design609

11 Weeks in and I can’t imagine living anywhere else. It just feels like home to me.

Even on a rainy morning the view from the kitchen table blows me away. I’m grateful I got in the garden to work before the rain fell.

The lilacs smell amazing. The birds are chirping. The rain makes a soothing rhythm as it falls against the leaves on the trees. Freshness fills the air.

I turn off the morning news and all I can hear is the chirping of the birds back and forth calling out. The gentle rhythm of the clock. Maxi snoozing, the rain gently falling and a grumble of thunder.

I hope you all feel this peace and contentment as you sit and enjoy your morning cuppa.

InJOY-Trisha

Do you remember when wallpaper was so popular? You had gobs and gobs of selection at every Paint  Store, Hardwear Store, and Big Box Store. There were even Wallpaper Stores. Now, you have a small sampling of books to choose from.

On a positive note, it helps to not make the decision too overwhelming. The hallway has a wallpaper on the top and bottom with a chair rail. It’s another area where the genius that installed it did it right over the drywall. Uugh!

I want to paint the bottom the same color as: the chair rail, crown moulding and trim. What color? You guessed it, Malted Milk. However, I haven’t been pleased with the way Vaspar wears (every scratch, nick seems to show); compared to Benjamin Moore. Therefore,  I think I’ll do a colormatch this time and purchase BM Paint instead. It will be a high traffic area being it’s the hallway.

I’ve been to Warren’s Decorator Center and checked out the wallpaper books. In Amanda’s bedroom at 358 I did an actual Grass cloth wallpaper. It’s a PITA to work with and it’s even harder to keep the dust off. This time round I’m doing a faux grass cloth. Call the decorator police. I’m going for ease of use.

So, as soon as I get Michael to help measure what quantity we need for the job; I’ll order that.

We also have to decide on a kitchen sink and bar sink this week so we can get that ordered. At first, I wanted a farmhouse sink; but after much thought I’m going for a double 50/50 Stainless Steel Sink.

The chandelier for the kitchen caused me much frustration. The one I absolutely love doesn’t come small enough for the size of the table.

After much ado, I thought to measure the entry light. The chandelier will fit beautifully there. I’ll try the one I am replacing in the kitchen. Perhaps it will look better there (I highly doubt it.). Sometimes a can of spray paint can be just the thing (and other times you just have to face facts and ditch it).

Time will tell….

InJOY-Trisha

Weeks: 8, 9, & 10
Time flies when you’re having fun.
I apologize it has taken me so long to post an update. (Especially to my Sister, Debi who has been asking me for a posting.)

▪The nail gun is humming and the roofers are busy as I write this.
Hopefully, by next Monday they’ll be finishing up.

▪We signed the closing papers on 358 on Tuesday. It’s a little bittersweet. It was a wonderful place to raise our family and we have many wonderful memories there. However,  I’m happy for the new family and I wish them much joy as they make it their home.

▪The furniture arrived! I was pleasantly surprised; as I bought it through Bassett on-line.

▪I love the coffee table. The top with the inlay of wood pieces, tin and iron legs is a perfect addition to the living room.
▪Speaking of the living room. I finally discovered a talented carpenter whom I’m meeting with on Thursday to discuss the fireplace surround. It will be so nice to get that done so we can replace the pink carpet!

▪Amanda ordered a vanity for her suite on-line from Pier 1; the quality was way better than I expected. She was smart and selected (2)
3-drawer bases and a seperate top. Down the road she can use it as a desk (the bottom drawer is a file drawer) in another application. Her  Thomasville Bed, Side-Table and Dresser from 358 all mix well with it. (Her first furniture purchase, now that’s exciting.)

▪My nephew, Aaron painted the Sunroom last Thursday. I had an idea of what I wanted. I had gobs of paint swatches. I went with (Amanda’s pick) Benjamin Moore, Green Tea.

It’s the perfect blend of green and beige. It looks great; but more importantly it gave the room  such a nice feel. It makes you want to just sit and relax. Mission accomplished. (Thanks to our daughter, Amanda; you have an eye for color.)

▪Aaron also painted the fireplace hearth in the Kitchen. After much search I found the perfect color Benjamin Moore Urban Legend.

▪We picked out the kitchen granite. (It has a touch of green.)
Preview:

Well, that’s all for now.
Stay tuned for more changes.
Next on the list:
-Amanda’s Suite Walk-in Closet
-Making Curtains for the Master
-Stripping Wallpaper
-Picking out wallpaper.
-Guest Room tweaking.
And
-Gardening

So much for taking the Month of May off. Maybe we’ll take off June.

