Umbrella Stands

I can't complain too much about the weather. It's been a lovely and so mild fall/early winter. We still have had a lot of rain lately and have been getting a lot of use out of our umbrella stand.<br /><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/entry2.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>I monogrammed <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2009/08/monogrammed-umbrella-stand.html">this one</a> a year or two ago, but I feel ready for a change. Especially since I am picking out fabrics to reupholster that <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/08/new-settee.html">little settee</a> I bought a while back. Our whole entry is going to get a facelift.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not totally sure what I want to do with my umbrella stand (and part of me just wants to buy a new one (like <a href="http://blogs.babble.com/the-new-home-ec/2011/11/30/19-cute-umbrella-stands/?pid=8298#slideshow">this one</a> maybe?), but I saw this big storage box thing at the flea market last weekend and I was totally drawn to the pattern! Black and cream and gold?! Love. I think I cold recreate this pattern on my old stand. It feels so Italian and chic and modern.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_1798.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://blogs.babble.com/the-new-home-ec/?p=7781">Here are some others I'm contemplating</a>...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/umbrella.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Do you have any favorites I missed? I really love a good umbrella stand. I think it is such a fun accessory for an entry, especially when filled with pretty umbrellas.</div></div>

Umbrella Stands

I can't complain too much about the weather. It's been a lovely and so mild fall/early winter. We still have had a lot of rain latel...

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Give Away (with THREE winners!!) from Meredith Jackson Jewelry

Wouldn't this be just the best time of year to win a piece of fabulous jewelry from the uber-talented jewelry designer, <a href="http://meredithjackson.com/">Meredith Jackson</a>? How surprised and excited would you make your mom or your best friend by gifting her one of these pretties! Or what about treating yourself !? I would be thrilled to wear any of the pieces from Meredith's <a href="http://meredithjackson.com/">site</a>, but here are a few of the necklaces I have my eye on (take note, Santa!)<br /><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/MJDESIGNS.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Today we have THREE pieces to give away from Meredith Jackson designs. The hard part for you will be choosing between the necklace, the bracelet and one of the earring pairs! Here are the choices...</div><div><br /></div><div>1) Talk about versatile. You could wear this <a href="http://meredithjackson.com/item/fall-necklace-27/?stayincat=9">beautiful gold chain</a> ($300) with almost any outfit, any time of year!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/_DSC5013.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>2) My mom would love <a href="http://meredithjackson.com/item/pearl-bracelet-with-moonstone/?stayincat=10">this pearl bracelet</a> ($200) and me and my sisters would love to steal it from her.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/_DSC5579.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>3) Oh man, oh man. How will you ever choose between these lovely earrings? I'm especially crazy over the green and the lapis if that helps you narrow it down...</div><div><br /></div><div>Do you like <a href="http://meredithjackson.com/item/fall-earrings-22-2/?stayincat=18">Green Onyx</a> or <a href="http://meredithjackson.com/item/fall-earrings-61/?stayincat=18">Clear Quartz</a> best?</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/_DSC3939.jpg" /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/DSC_9845.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Or maybe <a href="http://meredithjackson.com/item/earrings-87/?stayincat=18">Smokey Quartz</a> or <a href="http://meredithjackson.com/item/lapis-earrings-test/?stayincat=18">Lapis</a>?</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/DSC_0238.jpg" /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/_DSC3794.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Or how about the <a href="http://meredithjackson.com/item/earrings-56/?stayincat=18">Mother of Pearl Quatrefoil</a> or the <a href="http://meredithjackson.com/item/fall-earrings-63/?stayincat=18">Chalcedony</a>?</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/DSC_9956.jpg" /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/_DSC4214.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Alright! Are you feeling lucky? To enter, leave a comment on this post saying which one of the three items above you'd love to have most. A winner will be chosen for each of the three categories. If you'd like to win a pair of earrings, please be sure to specify which of the bunch you'd like most.</div><div><br /></div><div>For a second chance to win, you can like the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Meredith-Jackson-Jewelry-Design/262391773790293?sk=wall">Meredith Jackson Facebook page</a>. Be sure to leave another comment here saying so.</div><div><br /></div><div>Contest ends this Sunday, December 11 at midnight. Good luck!!</div></div>

Give Away (with THREE winners!!) from Meredith Jackson Jewelry

Wouldn't this be just the best time of year to win a piece of fabulous jewelry from the uber-talented jewelry designer, Meredith Jackson...

