Sunday, August 26, 2012

Home at last....

How long I have waited for this day.  Here is our new house.....


Isn't she a beauty?  Well, I'd like to think so if I say so myself.  :)  So, the first order of business when it comes to decorating, of course, has to be the least glamorous (in my opinion).  That would be the roof.

Why does that have to be the first and most expensive design decision I need to make?  As one of my friends said, well at least you'll be able to 'see' the improvement and you won't be spending tons of money on plumbing or electricity (improvements you necessarily can't see).  She has a good point.  The roof has not been replaced since at least 1977.  We almost walked away from the house because of the roof.  

So, it is decision time - what shingles to buy and in what color.  I'm going to have to spend some time researching this, but if any of you readers out there have any experience in this...I'm all ears....

The next couple of days I'll be unpacking and getting internet set-up.  I hope you all have a great week!!  My son starts kindergarden this week....I'm so excited for him!

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

It's happening....

This is a big week for us!  Yesterday, we received our loan approval and the sellers completed the final agreed to repair.  We are only days away from the final closing (on Friday) and the move (on Saturday).

This house purchase was a stressful one - unmotivated sellers, complicated property issues, living in a different state while purchasing a home, etc.  The list goes on; but despite all the difficulties, I am very excited that we will end up with this home because it just feels like it is meant to be (and I absolutely love it).

So, let the fun part begin!  The planning.  Honestly, I have had very little time to plan/visualize any of the design ideas for our new house.  I think on some level I didn't want to jinx it because there were many of moments when I didn't think we'd get this house.  On the other hand, I was completely soaking in the summer with my two children.  But, with only days to go until the closing, I'm letting myself relax a bit and engage in the part which I love best!

To start, I am going to tackle small projects - unpacking, organizing, moving furniture around, furniture layout/placement, etc.


For example, the kitchen - I know I will be craving organization since this is the one room we will be using daily from the get go.  I saw this image and loved it.  I love the simplicity and the monochromatic color scheme.

This is a baking pantry in a cabinet.  Such a clever idea!  I'd like to replicate the hooks on the inside of the cabinet door and use painted moldings (turned upside down) as shelf risers - so much better than those wire shelf risers.  And, I absolutely adore the clear jars and I know exactly which ones I'd purchase - weck canning jars.


I really can't wait to get started!  Okay, my friends, I plan on blogging more on a regular basis since we will soon be settled and the school season is about to begin!

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Pining....

I am definitely feeling nostalgic these days....longing for simplicity, a getaway retreat, or wanting fall to come so I can cozy up with a good book in front of a warm fireplace.  Anyone want to join me?









Photos via here

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Earlier Today...

Earlier today, I posted pictures of our new house.  I did so in sheer excitement of our pending closing date (next week).  And I received a number of equally enthusiastic comments; thank you!  But I came back to it later in the day and had mixed emotions.  I'm still excited about the house, don't get me wrong.  But the post felt ungracious.  There are so many people who have lost their homes or are experiencing financial challenges, it just felt insensitive.  So I took down my previous post.  And I want to turn this into an opportunity to thank God for all that He has given me: my healthy kids, my husband, my own health, my extended family and friends, my blogging friends, and the innumerable other gifts He's given me that go unnoticed in the course of any given day.

After we close and start to work on house projects, I'm sure I'll post project driven pictures.  In the meantime, I'll keep counting my blessings and roll up my sleeves as we get ready for the move in.

Thank you for following!

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

A Great Deal!

The other day I spotted this sawhorse desk on sale at World Market.  I've always liked the minimalist and streamlined look of this desk.



This price ($115 reduced from $230) can't be beat especially for a piece of furniture that is so versatile.  Of course, since I have this piece on my mind, I've been spotting sawhorse desks left and right.  Does that ever happen to you?


I really like the idea of using this desk as a console.  The styling with the baskets really creates a layered look which I love.


For an office, this desk is great.  I really like this look.  I'd take my world market sawhorse table, paint the legs black and replace the top with a piece of custom cut glass.  Do you notice the striped ikea tray on the desk?  Isn't it cute with a vase of flowers and a candle?


You can't go wrong with all white. Clean and minimal - perfect backdrop for a clutter free and fresh office.


Have you seen the most recent issue of Matchbook magazine?  It features the editorial director, Katie Armour's home.  I like how she paired her masculine, streamlined sawhorse-esque desk with a feminine french chair.  



I've always liked the idea of a workspace spanning the length of a wall.  At this price, I'd buy two sawhorse desks and put them next to each other to create a similar look to above.  I would then put a huge bulletin board above the desks just like above.  

So, if you're looking for a versatile piece that won't break the bank, I'd say you can't go wrong with this piece!