tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80303082393982727002024-03-18T03:04:31.059-04:00Pure Style HomeA design blog and lifestyle blog written by DC Interior Designer Lauren LiessUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger728125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-21242463372966892052013-08-13T11:06:00.004-04:002013-08-13T16:57:24.241-04:00This Blog is a-Movin'!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Same blog, new location:</div>
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<a href="http://www.laurenliess.com/pure-style-home">www.laurenliess.com/pure-style-home</a></div>
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I'm saying goodbye to this web address but Pure Style Home is moving with me!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-9Xn7eCvOqAYr8cVdp8GrGEHQBlVTBCif5tMQIxqcohNe-QBo67Hd7yUtN4eXl4wEhzVub88S11rK_N-BupQkJz-ewthb-78cyi-sJiwNjp_7SZbkCSvjihMAPvYGQ6dCzeXTk9o1WmE/s1600/leavingrec1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-9Xn7eCvOqAYr8cVdp8GrGEHQBlVTBCif5tMQIxqcohNe-QBo67Hd7yUtN4eXl4wEhzVub88S11rK_N-BupQkJz-ewthb-78cyi-sJiwNjp_7SZbkCSvjihMAPvYGQ6dCzeXTk9o1WmE/s640/leavingrec1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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{image via <a href="http://vintageweddinginvitation.com/photo-poses-for-a-vintage-wedding/">here</a>}</div>
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If you've received this post in your email, and would like to continue receiving these emails, please click <a href="http://www.laurenliess.com/pure-style-home">here</a> to visit the new blog and sign up. (It's on the new left-hand sidebar where it says SUBSCRIBE VIA EMAIL) <br />
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In a day or two, this web address will automatically be redirected to the new one. If you have a blog and have the time though, I'd love it if you could update my new address on your blog roll. It's the power of blog rolls that really helps people find you!!<br />
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I've got a new post up today- about our recent photoshoot- so please check it out at <a href="http://www.laurenliess.com/pure-style-home">www.laurenliess.com/pure-style-home</a><br />
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Thanks so much for moving with me!! See you there!!<br />
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If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, <a href="http://www.thepurestyle.com/index2.php#/contact/">contact me</a> about our design services.</center>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-82881298025605747752013-08-05T12:45:00.000-04:002013-08-05T12:45:46.532-04:00Fern Star in Yellow in a Reader's Living Room!This weekend, I received an email from a reader, Nichole, who had purchased yards & yards of our <a href="http://www.laurenliess.com/shop/designer-fabrics/fern-star-in-yellow">Fern Star</a> in yellow:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_BhYH1eGfg_hk-t3PE8Gi4h2sadGltxUJP7NqQMtYCO0s_GJ3_JgUwu9JtRD4P52ZpzLLl2zf39GQhM1PNZLd9y3iDGTTGzdBqQXchVwLVQj8XOr4MGZiKTAapRpYfP9NxPixO2g_Qs/s1600/fern+star+yellow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_BhYH1eGfg_hk-t3PE8Gi4h2sadGltxUJP7NqQMtYCO0s_GJ3_JgUwu9JtRD4P52ZpzLLl2zf39GQhM1PNZLd9y3iDGTTGzdBqQXchVwLVQj8XOr4MGZiKTAapRpYfP9NxPixO2g_Qs/s640/fern+star+yellow.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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{Lauren Liess Textiles' Fern Star in Yellow, available<a href="http://www.laurenliess.com/shop/designer-fabrics/fern-star-in-yellow"> here</a>}</div>
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I originally drew Fern Star in pencil, a look inspired by antique botanicals:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZJMrxvO-CyZ_qXDb3COU3eeljFuqw7X8XfFzrZs09iGaHTlfEcsYBm5vaQiBSjUhjq2s12ds5heb_J4rs8ctuSBAB2sBOrtJZz_3mItN_Pt2N4KfQgZTJfqb211nKqEiXoRBcHS42Z8/s1600/fern+star+close+up+yellow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZJMrxvO-CyZ_qXDb3COU3eeljFuqw7X8XfFzrZs09iGaHTlfEcsYBm5vaQiBSjUhjq2s12ds5heb_J4rs8ctuSBAB2sBOrtJZz_3mItN_Pt2N4KfQgZTJfqb211nKqEiXoRBcHS42Z8/s640/fern+star+close+up+yellow.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Nichole was writing to share a photo of her beautifully decorated living room with me -using Fern Star- and I was so thrilled to see it!! I asked if I could share it on Pure Style Home & she graciously agreed. I<i> love </i>how Nichole dressed up the curtains and brought in another shot of blue with the banding:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjazi-S1lfDvgsNqbuSK09QvfyeAhl6A5B74jww0Dc9UxqTmyfU2mU4eHQnD12ID5etoODMKAqVLLgmsbS5e3unGOZnnBlqWXduby6iRNuem9IuhXcMvtDeK6H0RnRoBzKVsondj1PR8s/s1600/DSC_0092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjazi-S1lfDvgsNqbuSK09QvfyeAhl6A5B74jww0Dc9UxqTmyfU2mU4eHQnD12ID5etoODMKAqVLLgmsbS5e3unGOZnnBlqWXduby6iRNuem9IuhXcMvtDeK6H0RnRoBzKVsondj1PR8s/s640/DSC_0092.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">{work room services by Bill and Mario with MBP Interior Design Work Room Services in Dallas}</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I also love how Nichole's style comes across so clearly in her living room, which she decorated herself. It feels so cheerful& pretty & freshly traditional. I was glad to see how versatile the pattern is. Nichole's mix of elements like the modern parsons table with traditional ginger jar lamp really gives the room a collected vibe. It's interesting and has an energy about it... it feels like it was put together over time</span></span><span style="background-color: white;">. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's <a href="http://work%20room%20services%20by%20bill%20and%20mario%20with%20mbp%20interior%20design%20work%20room%20services%20in%20dallas./">Fern Star</a> in my friend, Helen Norman's guest barn. (Guest Barn??? Yes Please!!! :)</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tJwtVhtr5pbH562bQhKsZC2ns0knzPKKjMSFj9rhho6TTAfQ0DOLQ_78_omMaC4If_zDiZcQzE-m8qFPze0s_DGgptB6_WGvJRnMec0QLwZXG7LSDE9DnZJaNhsFQrtgI7qvNcA7NSM/s1600/Norman_11029LL_960_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tJwtVhtr5pbH562bQhKsZC2ns0knzPKKjMSFj9rhho6TTAfQ0DOLQ_78_omMaC4If_zDiZcQzE-m8qFPze0s_DGgptB6_WGvJRnMec0QLwZXG7LSDE9DnZJaNhsFQrtgI7qvNcA7NSM/s640/Norman_11029LL_960_web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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That's Grizzly in the bed:<br />
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We've also used Fern Star on curtains in our clients' home, but they were very different from Nichole's more tailored curtains,</div>
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We paired them with matchstick shades for a relaxed look:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggb4rpXP_rwRfS2xe04ruIYN8hgO5hH-TMQomL1EGbQt9P3nQmZFyyU7cN7CrZdpuovNCj_S32SxDvwktCvBsXRlx1z6ke755JE6VqkwQEOg3FfQlICl6BaJTnUABTA07QA0bVBj0kpoM/s1600/Norman_13028LL_031_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggb4rpXP_rwRfS2xe04ruIYN8hgO5hH-TMQomL1EGbQt9P3nQmZFyyU7cN7CrZdpuovNCj_S32SxDvwktCvBsXRlx1z6ke755JE6VqkwQEOg3FfQlICl6BaJTnUABTA07QA0bVBj0kpoM/s640/Norman_13028LL_031_web.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Now that I've seen Nichole's banded Fern Star, I'm itching to try it out!! :) :)</div>
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Thank you so much to Nichole for sharing and for using our fabrics in her home!!! It's so exciting to me that something that started out so small a year or two ago is now a part of others people's lives!! :)</div>
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And finally, I am MOVING THE BLOG very soon!!! (wahoo!!!)</div>
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The new blog address is <a href="http://www.laurenliess.com/pure-style-home">www.laurenliess,com/pure-style-home</a></div>
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and soon this blog will automatically redirect you to the new address. I'll be posting instructions shortly on how to update your RSS Feed and email subscriptions. </div>
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I made the switch because I wanted to condense all of my websites into one cohesive site. The new website incorporates the blog, my professional website, and fabric shop all in one. We worked with super-talented Emily Thompson of<a href="http://www.indieshopography.com/"> Indie Shopography</a> who created this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1mVznAaX-C8JYOMPbT7QFW7PMup22bX9jDcgf5LV-ExFbGhvHuCbW2R4WvhFxdr1VbaiHY3NFINW4RU6BGClou7gljFGBgNbd51DlkS8PbgGRVKXGhPdflrroMzXBu3bvasoWkUm4zMU/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1mVznAaX-C8JYOMPbT7QFW7PMup22bX9jDcgf5LV-ExFbGhvHuCbW2R4WvhFxdr1VbaiHY3NFINW4RU6BGClou7gljFGBgNbd51DlkS8PbgGRVKXGhPdflrroMzXBu3bvasoWkUm4zMU/s640/blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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See you over there soon!!</center>
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If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, <a href="http://www.thepurestyle.com/index2.php#/contact/">contact me</a> about our design services.</center>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-71201618448647700582013-08-02T10:35:00.003-04:002013-08-02T10:44:20.187-04:00The Final LapNext week, we are photographing the house that's consumed us for the past 11 and a half months. Almost a year ago, having just finished <a href="http://purestylehome.blogspot.com/2010/04/just-year-ago.html">our house</a>, and having out 3rd son, we stumbled upon a promising real estate listing a couple of towns over. The new house would be a complete redo and an almost total gut job.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsITFA4-CqN-D78PDO2OTlklg0AFUBxqmCL5NKRpKnTy57OaH78rpZ5VvF4AhyPG-rRAn8dJn4sd4VhN0cRYPGZmdXvPYD9crIHItjfuiBhhp9IvYFSPkq7JIe7o1eSPu4jZG5fw3nq6o/s1600/kristin+049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsITFA4-CqN-D78PDO2OTlklg0AFUBxqmCL5NKRpKnTy57OaH78rpZ5VvF4AhyPG-rRAn8dJn4sd4VhN0cRYPGZmdXvPYD9crIHItjfuiBhhp9IvYFSPkq7JIe7o1eSPu4jZG5fw3nq6o/s640/kristin+049.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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{the new house, before}</div>
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Our heads told us to stay put because we were finally finished working on our house and we were so happy with it, but the ever-persistent "gut" said to go for it. With two boys and an infant...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-HNSKx04mGWBu5irbYhnFl2ECYfnPcil7fCElW3WDpovtZcIuOr_In2cIrdenUW_Hh78QK-vL0pTIylyM1hRLYTntyk_J7eAw_gBefDOWanv8VE9KgYn_qmbOdyHbmO4ei5mnvzjmHM/s1600/summer+107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-HNSKx04mGWBu5irbYhnFl2ECYfnPcil7fCElW3WDpovtZcIuOr_In2cIrdenUW_Hh78QK-vL0pTIylyM1hRLYTntyk_J7eAw_gBefDOWanv8VE9KgYn_qmbOdyHbmO4ei5mnvzjmHM/s640/summer+107.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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... we plunged ourselves into a full on renovation:<br />
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{we lived here throughout the entire process}</div>
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It was truly the fastest year of my life. The whirlwind we entered into has been exhausting, exciting, rewarding and all-consuming. Throughout this process, I've felt so excited and happy with how everything's been going, but I've also felt stretched very thin. I work on doing the house after or before work is over, so our free time has been so limited. In a sense, it's like I'm slap happy a lot of the time. All along I've trusted that everything would fall into place and have felt a real peace inside- so I wouldn't say this process has been emotional at all or that I've felt anything but awesome about it- but it's more like my brain is on overload and I just sort of have to shrug or laugh at the amount of work that needs to be done in so little time. In short, I haven't regretted our decision for even a moment but I am SO ready to relax a bit and have a little more time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RqnN_JAGUeS4KoRFqqQRMiU-onYzsttwZEo2ASoslXR7owqCnCuzwURy7mM0YdLc_Qs_dO08tUIIIZPjmtXCjpPGKHV1tWHRH-qH3VgjSV3lcs7s3CeeQlx7_gT70EMZEFik9apy09o/s1600/Spring2013+282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RqnN_JAGUeS4KoRFqqQRMiU-onYzsttwZEo2ASoslXR7owqCnCuzwURy7mM0YdLc_Qs_dO08tUIIIZPjmtXCjpPGKHV1tWHRH-qH3VgjSV3lcs7s3CeeQlx7_gT70EMZEFik9apy09o/s640/Spring2013+282.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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{need more moments like these}</div>
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So... it's all coming down to this next week. We chose to put this insane deadline on ourselves because it was really important to me that the house be photographed when it's in full bloom... My house is all about indoor-outdoor living and when you're inside, the outside is right there with you. The outdoors are so much a part of the house's design that we need to photograph it at a time that really illustrates this feature. It's pretty much why I fell in love with the house in the first place.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqGPVs3HrBjt2AkVD0stp4PYWeDHCmPfGBGrULLyfSyyDgxhw3oLh3rRtWyP3ytE6qFV8__k_1DEnzI2MA42Z3Ud2zLCqX_RmNDRGnzTzinv4RORT5bFbk71ee-aDmjgQlePsd3ebISE/s1600/kristin+049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqGPVs3HrBjt2AkVD0stp4PYWeDHCmPfGBGrULLyfSyyDgxhw3oLh3rRtWyP3ytE6qFV8__k_1DEnzI2MA42Z3Ud2zLCqX_RmNDRGnzTzinv4RORT5bFbk71ee-aDmjgQlePsd3ebISE/s640/kristin+049.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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We have people coming to stucco the fireplace today and there are a few miscellaneous painting and touch up projects we need to get done. Curtains are going up, artwork is being hung, and long-awaited pillows and bedding are arriving. It's so satisfying!! But also a bit nerve-wracking... will everything actually get here in time?? I'm sure a few things won't and I don't know what to do about them. We bought a dining table online a couple of weeks ago from a company in Pennsylvania (with local pick up only) and have not been able to get in touch with them about picking it up. Without it, I don't really know what to do, but we can't exactly drive up there and knock on the door of the shop without knowing if they're open. Stuff like that... and there's a lot of it. To be honest, this is exactly what it's like when working on clients' projects, but the fact that it happens during work hours makes such a difference. We've been doing everything on borrowed time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2foGb3th7WSUA0pnaJd228jONDEndCfVyQyvXCYi6MePSaXY3kxNP3Kj6QhFZesCqnRMcNysr36bIH8gp3B_Z0K31SDSGsBWP1vPjPgLkap3avhv_crBtpQZUJ_MaQVRe1uDhXV1L3U/s1600/kristin+067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2foGb3th7WSUA0pnaJd228jONDEndCfVyQyvXCYi6MePSaXY3kxNP3Kj6QhFZesCqnRMcNysr36bIH8gp3B_Z0K31SDSGsBWP1vPjPgLkap3avhv_crBtpQZUJ_MaQVRe1uDhXV1L3U/s640/kristin+067.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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{Christian}</div>
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Christian- our six year old- once told me that he liked our old house better. When I asked him why, he said "Because you and Daddy work too much here." Made me sad and feel terrible. (Where do kids learn how to do that guilt thing?!! ;) ;)<br />
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Anyway, please send some good thoughts (and energy!!) our way this next week. Helen (our photographer) will be shooting Wednesday through Friday so we have a few more days for things to actually get here. Fingers crossed!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiha4VbN5ArCFv4MocWo34yYlzFhzwF9-B12aQ1hBAAL4vWF0WTLGun9v3O1yOsAiOpY-zEYgEC9uNDDm1Vrz-5m1EYyQ1MqMkrvgOqktvXb3K1KQZA8SuyC4vhxkseiIM63PX9I-TR8as/s1600/IMG_2899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiha4VbN5ArCFv4MocWo34yYlzFhzwF9-B12aQ1hBAAL4vWF0WTLGun9v3O1yOsAiOpY-zEYgEC9uNDDm1Vrz-5m1EYyQ1MqMkrvgOqktvXb3K1KQZA8SuyC4vhxkseiIM63PX9I-TR8as/s400/IMG_2899.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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{To do before next week: stain the house, fix the garden edges, among other things}</div>
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We're working out what we'll actually be doing with the photos of our house once we have them, and I just cannot wait to share them. (I was always that annoying kid who wanted to show my parents or grandparents what I was excited about: "Look at what I made!!" .. So I guess I haven't changed much.) I have been thinking of a magazine to publish it and am also playing with other ideas. This house has been such a part of us, and we've poured so much into it. We think of it as our "forever" house. It's not big or impressive, but it's ours and we love it. I can't wait to share it. <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMFJc-DnxrBMLY2xDK1SvX6egv5tiGN9vyFglU1jxzRslEqnW1pS7shpmN5CyUDMxOshQCgg8dgqvfJPO5h9uQ1BnF6WztntBBL6szqqF2wjsb3t7cvHcperdFYnD37uTXKxPNHsS-LjU/s1600/sig2.png" /> </center>
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ps- In the midst of all of this, we're launching a brand-new website. This blog will be moving. At this point, it's still up, but when we make the move (any day now) this blog will automatically redirect to the new one at laurenliess.com/pure-style-home I'll post info on how to refresh your subscription and all of those fun techy details soon!!<br /><br />
If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, <a href="http://www.thepurestyle.com/index2.php#/contact/">contact me</a> about our design services.</center>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-33991596682038681592013-07-29T09:00:00.003-04:002013-07-29T09:00:36.227-04:00A Peek: Our Kitchen Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With things as hectic as they've been lately, I've been truly cherishing my time in our garden.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUx0z63mI83p0AceIONm7kyLEA_3pAjPfktjmDA4ZP_El1D6KW69zWOFcgZ7qUzBZZ7iPtxmHe065-gI-FgORxCWy3Sz6r_N_zfLookE6lZn1x4CR_lPW5AORnSHqOyKE3NjLHsdzV4b4/s1600/IMG_2898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUx0z63mI83p0AceIONm7kyLEA_3pAjPfktjmDA4ZP_El1D6KW69zWOFcgZ7qUzBZZ7iPtxmHe065-gI-FgORxCWy3Sz6r_N_zfLookE6lZn1x4CR_lPW5AORnSHqOyKE3NjLHsdzV4b4/s640/IMG_2898.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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{We created our garden with the help of my friend Danylo, owner of Organic Edible Gardens <a href="http://www.oegardens.com/">www.oegardens.com</a> who we worked with to design & install the entire thing.}</div>
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It's the first thing I do when I wake up (ok, after kids and putting out fires) and walking through it, weeding, snipping things here and there just makes me feel at peace. <br />
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We found an old potting table and it's made planting, cutting and washing so much easier. Having a place to stash everything has made such a difference and I now can't imagine the garden without it:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMOamm11z0ykfNSZzuA3Dn2xuuiej7gnrD1qhmYraqMVjYveY-leqruJ34kywQ7tA36GKsVARlv-i-9orgiIlVCngDszXE8jyiGpm29HtLDUukTZTU-RYS_C89pTX5YCleAamqAA5wZM/s1600/IMG_2910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMOamm11z0ykfNSZzuA3Dn2xuuiej7gnrD1qhmYraqMVjYveY-leqruJ34kywQ7tA36GKsVARlv-i-9orgiIlVCngDszXE8jyiGpm29HtLDUukTZTU-RYS_C89pTX5YCleAamqAA5wZM/s640/IMG_2910.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The garden's full of flowers right now, including limelight hydrangeas, echinacea and English roses. I've been loving cutting them and bringing in fresh bouquets.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdGfAe1j6hNiMYqMTt6QRS5-6YBNAmIHpPqaN5u9kuGj2vMs_pKGQs8a37-HenlOh2vCQe7xmrHH4hbuVQ0cTnWPVXQPtf0ZrlzX8MYGmkiXflJuOaY5aMzSGEXMXVdMRgu0hJBecWTE/s1600/IMG_2886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdGfAe1j6hNiMYqMTt6QRS5-6YBNAmIHpPqaN5u9kuGj2vMs_pKGQs8a37-HenlOh2vCQe7xmrHH4hbuVQ0cTnWPVXQPtf0ZrlzX8MYGmkiXflJuOaY5aMzSGEXMXVdMRgu0hJBecWTE/s640/IMG_2886.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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The Asian cucumbers are possibly our favorite thing in the garden right now. This one is over a foot and a half long and I even plucked it a little early!--<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-65ZvbhuzVDECF6hqMGe7Ow5lTDIEMvtkDSx44-hR67mYt-CPCxZwOrvZMj2TC9HUXvFCElzijRIg8GdspwhPzQ2Fxm_muMp2XKwKiZNnqUVwI5CwdlOASGA14ESBBNnbT7QaNLP0YOg/s1600/IMG_2865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-65ZvbhuzVDECF6hqMGe7Ow5lTDIEMvtkDSx44-hR67mYt-CPCxZwOrvZMj2TC9HUXvFCElzijRIg8GdspwhPzQ2Fxm_muMp2XKwKiZNnqUVwI5CwdlOASGA14ESBBNnbT7QaNLP0YOg/s640/IMG_2865.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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They're so good we can eat them plain!!</div>
