Country Home Design Ideas

Signing Off Early (and a little poll)

Last night was scary and weird. I have this problem where food gets stuck in my throat. Once a couple years ago an Ibuprofen liquid gel pill got stuck and it was very scary and painful. It happened again late last night and it looks like the pill did some serious damage to the lining of my throat. I'm headed into a procedure that will help us know more. The whole thing feels silly and it's just about the worst timing. Deadlines galore and new, exciting projects that need research (I'm excited to share a big one with you in two weeks), but all of that will have to wait while I focus on getting healthy for the next few days. Thanks for your understanding while I take a little break here, too.<br /><br />When I come back I'll be sharing some cool things we've done in our bedroom and (hopefully) some good progress on the chevron floors. Speaking of, I've waffled a lot this week with the angle choice - 22.5, 30 or 45 degree cuts.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7576.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7576.jpg" /><br /><a name='more'></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I like both the 45 and the 30 best for the space (the room is no quite wide enough for the 22.5 long slope). The two longest cuts in both the 45 and the 30 here in the photo below are what the finished cuts would actually look like (24" long planks from miter cut to miter cut). You can see that the 45 degree angle makes for a much more narrow row than the 30 degree cut plank even though they are both 24" long. Trigonometry at work!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7591.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7591.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7593.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7593.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What's your preference?</div><br />And, of course, some of my inspiration images to take you on through the rest of the week. Have a good one friends. Wish me luck with this dumb throat thing. xo<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><center></center></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo frenchaccents5_thumb2.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/frenchaccents5_thumb2.png" /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ScreenShot2013-06-18at111637PM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/ScreenShot2013-06-18at111637PM.png" /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo bcc7d9953b5958454d2faff9922442c0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/bcc7d9953b5958454d2faff9922442c0.jpg" /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo chevronfloorslivingroom.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/chevronfloorslivingroom.jpg" /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ce41690a33c1cc6d4983cf6da46177f3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/ce41690a33c1cc6d4983cf6da46177f3.jpg" /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo tumblr_mj9derlQP41r081g3o1_500.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/tumblr_mj9derlQP41r081g3o1_500.jpg" /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo tumblr_inline_mmqziuZeZe1qz4rgp.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/tumblr_inline_mmqziuZeZe1qz4rgp.jpg" /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo inter_1445-da39a.jpeg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/inter_1445-da39a.jpeg" /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo AD8714792720_2d1bdf9d31_o.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/AD8714792720_2d1bdf9d31_o.jpg" /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo YESYESYESYESYES8543620756_89157b9830_o.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/YESYESYESYESYES8543620756_89157b9830_o.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>images found <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/07/white-oak-wood-floors.html" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=chevron+floors&oq=chevron+floors&aqs=chrome.0.69i59j5j0.3041j0&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.houzz.com/chevron-floor" target="_blank">here</a> - I'll try to update the specific photos with links later. :)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>

Signing Off Early (and a little poll)

25Sep2013

Jenny Bedding at Biscuit

I feel as if my life is essentially complete - there is <a href="http://www.biscuit-home.com/store//searchresults/pg?q=jenny" target="_blank">a bedding line pattern</a> named after me. (!)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo Biscuit-Jenny-1-e1378903193776.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/Biscuit-Jenny-1-e1378903193776.jpg" /></div><br />Bailey McCarthy, who I'm sure you know from <a href="http://www.peppermintbliss.com/" target="_blank">Peppermint Bliss</a>, owns a store and bedding line called <a href="http://www.biscuit-home.com/store/" target="_blank">Biscuit Home</a>. I need, love, want it all.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo Bailey-Biscuit-e1373632582166.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/Bailey-Biscuit-e1373632582166.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />Bailey is a classic designer triple threat - she's smart, she's ambitious and she's incredibly creative. She's doing cool, new stuff with bedding and decor and the world is noticing (did you see her in House Beautiful this month?) I'm happy to call her friend and couldn't be more thrilled to be included in her patterns namesake <a href="http://www.biscuit-home.com/store/" target="_blank">lineup</a>. Check out <a href="http://www.peppermintbliss.com/2013/09/biscuit-season-2-introducing-jenny/" target="_blank">the little interview I did with Bailey here</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0083-e1366679226251.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_0083-e1366679226251.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div>

