Studying Malachite

Last year, I worked with <a href="http://www.sherwin-williams.com/" target="_blank">Sherwin-Williams</a> on their <a href="http://nationalpaintingweek.com/" target="_blank">National Painting Week</a> campaign and I was assigned the color purple. I chose a soft shade of lilac to make a faux inlay effect on my daughters' vanity dresser. (<a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/04/diy-inlay-dresser.html" target="_blank">Here's that post</a>).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo duquettemal7_rect540.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/duquettemal7_rect540.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Malachite painting from the one and only Tony Duquette</i></div><br />This year, I was thrilled to work with Sherwin-Williams again and I thought it would be a good opportunity to try another faux painting technique. My color is green this year, so of course there was only one option: malachite.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><center></center><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 9181_1328492152_8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/9181_1328492152_8.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Antique inlay box from <a href="http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/more-furniture-collectibles/boxes/antique-russian-malachite-pietra-dure-jewelry-box-casket-box/id-f_610272/" target="_blank">1st Dibs</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><center></center><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo l226_1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/l226_1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lamps from <a href="http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/lighting/table-lamps/pair-of-malachite-lamps/id-f_326777/" target="_blank">1st Dibs</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><center></center><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo hutton-wilkinson-malachite-400tc-pillowcases-standard-d-20130225150754493193159_689.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/hutton-wilkinson-malachite-400tc-pillowcases-standard-d-20130225150754493193159_689.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hsn.com/products/hutton-wilkinson-malachite-400tc-pillowcases-standard/6812696" target="_blank">Malachite sheets</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo x.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/x.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/tables/console-tables/modern-painted-lacquered-malachite-console-table/id-f_492044/" target="_blank">Console</a> from 1st Dibs</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo MalachiteConsoleFramedarthungabovemalachitebTFNQFFIP1el.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/MalachiteConsoleFramedarthungabovemalachitebTFNQFFIP1el.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lonny.com/photos/Malachite+Console" target="_blank">Lonny</a> console</div><center></center><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><center></center><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 36899_in_xl.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/36899_in_xl.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/36899" target="_blank">Michael Kors malachite dress</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><center></center><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo MalachiteWallpaperMalachitewallpaperentrywaykOvCknQFTDml.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/MalachiteWallpaperMalachitewallpaperentrywaykOvCknQFTDml.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lonny.com/photos/Malachite+Wallpaper" target="_blank">Lonny</a> wallpaper</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo viaeverythingLEB459508586680615844NYUzOswc.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/viaeverythingLEB459508586680615844NYUzOswc.jpg" /></div><br />These were some of the images I referenced before starting my project (and I'll be honest - it was a little intimidating to tackle this one, but it ended up being a breeze!). I decided to do a bit of a bluer shade, like the colors in this <a href="http://www.deringhall.com/products/malachite-chair" target="_blank">Celerie Kemble chair</a>, but just a tad more green.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><center></center><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo Kemble-078.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/Kemble-078.jpg" /></div><br />Before I started, I also looked at the techniques other DIYers have tried. Here's a little round up of the posts that were super helpful to me:<br /><center></center><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo faux-malachite-boxes-tutorcopy.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/faux-malachite-boxes-tutorcopy.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Malachite boxes via <a href="http://www.theaestate.com/2012/06/diy-faux-malachite-boxes-tutorial.html#.UWN6lltASXQ" target="_blank">The Aestate</a> (a seriously awesome blog)</div><br /><br /><center></center><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo burlapandlaceIMG_0839.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/burlapandlaceIMG_0839.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Inspired by The Aestate's tutorial, a cute tray via <a href="http://burlapandlaceblog.blogspot.com/2013/01/diy-faux-malachite-serving-tray.html" target="_blank">Burlap and Lace</a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo viamimosalaneDSC_0722.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/viamimosalaneDSC_0722.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Also this one, <a href="http://mimosalaneblog.blogspot.com/2012/08/faux-malachite-diy.html" target="_blank">via Mimosa Lane</a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo fauxpainting2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/fauxpainting2.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Malachite mats via <a href="http://everythingleb.blogspot.com/2012/11/mala-i-can-do-it.html" target="_blank">Everything LEB</a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo photo-14copy.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/photo-14copy.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Piano bench via <a href="http://athousandlaughingstarfish.blogspot.com/search/label/malachite" target="_blank">A Thousand Laughing Starfish</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSCN4238.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/DSCN4238.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Faux malachite lamps via <a href="http://gorgeousshinythings.blogspot.com/2011/03/how-to-faux-malachite.html" target="_blank">Gorgeous Shiny Things</a></div><center></center><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_2017_rect540.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/IMG_2017_rect540.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Faux Malachite walls <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-paint-faux-malachitecol-109501" target="_blank">via Apartment Therapy</a></div><center></center><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo drawerknobs3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/drawerknobs3.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo a-FAUX-MALACHITE-KNOBS-640x468.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/a-FAUX-MALACHITE-KNOBS-640x468.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Faux malachite knobs via <a href="http://www.tealandlime.com/2012/09/diy-faux-malachite-knobs/" target="_blank">Teal and Lime</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This scan below from a vintage book of faux painting techniques was an interesting read. I ended up doing something very similar for my project. </div><center></center><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo chapmaninteriorsblogFauxpaintmalachite.jpeg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/chapmaninteriorsblogFauxpaintmalachite.jpeg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Malachite painting technique via <a href="http://www.chapmaninteriorsblog.com/2011/06/diy-faux-painting.html" target="_blank">Chapman Interiors</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">My photos and tutorial will be posted next Monday and I can't wait to share. There are 13 other design bloggers <a href="http://nationalpaintingweek.com/" target="_blank">posting their projects</a> all next week too. It's going to be an amazing week of colorful befores and afters! :)</div></div>

