One Old House

Faux Taxidermy

2010-11-01T12:31:00.000-07:00

Taxidermy seems to be the latest rage, and one I like if done well. Another twist is to do faux taxidermy such as animals made or paper, and other "vegan" materials. It could be a fun addition to you library or study, entry way or over your fireplace.

Cardboard Safari - Buck Jr.

Rachel Denny - Red Buck

Amiee' Baldwin, Vegan Taxidermy - Burrowing Owl

Rocks

2010-10-15T12:01:00.000-07:00

Recently I got a geode necklace and I love it. So to my latest obession, I am posting some other great finds with a geode theme. I want both!

CarlyWaito - "Bornite" Oil Painting on Masonite

Jewelry by Bill Bride

Ismodern

2010-10-14T13:17:00.000-07:00

I love this necklace even if it is intended for children. I could see wearing it with a nice white shirt, jeans and some extra cute shoes. I also love that this company was started by an architect which is so inspiring. You can check out there other great items for kids {here}.

Black Glass

2010-10-11T13:00:00.000-07:00

Barware by Sugahara! Produced in Japan by craft glass artisans and made of opaque matte black glass, this barware is super slick and something I would proudly display in my house. If you like it as much as I do, it is sold {here}.

Another take on the Terrarium

2010-07-28T20:39:00.000-07:00

So, I had a post about my Terrariums a while ago and since then they have all died! Not sure what I did but I was sad. However, from that experience comes new opportunities! So behold my next Terrarium project. It is only an idea at the moment but here is my inspiration that I found in Dwell Magazine!

I couldn't get any pretty pictures but go to the website and check it out!
http://www.litill.com/

Gilliflower Blog

2010-06-07T10:06:00.000-07:00

I am making a new blog for my flower endeavors and am going to leave One Old House for more of the interior design projects. So, please check out the new blog at www.gilliflowerdesign.blogspot.com
I will be posting new items every week so check it out.

More Garden Roses

2010-06-04T17:30:00.000-07:00

More garden blooms for me to play with! Here we have some roses, chive flowers, love in a mist and some boysenberry leaves.

Garden Blooms

2010-05-25T13:16:00.000-07:00

The garden is abundant with spring foliage and flowers. The wet weather really has made everything take off. So I decided to do a bit of creative experimentation with some love in a mist with our ultra bright red Geraniums.

First we have a corsage with some berry leaves as a backdrop. Second, is a boutonniere and third we have a Geranium bouquet.

Spring Flowers from the Garden

2010-05-20T10:33:00.000-07:00

Our garden is abundant with Roses, herbs and other plants that are on the verge of blooming. So here are a couple from last week that I picked an arranged. There will be more to come as everything is going off in different stages.

These garden roses are the best smelling flower and I love the color!

A cluster of Love In A Mist. The seeds were from my friend's wedding last year.

The bush where these roses came from produces like crazy. The color is so vibrant and cheery. To add some interest I added leek buds (those long crazy things) and the purple flowers are chives.

Lilacs!

2010-05-18T09:33:00.000-07:00

I love Lilacs! They are such a striking flower and they smell soo good! These particular flowers are from my boyfriends house in El Cerrito. I decided to go with lots of vibrant color so I put them in a vintage teal glass candy jar from my collection.

Flower Experimentation

2010-05-17T21:12:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung and the flowers are fantastic! There are so many vibrant colors and varieties that really get my creative juices going. Today, I am posting arrangements I put together with the excess flowers from my Bloomingdale's/Baccarat Event as you can't let these things go to waste.

First is a portrait of all three compositions. Starting from the bottom we have Poppies then in the middle are Pink Anemones with Yellow Freesia and at the top are Parrot Tulips with some purple and pink daisies.

Baccarat/Bloomingdale's Event

2010-05-11T12:18:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I had the opportunity to work with Baccart and Bloomingdales by putting together a Mother's Day floral display using some of Baccart's beautiful crystal. Like with everything, pictures say so much more than I could, so here they are.

Our Marketing Materials!

Baccarat's Signiture Red Crystal.