Jenny Bedding at Biscuit

I feel as if my life is essentially complete - there is a bedding line pattern named after me. (!)Bailey McCarthy, who I'm sure you know from Peppermint Bliss, owns a store and bedding line called Biscuit Home. I need, love, want it all.Bailey is a classic designer triple threat - she's smart, she's…

24Sep2013

Reader Laundry Room Re-Design

Remember the <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-laundry-room-redo-and-5000-laundry.html" target="_blank">giant laundry room give away</a> I did with The Home Depot, Tide and Maytag a while back? I redid my own laundry room on a budget and shared my <a href="https://tideandmaytag.com/" target="_blank">six best tips here</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><center></center></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo BampALGNLaundryRoom.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/BampALGNLaundryRoom.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />Well a few days ago the winner was chosen and was asked to email me photos of her space. She is a busy mom and <a href="http://www.jamies-recipes.com/" target="_blank">food blogger</a> named Jamie. Her laundry room is tucked away in her home and is definitely used as more of a utility space, but that doesn't mean it can be pretty!<br /><br /><br />In the space there needs to be room for a foldable treadmill, prop and holiday decor storage, and storage for Jamie's cleaning supplies.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><center></center></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo image18.jpeg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/image18.jpeg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />The rest of Jamie's home has a cool, eclectic mid-century vibe and I think her laundry room is begging for some of that look.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo photo30.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/photo30.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo photo29.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/photo29.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />She and I will be working together to come up with a cohesive plan for her space, but here are my initial thoughts:<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo JAMIELAUNDRYROOM.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/JAMIELAUNDRYROOM.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The room is a good size, so there's definitely space to put everything away once the storage organization is worked out a little better. I think the general layout she has right now works as well. The furnace and water heater and the washer/dryer areas can't be moved obviously, so it makes sense to have her closed storage on the opposite side of the room, near the hallway door. Her folding treadmill can stay next to the washer/dryer units.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img alt=" photo JAMIELAUNDRY.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/JAMIELAUNDRY.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /></div><div>I think it makes sense to hire a framer and a drywall company to come out and finish the walls. I'd have all the walls painted a bright white, which will help with the darkness factor and make it easier to get tasks done in the space. Depending on how much Jamie wants to spend, I'd have at least the washer/dryer wall tiled, if not also the treadmill wall. I'd love to see subway tile in an interesting pattern. Herringbone is always nice, but how about this tumbling block pattern?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo e5c00263652986534c3c00532a5de90b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/e5c00263652986534c3c00532a5de90b.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">design sponge</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I'd also have the floors tiled in a <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Merola-Tile-Penny-Round-12-in-x-12-1-4-in-White-Porcelain-Mesh-Mounted-Mosaic-Tile-FKOMPR11/100541361#.Uj_cfWRASXQ" target="_blank">white penny tile</a> and I'd used dark grout on both the walls and the floors.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ScreenShot2013-09-22at111853PM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/ScreenShot2013-09-22at111853PM.png" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 4men1ladyf537489c6a6c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/4men1ladyf537489c6a6c.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><i>4men1lady.com</i></div><br />On top of the penny tile and in front of <a href="http://www.maytag.com/laundry-1/laundry-appliances-2/washers-3/-[MHW6000AG]-1106864/MHW6000AG/" target="_blank">the washer/dryer</a>, I'd love to see a bright rug, like this <a href="http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-modena-overdyed/aqua/200PCOV1G-406.html" target="_blank">chartreuse one</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ScreenShot2013-09-20at92022PM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/ScreenShot2013-09-20at92022PM.png" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />The furnace and water heater need to be easily accessible, so I'd install a simple curtain panel to cover that whole side of the room.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo image17.jpeg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/image17.jpeg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />Since the walls and the floors will be a bright white, I think it would be fun to really go for it on the curtain fabric with a bright color like cobalt blue or electric violet. Wouldn't that be pretty with the chartreuse rug? Gray line linens is always my go-to source for beautiful linen in interesting colors at less than $10 a yard. While they also have an <a href="http://www.mcssl.com/store/gray-lines-linen-inc/upholstery-linen" target="_blank">upholstery fabric line</a> with less color options, the colorful <a href="http://www.mcssl.com/store/gray-lines-linen-inc/solid-linen/barry-linen" target="_blank">Barry line</a> is good for drapery and pillows and the <a href="http://www.mcssl.com/store/gray-lines-linen-inc/handkerchiefs/warsa-linens" target="_blank">Warsa line</a> works well for lighter weight upholstery (like headboards and light use armchairs).