Studying Malachite

Last year, I worked with Sherwin-Williams on their National Painting Week campaign and I was assigned the color purple. I chose a soft sha...

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Tiger Chest

<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0237.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/DSC_0237.jpg" /></div><br />I've mentioned before how thrift stores can be hit or miss in NYC. I get it though. Real estate here is so expensive, they have to really hike those prices up to cover the rent. So I usually don't have high expectations for great deals if I'm popping in to shop. (By the way, I recommend any of the Housing Works locations, the Salvation Army way over on 11th Ave and the Angel Store Thrift on 17th.) For the most part you can expect to find something like this. The tag here read "Pink chair in the Eames style, Broken leg. As-is, $195" Like, what? You can buy them new for less. Who's going to pay that for a busted up knock-off?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1883.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/IMG_1883.jpg" /></div><br />Yet, just a few feet away from the overpriced broken chair was this Tigery beauty. Price: $200 on the dot.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><center></center><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1984copy.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/IMG_1984copy.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />This type of wood and finish is practically my favorite thing in the world. I love-lurve-luff the pattern in the grain. I don't even know what species the wood it is - looks too smooth to be oak. Crotch mahogany? Maple?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 2DSC_0269.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/2DSC_0269.jpg" /></div><br />So then I did what any other hardcore thrifter would do. I threw angry glances of warning to the shoppers around me and flung my body over the thing while I spent five full minutes carefully prying off the clear mailing tape they used to secure the price tag (<i>??</i>). Then I happily hustled to the train to go pick up my car and bring this baby back home with me.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><center></center><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0256-1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/DSC_0256-1.jpg" /></div><center></center><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The chest replaced the <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/10/diy-wire-console-table-or-how-i-got.html" target="_blank">pink wire console</a> for now, which went on the back porch - and I love it there. I'm still trying to figure out the rest of the office, but I think we're getting there. I love this big brass lamp here that I pulled out of the lamp graveyard in the basement. A big desk project is happening this week (more on that Monday), and I think a new rug will really help.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0242.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/DSC_0242.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0265.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/DSC_0265.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 2DSC_0228.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/2DSC_0228.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0275.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/DSC_0275.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>HAPPY WEEKEND! I hope you're having a great one! xo

Tiger Chest

I've mentioned before how thrift stores can be hit or miss in NYC. I get it though. Real estate here is so expensive, they have to reall...