The design concept was to match the floral arrangement to the corresponding Baccarat Lucky Crystal Butterfly. Below is the arrangement for the Lucky Topaz Butterfly.

This composition was for the iridescent butterfly which was placed in the Eye collection.

The a rich composition of purple was used with the new Geo Collection.

Tulips, gerrondo gerber daisies, anenomes and red roses create a vibrant red composition in the Gingko Collection.

The Center Table was a composition where red was the predominant due to it being Baccarat's signature color. The vase used is the Tornado Vase and the platter is part of the Mille Nuits Collection.

This vase got a lot of attention due to its unique shape and I think the flowers did it justice as well.

April - NEW Flower Workshop!

2010-04-27T10:47:00.000-07:00

April is a great month and I had the opportunity to participate in designing and facilitating the flowers for my very talented friends wedding. It was also an opportunity to try something new, The Flower Workshop which is a new idea/product that I will be offering for events.

TFW (The Flower Workshop) is a way in which you can have those close to you be a part of your event by having them participate in the production of the floral/event design. It will be less work for the organizer as I will be consulting and overseeing the design and production as well as making it a fun event for everyone.

Enough writing here are the pictures to show you how it goes!

I brought all our supplies such as the flowers!

Refreshments were provided to keep us going.

Once I explained how to do our first project we were ready to get started.

Everyone hard at work and having a great time.

Now on to the next project, centerpieces! I made some examples for everyone to follow.

Some of the results.

The event was beautiful and full of personal touches from the bride and groom. I dont have all the pictures but here are a couple.

Nice Chair!

2010-04-23T09:58:00.000-07:00

Is this the comment I want to hear? Well, it is what I think when I see this Bentwood Chair from Muju. With a nice nod to tradition, I think it would make a great addition to my house...no I just have to conjure up $500 per chair (this includes shipping)
Check it out {here}.

Flowers

2010-03-31T12:10:00.000-07:00

Here is a nice springtime arrangement. I used white mini mums, kumquats, geranium leaves and yellow freshia. As you can see from the pictures, I think it would look great with some lemons which adds to the bright and festive colors!

Flowers

2010-03-02T11:44:00.000-08:00

The other day, I had the great idea that a wagon and walk around the neighborhood selling my flowers. Well, due to me not having a wagon and staying up too late the night before...it didn't happen. But, I got some great pictures of what I did and am still enjoying the flowers today, so it wasn't a total waste.

Flower Experimentation

2010-02-22T18:30:00.000-08:00

Here is another floral experimentation. This is a bouquet of white cala lilies that are from my backyard and make a great waterfall bouquet. I added some black ribbon for a bit of embellishment and think it would look great with a wide silk ribbon woven through the all the flowers. That may be my next experiment.

Progress - Entry

2010-02-10T17:16:00.000-08:00

This is the entry a couple months ago with the beginnings of a wainscot and just after I had put the our numbers on the glass. Now, it has been transformed once again with some wallpaper and paint.

Flower Experimentation

2010-02-08T19:36:00.000-08:00

I am going to try to make this a weekly installment so stay posted.
Today I worked on some ideas for my friend Tracy. We came up a scheme for her wedding using milk glass vases and apothecary jars. The colors are white, blue and green. The theme words are "delicate" and "vintage modern".

Flowers: Hydrangeas (Blue, White & Green), Lilianthus, Baby's Breath, Jasmine, Button Mums, Cala Lillies, and Delphiniums.

I don't think I have achieved the exact look quite yet but but it's a good start!

This Old House

2010-02-05T14:45:00.000-08:00

My "one old house" is on This Old House!
Please go and rate our house and maybe we could win some $$. Check it out {here}

Flower Experimentation

2010-02-05T12:58:00.000-08:00

I am doing a bit of exploring and trying out of ideas that I have seen around.
Here is my first, it is like a topiary. Made with green button mums and pearl headed pins.

The second is a gardland made with Baby's Breath.