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ScreenShot2013-09-22at101837PM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/ScreenShot2013-09-22at101837PM.png" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />I can't recommend a folding station enough. I had a piece of MDF cut to fit the top of my washer and dryer so that no socks fall behind or between the appliances while I fold. We didn't have this in the brownstone and I found about a dozen little socks behind our dryer when we were packing. :)  By the way, the <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/08/diy-faux-bois-paint-technique.html" target="_blank">faux bois treatment</a> I did on the MDF is turning out to be one of my favorite things in the laundry room. I love it and think something similar would be really fun for Jamie's laundry room. If she's not feeling creative, she could decoupage some marbled paper and seal it good with polycrylic, like what I did with <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/07/diy-agate-trash-bin.html" target="_blank">this waste bin</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><center></center></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo cDSC_0542.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/cDSC_0542.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />One of <a href="http://www.tideandmaytag.com/" target="_blank">my big tips</a> is to hang art in your laundry space, which might seem a little silly. But I always think it's a good idea to put art in every space - even and maybe especially rooms that are usually only seen by homeowners. Putting up something cheap and cheerful, like this <a href="http://www.art.com/products/p14490765-sa-i3047224/avalisa-red-and-pink-design-no-115.htm?sorig=cat&sorigid=1822&dimvals=1822-207268-729270&ui=9e4780c8fc8e4c2a93b4d443430cd184" target="_blank">bright pink and red print</a> will help to finish the room. When there's art on the walls, it's a room, not a storage closet. And rooms stay tidier than storage closets. :)<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ARTFORLAUNDRY.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/ARTFORLAUNDRY.jpg" /></div>Above the art leaning on the folding station, I'd hang a series of 12" deep shelves for open storage. I like <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rubbermaid-8-in-Black-Decorative-Celtic-Step-Shelf-Bracket-FG4C7203BLA/100679064#.Uj_gl2RASXQ" target="_blank">these heavy-duty brackets</a> with their interesting curves, but wouldn't they look better in a bright brass? I'd use <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-best-gold-spray-paint.html" target="_blank">my favorite gold spray paint here</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo brackets.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/brackets.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />I'd just use primed pine boards (they're perfectly smooth and much lighter than MDF - check them out the next time you're at The Home Depot) for the shelves. 12" would be plenty deep enough for detergent and dryer balls/sheets, and a row or two of baskets. I like <a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/grey-white-stripe-laundry-hamper/s649945?a=1552&device=c&network=g&matchtype=&gclid=CMSli-7j4LkCFbAWMgodemMAcQ" target="_blank">these baskets</a> from Crate and Barrel's great housekeeping line, called Clean Slate:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ScreenShot2013-09-22at112409PM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/ScreenShot2013-09-22at112409PM.png" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />It's nice that Jamie's treadmill folds up. I'd buy (<a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2010/02/diy-folding-screen.html" target="_blank">or make!</a>) an upholstered folding screen to hide the eye sore when it's not in use.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo nickolsenWallMirrorgreenfoldingscreenroomreduEoJ205PT9Xl.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/nickolsenWallMirrorgreenfoldingscreenroomreduEoJ205PT9Xl.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Nick Olsen via Lonny</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><a href="http://bit.ly/1gThK5K" target="_blank">This one</a> from World Market is simple and pretty affordable.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ScreenShot2013-09-22at111751PM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/ScreenShot2013-09-22at111751PM.png" /></div><div><br /></div>Another fab World Market find is <a href="http://bit.ly/15mrT5K" target="_blank">this black iron pendant light</a>. I've actually been eying this one for my own home. The gold on the inside is such a great touch! I think two or even four of these pendants would be perfect for Jamie's laundry room.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><center></center></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_6769.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_6769.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ScreenShot2013-09-22at111922PM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/ScreenShot2013-09-22at111922PM.png" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Jamie has a ton of prop and holiday decor to store.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo photo26.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/photo26.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />I'm <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/09/wall-colors-and-wardrobes.html" target="_blank">obviously a huge fan</a> of IKEA's Pax units - you just can't beat the price for the amount of closed storage and the tons of organizational options. I'm working on a post right now where I share my tips for painting IKEA's notoriously finicky laminate finish. I'd paint Jamie's two <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S79894596/" target="_blank">40" wide units</a> a glossy, light mint (<a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/05/mint-green-step-stool.html" target="_blank">this is my favorite shade</a>). If she's really wanting to go all-out, I'd add <a href="http://www.myoverlays.com/BuyNow/ProductDetail/tabid/67/ProductID/112/Default.aspx" target="_blank">these O'verlays</a> to the door fronts before painting. Then no one would ever guess these were from IKEA.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo paxplusoverlays.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/paxplusoverlays.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And since mint looks so pretty with orange-red, I'd put this gorgeous <a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Mid-century-Modern-Red-Twill-Executive-Arm-Chair/5650974/product.html?refccid=6GAF2MXY62HJHHSJSFQHFNJ4PM&searchidx=181" target="_blank">Saarinen style chair</a> next to the Pax units, seen below in the room board. I'm so excited to keep working with Jamie on this laundry room. I think it's going to turn out to be a fun, fresh space. Peace out, dark storage closet!</div><br /><img alt=" photo JAMIELAUNDRYROOM.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/JAMIELAUNDRYROOM.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br /><i>This post was a part of a collaborative series brought to you by The Home Depot, Tide HE and Maytag. Check out <a href="https://www.tideandmaytag.com/" target="_blank">my laundry room makeover tips here</a>.</i>