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DIY Skirted Console

<script src="http://thirdparty.fmpub.net/placement/455990?fleur_de_sel=[timestamp]" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><br /><i>This post is sponsored by <a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;246932550;71904578;q">Glad</a>. We’re taking small steps to do our part and want to help you waste less too. Visit GLAD.com for more information.</i><br /><div><br /><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">I'm so excited to finally share this tutorial with you! This skirted table is my fourth or fifth of these DIYs, between my house and my client projects (remember <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2009/08/skirted-console-table.html">the original one here</a>?), but somehow I haven't managed to put together a tutorial until now. The steps are simple and completely NO-SEW! Ready to jump in?</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;"> <img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/DSC_0011.jpg" style="color: black;" /></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">After we moved to New York, I was looking everywhere for a bookshelf or console table to use as the base for a skirted console for our TV to go between the two <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/03/mirrored-silver-leafed-cabinets.html">fretwork cabinets</a>. I checked Craigslist for a couple weeks with no luck, and just as I was about to cave and buy something new, Michael came to the rescue. One of our neighbors left this vintage bookshelf in our building's recycling room. Not only were the dimensions *perfect* but I was glad to save this sturdy little piece of furniture and give it a new life.</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/DSC_0002.jpg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">I've been trying to add some still-bright-but-less-primary colors to my living room. I told my friend that I was buying a forest green velvet for my console and some burgundy linen for my settee and she gave me the most hilarious look and goes "WHAT.THE.90s!!!!!! Gross!!!!" :) </span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">Look how pretty the green is though! Mossy and muddy with a tiny bit of blue undertone. I lucked out and got it on eBay for $4/yd.</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/ScreenShot2011-12-05at112854PM.png" /></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);">Before the fabric arrived, I went trim shopping at JEM in Tribeca (they have a killer selection of vintage trimmings) and found this really pretty lilac herringbone trim. I wasn't looking for something purple at all, but I had just finished reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0865652724/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=littgreenote-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0865652724">Katie Ridder's new book Rooms</a> (sooooo good, btw), so lavender was on the brain and the color drew me in.</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/KatieRidderRooms_cover.jpg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span">And then for the first time in my life, I was thrilled to see an astroturf rug. JEM has a green grass rug that seemed close to my velvet that was being shipped. I loved the colors together! Sold.</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_1697.jpg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I was still happy with the color combo when the velvet arrived and couldn't wait to get started. I wiped the recycled bookshelf down with a bleach-water solution and got my fabric, trim and supplies ready... </span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Here's what you'll need for a no-sew skirted console:</div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Iron</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Tape measure</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Tailor's chalk</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Scissors</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Magnatac or other strong fabric glue</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Staple gun and staples</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">STEP 1 - MEASURING and CUTTING</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Measure your bookshelf/console and come up with a game plan with your measurements. I added 2" of hem to every side and 3" of hem to every BOTTOM (no hems on the top!!). </span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/2DSC_0003.jpg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Components are as follows, in order of appearance:</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span">1) Inside flaps (green)</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span">These two flaps will hardly be seen. They are like camisoles for you console. No one wants to see bare corners! Cover them up with some simple flaps. Mine were about 4" wide on the front and another 4" wrapped around to the side. I added 4" more for my two 2" side hems, and 3" to the bottom just to keep things neat and to minimize fraying.</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;">2) Side panels (purple)</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span">There are also two of these panels, made to be the exact depth of your bookshelf sides. You'll want a good 3 or 4" of extra fabric for the top in addition to a 3" bottom hem. Again, don't forget to add 2" for each side hem.</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;">3) Front panel (yellow)</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span">One big flap that covers the top and fronts of your bookshelves. Again, at least 4" of extra fabric after your hem, for the top part where you're stapling.</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;">4) Top panel (pink)</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Made to fit the top of your bookshelf perfectly. Just add a 2" hem on all sides.</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/DSC_0010.jpg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Now that you're all organized and prepped with your measurements, mark out all your pieces with a tape measure and tailor's chalk on the back side of the fabric and cut them out. If you are using velvet like I did, make sure not to mess with the orientation of the pieces. You want the piles of each piece to lay in the same direction or else the sheen and color appearance will be totally off. (This applies to other velvet upholstery projects as well! Be careful with the pile directions!)