Project in Progress - Lake House Update II

Here's my second installment on the renovations to the lake house I mentioned in this post (if you need to get up to speed on all the details).  The plans are complete, and the structure is really taking shape.  One of the first steps - pouring a foundation for the structural beams.

This addition, is really going to change how my clients live in their space.  

I love the plans the architect created for the addition.  As you can see in this picture, they will retain a nice size deck that is open to the lake.  It's important to have both screened porch and open decking to enjoy a view like this. 

It's difficult to see in this picture, but there will be steps accessing the lake just to the left of the new structure.  One other important change, the door from inside the home, will open into the screened porch.  This may seem like an insignificant change, but the family room in this home is long and narrow, so any help we can get in creating additional space inside is welcome.  I'll be showing you the inside space, and my design plans for both in a later post!   

Also, the homeowner's have decided to spruce up the front door.  As I mentioned before, they consider the lake side the "front" of the home, so I guess I need to call this next picture the "back" door as it is the door you enter upon arriving at the home.  The plan is to give this door more presence from the street.  I have no before pictures of this spot.  In the picture below, work has already begun with the new "stamped and stained" concrete walkway.  

This is a vey cool treatment that is quite affordable.  We selected a stamp style and color to mimic slate.  For more info on how this is done, click here.

After completing the concrete work, the structure is taking shape.  It's amazing what a small addition like this can do for an entryway.

You will have to wait to see the finished product!  Have a marvelous day. M. 

New Year's Lunch and A January Spruce

I started taking my Christmas decorations down on the 26th.  I'm telling you this NOT to sound smug.  Hopefully, it will allow you a small window into my very Type A personality.  If you are in the least bit inclined to OCD tendencies, you know by cleaning and clearing, it also clears your mind and allows you to be more productive.  After the purge, the very predictable happened - the house felt bare and sterile.  It happens every year.  And every year I say, I'm so tired of all the decorations, I'm sure it won't feel bare this year.  Since I was hosting New Year's Day lunch for my family, I needed to spruce a bit to make things feel fresh.  Who wants to start the new year in a bleak, blah house for lunch?! 

First, the menu (sorry I don't have any pictures of my own, my blogging break has made me very lazy!), this meal was so much easier to pull together than you would think.  I love menus like that!

Menu

Hoppin' Johns

(served on a bed of creamy, buttery grits)

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Baked Ham

(you could skip this entirely as the Hoppin' Johns really felt like a main dish - if you added shrimp the to Hoppin Johns it would definitely be a meal)

Spinach Salad

with fresh blueberries, feta cheese (the recipe called for goat, but I only had feta), and black walnuts (I nixed the onions)

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Butter Biscuits

Mary B's Southern Made - I swear they taste just like my Mom's, but sooo much easier (sorry Mom!)

Banana Cheesecake

(from the Cheese Cake Factory and totally decadent)

I cooked the Hoppin' Johns from this recipe the day before and simply brought it up to temperature right before lunch.  I made the grits right when I woke up, using 2% milk (instead of water) and added one stick of butter, salt and pepper.  Then, I placed them in the crockpot to keep the consistency perfect for serving at Noon (thanks, Janet, for this fabulous trick!)  For the ham, I picked up a fully cooked, spiral half ham (bone in) at the grocery.  The morning of New Year's day, I made a slurry of coke and brown sugar and spread it on top of the ham (I really hate the honey baked ham glaze that comes with a ham).   Then, I covered the ham in tin foil and cooked it for 1 1/2 hours at 275 (these directions are spelled out on the label of the ham).  Since the ham was fully cooked, the oven is simply a way to bring it up to temperature and add an extra layer of sweet flavor.  Also, I have to say, when you serve a ham, it looks very impressive.  Truly, way more impressive than the energy exerted to make it!  

The Table

So, for the table and the whole reason I started this post!  I decided to keep the cloches I picked up for Christmas on the table.  It think they are great for any season.

I've found, you can place anything under a cloche, and it seems to elevate it's importance.  I'm thinking of placing the toothbrushes of a couple of kids I know under these!!  I picked up two small primrose plants at the grocery (2 for $5) and used these along with the cloches.

