-ZSBsaL_5hjtLRT6B4ReQ2616gbn/s400/Picture+5.png" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 295px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Look for a small round side table to use as a drink holder. Something like <a href="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/30125697">this one</a> would work well. Search for table in more of the plant stand size range than side table size. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdv9k2aiBt6Xi6WK19fGRbWqA9NTbajK7PEpYeCruwfs0zjjhcqEIe8tnCnODd1zvAd8TE3KvyrcjDsBS11z423-rar54Nq0_uooWOduolEFToMuqm-g1a6RH-ZOQumDk202Zi1x2fQ6CQ/s1600-h/69216_PE183965_S4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340873693119127442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdv9k2aiBt6Xi6WK19fGRbWqA9NTbajK7PEpYeCruwfs0zjjhcqEIe8tnCnODd1zvAd8TE3KvyrcjDsBS11z423-rar54Nq0_uooWOduolEFToMuqm-g1a6RH-ZOQumDk202Zi1x2fQ6CQ/s400/69216_PE183965_S4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Maybe you could get a <a href="http://cgi.ebay.ca/Vintage-Foot-Stool-20s_W0QQitemZ160337899649QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2554e23081&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A10%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50">small bench</a> to prop up your feet on? Make sure to put a coat of sealant on the legs (after painting them - pale blue again?) to protect the wood. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisy5TzGLCdHyjwa1J3p3eYY2an5LQ2bO4VLmGotYO3RuDMtee8CPn8DrSKUtbHJMr6tGYMc3KD1P4xjSZcITWrh87i8nXcEHHGQaF5EWnqvFKKjiuSvUUqLyDKtHglkO6rXyZGFsNRQL3S/s1600-h/270518496_tp.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340875531906892610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisy5TzGLCdHyjwa1J3p3eYY2an5LQ2bO4VLmGotYO3RuDMtee8CPn8DrSKUtbHJMr6tGYMc3KD1P4xjSZcITWrh87i8nXcEHHGQaF5EWnqvFKKjiuSvUUqLyDKtHglkO6rXyZGFsNRQL3S/s400/270518496_tp.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> I would use a fun indoor/outdoor fabric for the upholstery here. Better yet, use a laminated fabric or oilcloth making the bench completely waterproof. Check out some of these amazing <a href="http://www.hartsfabric.com/oilclothvinyl.html">waterproof fabric patterns</a> that one of my readers directed me to this week. This <a href="http://www.hartsfabric.com/black-white-stripe-vinyl-oilcloth-fabric53609.html">B&W oilcloth</a> would be so chic on your footstool! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlM0573MGXfLIyy0eetbmc547CnCur5LztVGpYQB3n7YnybS22YDS6L0Ef_FifaKXkExU2ZVUca_WAMxVPqEAEyEcI1Zb-baLJlkXfXI1dRLfrszBvWENHGov4XrB_K4KPsVd5gqmWJJZn/s1600-h/hartsfabric_2054_207895349.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340875529519788194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlM0573MGXfLIyy0eetbmc547CnCur5LztVGpYQB3n7YnybS22YDS6L0Ef_FifaKXkExU2ZVUca_WAMxVPqEAEyEcI1Zb-baLJlkXfXI1dRLfrszBvWENHGov4XrB_K4KPsVd5gqmWJJZn/s400/hartsfabric_2054_207895349.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 303px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a> That's it for me. I think simple and classic is the way to go here for such a small space. What suggestions do you guys have for Amy?

Amy's Front Porch

Amy wrote in with a request for some front porch/stoop advice: I have a smallish front porch area and I am having the darndest time trying ...