</div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/DSC_0015.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/DSC_0021.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span">STEP 2 - PRESSING and GLUEING</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span">My mom always says the most important part of any sewing or soft goods project is the pressing. It's so true!! For velvet, you don't want to iron directly on the pile. I used a tea towel as a protective barrier and that worked fine to give me a strong crease for all my hems. Again, I did about 2" on all sides and 3" along the bottom. I used my tailor's chalk markings and a ruler to keep my hems even.</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/DSC_0017.jpg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Then simply put down an even coat of fabric glue on the <i><b>hem flap</b></i>. By keeping the glue application to just the flap you're reducing the chances of leaking. I glued the sides first and the bottom hem last. </span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/DSC_0029.jpg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span">This is getting a little nit-picky, but try not to let the side flaps poke out of bottom hem sides. You might have to overcompensate and pull in those side flaps a little more before glueing the bottom hem.</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/DSC_0028.jpg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span">STEP 3 - <span class="Apple-style-span">HANGING</span> and STAPLING</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Once all your pieces have been ironed and glued, it's time to assemble! Go in order of the chart above. First are the inside flaps. So, the real trick of a no-sew skirted table is to focus on the break of the hem, not so much on the top part yet. It doesn't matter how much fabric is on top or if it's crooked or whatever, just move the panel vertically until it perfectly and evenly hits the ground. I probably like it best with a 1/4" break. Nothing is worse than too-short curtains or console skirts!</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/DSC_0035.jpg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">After finding the right length, just put in a staple every two inches or so to keep the fabric in place without sagging. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;">I couldn't be happier with my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004T17L/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=littgreenote-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00004T17L">Powershot Pro staple gun</a> (used with Powershot Staples - it makes a serious difference!). </span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/DSC_0037.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">After hanging the inside flaps, do the side flaps next, and then the front piece. </span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/DSC_0039.jpg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);">Because velvet was so thick, I didn't want too many edges on the top. So I took the top piece all the way to the back. This really helped to keep the top surface flat and even out all those edges from the other pieces. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/DSC_0045.jpg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/DSC_0043.jpg" /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);">I could have stopped with this step and have the front piece be the top piece too, but I really wanted this to look like a sewn skirt, with seams.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/DSC_0041-1.jpg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);">Before putting on the top though, I glued on the trim. <a href="http://blog.therecomesayes.com/">My assistant Colleen</a> and I went back and forth on whether to do a full boxed border, but the trim is so thick we decided to go with the upside-down U, and I really like it.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Remember to always inset your glue line about 1/4" from the edge, otherwise the glue will leak out from underneath when you press the trim into place.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/DSC_0049.jpg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);">I don't like to cut trim for mitered corners. It never looks right to me. The trick to folding a mitered corner is to keep all your fold angles at 90 degrees and 45 degrees.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/DSC_0053.jpg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);">You have to play with it for a minute to get the trim to lay right, then glue in all the folds and really crease and press the folds into place.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/DSC_0055.jpg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then finish off your trim with a little turned under hem.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/DSC_0061.jpg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);">The last step is securing the top piece, so don't put away the glue just yet. Glue evenly and press down hard to make everything lay flat.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/DSC_0063.jpg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);">You can see in the photos above and below how the inside flaps cover the corners.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"></span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/DSC_0020.jpg" /></span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);">All done and nary a needle or Singer in sight!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/DSC_0007.jpg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We have all our cable and video components under the skirt. The remote works with a little sensor thing we got off Amazon. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/DSC_0013-1.jpg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Everything's still easily accessible, but completely hidden. I love, love, love skirted consoles for any house, but especially for small homes or apartments where every piece of furniture really has to count. You can pack a lot of stuff under there!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As a side note, I know some decorators really hate a glass top on skirted consoles, but I'm thinking it's a necessity here. Between the dust and the sticky little fingers, I'm pretty sure I'm going to want a protective surface on top of that velvet!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/2DSC_0039.jpg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><br /></span></div></div>