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There's something about bringing things inside from the outside that I just can't get enough of. We cook with herbs from the garden almost every night and have just been getting to enjoy the tomaters!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTJJLQCVGv2Jvn_xoW1LV3Xz1QDjy4kCVET1yhUOehnBs1eGPa1tErOEjx8i6PGfmyeQfm3cSKED50n_MicM52YhOGm9RuZkrGf7GH9OM-OiJj5O1p85gQYoQfzbfCrQD7gaVVkpZXxg/s1600/IMG_2905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTJJLQCVGv2Jvn_xoW1LV3Xz1QDjy4kCVET1yhUOehnBs1eGPa1tErOEjx8i6PGfmyeQfm3cSKED50n_MicM52YhOGm9RuZkrGf7GH9OM-OiJj5O1p85gQYoQfzbfCrQD7gaVVkpZXxg/s640/IMG_2905.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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The boys fight over who gets to actually pick everything. I'm looking forward to when all of the plants are producing fruit so "picking" is a little more peaceful ;)</div>
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Here's one of my favorite most recent meals from the garden:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZXS-aZXJ6QBjDhAjZNG7S7kwQ0qBMFm7FMTDyEoaB318Z9HIJm6pa78u1w-6IMhfQFsaJz93GGqrRm_vFc5gZoFFNJR5Cn-Ecliu6CoSw5V4EmBIqPrpLPpWq57Y1WGKUuxHWi-adA0/s1600/IMG_2876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZXS-aZXJ6QBjDhAjZNG7S7kwQ0qBMFm7FMTDyEoaB318Z9HIJm6pa78u1w-6IMhfQFsaJz93GGqrRm_vFc5gZoFFNJR5Cn-Ecliu6CoSw5V4EmBIqPrpLPpWq57Y1WGKUuxHWi-adA0/s640/IMG_2876.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Eating from our garden makes me so incredibly happy!!! The boys love to help out and this weekend we put together our own little invention (which I'm sure has probably been invented before)- "pestodillas:"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoiXDbw2GirXbgRt8U6N7VqYcOUkpyifTq2oLoAOmFLB6Quakxkbl_MBQZy8qDBL1ILfiTp-2p3ZNGFVvoThg_NcqsHyYTrFzEOWYni9t3AO3VNLuu8woYltWdwNoqxiEEdOfUSWBeiYo/s1600/IMG_2877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoiXDbw2GirXbgRt8U6N7VqYcOUkpyifTq2oLoAOmFLB6Quakxkbl_MBQZy8qDBL1ILfiTp-2p3ZNGFVvoThg_NcqsHyYTrFzEOWYni9t3AO3VNLuu8woYltWdwNoqxiEEdOfUSWBeiYo/s640/IMG_2877.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's the Recipe:</div>
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-We took fresh baked whole wheat tortillas (whole foods' fresh baking, not ours ;) and layered them with pesto from the garden, shredded parmesan cheese, fresh spinach, garden tomatoes and a wheat tortilla with garlic butter on one side. (Oh sooooo bad but so good!!! Will try without the garlic butter next time to be good ;) ;) </div>
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-We microwaved them for a minute and were in love!!</div>
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I hope you get the chance to try it = Heaven.</div>
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Anyway, I'm off for another crazy day, but I hope you enjoyed this peek into our garden. We're photographing our house next week and there's still so much that needs to be done... Curtains & artwork need to go up (and be framed!!) , hardware needs to be installed, things need to be painted, bedding and pillows are being made, and we have a couple more small construction projects to finish up with. So many things need to fall in place in order for next week to happen and I'm really feeling the pressure. We're photographing it as early as we are because I want to have the photos happen when everything is in full bloom around here, which is now. This morning I woke up sort of just wishing I could give up though. :/ (I think that's mostly because I'm tired & sick and it's Monday ;) ;) <br />
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I think I need to take one more little walk through the garden this morning. <br />
Have a good one!!<br />
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For info on Organic Edible Gardens & their services, visit <a href="http://www.oegardens.com/">here.</a> <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMFJc-DnxrBMLY2xDK1SvX6egv5tiGN9vyFglU1jxzRslEqnW1pS7shpmN5CyUDMxOshQCgg8dgqvfJPO5h9uQ1BnF6WztntBBL6szqqF2wjsb3t7cvHcperdFYnD37uTXKxPNHsS-LjU/s1600/sig2.png" />
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ps- If you missed <a href="http://www.purestylehome.blogspot.com/2013/07/parcel-design-delivered-to-your-door.html">my last post</a>, our new distance decorating service - <a href="http://www.purestylehome.blogspot.com/2013/07/parcel-design-delivered-to-your-door.html">PARCEL</a>- is finally available!!! We've had an overwhelming response to the service (which is available on a first-come, first-serve basis) and I can't thank you all enough for spreading the word and for your support!! <br />
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If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, <a href="http://www.thepurestyle.com/index2.php#/contact/">contact me</a> about our design services. If you are interested in PARCEL please mention it in your inquiry.</center>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-47011909572315382332013-07-25T18:17:00.000-04:002013-07-25T18:17:12.855-04:00parcel: design delivered to your door<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3M4t920EzknRd0Fnijo1WIe_sg6ejQrcgtuVzTvQxhJktaIiH2Gb5k_9YMnohFFORKkxfsEWmrW4ZMgNQkgEaA-1OF-NQgvtTBCWliL_mlJUGpwO8s-uEyv7eC76nv3KG6TUcicnzjyI/s1600/parcel4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3M4t920EzknRd0Fnijo1WIe_sg6ejQrcgtuVzTvQxhJktaIiH2Gb5k_9YMnohFFORKkxfsEWmrW4ZMgNQkgEaA-1OF-NQgvtTBCWliL_mlJUGpwO8s-uEyv7eC76nv3KG6TUcicnzjyI/s400/parcel4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoR9RAVCUHn8bINrUSfZoehpNmUIrPGacB1JSb7zhzzGa-nSMi_aJV9yZzVpjieipiAZEZRa9UWJCn91LDzs-3m0P6k26I7uCgcOVxI8XpzFSPV2yP4HpVr700cOMpiy0j0CiX8_93DdM/s1600/parcel2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoR9RAVCUHn8bINrUSfZoehpNmUIrPGacB1JSb7zhzzGa-nSMi_aJV9yZzVpjieipiAZEZRa9UWJCn91LDzs-3m0P6k26I7uCgcOVxI8XpzFSPV2yP4HpVr700cOMpiy0j0CiX8_93DdM/s400/parcel2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwt8taIdVYXKpw2v2YjLE5F0BpF9pu2_8Bwcmx4FY7CsYYUFIS-VKU0V0hTu-FsuUljb8KayondSAGbcsLAKZ1WjvdlMegU88k0kCiY145fE7tAG2r4M7WhJUWoH5vAULMVhGvX2zC5M/s1600/parcel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwt8taIdVYXKpw2v2YjLE5F0BpF9pu2_8Bwcmx4FY7CsYYUFIS-VKU0V0hTu-FsuUljb8KayondSAGbcsLAKZ1WjvdlMegU88k0kCiY145fE7tAG2r4M7WhJUWoH5vAULMVhGvX2zC5M/s640/parcel.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 18pt;">par·cel</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">1.</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"> something wrapped up; package<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">2.</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"> a group of people or things having some common characteristic<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">3. </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">an essential part of something<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">4.</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"> a package of bespoke designed goodness delivered to your door</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9SB5NUFnzW4bqGydKgxJSvw8aROhvZLXviYCqA7yRyCnfAkEDNSpKULrbrrDGEwX3i7E8XtIOPnwkJzPiUyTj27V_SMczpynNtuuShjTj3ToqUoOwjrx6BgF042FNIiF-R-gt7um0HE/s1600/PARCEL+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9SB5NUFnzW4bqGydKgxJSvw8aROhvZLXviYCqA7yRyCnfAkEDNSpKULrbrrDGEwX3i7E8XtIOPnwkJzPiUyTj27V_SMczpynNtuuShjTj3ToqUoOwjrx6BgF042FNIiF-R-gt7um0HE/s400/PARCEL+logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am <i>so excited</i> to announce</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-weight: bold;">parcel,</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">our newest decorating service!! Over the past couple of years, I've been unable to keep up with servicing both traditional clients and online clients, so I've had to put the whole online decorating thing on the shelf for a while. We've had lots of requests to bring it back though, and we've been working really hard to try to rework our company so that we could, and it's finally time!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">SO, we came up with </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>parcel</b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">. It's basically this: design delivered to your door in a pretty little parcel. It's everything you need to put the room of your dreams together, the way we do it. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0YQwA8cg0ZWhYsdQ5vrdTAgz6URruaEO4HgkKcw29RN69pCvZSo-I6rLftblk6PKBRjBuF7r0zi9q22UiLCUgYxIGHy3ITDluM5AstvC5pQbsCbicUkJKrlw4tICs6XKZmj8AgAQ7UM/s1600/Norman_13028LL_017_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0YQwA8cg0ZWhYsdQ5vrdTAgz6URruaEO4HgkKcw29RN69pCvZSo-I6rLftblk6PKBRjBuF7r0zi9q22UiLCUgYxIGHy3ITDluM5AstvC5pQbsCbicUkJKrlw4tICs6XKZmj8AgAQ7UM/s640/Norman_13028LL_017_web.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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{a recent project}</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Instead of meeting
traditionally, we communicate via emails and questionnaires and our clients
receive a chic little </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">parcel</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> of essential step-by-step design plans in
the mail that they can implement on their own. We're starting parcel projects in just a few weeks and are taking on new clients right now for the Fall so if you know of anyone who might be interested, please let them know that they can sign up now! If you'd like to sign up yourself, go to the contact section of our website (<a href="http://www.thepurestyle.com/">www.thepurestyle.com</a>, which is switching over to laurenliess.com next week!) and submit a project inquiry, mentioning that you're interested in </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-weight: bold;">parcel. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'd love to have you as a client!!</span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-weight: bold;"> </span></div>
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Also, for any other decorators out there who've been considering offering online services, I can say that I really loved doing it in the past, and that creatively, it's very similar to taking on traditional clients, but that's it's so different (of course never actually seeing the client or home in person) in that it's really more time spent designing vs. communicating and meeting and managing projects. I <i>loved</i> doing it- which is why I've brought it back- but for me personally, I also needed the flesh and blood relationship-building side that traditional projects offer. I'm hoping this will be the best of both worlds!! I'll keep you posted!</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">ps- Would love to know what you all think of it!! </span></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMFJc-DnxrBMLY2xDK1SvX6egv5tiGN9vyFglU1jxzRslEqnW1pS7shpmN5CyUDMxOshQCgg8dgqvfJPO5h9uQ1BnF6WztntBBL6szqqF2wjsb3t7cvHcperdFYnD37uTXKxPNHsS-LjU/s1600/sig2.png" />
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If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, <a href="http://www.thepurestyle.com/index2.php#/contact/">contact me</a> about our design services. If you're interested in becoming a <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>parcel</b></span> client, please mention that in your inquiry. Thanks so much!</center>
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*images via pinterest and photo of our recent project by the talented Helen Norman</center>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-23508774679615837212013-07-24T10:02:00.000-04:002013-07-24T10:28:09.558-04:00Southern Living Shoot Today!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9AEOuQjVeGfg0DAU1Kgj_vpd3cXquaV2pqzgmzRFj667IKdB_D5Fja8UhySj1_tjQJ9MX64mCrpgUIuftQZHXBZua6t9AvBOGx44A5Tgftw1KZlknY7H5t6rg6y0NZAl-Lm0NJ69u_w0/s1600/Norman_13013LL_012_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9AEOuQjVeGfg0DAU1Kgj_vpd3cXquaV2pqzgmzRFj667IKdB_D5Fja8UhySj1_tjQJ9MX64mCrpgUIuftQZHXBZua6t9AvBOGx44A5Tgftw1KZlknY7H5t6rg6y0NZAl-Lm0NJ69u_w0/s640/Norman_13013LL_012_web.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Helen Norman</td></tr>
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I'm off for the day to do a shoot at our client's dining room for Southern Living's November issue! It's our first project featured by Southern Living and I'm so excited!! Laurey Glenn will be photographing it and Susan Victoria is doing the styling. I'll be posting behind the scenes stuff today on instagram so be sure to check it out! Have a good one!</center>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMFJc-DnxrBMLY2xDK1SvX6egv5tiGN9vyFglU1jxzRslEqnW1pS7shpmN5CyUDMxOshQCgg8dgqvfJPO5h9uQ1BnF6WztntBBL6szqqF2wjsb3t7cvHcperdFYnD37uTXKxPNHsS-LjU/s1600/sig2.png" />
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If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, <a href="http://www.thepurestyle.com/index2.php#/contact/">contact me</a> about our design services.</center>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-49785118850331737472013-07-22T10:13:00.000-04:002013-07-22T15:45:40.142-04:00Big Changes at Lauren Liess & Co and for our Family<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been almost a year now since my husband, David- Dave or Dav (at home ;)- came to work full time for our design/ textiles business and it's been a whirlwind of a year. We debated hardcore on whether he should make this move. (Playing devil's advocate, doing worst case scenarios etc.) We finally came to the conclusion that we'd always wonder "What if?" if we didn't give it a go. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFhxwlw-OwTYk0pAD9T5pIJnDeJitWB-Er_Q-jy83YhWXEplmkddL-L2-RhnZXaJoDQxGKXl0eIHfOFWAlWVnkgzh7oztH-WO5pbPMyrSwEUrWKTvzQuPoKgwm0UeaQXf0x1m7ALmrKA/s1600/Norman_11029LL_239_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFhxwlw-OwTYk0pAD9T5pIJnDeJitWB-Er_Q-jy83YhWXEplmkddL-L2-RhnZXaJoDQxGKXl0eIHfOFWAlWVnkgzh7oztH-WO5pbPMyrSwEUrWKTvzQuPoKgwm0UeaQXf0x1m7ALmrKA/s640/Norman_11029LL_239_web.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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{Us with our middle guy, Justin. Photo by Helen Norman.}</div>
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So, putting all of our egg's in one figurative basket, Dave left his English teaching position and began working full time for our company. Last summer, I'd just given birth to our third son, Luke, (Our "Louie") so Dave & Meghan (our junior designer) were in the office more than I was actually, as I attempted maternity leave with three boys to take care of. (Ha!) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIpBq-y6rbM4kEuWSXICJ6U4O4jrLNsTIbju1hHTdyo_tK9qHb7cqO8xQlkViM_Ss_v6vD8M-pke5EoZxx4UcqagRFaCPwWLSr2ZKmDLpg-2GfVdkyEG9rXCIn4IGIdAbJqbJRDZ17yQ/s1600/beach+073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIpBq-y6rbM4kEuWSXICJ6U4O4jrLNsTIbju1hHTdyo_tK9qHb7cqO8xQlkViM_Ss_v6vD8M-pke5EoZxx4UcqagRFaCPwWLSr2ZKmDLpg-2GfVdkyEG9rXCIn4IGIdAbJqbJRDZ17yQ/s640/beach+073.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Driving home from our beach vacation last July (pic above) we were browsing houses for sale online "for fun" and came across an affordable (and very intriguing!!) fixer-upper house a couple of towns away. The next day, we went to the open house and decided to make an offer. We knew what we were doing looked crazy: Hey let's quit work and go buy a new house!! We knew the best financial move would be to sit tight in our newly finished home we loved and wait to see how things worked out with both of us working for the company, but sometimes your gut pulls you in a different direction.<br />
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So, we moved to the house in September, immediately tearing out the floors and walls and adding new windows, and have been putting it back together over the past ten months. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfM0uEdecbIBcuHMgtbZ08xaaLA08O7YCXsoKF-DITDNhpQNkMFVd0_cyzrOengopzuyzQdhtpIGyvGsz_FJ04WPdwtc38drGVLJzX8zUCl7Tu53hn7wCIiuCZc1nMAxTaIaDz5DSvx7Q/s1600/september+033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfM0uEdecbIBcuHMgtbZ08xaaLA08O7YCXsoKF-DITDNhpQNkMFVd0_cyzrOengopzuyzQdhtpIGyvGsz_FJ04WPdwtc38drGVLJzX8zUCl7Tu53hn7wCIiuCZc1nMAxTaIaDz5DSvx7Q/s640/september+033.JPG" width="640" /></a>Our oldest, Christian, started kindergarten this year and we hired an amazing nanny- who's now like part of our family- to take care of the boys during the day. There are days when I just don't know how we're ever going to get everything we need to get done, done... and there are days when I look over at Dave as we're out doing something together for work and I think, "I can't believe we get to be together every day."<br />
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We're one of those annoying couples that's basically attached at the hip (it used to make our college friends roll their eyes... maybe still does ;) and always wants to be together. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvv5JBrGwA8qoh6wbuu_DOGTR72c0KYlMCWH4u4QlaDAK6fOBFEX2-MDmJR-gJbqVS_FBMcKQI8BvEoZ_gJIMNW8z0ijEOYHULjOTU-bjUa-Y21t5ghwWCp7or1DYJJZvVhtS-VvqGn8/s1600/scan0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvv5JBrGwA8qoh6wbuu_DOGTR72c0KYlMCWH4u4QlaDAK6fOBFEX2-MDmJR-gJbqVS_FBMcKQI8BvEoZ_gJIMNW8z0ijEOYHULjOTU-bjUa-Y21t5ghwWCp7or1DYJJZvVhtS-VvqGn8/s640/scan0002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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{college}</div>
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It feels like we get enough time. We were only married a year before I was pregnant with our first "surprise" son so maybe it was that the newlywed phase was joined so quickly by our little guys. Anyway, suffice it to say that I love being able to work with my husband. <br />
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In the past year, though, there have been some crazy times. Most days, Dave & I do completely different things and don't really get to hang out until work's over. We've pulled lots of all-nighters trying to get things done for our house or for work. Designing this house has pretty much happened on borrowed time. It happens on nights & weekends and when the contractors show up and need an immediate answer on something. We've also seen our business grow, which is really exciting. I'm thrilled that we're now a part of more & more projects being built from the ground up or project undergoing extensive renovations, which is a true passion of mine. I love being a part of the architectural process and being able to help make choices that will make the house come together perfectly. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicj1MFpcmgxIsvgSm0m9JVdsSJsbBkQQStsMg5VoGgSPB0yP3FT9EIUqoDgiygTJQLQsDY7sg1nTz29InBkYZ_RfNm8g1b3FND-7RpksbHOpYRoYPgfWp9PLmMEEfM9LmIjheKddMQttY/s1600/office+027+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicj1MFpcmgxIsvgSm0m9JVdsSJsbBkQQStsMg5VoGgSPB0yP3FT9EIUqoDgiygTJQLQsDY7sg1nTz29InBkYZ_RfNm8g1b3FND-7RpksbHOpYRoYPgfWp9PLmMEEfM9LmIjheKddMQttY/s640/office+027+-+Copy.JPG" width="512" /></a></div>
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But as the business has grown, things have had to change. A couple of years ago, we stopped offering consultations and online decorating, because I couldn't keep up with both consultations/ e-decorating and full-service projects. I haven't been thrilled about that and I've always intended to hire more people to be able to bring these services back, but just haven't had the bandwidth to do it. Lately, though, we've been doing a lot of thinking and reorganizing and are in the process of finally making the move and I'm so excited about it!!!<br />
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We're in the process of hiring a new business manager for Lauren Liess & Co and will then be hiring another junior designer in addition to Meghan. We recently hired a part time assistant/ intern named Daniel, who helps with a lot of the literal heavy-lifting. With these new additions to our team, we'll be looking at an office space to lease because we pretty much just won't fit in our home office. If you've been reading my blog for a while, you probably know that we've mulled over moving our office out of the house or keeping it in the home for years now. I love being home and being near my boys (our youngest is only a little over a year) during the day so we're really trying to make this move carefully. I plan on working both from home and from the new studio so it needs to be nearby. We're also trying to figure out exactly what our needs for the studio will be: do we want potential clients to be able to come and visit? Do we want a space with a small showroom? A store? etc. I love the idea of clients being able to come into an environment we've created but I also want to be careful about this move too. I don't want to take on too much financially, so we're thinking we'll move slowly. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62s9qg8j4dqq-vaKnalDzmJ2WPyUf46lGAy3ZjQKOFTlnl_-lmPsNKzVlNnyD-Mnv2Db6-hk8iYY-j_i-Y2fIO1GvnWyBviA6bW02dOU-I2o5NlWs2gw7fQxurvOUlXaCR_tlp2f8b4E/s1600/black-white-striped-awning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62s9qg8j4dqq-vaKnalDzmJ2WPyUf46lGAy3ZjQKOFTlnl_-lmPsNKzVlNnyD-Mnv2Db6-hk8iYY-j_i-Y2fIO1GvnWyBviA6bW02dOU-I2o5NlWs2gw7fQxurvOUlXaCR_tlp2f8b4E/s640/black-white-striped-awning.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
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{...But how amazing would something like this <a href="http://www.lizcaan.com/">Liz Cann</a> door be??!! I've always wanted a black & white striped awning!!! :) }</div>