2:31 AM

Great DIY

Hot off the presses from <a href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/2009/05/before-after-amandas-doors.html">design*sponge</a>... A great idea for turning those horrible hollow-core doors into something more substantial looking, but doing it on the cheap. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8pJp2aOKVT-0eiDh9fiH7BVEJU6_R1LpxtB7-tQmklbZYBPUxFVlLESBwXI4c_adjA_WyJdQvRzEEo8jOZo1x3i0RU1l5uZWcEh9Bjg59CyC6B9LCu-gq5N-zIX4CY09i4MO0kodB_pel/s1600-h/old-doors-2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340860345430952098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8pJp2aOKVT-0eiDh9fiH7BVEJU6_R1LpxtB7-tQmklbZYBPUxFVlLESBwXI4c_adjA_WyJdQvRzEEo8jOZo1x3i0RU1l5uZWcEh9Bjg59CyC6B9LCu-gq5N-zIX4CY09i4MO0kodB_pel/s400/old-doors-2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 349px;" /></a> A little moulding and some paint. My kind of project!! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NCZY6n_7M_C7-e7l78-jByn_OA3LNhfbOxEDQBp82elqa0vD2Dcbal09UQIRI0hz_lZqcYn0RzAYqjvIO-nl6njLkYa1cbwGaX8u8p0pkl_YQOVQ_X2fmIMDwmrumEYxjyKH88k7gnvR/s1600-h/p5070007.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340860338112624914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NCZY6n_7M_C7-e7l78-jByn_OA3LNhfbOxEDQBp82elqa0vD2Dcbal09UQIRI0hz_lZqcYn0RzAYqjvIO-nl6njLkYa1cbwGaX8u8p0pkl_YQOVQ_X2fmIMDwmrumEYxjyKH88k7gnvR/s400/p5070007.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 317px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TxxOuwI3Q2cKu8nMdQCuAsRg6VvXqEsEFZnZxZUXxCPty2oRnbxmkYQA4FgGzopv0P2RlNTtv6sgo5yKYrltxzMtf20gnkULQQKtk-2PSDj2f1kzcHSeAJbk6x0vdsQ2lJ3jCiS_PJNm/s1600-h/p5100048.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340860338117025762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TxxOuwI3Q2cKu8nMdQCuAsRg6VvXqEsEFZnZxZUXxCPty2oRnbxmkYQA4FgGzopv0P2RlNTtv6sgo5yKYrltxzMtf20gnkULQQKtk-2PSDj2f1kzcHSeAJbk6x0vdsQ2lJ3jCiS_PJNm/s400/p5100048.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> Black paint would have been great here, too. Get some more door paint color inspiration <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2009/01/my-love-for-painting-interior-doors.html">here</a>.

Great DIY

Hot off the presses from design*sponge ... A great idea for turning those horrible hollow-core doors into something more substantial looking...

