Lighter, Brighter Kitchen and New Dining Chairs

<center></center>One of the big projects I tackled this month was painting <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/06/valley-house-tour-kitchen.html" target="_blank">the kitchen</a>. No small feat with those 16 ft. vaulted ceilings!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0741.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2017/IMG_0741.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I had to rent a ridiculously tall ladder from Home Depot to get all the way up to the beam. Makes me a little fuzzy feeling just thinking about it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0807.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2017/IMG_0807.jpg" /></div><br />Remember how it looked before we moved in? Lots of yellow and lots of faux brick:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_3250.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2017/IMG_3250.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0599.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2017/DSC_0599.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>The walls are now Benjamin Moore's Titanium, which was <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/09/starting-to-pick-paint-colors.html" target="_blank">a runner up</a> for the common areas in the rest of the house. I had two gallons on hand already, and I love the color, so it was an easy choice.<br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0766.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2017/IMG_0766.jpg" /></div><br />The brick range surround also got a paint job. I need to do a second coat, but I'm still recovering from the hours and hours of work the first coat took! I'll do a post about it later, but the gist is that the mortar was a beast.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0815.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2017/IMG_0815.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0583.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2017/DSC_0583.jpg" /></div><br />I'll admit I was a little nervous to paint out the brick for about five seconds, but now I have exactly zero regrets. It's so much brighter in here! I know I'll love it even more when the second coat is done.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0810.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2017/IMG_0810.jpg" /></div><br />The dining table could use a refinishing, but my love affair with this vintage beauty is still going strong. We recently put in all the leaves after I picked up four ghost chairs at a junk shop for $60 for the set, so now we can seat ten people around the table comfortably. I love it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0807.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2017/IMG_0807.jpg" /></div><br />And I really like how the ghost chairs mix with <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/09/new-john-widdicomb-louis-style-chairs.html" target="_blank">the Widdicomb chairs</a>, which I got back from the upholsterers just in time for Christmas dinners and parties. They've held up so well the past two months! The leather is really easy to keep clean (spills wipe right off) and the color is so pretty against the soft gray walls.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9822.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2017/IMG_9822.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9807.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2017/IMG_9807.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9777.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2017/IMG_9777.jpg" /></div><br />I hung my old Italian mirror on one side of the table and a new piece of art on the other side that <a href="http://instagram.com/p/k0JWgjQW5d/" target="_blank">I made last night</a> on the fly.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_2485.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2017/IMG_2485.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0528.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2017/IMG_0528.jpg" /></div><br />There are about a million things left to do in this room. New lighting. Cabinets facelift. Backsplashes. New sink and faucet. Open shelving. Etc., etc., etc. But I think now we're at least in a pretty comfortable place. I don't mind the blacky-brown color of the cabinets any more now that the yellow is gone. The lights are still horrible, but I took off the old globes and put in big white vanity bulbs and that somehow helps. We've only done temporary fixes, but they really add up and help make this room more inviting.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0658.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2017/IMG_0658.jpg" /></div>

Lighter, Brighter Kitchen and New Dining Chairs

One of the big projects I tackled this month was painting the kitchen . No small feat with those 16 ft. vaulted ceilings!! I had to rent a r...

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Bright Velvets in the Library