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Anyway, these are ideas we've played around with for years and will probably always be playing around with. I'll keep you posted on our search and may be taking you studio shopping with me to get your input. :) And as <i>soon</i> as I can introduce our new team members to you, I will!! <br />
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Also, we've gotten lots of inquiries regarding our online decorating services and I'm working like crazy on trying to put together the packages we'll be offering. As soon as I have everything put together into some sort of intelligible format, I'll be sure to post about it and then we'll open up the list for new e-decorating clients. I hope to be offering some sort of online or phone consultation services too for those who are looking for more of a general home consultation.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx58nmnUd80e7Bd5ICm6udiD9OMiAhTr1kWTV3Z9ekkKBIlFBmKF84bIbHRdnnOz0MTQljTaeQbDOpjCXyq2HN3VJUmyr3_9R4jHu1xqaPAMBmCTZ5uxrT_MXhCpx0cNBsohY0UBGpTNU/s1600/EDESIGNBOARD.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx58nmnUd80e7Bd5ICm6udiD9OMiAhTr1kWTV3Z9ekkKBIlFBmKF84bIbHRdnnOz0MTQljTaeQbDOpjCXyq2HN3VJUmyr3_9R4jHu1xqaPAMBmCTZ5uxrT_MXhCpx0cNBsohY0UBGpTNU/s640/EDESIGNBOARD.JPG" width="464" /></a></div>
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{an old project board from way back when... our new online services will be similar but clients will actually be mailed a physical package of custom designed goodies.}</div>
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So, please keep your fingers crossed for us over this next month or so as we begin making all of these changes within our business! It's not going to be the easiest transition but I really hope it's for the best!<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMFJc-DnxrBMLY2xDK1SvX6egv5tiGN9vyFglU1jxzRslEqnW1pS7shpmN5CyUDMxOshQCgg8dgqvfJPO5h9uQ1BnF6WztntBBL6szqqF2wjsb3t7cvHcperdFYnD37uTXKxPNHsS-LjU/s1600/sig2.png" />
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If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, <a href="http://www.thepurestyle.com/index2.php#/contact/">contact me</a> about our design services.</center>
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*****UPDATE****** Our fabric website is down for maintenance this week as we launch our brand new website, blog and online store so if you'd like to place any fabric orders this week, please visit our website www.thepurestyle.com and go to "contact" and let us know what you'd like to order. Thanks for your patience!!</center>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-77471778224954879732013-07-18T09:33:00.000-04:002013-07-18T09:33:08.134-04:00The Butterfly GardenWhen we moved to our new house, I was so happy to see an overgrown butterfly bush in the back yard!! We'd had one at our first home and loved watching all of the gorgeous butterflies on the blooms. It sits right on the edge of our kitchen garden:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHYlpjDQtuQihjJqhzWUhpBveM0CsDicub0LFk1jfCvnGT7cha_rEOGQn9cB-QjjMkJSXjDrUi6QsZS3O0ge7xTDqUqB00ojpcS_2RhvWEECNrVz5VO24iKfhNmFKlRt8OLUqpF2omyY/s1600/butterfly2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHYlpjDQtuQihjJqhzWUhpBveM0CsDicub0LFk1jfCvnGT7cha_rEOGQn9cB-QjjMkJSXjDrUi6QsZS3O0ge7xTDqUqB00ojpcS_2RhvWEECNrVz5VO24iKfhNmFKlRt8OLUqpF2omyY/s640/butterfly2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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We have butterflies of all colors & kinds and the perfect view of it from our living room window, where I planted a little lavender garden that they seem to love too. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OOwlXcQX9A48RNc_bckUyUW4FxaEiBwRGxzD4zPLaVSnmoIXD0OcwAYQe1hugOjMEBnCCyqhiBylYZRuQYdhHDY_KG3M2Ov5kLKD0TW0wzxi8wCA5sxQfz8EkdTQCjQA-3LNELz5KQ4/s1600/butterfyl5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OOwlXcQX9A48RNc_bckUyUW4FxaEiBwRGxzD4zPLaVSnmoIXD0OcwAYQe1hugOjMEBnCCyqhiBylYZRuQYdhHDY_KG3M2Ov5kLKD0TW0wzxi8wCA5sxQfz8EkdTQCjQA-3LNELz5KQ4/s640/butterfyl5.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here's one I took a blurry picture of this morning:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0lL3oUSSH7o9xf0lSNWxlp7XtVbVWjTK_bycl_sis4Hqt3dfqJLRPDoGQVXgP1d_T0OUfsCjof82SMQdHk9y9c_5uXjT1yAM4J4cd3FZ0-SOMLF1BjlriPwwZf0ADiGibqyqMtGKBSo/s1600/butterfly.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0lL3oUSSH7o9xf0lSNWxlp7XtVbVWjTK_bycl_sis4Hqt3dfqJLRPDoGQVXgP1d_T0OUfsCjof82SMQdHk9y9c_5uXjT1yAM4J4cd3FZ0-SOMLF1BjlriPwwZf0ADiGibqyqMtGKBSo/s640/butterfly.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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{Love her!!}</div>
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It feels almost like we're outside when we're inside and it just makes me so happy to have that little bit of beautiful life around the house. In the evenings we take the boys around to visit the butterflies & it's so relaxing.</div>
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The butterfly bush also has such pretty blooms that I love to bring inside. Here's a little arrangement I picked for our clients earlier this week in their new dining room:</div>
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And a little more of a peek into the finished dining room with my clients' new little monkey prints:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrM9n1u5hgyvlk4TIGmrhy2EOIvlOgAIb8TLkWc02EdSCawfpwtwx2Wt-Eq8E7WsdQpCSFk4c7uR0wooII7iNaGiNLxzvrc5KW2VoDeayNcxjcrvaxURunrfuous4ZH8M1yCwVu3On2so/s1600/butterfly3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrM9n1u5hgyvlk4TIGmrhy2EOIvlOgAIb8TLkWc02EdSCawfpwtwx2Wt-Eq8E7WsdQpCSFk4c7uR0wooII7iNaGiNLxzvrc5KW2VoDeayNcxjcrvaxURunrfuous4ZH8M1yCwVu3On2so/s640/butterfly3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's the little things that make life feel good. As we try to get through this insanely busy time, I'm really trying to stop and take it in. Wish me luck with this, I need it right now!!! And you too!!<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMFJc-DnxrBMLY2xDK1SvX6egv5tiGN9vyFglU1jxzRslEqnW1pS7shpmN5CyUDMxOshQCgg8dgqvfJPO5h9uQ1BnF6WztntBBL6szqqF2wjsb3t7cvHcperdFYnD37uTXKxPNHsS-LjU/s1600/sig2.png" />
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If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, <a href="http://www.thepurestyle.com/index2.php#/contact/">contact me</a> about our design services.</center>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-34550096898551211962013-07-15T08:20:00.002-04:002013-07-15T08:21:30.839-04:00Homemade Fast Food<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been making homemade baked french fries lately (a friend mentioned it and I wanted to try too!) and when I came across these little disposable french fry and hot dog & hamburger containers on sale at Target a couple of weeks ago, I couldn't resist. I love putting food on the table in a way that gets our kids excited:</div>
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We did lean hot dogs (attempted wheat buns but still not the healthiest ;) and basil burgers with our fries. </div>
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{The boys are used to patiently waiting for their food as their ridiculous mother takes pictures of the food= The life of a blogger's child}</div>
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We have so much basil in our garden this year so it goes in pretty much everything. We put it into the lean beef before cooking & then I sprinkled more fresh boxwood basil (which I love because you don't have to chop) on top along with cheddar, fresh onions, tomatoes and spinach. I used flat wheat bread to try to make it a little better but the cheddar on those bad boys is the real deal:</div>
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To make the fries, I cut potatoes into fry-sized pieces, coat an oven pan with olive oil spray, toss the fry pieces on the pan with a little more olive oil and top with sea salt. Then I keep them in there (somewhere around 400 degrees) until they start looking like fries:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Jsxi1U4EGUBUyohZ-zMEnBY4xmSH_cXn4Tlr0tGZbDMPukyokZ4TCfuUIMaDpefj0v_ab0o5Kf2godo5aDcfB1Eokb4LBARzermrBMhyphenhyphenWVObF5LkiHeTwKRWVeIcBiUuQ5noT1rOXCE/s1600/food2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Jsxi1U4EGUBUyohZ-zMEnBY4xmSH_cXn4Tlr0tGZbDMPukyokZ4TCfuUIMaDpefj0v_ab0o5Kf2godo5aDcfB1Eokb4LBARzermrBMhyphenhyphenWVObF5LkiHeTwKRWVeIcBiUuQ5noT1rOXCE/s640/food2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then I popped them into the fun little packages! (But normally, they go on a plate or I cut up brown grocery bags to make little containers for the boys.)</div>
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Sometimes I add parsley or Old Bay or garlic. (Yum!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_p4NUURWVXKrnR7tJW71jMuJZIm0EEHOYeqQSD7tvNVKJr_DAZOz3mp9zq21_yKOCdlmpZu4TFimXTBFVBO9Hslt0VHXgZuGdYUH6CmjQ4KKu3LtsRtJEqz8H1IG-M4a4bq80O9Fcdmc/s1600/food3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_p4NUURWVXKrnR7tJW71jMuJZIm0EEHOYeqQSD7tvNVKJr_DAZOz3mp9zq21_yKOCdlmpZu4TFimXTBFVBO9Hslt0VHXgZuGdYUH6CmjQ4KKu3LtsRtJEqz8H1IG-M4a4bq80O9Fcdmc/s640/food3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm off for the day but hope you enjoyed this little display of junk food from our house to yours!! (It's better than McDonald's though, right??? ;) ;)</div>
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Have a great day!!</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMFJc-DnxrBMLY2xDK1SvX6egv5tiGN9vyFglU1jxzRslEqnW1pS7shpmN5CyUDMxOshQCgg8dgqvfJPO5h9uQ1BnF6WztntBBL6szqqF2wjsb3t7cvHcperdFYnD37uTXKxPNHsS-LjU/s1600/sig2.png" />
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If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, <a href="http://www.thepurestyle.com/index2.php#/contact/">contact me</a> about our design services.</center>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-49732275885381286402013-07-11T08:16:00.000-04:002013-07-11T08:16:04.869-04:00My Secret Sauce<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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{Image from <a href="http://fgne.net/2013/03/secret-sauce/">here</a>}</div>
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I've been feeling pretty overwhelmed at work lately. (Along with the entire team here.) We're busier than we've ever been, which is amazing, but with the time required for me to think about my own house (which happens on nights and weekends) I'm feeling almost tapped out mentally. We're working with wonderful clients on both smaller and large-scale projects, all of which are really exciting, and we're also working on a few upcoming magazine stories (and photoshoots) with <a href="http://www.southernliving.com/">Southern Living</a>, <a href="http://www.bhg.com/">Better Homes & Gardens</a> and <a href="http://www.luxesource.com/">Luxe Interiors. </a> We're doing a <a href="http://www.onekingslane.com/">One Kings Lane</a> Tastemaker Tag Sale and have a crazy two day shoot beginning this morning at our place. (We had to remove every piece of furniture from our living room and kitchen last night to turn it into a photo studio for our goods... more on that later) We're launching a brand new website at the end of the month with our go-to-web-girl Emily at <a href="http://www.indieshopography.com/">indieshopography</a> and we're also going to be offering online decorating services again, so I'm putting everything together for that. With all of this good stuff, comes the growing pains, which I'm feeling hardcore.<br />
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{image from<a href="http://mashable.com/2011/03/30/summify/"> here</a>}</div>
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I'm also noticing a general "busyness" in the people we work with, which obviously affects us too and can slow things down on our end. Our contractors, our workroom, artists we work with and our vendors seem like they're busier than ever. It's so great for all of them, but I know the growing pains are there too... Many of them have recently hired new staff to accommodate the increased demand. (Yay for things really picking up!)<br />
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But as exciting as growth spurts are, they can be a little scary too. You suddenly look around and realize that no matter how many extra nights or weekends you work, you're never going to get to it all. (In my case, this really means our personal home design is what suffers. Time ticks away and I'm worried we won't have what we need when the photographer comes to shoot our house the first week of August.) You realize your kids miss you and you miss them even more. <br />
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So... what do I personally do when it gets like this?? First, Dave & I start to reassess what needs to be done in our business. We realized we need more help. A couple of weeks ago we hired an intern, Daniel, who is pretty much Dave's assistant, and the extra help has been amazing. We're good friends with Daniel's family (Dave taught English with his mother and his older sister has been babysitting our boys for years- we love her!!) and Daniel was one of Dave's students. We knew we needed someone insanely hard working and willing to do a wide variety of things like printing, errands, organizing files, and making pick-ups and drop offs and moving furniture. <br />
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Now that we have Daniel on board, we are loving the extra help, but we're still not working the way we need to be working. Dave & I have been throwing ideas around but we knew we needed our secret sauce as things continued to get more overwhelming over here.<br />
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So, no joke, my secret sauce is a person... Julia!! <br />
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I found out about Julia Molloy, and her company,<a href="http://www.molloymanagement.com/blog/"> Molloy Management </a>this past January when I was looking for ways to streamline our business and to get inspired. I wrote <a href="http://purestylehome.blogspot.com/2013/01/2013-goal-running-like-well-oiled.html">a blog post </a> mentioning her & the company and we ended up connecting. I enrolled in her Business Blueprint Program, and we've taken our studio webware training through Molloy. One of the most helpful aspects of working with Molloy for me, is the web chats I have with Julia. She's truly a design business guru (honestly, she's a straight up business guru who's specialized in design businesses) and we discuss everything from client services to workflow processes, to websites, to future goals, to branding. She is a wealth of knowledge and sees so clearly where to take things. Along with knowing what's up and what needs to happen, Julia is one of the sweetest, funniest, most charismatic & genuine people I've ever met. You can feel her excitement when you talk with her. (It's funny, I've never even met her in person but feel like I have!! :) I never feel like she's judging, only assessing and guiding/ helping. She's completely transparent and truly wants to help her clients and wants the best for them. <br />
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Julia works with many of the industry's big wigs, and many of her clients keep her a secret because they don't want to share her with the competition. As you've probably seen from my blog, I have a pretty open attitude when it comes to competition with other designers... I don't really feel it. I believe that we're all so different and that different clients are right for different designers. I feel like a client who hires a designer friend of mine was drawn to that designer because of what she saw in him or her... or because of their past projects and experiences... or because of a pricepoint... a personality.. whatever it may be. We're all completely unique. It seems silly to covet a client who doesn't covet your services. It's just pointless. The only designer I would ever really feel in competition with would be myself, because I'm the only person who has what I have & who does things the way I do them. <br />
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(I'd only be scurred of THIS ;) ;)</div>
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So... I'm sharing some of my secret sauce with you. And that's<a href="http://www.molloymanagement.com/"> Molloy</a>. Yesterday, I was able to catch up with Julia (I try to keep regular appointments with her but as things got crazier over here, I fell behind) and explain to her where we're at and get some great advice. She helped me get some clarity & perspective on where we're at & on what's going on. (Looks like we'll be hiring, so stay tuned.) Much of what I need to work on comes right from our company operations manual we received from <a href="http://www.molloymanagement.com/increase_productivity/blueprint.htm">The Business Blueprint</a>. This thing is THICK (like hundreds of pages) and outlines every little bit of our business. It's worth so much and is truly a handbook or manual on each and every aspect of your business. I have yet to go through and tailor the handbook more specifically to our company (I'm going to work on it this weekend) but it's a gold mine of information on how your company should/ could run.<br />
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{They teach all this good stuff}</div>
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What I love about Molloy, is that Julia provides help and advice to all different types of clients. From celebrity designers to the one-man/woman show, Julia wants to (and can) help. When I first came across Molloy, I thought that their services would be way beyond our reach, but Julia has put together specific programs in a variety of price points so that everyone who needs help can get it. One of her newest programs is a <a href="https://interior-design-business.com/index.php">VIP Membership</a> where clients pay only $75 a month to have access to their tailored collection of design business documents, methods and procedures, along with training videos and webinars. I think it's a really great way to get started in the right direction & I wanted to let you know about it because I've gotten so many emails asking for business advice & about how to get started in this business. And, if you're not at the point yet where you can do something like the VIP membership, I've found <a href="http://www.molloymanagement.com/blog/">Julia's blog</a> to be insanely inspiring on its own. It's so information-packed that I go back to it whenever I can to try to take things in and get some perspective. <br />
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I'll keep you posted on all of our changes & growing pains around here. My talk with Julia was really helpful last night & I feel so much better with a plan in place. It's tie to refine it and get going. For now, I'm in the process of tailoring our Operations Manual so that when we do bring in our next employee- very soon- he or she will know exactly how we like things around here. <br />
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I have to run but wish me luck today as the<a href="http://www.onekingslane.com/"> One Kings Lane </a>photo shoot started about 5 minutes ago in our living room!! I'll be instagramming like a banshee today!!<br />
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ps- I'll tell you about my Grandma Maestranzi's Secret Sauce another time ;) ;) (The best bolognese EVER.)<br />
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If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, <a href="http://www.thepurestyle.com/index2.php#/contact/">contact me</a> about our design services.</center>
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Also- if you're interested in our new position, please stay tuned while we define the new role & necessary qualifications, and get ready for you. We're not at the point yet where we can receive and look at resumes, but will be sure to announce when we are. Thanks so much!!</center>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-72636619197878769712013-07-10T10:30:00.002-04:002013-07-10T10:30:54.233-04:00A Parsons Chair Facelift<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now that we're mostly finished with construction at our new place, I'm knee-deep in decorating decisions!! Our new house- although still a 70's contemporary- is so different from our last house so much of what we had is either going or being reworked. In our last house, for example, I had lots of chairs, but in our new house, we needed more sofas and now have an excess of chairs. In our new dining room- which is a fairly small room nestled in the middle of the house- I plan on using our old parsons chairs:</div>
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They're from Ballard Designs & I'll be honest, a couple of them are a little creaky but we already own them so I'm working with them. (They are on casters and are super-comfortable and after a long day, I like to eat in the dining room because sitting there just feels so good... and you can sort of roll to where you need to be instead of walking. haha. for real.)</div>
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The chairs are okay but our new house is so laid-back that they just won't work as-is. They're too tailored & "pretty" feeling for what I need now. </div>
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Anyway, I've ordered a soft & nubby stonewashed linen to have new slipcovers made in a style similar to these: </div>