DIY Skirted Console

This post is sponsored by Glad . We’re taking small steps to do our part and want to help you waste less too. Visit GLAD.com for more inform...

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A Couple Things

Hi! Happy Monday!! This is my last full week of client work before we leave for Hawaii (I'll still be posting though) and I couldn't be more excited for some R&R! We've been trying to do lots of Christmas-y things before we leave since NYC is so fun during the holidays and we'll be missing a lot of it this month. I think we're going to go check out the Rockerfeller Center tree tonight, though I'm sure it will have nothing on our own little city-sized tree. :)<br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/da2bd3c21d5e11e1abb01231381b65e3_7.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>So am I the only one that's scouting out Christmas decor for next year right now? Seasonal decor prices are starting to fall right about now, and they'll keep dropping until and especially after Christmas. <a href="http://blogs.babble.com/the-new-home-ec/?p=8055">Here are the pieces I have my eye on. </a> </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/b2c860fa1d6011e1a87612313804ec91_7.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Alright, back to work! I have a great DIY coming up tomorrow that I'm super excited to share! And don't forget to check out Jay and Katherine's Living Room Tour that I posted this weekend. xoxo</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>

A Couple Things

Hi! Happy Monday!! This is my last full week of client work before we leave for Hawaii (I'll still be posting though) and I couldn't...

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Room Tours: Jay and Katherine Wolf