One of the big house projects we haven't tackled yet is the built-in bookshelves in the front room we're calling <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/06/valley-house-tour-soon-to-be-library.html" target="_blank">the library</a> (it's the sunken space just inside the entry). I have a handful of inspiration images and a few drawings that I want to share with you guys. It's turning into a sort of expensive project, so I'm nervous about pulling the trigger. More on that later though. In the meantime, I've been making some progress on decorating the other side of the room!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9854x.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_9854x.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0024.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_0024.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo cIMG_0124.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/cIMG_0124.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />We had my Lee roll arm sofa (which we've had for almost a decade! - a record for me!) upholstered in a mohair that I got for something insanely cheap, like $15 a yard, on sale at <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/05/jem-fabrics-update.html" target="_blank">my old favorite fabric store in the city</a>, JEM. It's a deep moody charcoal with lots of blue-green undertones. When the upholsterer dropped off the sofa a few weeks ago, my Gracie said now it was the color of the ocean and I think she was spot-on.<br /><br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0110.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_0110.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0073.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_0073.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9916.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_9916.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0128.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_0128.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />The newest addition to the space is this pair of bright yellow Henredon chairs I got from a consignment store for $50. I picked them up at the same time and place that I got the <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2014/02/vintage-furniture-shopping-tips-and.html" target="_blank">pink ikat sofas</a> (they were probably owned by the same person).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1614.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_1614.jpg" /></div><br />I fell in love with the color and the Schumacher strie velvet was pretty new, just a little marked up from sitting in the store. And I knew the chairs could look a little more modern if I removed the skirts and left off the back cushions.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1617.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_1617.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_2038.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_2038.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />When I got them home, I used a damp microfiber cloth to take off most of the smudges. I usually give all my vintage upholstered finds a good vacuuming and then a pass over with my steamer in case there are any mites or bed bugs (haven't had any problems yet).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0099.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_0099.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9894.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_9894.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The feet aren't my favorite, but they look better than the skirts and I have some ideas for changing them up down the road.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9881.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_9881.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9909.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_9909.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The room's far from finished, but it's fun to have a place to sit and host visitors. I'm on the fence about the <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/04/layering-floral-pillows.html" target="_blank">Designer's Guild pillows</a> on the sofa. The <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/04/new-bergere-chairs.html" target="_blank">green bergeres</a> have needed new upholstery for a long time now (thinking gray Bengal Bazaar or some other pattern in a neutral color) and <a href="http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/clearancerugs/jaipur-rugs-hl02/light-mushroom/229HL02-36056.html" target="_blank">the rug</a> is there temporarily. I do like the <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/05/painting-mirror-with-chalkboard-paint.html" target="_blank">magnolia mirror</a> in that spot though! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0046.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_0046.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9866.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_9866.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div>

Bright Velvets in the Library

One of the big house projects we haven't tackled yet is the built-in bookshelves in the front room we're calling the library (it...

