Here we one year later and what a year it has been. We've been through dust and debris, fires and floods, chaos and destruction... and that was just the kitchen!
It's our First Year Renovation Anniversary!
It is the middle of December and our self-imposed deadline of having the main floor finished by Christmas looms heavily like snow upon the wintery horizon. But at least my days of feeling like a renovation refugee are over. I no longer have to dig through boxes and rubble to find the baking soda or muffin tins. The new stainless steel gas range is always in the same place, unlike the old electric stove which could be found drifting about the room depending on where the most work was taking place. That hefty goal of Entire Main Floor may be reduced to as much of it as possible. But I have beautiful new granite counters which take the edge off of my renovation restlessness. It's those high impact (and sometimes pricey) changes that really satisfy.
Somehow I have managed to remain happily married throughout this. Sure, there have been bad days and scary moments for us as a couple with home and marriage undergoing renovation, but we always end up banding together and shaking our fists at The House, shouting "you will not tear us apart!" Maybe that's why things can go on and on and on the way they do and we just get through it. I also know, no matter how long it takes, it will be worth it. This project is something we have always wanted to try and while we may not be renovation addicts who will flip the house the moment the paint on the trim dries, we're also not quite at the point of saying "never again." I always say never is a really, really long time.
I was feeling a bit panicked about entertaining with the house in it's constantly evolving state. But then as I gathered unwrapped toys, cash and food to donate to those whose lives have been torn apart by violence, poverty and plain old bad luck, I remembered what Christmas is really about. Who cares about a half-painted living room when friends and family come to visit? I am blessed to have wonderful friends and family and a safe, warm home in which to spend Christmas. This time of year can spin out of control so quickly with rampant consumerism. Yes, it's nice to give and get fabulous presents, but for me Christmas eventually becomes a time of quiet reflection and a time to count the simple blessings.
So even though my husband has the next two weeks off to try to wrap up a few of the projects we are so close to completing, it's okay if it doesn't quite happen. We have comfort and joy and really, that's enough, isn't it?
Showing posts with label decor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label decor. Show all posts
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
Mama Mia (Here I Go Again)
As we all know I am in the process of renovating our entire house. It's crazy, but true.
I don't usually question my love affair with white. White and I are soul mates. It makes me happy and satisfied every time. I always say "when in doubt, paint it out." In white, that is. I fearlessly painted out all the oak cabinets in my kitchen. Pretty much nothing escapes my roller and brush and I've no regrets. Until now.
Recently I was left to wonder: Is my commitment to white a real commitment at all? Or is it that when it comes to other colours, I just can't bear to go steady? Do I have colour commitment phobia?
Case in point: My daughter's bath. Well, it is a bathroom shared by my daughter and son, but my daughter is older and much more design savvy than many women in their mid-forties, so guess who has the upper hand in the design of this little loo for two? Hint: not the one wearing dinosaur underwear and a Ferrari ball cap while squirting Spiderman bubble bath all over the place.
Anyway, after being inspired by the movie Mama Mia, Sofia (of the dreamy lavender oasis bedroom) chose a stunning Mediterranean glass accent tile for her tub surround and backsplash. I was open to this at first, then when it came time to actually order it I panicked and got the same product in the white blend. Blue, green and turquoise tiles, however sparkly and beach glassy seemed like too much. I had cold feet.
Sofia was devastated by the white tiles. You see, I crushed her vision. As I mentioned before, she has very sophisticated taste for a seven year old. She has watched Design Inc. and Sarah's House religiously since she was two. So now I have been back-pedaling trying to come up with a brilliant Mama Mia-esque design scheme worthy of a Greek Villa that exists only in the imagination of my star struck child. Great.
I have come up with a few ideas, but am open to suggestions. The top third of the walls will be painted in brilliant Mama Mia blue (otherwise known as deep turquoise). I will search the ends of the earth for nautical striped towels to be hung on some sort of rustic Greek-ish bath hardware. I have not seen anything inspiring in the way of shower curtains or bath accessories for ages, so keeping an eye out. Finally, my little collector will love shiny glass apothecary jars filled with sea shells, beach glass and other earthly delights. Even though her tiles will be white, hopefully she will overcome her bathroom blues.