6:03 AM

Stripping Metal

I have been scouring Craigslist lately looking for a large vintage filing cabinet (substantial drawer pulls a necessity here). I was inspired by this image I saw on <a href="http://simplygrove.blogspot.com/">Simply Grove</a>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaz1mEY2TIYvC7JCzRZTkVUkB1UjlAYpofq-_zPkPvuEdTXz7BKsxX3qPMw0HvH_NLGyhEK3uTrglxFWyqzdxZxHzyE_qEZceTdoUmyYnuRpzuJPu-jnbTg4AMdqQzN_t3MWAQAW2EvueG/s1600-h/Bueller+side+table.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340499242333318962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaz1mEY2TIYvC7JCzRZTkVUkB1UjlAYpofq-_zPkPvuEdTXz7BKsxX3qPMw0HvH_NLGyhEK3uTrglxFWyqzdxZxHzyE_qEZceTdoUmyYnuRpzuJPu-jnbTg4AMdqQzN_t3MWAQAW2EvueG/s400/Bueller+side+table.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a> I'm sure the metal on this awesome little cabinet was a totally boring color before the owner stripped off the paint. I love the mix of finishes here. It's such an industrial look. Maybe <a href="http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/fuo/1191022947.html">these</a> off of Boston's cragslist could work? The seller is asking $70 for the pair. There could be some industrial awesomeness hiding under all that old black paint. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibULB2DDFEh8-n22VBmmT31l1ivjKsBTAWJbLQIaVaadymyIBcYJa8INsu5MgCoD3XhdVjNyVKlsTtr_N4y869ubTi49LDjcbVeKjr_z-GfCe2YByqSg9CZUDTmvd-qAN4rpBo_PBw-sXk/s1600-h/3na3o33l9ZZZZZZZZZ95rbe76e7dfb43d14f7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340499243883151650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibULB2DDFEh8-n22VBmmT31l1ivjKsBTAWJbLQIaVaadymyIBcYJa8INsu5MgCoD3XhdVjNyVKlsTtr_N4y869ubTi49LDjcbVeKjr_z-GfCe2YByqSg9CZUDTmvd-qAN4rpBo_PBw-sXk/s400/3na3o33l9ZZZZZZZZZ95rbe76e7dfb43d14f7.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 225px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAHZsB6DowQ2pllHzGX9DZ3BE-B72EO7QCJWXwpjnQpqQ4ekkmksNoia6pVNKcxvyAJbxm3cEr0gViXjBjvXGzM-dqEBBXeJgTD2HZH_WwOpQkbE-FwMReETG7N-HAfZdeXvWQD2zUgnD/s1600-h/3n83o23p8ZZZZZZZZZ95r4dddc34a8d3e1426.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340499241539928370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAHZsB6DowQ2pllHzGX9DZ3BE-B72EO7QCJWXwpjnQpqQ4ekkmksNoia6pVNKcxvyAJbxm3cEr0gViXjBjvXGzM-dqEBBXeJgTD2HZH_WwOpQkbE-FwMReETG7N-HAfZdeXvWQD2zUgnD/s400/3n83o23p8ZZZZZZZZZ95r4dddc34a8d3e1426.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 225px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a> The idea of stripping paint from old metal reminds me of <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/good-things/stripped-tin-boxes">this project</a> from Martha. Just a little paint thinner or stripping gel, a toothbrush and some elbow grease to turn old tea and biscuit tins into lovely office supply storage. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMY0Ade_6uRCKKsdr7Sox-iEdViP9vOrDBU7BuHeWHUMno2C1_BkEKgcDU9gaHMgfaOHf23VfeXFsRqZ0jFTyXEQVXas73fxXpXSseDc7PS6JiTasOkhSXp4bnL3E7sjE3Po5tFJo1FwSy/s1600-h/gt071_sttinbox01_l.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340499234737884578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMY0Ade_6uRCKKsdr7Sox-iEdViP9vOrDBU7BuHeWHUMno2C1_BkEKgcDU9gaHMgfaOHf23VfeXFsRqZ0jFTyXEQVXas73fxXpXSseDc7PS6JiTasOkhSXp4bnL3E7sjE3Po5tFJo1FwSy/s400/gt071_sttinbox01_l.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 281px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 225px;" /></a>

Stripping Metal

I have been scouring Craigslist lately looking for a large vintage filing cabinet (substantial drawer pulls a necessity here). I was inspire...