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{Dining room from one of my FAVORITE houses EVERRRR by Kay Douglas in House Beautiful}</div>
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I love how the slips break on the floor slightly and that linen wrinkle is just perfect. I'll be prewashing mine and because the fabric I've selected is stonewashed, it will already feel broken in before we even get started in that department. (Not that we wouldn't get there quickly ;) ;) </div>
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{This isn't the actual fabric but it's a similar-looking one I found <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/83597525/linen-fabric-ivory-tower-belgian-linen">here</a>}</div>
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It will feel so much more relaxed than the box pleats and piping our chairs currently have:</div>
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I'm off for the day but will be back later this week to share behind-the-scenes details on <a href="http://www.purestylehome.blogspot.com/2013/07/were-doing-one-kings-lane-tastemaker.html">our One Kings Lane shoot </a>that's taking place tomorrow & Friday. (I've always wondered how they shoot those white/ backgroundless photos and it looks like we'll be getting a crash course!!)<br />
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If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, <a href="http://www.thepurestyle.com/index2.php#/contact/">contact me</a> about our design services.</center>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-44691492422725689872013-07-08T07:53:00.001-04:002013-07-08T07:53:17.003-04:00We're doing a One Kings Lane Tastemaker Tag Sale!!I'm thrilled to announce that we'll be doing a <a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/invite/LaurenLiess">One Kings Lane</a> Tastemaker Tag Sale the week of August 18th! <a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/invite/LaurenLiess">One Kings Lane</a> is online marketplace that launches daily sales (most lasting only 72 hours) where designer & luxury items are sold at deeply discounted prices (up to 70%!!) To shop, you actually have to sign up and become a member. In doing my own house (and clients' homes) I've found some amazing deals on really unique things that I couldn't have found elsewhere. Their Tastemaker Tag Sales consist of selling designers' personal collections of furniture, art, acessories, etc. for the 72 hour period. Like many designers, I have amassed a collection of things that I love and need to part with. Whenever I come across something I love for a great price, I buy it. Many of the things I buy get placed in clients homes, are used for photoshoots, in my own home, or in showhouses...<br />
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But nevertheless, with our recent move, it's time to have a bit of a moving sale & say goodbye to some of my loves. (And I'm parting with many of them at rock bottom prices to make room in our storage unit. ;) In the room above from the DC Design house, we're selling two of my Madhatter Chairs (I designed these wing chairs from an old Victorian chair I found and changed the lines of... I'm also parting with the antique model chair itself) which both have a Jasper floral on their backs (Retails at over $200/ yard) ... pillows, curtains, accessories, and the gorgeous vintage Moroccan lantern that hangs in front of the window. <br />
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I have photoshoot props, like these amber glasses...<br />
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...and these massive glass vessels...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCeeUvjv_reAX_U3t2KjAv1kS_3dVyn2QGdYaS9Z9a7tgtYfFf5xvEKs-9nEv2rv5aA8rmejAMlJnn8i1i4UOTjknSPdZtrjXGK9WNbu1cXPsVVk8BVVf-H15zGZUmQiDjaU2GRQQtnSk/s1600/11005LL_244_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCeeUvjv_reAX_U3t2KjAv1kS_3dVyn2QGdYaS9Z9a7tgtYfFf5xvEKs-9nEv2rv5aA8rmejAMlJnn8i1i4UOTjknSPdZtrjXGK9WNbu1cXPsVVk8BVVf-H15zGZUmQiDjaU2GRQQtnSk/s640/11005LL_244_web.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Much of what we're parting with used to live with us in our last home...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnig6nCALUAfhfcsfRI3FbPBLeyk-LWW9vik9WnlrEUjGMjB7K2xlXrOtlcbdn-znMONGw8q_vK_bihPtIt0iPtnoZqvAeyO52bTCgzBWtPyvt3hIeA9s9a6Wm05ScNwIUrJGdaFSO9Y/s1600/Norman_12004LL_023_Master_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnig6nCALUAfhfcsfRI3FbPBLeyk-LWW9vik9WnlrEUjGMjB7K2xlXrOtlcbdn-znMONGw8q_vK_bihPtIt0iPtnoZqvAeyO52bTCgzBWtPyvt3hIeA9s9a6Wm05ScNwIUrJGdaFSO9Y/s640/Norman_12004LL_023_Master_web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Remember the Albrecht Durer wall mural we hung in our dining room? (below)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QZkFqhL4-c61ZJq_Ll50-IG4L68L72OW8IeeETh6T8pNGMX8cgqccGDkr4UOGTYWbS2pumGo73taLj7UQeRjd2S5nxA2RidhmiSOKWfmKJfF-0nHV_Jf9ZysuUEqdDqrqUz_DnSPOcg/s1600/Norman_10028LL_Lauren+Leiss_035._master_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QZkFqhL4-c61ZJq_Ll50-IG4L68L72OW8IeeETh6T8pNGMX8cgqccGDkr4UOGTYWbS2pumGo73taLj7UQeRjd2S5nxA2RidhmiSOKWfmKJfF-0nHV_Jf9ZysuUEqdDqrqUz_DnSPOcg/s640/Norman_10028LL_Lauren+Leiss_035._master_web.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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We carefully removed it & attached it to fresh wax paper before moving, hoping we could find a spot for it in our new home, but we don't have the room. I get emails about this piece at least monthly so I'm hoping it will find a good home with one of you. </div>
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We're also parting with my comfy living room chairs, whose fabric I had upholstered on the reverse for a soft, relaxed feel:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20ISazZ410qhxQBwHgRp-yPEfDaVYDpxriq5UH8aqwFROmRSPVuCWI-ckgsXItc0jsvX_xSkOge-paU5fqURWQUXxplfO2Om0VDaXGPeYNziq4PxwrrJy9lwh-eMhqyI6gxMRyDaTQIg/s1600/Norman_10028LL_Lauren+Leiss_023_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20ISazZ410qhxQBwHgRp-yPEfDaVYDpxriq5UH8aqwFROmRSPVuCWI-ckgsXItc0jsvX_xSkOge-paU5fqURWQUXxplfO2Om0VDaXGPeYNziq4PxwrrJy9lwh-eMhqyI6gxMRyDaTQIg/s640/Norman_10028LL_Lauren+Leiss_023_web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm also saying goodbye to the antique gilded chair with the bird's feet (on the left of the pic above) upholstered in green velvet along with many of our accessories and art work. It's bittersweet. </div>
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I have lots of botanicals...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPt-1wiOBi8uUmrGQG58UYkQ3B-br1JWxrorlAoSbZdAhxcWopZ7uXyVvQb9lXIDy8l2n_4V9kG0JM6yHLWUm1CR4ZYsng4ODO7B12bkxDoFRaUhrsYyKJhHdQ491F4oBUa0YCyMg7nGI/s1600/Norman_10028LL_Lauren+Leiss_029_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPt-1wiOBi8uUmrGQG58UYkQ3B-br1JWxrorlAoSbZdAhxcWopZ7uXyVvQb9lXIDy8l2n_4V9kG0JM6yHLWUm1CR4ZYsng4ODO7B12bkxDoFRaUhrsYyKJhHdQ491F4oBUa0YCyMg7nGI/s640/Norman_10028LL_Lauren+Leiss_029_web.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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{Crystal chandelier too!}</div>
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...furniture....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4svY43udIm12lOHv7KsFjveCRW0MIIVc-JArELkWEQJ0jIlwxHd8OYfHT52YGK3HNxghSJxeNTLgv2LQkgrwENi8j7urubiW2hia55avtouk1gIvhKYZGRcM_BWF7U-g87c_AZDWQpjw/s1600/Norman_10028LL_Lauren+Leiss_054a_master_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4svY43udIm12lOHv7KsFjveCRW0MIIVc-JArELkWEQJ0jIlwxHd8OYfHT52YGK3HNxghSJxeNTLgv2LQkgrwENi8j7urubiW2hia55avtouk1gIvhKYZGRcM_BWF7U-g87c_AZDWQpjw/s640/Norman_10028LL_Lauren+Leiss_054a_master_web.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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...mirrors...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHWU4FzxIOeOg4zmWxiSRJlbvy8eyuoUU5787UEOfxCxy6tst1Ypmzzv7YWa1-h7Zl2f-r947VbVmYJTCIbai5e6G-5r7egB65a7WBopEThgxwTgPnOcpSn2fHLQC-BxCTKv3FtCer6Q/s1600/Norman_10028LL_Lauren+Leiss_053_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHWU4FzxIOeOg4zmWxiSRJlbvy8eyuoUU5787UEOfxCxy6tst1Ypmzzv7YWa1-h7Zl2f-r947VbVmYJTCIbai5e6G-5r7egB65a7WBopEThgxwTgPnOcpSn2fHLQC-BxCTKv3FtCer6Q/s640/Norman_10028LL_Lauren+Leiss_053_web.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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{okay I'll be honest, this one's still a 'maybe'... I'm looking for a place for it ;) ;) The gorgeous pillow on the bed is for sale. It's practically brand-new as I pretty much only ended up using it for photos because I was afraid the babies would ruin it. I "stored" it for when they were older, but we keep having more babies haha)</div>
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Our beloved vintage kitchen table and chalkboard will be included in the sale...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLrTu_7HKiufIwDOrjZ6R1K7IQY3GmpgUM8bEwgYD4JYmDuUzbhEiulrs-1I_3EhRZWZ4gNoQ-nGtAQlGXiqAmZopRzNbYv0tNZBMsaHzny5Ur732xb1g5b9atnbGXLf28NCoJQzawL0/s1600/Norman_10028LL_Lauren+Leiss_067_master_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLrTu_7HKiufIwDOrjZ6R1K7IQY3GmpgUM8bEwgYD4JYmDuUzbhEiulrs-1I_3EhRZWZ4gNoQ-nGtAQlGXiqAmZopRzNbYv0tNZBMsaHzny5Ur732xb1g5b9atnbGXLf28NCoJQzawL0/s640/Norman_10028LL_Lauren+Leiss_067_master_web.jpg" width="472" /></a></div>
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...Along with the white ware & ironstone that I don't have room for...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPI5Zug8asBHWBvorSvLMp2bJpY6hGpGIRNJi0-axWdKgL43qa5lhIebIwpmuuaDmLcCiI1Qa3iGrO_9MLECqkp37Iq4PmnV3W0j2TcbaUkp8kis7ZrT5qzwXrWPBWWA81vlIUjD1P-M/s1600/Norman_10028LL_Lauren+Leiss_065_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPI5Zug8asBHWBvorSvLMp2bJpY6hGpGIRNJi0-axWdKgL43qa5lhIebIwpmuuaDmLcCiI1Qa3iGrO_9MLECqkp37Iq4PmnV3W0j2TcbaUkp8kis7ZrT5qzwXrWPBWWA81vlIUjD1P-M/s640/Norman_10028LL_Lauren+Leiss_065_web.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xVrdhA5h8XHiwHoEu2Ok_9ETdRGhwgfdd4h6xKgdzWrhRl7yGiDdMSfRdpPqfUHHdE4fPLTbJj_MQEUDrloZAWOhZxs3vkqI9UZgdxXbffg-kQucLMi4Nj7up8yRzU0gpk_k-Lw7YPc/s1600/diananewhouse+092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xVrdhA5h8XHiwHoEu2Ok_9ETdRGhwgfdd4h6xKgdzWrhRl7yGiDdMSfRdpPqfUHHdE4fPLTbJj_MQEUDrloZAWOhZxs3vkqI9UZgdxXbffg-kQucLMi4Nj7up8yRzU0gpk_k-Lw7YPc/s640/diananewhouse+092.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I have tables, birds, urns and lamps...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkE8efre5NmfrLT_mv6TYbQ88S5PKovmOrEzwmAUSFaRu68RPyYracAPYTx2R_T9thegf4wggYZMU0gymtFKE_cKo8D6Je-mlh1tDw7BdzMzBaeOWz-Qj5Kq78xMR0BknJ8u55zGMtCA/s1600/Norman_10028LL_Lauren+Leiss_032_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkE8efre5NmfrLT_mv6TYbQ88S5PKovmOrEzwmAUSFaRu68RPyYracAPYTx2R_T9thegf4wggYZMU0gymtFKE_cKo8D6Je-mlh1tDw7BdzMzBaeOWz-Qj5Kq78xMR0BknJ8u55zGMtCA/s640/Norman_10028LL_Lauren+Leiss_032_web.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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...And of course, more botanicals...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EC0yQXFpsDACkxIYQ7MOKyWJ5AI7DPZSihFiD1vk27e7QP3Rj6ikzQ1J9k9GuHwuG57VMb9kP6HKSWiyP6nAB4BHcKm5O1nSxhY8xdV4oi22xkbQPxDikyX7rSYO8ztX02ub38TYx6Y/s1600/liess+boys.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EC0yQXFpsDACkxIYQ7MOKyWJ5AI7DPZSihFiD1vk27e7QP3Rj6ikzQ1J9k9GuHwuG57VMb9kP6HKSWiyP6nAB4BHcKm5O1nSxhY8xdV4oi22xkbQPxDikyX7rSYO8ztX02ub38TYx6Y/s640/liess+boys.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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This week, we're busy having pillows sewn in my fabrics too!!! :) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8-Gsw6tV_ailWTZ-GxHjoIq2y5CewfeBOHwVanfeHYY-mrElIxKvBBCaoXHVOrkEOaXJEocE0ElT0wzZGN9qennnbsWQ8-I8LhLmNo9HHHqKbt9jc5j3E5cQ9R_J6I2-OcFVc3camzk/s1600/Norman_12004LL_012_Master_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8-Gsw6tV_ailWTZ-GxHjoIq2y5CewfeBOHwVanfeHYY-mrElIxKvBBCaoXHVOrkEOaXJEocE0ElT0wzZGN9qennnbsWQ8-I8LhLmNo9HHHqKbt9jc5j3E5cQ9R_J6I2-OcFVc3camzk/s640/Norman_12004LL_012_Master_web.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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One Kings Lane is sending a photographer to our house to shoot everything this Thursday and Friday so we are up to our eyeballs in moving furniture and cleaning, polishing & shining everything for its close-up!! I'm honestly not sure how we're going to get everything done in time, but I know somehow we will. Please send good thoughts our way; I'm pretty close to being overwhelmed right now. <br />
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One last thing I want to mention: If you refer a friend to One Kings Lane, you get a $15 credit towards your next purchase and they get a $15 credit towards that same purchase. (!!!) If you follow<a href="https://www.onekingslane.com/invite/LaurenLiess"> this link</a> and join One Kings Lane, and eventually make a purchase, would both get credits towards our next OKL purchases. (!! SO sign up so I can<strike> feed my addiction </strike>shop!! ;) Referring friends will do the same for you once you sign up. (And I should mention that you can adjust privacy settings so you're only being emailed when you want to be. I have a MAJOR email problem with over 100 emails coming in a day, and One Kings Lane is not one of them. I resisted joining for so long because of my email overload fear but now see it wasn't an issue.)<br />
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I'll keep you posted and will be sure to share a behind-the-scenes peek at the photoshoot this week. I'm actually off right now to another photoshoot at our clients' home!! Have a good one.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMFJc-DnxrBMLY2xDK1SvX6egv5tiGN9vyFglU1jxzRslEqnW1pS7shpmN5CyUDMxOshQCgg8dgqvfJPO5h9uQ1BnF6WztntBBL6szqqF2wjsb3t7cvHcperdFYnD37uTXKxPNHsS-LjU/s1600/sig2.png" /> </center>
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Ps- If there's anything you see in the pics that I didn't mention that you're interested in, please let me know. Thanks!!<br /><br />
If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, <a href="http://www.thepurestyle.com/index2.php#/contact/">contact me</a> about our design services.</center>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-89151453200677400322013-06-30T18:00:00.003-04:002013-06-30T18:04:36.580-04:00The White Box Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A month or so ago, one of my super sweet & talented blog friends ("blog friend" is going to be added to the dictionary soon, I'm sure of it ;) Bryn of Bryn Alexandra of the popular blog <a href="http://brynalexandra.blogspot.com/">Bryn Alexandra Interiors</a> invited me, along with a few other bloggers, to participate in her <a href="http://www.joyandrevelry.com/collections/store-bryn-alexandra?t_invite=purestylehome">joy + revelry </a>"white box challenge." The idea was that we would all receive a surprise gift in the mail (who doesn't want that?!!) to style in our own way for photos we'd share on our blogs. Even though we'd all be receiving the same gift, it would be fun to see how differently we all used it. Our readers would then receive a 10% off coupon code to be used towards any purchases. Joy + Revelry is a new online store where bloggers have set up "shops" selling carefully curated items in their shops.<br />
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Anyway, when my white box challenge gift arrived in the mail, I was surprised to see that it was actually a <i>white box</i>. Too funny.<br />
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I'm using mine on the nightstand to as a little corral for my jewely & the hair bands that seem to accumulate there:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqiOV-2t_QP63u8GGx2fESTYDbUVXCYJQicocimlHc_aEEibt37PuncODZsZXUS9Kk31D8CwJ6tCUgm-p99POK9NT0hSn6TZVm-RnuTt9ONIe5XDy-H6Zuh19V7uJ4KhYF0q7HX3UpQ1E/s1466/photo+(40).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqiOV-2t_QP63u8GGx2fESTYDbUVXCYJQicocimlHc_aEEibt37PuncODZsZXUS9Kk31D8CwJ6tCUgm-p99POK9NT0hSn6TZVm-RnuTt9ONIe5XDy-H6Zuh19V7uJ4KhYF0q7HX3UpQ1E/s640/photo+(40).JPG" width="534" /></a></div>
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The white box's beautiful lucite lid keeps me from hoarding because I want to be able to clearly see what's inside: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8LvvGqym_7ReRLwlRfiZ1NaBJmcM2wlNrYwFms8M9JdZItqXRxhYtydiuJ64SRIZ16FakEj8vAcDxojgqlDDc-lID3qvqSfzJLiDi-CToea0-Pkx2XCgd4Weui3BEuyVM2YZVPc12NqU/s1506/photo+(42).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8LvvGqym_7ReRLwlRfiZ1NaBJmcM2wlNrYwFms8M9JdZItqXRxhYtydiuJ64SRIZ16FakEj8vAcDxojgqlDDc-lID3qvqSfzJLiDi-CToea0-Pkx2XCgd4Weui3BEuyVM2YZVPc12NqU/s640/photo+(42).JPG" width="520" /></a></div>
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It's the perfect little modern touch for the rustic dresser we have beside our bed:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHCyNLWNHGTJgAel-0yhYsCUJUKaoQ4BAo8eTBJUp1aRGnf6UQnT66gs_iTvHJTbhpELmjazQeNMXJ6igNWRdAbLRaX2qwwmBmD2G63RPT0YNbDLqnNR3nN1hfWn4tVY_1yrobHrO0I4/s1502/photo+(41).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHCyNLWNHGTJgAel-0yhYsCUJUKaoQ4BAo8eTBJUp1aRGnf6UQnT66gs_iTvHJTbhpELmjazQeNMXJ6igNWRdAbLRaX2qwwmBmD2G63RPT0YNbDLqnNR3nN1hfWn4tVY_1yrobHrO0I4/s640/photo+(41).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And, since I'm the procrastinating blogger, I'm also the last one to post, so I thought it would be fun to share snippets of the other bloggers' white box challenges with you. (And I didn't peek at these until I was all done, promise!) <br />
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I love what Stephanie of <a href="http://www.brooklynlimestone.com/2013/06/white-box-challenge.html">A Brooklyn Limestone did</a>. It's the perfect place for the remotes!!! (I may have to change uses now ;) ;)...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZQzFpwDq0iHFN_qQYlcno27fCKoqVAOt1JO3nA2zxks3rK_hbqlPz201seQvE2dx8qM26ZcxByCuxH7Wi-BwwGWFx3fpJXyoCPIdl1ce57nl12LW2975TuvXxbRjqe7u8nUZctxXgFY/s640/whiteboxbrooklyn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZQzFpwDq0iHFN_qQYlcno27fCKoqVAOt1JO3nA2zxks3rK_hbqlPz201seQvE2dx8qM26ZcxByCuxH7Wi-BwwGWFx3fpJXyoCPIdl1ce57nl12LW2975TuvXxbRjqe7u8nUZctxXgFY/s400/whiteboxbrooklyn.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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{To view Stephanie's full post, click <a href="http://www.brooklynlimestone.com/2013/06/white-box-challenge.html">here</a>}</div>
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I also like Chassity of <a href="http://looklingerlove.blogspot.com/2013/06/white-box-challenge-joy-revelry.html">Look Linger & Love's </a>white box photos. I <i>love </i>how she's hung her art over the bookshelves with library lights!!! So pretty & fresh:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4F-aRL3dQicreU8tWekwEkBeiDvVwJKd9Vu3eVLiDW3pNdqRVyMBJoa2ywtFSP6u-nJ_-pGv9554r67yMwwsFZOO3fdVi50CjI2pc3X0L4PcIqkRxAH72zRBcu8SVgtUE-lNfG8FY3Vw/s640/whiteboxlooklinger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4F-aRL3dQicreU8tWekwEkBeiDvVwJKd9Vu3eVLiDW3pNdqRVyMBJoa2ywtFSP6u-nJ_-pGv9554r67yMwwsFZOO3fdVi50CjI2pc3X0L4PcIqkRxAH72zRBcu8SVgtUE-lNfG8FY3Vw/s400/whiteboxlooklinger.jpg" width="327" /></a></div>
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{To view Chassity's full post, click<a href="http://looklingerlove.blogspot.com/2013/06/white-box-challenge-joy-revelry.html"> here</a>}</div>
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Anyway, I hope you enjoyed our different takes on the same little white box.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRvQnJnRUNWtQPTXVadLE4mDKN_r8RmFOi1_aOL9ZdbXyL7qURPkXE7_eJfwqbDDDaY98cIQhfVQqPg4y99mDvO7udEq1FN09HuXxgGPmV-5Yqmx5QpsjPqNxuIgBhX2hL4esyy5sslM/s1466/photo+%252840%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRvQnJnRUNWtQPTXVadLE4mDKN_r8RmFOi1_aOL9ZdbXyL7qURPkXE7_eJfwqbDDDaY98cIQhfVQqPg4y99mDvO7udEq1FN09HuXxgGPmV-5Yqmx5QpsjPqNxuIgBhX2hL4esyy5sslM/s640/photo+%252840%2529.JPG" width="534" /></a></div>
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What would you do with yours?</div>
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To check out Bryn's shop, click<a href="http://www.joyandrevelry.com/collections/store-bryn-alexandra?t_invite=purestylehome"> here</a>. She has some really great things you'll love!!! To see out the actual white box, click<a href="http://www.joyandrevelry.com/products/avalon-box?t_invite=purestylehome"> here.</a> Thank you so much to Bryn for including me & congratulations on the new endeavor at joy =+ revelry!!! And don't forget to use the coupon code for 10% off: <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Lucida Console', Courier, 'Courier New'; font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: #274e13;">BRYN_WHITEBOX_10</span></span><br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMFJc-DnxrBMLY2xDK1SvX6egv5tiGN9vyFglU1jxzRslEqnW1pS7shpmN5CyUDMxOshQCgg8dgqvfJPO5h9uQ1BnF6WztntBBL6szqqF2wjsb3t7cvHcperdFYnD37uTXKxPNHsS-LjU/s1600/sig2.png" />