PS: I was recently redeemed as head decorator of the house when, on a recent episode of Sarah's House, Sarah herself tried to do a blue accent tile in a bathroom and ended up retreating to the safe, fresh and beautiful confines of white. Imagine me, a grown woman in her mid-thirties pointing at the flatscreen and saying "See? Sarah said white tile IS better! Ha!" while my daughter raised one perfectly arched eyebrow at me. After thinking it over for a moment she said, "Maybe white tile is better... for resale." That's my girl!
I don't usually question my love affair with white. White and I are soul mates. It makes me happy and satisfied every time. I always say "when in doubt, paint it out." In white, that is. I fearlessly painted out all the oak cabinets in my kitchen. Pretty much nothing escapes my roller and brush and I've no regrets. Until now.
Recently I was left to wonder: Is my commitment to white a real commitment at all? Or is it that when it comes to other colours, I just can't bear to go steady? Do I have colour commitment phobia?
Case in point: My daughter's bath. Well, it is a bathroom shared by my daughter and son, but my daughter is older and much more design savvy than many women in their mid-forties, so guess who has the upper hand in the design of this little loo for two? Hint: not the one wearing dinosaur underwear and a Ferrari ball cap while squirting Spiderman bubble bath all over the place.
Anyway, after being inspired by the movie Mama Mia, Sofia (of the dreamy lavender oasis bedroom) chose a stunning Mediterranean glass accent tile for her tub surround and backsplash. I was open to this at first, then when it came time to actually order it I panicked and got the same product in the white blend. Blue, green and turquoise tiles, however sparkly and beach glassy seemed like too much. I had cold feet.
Sofia was devastated by the white tiles. You see, I crushed her vision. As I mentioned before, she has very sophisticated taste for a seven year old. She has watched Design Inc. and Sarah's House religiously since she was two. So now I have been back-pedaling trying to come up with a brilliant Mama Mia-esque design scheme worthy of a Greek Villa that exists only in the imagination of my star struck child. Great.
I have come up with a few ideas, but am open to suggestions. The top third of the walls will be painted in brilliant Mama Mia blue (otherwise known as deep turquoise). I will search the ends of the earth for nautical striped towels to be hung on some sort of rustic Greek-ish bath hardware. I have not seen anything inspiring in the way of shower curtains or bath accessories for ages, so keeping an eye out. Finally, my little collector will love shiny glass apothecary jars filled with sea shells, beach glass and other earthly delights. Even though her tiles will be white, hopefully she will overcome her bathroom blues.
PS: I was recently redeemed as head decorator of the house when, on a recent episode of Sarah's House, Sarah herself tried to do a blue accent tile in a bathroom and ended up retreating to the safe, fresh and beautiful confines of white. Imagine me, a grown woman in her mid-thirties pointing at the flatscreen and saying "See? Sarah said white tile IS better! Ha!" while my daughter raised one perfectly arched eyebrow at me. After thinking it over for a moment she said, "Maybe white tile is better... for resale." That's my girl!
Friday, April 9, 2010
A Room of One's Own
A space to write and daydream...
For my entire life, books and writing have defined me. Every bed I've ever slept in has had a stack of books beside it; every kitchen I've ever cooked in has the collection of recipe books and every coffee table, magazines and picture books have covered the surface. Books are comfort food for my soul.
I remember being beside myself as a child after trying and quitting so many extra curricular activities and never knowing where I fit in. But I could always retreat to the comfort and safety of my very lovely childhood bedroom (thanks Mum). There I could magically escape through some wonderful form of the written word. Sometimes it was a novel or coffee table book, other times a hopelessly romantic issue of Victoria Magazine or an exciting foray into the world of fashion via the most current Vogue or Elle. No matter what it was I always have and always will seek solace in the knowingness that someone cared enough to string together a few words so engaging I could quite literally lose myself within the pages. It is why I love to write and why I continue to read as much as possible still today.
Because of this obsession with words, books, reading and writing, a space dedicated to my passion must be etched out in our new home. But where? This is our first foray into the world of detached dwelling-dom. We're not quite at the point of living in a charming beach house with sweeping ocean views from a sunny attic loft (converted into my own personal light-filled sanctuary, of course). And the kids are a long way from college, so we are doing our best here in the middle of suburbia to create a home that feels authentic.