WE NEED A NEW ROOF.!.
That’s no surprise we knew that when we purchased 609. We’ve been busy gathering roofing estimates. We are trying to settle on a roof color: Black or Brown is the question. The house is a light (wishy-washy) taupe. I think we are going to go brown like our last house which was a (warmer and richer) taupe.  I’d like to eventually strip the front door and purchase the same wood shutters that we put on the last house so it only seems fitting that we go brown. Final answer: Brown. O.K. now that that is done…..I’ll keep you posted on the progress once we get that in motion.

MASTER BEDROOM:
We got the bed delivered. It’s our first King Size Bed. It’s enormous.
For the first few nights it was just Maxi dog and Me. Michael was terribly sick with a headcold and stayed in the Guest room. I’m not sure if it’s a good thing to have a bed with a remote control.  Will we grow tired of raising our heads and feet? I’m not sure; but, right now we are getting a kick out of it.

The bed frame is on order from Bassett Furniture. (Clearance, of course. You know I love a bargain.) We decided to buy the matching mirror and dresser as the room was bigger than we thought. My dear friend Mary said, “And you didn’t think a King Size Bed would fit.?!.” Although I had the measurements; I needed to see some furniture in the room before I ordered the bed.

AMANDA’S SUITE:
Austin and Michael finished up the drywall for Miss Amanda’s swanky walk-in closet. Aaron painted it. So, soon the flooring will be installed. The Hardwood vs. Carpet debate resulted in a win for Mom. And carpet it will be. Wait. Amanda realized that it’s a little chilly up there and the carpet will help keep it a little warmer. Once we get that laid we can install the closet organizers and move in her bed!
We’ve all been sharing one bathroom so we are eager to get her moved up. Our Master plumbing in the shower isn’t working and that’s another job on the list.

LIVINGROOM:
Our livingroom furniture is on top of the pink carpet. It’s a Charming look, I must day. The TV comes this week. We ordered a coffee table. (Bassett, again) I found it online it looks amazing. I so hope it’s amazing in person.So, once the fireplace gets redone, the carpet gets replaced and we do something with the doors it will be done for now. Later, much later, we’ll consider replacing the sofas with a sectional sofa.

KITCHEN:
It’s granite shopping time.!!!.
We loved the granite we used at 358. It was Cashmere Gold; but, the quarry is no longer in production. (Frown). So we are on the hunt. We found two great choices at:

And

We’ll see what the damage is and then decide. To be determined….

Today, we have more important things to do. We are Celebrating Michael’s 53rd Birthday.!!!.

Happy Spring!
Trisha

We were on a business trip to Scottsdale, Arizona for week 5.
So I’m combining both weeks 5&6 in this post.

The Dining Room is complete.!!!. Except for the missing sconce that got lost en route and should arrive this week. I love the color and textures. It turned out exactly as we had hoped.

Detail: Hanging are 3 (out of 4-see opposite wall) photo prints of Venice: (I scored these on a clearance rack at TJ Maxx a decade or two ago) they deplict: Venetian: doors, canal and detail of the architecture. I still love them. (It’s on my bucket list to see Italy one day.) Below them are two leather Butler’s Trays (I scored these decades ago as well, at a Bombay Company sidewalk sale) with some of my treasures MacKenzie- Childs domed glassware (one was a gift from a dear friend) the other I scored at their Barn Sale.

Detail: The time out chair my children used awaits my future grandchildren. But, they’ll never need it at grandma’s house, of course. Ironically, Amanda still fits. She gave it a try yesterday just to see.

Detail: One of my other treasures (1 of 3) feather trees, two others are in the bird cage along with the treasure bird and fish my kids made in Elementary School Art Class. There are more feathers atop the base of the two Moss-ball Topiaries.

Detail: I love how the light throws shadows around the room.

Detail: Can you see the parrot and fish in the bird cage?

It feels terrific to have one room completed. Tomorrow our new king-size bed gets delivered. Yippee!!!

EnJOY your week.
-Trisha

Week Four Update
My update is a late, sorry.

The floor tiles in the Diningroom are complete. Ernie Swan, of Swan Tile did a fabulous job! Ernie was wonderful to work with. His attention to detail was impressive.

We decided on the lighting for the room. Our light fixtures came. Well, one sconce got lost en route; but, it should be arriving soon.

This is a detail of the wall sconces.

Wall sconce front view.