Also check out my new site at www.gilliflowerdesign.com

Gilliflower - New Items

2009-12-17T12:48:00.000-08:00

So, I have a new item that I want to introduce for all those people who dont want to spend money on a florist. Instead of doing workshops on single items, I am proposing a flower party to assemble all the flowers for your or your friends wedding. Not only will the bride save money due to her friends volunteering to be the labor, it will also be a party with refreshments and snacks. What I will do is coordinate the event, set up the flowers and provide all the supplies. It could be at my studio, the home of the bride or one of the friends. So what do you think?! Any takers?!

The centerpiece: Yellow Garden Roses, Baby Oranges, Jasmine, Thyme, Orange Leaves, Japanese Anemoes

Back to Blogging

2009-12-17T12:29:00.000-08:00

I have been off the blog due to the holidays, travel and figuring out strategies for my design career.
First I will share a picture from my travel, Hawaii!

Bacon & Bourbon

2009-11-09T14:00:00.000-08:00

So the night went off really well. We had a very fully stocked bar and delicious food! Everyone had their favorite dish but overall each one was delicious. The way it worked was that there was a continuous flow of hot tasty treats being set on the table and someone making bourbon inspired cocktails.

I kept the decor simple as the focus was the food. However I made some menus for the cocktails, the food and a centerpiece for the table using Kale and Japanese Anemones.

[Centerpiece and Food Menu]

[A Bacon Bourbon Cocktail]

[Twice Baked Butternut Squash with Roasted Garlic, Bacon, Aged Provolone Cheese, Green Onions and a Breadcrumb and Bacon topping]

[The drinks menu]

Bacon & Bourbon

2009-11-04T13:17:00.000-08:00

Elaine, Matt and I have spearheaded a happy hour to be held at my house this Friday and the theme is Bacon and Bourbon, both being very "in" ingredients and yummy.

I started today by making some making and infusing a bottle of {Bulliet Bourbon} with bacon fat as seen on the recipe for making an {Bacon Old Fashion} However, I didn't follow the directions exactly...let's hope it turns out okay.

Our menu:
Manhatten's
Bacon Old Fashion

Creme Fraiche, Shallots, Bacon and Arugala Pizza
Apples, Bacon, Sharp Chedder Cheese Pizza
Twice Baked Butternut Squash with Bacon, Parmesan, Chives and Breadcrumbs
Stuffed Tomatoes with Bacon, Cheese and Chives
Mini Tarts with Brie, Pears, Bourbon Glaze and Bacon Bits

The look of our little party is inspired by the decor of Rickhouse / Blood Hound. If you haven't been to these places...you should go.

Pictures to come next week.

Some fun decor ideas from Etsy:
{Pig Chalkboard}

{Metal Basket}

{Egg Holder}

Vetrans Day

2009-11-02T18:10:00.000-08:00

I was in Pleasanton this weekend and ran into a Veteran's Day Parade. This reminded me of the various militrary inspired decor items I have seen and wanted this year. More specifically I am interested in getting a wool blanket that was issued by the U.S.

Pillows made from Army Blankets on Etsy

A vintage wool military blanket from Ebay

A vintage look with at the Ace Hotel, Portland

Military inspired fabric, a modern look from Knoll

Gilliflower

2009-10-30T12:49:00.000-07:00

I had a flower gig with Spring Loaf Catering this week and here are some pictures of the arrangements I made. What I had to go on was that their accent colors were navy blue and periwinkle.

Adding Color

2009-10-23T10:02:00.000-07:00

So, I didn't win the AT color contest however my house caused a bit of controversy. The reason is that there is a lack of "color" though I do believe neutrals are still color, but that may be too out of the box. Part of the problem too is that we are not done with decorating and that is where my color will come in. So, I have a lot of work to do to prepare for next years color contest. Today, I wanted to post this blue chair that was on Remodelista today. I think it would look great in the house.

Get it {here}

Crown Dish

2009-10-06T10:14:00.000-07:00

I saw this and thought it would so cute in a bathroom or just on a dresser. I may have to purchase it sometime soon, and if you want to you can {here}.