<div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Hi friends! I hope you're having a GREAT weekend!! I wanted to share this lovely living room tour with you sooner than later because Jay and Katherine are very kindly offering LGN readers 25% off their vintage shop </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/oncelosthomegoods?ref=em">Once Lost Home Goods</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">with the promo code "LGN25". You mind find some pretties for gift-giving!</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Here's Jay with their living room...</span></i></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">My name is </span><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Jay</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> Wolf, and I am what some may call a renaissance man, though maybe it's more like a jack of all trades, master of none. Wearing lots of different hats has become the norm after my wife, Katherine, suffered a massive brain-stem stroke on April 21, 2008, as our 6-month old son slept in the other room. Miraculously Katherine survived, and we have been on the excruciating but beautiful road of recovery ever since (she shares her journey on her blog Hope Heals, </span><a href="http://www.hope-heals.com/" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">www.hope-heals.com</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">). </span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">I have always been an artist and a creative, very right brain oriented (I somehow parlay that creativity into my "real job" as an attorney), so the decision to take on some of Katherine's more wifely roles following her stroke was not too daunting for me, and I knew that finding ways to celebrate life in the midst of our suffering, as well as creating a really special home for my family would be keys to our overall healing.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">We live in Los Angeles in a specific area called Culver City where I happened upon several thrift shops very close to our home. Finding little treasures amidst a lot of junk became extremely cathartic for me. I suppose in many ways it was a metaphor for what our life had become, finding the best things in the middle of lots of terrible things. I brought many of these finds into our home, and formed a little Etsy shop, <a href="http://www.oncelosthomegoods.com/">Once Lost Home Goods</a>, with the rest.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Our home seems to be a constant work in progress, and even the pictures posted here would look a bit different if actually taken again today (and these were only taken about a month ago!) I've found that carving out a unique, personal, safe, inviting place to call home and to "do life together" in is one of the great and unexpected joys that I've experienced recently in my life. Welcome to our home!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/_MG_1112.jpg" /></span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">This is the view as you first walk into our living room, which for us, is truly the room that we do most of our living in. I love seeing the large, vintage seascape painting as I walk into the room, now dramatically lit with its own vintage art light from Katherine's grandmother's home. It definitely sets the tone. We lived in Malibu,CA, which is on the beach, for 3 years while I was in law school. We have such great memories from that time, so we incorporated lots of nautical and sea-inspired influences in our current home as a nod to that special time in our lives. Also, it's hard not to feel relaxed when you have reminders of the ocean around you, so we tried to create our own little not-on-the-beach, beach cottage, while still not being too themey about it. </span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">We're from the South originally, which is much more traditional and formal than California, in every sense, I think. As a result of living in those two very different environments, our style has morphed over the years, and currently seems to be a cozy, eclectic, vintage, pared-down traditional. I think the juxtaposition and contrasts in a room are the most important elements for me, and of course, the mix of the new and the old seems to give a room lots of soul. Also, since two guys and a girl live in this space, I always try to mix the masculine and feminine. Not only does it end up pleasing everybody, but the combination of those differing elements adds infinitely more interest than something that has more of a one-note perspective.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/_MG_1135.jpg" /></span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">We live in a charming (aka "pretty old") 1920's bungalow. And while all 1,200 square feet of it have lots of character that can't easily be found in new construction, it comes at a bit of a price. Honestly, did people in the 1920's not have any stuff? Lack of storage is an issue, for sure, so when planning out the living room, we had to incorporate a good bit of non-built-in storage, this includes our "linen closet" boxed up in various sizes of Rubbermaids under our IKEA sectional. Also, the coffee table, while not so kid-friendly, is literally a trunk with drawers. This vintage piece was picked up for cheap at one of my local thrift stores because I thought it looked cool with the brass and the nailheads. I only later found out (thanks to some design blog) that this chest, handmade by the Spanish company Sarreid, was actually a really nice piece. Honestly, I could care less about the name, I just liked the design of it. To that end, I think you can never go wrong buying something you love, whether or not anyone else thinks it has value or not.