  One primrose, I repotted in a small square cement container I had on hand.

 The other,  I simply covered the pot with sheet moss and held this in place with a couple of strands of raffia (again, all things I had in my craft closest).

The paper white I received as a gift for Christmas (thank you, Cindy!).  Then under the large container, I pulled out the shells I DIYed (is that a verb?) back in the Fall.  They had nothing to do with the time of year or the menu, but the gold added a sparkle the table needed.

These few touches were enough to make the table feel fresh.  Remember, you don't have to spend a ton of money, if you have a few basics to build from on your table. 

I think this time of year, adding just a few fresh plants/bulbs helps to beat the blahs of the winter season.  I love to see paper whites and crocus bulbs in containers - it makes me think of "fresh starts" and "anticipation of something new." 

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 I may just have to run by Home Depot and snag a few to force and enjoy the rest of the month! M. 

Happy! Happy!

Just a few things to think about on this first day of 2013.

This year, I encourage you to try something you've only dared to dream about.  Just think, a whole new year awaits!  M. 

2012 in Review

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 So glad to have shared 2012 with each of you, and I'm certainly looking forward to all the musings of 2013.  Yesterday, I pondered the year past.  It seemed to fly by for me.  I can't believe 2012 will be over today.  While it was a busy year for me with interior design work,  I have loved every single minute of it.  I do think there is something to the idea of finding work you love.  It just does not feel like work to me.  I have to make myself stop at the end of the day and never did I feel like that when I was practicing law.

Also, I just adore the clients I've gotten to know.  They are truly some of the most interesting people I've ever met.  What makes my work so interesting is with every new job, there is a new challenge - from combining cherished family pieces of different styles/eras in a fresh new way to creating the perfect furniture layout for an architecturally awkward space.

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Believe it or not, I have found there is one common thread for all my clients.  They want to love their spaces.  I know this may not sound like a huge revelation, but it's true.  We want to look forward to what we are coming home to at the end of the day.  Regardless of the budget, each yearn to have a wonderful space welcoming them home at the end of the day.  A space they are proud to invite family and friends into when entertaining.  I feel so honored to be a part of that process for so many of you.

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So, a small toast to 2012!  Here are a few projects, that I checked off the list at my own home last year. Of course, the list goes on as there are always fun things to improve on!  But these were two biggies for me.  I encourage each of you to think about putting a few home/interior design items on your list this year.  The projects below have changed how our family lives in our space and have brought us so much joy.  So, without further ado . . . 

Our Media Area 

We kicked off the year with a project to transform the media wall in our family room - Project in Progress - My House.  This was a Christmas present from my sweet hubby last year.  As you can see, I had thought about this project for quite some before he agreed to pull the trigger!

After a month of dust and a few set backs, the change was complete.  I have to say this small change has totally transformed how we live in this space.  As an aside, we added Apple TV to our entertainment set up and things totally changed in this space.  With this tiny device, we are able to play all our music and pictures from the computer on the TV screen.  We started buying more movies through iTunes.  Now we can watch something wholesome as a family in this new space.  The number of family movie/game nights we have had this year are too many to count!  And, to think, I was opposed to having the TV over the fireplace.  One of the best compromises ever!

Here are all the details on the "after" - Project in Progress Media Area - Before and After

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Kitchen Paint Job

Then, in the Spring, we focused on my kitchen.  It went from this . . . 

To this . . . 

With the addition of paint and new hardware for my cabinets, it feels completely new.  We have loved the change, and when I look at the "before" pictures, it's hard for me to believe that was my kitchen.  This proves you can transform a space on a budget!  As an aside, I'm getting ready to add some lighting over my island. I'll be sharing all the details on this with you in the next month!  So, the process continues . . . 

 Happy New Year!  I hope 2013 is a wonderful one for you. M.

Thank You and A Winner

First, the winner of the Shabby Apple $50 gift certificate is Danielle with comment number twelve!  Congratulations, and I hope you get something extra special with your prize.  