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If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, <a href="http://www.thepurestyle.com/index2.php#/contact/">contact me</a> about our design services.</center>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-82034178863036320252013-06-28T08:30:00.004-04:002013-06-28T08:30:37.023-04:00Pretty Little Friday So... you remember my client who loves bright & bold color, right? Well, we installed her new dressing room yesterday and I just had to share a pic I snapped of her incredible shoe collection. If you follow me on instagram, you've probably already seen my pics, but for those who don't, here it is:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSvSIhRaGLIM_qJTeuYIXRziLIsbqLQi525i-zlFywcTHWy0oGUs4HUqcCWlpFBWXyo6JptxYIh355z2TZIIGrSk3_JPH1C-FsU_SdyDpPfRwoJ7BdEGykSPlDBPVcPDE9dzfZ3QwFNc/s612/shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSvSIhRaGLIM_qJTeuYIXRziLIsbqLQi525i-zlFywcTHWy0oGUs4HUqcCWlpFBWXyo6JptxYIh355z2TZIIGrSk3_JPH1C-FsU_SdyDpPfRwoJ7BdEGykSPlDBPVcPDE9dzfZ3QwFNc/s640/shoes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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With the way the room is set up, the shoes now feel like art. They sparkle from across the room and you immediately want to walk over there and start touching them. (Especially me!! We wear the same size!!!) And when I say "shoes" these are not just shoes... These are <i>shoes. </i><br />
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I fell in love with a few pairs (leopard @ bottom left and black lace heels two over from those) but was blown away by a pair of pail pink feathered stilettos (middle right) and I think the feathers would look like pretty little flames going up your ankles. (In my daydream of wearing them, I'm also capable of walking in them ;)<br />
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I didn't even get the boot rows in this picture, which rival the heels in "Oh my, I want these"-ness. <br />
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We're now waiting on this beautiful Cole & Son wallpaper to arrive for the walls...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXrrB1M5rEKEyQdI3M-W1O1Rn-HAJBjJakQ1W5GWtzIyEaD9UPpest00Cohu-cfmjIkFS7qerOFxvh8nwGXC7JH_5e3We-alCKRtrYI7pFIgL6jAw7lZXYC5aDeBuxaYQ029202gJf30/s1000/paper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXrrB1M5rEKEyQdI3M-W1O1Rn-HAJBjJakQ1W5GWtzIyEaD9UPpest00Cohu-cfmjIkFS7qerOFxvh8nwGXC7JH_5e3We-alCKRtrYI7pFIgL6jAw7lZXYC5aDeBuxaYQ029202gJf30/s640/paper.jpg" width="576" /></a></div>
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... and I cannot wait!! I'm off for the day but thank you so much to my sweet client for letting me help put together her dream dressing room. It's been so much fun!!! <br />
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Which pair of shoes is your favorite?<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMFJc-DnxrBMLY2xDK1SvX6egv5tiGN9vyFglU1jxzRslEqnW1pS7shpmN5CyUDMxOshQCgg8dgqvfJPO5h9uQ1BnF6WztntBBL6szqqF2wjsb3t7cvHcperdFYnD37uTXKxPNHsS-LjU/s1600/sig2.png" /><br />
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If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, <a href="http://www.thepurestyle.com/index2.php#/contact/">contact me</a> about our design services.</center>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-3987546755708472062013-06-26T08:59:00.000-04:002013-06-26T08:59:50.387-04:00Clients' Master Bath Before & After<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In the clients' <a href="http://www.purestylehome.blogspot.com/2013/06/our-clients-home-before-after.html">home I shared with you last week</a>, I also mentioned that we did their master bathroom. I took some photos of it to show you the "before & after" of the construction. We're in the process of adding towels & accessories & things to the walls so I'll be sure to share when it's truly finished. The original bathroom was large but my clients weren't loving its functionality (or lack or it) or the materials. Here's what it looked like before: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinLjTr6jifOzvQmDEVQrda-xsnMaeybKKBfP63xEhcAB0bpIAqawbejmL0QrJTVLDnRwQvvnEK7Y9rree4bq1UA_34PVWhbn93WncqHbVYh6hLWb3GYsy8dbPdxx5Oy8HRvwuG2h-wTg/s1600/PHONE+PICS+138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinLjTr6jifOzvQmDEVQrda-xsnMaeybKKBfP63xEhcAB0bpIAqawbejmL0QrJTVLDnRwQvvnEK7Y9rree4bq1UA_34PVWhbn93WncqHbVYh6hLWb3GYsy8dbPdxx5Oy8HRvwuG2h-wTg/s320/PHONE+PICS+138.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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{The tub butted up to the side of the shower, which had a glass surround with a thick chrome frame.}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMsUPBMxbv_cevNEHEZ7r6ut3mJ5ZIvLbcoMjSMw47hluaUDiOGRJkiXkyPcLnpCFGqunand3OKNdUPM8Nv1nqUAWmDjtMZIMuFUJoq2L8CX5p5hBhrcBLgQ9Ud2Bojp0SIOljDg79BA/s1600/PHONE+PICS+137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMsUPBMxbv_cevNEHEZ7r6ut3mJ5ZIvLbcoMjSMw47hluaUDiOGRJkiXkyPcLnpCFGqunand3OKNdUPM8Nv1nqUAWmDjtMZIMuFUJoq2L8CX5p5hBhrcBLgQ9Ud2Bojp0SIOljDg79BA/s320/PHONE+PICS+137.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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{My clients didn't need a sitting vanity area but preferred his and hers sinks. We also saw that there was a big chunk of wasted space in the corner between the counter tops. My favorite thing about the original bathroom was that the toilet was in its own room & we kept it that way.}</div>
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We decided upon a palette of pale blues & creams and worked with our friend Mike Carr of <a href="http://www.carrmichaelconstruction.com/">CarrMichael Construction</a> to design the new cabinetry & layout. We settled on timeless fixtures and I was thrilled when our clients said "yes" to painted shiplap walls.</div>
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Anyway, here's the bathroom now:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9POMBJmilEIxVDTHk7FxX8qqzgRGRXl7SCt61ihyphenhyphen1WV_ozYdGtasH77FtiQyHpIvWtlNcrmnFMi6545RBdZZWJmh3beVOwrm7Sp84gx3yPQbIPAl63zGi54RC7slnq5sEvjVnf21lcA/s1600/IMG_4101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9POMBJmilEIxVDTHk7FxX8qqzgRGRXl7SCt61ihyphenhyphen1WV_ozYdGtasH77FtiQyHpIvWtlNcrmnFMi6545RBdZZWJmh3beVOwrm7Sp84gx3yPQbIPAl63zGi54RC7slnq5sEvjVnf21lcA/s640/IMG_4101.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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The shiplap walls add so much warmth and texture to the bathroom. It feels so much more substantial now and has that slight coastal eel that my clients love. We had them painted the same color as the ceiling. The pale blue floors are made up of 4x4 tiles which we had laid in a brick pattern. </div>
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I'm a tad obsessed with their new soaking tub:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hzzYXhrVeVVsBHFU_G4uPM7XFAf4eWHxkSdbaXGBDw6eAIsSA4GvbPd94x2_DluQ6dfNFcYm6T0ymRl8U80J9IyqMwx1YNwU0OaTgoIA5Zvr1PHkn49naUVhbWftZj-DUQ2n1nuxXpg/s1600/IMG_4096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hzzYXhrVeVVsBHFU_G4uPM7XFAf4eWHxkSdbaXGBDw6eAIsSA4GvbPd94x2_DluQ6dfNFcYm6T0ymRl8U80J9IyqMwx1YNwU0OaTgoIA5Zvr1PHkn49naUVhbWftZj-DUQ2n1nuxXpg/s640/IMG_4096.JPG" width="470" /></a></div>
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The polished nickel hardware is just so substantial and pretty in 'real life.' (I took this photo before we hung the natural woven shades, which add a warm wood element to the room I love... and more importantly, privacy ;) ;) </div>
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The shower surround is now a frameless glass one (our clients selected clear glass) so it takes up so much less visual space in the room. It was tough to get a good photo:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkHck-ufQEu0FV0wZU3c-tCOEQb1BzCvD_Uq1wkaIcDKa_T-3TOF26U7FJZS2xz3no-e_8tBxdkmIAAcheRiac5UXUh4fDNDbyXG5v2XJNgyzoDQAdl_Hzt68Ojz7G-KNpjxLKWy0GYE/s1600/IMG_4097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkHck-ufQEu0FV0wZU3c-tCOEQb1BzCvD_Uq1wkaIcDKa_T-3TOF26U7FJZS2xz3no-e_8tBxdkmIAAcheRiac5UXUh4fDNDbyXG5v2XJNgyzoDQAdl_Hzt68Ojz7G-KNpjxLKWy0GYE/s640/IMG_4097.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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When I'd originally presented this design, we were planning in having a percentage of cream 4x4s mixed in with the pale blue ones. I'd done something similar before & had loved it but when the tiles arrived and were laid out in the bathroom for approval, it just wasn't right because there was too much contrast between the creams & blues. It looked a crazy person had designed it!! (Which I guess is true ;) ;) We quickly ordered more blue tiles & of course the project was held up slightly because of it. I felt really terrible but my clients were very understanding.</div>
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For metals, we used a combination of polished nickel & antiqued silver. I like to mix metals so that rooms have a bit more interest & are a bit more relaxed feeling. I think rooms with mixed metals just look a bit more effortless & stylish than ones where everything matches perfectly. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29z3XTncrXI6Sgn19HJGmfrpHqRes-GxMUc79NeM7ddALv3pNBeUQLj_EOGmGeXidNdBldIF3B081z0OBb6ugCJ3p4gBvgsMTNZFX6crRkO6MoCMMvn153esMQO_pDcdgRhQBpzYiTaU/s1600/IMG_4100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29z3XTncrXI6Sgn19HJGmfrpHqRes-GxMUc79NeM7ddALv3pNBeUQLj_EOGmGeXidNdBldIF3B081z0OBb6ugCJ3p4gBvgsMTNZFX6crRkO6MoCMMvn153esMQO_pDcdgRhQBpzYiTaU/s640/IMG_4100.JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
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I'm in the process of scheduling photographer (and good friend!!) Helen Norman to come & photograph my clients' home because she will do it so much more justice than I did!! :) As soon as I have those pics, I'll be sure to share them so you can see the difference. But I hope you enjoyed what you did see!! Have a great day & stay cool. (AC broken here = really fun!! ... But honestly makes me feel very fortunate for being able to have AC.)</div>
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To view the rest of my clients' home, go<a href="http://www.purestylehome.blogspot.com/2013/06/our-clients-home-before-after.html"> here</a>. </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMFJc-DnxrBMLY2xDK1SvX6egv5tiGN9vyFglU1jxzRslEqnW1pS7shpmN5CyUDMxOshQCgg8dgqvfJPO5h9uQ1BnF6WztntBBL6szqqF2wjsb3t7cvHcperdFYnD37uTXKxPNHsS-LjU/s1600/sig2.png" />
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If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, <a href="http://www.thepurestyle.com/index2.php#/contact/">contact me</a> about our design services.</center>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-89184554620989752622013-06-24T09:59:00.002-04:002013-06-24T09:59:41.505-04:00We're Really Moving In!!!My eyes will barely open right now (honestly, the left one's kind of twitchy this morning too!) but I am SO HAPPY because this weekend we got to truly unpack and move into our house!!! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyue3F62GEa0hIW23142iWhkKFun_QpOhpnT4rA8fz_m5bJWtJxWDgfyOo2_rNHU_PnB7Rpsx6VcF1dJapjy2lPSM1zI6B8YJWn-2kJAzVI2wxnQgdOt2xXKY5pAqVHw_djVJ7uKd2iJM/s1600/photo+(37).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyue3F62GEa0hIW23142iWhkKFun_QpOhpnT4rA8fz_m5bJWtJxWDgfyOo2_rNHU_PnB7Rpsx6VcF1dJapjy2lPSM1zI6B8YJWn-2kJAzVI2wxnQgdOt2xXKY5pAqVHw_djVJ7uKd2iJM/s640/photo+(37).JPG" width="506" /></a></div>
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{A pic of a part of the boys' section in the new library... I doubt it will stay looking like this for long although right now I've been a bit of a psycho about it: "Ok, Christian, you've finished with a little golden book. See the books with the golden spines? They all go here." Poor child. }</div>
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The guys finished our bookcases in the upstairs loft this Saturday and we stayed up all night to unload all of our books. (The shelves are packed but for the most part, everything fits with a little bit of room to grow our library.) Buried in our garage amongst the books were the boys toys, things for our kitchen, clothes and tons of other random things we'd been missing. Here's the fallout:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggp-TVzIAwZ3ozmvoiI0HxRCGoy4sBUct17uVlFXgeDuiSTZg5gXl3r_ZP4EQnw4F6oenOUY44SeN074uZMQFBcAEY6aj3QFkT_JUfso993G-pZHuCfmLaaq5G8tQfcar5lzVXpINT9J4/s1600/photo+(35).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggp-TVzIAwZ3ozmvoiI0HxRCGoy4sBUct17uVlFXgeDuiSTZg5gXl3r_ZP4EQnw4F6oenOUY44SeN074uZMQFBcAEY6aj3QFkT_JUfso993G-pZHuCfmLaaq5G8tQfcar5lzVXpINT9J4/s640/photo+(35).JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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{Don't worry Mom, it's not going to the landfill}</div>
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Our books have never been so organized (My husband- a former English teacher- broke our books down into American lit, English lit, world, etc. and I had fun taking stock of all of my herb books, junky fiction and and design books. The boys have their own - super-accessible- section and even Louie has baskets for his board books at the very bottom. I had a little room to fit in some of my favorite natural things that we've collected over the years like a huge crystal geode we found at my favorite antique store, shells & coral we've collected on vacations, feathers, cool pieces of wood, etc. Everything is right where we need it and it feels<i> so</i> good!!!)</div>
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We're at the point now where we're emptying out the garage and will be pulling the car in today!!! ... And I'm staring at an island full of random stuff that I don't know what to do with but that I'm not sure I can get rid of. That last pile takes the longest but I'm leaning towards getting rid of most of it just so we can breath again. </div>
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This is so freeing.</div>
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Have a great Monday & I'll be back with more pics!</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMFJc-DnxrBMLY2xDK1SvX6egv5tiGN9vyFglU1jxzRslEqnW1pS7shpmN5CyUDMxOshQCgg8dgqvfJPO5h9uQ1BnF6WztntBBL6szqqF2wjsb3t7cvHcperdFYnD37uTXKxPNHsS-LjU/s1600/sig2.png" />
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If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, <a href="http://www.thepurestyle.com/index2.php#/contact/">contact me</a> about our design services.</center>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-40627605037506905922013-06-20T09:53:00.002-04:002013-06-20T09:53:28.282-04:00Our Clients' Home: Before & AfterThis past winter, we began working with new clients, a retired couple who was in the process of moving and downsizing. They heard about us from their daughter, who read my blog (Thank you soooo much Allison!!) and we started out by visiting their old home to take stock of their furnishings and to help them decide what they should keep and what they should give away. We then visited their new home, which is in the<i> perfect</i> location and still has lots of room for their children and grandchildren to come & visit all the time. Here's a quick tour of the house before my clients moved in:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkDAKYIo2pI876zuAXOgqIugFp9Uiu2mjXTDKTHvVyhKLCdTOXDlFaVklw-OShcK7QmrRXyhLbgWodOSbJDGexfrAV6MGPUwNQSPhrlpera1vnfS6zGOU2ozea1dMjEMXFlzO9Jj8rvs/s1600/PHONE+PICS+154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkDAKYIo2pI876zuAXOgqIugFp9Uiu2mjXTDKTHvVyhKLCdTOXDlFaVklw-OShcK7QmrRXyhLbgWodOSbJDGexfrAV6MGPUwNQSPhrlpera1vnfS6zGOU2ozea1dMjEMXFlzO9Jj8rvs/s320/PHONE+PICS+154.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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{The Living Room, which is in the front of the house}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsw0vZPxeJJYucjBAWLinobQvUUo4rZhGjhzvla0zpG28NuhK7zTsMds9T9N1JE7YjA1sWH6g-glkSIPLyFlYyamv2gfpLSCKqY2RtZZZiohvMglWK0bWJWpN22p5WJnZbv5cugjhyphenhyphenfzU/s1600/PHONE+PICS+150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsw0vZPxeJJYucjBAWLinobQvUUo4rZhGjhzvla0zpG28NuhK7zTsMds9T9N1JE7YjA1sWH6g-glkSIPLyFlYyamv2gfpLSCKqY2RtZZZiohvMglWK0bWJWpN22p5WJnZbv5cugjhyphenhyphenfzU/s320/PHONE+PICS+150.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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{The Dining Room, which is open to the Living Room}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yfsjl0ruElbPmLwcz2diURjwwWWSpjzO-jG_f9gC_Khj_DIm9PRMHYNxkOKf7eQwQObwuvNy4eO5zHHg56xfJcu6YLV8AhNgsgOnLb3CU7vDkY3tvMQRsZxqEgKVdCF_32_JIGAS3zM/s1600/PHONE+PICS+145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yfsjl0ruElbPmLwcz2diURjwwWWSpjzO-jG_f9gC_Khj_DIm9PRMHYNxkOKf7eQwQObwuvNy4eO5zHHg56xfJcu6YLV8AhNgsgOnLb3CU7vDkY3tvMQRsZxqEgKVdCF_32_JIGAS3zM/s320/PHONE+PICS+145.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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{The Kitchen, which is just past the more formal areas - the living & dining rooms- in the back section of the house}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOmCVk-jgTpS9ffzQEBiguVNfIDHTmjiCCxGmYVxI9ECNkibt8O_d-9qfOqaejOOV-WVUWvfKLj_ehWcGiQGMaJFYoVGhPMOpgfXntJrBVwF6QkME-iiBenUuHvLb65dju9QlDcIHJ_-A/s1600/PHONE+PICS+144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOmCVk-jgTpS9ffzQEBiguVNfIDHTmjiCCxGmYVxI9ECNkibt8O_d-9qfOqaejOOV-WVUWvfKLj_ehWcGiQGMaJFYoVGhPMOpgfXntJrBVwF6QkME-iiBenUuHvLb65dju9QlDcIHJ_-A/s320/PHONE+PICS+144.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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{The view of the Hearth Room from the kitchen}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNKL_Nvx2njhp9pKsBvm0jgtchZkKIOdKUGZ8BPYQqbtaikMy0HIOWA0J4GfMwG-rNfncsAGJbLEcPIBLcD8RbdVuQsKuDHA4T8NHWFv2lKfaU4UJLpukmbfl7Ag26Hq4Jsfbnu7nN6k/s1600/PHONE+PICS+137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNKL_Nvx2njhp9pKsBvm0jgtchZkKIOdKUGZ8BPYQqbtaikMy0HIOWA0J4GfMwG-rNfncsAGJbLEcPIBLcD8RbdVuQsKuDHA4T8NHWFv2lKfaU4UJLpukmbfl7Ag26Hq4Jsfbnu7nN6k/s320/PHONE+PICS+137.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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{The Master Bathroom}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigU-V_Q05RNjdPh_tSVHDeCWguBC9kA9_rMfLHs5aqDIBmh2jggufcGwL991y3lY2CXjsINf-feo9OiSC3jVJ2_MjdPqhAY3VKf8edSbr-mCQsFX-FAfJ0MX4FMNZcw47E3kJtu7dnx9M/s1600/PHONE+PICS+138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigU-V_Q05RNjdPh_tSVHDeCWguBC9kA9_rMfLHs5aqDIBmh2jggufcGwL991y3lY2CXjsINf-feo9OiSC3jVJ2_MjdPqhAY3VKf8edSbr-mCQsFX-FAfJ0MX4FMNZcw47E3kJtu7dnx9M/s320/PHONE+PICS+138.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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{The Master Bathroom}</div>
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The house had everything my clients needed, but they were really hoping to make it special. They didn't love the kitchen & master bath and wanted their home a comfortable, fresh, relaxed vibe. Almost everything in the furniture plan was new to my clients, and in the areas we redid, we kept only a few things that were important to them, including their family dining table. They have a beach house and though they didn't really want to go "Coastal" with this house, they wanted their home to have a bit of the relaxed, effortless feel of a beach house without it feeling completely like one. We brought in a few natural coastal things and mixed elements like pinch pleated curtains and wing chairs with sisal, seagrass and slipcovers to get just the right amount of casualness & formality, beach & town. We made sure that there were lots of comfortable places for them to hang, read, eat and entertain family.</div>
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Anyway, I'm sure you're ready for pics.... so here's the living room before:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6tt6wO3Xy3NSGxT8ZXrlzXml1yxmsTTK3loM_b7DjohfT8Eco5GD1fJOMqUFGF9gdHO5ixWlVPpYZzRmzYKGl9e8ASb8cLQ0wOJxAcM7y1MEumjZEfamsYXQU1GFWeZX-Z8WB5v5jUk/s1600/PHONE+PICS+154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6tt6wO3Xy3NSGxT8ZXrlzXml1yxmsTTK3loM_b7DjohfT8Eco5GD1fJOMqUFGF9gdHO5ixWlVPpYZzRmzYKGl9e8ASb8cLQ0wOJxAcM7y1MEumjZEfamsYXQU1GFWeZX-Z8WB5v5jUk/s320/PHONE+PICS+154.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And here it is now:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBLD-LitaWuboLKOUJbSJ14VyAhna7hFBNj9BKfqk9IkmSiVW9yUqwgDfLCjWfJpcAJFMOdFCrSRA__Bya4h4_0aRp05aY4Ayr8BVfPnY1mBcp79nsoOYBIPvkluDXF5uezxqVtkcVvA/s1600/IMG_4149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBLD-LitaWuboLKOUJbSJ14VyAhna7hFBNj9BKfqk9IkmSiVW9yUqwgDfLCjWfJpcAJFMOdFCrSRA__Bya4h4_0aRp05aY4Ayr8BVfPnY1mBcp79nsoOYBIPvkluDXF5uezxqVtkcVvA/s640/IMG_4149.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We layered together natural tones and textures with blue & yellow accents to create a neutral backdrop with bright colors used sparingly. My clients wanted color but we decided it was best to bring in in through the furnishings & fabrics rather than on the walls. (I often do color this way for a light & airy feeling in a home.)</div>
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I was beyond thrilled when my clients gave me the "ok" on the John Robshaw fabric for the sofa's slipcover!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMyHT2iDugh0m9zm9jWkFgpF3i8lGpJwHNsJOkTS4E8cUWjtprVecyGwdOEmAVbG1Y-Y4fG_wgUGpN69DqVbmhQ7mqNo5xUfvAC6PlSQrmfB_f_3fZr070Hm3D3EHqGUNlBl9QWaGkqvI/s1600/IMG_4155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMyHT2iDugh0m9zm9jWkFgpF3i8lGpJwHNsJOkTS4E8cUWjtprVecyGwdOEmAVbG1Y-Y4fG_wgUGpN69DqVbmhQ7mqNo5xUfvAC6PlSQrmfB_f_3fZr070Hm3D3EHqGUNlBl9QWaGkqvI/s640/IMG_4155.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I've dreamed about this sofa I love it so much. It's just got such a relaxed cool look to it. We used my <a href="http://www.purestylehome.co/">"Fern Star"</a> linen in yellow for the curtains (made by <a href="http://www.pauldaviddesign.com/">Paul David Design</a>) and they're so soft & cheerful in there!!</div>