This is the chandelier.

We wanted something unique that had an element of surprise when you were sitting at the table and looked up.

It has a fun surprise! Close up of the amber crystals. Fun, don’t you think?

The diningroom pretty much gobbled up our spare time this week.

We also brought more furniture from 358 so we need to find a home for everything.

More to come….

InJOY-Trisha

Happy Monday!
We made it to our third week.
We’ve been busy…Here is the latest update.

DININGROOM:
Flooring:
When we last visited the diningroom pink walls were painted a rich warm color. The pink carpet will soon be replaced with porcelain brick tiles. Eddie from Swan Tile is installing the Chicago Brick Tiles in a herringbone pattern with a border. We chose the State Street color as it has warm browns, cream and black. We especially like that it’s the look we want; but, low maintenance. We discovered it at Tile Wholesalers of Rochester.

Chairs:
We went shopping a week ago Saturday and we discovered the snappy zebra print chairs at Pier 1 on Clearance.
(Happy Dance.)

We purchased (2) for $99.98 each and (1) extra just because it was an “as is” damaged back for $20.00.!!. If we can fit it (and find it) we will buy (1) more and tuck two against the back wall for additional seating. We are adding them to our existing 4 chairs (purchased last year via North Carolina Furniture) and we will have seating for 6-7, possibly 8.

Table:
My dear friend, Alisa told me about a new design store DL House and Garden. Michael and I went there on Saturday to check it out.  (Adore!)

We purchased our new Diningroom Table. A thick exotic wood from Patagonia. It’s incredible! The wood is amazing, and the legs and detail of wrought-iron on the base is to-die-for.
We are so excited to see it all coming together. We just hope that there is room for a buffet as well. We still need to locate sconces and a new chandelier then voila the Diningroom will be finished.

MASTER BEDROOM:
The once striped and floral wallpapered room is now painted.

We chose a rich, brown color. The color is Vaspar Homestead Ballroom Gold 3003-7C a National Trust for Historic Preservation Color.

This is the bed frame I have my eye on at Bassett Furniture very Tommy Bahama in style but, on Clearance  (of course). This retail girl does love a bargain.

The Master is sporting a twin bed right now because we are in the Guest room. We really want a King Size Bed; but, we want to make sure it’s not going to be overwhelming. So we areteetering back and forth Queen -or- King?  We also have sticker shock. We want a Tempur-Pedic bed like the one we bought Austin when he bought his house in 2014. But, we got a heckof a deal on his and we can’t bring ourselves to sink that kind of $ into a mattress. So we’ll digest it a while and wait until we can bring the rest of our furniture over from 358 before we make a determination.
 

LIVINGROOM:
Before:

After:

O.K. it looks similar. I know.
But, the cream before was a pink hue and now it’s (can you guess?….yes) Vaspar Malted Milk strikes again. Reserve judgement until it’s completed. Have a little faith. We just got a name of a good carpenter to build wood around the fireplace. Once that is done we’ll select the carpeting and furniture and it will be lovely. I promise.

LAUNDRY ROOM:
My nephew, Aaron worked more of his magic and painted the laundry room.
Before:

After:

We chose a french gray color to go with the existing white cupboards. Vaspar’s  Mark Twain House Ombra Gray4004-2A a National Trust for Historic Preservation Color.

It will look even better with new countertops, light fixtures and accessories. Stay tuned.

SUNROOM:

We added a few items. The sunroom is scheduled to be finished later alligator.

So I’m ending with THE BIG PROJECT of the week
(Drumroll please) it was AMANDA’S SUITE CLOSET. This will continue to be a work in progress. But, here is a preview and the scoop.

We noticed some untapped space existed between the wall and a window above the garage. So we asked the engineer (during the house inspection) if we could use that space. He climbed up through the window and exclaimed “Yes!” (Or perhaps that was me.) Anyhow, Michael busted through the wall.

This was the unused space.

Michael and Austin were busy busting through, putting in electric, flooring, drywall and even future  chandelier.

With these stunning built-in’s it will be a closet made for a princess. In this case it’s our Princess Amanda.

Aaron is painting her ceiling and walls today. In homage to 358 she selected (you guessed it) Benjamin Moore Bridgewater Tan 1096 with Vaspar Malted Milk for the ceiling.

Stay tuned…..

So far we have touched every room except for the (3)Three Bathrooms, Powderroom, Entryway and Hallway.

We are moving along, don’t you think?
The weather is in our favor. It’s too cold to work outside.
Maxi is content in the snow though.