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">We received a lot of home items for our wedding (not off a registry, just given with the assumption that they would all come together somehow, I guess), many of which have left us for good at this point as we honed in on our own style; however, this spindle-base lamp (with an updated shade) and antique English bamboo table from the late 1800's have stuck with us since the wedding day. It's great to be able to incorporate personal things from your past into new spaces, even if you have to tweak them a little, and correspondingly, it's even better to be able to let certain things go completely and start anew. </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/_MG_1121.jpg" /></span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">My introduction to the design world has mostly been through design blogs (thank you Jenny!) Literally, I knew very little of the lingo a year ago, but learning it proved to be valuable. For example, I would read about Hollywood Regency and the Dorothy Draper chest in blog after blog. One day, I went to a junk shop and this chest was sitting on the sidewalk, having been bought from the estate of a long-time LA resident, a woman who had gotten her start as an actress in Hollywood's Golden Age. I knew this piece was a Dorothy Draper chest, and though it was not in perfect condition I figured it would still be way too expensive, but I thought I would inquire anyway. The price was $40, and after I asked the store owner to repeat it, I threw him two twenties and ran with my loot before he could change his mind! Full-on Hollywood Regency is not my style, for sure, but adding it to the room creates an unexpected visual edge. I love that this iconic piece holds all the odds and ends and 4-year old's toys that must be shoved somewhere when company comes over. Beautiful and versatile, if only the walls on this chest could talk.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">The grouping on top of the chest always makes me happy too, the textures and colors are just right, in my mind. And once and for all, I can't be considered a bad parent for throwing away most of my son's preschool art projects (where am I supposed to store them?!), since one of his first abstract finger paintings holds a place of great prominence in our living room. The capiz moravian star is from Target and the green leaf pottery is from TJ Maxx Home Goods, just going to show that in the right setting, anything can look more expensive than it actually was. The beautiful, vintage alabaster lamp (with an updated shade) was from Katherine's grandmother's home (she recently moved to a retirement home and gifted us quite a few great, vintage things) and is such a wonderful daily reminder of her beloved grandmother. </span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Also, I'm not much of a DIY'er, but I was quite proud that the bordered curtains in the living room were actually two Target fabric shower curtains that we had cut off and hemmed to the right length by our local alterations lady. So much cheaper than having custom curtains made in that bordered style and so much easier than trying to somehow, very badly make them myself.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/_MG_1185.jpg" /></span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Again, the 1920's architects didn't do us a lot of favors in the storage or in the space planning department either. This room is an awkward, long rectangle, with lots of doors opening out to other rooms and heaters coming up from the floor, so we had to get creative. This very tight and long spacing is why we opted for the sectional sofa, which is not necessarily my favorite type of couch but sometimes practicality wins out, though practical can still look good. Likewise, some practical seating and visual space was needed in this tiny corner, over-crowded by the door to my office. I decided to fit this great occasional chair there, which looks like it was picked up from a Parisian flea market (it was actually from a rather seedy Goodwill on Santa Monica Blvd, but who would know?) The scale was much better than a previous chair we had there and the green velvet and patinaed gold edges fit the room perfectly. I love how it looks in contrast with the large black and white photograph of the California landscape that I took as we drove into California in our U-haul, for the first time, 7 years ago.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/_MG_1148.jpg" /></span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">This armoire is one of my favorite things in the room, and I think it was the first one I bought. Of course, inside lies our TV and naturally, more storage space for exercise mats and DVD's, etc. It was a Craigslist find, and I was initially drawn to the old oak and the shape of the top. I loved it even more when I found out it was used in the late 1800's as an armory (ie. to store weapons and guns) and was made for quick disassembly and travel (I guess to run away from rebel forces) so it literally comes completely apart. Cool, right? Though it was not so cool when I was trying to put it together by myself late at night and the heavy wooden doors kept falling on my head, but still, totally worth it! </span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">The faux bamboo stools were re-covered in a gray lattice patterned fabric shower curtain (what's the deal?) and were originally from the Sunset Tower Hotel (a rather famous hotel among celebrities, on the Sunset Strip near Hollywood). There are several warehouse-sized businesses in LA that specialize in re-selling hotel surplus furniture. I've even picked up some furniture for a friend's room that I designed (</span><a href="http://www.oncelosthomegoods.com/portfolio/before-after-classic-nautical-guestroom/" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">www.oncelosthomegoods.com/<wbr></wbr>portfolio/before-after-<wbr></wbr>classic-nautical-guestroom/</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">) from a Kelly Wearstler-designed hotel, though like anything, you usually have to dig through a lot of junk to get there, but then you get a pretty inexpensive piece with great design. And you never know who might have been perched on that stool. </span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Another of my favorite elements in the room are the pair of vintage Italian tole wheat sconces. Despite my mentions of Kelly Wearstler, Dorothy Draper, and tole sconces, I truly do not have a secret obsession with Hollywood Regency--not that there's anything wrong with that. What I most love about these is that they were not sold as a pair. I bought one on Ebay because it was inexpensive, and I loved its design compared to lots of other wheat, tole sconces that I had seen. I later concluded that two is better than one, so I set out looking for its mate, which I finally found on Etsy, from a totally different seller. I had to pay up a bit for this one, but I love how they flank the armoire, and the symbolism of harvest will always be extremely meaningful to me.