Sunday, July 11, 2010

Summer Living......Room etc.

I am really excited for this week! It has been a long time coming, and I will be moving everything over to a warehouse. I will still be doing my painting here just for the sake of how much easier it is to work around Wren's schedule, but all my furniture will be stored, sorted and kept paint-dust free. Maybe once she is in school or a little older I will switch over to the warehouse full-time. This will give me twice the work room and will hopefully allow me to take on more clients per week. But what I am looking forward to most is setting up a more organized studio area for my supplies!
The surprising effect this move has had is that I am finally starting to minimize the disorder that the constant shuffle of furniture around here causes. I am a capricorn and at the end of the day I like to know that some things are constant and settled. So I have started "letting" myself keep certain things that I might have otherwise let go in the natural cycle of buying and selling stuff from home.
Be warned that I have probably gone overboard on pictures for this post... so please bear with me LOL.
Today Wren and I wanted to have a little fun while Sean was at work so we hit a HUGE park downtown and when I looked up this is what I saw. That's not a trick of the camera, and I thought it was quite amazing!

Wren isn't a capricorn, by just a day, but she is like her momma and sticks with what works. She figured out how to do slides on her own this month and we pretty much stuck to this one all afternoon.
She definitely had a blast... and while she was doing more of this back at home I got to have my own version of fun: playing with accessories and finishing our living room!


My drive to finally pull it all together started with this table. I was unsure about it at the time because of it's chunky style, but it was exactly what the room needed. It isn't often I come across a longgggg console table like this. In fact, it is over 6 feet long, and I am fairly certain it is a home made project by someone because there are no markings or stickers as far as where or when it was manufactured.

Since it was unusual I took the plunge!
I knew it would span the wall with my drift wood and so I wanted to give it an aged grey finish to compliment the drift wood.
I only exposed the original pine is a few small areas and primarily kept it to just the white and grey paint.
Since it was such a long surface and the first wall you see in the room from the front door I didn't want to clutter it with a lot of stuff, and it had to be just the right combo of accessories.
I made a stop at HomeSense to see what they had on clearance that would maybe help me out.
I didn't know which ones I would like best, so I decided to bring them all home and then return what didn't work out. These all ranged from $10-$13 each which was a super deal!
I had been eyeing these black terracotta pots in this caddy for about a month now and was enthralled to find in on clearance for $20... it was the first thing in my cart!
I bought this antique wooden bowl at an estate sale for $40 in Palm Springs back in April and have been waiting for the perfect spot.
I like to bring everything out and then try pretty much every combination until it feels right to me. This is obviously the most subjective part, and everyone has a different perspective but I wanted it to feel fresh, clean and simple. I am not a cluttered-vignette kind of girl.
So I thought it over for a few days and settled on one I liked. As soon as I put it all together I felt like I was done (for now at least LOL), which doesn't happen often unless I am really happy with it all~
In case you don't remember, this is what the living room looked like when we bought the house:

The day we moved in we just sort of piled everything in here and that seems to be when this room turned into a revolving door of furniture.
And here it is today! (including a sweet cameo by my beloved Mung Kee)
Thanks to my new pot caddy I have now planted about half of the thyme my mom sent over.


I am still on the hunt for the perfect rug, hopefully a lot larger than the one that is in here now. But rugs are that size tend to be pricey so I am holding out until it feels right.

My final decision was to go with the chrome lanterns and the bowl, with extra pillows stacked for guests in grey baskets.



I love how thyme looks a little unruly.

I like to think of my style as a combination of coastal, what I call "vintage minamalist", and hints of french country.

I

I am pretty happy with how it feels right now... and things will probably stay in this general style.
But who knows if it will look completely different in a week or month from now~

62 comments:

Liz @ It's Great To Be Home said...

I'm thrilled to get a full-room shot of your living room! It's gorgeous and quite the transformation from when you moved in. So jealous of the new console table!

Amor Designs said...

You've done a great job Holly! Keep it up!

Stephanie said...

Oh Holly is looks so beautiful! I love your floors and I love your style. I like the texture you bring to the room, and the simplicity of it all. I'm a capricorn and the description you put fits me to a tee too! May I ask, do you have some type of mural on your big picture window? I couldn't figure out if that was the outside or some type of mural. It all looks beautiful. I think I am going to use some thyme around my house, I love the way it looks, and it probably smells really good too!

Urban Farmgirl said...

LOVE the table...your whole living room is just fantastic!

So happy to hear you are moving to a warehouse! It is the best thing I have ever done, so can tell you it will make all the difference! It is amazing what you can get done when you work more efficently and can be organized!

You are going to make over Canada one dresser at a time! ;o)

~mary~

liz @ bon temps beignet said...

Yay, that was my pick for the acessories for the table. I love that big mirror too.

Allison said...

Holly, It looks so beautiful! I love the coastal feel to it. You have a great sense of design. Your new table is perfect in that spot and your vignette you decided upon is ideal for that table. I also really like those pots you found for your thyme. Great job on your room. Stunning!