I am fortunate to have a southern exposed front room with vaulted ceilings. I love, love, love how the sunshine pours in all day (that is, if the weather cooperates) and floods across my new dark wood floors. In another era this would have been a formal living room where company would have been received and tea served et cetera. But this is the age of multifunctional spaces and so being a seeker of light, this space, after careful consideration, will also double as my writing room.
I should mention there is an office in our home, but I foresee it becoming a man-den for my husband with masculine paint colors, framed and autographed sports memorbilia and many, many electronic devices. As happy as I am for my hubby to have his retreat, I need my own space and don't want to share. I need light, beauty, and a window on the world so a lovely glass topped desk facing the street should fit the bill. A comfortable, beautiful chair upholstered in a stunning and might I say elusive fabric, (as pretty fabrics are proving very hard to find locally) and a sparkly lamp or two. This space will be integrated into the formal living room, but lets face facts, who uses their formal living spaces with any regularity? Kind of a waste, if you ask me. This way I can still keep a finger on the pulse of our household and be surrounded by beauty and drenched by our fleeting moments of west coast sunlight.
I contemplated a writing nook in our master bedroom, which has more than ample space, but it kind of ruffles my feathers to go against my self-imposed and frankly, rather strict rules of engagement governing what bedrooms are for and that is the three Rs (rest, romance and relaxation). Plus, our north-facing room doesn't get the light I crave and my husband works two night shifts per block. I then considered our bonus room, which is vast, but primarily a playroom. Home to a variable fleet of toy trucks, cars, fire engines, my daughter's art supplies and the kid's television and DVD collection. I cannot imagine even a moment's peace let alone a burst of inspiration happening in there. The kitchen is lovely, but too busy and the family room is, well, for cozy family moments and so that leaves me here in my sunny alcove of dappled light. Happily.
Perhaps the biggest challenge in this space will be keeping organized. Fortunately, most of my inspiration comes from images of beauty so a coffee table book left open to a beautiful image will work in here. But what to do with all the magazine clippings, Post-Its and bits and bobs? I suppose an inspiration board of some sort is eminent. And a bookshelf, of course. I have an Ikea one in here now, but it has seen better days after years of multi-tasking in our busy little townhome. It would be fabulous relocated to the playroom for toys and I could graduate to something more grown up in the living/writing area. Maybe real, live built-in bookcases! Not a shelf, but an actual bookcase that is an integral part of the architecture in the room. No more faking it! A girl can dream, right?
Then there is the other furniture in the room. Since it is technically a formal space I would adore a dreamy antique sette with mushy down-filled cushions and a cashmere throw draped across it. Then Louis chair or two, maybe a chaise, and of course, a coffee table (stacked with books, of course) achored by a stunning wool rug and I am set.
In the end, this room is representative of a personal lifestyle shift. I am inching ever closer toward a more grown-up existence as my children get older. I am nearing a time where moments of solitude may actually be attainable instead of merely an internal longing. My writing room may seem like a desk and chair under a window, but for me it is a metaphorical new chapter in my life-- one I can't wait to start writing.
For my entire life, books and writing have defined me. Every bed I've ever slept in has had a stack of books beside it; every kitchen I've ever cooked in has the collection of recipe books and every coffee table, magazines and picture books have covered the surface. Books are comfort food for my soul.
I remember being beside myself as a child after trying and quitting so many extra curricular activities and never knowing where I fit in. But I could always retreat to the comfort and safety of my very lovely childhood bedroom (thanks Mum). There I could magically escape through some wonderful form of the written word. Sometimes it was a novel or coffee table book, other times a hopelessly romantic issue of Victoria Magazine or an exciting foray into the world of fashion via the most current Vogue or Elle. No matter what it was I always have and always will seek solace in the knowingness that someone cared enough to string together a few words so engaging I could quite literally lose myself within the pages. It is why I love to write and why I continue to read as much as possible still today.
