Bringing the Outside In

There are many things to dislike about living in California 

but one is definitely NOT the weather

I have been contemplating this project for the last year and finally 

decided to "get on with it...already!"

This will be a new deck and will let us enjoy our 

house from the outside a bit more

The problems to work out were
how to deal with these two massive oaks
that are within 5 to 10 feet from the existing patio

and how to make the deck appear visually as a part of the house 

and not just a landscape element

I'm showing a few before photos so you can visualize how

 plain the house is from this angle

The layout was really important and we needed to be sure not to 

injure  or impede the oaks root system

It's also important to build a deck structurally correct,
just as you would inside a house, 

so it's not spongey or wonky when you walk across it

I also worked on a design for a railing that would mimic the look
of the existing ranch fencing throughout the property

The railing is a really important design element 

and I played around with a few ideas 

until it looked just right

my carpenters are doing an amazing job too 

and always have excellent recommendations

because this is a "design build" project 

with out any plans

there are a few more details 

that will make this deck really interesting,

so we will keep hammering away!

have a wonderful weekend 

TGIF 

; 0 )

kelley

Added to the bucket list

 a few more little bucket lamps 

for the breakfast room

 these ice cream buckets are painted a wonderful aqua/teal green

 you may not remember my other bucket projects 

so here is one to take a peak at

 the custom shade I had made in fabric from those wonderful 

old drapery panels 

my new neighbor Ellie

so generously gave to me
you can read that post here and here

Ellie is hard at work renovating her home

 and I am hoping she will let me have a peek next time I see her!

 this is a small and sunny little space just off the kitchen 

and will change a bit when the kitchen is renovated

  there is not much room 

so every square foot matters

 I'm not sure how I will re-work the furniture 

but I like it in this cozy space and I think it is right for the age
and style of this ranch house in the country

 the roof line is really odd and low 

but can't be changed unless we pull the whole roof off

so that needs to be worked around

 I probably should have a table with leaves to extend the size of the dining area

but....just don't think I will do that either

 I'm sort of committed to the idea of small and tidy

which makes life pretty simple in this house

 there will be a window seat where the vintage planter is now 

so the lamps will need to be placed somewhere else

it's interesting how the vintage Ralph Lauren fabric on the shades

and the Benison fabric on the chair seats go so well together.

 I love these lamps in this room and will need to come up with some new ideas how I can work them into the new kitchen design

 do you have any creative ideas
or interesting spots for table lamps?

I'd love to hear your ideas

happy remodeling!

kelley

Popped up!

 a little sun and a little rain 

and look what popped up

 dozens of bulbs were planted 

starting in October 

and the first guys "up" were these

 the fox gloves are just getting started

 I can't believe the apples are budding out already!

 a little bit of the lavender is blooming

 and a few others just sort of 

"woke up"

 this last week

 even the kitchen garden is humming along

the start of something new...?

"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning,

 but anyone can start today and make a  new ending"

~maria robinson~

here's to new and wonderful endings!

kelley

Guest Blogger Post

I recently wrote a post about my friend and blogger Kat Warren

read it again here

She is an amazing photographer, stylist and avid blogger

She asked me if I would like to write a guest post for her blog!

Heck yea!

She was thinking I could share some ideas to help readers 

use vintage and antiques in their homes...

with out the house ending up looking like Grandmas attic

So here is a link to the post 

on Kat's wonderful blog:

Low Tide High Style

Thanks Kat!

The Kitchen Considered: Chapter 1

A kitchen renovation is right around the corner

so here are a few inspiring kitchens

I apologize for not having the name of the people or 

publications involved with these photos, 

but most have shown up somewhere in blog land...some over and over again

Which tells me they are simply wonderful kitchens!

Designing your kitchen is perhaps the most important room in a home renovation.  How many houses have you walked into, whith a great kitchen and it just makes your heart skip a beat!

I know right!

Sooooooo....

Here is what I am thinking about my kitchen design:

Most new kitchens have very few upper cabinets and lots of open shelving

White tile seems to still be strong 

as is stainless steel

Grey is definitely on the list!

The kitchen above is a favorite for sure

Country kitchens are lovable still

Lots of interesting center islands

Beautiful windows are on the list

Dark stone is pretty wonderful

Farmhouse sinks 

are 

still happening

A pop of color....maybe?

Reclaimed wood used in unexpected ways

Interesting pendant lighting

 is a "must have"

Long and spacious countertops

if you have the room

Family friendly

Definately not boring!

Favorite movie knock offs... 

still going strong...just ask your cabinet maker!

Celebrity chef knock offs too...

Who doesn't still love Ina's kitchen?

Just plain wonderful kitchens

every where I look

where to start?

What is your favorite?

I'll take the one above today

&

Let's have a cup of coffee together !

Happy Monday

xo

Kelley