6:21 AM

Laminating Fabric

Remember this Domino spread of Barrie Benson's dining room? I spy my beloved Chiang Mai fabric on the chairs... <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFwEu33H6ZOPC8ByxPxJNivey7RHfZph7gGG2PRQ9-GC3UEAEQx1luLHOL4xWNP91S9j_MpQCk6VrulZrGmoJARVU75zDSg2KpyiB_2BibAm126U9la0CO2-3TFxeoag3sAxJkQWf0jC7/s1600-h/barrie+benson+via+domino+SKMBT_C25007092113490_edited.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339548925811600322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFwEu33H6ZOPC8ByxPxJNivey7RHfZph7gGG2PRQ9-GC3UEAEQx1luLHOL4xWNP91S9j_MpQCk6VrulZrGmoJARVU75zDSg2KpyiB_2BibAm126U9la0CO2-3TFxeoag3sAxJkQWf0jC7/s400/barrie+benson+via+domino+SKMBT_C25007092113490_edited.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 284px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>image courtesy of Domino via <a href="http://pinkwallpaper.blogspot.com/">Pink Wallpaper</a> </div>It says in the caption that Benson vinyl-coated the Dragon fabric, which I had previously imagined meant that she just had a layer of vinyl fabric laying on top of the Schumacher. But, I bet that she actually sent the yardage off to be laminated before upholstering the chairs. Wouldn't it be amazing to get to use (and let our kids sit on) our favorite designer fabrics on dining furniture? I bought two cheap but cute Louis-esque kiddie-sized chairs a few months ago at Home Goods. My plan is to paint and reupholster them when we move. These will go at our kiddie table with two more mini-sized chairs (maybe the <a href="http://www.unicahome.com/catalog/item.asp?id=43974&PartnerID=FR">Stark Lou Lou ghost chairs</a>?) in a nook of our new living room that's near the kitchen. We'll use it for crafts and snack-times, so I need these chairs to be water and stain proof. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCQFk-Tp-QOfx-xE_QnazVIhXOWXNEllv7l6cFwOh9Q-FwPhr2IlxSOvc6e0bMErMdk9AcQs_fz6jgIDD_WB8EO89oTex-UjpJ31DlOhyphenhyphenZwgumULn2lzx_ZOOIia-7ggto5pky0OSs9o7/s1600-h/DSC_0024.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339551262159476210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCQFk-Tp-QOfx-xE_QnazVIhXOWXNEllv7l6cFwOh9Q-FwPhr2IlxSOvc6e0bMErMdk9AcQs_fz6jgIDD_WB8EO89oTex-UjpJ31DlOhyphenhyphenZwgumULn2lzx_ZOOIia-7ggto5pky0OSs9o7/s400/DSC_0024.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBR7VdeLYjPon0dTRs4X-MEP-ilw-CXw_o13O9GdLAQbWzvmRNDgQ_qhv1EgoZ0l94GKMCrh35q3c9lPGKSAgFIqnhUlK61QVY3E7JuhNblV6LWSM_k9jTjfm3Mcki5wm5YemWZ-3QYi-0/s1600-h/DSC_0021.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339551258387244770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBR7VdeLYjPon0dTRs4X-MEP-ilw-CXw_o13O9GdLAQbWzvmRNDgQ_qhv1EgoZ0l94GKMCrh35q3c9lPGKSAgFIqnhUlK61QVY3E7JuhNblV6LWSM_k9jTjfm3Mcki5wm5YemWZ-3QYi-0/s400/DSC_0021.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> Originally I was thinking <a href="http://crafts.shop.ebay.com/items/Crafts__faux-ostrich_W0QQ_catrefZ1QQ_flnZ1QQ_sacatZ14339QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em282">faux ostrich</a> (for the cleanability factor). I still like that idea, but I think a print here would be fun. I'm thinking about buying some already laminated fabric (<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Vinyl-coated-Waterproof-Fabric-Retro-Flowers-on-Ivory_W0QQitemZ220277830704QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Fabric?hash=item334994f430&_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116">this one's</a> girly and cute, and Free Spirit has an adorable line <a href="http://www.freespiritfabric.com/core-pages/gallery.php?gal_id=199&sw_id=2733">here</a>). I'm sure it costs an arm and a leg, but maybe I could get my own fabric vinyl-coated? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpm8kMAgip4AZZNRz7JqXPCCPeqPDWrRT0yh5MKSzSAOxyuXWoH1JTYYgdcfMacu-erDM45vW0ntefzL6uyklAmWG9GABpfd_XC4afF30GXHZeMd9nW1-hVKFeplnadQzBjO6nwz4yNCBx/s1600-h/OCAH02Citrus%3Cbr%3EAnna+Maria+Horner%3Cbr%3EFebruary+2009.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339554197449400274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpm8kMAgip4AZZNRz7JqXPCCPeqPDWrRT0yh5MKSzSAOxyuXWoH1JTYYgdcfMacu-erDM45vW0ntefzL6uyklAmWG9GABpfd_XC4afF30GXHZeMd9nW1-hVKFeplnadQzBjO6nwz4yNCBx/s400/OCAH02Citrus%3Cbr%3EAnna+Maria+Horner%3Cbr%3EFebruary+2009.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 290px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYiB2MpOhesmIydcQZ1OsQn33FbCPtp6BzTWyBe29iXpfop8sFFuvzTvTGbw0R3gAakVwYHVdCpnlc7B9zxJkHao931VuX7h4EB150QB9mLtgxSrAgsfh3ZJ5MWVpl96X8-ZjNjVH8hftT/s1600-h/OCAT02Turquoise%3Cbr%3EAnnette+Tatum%3Cbr%3EAugust+2009.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339554192214489826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYiB2MpOhesmIydcQZ1OsQn33FbCPtp6BzTWyBe29iXpfop8sFFuvzTvTGbw0R3gAakVwYHVdCpnlc7B9zxJkHao931VuX7h4EB150QB9mLtgxSrAgsfh3ZJ5MWVpl96X8-ZjNjVH8hftT/s400/OCAT02Turquoise%3Cbr%3EAnnette+Tatum%3Cbr%3EAugust+2009.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 290px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7vil_7JGY-bcGo84_XAIBNCTafWKdsmpMHP6Bnjgc1Mrcht6k1Eh1DeNwwQnFjJakhtPfTcxZavAw9s1CJY-lqSJAGtriBvife9-MZIGm_csrach6Kd6dMOYICkQ2yursLiV_yWsOaw6/s1600-h/OCAT02Ribbon%3Cbr%3EAnnette+Tatum%3Cbr%3EAugust+2009.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339554191492227778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7vil_7JGY-bcGo84_XAIBNCTafWKdsmpMHP6Bnjgc1Mrcht6k1Eh1DeNwwQnFjJakhtPfTcxZavAw9s1CJY-lqSJAGtriBvife9-MZIGm_csrach6Kd6dMOYICkQ2yursLiV_yWsOaw6/s400/OCAT02Ribbon%3Cbr%3EAnnette+Tatum%3Cbr%3EAugust+2009.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 290px;" /></a> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4cYn1nzhrEgDqnOKEFxiraPY7FuCA8lWUj9rrFxfhHJQAXCoinXwVkv556QySe3XcJ35zyhY1ZrD4xPNqTGwFS95DeouJgcihrjHXHxfnCw4gHhCIU16le94G9lf4-W2K_4cleOQsRIZ/s1600-h/OCAH01Sun%3Cbr%3EAnna+Maria+Horner%3Cbr%3EFebruary+2009.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339554184432905762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4cYn1nzhrEgDqnOKEFxiraPY7FuCA8lWUj9rrFxfhHJQAXCoinXwVkv556QySe3XcJ35zyhY1ZrD4xPNqTGwFS95DeouJgcihrjHXHxfnCw4gHhCIU16le94G9lf4-W2K_4cleOQsRIZ/s400/OCAH01Sun%3Cbr%3EAnna+Maria+Horner%3Cbr%3EFebruary+2009.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 290px;" /></a>images via Free Spirit </div>Anyone have any experience with this sort of thing? Any sense of cost per yard to get fabric laminated?