Because of this obsession with words, books, reading and writing, a space dedicated to my passion must be etched out in our new home. But where? This is our first foray into the world of detached dwelling-dom. We're not quite at the point of living in a charming beach house with sweeping ocean views from a sunny attic loft (converted into my own personal light-filled sanctuary, of course). And the kids are a long way from college, so we are doing our best here in the middle of suburbia to create a home that feels authentic.
I am fortunate to have a southern exposed front room with vaulted ceilings. I love, love, love how the sunshine pours in all day (that is, if the weather cooperates) and floods across my new dark wood floors. In another era this would have been a formal living room where company would have been received and tea served et cetera. But this is the age of multifunctional spaces and so being a seeker of light, this space, after careful consideration, will also double as my writing room.
I should mention there is an office in our home, but I foresee it becoming a man-den for my husband with masculine paint colors, framed and autographed sports memorbilia and many, many electronic devices. As happy as I am for my hubby to have his retreat, I need my own space and don't want to share. I need light, beauty, and a window on the world so a lovely glass topped desk facing the street should fit the bill. A comfortable, beautiful chair upholstered in a stunning and might I say elusive fabric, (as pretty fabrics are proving very hard to find locally) and a sparkly lamp or two. This space will be integrated into the formal living room, but lets face facts, who uses their formal living spaces with any regularity? Kind of a waste, if you ask me. This way I can still keep a finger on the pulse of our household and be surrounded by beauty and drenched by our fleeting moments of west coast sunlight.
I contemplated a writing nook in our master bedroom, which has more than ample space, but it kind of ruffles my feathers to go against my self-imposed and frankly, rather strict rules of engagement governing what bedrooms are for and that is the three Rs (rest, romance and relaxation). Plus, our north-facing room doesn't get the light I crave and my husband works two night shifts per block. I then considered our bonus room, which is vast, but primarily a playroom. Home to a variable fleet of toy trucks, cars, fire engines, my daughter's art supplies and the kid's television and DVD collection. I cannot imagine even a moment's peace let alone a burst of inspiration happening in there. The kitchen is lovely, but too busy and the family room is, well, for cozy family moments and so that leaves me here in my sunny alcove of dappled light. Happily.
Perhaps the biggest challenge in this space will be keeping organized. Fortunately, most of my inspiration comes from images of beauty so a coffee table book left open to a beautiful image will work in here. But what to do with all the magazine clippings, Post-Its and bits and bobs? I suppose an inspiration board of some sort is eminent. And a bookshelf, of course. I have an Ikea one in here now, but it has seen better days after years of multi-tasking in our busy little townhome. It would be fabulous relocated to the playroom for toys and I could graduate to something more grown up in the living/writing area. Maybe real, live built-in bookcases! Not a shelf, but an actual bookcase that is an integral part of the architecture in the room. No more faking it! A girl can dream, right?
Then there is the other furniture in the room. Since it is technically a formal space I would adore a dreamy antique sette with mushy down-filled cushions and a cashmere throw draped across it. Then Louis chair or two, maybe a chaise, and of course, a coffee table (stacked with books, of course) achored by a stunning wool rug and I am set.
In the end, this room is representative of a personal lifestyle shift. I am inching ever closer toward a more grown-up existence as my children get older. I am nearing a time where moments of solitude may actually be attainable instead of merely an internal longing. My writing room may seem like a desk and chair under a window, but for me it is a metaphorical new chapter in my life-- one I can't wait to start writing.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Going themeless
Not long ago one of my nearest and dearest girlfriends called to ask me if I had chosen a theme for my son's new room. I recoiled against the question and then had to confess, I am not a very themey kind of gal. It's all too much for me. I know I am probably about to offend, well, pretty much everyone I know, since I can't think of a lad or lass out there whose room isn't themed out to the max. Maybe I am a decor commitment phobe, or perhaps I just can't fathom adhering to a themed room when kids are so filled with imagination and ever-changing interests. But as far as my kids' rooms go, we'll be going themeless.
I am in the process of compiling ideas for Matteo's space in our new house. Not sure exactly what I want to do yet, but it's going to be a departure from his last room which, of course, was his nursery. It is time to say good bye to lullabies and sweet, soft baby blue... sniff. Matteo is almost three and all boy. Rough and tumbly and into everything from Tonkas and firetrucks to tools and robots to superheros and monsters. He has saved me from the dreaded theme concept for children's rooms just by being himself. Earlier this year it was Lightning McQueen, before Christmas it was Tonkas, then Spiderman and Transformers and no sooner had I lamented that he hadn't expressed any interest in animals when all of a sudden he is intrigued with owls, bats and chipmunks.