A Great Big Thank You
 As Christmas is approaching, I'm filled with gratitude and just want to say thank you for continuing to visit my blog.  I'm always amazed by those who care enough to stop by day after day and read my musings!  You simply overwhelm me, and I could not be more appreciative.    Here's wishing you and yours a most wonderful Holiday Season.  

Now for that much anticipated long winter's nap.  

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Mixed in with a small bit of merriment making, I confess.  See you in the New Year! M.

  

Craig's List Finds and Tips for Selling

For starters, I first want to simply say my heart breaks for the families in Connecticut who have suffered such an unspeakable loss.  I rarely mentioned things like this on my blog as my goal with this blog is to provide a "mental break" to those in need of a small distraction.  But, the events of this past Friday continue to loom in my mind, and the question of "why?" occupies my thoughts.  To those families, my prayer is that comfort, peace and the presence of the Lord will be felt by you during this very devastating ordeal.  My prayers and thoughts will continue to be with these families. 

Craig's List Finds and Tips for Selling
As I was looking over my list of draft posts this weekend, I realized I haven't done an installment of "Let's Go Craig's Listing" in awhile.  So, I popped over to see if there were any goodies worth mentioning.  Well, let me just say, if you have the time (and money) this time of year, Craig's lists has some real finds.  Also, if you are motivated, this is a great time to get rid of any pieces for some extra cash.
 Just in Birmingham, here's what I found:

Faux Bamboo Dresser

It's hard to see, but this dresser has brass hardware and would make and amazing piece to hang a TV over in a family room.  It's currently a creamy yellow, but with a tiny investment, you could paint it black (if you wanted to be safe) or emerald green (as a current pop of color).  At only $250.00, it's a steal of a deal. 

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Here's what I'm envisioning for this piece.

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Black Lacquered Goodness
At only $100, this would make a fabulous accent chair for a room.  I would reupholster the seat a current fabric and place it near a fireplace, in a corner for a reading nook or as a very cool desk chair.

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The shape is very similar to this one, but the price is not!  First Dibbs - $12,250.00.

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Here's what it could look like . . . 

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Dining Table and Chairs 

At $100, the chairs alone are worth more than that!  Occasional chairs are great for flanking a chest on an accent wall.  By adding them on either side you get more impact on the focal wall.  I tell clients all the time to look for accent or dining chairs that you can remove the seats yourself and reupholster in a fresh fabric.  But, if you are in need of some dining room furniture, you simply can not beat this price.

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This image (which I'm sure lots of you have seen) immediately came to mind when I saw this listing.

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Basic Dresser 

This is $80.00 - would look amazing in a nursery or child's room.  You could leave it as is or paint it any color you like to compliment the room. 

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Foyer Chest - $525.00.  This piece could be really great for a formal entryway.  It also comes with a mirror (that did not WOW me).  

The only thing that's bothering me about this piece is that is needs legs - like these -   

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Then, I would paint the whole thing with chalk paint in a great color like this. By painting the entire piece one color, you will tone down all the ornate detail.

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If you've never experience the power of chalk paint - you need to consider it.  There is no priming, prepping or sanding.  Slap on three coats and get ready to be amazed.  So, you will end up with something like this . . . 

My Tips for Selling on Craig's List

OK, now on to selling things on Craig's list.  I get tons of questions about this from clients.  When I do redesigns, we usually have a few pieces the client does not love; but they're not sure how to get rid of them.  I usually recommend to either gift these pieces to a relative or sell them on Craig's list.  The question I always get - "Is that safe?"  Yes, if you are smart about how you deal with the situation.  Remember, you are dealing with the public and someone you don't know, so you must take steps to keep the situation safe.  Here are a few things I always do when selling on Craig's list. 

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Always include a picture on your post and make it a great picture!  Don't just dig around in your photo library and find a shot of your living room that has the piece in the corner of the picture.  Make sure it is a FABULOUS shot of the piece - and yes that means styling it.  Remember, your goal here is to sell something!   

Here is an excellent example of what not to do.  I just found this image on Craig's list!  Seriously?!  Do you think anyone in their right mind will come to this home and purchase this item?   