Laminating Fabric

Remember this Domino spread of Barrie Benson's dining room? I spy my beloved Chiang Mai fabric on the chairs... image courtesy of Domino...

2:15 AM

Speaking My Language

For some reason I always have loved this Mary Macdonald living room. It just looks so livable -- like I could move right in. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHUexmUAey6e1OXf2qbsdM4rzhxrWd5OXJeKZt-Oj5IX2HgG8Qwb3W4JOEX7wHXVG_priCvQcTtG4hWxo0RcssB-RKdhMNFhtbPg75sGqG2ZWRq5lrkUF8l7lJDEe7fPPrNsBaF8oulah/s1600-h/armoire12-mary+mcdonald.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338619408609307634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHUexmUAey6e1OXf2qbsdM4rzhxrWd5OXJeKZt-Oj5IX2HgG8Qwb3W4JOEX7wHXVG_priCvQcTtG4hWxo0RcssB-RKdhMNFhtbPg75sGqG2ZWRq5lrkUF8l7lJDEe7fPPrNsBaF8oulah/s400/armoire12-mary+mcdonald.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 410px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 321px;" /></a> The colors are both energetic and soothing. And I love the pop of red peeking out from around the corner. The upholstered furniture is just perfection. I'm crazy over those little slipper chairs with the nailhead detail. I don't particularly love the scrolly side table (would have preferred something like <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p12024/index.cfm?pkey=cside-tables">this</a> or like <a href="http://store.wellappointedhouse.com/brandwhmadit.html">this</a>), but I love the antiqued mirrored coffee table. I think a lot of us would have chosen to paint the large dark hutch here white or another light color. But the dark paint/stain really helps to ground the room and keeps the other colors from going into the 'too sweet' territory. The painted interior shelves though are just the right touch. Love you, Mary! Let's hang out!

Speaking My Language

For some reason I always have loved this Mary Macdonald living room. It just looks so livable -- like I could move right in. The colors are ...

5:07 AM

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