Honeycomb Creative Co. said...

I LOVE this! It's so calm and beautiful! Your home is lovely. Also, I've been searching everywhere for a caddy and pots like that and no dice. I don't have a HomeGoods where I live, but I sure wish I did. Great work! I've really enjoyed your blog!
-Courtney

Anonymous said...

I know you must be excited to move some things to a warehouse space!I just recently moved my office out of our computer nook and into one of the spare bedrooms, and it feels absolutely wonderful to spread out and get more organized!!! Good luck!

Pam @ Frippery said...

Your daughter is darling and that first pic, amazing! Your home looks wonderful. You really made a huge difference from where you began. Loving that table and the entire vignette.

Stephanie said...

It looks gorgeous! I wish I could be a "minimalist" - not happening here! It looks so clean, stylish, and comfy - everything looks fabulous! well done =)

Audra said...

The living room looks GREAT! I LOVE HomeGoods which I know is the USA version of HomeSense. My favorite look for your console table was the one you choose-yeah!
Wren is such a cutie putootie!!!!!

Becky said...

Holly! So fun to look back! Love you home so much and I get so much inspiration from you :) Hope to have something ready for Fresh Coat Fridays this week...I will email you!

xoxo
Becky in BC

Amanda said...

*sigh* man is it beautiful... next time you all go away, if you need a housesitter... you know my email. ;)

Anonymous said...

Love how it looks. Congrats on the warehouse!

Kerry said...

Such a beautiful room and the table styling is perfect. Congratulations on the warehouse 'move' as well. I don't know how you do it!

cupcakes for breakfast said...

This looks just lovely. I think you did an amazing job! Aja

Kiri said...

Gorgeous! That little caddy is adorable and you made the right call with accessorizing the table...it looks great!

~Kiri

jenna ♥ a little blue said...

i am completely obsessed w/this room! great job :)

Shelly said...

The before and after transformation is amazing! I have a little one around the same age and I'm not sure when you find the time. Great work.

Unknown said...

THANK YOU so much ladies!!! Thanks so all your kind words over the last year I really feel so much more confident and assured with how things are finally coming together here~

Stephanie, that is actually our front yard in the window LOL. We just happen to have HUGE trees giving us some good privacy in the middle of our front yard. Although they are well overdue for some trimming!

Krystal Wight Armstrong said...

The new warehouse thing is very exciting; what a booming business you have now! I'm sure we're all really happy for you (and would obviously love to see photos when you get all moved in).

The complete rainbow photo is really neat. My Granddad was a pilot and used to tell us that rainbows are actually circles with no end, that they could only see sometimes from way up high, but it was a pilot secret no one else knew about ;)

I still love the amazing transformation of your house to a beautiful, peaceful, pretty home. Those are some great 'after' photos of your finished space. From just the first photo of all the accessories, I was going to vote for the chrome lanterns...so I love what you decided on; so pretty! And for some reason, I really like that perfectly accessorized, crisp white round table, maybe even the most.

MCD said...

Huge transformation!

Elisabeth said...

It looks great, I like how the darker wood details pop out against the white. I hope you don't ever get rid of that cabinet with the books in it- that is just gorgeous! That's not the kind of piece you find everyday and I wouldn't let go of it! I love the round table as coffee table too, it's different and unexpected and I like it's chunkiness. Pretty!

Lenore @ Lather. Write. Repeat. said...

The white on dark wood looks absolutely gorgeous. And congrats on the new space!

XO
Lenore

Lynda @ Happenstance Home said...

Your room is stunning. Love that new table! Wren is so adorable - I love that photo of her in her car seat - oh how I remember the days! Have a great day!

Beth R said...

Beautiful as always!!! I love seeing your lampshade project in the whole room, looks wonderful.

Don't get me started on how great that table is as well. I love those lanterns and those black pots...ta die for!

Lemonade Makin' Mama said...

I love it, and love that you're already saying it might get changed someday. I am the exact same way!

GB said...

Wow! I'm glad i found your blog- love your space- it looks like a page out of a magazine! I'm signing up to follow!

Mrs. Plank said...

You know whats so funny? I've really admired your style and editing for a while now but could never quite put my finger on a label for it.

I love your label at the end of this post. Its hard to classify artistic yet defined direction. Great job!

Unknown said...

I always love seeing your home - you take amazing pics!!

I really like how your living room has evolved and gald your be able to enjoy it more and feel more settled

Rach said...

I love it all!

Also? I don't want to rain on your parade, but for the safety of that precious little bundle, please, please, please tighten her harness on the Boulevard and move the chest clips to be at the height of her armpits! Safety first, right? :)

Jessica said...

Hey Holly! As I was scrolling down, I was going to comment that I liked the arrangement with the two lanterns and the wood bowl in the middle...but as I kept scrolling, that is the one you decided on anyways ;) Great choice. I love your blog, you are so inspirational; a genuine talent. I don't know if I already told you- I have been so spacey lately; I have followed in yours and my sisters foot steps and started a blog. I only hope its half as good as both of yours though! I know you are really busy but check it out if you get the time. Becky and I spent all weekend painting so there are going to be some sweet posts www.seatomyheart.com

Jess Xox

Dancing Sweet Pea said...