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The dining room is open to the living room and we went with a simple unframed oil painting for the wall:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-evfcxN0cuFEy_f5MgoeEztNfW7NeBAPXTWHfh_YUznvivE4GAekXwJhcOpyWlueZJg5nzTtLyl1JuKpMJCByI5MiRlHMLk7UkBt-u8kjaPsWDfEZThY9A48v02WokrglWxDM5tJkjQ/s1600/IMG_4134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-evfcxN0cuFEy_f5MgoeEztNfW7NeBAPXTWHfh_YUznvivE4GAekXwJhcOpyWlueZJg5nzTtLyl1JuKpMJCByI5MiRlHMLk7UkBt-u8kjaPsWDfEZThY9A48v02WokrglWxDM5tJkjQ/s640/IMG_4134.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We selected glass lamps to flank the sofa so that they would intrude less than typical opaque lamps would have and make the rooms feel more open to each other. We used a small pair of slipper chairs in front of the window so that it would be easy to see past them. Clients often get nervous when we put furniture in front of windows, but even though it worried them a little, our clients trusted us & let the slipper chairs stay in the plan. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0wov13VNG8daVcyewrvvg1_wmD8R675mfdOiRMMQ-GB9IIeSzd6uhdfPkR_lAnAhOMLfbDeEa1cjbt4hOLYe4fyuMpyZU4ICgWNF4r19FJZVSYGwgDMk0oS0hovq-Otuqusox-bXLCE/s1600/IMG_4138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0wov13VNG8daVcyewrvvg1_wmD8R675mfdOiRMMQ-GB9IIeSzd6uhdfPkR_lAnAhOMLfbDeEa1cjbt4hOLYe4fyuMpyZU4ICgWNF4r19FJZVSYGwgDMk0oS0hovq-Otuqusox-bXLCE/s640/IMG_4138.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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As is often the case, not all of the furnishings arrived as planned yesterday (so sad!!) and when the dining room sideboard came in, it has been painted the wrong color so we had to send it back to be exchanged, which is why it looks a little empty... But I think you can still get the idea of where the room's going: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-6lbqRLfrQ2LnjJBs1Gf1UU-0BV1mMfsKsNtF2DboUW935pLV055D0Dlvt4yCOXHGu8DZSexkMJW98vraTywcIkkcehxEsy53vxpNp76aGmxUTuap1vApqhMmSsdQRvWzHuOP9tfOew/s1600/IMG_4141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-6lbqRLfrQ2LnjJBs1Gf1UU-0BV1mMfsKsNtF2DboUW935pLV055D0Dlvt4yCOXHGu8DZSexkMJW98vraTywcIkkcehxEsy53vxpNp76aGmxUTuap1vApqhMmSsdQRvWzHuOP9tfOew/s640/IMG_4141.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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{ignore the tags still attached to the chairs please ;) ;)</div>
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Here's a close-up of my clients' parquet table:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SWi1qlcox8vwBV6A0QsY9Ig72o2qcpjVrxsFgPKKVSVjBQCBrTP3nxx6HwpXQu2_FCwnNd9UQ7vkbyuqLBCQPdneUJDPLPVKJFmhNt1vYN6DGNb9qYkfZg3e2Pu6Wt0yqZKizZGwOOI/s1600/IMG_4143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SWi1qlcox8vwBV6A0QsY9Ig72o2qcpjVrxsFgPKKVSVjBQCBrTP3nxx6HwpXQu2_FCwnNd9UQ7vkbyuqLBCQPdneUJDPLPVKJFmhNt1vYN6DGNb9qYkfZg3e2Pu6Wt0yqZKizZGwOOI/s640/IMG_4143.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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To freshen it up, we mixed it with ticking chairs at the heads of the table and black ladder backs for side chairs.</div>
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Here's the kitchen before my clients moved in...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yfsjl0ruElbPmLwcz2diURjwwWWSpjzO-jG_f9gC_Khj_DIm9PRMHYNxkOKf7eQwQObwuvNy4eO5zHHg56xfJcu6YLV8AhNgsgOnLb3CU7vDkY3tvMQRsZxqEgKVdCF_32_JIGAS3zM/s1600/PHONE+PICS+145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yfsjl0ruElbPmLwcz2diURjwwWWSpjzO-jG_f9gC_Khj_DIm9PRMHYNxkOKf7eQwQObwuvNy4eO5zHHg56xfJcu6YLV8AhNgsgOnLb3CU7vDkY3tvMQRsZxqEgKVdCF_32_JIGAS3zM/s320/PHONE+PICS+145.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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...And here it is now:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeAdJZlFPNW2w3M1uKP_3dQQzRLkBEkMSwFqTfXnnuM5qwiWyhkWxAGgz4Oi__PV9d1i0lmlahy8rU9nhD3ArIw57CM8OXGnLRE8wYt9N7DytZWuUQRG2CCAJBu5NNN40Hkw4texBrFV4/s1600/IMG_4130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeAdJZlFPNW2w3M1uKP_3dQQzRLkBEkMSwFqTfXnnuM5qwiWyhkWxAGgz4Oi__PV9d1i0lmlahy8rU9nhD3ArIw57CM8OXGnLRE8wYt9N7DytZWuUQRG2CCAJBu5NNN40Hkw4texBrFV4/s640/IMG_4130.JPG" width="504" /></a></div>
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We worked with our good friend Mike Carr of <a href="http://www.carrmichaelconstruction.com/">CarrMichael Construction</a> to have everything done in the house, including the reworking of the kitchen. We kept all of the cabinetry and reworked it slightly before having it painted. We had the two-tiered island leveled out to a counter-height surface, something I almost always have done in kitchens because not only does it look simpler & prettier, it becomes so much more usable. We liked the island's cabinetry and were lucky that the guys were able to salvage the panels and make them shorter so they could fit at the new height. We added lighting, new countertops and a new refrigerator that was counter-depth so it didn't intrude into the walkway.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmt3uMlGsGAb_kgYx6Nqn08zAwHTuI4ZXjdfyVA0dJUMHCRu0WPDhjrHzIICv5Wt18wKvDGsrgkQeC2KapBHnK5h7NF1pydPB63Hasq5jEoA3x74kbtjyBb4HMbrWkpFa27jQe2FzfGs/s1600/IMG_4121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmt3uMlGsGAb_kgYx6Nqn08zAwHTuI4ZXjdfyVA0dJUMHCRu0WPDhjrHzIICv5Wt18wKvDGsrgkQeC2KapBHnK5h7NF1pydPB63Hasq5jEoA3x74kbtjyBb4HMbrWkpFa27jQe2FzfGs/s640/IMG_4121.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The countertops look very similar to soapstone but are actually a leathered granite called "Virginia Mist." I'd never seen slabs like them before and had had my eye on them since last September (when I started my own countertop search) so I was so happy that they'd work for my clients' kitchen!! The counters are a very deep solid black with a few heavy white veins, which we had placed prominently on the island to fit around the existing cooktop:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyfj2zDi2uIxHLf3yHQ5_tKclyfUfhCI6JO4yaWHv2QGVgHeuQHEzHxCQdKbSTN12KlFc_nOnxWlXhW5OgJQ6EW6EPzo5rh9z2kiiv_cdDXHZyCDwuja7XpB4kJ8q9sb4iHl8CFdYCl2E/s1600/IMG_4126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyfj2zDi2uIxHLf3yHQ5_tKclyfUfhCI6JO4yaWHv2QGVgHeuQHEzHxCQdKbSTN12KlFc_nOnxWlXhW5OgJQ6EW6EPzo5rh9z2kiiv_cdDXHZyCDwuja7XpB4kJ8q9sb4iHl8CFdYCl2E/s640/IMG_4126.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The kitchen has an eating area and we created a built-in desk & wall of cabinetry for for paying bills, using the computer and keeping the house in order. The kitchen is also open to a small hearth room, which is where the TV is...</div>
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The back steps you see here lead to a guest suite. Here's a close-up of the kitchen dining area & work station:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4zxhLeFjojdwDxAPkDxiXQnnh5sJ_AaJjxHlXOe7PweWdYYBVXUXVKFbqL1W5YfEY511GzpgTnVePAxmj21Z9QkNmI1vs_fmRfD-gtoaua0MZbiS3QZle3GgG2XoXUUbCFAiCm6g1H8/s1600/IMG_4094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4zxhLeFjojdwDxAPkDxiXQnnh5sJ_AaJjxHlXOe7PweWdYYBVXUXVKFbqL1W5YfEY511GzpgTnVePAxmj21Z9QkNmI1vs_fmRfD-gtoaua0MZbiS3QZle3GgG2XoXUUbCFAiCm6g1H8/s640/IMG_4094.JPG" width="502" /></a></div>
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It's hard to see from the photo but the base of the table is a green-gray-blue milk paint, just a bit paler than the kitchen cabinets. We had the table built by <a href="http://www.lorimerworkshop.com/">The Lorimer Workshop</a>, who never cease to create the perfect pieces for our projects! The back of the work station was painted with chalkboard paint & my client had the brilliant idea to do magnetic paint underneath the chalkboard paint, so now they can used it to hang things on too!! We mounted the sconces right over it.</div>
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For the hearth room, we went with four cozy wing chairs. We had the back of the chairs done in a simple plaid and the fronts in an oatmeal-colored linen. Because the room is so small, I thought curtains that blended in with the walls would be best. We had them hung at the ceiling and mounted natural woven roman shades at the ceiling too, to make the room feel taller. The blue & white dhurrie wanted to jump in my car yesterday it was so pretty... But I resisted...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNEq7hU5KFzbbw5fcKjJRJvxYBDN4uu2jyjFIKgSoI1EGJZq8bMndr2O8CZ7w0tbDwQAUiCnEMvnEJvpxj5DioAtInWS6ezWSv1vmtNihyG2HqaICRnfzTGAkyuZkHt1VJhJfZzPksw0/s1600/IMG_4108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNEq7hU5KFzbbw5fcKjJRJvxYBDN4uu2jyjFIKgSoI1EGJZq8bMndr2O8CZ7w0tbDwQAUiCnEMvnEJvpxj5DioAtInWS6ezWSv1vmtNihyG2HqaICRnfzTGAkyuZkHt1VJhJfZzPksw0/s640/IMG_4108.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We hung a massive John Muir Tree print on the open wall in the hearth room to create another focal point. It's truly, MASSIVE. My clients thought on it a while because but decided to go for it and again, it's another one of those things I probably did a little happy dance for when I got the OK. ;) ;) We placed an unobtrusive rolling bar cart in front of it that could be used as both a side table & for book storage.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_P-SdapAk2whtn1LtxtEVA4Z7Ha6K7Ple2qISmLVR2wn5y-MAxZdtDGCrjFsxJAXYyFLtAyqdIAW8NCgva-jZXGbH3Tw76eHDMkACC8T_k-fWuo_CQ55zLZcQeWC0zAxW5Je0kNpP2g/s1600/IMG_4113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_P-SdapAk2whtn1LtxtEVA4Z7Ha6K7Ple2qISmLVR2wn5y-MAxZdtDGCrjFsxJAXYyFLtAyqdIAW8NCgva-jZXGbH3Tw76eHDMkACC8T_k-fWuo_CQ55zLZcQeWC0zAxW5Je0kNpP2g/s640/IMG_4113.JPG" width="554" /></a></div>
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There is something so incredibly inviting about an arrangement of four chairs in front of a fireplace. The chairs just seem to call to you and you just want to snuggle in & put your feet up.</div>
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We had the powder room papered & added sconces and it was totally transformed from the bright red room it used to be:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MtH7kYk4faRQltYNukfmmS-A82p8GDK0eLYXjhvfJR55ct_DzcbK_TCYMn_dQQlivmf-tie23Pp9YEQ7znQCrPBjwf3-C6VTWZpAqXP8B6dREH-ARC5kKDdEdVgewyp1BDK-xQLCz6I/s1600/toskovich+powder+room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MtH7kYk4faRQltYNukfmmS-A82p8GDK0eLYXjhvfJR55ct_DzcbK_TCYMn_dQQlivmf-tie23Pp9YEQ7znQCrPBjwf3-C6VTWZpAqXP8B6dREH-ARC5kKDdEdVgewyp1BDK-xQLCz6I/s640/toskovich+powder+room.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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I hope you've enjoyed what you've seen of the house so far but I've got to run for the day. (I don't do this to tantalize- I promise- but I'm the type who only works on a blog post once and post it as it comes. hahaha which is why you see so many spelling errors & typos!! No proofreading over here. I've always told myself that one day I'd go through the entire blog & fix all of the errors but I think I've been lying to myself so that I can hit "publish.") Anyway, I'll be back with the before & after of the master bedroom later!! Thank you so much to our incredibly kind and trusting clients, who welcomed us into their home. (And to their daughter who read this blog & made it all happen!! ;) ;) Getting to know you all has been wonderful and we can't thank you enough!!</div>
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Have a great day!!</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMFJc-DnxrBMLY2xDK1SvX6egv5tiGN9vyFglU1jxzRslEqnW1pS7shpmN5CyUDMxOshQCgg8dgqvfJPO5h9uQ1BnF6WztntBBL6szqqF2wjsb3t7cvHcperdFYnD37uTXKxPNHsS-LjU/s1600/sig2.png" />
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If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, <a href="http://www.thepurestyle.com/index2.php#/contact/">contact me</a> about our design services.</center>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-64261682628696161452013-06-18T09:01:00.004-04:002013-06-26T09:00:16.396-04:00Luxury at Home<h3 style="background-color: white; color: #212121; display: inline; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span class="vk_ans vk_bk" style="font-size: xx-large !important; margin-bottom: 5px;">lux·u·ry</span> </h3>
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/ˈləkSH(ə)rē</div>
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<i style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">n.</i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"> </span><i style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">pl.</i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"> </span><b style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">lux·u·ries</b></div>
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<b>1. </b>Something inessential but conducive to pleasure and comfort.</div>
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<b>2. </b>Something expensive or hard to obtain.</div>
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<b>3. </b>Sumptuous living or surroundings: <span class="illustration" style="color: #226699; font-style: italic;">lives in luxury.</span></div>
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<b><i>Synonyms: </i></b><b>luxury</b><b>, extravagance</b><b>, frill</b></div>
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[Middle English <tt style="font-size: 11pt;">luxurie</tt>, <i>lust</i>, from Old French, from Latin <tt style="font-size: 11pt;">luxuria</tt>, <i>excess, luxury</i>, from <tt style="font-size: 11pt;">luxus</tt>.]</div>
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{Simple Luxury: House Beautiful}</div>
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Luxury is a word that seems to get thrown around a lot. It seems someone's always asking, "What is luxury?" or telling us what's luxurious. I think luxury has become something other than what it was once thought of... It used to be more associated with money and expense rather than simplicity and comfort. In the above definition, you can see its different meanings. The first definition is the closest meaning to how I view it now, but reading further down the list, the definition goes back to money and "extravagance" and excess, all of which are typically viewed fairly negatively in our culture, even if it's what people really want. (Meaning, if you're a billionaire and you don't spend a lot of money and live modestly, people commend you.... if you "waste" it and are a drunken sailor about it, or surround yourself with extravagance and "excess," it's not very respected.) </center>
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These days, luxury seems to be more about small details and comfort and quality and time. The phrase "the luxury of time" has been around a while so we have always put value on that but I think the idea that "luxury" can be simple and meaningful has really taken a hold of our society. Also, I've noticed that when people are asked what "luxury" is to them, "luxury" seems to become more about what it is they want most... the best part of their lives: the unexpected details and wonderful things that pop up & happen. In an Australian Vogue article I was reading recently, one person interviewed said the best luxury was when a friend picked her up from the airport with a bouquet of fresh picked flowers. It was an unexpected surprise, but really just one of life's simple pleasures that made her feel pampered and special. </center>
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When asked what my "greatest luxury" is, my first answer is automatically "time with my family." To me, it's something that I don't get enough of and it makes me happier than anything else. </center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsd0wgOIg3xES77roxluJgrGvYFsEjAz2v5nlPd1np-p-ICVGO5ee0-UHqxhRWCYudpTtxd0kITwSqvoeLZxuiBBIg0QIo6xYjP0rcTFsb7Wtb73mH9kXsQL3dnLdR_QVTA0PLEP-Btys/s1600/blogLiess_48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsd0wgOIg3xES77roxluJgrGvYFsEjAz2v5nlPd1np-p-ICVGO5ee0-UHqxhRWCYudpTtxd0kITwSqvoeLZxuiBBIg0QIo6xYjP0rcTFsb7Wtb73mH9kXsQL3dnLdR_QVTA0PLEP-Btys/s640/blogLiess_48.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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{Me with Justin, photo by Vy Koenig}</center>
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Along with having the time, part of what helps me enjoy being with my family is simple, good living. An ease to daily life. Not being surrounded by "stuff" and things that take my attention away from life and enjoy being with my family at home. A comfortable house. Good simple food. (Does Whole Foods count as a luxury??) Just simply enjoying life with the people I love... </center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk94y4G-aKSTrp3txSwXz4wqX2MhyXeRbPyS3u-iSsYjga19dbQ8XWVX_H3hdfAZ8cPx869i69KezZpGlWM6PY2WEtUy0x2Kh9Ig-GfTSy8mpB9m5L0x3TUZsOcRXIgbPzEyM6qvqbzEY/s1600/carrots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk94y4G-aKSTrp3txSwXz4wqX2MhyXeRbPyS3u-iSsYjga19dbQ8XWVX_H3hdfAZ8cPx869i69KezZpGlWM6PY2WEtUy0x2Kh9Ig-GfTSy8mpB9m5L0x3TUZsOcRXIgbPzEyM6qvqbzEY/s640/carrots.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
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See how "luxury" seems to become what it is a person wants most? I'm not sure the definition of luxury includes "little things that make life feel special" but it really does seem like that's what it's becoming, or at least how I've started to view it: Clean Sheets on a newly made bed, open windows, fresh flowers on the nightstand, time with the people you love, an unexpected note on nice paper, space, al fresco dining, a place for everything, reading leisurely, an exceptionally comfortable sofa, a mudroom, a fire in the fireplace, a simple yet beautiful meal, candlelight, an organized closet, time, time & more time.</center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmT6uF3vF6xUfhZVg_iHNlvYldu1k9mIs6Vddb7nYS17hE-PT7awF-arRPqnt1H4hlrR-XCjYHLcyydrCJ3oo0diJ7dP9v3cYVpqMPblZMF4QSGmDQGnddh5f9FhNWikFaoVfK23L4bWs/s1600/clothesline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmT6uF3vF6xUfhZVg_iHNlvYldu1k9mIs6Vddb7nYS17hE-PT7awF-arRPqnt1H4hlrR-XCjYHLcyydrCJ3oo0diJ7dP9v3cYVpqMPblZMF4QSGmDQGnddh5f9FhNWikFaoVfK23L4bWs/s640/clothesline.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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{Linens drying on a clothesline... image via pinterest}</center>
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To me, a life with "luxury" would be a life where things are uncomplicated and simple yet exciting. Special little somethings come into it and there's really just a general ease of life. Waking up and feeling free and ready to go. Rested. Having the time to hang with the ones you love before the craziness of the day begins. Going into your closet and seeing everything at a glance and easily pulling together something that's already pressed and ready to go and looks perfect. (Doesn't happen for me!! ;) Leaving a clean house and getting into a clean car. (My ride of choice these days is either a milk-encrusted minivan or a pick-up truck with over 300,000 miles on it and no AC!! That's luxury baby!! ;) ;) It really is the little things though. Things that make you feel more comfortable, both physically & emotionally. </center>
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Since my work is about home, I find myself thinking about how "home" can be luxurious, in the simple, comfortable context. Redoing my home from the ground up has been eye opening. I wouldn't have done what I did without having lived in my previous homes & having observed so much while we were there about how we lived. A lot of what I do is "decorating" but in the past year or so, we've started taking on more & more projects that involve new homes, renovations and space planning. When you get to really think through what's going to be where, you can plan a home so that it is exactly the way the people who live there need it to be for the easiest living, the most simple (or most "luxurious") living. Things can be where they need to be and special little details can be incorporated that don't cost much but that make the home feel luxurious to the people who live there. </center>
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In our home, we enclosed a small, unloved rocky area just outside of our master bedroom and created a private special little garden patio with an outdoor shower. We shower outside every day and to me, it's one of those "luxuries" that isn't about money or frills, but just about enjoying something small but incredibly good. I get to look up at the sky and just think while I'm showering in the morning. In the evenings, I can rinse off before bed and really appreciate being outside in the night when it's quiet. Outdoor towel hooks are just where we need them to be. There's a pair of chairs out there where Dave & I can sit and talk. The boys love showering out there too- even the baby. It wasn't hard to do, but creating this little secret garden in our bedroom has made such a difference in our life. </center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-tpKibu5EQDtv-nrr42SI8v6MgwXN6-MzhDneRAdwlUhoH_m7PZdStFtgpnNf1z0lpOaeb03YzVD4ZndUxv1b04lYV78wOwNmfRg026WIk0DhlP7suzqXPmYjbdfDt2Fq12K0M1vv1c/s1600/shower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-tpKibu5EQDtv-nrr42SI8v6MgwXN6-MzhDneRAdwlUhoH_m7PZdStFtgpnNf1z0lpOaeb03YzVD4ZndUxv1b04lYV78wOwNmfRg026WIk0DhlP7suzqXPmYjbdfDt2Fq12K0M1vv1c/s640/shower.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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{Not our outdoor shower.. image via pinterest}</center>