And so, in an effort to find design inspiration I've had to abandon the regular resources and think outside the box. Even Pottery Barn proved too themey for me (beautiful furniture though). As far as I am concerned, themes are for birthday parties when kids are into an of-the-moment thing. Then I stumbled across this modern mom's magazine called Cookie. In it was an article about kids rooms and lo and behold, they were so darn stylish and blessedly theme-free. Everything from nostalgic vintage-chic to modern-fabulous. The magazine's website provided even more food for thought. Mum's from all over the world emailed photos of their kid's rooms. What a breath of fresh air! Rooms painted crisp white and the color provided by artwork, accessories and toys. With a neutral backdrop and the right combination of shelving and furniture, I think Matteo's favourite things will provide more than enough colour and visual stimulation without any help from a wallpaper border, thank you very much.
I am looking for that perfect combination of classic and modern. I like funky, old-fashioned furniture painted up in bright colors and juxtaposed against modern graphic bedding. Oh! And I mustn't forget the thing I am most excited about- a giant World Map for my pint-sized explorer. Colourful, educational, classic and fun.
Finally, in addition to my eclectic take on design for kids I can feel good about recycling old pieces instead of outfitting a room with all-new furniture. Did I mention my boy is rough and tumbly? His furniture is going to see some serious wear and tear. But this isn't about filing my kid's room with junky cast-offs. It is about making a conscious effort to be environmentally responsible, re-use and re-purpose and to find items that can withstand the test of time and still stay stylish and functional so my darling boy has a room he can grow with, not into or out of over time.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
My Life Under Renovation - Part Two
Today in a rare quiet moment I managed to write a few paragraphs. With one child in school and the other, miraculously playing contently, I brewed fresh tea and consulted my favourite little gem called Your Home As A Sanctuary by Josephine Collins
It is a modest hardcover design book given to me by my thoughtful hubby as a Christmas gift. This volume is filled with stylish, almost minimalist but never austere interiors. Simple spaces flooded with light and filled with favourite objects. These are not the homes of Hollywood royalty or any other kind of royalty for that matter. Just real places of real people who assembled their living spaces with care and attention. Not just to the paint, flooring and furniture, but to the space within the space. Which, if you think about it, is just as important as all the stuff we put in our homes, though sadly it is usually given much less thought.
Does your space reflect who you are? Would a first-time guest walk in for the first time and immediately get a deeper feeling for who you are just by looking around? Some of us will gasp in horror at this concept, especially those of us living with small kids on a constant rotation of strewn toys, messy finger prints and inevitable disasters. But those are superficial wounds easily mended with toy bins, elbow grease and that most fleeting element, time. I am talking about the essence of our homes.
As Josephine puts it so eloquently:
“You and the people you live with are the most important elements of your home… Your home sanctuary is a place for your spirit to rest as well as your taste to be expressed…. It is the one place where you are completely free to express yourself, your hopes and dreams. It’s also a showcase for who you are, and where your guests can feel completely at ease and see the best you in your own environment… It should have an atmosphere that encourages the pursuit of heartfelt ambitions and desires”.
That’s a mighty tall order for your average suburban dwelling, yet I think it can be done. Homes, like their inhabitants, evolve over time. Our homes are a living, organic thing that grows and changes just as we do.
As I prepare to move my family into a new space, I will be giving this concept a lot of thought. Family life can be hectic and the best laid plans for our interiors can easily be railroaded from an insightful evolution to dashing to the local big-box retailer because company is coming and they probably won’t enjoy sitting on cardboard boxes full of mom’s books, even if they are draped in pashminas from Paris.
Despite the unavoidable busy-ness of our household, I will try to be true to staying on course with plans of remaining thoughtful in my acquisitions for the new place. A little openess never hurt anybody. Besides, kids love running around in big empty rooms. Frankly, as long as my girlfriends and I have a spot to sit and sip lattes or wine I think life is good.
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