ENJOY the week,
Trisha

 

The Kitchen is painted at 609. It feels like home as it’s the color we used at 358. I used 358 as my inspiration in order to make 609 feel instantly like home to our family.  It was our home for 22 years.

 

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We still need to decide on the accent color for the fireplace wall. No, the blue is not staying.
Some considerations are:
1-Cracked Pepper (Office Color)
2-Cream
3-Byzantine Gold  (DR color)
4-Other (Open to ideas)
We also need to switch out the light above the table. I’d like a nice lantern chandelier or maybe some bling. But, that’s the fun part-shopping.

I used the same Swatch: Benjamin Moore 132 as I did for my Dining Room project.
-Wall Color: BM:Bridgewater Tan 1096                                                                                                     -Ceiling: Vaspar:Malted Milk 7003-9
I met the Vaspar Rep at Lowe’s and told him I’m a new fan of his Paint Line. I think the larger samples actually won me over. It just makes it easier to decide. You can actually see them.

 

The Butler’s Pantry is painted part BM Bridgewater Tan and part Vaspar Malted Milk. I wanted to lighten up the Hallway leading to the Laundry Room, Garage and Amanda’s Room. I love it. Amanda’s not a fan of all the Malted Milk. Oh well. There is always a critic.

The kitchen will be lovely once the blue countertops are replaced and the pulls on the cupboards are updated.  Rome wasn’t built in a day. It’s all going to come together.

I’m pooped so I’m relaxing in the Sunroom. I haven’t painted it yet;  but, I decided to start setting it up anyway. I didn’t hang the picture yet either; that’s Michael’s Department. I’m going to leave the Sunroom a quiet color. Perhaps more Vaspar: Malted Milk or I might continue with BM: Bridgewater Tan or take Amanda’s advice and paint it BM: Oakwood Manor. I’m using BM: Oakwood Manor in the Hallway. I hope to install a brick floor or possibly just replace the carpet with sisal carpeting in the Sunroom as well.

The furniture is mostly from the 358 Family Room. However, I stole the trunk from Amanda’s Bedroom. Shhh, don’t tell her.

 

The view is lovely and the sounds of the birds and the rooster crowing is heavenly.

Austin told us the Sunroom is his favorite space when he visits and that he’d be disappointed if there was a tv. I agree. Sometimes you need a spot for quiet contemplation and reading. This is that perfect spot. Michael and Amanda don’t agree; they’d like a TV in every room. What are your thoughts on the matter?

Happy Monday,
EnJOY-Trisha

The office got painted.
We chose Behr Cracked Pepper.
I love, love, love it!!!

I find Behr Cracked Pepper is simular to Sherwin Williams Peppercorn both are a great dramatic (dark gray-black) colors.

I love the color for a masculine office. It looks terrific with the dark wood cabinetry and floors. I also love the rich dark color when you are out of the room peeking in from a lighter quieter color hallway or livingroom, as it gives you drama.
Any anyone who knows me well knows I love drama, in decorating.
A little drama goes a long way. My rule is: Be conservative in your main rooms; but daring in your secondary rooms.

I also used it at 358 in a basement media room on walls, trim and ceiling with a light wood floor and with white cabinets. It looked terrific there as well. Wonderful for a media room great to view a TV night or day.

Before Picture:
The former owner’s wallpaper.

During Picture:
Oil-Based Kilz covers the wallpaper. It says odorless; but, that is a lie.
 

After Picture:

Yes, you can use Latex Paint over Oil-Based Kilz. Ironic as the Benjamin Moore website advised Oil-Based Paint be used and the BM Paint guy told me I had to use latex. You can’t use Oil-Based wallpaper in NYS. Only Oil-based Semi Gloss for Trim is available.

All I could think of was the Burgermeister Meisterburger
‘There will be no toys for Christmas.’ I was so excited for Oil-Based Paint as everything I read said my walls would be rich and wonderful with oil-based wall paint over the kilz, over the wallpaper….Damn NYS you robbed me of fabulous walls.

We said goodbye to the former owner’s Pepto Pink Diningroom walls and hello to:
Benjamin Moore’s Brazilian Gold.

It’s amazing how paint can transform a room. We continued with the ceiling color that we used in the Guest Bedrooms:

View of Guest Room
Walls and Ceiling both in: Vaspar’s Malted Milk.

Before: Diningroom

:

After: Diningroom
  

Next is saying goodbye to the pink carpet and hello to a beautiful brick herringbone floor.