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As I plan our home (and the homes of clients) I try to think about how to design & decorate a home so that it works for us... So that things are where they need to be and there's just enough space to do what needs to be done... and I try to think about where unexpected little things or luxuries that can be added to make the house special: shelves for books, a window seat, a place to display collected treasures, a massive sofa outside... For some people, it's an extra sink in the kitchen for washing garden vegetables, french doors that open to the outside in every room, curtains blowing in the breeze, a bathroom where everyone has enough room, a meaningful photograph displayed prominently, a large nightstand in the bedroom for storage, a porch swing, a place to hide the mess, a sentimental painting, a perfectly worn farmhouse table in the kitchen that doesn't need to be worried about, a soaking tub in their bathroom, a fabric that brings on the memories, an herb garden in the kitchen, the perfect reading chair, or a guest room large enough to fit a slew of grand kids. It's different for everyone. </center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYUHfXjT2EPqTjAHFoqmawpEku-L6nR1kxLx_e7zSeg4d7l33g1EQKJ9mpzHkEuJ8nYKLXgs266LbXbjl8FxiYrGGuvBxlinwVmChOSXB4LIxwiVtgiUBzPjO-01mA_Olh8yM4uonoxE/s1600/bunk+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYUHfXjT2EPqTjAHFoqmawpEku-L6nR1kxLx_e7zSeg4d7l33g1EQKJ9mpzHkEuJ8nYKLXgs266LbXbjl8FxiYrGGuvBxlinwVmChOSXB4LIxwiVtgiUBzPjO-01mA_Olh8yM4uonoxE/s640/bunk+room.jpg" width="484" /></a></div>
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{Bunk room via pinterest}</div>
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There are so many simple opportunities for us to inject a little luxury into our homes, even after they've already been built. I'm finding that it's becoming one of my favorite aspects of my job: Figuring out what that little something in a home or room that makes the people who live there and visit there feel special & comfortable... </center>
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A little bit of luxury. </center>
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The simple kind.</center>
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How can you add a little in your home?</center>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMFJc-DnxrBMLY2xDK1SvX6egv5tiGN9vyFglU1jxzRslEqnW1pS7shpmN5CyUDMxOshQCgg8dgqvfJPO5h9uQ1BnF6WztntBBL6szqqF2wjsb3t7cvHcperdFYnD37uTXKxPNHsS-LjU/s1600/sig2.png" />
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If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, <a href="http://www.thepurestyle.com/index2.php#/contact/">contact me</a> about our design services.</center>
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*Definition of luxury from dictionary.com</center>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-67703545396784078322013-06-14T10:37:00.001-04:002013-06-14T10:37:31.525-04:00Pretty Little Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2bESYXCmuo2DjVYssboRE0oOlMadTm8sDBEm40uiHQqykZLqrC0y7VsjtZmmjpyE1sFxCMCt0xXLbkZ9rHfvtAVPOUuZfNmHTaU6eC7N-htEKg__1_GQ_p-7dGRrC8FoYw4LvTjLDPs/s1600/flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2bESYXCmuo2DjVYssboRE0oOlMadTm8sDBEm40uiHQqykZLqrC0y7VsjtZmmjpyE1sFxCMCt0xXLbkZ9rHfvtAVPOUuZfNmHTaU6eC7N-htEKg__1_GQ_p-7dGRrC8FoYw4LvTjLDPs/s640/flowers.jpg" width="506" /></a></div>
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One of my favorite simple pleasures is picking flowers & putting them around the house. I snipped the last standing blooming delphinium from my garden this morning for our foyer and they make me so happy. Hope you get some time this weekend to enjoy your own simple pleasure!! </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMFJc-DnxrBMLY2xDK1SvX6egv5tiGN9vyFglU1jxzRslEqnW1pS7shpmN5CyUDMxOshQCgg8dgqvfJPO5h9uQ1BnF6WztntBBL6szqqF2wjsb3t7cvHcperdFYnD37uTXKxPNHsS-LjU/s1600/sig2.png" />
<br />ps- go Duuuuuuuukes! </center>
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(the colors were too perfect not to mention my JMU roots ;) ;)<br />
If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, <a href="http://www.thepurestyle.com/index2.php#/contact/">contact me</a> about our design services.</center>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-8235600515023319612013-06-13T08:21:00.002-04:002013-06-13T08:21:20.856-04:00Loft Progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We're knee-deep in construction again over here but we're almost there!!! The guys from <a href="http://www.carrmichaelconstruction.com/">CarrMichael Construction</a> have been moving quickly and I'm so excited about the progress they've made this week!! Our big final project is the loft, which is basically our family room. Here's what it looked like before we moved in:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmTjWU_qkXweAO85xndhOlEjNfoduEg8RNaDL0kARSviBQLSvIDqC0DlvEsgma4EdeDfEG497gcSURSlqMD85S9etzTCm7GpzelKjTJ6KIjT2h66EvAaK44rrWMt7xEIMGk6_qellivgQ/s1600/loftbefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmTjWU_qkXweAO85xndhOlEjNfoduEg8RNaDL0kARSviBQLSvIDqC0DlvEsgma4EdeDfEG497gcSURSlqMD85S9etzTCm7GpzelKjTJ6KIjT2h66EvAaK44rrWMt7xEIMGk6_qellivgQ/s640/loftbefore.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Before we moved in, we added wall-to-wall seagrass to the entire upstairs so we had to take down the existing built-ins and have been living with it completely torn up (see pic below) since September. In the pic below, you can also see how pink the "beige" was compared to our ivory/cream on the right. The entire house was freshly painted that color when we bought it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3yGIjrtUecbTy5g3xCIHjiz5TlZY3IVNLJvo_M3qdmlRonI_J-UV6IbJeRqLMFVeubzUNt0M8OnlijwrVKyEm8xeFyf-hhPqtW1_FfwnUwDFTgqmEA3OZRfPCZjS1kxoB95fsPYWF19s/s1600/fallview2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3yGIjrtUecbTy5g3xCIHjiz5TlZY3IVNLJvo_M3qdmlRonI_J-UV6IbJeRqLMFVeubzUNt0M8OnlijwrVKyEm8xeFyf-hhPqtW1_FfwnUwDFTgqmEA3OZRfPCZjS1kxoB95fsPYWF19s/s640/fallview2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You might remember me telling you this, but we actually lived in our upstairs for a few months. In the pic above, you can see our "kitchen" (ie microwave on a dresser = true luxury!!! ;) ;) ... But living up there was a actually a really good opportunity for me to get to know the space. I'd spend every morning feeding the baby in the chair (a super comfy rocker/ glider by Lee) and looking out the window:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGUangYYel5BKjjkrYNvBpYyFX1xX9vgDC-fnDFDIPPLaQZrfNxirt0QiBTqYL-BtJNbSIKw3lwBwhy3Zuq-vinEOrmkkc853tYV3OtbD0aNHhbglfI4NcDOrBnpVECmMaPb8czaCKkQ/s1600/fall+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGUangYYel5BKjjkrYNvBpYyFX1xX9vgDC-fnDFDIPPLaQZrfNxirt0QiBTqYL-BtJNbSIKw3lwBwhy3Zuq-vinEOrmkkc853tYV3OtbD0aNHhbglfI4NcDOrBnpVECmMaPb8czaCKkQ/s640/fall+view.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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But we could only really see out the windows when we were in the rocker or standing up actually looking out the windows. It made me realize that I wanted that entire wall OUT so that it would feel like you were almost outside from every part of the room. (including the sofa where we watch movies from and might possibly spend waaay too much time on!!) <br />
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Searching for the right window took months, honestly. (Which is the main reason it's taken so long to get to this part of our project.) I wanted steel but we looked into more affordable aluminum look-alikes. We finally found what we were looking for at the <a href="http://www.thewindowman.com/">Window Man </a>where we settled on an aluminum window by <a href="http://www.universalwindow.com/700.html">Universal Window</a>. Getting drawings and a quote took a long time as the team from the Window Man had to persuade Universal to sell just 1 window. But we finally got it!! It went in Monday:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbROIb6gzSJFSeNNaf9lPwJSfNGvIuGcChAciJ1t9TsMXV-moS7egze7UgC9gcYoputAD1ZNHdBVdL8qh2RAcpCWhCG6YUq3OXJ5SHs66Ueh66nvQ4CMrEBMB-v21WGPd8L5Da0R5F9A/s1600/loftdem.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbROIb6gzSJFSeNNaf9lPwJSfNGvIuGcChAciJ1t9TsMXV-moS7egze7UgC9gcYoputAD1ZNHdBVdL8qh2RAcpCWhCG6YUq3OXJ5SHs66Ueh66nvQ4CMrEBMB-v21WGPd8L5Da0R5F9A/s640/loftdem.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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{eeeeeeek!!}</div>
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And it's completely transformed the loft!!! It feels like you're outside up there!!</div>
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The guys are now working on creating the drywall framework for our bookshelves and window seat. Electrical is going in today. Here's a quick sketch of how the shelves and window seat will look:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBj1d5i252I4Vdqd9WS80gKLkADq7FjfvLtynNfSpdwYEj94NuMHPIvKYY52uqlBOXYwsADrA5gBzt6O_ZsLuI4WfPBNYjGAuzvwkJfhRINbiAFmEYwzr63_yLMf2Yda2o7_4RMfumAE/s1600/loft3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBj1d5i252I4Vdqd9WS80gKLkADq7FjfvLtynNfSpdwYEj94NuMHPIvKYY52uqlBOXYwsADrA5gBzt6O_ZsLuI4WfPBNYjGAuzvwkJfhRINbiAFmEYwzr63_yLMf2Yda2o7_4RMfumAE/s640/loft3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We've modified some of the dimensions a bit to meet code (gotta love it ;) and I've sacrificed a couple inches of window seat space to make the entire thing feel a bit more seamless.<br />
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Here's a sketch I did of the back wall, where our sofa will go:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrqp6-6alta0L4HPvMFCL7JyR3p71ujmRYOaHrwEbrZlrH6LNr-4YByvESGYnxS0YVAf17bsE20nnwcXP7gwRI4w5TtIVxzKw_jeKQ8dVOo1wg9ufVO1KkcTxgD5UB_QgziJsuLvCTlOQ/s1600/loft.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrqp6-6alta0L4HPvMFCL7JyR3p71ujmRYOaHrwEbrZlrH6LNr-4YByvESGYnxS0YVAf17bsE20nnwcXP7gwRI4w5TtIVxzKw_jeKQ8dVOo1wg9ufVO1KkcTxgD5UB_QgziJsuLvCTlOQ/s640/loft.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I internally debated for a while on whether I wanted a larger center set of shelves or if we should go equidistant and I finally settled in equidistant, which is different from the sketch above:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmjkjw7JsgMSQcgCNxTm5k7syO5ahOcn6nSDLMebk4uGW3oXwjNleneZOvspz7Dg8OfXZsc-Od6jtDhaamOuW5aej2vukMFN-BzTF7nKbj468j6hU4s8EWyivqPi9jpSqN7U1KdqP-ZI/s1600/loftdemmo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmjkjw7JsgMSQcgCNxTm5k7syO5ahOcn6nSDLMebk4uGW3oXwjNleneZOvspz7Dg8OfXZsc-Od6jtDhaamOuW5aej2vukMFN-BzTF7nKbj468j6hU4s8EWyivqPi9jpSqN7U1KdqP-ZI/s640/loftdemmo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I decided to go equidistant because I felt that there was so much variation from the rest of the room with the window seat, that I wanted the rest of the walls to sort of fall in line and be consistent. <br />
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Here's the left wall, which is being worked on today:<br />
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The built-ins will actually be made out of drywall, similar to the shelves in this pic...</div>
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...except the shelves themselves will be made from reclaimed wood planks.</div>
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The window seat cushion will also sit right on a drywall ledge, similar to the one in the photo below. When you lift up the cushions, there will be hidden storage beneath.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwh8EMtqq6GPeVbPT3vlDP3VzD1YHT8QzutLZPpOY9vI-PARuGbJ100PLGf3fRqZJVgH3zVPgx2_VlZzX8upbcHhrTusZ6p_Kajv9vHAvEupqo-31gIXPVMmnP7ZgwR9H70zGj7MZHy7M/s1600/plaster2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwh8EMtqq6GPeVbPT3vlDP3VzD1YHT8QzutLZPpOY9vI-PARuGbJ100PLGf3fRqZJVgH3zVPgx2_VlZzX8upbcHhrTusZ6p_Kajv9vHAvEupqo-31gIXPVMmnP7ZgwR9H70zGj7MZHy7M/s640/plaster2.jpg" width="472" /></a></div>
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I'll keep you posted as more things happen. Also, we are having our house photographed during the first week of August so it's pretty much just design mayhem in my head right now. All of those decisions I felt like I had so much time to make are pretty much overdue. :/<br />
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And finally, my friend Jill Sorenson of <a href="http://blog.livelikeyou.com/?p=16534">Live Like You</a> is moving and she is having a moving sale on her blog and there are some amazing deals!!! To check out the things for sale click<a href="http://blog.livelikeyou.com/?p=16534"> here</a>. I'll miss being near Jill but am really happy for her & her son. She's a truly special person and has a beautiful bold sense of style:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DbyefhwoL5HL8nVTgmiHj3DCZwHaLPRW3pN4mrcW-_V-ExKJyHMN9WOLp0eL5UChuDuGADya-oVBrypJ798Q8-CZwEV8F3W1vwrqphhr_J11tA_f5tg7nH_R5exJLCMt_xSNCI-mfYw/s1600/live.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DbyefhwoL5HL8nVTgmiHj3DCZwHaLPRW3pN4mrcW-_V-ExKJyHMN9WOLp0eL5UChuDuGADya-oVBrypJ798Q8-CZwEV8F3W1vwrqphhr_J11tA_f5tg7nH_R5exJLCMt_xSNCI-mfYw/s400/live.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm off for the day into the rain but hope you enjoyed peeking into our<strike> trashed</strike> in-progess place today!!<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMFJc-DnxrBMLY2xDK1SvX6egv5tiGN9vyFglU1jxzRslEqnW1pS7shpmN5CyUDMxOshQCgg8dgqvfJPO5h9uQ1BnF6WztntBBL6szqqF2wjsb3t7cvHcperdFYnD37uTXKxPNHsS-LjU/s1600/sig2.png" /> </center>
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ps- For anyone worried, just wanted to let you know that we did use tempered glass and the windows do open well above where the kids can reach. </center>
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Also, I think I got an upset comment about saying this last time (and I hope that you know me well enough to know by now to know when I'm joking BUT) it's not a very far fall if they do make it out the window because although it's an upstairs loft, the ground below the window has been raised for a large garden bed. I'll be putting in the fluffiest of bushes ;) ;) (joke.)<br /><br />have a good one!!</center>
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If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, <a href="http://www.thepurestyle.com/index2.php#/contact/">contact me</a> about our design services.</center>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-35224249561080585172013-06-10T12:01:00.000-04:002013-06-10T12:01:05.389-04:00My Bedroom Planning ExercisePlease bear with me while I work through my bedroom :) Writing about the this stuff helps me arrive at decisions & though I probably could have written this whole post and not hit "publish," at the end, I figured some people might want a little glimpse into my thought process. (As all over the place as it is ;) ;)<br />
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We moved into our house in September and immediately started construction on it so we weren't able to actually move into our bedroom until around the holidays last year. Because we were living through the construction and there was just so much mayhem around us, I kept the bedroom really empty. Like, weirdly empty. No bedside lamps (We used vintage-style globe lights in the tree in our courtyard garden to light the room at night and little book lights) no art, no accessories... just a bed and a dresser and two little tables flanking the bed. Something about the bedroom in its "blank slate" state excited me and made me feel like there was so much potential. It made the house and the whole experience feel new and exciting. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilH3KXcWBqL55ZvjvhypeKafebtiWSxlTNh_Na9tVfqci6VE96YZuRr0pB4cpxL78UjZZR609BowekVx969LfeQE2tD5oMy73qDzdcr33dMcNEHpWQw1cQr8xef16tLOLdZPAvUKajmRM/s1600/newhouse15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilH3KXcWBqL55ZvjvhypeKafebtiWSxlTNh_Na9tVfqci6VE96YZuRr0pB4cpxL78UjZZR609BowekVx969LfeQE2tD5oMy73qDzdcr33dMcNEHpWQw1cQr8xef16tLOLdZPAvUKajmRM/s640/newhouse15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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{Our bedroom before we moved in...}</div>
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I also like to go to bed at night and feel like there's not a lot of "stuff" around me. The typical decorator thing to say is that "I work with color all day long and need a break" so I keep my bedroom white... but I'm not sure I if like a white bedroom because I'm a decorator or because, like most people, I'm busy and feel like I'm surrounded by so much STUFF all of the time that I like to keep my bedroom simple and spare so that it's a relaxing place to retreat to at night... So I can look around and really not see anything at all except my garden. And exhale.<br />
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We reworked our bedroom and replaced the wall that overlooked a small courtyard between our house and garage with a large sliding door:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDUqKbP-jmOf4v-iUZRN9ARPPD4lOJAARBioU7Cy2ouKTeDnng5SOdux7VnOsKzn151kZ71VTR4eDNL48Z6JXXnZE6JWC5l3jVIsFtGtjwA9VPeopxjF9JNOloW_nFrYDOjg2nl6R6xo/s1600/september+043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDUqKbP-jmOf4v-iUZRN9ARPPD4lOJAARBioU7Cy2ouKTeDnng5SOdux7VnOsKzn151kZ71VTR4eDNL48Z6JXXnZE6JWC5l3jVIsFtGtjwA9VPeopxjF9JNOloW_nFrYDOjg2nl6R6xo/s640/september+043.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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{During construction... a large metal wall blocking the driveway has been added to completely enclose our little garden and we have floors and walls now too}</div>
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We've been living without much in the bedroom for a while now but the book lights are finally starting to get a little old and I'm ready to have it feel a bit more "finished." I have my furniture already but still need to really pull the room together.<br />
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But I'm having some issues!! I am <i>so</i> on the fence about how much I want going on in there!! I have a serious love for textiles and patterns and a little bit of Boho on one hand, but on the other, I love a quiet mix of solid textures. I've decided that I'm doing Fern Star in Sepia on the bed mixed with some Squid flower pillows ...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTano1_M22fVbuWtKeMFWGObzXQvd3W1NdlfJQyMzF0RTFSBoQKKtaMXBCBngbiNlEiM-Bi8KaG7EtEj6M0tiWU3PfIrmzDCojmWg7pYNOMJvm-FSon0G7c4rDeWKIpag3msVqqHi-PhY/s1600/fern+star.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTano1_M22fVbuWtKeMFWGObzXQvd3W1NdlfJQyMzF0RTFSBoQKKtaMXBCBngbiNlEiM-Bi8KaG7EtEj6M0tiWU3PfIrmzDCojmWg7pYNOMJvm-FSon0G7c4rDeWKIpag3msVqqHi-PhY/s640/fern+star.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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{<a href="http://www.purestylehome.co/">Fern Star & Squid Flower</a>}</div>
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... And it's coming down to curtains and walls. Up until a couple of days ago I would have said "no way" to anything going on my walls because I love the calm of my bedroom so much and really do want the focus to be on our garden, but I'm having trouble getting some of the pretty pictures I see all of the time with bedrooms completely wrapped in wallpaper out of my head. They're so charming!! Especially with angled ceilings:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MxLk4rTy3SLb4IPJDQfVY7amRA4PezzzPJzd3W53ldFweUWDok_6eRXLFsx9MoVmO6CfcTdddTdq1CYuCcc08VqVWMgVvThGfRFnJcVyNkTBdmd6U095Hd18KbtDT_Y7FDp9lrURlgE/s1600/gilschafer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MxLk4rTy3SLb4IPJDQfVY7amRA4PezzzPJzd3W53ldFweUWDok_6eRXLFsx9MoVmO6CfcTdddTdq1CYuCcc08VqVWMgVvThGfRFnJcVyNkTBdmd6U095Hd18KbtDT_Y7FDp9lrURlgE/s640/gilschafer.jpg" width="470" /></a></div>
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{Gil Schafer's Guest Bedroom}</div>
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My bed is on a high wall (approx 16 feet high) and it's the perfect wall to really load up with art. I have so many pieces I've collected over the years and the wall would hold so much, but it would completely de-Zen my room :/ <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJaXjb9gh7wSrrDhoM10ZXMkhMJhUO_IQWSi0OqPho71y2-J8rmKo3hIFm24XemSs4I0Nti7h9hSiQwCPjQ4X2Avt7W-g-P8BmeeIEiBwcFe2uFXrOGBPlkwRdgamuXEL2HrkkeUJ1MU/s1600/walls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJaXjb9gh7wSrrDhoM10ZXMkhMJhUO_IQWSi0OqPho71y2-J8rmKo3hIFm24XemSs4I0Nti7h9hSiQwCPjQ4X2Avt7W-g-P8BmeeIEiBwcFe2uFXrOGBPlkwRdgamuXEL2HrkkeUJ1MU/s400/walls.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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{How gorgeous is this?!!!! One of my favorite rooms ever... by Nanette Brown}</div>
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This week, I'm pulling up the wool rug in the bedroom for the Summer because we're in and out to the garden so much that we're tracking water and little leaves in all of the time... cleaning the rug is becoming a pain. Again, this excites me because it's making my room emptier and less finished. (What is <i>up</i> with this??!!!)<br />