Reader Laundry Room Re-Design

Remember the giant laundry room give away I did with The Home Depot, Tide and Maytag a while back? I redid my own laundry room on a budget and shared my six best tips here.Well a few days ago the winner was chosen and was asked to email me photos of her space. She is a busy mom and food blogger name…

23Sep2013

Lately on Fab (Home Edition!)

I went over to my friend's house yesterday and I marveled over how pretty she had decorated it. She bought a house about a year ago that needed some tweaking like ours did (and does) and she put her little heart and soul into fixing it up top to bottom for several months. I remember her calling me when we still lived in New York on the day she was finally finished enough to start decorating. She was hanging the first piece of art in her home and she was excited, ecstatic, thrilled. I thought I got it then, and I was happy for her over the phone, but I think now, after living in a construction zone for months with nary a sofa, lamp or piece of art in sight, <i>I totally get it</i>.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img alt=" photo FAB1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/FAB1.jpg" /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fab.com/product/chrome-eiffel-stool-234305/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">1</a>  //  <a href="http://fab.com/product/ball-lamp-31-cream-set-of-2-286365/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">2</a>  //  <a href="http://fab.com/product/fab-r1-dining-table-yellow-381738/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">3</a>  //  <a href="http://fab.com/product/enamel-top-nesting-tables-3pc-ii-336949/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">4</a>  //  <a href="http://fab.com/product/retro-chair-transparent-428206/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">5</a></div><div><div><br /></div><div>We are so close to getting to bring in the furniture. The idea of actually living in and really using our house is giving me the energy burst I need to finish up. As I lay the (chevron!!) floors this weekend, I'll be dreaming of the sofa I want to put in the library. While I paint the stone on the fireplace in our bedroom tonight, I'll think of the mirror I want to hang over the mantel. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo FAB3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/FAB3.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fab.com/product/maui-armless-chair-blue-green-343130/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">6</a>  //  <a href="http://fab.com/product/coral-pendant-400-natural-437693/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">7</a>  //  <a href="http://fab.com/product/marnie-linen-bench-gray-459278/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">8</a>  //  <a href="http://fab.com/product/cambro-lounge-chair-441896/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">9</a>  //  <a href="http://fab.com/product/work-desk-64-cherry-289367/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">10</a></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm most excited to do a little shopping for a few furniture pieces that we need! So when <a href="http://fab.com/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">Fab</a> invited me to share some of my picks from their <a href="http://fab.com/department/furniture/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">furniture</a> and <a href="http://fab.com/department/home/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">home</a> sections, I was thrilled to oblige. Right now they are running their <a href="http://fab.com/theme-shop/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">Iconic Brands</a> sale through Wednesday. Big names in the design world, selling at discounted prices. I'm also really loving some of the collaborative pieces from their <a href="http://fab.com/sale/24618?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on&page=1" target="_blank">Blue Dot section</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo FAB2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/FAB2.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fab.com/product/strut-medium-table-orange-151433/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">11</a>  //  <a href="http://fab.com/product/family-chair-2-nature-set-of-2-271956/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">12</a>  //  <a href="http://fab.com/product/gilmore-3-6x5-6-mint-cream-448677/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">13</a>  //  <a href="http://fab.com/product/angus-queen-bed-gray-441902/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">14</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Like I needed more reasons to be excited about the decorating phase! :)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo FAB4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/FAB4.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fab.com/product/modular-cube-plus-blue-set-of-6-409158/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">15</a>  //  <a href="http://fab.com/product/case-study-bent-leg-nightstand-424352/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">16</a>  //  <a href="http://fab.com/product/audrey-chair-black-light-gray-343218/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">17</a>  //  <a href="http://fab.com/product/bunny-lounge-chair-peacock-blue-128894/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">18</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i>This post was brought to you by Fab.com. Thank you for supporting LGN's sponsors!</i></div></div>