Apartment Therapy

2009-10-06T09:57:00.000-07:00

We made it into the AT Color Contest!! It is pretty interesting to read the comments and some of them are complaining the place is too stark. One point I would like to make is that we are still in progress of adding art and other decorative accessories which will add color. Either way, I am excited that we are on the site and there is always the chance of a home tour and next year when the place is further along.

Check it out and vote!!
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/room-for-color-2009/madelines-urban-tranquility-living-roomroom-for-color-west-5-097533

Letter Update

2009-08-31T23:41:00.000-07:00

I sent the wooden/twig letters off to my sister and she installed them in her friends baby room. As she is also very creative she added some really great touches!

Wood Letters

2009-08-12T10:45:00.001-07:00

I made some wood letters for my sister and I think they turned out pretty nice! Maybe I should start selling them on Etsy....hmmmm.

Bridal Shower Decor

2009-08-12T10:44:00.001-07:00

My friends, Elaine and Brock are getting married this Saturday! Which reminded me of her bridal shower that we had in our back yard. It was a lovely day filled with friends, family and sunshine. I decided that I would use my CB2 hanging candle holders as flower vases and this was the result!

Flowers

2009-08-12T09:56:00.000-07:00

I recently received photos from the photographer, {Jennifer Longaway}, of the flowers for a wedding I did in May.

Rosemary Sprigs (from my backyard) were placed at each table setting.

Centerpiece with Football Mums, Freesia, Peonies, Rosemary, Yarrow & Astromeria.

The bride and her bouquet that was made with Red & White Sweet Peas and Peonies.

The ceremony decor had domes made from Carnations.

Before & After

2009-08-12T09:47:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of our dining area and entry just before the remodel. We had built the wall when we moved in to make the front room. So just imagine that and opening and that was how it was originally.

Interior Design - Kate Hume

2009-07-22T10:14:00.000-07:00

I have found someone to strive to be like! {Kate Hume} not only creates beautiful interiors but she also creates {glass} and {furniture}. I have included a few photos of her interior work but her site has even more great photos of all the interiors she has created.

Before & After

2009-07-21T12:26:00.000-07:00

I am starting a new series where I show before and after shots. The one that I have today is of the bathroom, what a transformation!

Before / After
We changed the entire layout of the bathroom. We took away the door to the backyard and changed the orientation of the tub and thus had to get a smaller one ( from 6'-0" long to 5'-0" long).

Here is the old plan showing the layout of the long tub, small sink and toilet.

The new plan made the bathroom smaller but we gained a closet just outside of it where the toilet was previously located.

DIY - Terrarium

2009-07-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

Terrariums are all the rage these days! I had some empty apothecary jars around the house so I decided to join the masses and make my own.

Below is my own diagram on how you are to assemble the materials for a vessel with a lid. However there are a ton of resources on the web and {here} is the one I used that I thought was very informative.

The finished products! (The little one is an old wasp's nest we found in one of our walls during remodeling)

I found this plant at Home Depot! It has beautiful gold flowers that seriously are gold...not yellow! The plant name is {Mikado} and I think it just looks lovely in this jar.

In the larger jar I used a {Fiber Optic Grass} and some ground cover that I took from my Garden.

Great Tile

2009-07-17T08:56:00.000-07:00

I have been catching up on my blogs that I used to read religiously and have fallen off the wagon a bit in the last couple months. So here is a find that is new to me but not may be new to you. Leather tiles made of recycled belts. I think it could look great in a foyer or other small jewel like room. It has modern yet rustic quality to it.

Learn about the company {here}

{via better living through design}

bsdwiyt93r

2009-07-16T17:32:00.000-07:00

bsdwiyt93r

Outdoor Furniture

2009-07-15T11:30:00.000-07:00

Along with everyone else, I have set my eyes on the great outdoors. The great weather is here and there are many BBQ's and party's to be had. So, one of the things that we really needed was a table. Of course, I want to save money so I looked around and found exactly what I needed:

Redwood for the Table Top: From our remodel we saved the old wood that the interior walls were made with. They were 3 1/2" x 1" planks, perfect for a table
Legs : I scavenged a table from the street just for the legs some time ago...I knew they would come in handy some day!

Here is the table right after sanding it for about an hour!