I can't believe that's the same room! My goodness girl you've got some talent!

Kacey said...

Beautiful table! And of course, your living room is gorgeous.

How exciting about your new digs! I can't wait to hear all about your new adventures.

Kacey

Rebecca said...

Wow!! This is such an amazing transformation!!! Your living room looks so good Holly!!! And congrats on the warehouse space! I know you don't like clutter so I'm sure you are loving this change! Turns out we are staying an extra 3 days in Victoria! I'll give you a ring when we're home :)

cathysrunning said...

You are ambitious! It looks great! I love that term "vintage minimalist". I'm more on the minimalist side - it comes from being the daughter of 2 parents who kept everything! My motto is - if you haven't used it or thought about it in the last month - you don't need it!

Beach Tropic said...

Awesome living room, I think you nailed the vignette perfectly, after all the combos. Love love love the driftwood sticks and all the white.
Di

gillar girl said...

Oh such a beautiful room! The sofa table is just perfect and the way you've styled it all--gorgeous...

HesaidShesaid said...

If you get a chance I would love to hear where you got your couch cover?? I am on the hunt for a good WHITE cover, and am having quite the struggle!! :] Thanks!!

Elizabeth {the Path Less Traveled} said...

o Holly, it looks wonderful!!!

I'm saving a few of the room shots in my "when we get a house someday" folder :)

angela said...

What a beautiful thing you have done to this house! I love your style. So pretty.

Marlene McGarrity said...

Great new items! I love the black terracotta pots in black the caddy - gorgeous!!

Amber's Notebook said...

Omg Holly!! Your pictures look straight out of Pottery barn!!

Stevie @ Sincerely Stevie said...

Hey, I just awarded you with the blog with substance award! I love everything you do! Congrats!
Stevie at: Home is Where My Heart is :)

Kelli said...

AMAZING before and after..fabulous job! Love the awesome little finds too (lanterns, finials, etc.)~
Kelli

Talysa said...

I absolutely LOVE this room!

Would you share the white on walls and trim? Is it the same? And same as on coffee table?

Rosie said...

Love your style...has a clean romantic look...pairing the rustic with the the silver of the lantern is unexpected...very nice..smile on... Rosie

Lovely Little Nest said...

What a gorgeous room!!

Your unique touches really make this room cozy and inviting.

Fabulous transformation :)

Anonymous said...

The room is gorgeous. I love that you've kept a few pieces in their natural wood color as a contract against all of the white.

Anonymous said...

I knew you were going to pick that combo!!! I am so glad you did that was my favorite! At first I was rooting for the white lanterns but then I saw the bowl with the silver and it felt right!! So good for you!! I love everything! Its amazing what yall turned this room into! I love the rug though too =) It lets those beautiful hardwoods show!!

Angela@Quarter Acre Cottage said...

What a great transformation!!! I especially love how the over-sized mirror is angled to capture a view of the lovely staircase.

Great choice with the silver lanterns I think they stand out nicely, and you can never have too many pillows in a basket!

*Angela*

Unknown said...

oh my! You are a decorating god. I want your house! So when can I move in? lol!

Roeshel said...

Wow Holly! You've done it again. A beautiful, magical transformation. It's gorgeous and by far one of my favorites. Great job!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful, peaceful room. I can't believe the transformation. Very inspiring!!! Thanks for sharing this.

Heidi @ Honeybear Lane said...

I just found your site via Be Different Act Normal, and I am such a huge fan already! You taste is impeccable, and I want to copy everything. I have always loved the look of dark wood floors with white...now if only I could find a way to make that work with little kids...

I guess that's why you do slipcovers, right!

www.honeybearlane.com

Barbara Matson said...

Love your blog. Glad I stumbled across it. Nice to find another talented Canadian! What I love is the driftwood pieces across your wall, simple yet gorgeous!

I live not to far from the ocean, I must find some to use in our house!

Danielle Sigwalt Interiors said...

What a transformation...awesome job! Glad I found your blog from Moss Eclectic...I can tell I'm going to like it!

Tammylee said...

Lovely! Just noticed the large mirror in the corner of this room. How do you secure it so it doesn't fall on little people or little dogs?

a' la mode said...

Clean and bright and beautiful! Was the coffee table always white? Or did you paint it? I'm thinking of painting a few black pieces white.

Anonymous said...

I LOVE the round table and all the white with the dark floors. Not to mention the wood on the walls and lanterns. Heck, I like it all. I am on my way now to click follow, I look forward to lingerig around your blog:)

Unknown said...

love this room so much!! Where did you get your couch or slip cover?! we are in the process of getting a new couch & i ADORE that cover! :)

Unknown said...

looks lovely. Can i ask How did you attach the drift wood to the walls

 
Blogging tips