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/_MG_1267.jpg" /></span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">On this wall, the main visual element is obviously the collection of vintage seascape oils. I love art, in general, so I can't help but love a good gallery wall, and I've got quite a few of them, even in our tiny house. I got all of these from either Ebay, Etsy, or my thrift stores. They are all by different artists but all in a rather specific range of color palettes and an impressionistic style which makes them work really well together as a grouping. I did change out most of the frames, and at first, I probably would have wanted all the frames to match, but the same frame wasn't always available, but now, I really like that the frames are complimentary and all thin but not matching.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">The pair of leather chairs was something that I have always wanted, and I finally got them on major sale at HD Buttercup, a great furniture store in Culver City. They are one of those items that I will keep no matter where we live or what my style may be. They were the biggest purchase in the room, and I love how they only get better with age. Our four year old does a fine job of adding to the weathered look, which is sort of softened by the large, French grain sack pillows.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">The round occasional table between the two chairs is hands down my best and probably only find from Ross. It's got a black marble top and though hard to see in the pictures has a fantastic, sort of mid-century starburst design base, made out of iron, with an antiqued brass finish. The apothecary floor lamps are from Target and again pull in some black, which is a color that is very grounding to a space (though I'm not even sure what that means, but I get it). I used to be kind of worried about matching black and brown and clashing metallic finishes but I think not knowing too many rules has probably helped me the most in being able to confidently pull designs together. Whatever works, just play around with it until it looks right to you.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/_MG_1157.jpg" /></span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Katherine was in ICU for 40 days after her stroke, during which we could not fill that sterile, sad room with any flowers or potential contaminants, understandable, but it definitely made it hard to bring any sense of life into that place. So, ever since, I have felt the need to have fresh flowers around our home as much as possible. It's a slight indulgence, but we always just get them at the grocery store and arrange them ourselves. We also use a lot of orchids and other long-lasting varieties. No offense to fake flowers, but it kind of defeats the purpose of bringing some life into a room, right?</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Though geometric shapes and patterns are pretty trendy, I feel they bring in a different kind of organic element which is really timeless. These wooden stars echo the larger white one on the chest (they were puzzles that I finally had to super glue together after one too many guests awkwardly brought me the pile of pieces unable to put it back together themselves). The wooden, mid-century geometric basket, DNA-model-esque, used for magazines on the floor next to the leather chair, was such a unique piece, spotted in a small Southern "antique" booth (looked a little more like a cross between Cracker Barrel and Hoarders) on a holiday trip back South, that I had to lug it back in a separate suitcase. The mirror is from Home Goods and is another example of something that looks much more expensive and unique than it was by being put in the right context. The orchid pot is mid-century vintage, with a unique ombre effect coming up from the base. This utilitarian piece also adds another layer of style and color, mixing eras, and not letting things fit too neatly into one box. There's an inherent sense of nature and science and just enough uncommonness to these things which will never get old to me. </span><br /><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_5009.jpg" /></span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">"After many a sore foot and many a passive aggressive remark about the hazards of child-rearing around a sharp metal trunk coffee table, I conceded and got this new tufted, storage ottoman. It's brilliant because it is infinitely more comfortable to prop up our feet on when we watch TV, and it stores all our "blow-up guest bedroom" pillows and sheets. It's also so much easier to move since it rolls around on casters, so we can push it out of the way when we need to do our Denise Austin workout videos! And of course, it was christened with a juice box on it's first day in our home, but not to worry, it's covered in Sunbrella, indoor/outdoor, washable fabric--victory (at least until a large cup of coffee is sloshed on it)! I added an extra yard of the fabric and recovered a vintage bench for more seating in front of the chest of drawers. Also, the pillows got a bit of an update, from one trendy pattern to another--what can I say, lots of people like them for a reason. This ikat in green, blue, cream and brown really pulls in all the colors of the room much better than the previous green trellis."