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Plans

The past couple of weeks have been a blur of projects and house guests, which I have so loved doing and having, but now I'm in the clear a little more and am able to get focused back on work. I'm so excited about a big change I have in the works!<br /><br />As we were organizing the house in anticipation for these house guests we've been hosting this month, Michael and I have been talking a lot about the way we use our house and about how to best use the spaces we have.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xDSC_0645.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/xDSC_0645.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />The big room above the garage that we've been calling the play room has been largely unused by the kids (these photos are from before we moved into the house). The space is sort of far away and removed from the rest of the house, so it makes sense they wouldn't really want to be up there all alone. Over time, the toys started migrating over to the bedrooms and the play room was beginning to feel like a big waste of space.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xDSC_0650.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/xDSC_0650.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>And you guys all know that I've been really thinking a lot about work and this blog and sort of trying to figure out what I want my future to look like. One of my New Years resolutions is to work smarter not harder. I don't even pretend to have a balanced life - some week's are <i>allllllll </i>work with family squished in there. Other weeks (like this one) have been all about friends and loved ones. I'm finally getting used to the fact that this is just how it's going to be and that there's power in embracing the imbalance of the balancing act. :)<br /><br />(Sidebar: speaking of family, my friends over at <a href="http://www.smallfryblog.com/2014/02/20/new-baby-advice-little-green-notebook/#comments" target="_blank">Small Fry blog</a> interviewed me about some of my thoughts on motherhood and Evie's crazy birth story. <a href="http://www.smallfryblog.com/2014/02/20/new-baby-advice-little-green-notebook/#comments" target="_blank">Hop on over</a> if you're in for a read and a little TMI from me.)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xDSC_0655.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/xDSC_0655.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />It's been so nice to get to work from home for all these years, especially while my girls were so young. But I think it's time. I think I'll always share my personal home projects with you guys here on LGN, but I also want to focus on creating more editorial content and shoot the projects and ideas in a separate space. Also I've been trying to get the ball rolling on a book for about three years now, but we just keep moving and things get pushed back. I would love to finally start (and finish) my book this year.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xDSC_0652.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/xDSC_0652.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />So I thought for about two seconds about renting a commercial office space, and then I realized the play room makes the perfect studio. It was a total 'duh' moment. Why hadn't we thought of this before? The space is removed from the rest of the house, though easily accessible, so maybe I could get the best of both worlds with privacy and convenience?<br /><a name="more"></a>My beautiful sister, Heather, who used to live with us in Brooklyn, moved back in about a week ago so she could go back to school to get her teaching certificate (so excited for her!). She'll be living in the the guest bedroom, which is right next to the new studio space. In her off-hours, she'll be pitching in with projects and I'm so excited to have her around again. She makes even the most grueling, labor-intensive projects hilariously fun. And there will always be music and dancing.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1684.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_1684.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />I've also hired someone to help with coordinating and shooting mostly the book. Her name is Kate and she deserves a whole post dedicated to her awesomeness. She's really great and I'm so excited to have her around starting the beginning of March. More on the amazing Kate later!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1690.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_1690.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />We've been working like crazy to transform the studio since deciding to turn <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2014/01/diy-white-board-wall.html" target="_blank">my old office</a> (the space with the dry erase boards) into the playroom. The new playroom space is pretty much in full swing now and the kids and their friends use the room so much more! Success.<br /><br />Pulling up the carpet in the studio was, surprisingly, the easiest part of the mini reno we're doing. I had <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-garden-level-entry.html" target="_blank">lots of practice</a> in the brownstone, but this carpet was a breeze compared to that nasty old stuff! You just sort of pick at a corner until the carpet pulls away from the tack strip and then just pull and roll while you go. The only tricky part is getting up the tack strips, but it's not too bad with a hammer and crow bar. We got down to subfloor in just a couple hours. (Special thanks to my sister, Ali, who is a carpet-removing <i>machine</i>!!)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1726.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_1726.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We're almost done with the new floors and I'm so excited to share the tutorial. I just need to finish baseboards and I'll take some photos. I wanted a bright white space. Here were some of my inspiration photos.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DOMINO.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/DOMINO.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ScreenShot2014-02-20at113714PM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/ScreenShot2014-02-20at113714PM.png" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ScreenShot2014-02-20at113605PM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/ScreenShot2014-02-20at113605PM.png" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo modern-white-floor-white-curtain-wall-sofa-pillow-lamp-peach-ottoman-karl-anderson.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/modern-white-floor-white-curtain-wall-sofa-pillow-lamp-peach-ottoman-karl-anderson.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ScreenShot2014-02-20at113658PM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/ScreenShot2014-02-20at113658PM.png" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Things ended up evolving a little though and what we ended up with is a good blend of the above photos and the two below. Cryptic, I know. These all look pretty different. :) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9660.jpg" border="0" height="791" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/IMG_9660.jpg" width="590" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ScreenShot2014-02-20at113632PM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/ScreenShot2014-02-20at113632PM.png" /></div><br />Anyway, I am just SO excited about how everything is turning out. I'm not really talking about the floors even, though they are spectacular! But, I'm feeling like I have a plan and a the foundation is laid for a really great 2014. Thanks for all your continued support, friends. I have felt you cheering me on and it has meant the world to me. xoxo<br /><br /><i>(all inspiration photos via Houzz <a href="http://www.houzz.com/white-floors" target="_blank">here</a>)</i>

Plans

The past couple of weeks have been a blur of projects and house guests, which I have so loved doing and having, but now I'm in the clear...

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Instagram Inspiration: Angela from The Painted House