Price Is Important

With the goal being to actually sell the item, you need to be realistic about the price.  I start by searching Craig's list for items similar to the item I want to sell.  This gives me a idea of the going rate.  Then, I price it accordingly.  If, after I've posted it, I don't get a single inquiry in three days, I drop the price by at least $25, and repost it.

Timing Is Everything

I prefer to post on a Thursday night or Friday morning.  Let's face it, the majority of people these days work and can only come to view the piece on the weekend.  So, if you post it close to the weekend, you more likely to have someone willing to quickly come and pick it up!  If, on the other hand, you post on a Monday, the stress of the week tends to distract.   Then, by Friday, they have forgotten about your listing.  

The Devil's in the Details

To prevent tons of questions (which you may erroneously interpret as interest), include every conceivable detail about the piece in the listing.  All the dimensions (height, width, depth), any flaws in the piece, the materials it's made of (i.e., marble top, wrought base, painted patina).  Be sure to include a few close up images of any special materials.  Again, the goal is to prevent anyone from contacting you unless they are truly interested in buying the piece.  Also, include every conceivable word for the piece in the description.  For example, if you are selling drapery panels, you need to call them drapes, curtains, window treatments, panels, window coverings - you get the idea.  If you don't do this, you will miss lots of people who are interested in your product, but just don't know how to search for it.   In addition to specifics about the piece, always include in the listing "CASH ONLY."  

Meeting and Pick Up

This one is very important.  Once you photograph the piece, move it out of your living space into your garage, basement, or outside covered area.  I can't stress this one enough - it is extremely important not to allow a stranger to come into your home. Once you receive an inquiry about the piece, tell them they can only come after 5:00pm and make sure you have another adult there with you when they come to view the piece.   My experience has been the person inquiring about your piece is just as nervous about coming to your house as you are about having them come.  If it's a woman, they usually have someone with them too.  And I think the average person feels more comfortable coming into your garage than into your house!  

Focus on the Goal

It's always difficult to get rid of things.  Try to focus on the fact that your space is so much more wonderful without the item included in it.  And, with the extra cash you are getting, you can buy whatever pieces will look fabulous in your space!

That's it for today.  Hope you have a very productive week.  Also, remember to enter my giveaway!  I'll be selecting a winner on Wednesday for a $50 gift certificate from Shabby Apple. M. 

A Little Something Special

With all the things on your plate this time of year, I thought it would be fun to give you a little something special.  Shabby Apple, one of my favorite online boutiques, has graciously offered to give one lucky winner a $50 gift certificate.  In addition to the one lucky duck who gets the $50, they are offering a 10% discount to all Musings readers for the month!  Woo Hoo!!!  All you have to do is use this promo code at checkout: interiordesignmusings10off and your discount will apply! 

If you are not familiar with Shabby Apple, I'm about to change your world.  Whether you're looking for vintage dresses, unique bracelets, shirtdresses, cozy scarves, lace dresses, chic sling backs, and even maxi dresses, Shabby Apple is THE place.

Here are just a few of my favorites as of late.

(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)

Also, many of you have mentioned to me when I've hosted giveaways, what's the catch?  I think some of you have been burned by sweepstakes entries where you get on every single mailing list imaginable after entering.  Well, that's not the case here.  There is no catch.  Just an effort to connect you with some wonderful companies you may not be familiar with on the web.  So, I encourage you to give it a try!  I promise it will not disappoint. 

Details to Enter

1. To be eligible you MUST click over to www.shabbyapple.com, pick your favorite item AND come back and leave us a comment about it!

For additional entries(increase your odds, people!):
- like Shabby Apple on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shabby-Apple/56291792791)
- tweet about the giveaway with the hashtag #shabbyapplegiveaway
- or if you're a blogger, post on your blog about the giveaway

Be sure to include a separate comment for each extra entry (up to 4 entries) including contact information (so I can contact you when you win)!  Winner will be selected by random.org.  

Deadline for entering is next Wednesday, December 19th at 5:00 PM Central.

Good Luck and Happy Wednesday! M.