This is the table with the sealer on the wood which gave the wood a darker color.

The table in all its' glory, now we need some cool chairs.

We were thinking this would be a great chair. It's the Urban Chair from IKEA.

Jewelry

2009-07-07T10:01:00.000-07:00

So along with working on the house I have started back with jewelry and have opened up an Etsy shop. I currently have some past work up but here are some new pieces that I have just completed. For each shot I want to draw the body part that it goes on, like the photo below.

You can check out my shop here.

There will be more of these necklaces to come in different colors and patterns!

Front Doors in Noe Valley

2009-06-12T18:36:00.000-07:00

While I was walking the dog today, I got inspired by color combinations of house colors and their front doors, as I think the first impression should always be something to remember.
a. A classic
b. A nice mellow yellow with the white exterior
c. A contrasting turquoise door with an all black exterior. This house was also featured in the New York Times as a "Skateboarders Dream House". My question is how does a skateboarder afford a house like this? You can see more pictures {here}

New Jewelry Design

2009-06-11T13:33:00.000-07:00

I have begun working on some new jewelry and am excited about the new pieces that will come out of it. Here is a sneak preview of the components that I will be working with.

House Photos

2009-06-11T12:23:00.000-07:00

There is still a lot of things that need to be done but below are some photos of what has happened thus far. If only Domino were in publication, maybe I could be one of those fabulous girls on the cover!

Entry

Living Space

Living Space looking toward our built in office/buffet

Looking from the Couch to the kitchen area

Kitchen/Dining Space

These are some shelves we put in on either side of the fireplace for some extra storage.

See our garden grow

2009-06-04T14:51:00.000-07:00

The backyard is in FULL blooms, with Roses, Poppies, Love in a Mist, Hydrangeas and plenty more. However, we are still waiting for our lemons to ripen after the last batch a couple weeks ago.

Growing Gus

2009-05-28T11:33:00.000-07:00

Ikea Hacker - Bed Frame

2009-05-01T10:15:00.000-07:00

(Above) I started with the Dalselv Bed from Ikea. However, I got it for $60 from Craigslist (Thanks Craig!)

I wanted to simplify the design so I took out the metal bars and some of the other wood pieces at the head. I then cut off the beveled edge detail on the top piece, put it all back together and painted it. I used Benjamin Moore paint which was $17 for a quart and I still have a lot left.

The bed (and Gus) put back together. I am very happy with the result, a nice clean look.

Here's Gus!

2009-05-01T09:29:00.000-07:00

Wisconsin Fun-Cont.

2009-04-22T11:04:00.000-07:00

The small cow is 499.00, I think they may look good in my front yard.

Wisconsin Fun

2009-04-21T15:29:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share some shots of my stay here in Wisconsin.

A Home In The Heartland

2009-04-20T07:44:00.000-07:00

I found this on Martha Stewart and it is the home of Heidi Posner who lives in Madison, Wisconsin. She is a designer, editor, and painter who can "make art from anything". Balls of wool, for Posner's knitting, sometimes serve as decorative objects. If they look good in a bowl, she jokes, they'll probably never become a sweater.

I personally love the clean, crisp style as well as the subtle pallet mixed with few items that add a bit of "punch".

Wisconsin-Wares

2009-04-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

As a part of my stay here, I am on a quest to find some local wares that would entice locals as well as out of towners. I believe that these rugs by Country Cat Loom could have a place in any one's home whether it be the city or the country.

Pattern: Prince Edward Island Stripe
Pattern: Wool White
Pattern: Herringbone Twill

Wisconsin

2009-04-16T10:41:00.000-07:00

I am in Wisconsin exploring the countryside and admiring the new but empty home of my parents. (Here is Tom mowing some grass)

Dog Bed

2009-04-10T09:44:00.000-07:00

Just a little afternoon project. I used leftover canvas as well as some vintage fabric I found on Ebay some time ago. Now I just need to get some stuffing.

Garden

2009-03-27T08:57:00.000-07:00

I saw this post on Re-Nest! It is a great way to water the garden and we are going to implement this in our own back yard. Once that happens I will be sure to post it.