Lately on Fab (Home Edition!)

20Sep2013

How I Painted My Stairs

I've decided I definitely want to change the stairs (treads, banister, balusters - everything) down the road a bit. But for now, I knew it made sense to just paint what I've got. <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-staircase-dread-for-treads.html" target="_blank">Most of you agreed</a> that I could change the look enough with paint that it would be worth the time and effort.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo qDSC_0459.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/qDSC_0459.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aaDSC_0438.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/aaDSC_0438.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Well, there was definitely time and effort spent! And I'm pretty happy with the change the color makes in the space.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0458.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/aDSC_0458.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />I think it will be worth all the effort in the end, once the runner's installed. The hardest part by far was all the sanding. And thank goodness for Bondo!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7381.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7381.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><a name='more'></a>Bondo is one of those products that might look intimidating, but is actually pretty easy to use. You mix a hardening cream with the epoxy base putty in small batches and then smear on the mixture quickly before it starts to set.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7384.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7384.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7394.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7394.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The stuff stinks bad, but it works miracles and fills any hole/crease/crevice/seam you present it with.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7401.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7401.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">After the Bondo had dried for a few hours I sanded the filler down. This was seriously a full day's work. Every tread took about an hour. But by the time I was finished, the Bondo had perfectly sealed all the imperfections and all the hand-scraped detail on the old wood had been sanded away.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7407.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7407.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7413.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7413.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Michael helped me hang plastic sheeting on the walls and we wiped everything down twice.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7415.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7415.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7424.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7424.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_7427.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7427.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I used <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-best-and-easiest-to-use-spray-gun.html" target="_blank">my favorite Critter sprayer</a> to paint the stairs with the first coat of tinted blue-gray primer.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7492.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7492.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And some of the imperfections started to reveal themselves.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7498.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7498.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">As Linus would say - Ruh-ro.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7501.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7501.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">So I caulked and did another coat of Bondo where it was needed and then sanded the whole thing again. (and sniffed and sneezed and coughed the whole time - stupid cold.)</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7507.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7507.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><img alt=" photo IMG_7511.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7511.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I sprayed a second coat of primer on and then the first of two coats of Benjamin Moore's Chelsea Gray in the Advance line paint.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7514.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7514.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">The color is light enough to brighten the space a bit, but dark enough to hide dirt perfectly I think. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7528.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7528.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">The treads look almost like solid planks now! I'm so happy with how they turned out. We just saved ourselves a couple thousand dollars by not replacing these oversized treads!</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo qqDSC_0481.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/qqDSC_0481.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I have no ideas yet for what I'm going to use for a stair runner, but I'm really excited to pick that out next. I'll be trying something similar to <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/12/diy-stair-runner.html" target="_blank">this tutorial</a>.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0488.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/aDSC_0488.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Also, on a whim I pulled out one of <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/02/magic-of-gold-leaf-pen.html" target="_blank">my old gold leaf pens</a> and painted one of the round screw covers. The pen was pretty dry so the color's not very saturated, but I kind of like the look. What do you think of the gold just on the screw covers?</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0530.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/aDSC_0530.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Before I buy the runner I have lots of touch ups to do and I think I'll paint the walls before installing the runner as well. But at least I'm happy with the direction we are headed in. It was well worth the labor, paint and about $12 in Bondo!</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0458.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/aDSC_0458.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div>

How I Painted My Stairs

I've decided I definitely want to change the stairs (treads, banister, balusters - everything) down the road a bit. But for now, I knew it made sense to just paint what I've got. Most of you agreed that I could change the look enough with paint that it would be worth the time and effort.Well, there …