If you're looking for someone seriously fabulous to follow on Instagram, <a href="http://instagram.com/angenigma" target="_blank">Angela from The Painted House</a> is your girl. She has a phenomenal artistic eye. She is in the process of finishing a new house and I am so, so inspired by all of her choices. Angela is an amazing decorator, but it's been so great to see what she decides to do with the bones of her home. I love how she puts an edge on classic design details.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Here are some of my recent favorite instagrams:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><center></center></div><div><br /></div><div><img alt=" photo ScreenShot2014-02-17at90707PM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/ScreenShot2014-02-17at90707PM.png" /><br /><br /></div><div><img alt=" photo ScreenShot2014-02-17at90602PM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/ScreenShot2014-02-17at90602PM.png" /><br /><br /><img alt=" photo ScreenShot2014-02-17at85611PM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/ScreenShot2014-02-17at85611PM.png" /><br /><br /><div><div style="text-align: left;">I love the clean and modern look she did in her kitchen. And what a great color! </div></div><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><img alt=" photo ScreenShot2014-02-17at85518PM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/ScreenShot2014-02-17at85518PM.png" style="cursor: move;" /></div></div><br /></div><div><img alt=" photo ScreenShot2014-02-17at90437PM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/ScreenShot2014-02-17at90437PM.png" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Gah! That stair rail is SO cool!</div><br /></div><div><img alt=" photo ScreenShot2014-02-17at90524PM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/ScreenShot2014-02-17at90524PM.png" /><br /><br /></div><div><img alt=" photo ScreenShot2014-02-17at90123PM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/ScreenShot2014-02-17at90123PM.png" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This paneling is perfection.</div><br /></div><div><img alt=" photo ScreenShot2014-02-17at90000PM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/ScreenShot2014-02-17at90000PM.png" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">As is the moulding on this ceiling.</div><br /></div><div><img alt=" photo ScreenShot2014-02-17at85930PM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/ScreenShot2014-02-17at85930PM.png" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">With the perfect light fixture!!</div><br /></div><div><img alt=" photo ScreenShot2014-02-17at85537PM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/ScreenShot2014-02-17at85537PM.png" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Speaking of light fixtures. Look at this giant chandelier!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><img alt=" photo ScreenShot2014-02-17at85441PM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/ScreenShot2014-02-17at85441PM.png" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Angela spray painted it white herself. Such a statement against her dark walls!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><img alt=" photo ScreenShot2014-02-17at90408PM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/ScreenShot2014-02-17at90408PM.png" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And I can't even handle how perfect her fireplace surround is in every single way. I have dreams of that amazing marble.</div><br /><img alt=" photo ScreenShot2014-02-17at85642PM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2016/ScreenShot2014-02-17at85642PM.png" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">So happy to be insta-stalking you, <a href="http://instagram.com/angenigma" target="_blank">Angela</a>. Your house is stunning!</div></div><div></div></div>

Instagram Inspiration: Angela from The Painted House

If you're looking for someone seriously fabulous to follow on Instagram, Angela from The Painted House  is your girl. She has a phenomen...

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Hearts Aren't Just for Valentine's Day

<center></center>My girls are getting a little older now (my oldest is eight) and while I really miss having babies around, I am having so much FUN with my kids! Every holiday is a million times more exciting. We are in full Valentines mode this week (only handmade cards in this house!) and I love seeing their little creative sides come out. <a href="http://instagram.com/p/kI1yiTQW_A/" target="_blank">They made me this bouquet</a> from flowers and plants they clipped in our yard a few days ago and I was so proud of the arrangement! :) These little ladies make my heart burst.<br /><br />Kristen from <a href="http://www.kfddesigns.com/2014/02/thrift-store-frame-revamp.html" target="_blank">KFD Designs</a> emailed me this Valentines-worthy project earlier this week and I thought it was so cute. Reminded me of <a href="http://keep.com/banquet-atelier-and-workshop-fluoro-heart-print-by-jennykomenda/k/nEhL49ABO-/" target="_blank">this heart print</a> we all love.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><center></center></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo PR0026_fluoro_heart_styled04_small.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/PR0026_fluoro_heart_styled04_small.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />Kristen's more detailed tutorial is <a href="http://www.kfddesigns.com/2014/02/thrift-store-frame-revamp.html" target="_blank">here</a>, but the gist is she picked up a pair of really inexpensive thrift store frames, painted them gold and created the peach and neon pink hearts from scratch for the inside.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 19F5F6BF-F959-4113-87C3-128B02C4D0EB_zpsabzcfqep.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/19F5F6BF-F959-4113-87C3-128B02C4D0EB_zpsabzcfqep.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1822_zpsa5809822.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_1822_zpsa5809822.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />I love these two colors together and hanging the pink heart upside down was a genius touch and helps keep things in the not-too-sweet zone.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1815_zpse1748653.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_1815_zpse1748653.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />Well, done <a href="http://www.kfddesigns.com/2014/02/thrift-store-frame-revamp.html" target="_blank">Kristen</a>! Thanks for sharing.<br /><br /><i>If you have a project you'd like to share on LGN, <a href="mailto:jenny@jennykomenda.com" target="_blank">email me</a> a link or photos.</i>

Hearts Aren't Just for Valentine's Day

My girls are getting a little older now (my oldest is eight) and while I really miss having babies around, I am having so much FUN with my k...

Read more »