Baking

2009-03-26T13:31:00.000-07:00

I got a bit domestic the other day and baked some Oatmeal Wheat Bread! It has been tasted for flavor and texture and I give it 4 forks!

Puppy Prep

2009-03-26T11:39:00.000-07:00

As I am awaiting for the arrival of the new puppy, Augustus. I have been trying to get things together. So this is my first dog related purchase from Doggie Gone Nice

Garden

2009-03-26T11:31:00.001-07:00

I saw this on Re-nest and though we have already thought of using old branches for a trellis there are always a multitude of ways to do it. So here is This Old Houses' way as posted on Re-Nest.
Re-Nest Posting

Spring

2009-03-20T17:27:00.000-07:00

Spring is here....though I felt like we really didn't have a winter. Well, everyone is talking about spring cleaning and just the other day I found this very helpful sight on how to clean all types of fabrics. I cleaned one of my favorite silk shirts using this site and now I am hooked. Try it out for yourself DometiCity !

Etsy - Entertaining

2009-03-18T09:47:00.000-07:00

I am going to be cooking dinner for my friends Birthday tonight and I believe the essentials of a good dinner not only are good food but creating an ambiance. This is done with linens, serving ware and lighting.

For serving ware Sara Paloma who has shop on Etsy has some beautiful simple nesting bowls that could make any meal look that much more appetizing.

To create some mood lighting that won't break the bank, candles from the LA based company Farmers Market Candles will do the trick. They are simple in packaging and have a great variety of scents. To order go to www.marketcandles.com

New Beginning

2009-03-18T09:26:00.000-07:00

I have neglected my blog for a couple weeks and am promising to be serious and start posting again. I have been doing many projects on the house and am starting to move furniture up from our basement as well as decorate, entertain, and cook. I am one of the millions of unemployed so this new beginning will include doing all this on a tight budget, which always makes things interesting. Plus there will soon be a new puppy...Gus.

Back in California

2009-03-03T12:33:00.000-08:00

I am back from the lovely white sands of Mexico. I still can hear the crash of the waves and feel the warm sun on my face which will be helpful in the rainy SF weather. While I was there I took pictures with the idea that I would make them pieces of art for the house. Below are a couple that I had in mind.
(Above) The sands of the beach in Chacala
(Above) The sky and distant palm trees in Chacala.
(Above) A colorful house in Manzanillo.
(Above) A splash of colorful Bougainvillea.

Sprucehome

2009-02-08T17:35:00.000-08:00

I am a big fan of Etsy and the handmade movement. These designers are especially great due to the fact that they find furniture and restyle them into contemporary one off pieces that are hip and modern. Not only do they sell their furniture but they have classes as well. I just wish I were in Austin to take one.

Read more about them and see their work at www.spruceaustin.com

Their is also a link to their etsy store.

Mexican Design

2009-02-08T17:18:00.001-08:00

Since I have some time on the computer I looked up some modern architecture in Mexico. I liked this one for its simplicity as well as relating to the site and the climate.

To see more photos go here http://tinyurl.com/clfo75

Mexico

2009-01-30T12:16:00.000-08:00

So, I have been in Mexico for a couple days and am soaking up the sun and the bright colors everywhere. I am not able to download any photos at the moment but here one of the beach that I am currently at, Barra De Navidad.

Mas Progress

2009-01-20T13:15:00.001-08:00

The kitchen with all the appliances and molding installed. Though we are still working on the tile back splash.
The tile back splash being installed.
Sitting room door with new trim.

Progress

2009-01-20T12:39:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos of the front room which is named the "sitting room" since the intention is that it could be used as any type of room. We are using it as my bedroom currently. There are still a couple things that need to be done but it is almost there.

Progress

2009-01-13T10:43:00.000-08:00

I have been working away on the house and haven't been keeping up with the blog. But now, I promise to be back on track. Here a couple photos from a week ago. I will keep you updated with more this week.

The bathroom!

The entry pendant.
Our new front door, to be primed and painted.