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Lately on Fab (April Edition!)

Another short week gone! It's so cliche, but I'm just blown away at how fast time is flying by lately. It's stressful and also a little exciting. There are lots of good things coming this year. :)<br /><br />I'm so thrilled to share with you my April product picks from <a href="http://fab.com/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">Fab</a>. This company is hitting it out of the park lately. They continue to find the coolest products and offer them at discounted prices. I love getting to pop on every other week or so to see what sales they have coming up.<br /><br />Here's what's caught my eye this week (and, yes, that's a cardboard unicorn as well as a concrete tape dispenser):<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo FAB1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/FAB1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fab.com/sale/19552/product/216202/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">1</a>  //  <a href="http://fab.com/sale/15387/product/110554/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">2</a>  //  <a href="http://fab.com/sale/19409/product/247832/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">3</a>  //  <a href="http://fab.com/sale/18846/product/119300/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">4</a>  //  <a href="http://fab.com/sale/19837/product/149512/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">5</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><center></center><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo FAB2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/FAB2.jpg" /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fab.com/sale/19501/product/224934/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">6</a>  //  <a href="http://fab.com/sale/16716/product/34489/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">7</a>  //  <a href="http://fab.com/sale/14956/product/274800/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">8</a>  //  <a href="http://fab.com/sale/16831/product/142986/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">9</a>  //  <a href="http://fab.com/sale/17895/product/133857/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">10</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(pssst! here's <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2010/07/lonny-jewelry-armoire.html" target="_blank">that post</a> on the Lonny jewelry armoire)</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><center></center><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo FAB3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/FAB3.jpg" /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fab.com/sale/19476/product/343249/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">11</a>  //  <a href="http://fab.com/ushops/4/?csid=24/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">12</a><span id="goog_2100697042"></span><span id="goog_2100697043"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a>  //  <a href="http://fab.com/sale/18999/product/137745/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">13</a>  //  <a href="http://fab.com/sale/13879/product/282168/?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: center;"></div><center></center><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo FAB5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/FAB5.jpg" /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fab.com/sale/19343/product/360631/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">15</a>  //  <a href="http://fab.com/sale/13879/product/282159/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">16</a>  //  <a href="http://fab.com/sale/19353/product/2859/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">17</a>  //  <a href="http://fab.com/ushops/4/?csid=24/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">18</a>  //  <a href="http://fab.com/sale/19476/product/343225/?utm_campaign=littlegreen&utm_source=mediakix&utm_type=p&utm_medium=blog&ltb=on" target="_blank">19</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #7f7f7f; font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.25px;">This post was brought to you by Fab.com. Thank you for supporting LGN sponsors! :)</i></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><i>PS I'll be back a little later today to share a new furniture addition I ended up putting in my office. I think you're going to love it as much as I do. :)</i></div></div>

Lately on Fab (April Edition!)

Another short week gone! It's so cliche, but I'm just blown away at how fast time is flying by lately. It's stressful and also a...