</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_5024.jpg" /></span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">"Since we no longer have a hard-surfaced coffee table, a stable tray was needed to take on drinks and the like. I found this vintage lucite tortoise and greek key tray (I think Jenny might likey) at my local thrift store, originally intended for my Etsy shop, but as often happens, once I tried it on this new spot, there was no going back." </span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">* </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Thanks for reading this to the end! I hope you enjoyed the tour and my rambling thoughts. Thank you Jenny for letting me share. </span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">SOURCES:</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">FURNITURE:</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">- Couch = IKEA Ektorp Sectional, slipcovered in Svanby Beige</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">- Chest of Drawers = Vintage Dorothy Draper Espana Chest -- Man on Motor, Culver City, CA</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">- Coffee Table = Vintage Brass Sarreid Chest -- House of Return, Culver City, CA</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">- Side Table = Antique Bamboo Table -- Appointments At Five, Athens, GA</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">- Occasional Chair = Vintage Green Velvet Chair -- Goodwill, Santa Monica, CA</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">- Armoire = Antique Oak Armory -- Craigslist, Los Angeles, CA</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">- Stools = Vintage Faux Bamboo Stools from Sunset Tower Hotel -- Hotel Surplus Store, Van Nuys, CA; Fabric Shower Curtain -- Ross</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">- Pair of Leather Chairs = HD Buttercup, Culver City, CA</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">- Occasional Table = Iron Starburst and Black Marble Top Table -- Ross, Culver City, CA</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">- Rug = Nate Berkus Kilim Stripe Rug -- HSN + 40oz Rug Pad -- Amazon</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">LIGHTING:</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">- On Chest = Vintage Carved Alabaster Lamp; New Shade --Home Goods</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">- Art Light = Vintage</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">- On Side Table = Spindle Base Lamp -- Appointments at Five, Athens, GA; New Shade -- Target</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">- Between Leather Chairs = Pair of Pharmacy Lamps -- Target</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">ACCESSORIES:</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">- On Chest = Green Leaf Pottery -- TJ Maxx Home Goods, Westchester, CA; Child's Art Frame and Capiz Moravian Star -- Target; Books = Lapham's Quarterly, Winter 2011 -- Amazon, "How Should We Then Live?" by Francs Schaeffer -- vintage, "The Home Book" by House Beautiful -- Amazon, and "All the Saints of the City of Angels" by J. Michael Walker -- The Hammer Museum, Westwood, CA</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">- On Coffee Table = Mahogany and Brass Tray -- Crate & Barrel; Shell -- African souvenir; "The Way We Live By the Sea" by Stafford Cliff -- Amazon; Glass Hurricane -- TJ Maxx Home Goods; Black River Rock Vase Filler -- Target; Capri Blue Candle in Black Currant and Cassis -- Lundeens, Culver City, CA</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">- On Couch = Tan Euro Shams -- Target; Green Imperial Trellis -- Nena Von Pillows on Etsy; Black and Cream Border Lumbar and all down inserts -- Pottery Barn; Brown Cable knit and Cream Chain link Blankets -- Nate Berkus for Linens 'N Things</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">- Curtains = Bordered Fabric Shower Curtains by Fieldcrest and Curtain Clip Rings -- Target; Curtain Rod -- Ross</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">- On Side Tables = Hydrangea Vase -- TJ Maxx Home Goods; Mini-orchid Ombre Pot, vintage -- House of Return, Culver City, CA; Wooden Moravian Star Puzzles -- Ross </span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">- On Walls = Vintage Seascape Oil Paintings -- Ebay, Etsy, House of Return, Culver City, CA, NCJW/LA Thrift Store, West LA, CA; Frames = Aaron Brothers, Culver City, CA; Large Black and White Photo -- </span><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Jay</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> Wolf, blown up on Shutterfly; Frame -- Aaron Brothers; Vintage Italian Tole Wheat Sconces -- Etsy and Ebay; Geometric Capiz Mirror -- TJ Maxx Homegoods</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">- On Leather Chairs = French Grain Sack Pillows -- Colcha, Venice, CA; Brown Geometric Blanket -- TJ Maxx Home Goods</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">- Magazine Rack = Mid-century Wooden Basket -- Eastbrook Flea Market, Montgomery, AL</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Sources from the updated photos:</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">- Tufted Ottoman = Ballard Designs, in Brass Sunbrella</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">- Tray = Vintage Lucite -- House of Return, Culver City, CA</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">- Ironwork Bench = Vintage -- House of Return, Culver City, CA</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">- Pillows = Ikat -- Jenny Farley Designs on Etsy</span></div>

Room Tours: Jay and Katherine Wolf

Hi friends! I hope you're having a GREAT weekend!! I wanted to share this lovely living room tour with you sooner than later because Jay...

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