Yarn-tastic

2009-01-06T09:38:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since I have posted anything, so I am trying to get back on it. So, today I found this great photo of these knitted poufs, they are just too cool. I wish I could afford one. They are for sale at DWR if you think they are as cool as I do.

Urban Archeology

2008-12-12T11:19:00.000-08:00

Both Remodelista and Dezeen wrote (and have more photos) about the hotel, Rough Lux. It is a different and interesting concept for a hotel which is to embrace that which is aged and imperfect. It also allows the user to look into the history of the building and experience it. I think it was executed beautifully and goes along with the new to me concept of Wabi-Sabi

More Progress

2008-12-10T22:20:00.000-08:00

Our old pocket door reborn and hung:The office/vestibule:
Half of the kitchen:
The other half, the oven will be coming soon:

Progress-Wood Floors

2008-11-30T19:16:00.000-08:00

Our New Floors:

The entry
Living Area
Bedroom

Progress - Wood Floor

2008-11-29T12:43:00.001-08:00

Some photos of our wood floor going in:

Progress

2008-11-28T11:19:00.000-08:00

Here are the latest photos of our progress. Hopefully I will have ones of our finished floor up soon!

New Windows!
The tub, shower, & toilet installed!
Potential Paint Colors for the Entry

Beyond Hip

2008-11-28T10:17:00.001-08:00

I wish I were in LA so I could rent out one of these venues! Too bad SF doesn't have something similar.

Check out the Marvimon house as well as there other venue the Smog Shoppe.

Desire

2008-11-20T10:43:00.000-08:00

I would love to listen to NPR and wake up to this Jet radio alarm clock. The design is so sleek and modern with a mod, mid century influence. If you love it too, you can get it {here} in silver or gold.

Progress - Bathroom

2008-11-19T15:23:00.000-08:00

The first thing to come together is the bathroom since we have been waiting for the windows for everything else. So, here is our new black marble floor!!

Pre-grout:

After some paint on the walls & baseboard installation:

Progress - Tub

2008-11-19T15:08:00.000-08:00

We have been doing so many projects lately I haven't had time to write about them. So, now I am trying to catch up. For now here is a look at our tub with primer on it and the claw feet that were stripped and sanded to their original lustre.

We used a primer specifically for rusty metal, and it only came in one color!
The old foot on the right and how it will look in the end on the left.

Desire

2008-11-11T10:20:00.000-08:00

Now that we are getting close to Phase I being done it makes me want to make everything coordinate starting with my flatware. Currently there are several different kinds of flatware and I would love to replace it all with the mid century modern lines of the Cutipol Goa Flatware designed by Jose Joaquim Ribeiro.

Progress

2008-11-09T09:34:00.000-08:00

I finally have some more progress photos to share. We are getting closer and now it is the time in which we are working on all the details.

Currently they have installed the crown molding, primed and sanded. Since we want our walls are nice and smooth more mudding and sanding is going to happen.

The north wall looking to the bathroom.
Lisa's New Window
The West wall.The Kitchen Area
The entry vestibule
The fireplace on the west wall
Looking at the north wall/kitchen from the bathroom through the vestibule

A Lump of Coal

2008-11-07T17:06:00.000-08:00

As it seems the holidays are fast approaching (or the retail stores want us to think that) I have found a nice gift that anyone deserves naughty or nice, a cube of Coal.

What it does is absorbs nasty orders and keeps food fresh longer. I even think Santa may approve. You can find it {here}

Waiting

2008-11-06T10:56:00.001-08:00

We are in a holding period on our house due to our windows taking longer than anticipated (which is a whole other story) and in the meantime there are plenty of things to blog about.

I think this been is quite striking. The photo came from the website LIGHTmatter which also has some other fantastic photos.

Ebay - Shelf Supports

2008-10-30T16:18:00.000-07:00

So, I have been hunting for a multitude of hardware including some decorative shelf supports. I think they would look great with a fun color on them and a distressed wood shelf.

Cool Things

2008-10-28T13:55:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple things that you could put in your house, the first was just too funny, so I had to put it up. The second is really clever and took me a while to figure out but I am tempted to get one for the new house.