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Vintage Moroccan Rag Rug

<div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0061.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/IMG_0061.jpg" /></div><br /><a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/04/new-living-room-rug.html" target="_blank">Speaking of new rug purchases</a>, I've started doing work again on the <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/10/art-for-girls-room.html" target="_blank">girls' room</a> lately. About a month or so ago I ran in to West Elm to pick up some things in the <a href="http://www.westelm.com/shop/market-general-store/?cm_type=lnav" target="_blank">Market section</a> (so good) and I saw two or three of these vintage Moroccan rag rugs from across the store.  Moroccan rugs of all varieties are always so expensive so I was thrilled to see these marked way, way down.<br /><br />I love the texture to these rugs. You can often find them on eBay, but I loved that these had been completely cleaned. Not a speck of dust or a trace of musty odor on these.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0064.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/IMG_0064.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was really taken with this one with the smaller pattern, but the size was too long for my girls room.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0065.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/IMG_0065.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0066.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/IMG_0066.jpg" /></div></div><br />So I ended up getting the wider, shorter rug with the bigger pattern, which turns out is perfect for impromptu games of hopscotch.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo girlsrugs.jpg" border="0" height="425" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/girlsrugs.jpg" width="640" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I layered it on top of the <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/05/madeline-weinrib-sample-sale-new-rug.html" target="_blank">Madeline Weinrib dhurrie</a> I picked up two years ago (that probably is due for a professional cleaning - I spy a crayon mark here!), and I kind of like how the shapes in the two rugs play off each other. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><center></center></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0171.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/DSC_0171.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><center></center>The off-white color is actually a metallic silver. Love it :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0161.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/DSC_0161.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I feel like this type of rug was just meant to be in a kids room, don't you think? It's soft and casual and charming. Also, when we forget to put Linus in his crate at night, he chooses to sleep here on the rug in front of the girls' bunk beds. What a guy! Protects babies and enjoys a good Moroccan rug.</div>

Vintage Moroccan Rag Rug

Speaking of new rug purchases , I've started doing work again on the girls' room  lately. About a month or so ago I ran in to West E...

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New Living Room Rug

I was sad to see it go, but we decided to replace <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/06/new-lr-rug-progess.html" target="_blank">the jute rug</a> this month. I loved that rug, and still think jute is a great option for some people, but those people are not pet owners. :/ <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/02/new-dog-new-pillows.html" target="_blank">Linus</a> had two throw up accidents on the rug and I scrubbed and scrubbed and vacuumed for hours both times and there was a bit of unfortunate discoloring. Big bummer.<br /><br />Also, the rug had dried up a bit during the winter especially the part that sat over the floor grate, and it was starting to shed a little bit. It wasn't a huge deal on its own and actually I think I was supposed to be misting the rug with water once or twice a month to prevent the over-drying, and I never did. But between the shedding and the discolored spots (which you can sort of see in <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/03/new-art-in-living-room.html" target="_blank">these photos</a>), I felt like it was time to start looking for something else.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0390-1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/DSC_0390-1.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />So here was my thought process.<br /><br />1) While I loved the pop of red from the persian I had layered on the jute, I knew I wanted something more neutral. I'm going to bring in a bright orangey red or a hot pink on new pillows I think (I loved <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/01/baker-sofa-upholstery.html" target="_blank">that combo</a> with the green velvet sofa).<br /><br />2) This rug needed to be a wool or wool-like pile for clean up purposes. For stain-hiding, I am a big fan of persian style rugs, so I was hoping to find something neutral but with a bit of an irregular pattern.<br /><br />3) In apartments especially, where 90% of the action happens in the one living room, it's pretty inevitable that spills and stains are going to happen with kids and pets in the house. During my search I actually found a completely gorgeous antique silk Oushak in beautiful light colors from one of my dealers for about $3500. Pricey, but it was seriously worth every penny. I thought long and hard about investing in that rug. It was stunning, but what happens when someone sneaks juice over into the living room or when Linus has an accident? It would be hard to not freak out, and that's just not how I want to feel about the stuff in my house. So I passed on the Oushak and I kept looking.<br /><br />I had my eye on this rug called the <a href="http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-adileh/natural/200VBVI2A-53076.html" target="_blank">Beaumont Adileh in Natural</a> from Rugs USA for a couple weeks. I was sold out in the 10x13 size that I wanted, but they have this feature where you can give them your email and they'll contact you if/when more comes in stock.<br /><center></center><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 200VBVI2A.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/200VBVI2A.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The reviews were good and they were having one of their famous 50% off plus free shipping sales, so when I got the email that the large size was back in stock, I moved fast. And I'm so glad I did! I love it. (Just checked - the latest sale is <a href="http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-adileh/natural/200VBVI2A-53076.html" target="_blank">60% off</a>!)</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img alt=" photo DSC_0267.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/DSC_0267.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I love the range of colors in the rug: cream, gray, taupe, black, brown, even a hint of apricot. It's totally one of those rugs that changes colors in the light.</div><br /><img alt=" photo DSC_0272-1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/DSC_0272-1.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><img alt=" photo DSC_0366.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/DSC_0366.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And I think it actually looks kind of worn and old. Or at least, it doesn't scream out cheapy fake rug when you walk into the room. My only complaint is the binding on the edge, but <a href="http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-adileh/natural/200VBVI2A-53076.html" target="_blank">for this price</a>, you win some, you lose some.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0401.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/DSC_0401.jpg" /></div><br />Man, I love the black in that border!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0378.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/DSC_0378.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />The rug is 100% Viscose, which surprised me with its softness, even though the rug is pretty thin. And it's hard to tell in the photos, but the viscose gives the rug a really silky look. It honestly looks so much like the sheen of the Oushak that I loved, I just couldn't believe it when I rolled the rug out. And just like silk, it totally changes color when you rub your hand against the pile.<br /><br />Oh, hello, soft and pretty rug...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0287-1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/DSC_0287-1.jpg" /></div><center></center><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0353-1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/DSC_0353-1.jpg" /></div><br />So while I miss the texture of the jute a bit, I'm totally in love with the new rug. It is bright and airy and it cleans up like a dream. I'm a very happy customer and now I'm thinking of getting <a href="http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-overdyed-grove/violet/200DIRE1F-508.html" target="_blank">this one</a> for my office... :)