A planter to celebrate what happens in our city parks.

A key rack that is so simple. It is a slot in a oiled teak wood block that you slide your key into.

You can find both of these items at Charles & Marie.

Beautiful Objects

2008-10-28T10:57:00.000-07:00

Today I have yet discovered another artist, Daniel Reynolds, though this one is in the area of ceramics. Take a look at the bowls, vases and other ceramic treats at Reynoldsware.

Art - Some Day

2008-10-28T10:16:00.001-07:00

I love to create art but also admire it. I discovered Sheila Metcalf Tobin's art in Bar Tartine about a year ago and still wish I could have one hanging in my house. Well maybe someday I will but for now I will post a couple of her pieces here for you to admire. To check out more of her work just click here.

Design Inspiration - Colors

2008-10-24T12:26:00.000-07:00

These photos are from Marrakesh and I posted them as a great color example and inspiration for our home. It is a palette comprised of natural colors such as the wood mixed with warm grays, taupe's and golds.

Progress

2008-10-24T09:48:00.000-07:00

To catch everyone up on our progress here are the latest photos. We now have sheet rock on our walls and are a couple steps closer to putting on all the finishing touches.

The main room looking to the entry hall.
The bathroom (looking north)
The vestibule to the bathroom and bedroom (looking north)

The main room, west wall. There is a fireplace behind that big piece of gyp board.

The front room, new door opening. (looking east)

The entry hall.

Progress

2008-10-22T17:31:00.000-07:00

I have a couple more photos of progress from last week (excuse some of the photography). This week they are putting up the sheet rock, so in a couple days I will have some exciting photos since it will look like we are closer to the end...which we are.. We are just waiting on our windows and cabinets. But there is plenty of work to do in the mean time.

The new door opening in the front room.

The new door in the bedroom leading out to the new vestibule.

The north wall where the bathroom and bedroom door used to be.

Pocket Door Hardware

2008-10-22T10:07:00.000-07:00

We have made a decision on our pocket door hardware which is usually a big chore since there aren't may good choices out there. We decided to go with the age of the house and do something on more of the decorative side. We also have a mixture of black and chrome finishes. We went with the black to give these doors more of an antique look.

Blast from the Past

2008-10-16T13:20:00.000-07:00

Interior renderings from the 1940's.

Halloween

2008-10-14T16:32:00.000-07:00

If only we were home we could get really festive for Halloween. Maybe next year!

Progress III

2008-10-14T08:03:00.000-07:00

Most of the progress is infrastructure and isn't' very visible but the highlights are below.

Our new vent for the hood (on the other side of the wall)

The new framing for the pocket door to the bathroom.

Our new fireplace!

Italinate

2008-10-08T11:43:00.000-07:00

Apartment Therapy had a post on Italianate architecture. So, I thought I would post it here as well since I am always looking for information on the style of the house. Just click here!

Bathroom Vanity

2008-10-08T09:34:00.001-07:00

As we hunt for appliances, fixtures and finishes we are also trying to think of way to save on cabinetry. One thought is to use a pre made vanity, the one below is the Alberry from Kohler.

Bathroom Lighting

2008-09-29T14:53:00.000-07:00

We are on the search for a bathroom light where the criteria is that it needs to have the right finish, it's functional, works with the architecture and is also a little unexpected. Thus far I have found two fixtures one from Circa Lighting and one from Get Back Inc.

Get Back has the style we like and meets only some of the criteria.

The other potential is from Circa, though it would be in chrome.

Though I am still hunting...stay tuned.

Quirky Stool

2008-09-27T22:27:00.000-07:00

Saw this stool on Dezeen and just had to share. It is made of soft foam and I wonder if it is at all comfortable. Now wouldn't a couple of them look nice around the dining table. ;)

Garden Grow

2008-09-25T22:25:00.000-07:00

Here are some more photos of our lovely garden!

Vail

2008-09-25T22:22:00.000-07:00

As I am in Vail for work, I actually had some time to take a late afternoon walk and snap some photos. Its pretty out here, I just wish I had more time to enjoy it.