New Living Room Rug

I was sad to see it go, but we decided to replace the jute rug this month. I loved that rug, and still think jute is a great option for som...

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Concrete Planters

It's going to be sixty degrees today! What-what! Looks like yard work weather is upon us. I went to the garden center this weekend to pick up some flower beds and a few new planters for the balcony (<a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-balcony-floor.html" target="_blank">this is <i>finally </i>happening!</a>).<br /><br />I found a few big boxwoods on sale and some pretty flowers for planting around <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-playhouse_28.html" target="_blank">the playhouse</a>. And I wasn't sure if I had gone crazy when I was tempted by these flamingos.  #notAprilfoolsing<br /><center></center><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo flamingos.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/flamingos.jpg" /></div><br />There were some really beautiful concrete planters at Lowes that I loved, but they were pretty pricey. So I bought a bag of concrete instead thinking I could come up with a DIY. When I got home I found <a href="http://www.bhg.com/gardening/container/plans-ideas/make-concrete-planters/#page=1" target="_blank">this easy tutorial</a> from BHG. It's just too good not to copy. :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 101894832jpgrenditionlargest.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/101894832jpgrenditionlargest.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The basic idea is to use an interesting container for the outside shape with something basic and smaller inside.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 101904188jpgrenditionlargest.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/101904188jpgrenditionlargest.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><center></center><br />Aren't these pretty? I'm really loving the sort of corrugated edged ones especially.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 101904191jpgrenditionlargest.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/101904191jpgrenditionlargest.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 101904194jpgrenditionlargest.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/101904194jpgrenditionlargest.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 101894830jpgrenditionlargest.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/101894830jpgrenditionlargest.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Have you ever done any concrete work? I've not done much yet, but I have at least three big projects using concrete planned for this year so I have a feeling I'm going to get a lot more comfortable with this stuff before long. :)</div>

Concrete Planters

It's going to be sixty degrees today! What-what! Looks like yard work weather is upon us. I went to the garden center this weekend to pi...

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