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Anyway, it is TIME for me to buckle down and make some decisions. (Gotta love my hubby who doesn't have an opinion on any of this btw!!) So... final decisions for me to make are:<br />
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1. I need to finalize my curtains, which I've always just envisioned would be simple ivory. Now, I'm reconsidering. (I have a feeling everything will go ivory/ white as planned and that I need this little bit of last-minute second guessing before I go through with it.) <br />
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2. Walls... anything??? It's more in keeping with the rest of the house to leave them as painted ivory but those pictures are tempting me!!! :/ So is the idea of horizontal wood paneling painted ivory. I just did this in a client's home and loooooved it. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdtRaw70towDSKbbcMiokjO_UivsqIdf3NK6BE5Qq3cYozQWXcfUBAhXalsNqyvuEVbbUXU3b6fz-4SkO5OsxOel0JwqtASKpUo3nwxlTVt2cpLYvXjvjTAWI9wO1XG2XTA6WAXtzTJE/s1600/panel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdtRaw70towDSKbbcMiokjO_UivsqIdf3NK6BE5Qq3cYozQWXcfUBAhXalsNqyvuEVbbUXU3b6fz-4SkO5OsxOel0JwqtASKpUo3nwxlTVt2cpLYvXjvjTAWI9wO1XG2XTA6WAXtzTJE/s640/panel.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
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{loooooove!!! House Beautiful}</div>
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3. Artwork... I'm leaning towards hanging some of my old black & white prints & lithographs on either side of the bed above our nightstands and leaving the rest of the wall empty. I have a tapestry that I'd like to try to overdye and hang above our dresser on another wall if possible. BUT the jam-packed wall of art appeals to me too!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TDI7CF7g8bDXRi-OQIr_aAS7ATt-CibGldObNYrlSbqWzrEWhsJcv3dKNU8yAtgYwxhDDW3pQhMMGeQ5rTXlThoS8NVG1cCVfxB9O_itxt40MLUUY5SaxdsQKc12T6nrIlro8ncnIEk/s1600/bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TDI7CF7g8bDXRi-OQIr_aAS7ATt-CibGldObNYrlSbqWzrEWhsJcv3dKNU8yAtgYwxhDDW3pQhMMGeQ5rTXlThoS8NVG1cCVfxB9O_itxt40MLUUY5SaxdsQKc12T6nrIlro8ncnIEk/s640/bedroom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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{This has so much more going on that I feel like I want but I honestly feel like I could move right in it's so perfect!!! I'm torn!!! Image via House Beautiful}</div>
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In all design decisions, I find it helpful to think of the overall mood and feeling I want the space to have. If I had to nail down what I'm after in my room I'd say: Relaxed, calming, light, airy, natural, a little rustic, charming, modern in feeling yet made up of more traditional pieces, collected, a tad Boho, and a little cool/edgy (vs. pretty/ sweet if that makes sense.) <br />
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With that in mind... I'm leaning towards doing curtains in either an ivory or other light neutral that has some sort of a "raw" feeling texture... like a linen with a very loose weave or rough fibers. Or maybe a natural-colored barely there sort of tribal pattern.... We'll see. <br />
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For the walls... I think I need to stick with painted for now. I can always add more down the road. But I am so tempted by the paneling. My biggest reason for not doing it because I'm not sure how much more construction I can handle in my life right now. (They're working on the upstairs family room loft right now and as much as I love the guys, I'm just feeling like I need to be done.)<br />
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And for the art... I'm going to play with what I've got and see what I can come up with on either side of the bed. If it feels like it's not enough, I'll add more. <br />
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I'm off for the day but I'll keep you posted!!! Thanks for coming along with me & if you didn't (Mom!! ;) ;) I understand.<br />
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If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, <a href="http://www.thepurestyle.com/index2.php#/contact/">contact me</a> about our design services.</center>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-81404212772176015432013-06-06T09:44:00.004-04:002013-06-06T09:44:54.464-04:00"I'm So Excited!"....Those words come out of my mouth a <i>lot</i>. Like multiple times a day when things are good. (Whenever I'm looking for a reaction about something from my mom or Grandmother, they'll say, "Oh I'm happy, I just don't get as excited about things as you do.") Anyway, today I'm so excited!!<br />
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We're installing a couple of rooms in a client's condo in DC and it is such a fun project!! My client is <i>fearless</i> in her approach to decorating. (Well, I'd say her only fear is that her home not be bold enough or colorful enough or too traditional.) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsJnepOBmHPI7ZUkDTJaiqAXlgho_g1n8nNm4dxpaU7DOLR6nxKFCxgONnSHarLqzDufmxfXhoEcTh7BYi8eIkFP2iMgI9QC8ZnqvzGDwZ_mjarKgXONHGwQPwvHa_dr-biag6_2EYFA/s1600/hotpink.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsJnepOBmHPI7ZUkDTJaiqAXlgho_g1n8nNm4dxpaU7DOLR6nxKFCxgONnSHarLqzDufmxfXhoEcTh7BYi8eIkFP2iMgI9QC8ZnqvzGDwZ_mjarKgXONHGwQPwvHa_dr-biag6_2EYFA/s320/hotpink.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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{Hot Pink is entering the Condo.}</div>
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I'll keep you posted in instagram :)</div>
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Also, today is the debut of Elizabeth Street's Washington DC section!! Elizabeth Street is a beautiful website that showcases stylish moms around the world who give great mom advice for visiting their cities!</div>
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I'm honored to have been included and if you get the chance, check out the new DC moms!! They're introducing a few of us each day. <a href="http://www.elizabethstreet.com/">www.elizabethstreet.com</a><br />
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Have a good one!!<br />
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If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, <a href="http://www.thepurestyle.com/index2.php#/contact/">contact me</a> about our design services.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-41010999227723400722013-06-05T07:32:00.001-04:002013-06-26T09:00:53.627-04:00Client's Den Before & After Sneakity PeekIt has been absolute MAYHEM over here lately. I guess it's kind of good mayhem because were getting lots done on our house, Christian is graduating from kindergarten and work has been great, but I'm definitely feeling a little crazed. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzMck9uAaJHGvnJdr6C0sFUvEUDNy3gvNl9yX7DzwnuZ2elubsH2gH_EgGP2h4VtcLrXP79l5sHoPOJAgphgu2-FLUmQ1kMFWUyFJLHcd_nDMSHDBvUtp7O6axsZlmfM1NHJTs3J1nlgg/s1600/boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzMck9uAaJHGvnJdr6C0sFUvEUDNy3gvNl9yX7DzwnuZ2elubsH2gH_EgGP2h4VtcLrXP79l5sHoPOJAgphgu2-FLUmQ1kMFWUyFJLHcd_nDMSHDBvUtp7O6axsZlmfM1NHJTs3J1nlgg/s640/boys.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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{The good kind of mayhem}</div>
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One of my favorite parts of all of the mayhem though- besides my boys- is always project installations!! Installations really bring on the pressure... Ours aren't typically<i> as</i> crazy as the ones on TV with the family driving home for the big reveal as the last accessory gets placed, but they can come close to that. It's the day where so many little details need to fall into place so that your plans can be fully realized. I want my clients to walk home to "home" and be in love with it. <br />
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Last week we installed a <a href="http://www.purestylehome.blogspot.com/2013/06/clients-traditional-living-room-before.html">couple of rooms in our clients' home</a> and today I wanted to share the husband's den with you. Before I show you the pictures, I have to tell you what an awesome couple (and parents!) my clients are. There's just so much love between them and they're just so cool. Seeing them together is like seeing people you just know are meant to be together. I don't often work closely with both a husband and a wife (it's usually the wife) so I've really enjoyed getting to know them as a couple. Anyway, there's a small den off of the foyer that the husband has been dreaming of turning into one of those great old causal, masculine rooms where he can relax, read, have drinks with a friend, etc. I loooove <a href="http://www.purestylehome.blogspot.com/2013/02/a-mans-surprise-office-before-after.html">projects like these</a> because it's different from what we often work on and in this case, we got to really have some fun with it. Here's what the den looked like before:<br />
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We were keeping the sofa and the leather chair (which is a recliner) but we got to change pretty much everything else:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_sdshUzcvbBr1uvIbp7EUbR6lFzbtHSSRh0A1xNYwkr7dfmdjgF3F1DB1yHqHqMBy_L2L_LXSbCSqL4X2S-agtQO__TTGH_x-BJejxTElc9WpNYTU7c0kJoqBO6eyh5QbCtiw8s9I_c/s1600/carlstudy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_sdshUzcvbBr1uvIbp7EUbR6lFzbtHSSRh0A1xNYwkr7dfmdjgF3F1DB1yHqHqMBy_L2L_LXSbCSqL4X2S-agtQO__TTGH_x-BJejxTElc9WpNYTU7c0kJoqBO6eyh5QbCtiw8s9I_c/s640/carlstudy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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{an mid-installation pics I snapped}</div>
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We wanted the room to be a warm, cozy & darker space that sort of cut you off from the rest of the house when you were in it. I wanted the walls & ceiling to sort of cocoon you when you were in there. We started the plan with a plaid wallpaper on the ceiling:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvqF6_y39bY7j8gowKnMVuJPjrJhjY11uNjU2xDtx4yEctMyeBSGwE2lWM1RZqdYZjucxdlDghZpP8p8IqzUNe8DdW0fSN_J3dVbOv4hfd-PHSO9eYfSCbUR-vXDdmtbaEDth4-W6QUvM/s1600/carl4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvqF6_y39bY7j8gowKnMVuJPjrJhjY11uNjU2xDtx4yEctMyeBSGwE2lWM1RZqdYZjucxdlDghZpP8p8IqzUNe8DdW0fSN_J3dVbOv4hfd-PHSO9eYfSCbUR-vXDdmtbaEDth4-W6QUvM/s640/carl4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's hard to see from the above pic but there are actually green lines running through the plaid alongside the light line so we did the walls in a rich green-gray.</center>
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I love how the blue of the sofa looks against the warm green-gray paneling. The room is fairly tiny so in lieu of end tables with lamps we did a pair of brass & white glass lamps on either side of the sofa to flank art we'd collected. The first piece is up...</center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1ui50udoD9o-2CunS4BWq6WmU7foCLmpqUGfbst1nj1zdF8YepoKkIJv0a7U1pOo9zJ2jFKMSFJn2myrDDgFT8k0Xdu8igKiECQuLu8R9eXdMRCq-tiN0hfgU5O0sSQ8kxAu8AQl8Gc/s1600/carl23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1ui50udoD9o-2CunS4BWq6WmU7foCLmpqUGfbst1nj1zdF8YepoKkIJv0a7U1pOo9zJ2jFKMSFJn2myrDDgFT8k0Xdu8igKiECQuLu8R9eXdMRCq-tiN0hfgU5O0sSQ8kxAu8AQl8Gc/s640/carl23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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{An antique hunt print we found soon to be joined by other things my clients collect}</center>
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...and we've got a few more to go!</center>
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My client is going to take his time collecting things for the room and I can't wait to see it when it's finished!! When we go back and photograph it, I'll share the rest of the room with you, but hope you enjoyed the sneakity peek! :) Have a great day & fingers crossed for us because today is the day we put a fifteen foot wide hole in our house to get ready for the massive window in our upstairs loft!! It's going to be hot and really messy for a while here. I'm in the process of finding more things for our place so we can be DONE. (As "done" as people like us let things be ;) I'll keep you posted!!</center>
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If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, <a href="http://www.thepurestyle.com/index2.php#/contact/">contact me</a> about our design services.</center>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-21705035038590324702013-06-04T09:46:00.003-04:002013-06-04T09:46:51.385-04:00Local Furniture Warehouse Sale- DC, MD, VAIf you're local and love to shop, you might want to check out our friends at N Route Delivery's massive warehouse sale:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LCmct8j6IVA6gtwZNIZN-siwh_OGY66TZPnSiMM4rHU1fKQoFeRlmxlzEJ809A49ub4b93RLbPEgK6HS466AJyBmEbF5h-ezftLezDa0ATN2Kvo7mkVLfdeLJDyBoXxo5SyHs3LcgN8/s1600/Nroutewarehousesale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LCmct8j6IVA6gtwZNIZN-siwh_OGY66TZPnSiMM4rHU1fKQoFeRlmxlzEJ809A49ub4b93RLbPEgK6HS466AJyBmEbF5h-ezftLezDa0ATN2Kvo7mkVLfdeLJDyBoXxo5SyHs3LcgN8/s640/Nroutewarehousesale.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There will be TONS of stuff at amazing prices!!! Along with designer returns & showroom samples, there are also a bunch of designers selling items too!! Hope to see you there!<br />
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If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, <a href="http://www.thepurestyle.com/index2.php#/contact/">contact me</a> about our design services.</center>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-11372047043858115882013-06-03T09:43:00.001-04:002013-06-03T09:43:47.409-04:00Clients' Traditional Living Room Before & After<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last week we installed a couple of rooms our clients' home so I thought I'd share a few afters (iphone/ instagram pics) I snapped. I met our clients years ago when I first started out decorating. They'd given me a call to do a consultation in their home way back when. We got along really well and I was so happy to get a call a few years later after they purchased their new home. My clients are a young (incredibly sweet & happy) family who love a traditional-feeling home that feels fresh and a tad fun. We usually throw in a little preppy streak too for good measure. Here is their living room when we first started out:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5Pt_JBCAFW7Omxh7WG3sMSRZgD4hVsobE0J4BFZaaDQeri-a75_xR6TwsuxC8xmNhPRDXeapVdbkyGLBEpqBsKhIRcA-ixqntMuCll1EwiXOL5DF3OtV43NXzJZNa740R6U5yZ-GiAM/s1600/sept+287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5Pt_JBCAFW7Omxh7WG3sMSRZgD4hVsobE0J4BFZaaDQeri-a75_xR6TwsuxC8xmNhPRDXeapVdbkyGLBEpqBsKhIRcA-ixqntMuCll1EwiXOL5DF3OtV43NXzJZNa740R6U5yZ-GiAM/s640/sept+287.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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{They had JUST moved in at this point FYI}</div>
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They already had a beautiful rug that we all decided should stay, and the paintings over the mantle are actually of my clients' farmhouse on their wedding day. If you look in the paintings, you can see my clients and their families & friends having a blast. (There are even fireworks in one painting!!! Wish I'd known them sooner!! ;) ;) So, of course, those were staying!! We also had a tan sofa to work with (not pictured) and we built the room around these things. </div>
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Here it is now:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVowkpP6cZ-lFfz7949tNQQqYMa_59UfsHKe37BKldr3lbsevJQUxw-hmrQmGd9vSSMsmyJHpocVmhGctZ_tsdSlnvm0GNDejELGvPJZ7IhqJeVPOQTX24iaQztURt0m3HcW__hZ3zFyM/s1600/anne6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVowkpP6cZ-lFfz7949tNQQqYMa_59UfsHKe37BKldr3lbsevJQUxw-hmrQmGd9vSSMsmyJHpocVmhGctZ_tsdSlnvm0GNDejELGvPJZ7IhqJeVPOQTX24iaQztURt0m3HcW__hZ3zFyM/s640/anne6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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{We layered the sofa with some of my textiles: Queen Anne's Bouquet & Pierced Porcelain in Blue}</div>
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My clients love green and blue so I used the shades of green & blue that were just barely there in the rug to make the color scheme more to their liking. We added a seagrass rug to layer under the existing wool rug because it was too small for the room. (We use this trick in at least half -if not more- of our projects because it allows you to use rugs that might not otherwise fit the space perfectly and it creates another natural layer of interest.) </div>
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Here's the view from the foyer when we started: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wJjqmwafr5MPNFn88uBOCj3yj_vKz2DVTOf71tGgIpSB1sHpzWiWzMV1fdPB6eCMkQUti3UmUqh2UhrdAXahm2UcpEXGtDhknRo6Hs75dvEnz6ZIDgT8g28rSPBZRBm4NWSuKRcJo4w/s1600/sept+284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wJjqmwafr5MPNFn88uBOCj3yj_vKz2DVTOf71tGgIpSB1sHpzWiWzMV1fdPB6eCMkQUti3UmUqh2UhrdAXahm2UcpEXGtDhknRo6Hs75dvEnz6ZIDgT8g28rSPBZRBm4NWSuKRcJo4w/s640/sept+284.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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And here it is now:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0INWNgLrTXhIkeEOUSjStGz8c4RhcbSoGkzUoGsEeF-RYw00UjutjQAWhztMVFkzFOMq4RiHfFUOdidwLgIm89L8R9hTWUTdiRfGCnOWSkz1OFehQM6cps-DLE550KxEn51v6iac8_I/s1600/anne2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0INWNgLrTXhIkeEOUSjStGz8c4RhcbSoGkzUoGsEeF-RYw00UjutjQAWhztMVFkzFOMq4RiHfFUOdidwLgIm89L8R9hTWUTdiRfGCnOWSkz1OFehQM6cps-DLE550KxEn51v6iac8_I/s640/anne2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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{The foyer rug also has some green woven into it... We did a massive family gallery wall going up the stairs.}</div>
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The curtains and natural woven roman shades really made this room for me. They softened it and made it feel lived-in. We used a little trick to save on the shades: They're only about 3 feet long even though the windows would have required that they be 70-some inches because my clients don't plan on actually using them. Instead, they just serve to add a little natural warmth to the room. </div>
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The green & white striped swivel chairs really added the energy we needed to the room. The slipcovers were fabricated out of a very soft, washed linen which feels more casual than what normally might have gone into a room like this. We wanted the living room to feel more formal than other rooms in the house so they could host parties & get-togethers with friends, but we still wanted everyone to feel like they could snuggle up, put their feet up, and relax.</div>
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It was important to us all that the home feel like it was put together over time and we incorporated some vintage & antique elements, which is really my favorite way to decorate. We recovered a pair of tall old cane backed chairs with blue seats and placed them in front of the windows on either side of the fireplace...</div>
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...which is just the type of age & layering we were after. </div>
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My clients have collected some beautiful oil paintings over the years and I hung two of them on either side of the doorway to the sun room above a pair of mahogany dressers topped with concrete mossy urns. Here's a photo of one of them: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8THAaXykyyEwcIYLFiDCpf6j_dNROjE28e1OVtr3swGenOR2uWylLxMVXEOBx3-5czNX7LxKoa8b8giJybxqDjp-G_4nLPlCZ4S28dpascSXMguoZzrYmf9nMI8mHh0K3-tLwJTs8G_o/s1600/anne5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8THAaXykyyEwcIYLFiDCpf6j_dNROjE28e1OVtr3swGenOR2uWylLxMVXEOBx3-5czNX7LxKoa8b8giJybxqDjp-G_4nLPlCZ4S28dpascSXMguoZzrYmf9nMI8mHh0K3-tLwJTs8G_o/s640/anne5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was so excited when my client said she was up for a little animal print in the room (!!) and so we brought in a leopard bench. (below) The bench was supposed to be six feet wide but came in at only three feet wide (don't you love it when that happens?! ;) but I did take pics with it in the room because I loved how the fabric looked in there so much. (A new one is being made now)<br />
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For this project, my clients opted for an accessories "package" as we call it, where they gave me an accessories budget and I went shopping with it. It's so much fun and really yields the best results because I can get great things when I see them without having to get them approved (by the time you often get small things approved, they're already gone) and things look so much better when they're in their intended places so it makes sense once a client sees it. I also bring more than I use and then get to leave only the things that look best, (The urns, the antique plaques on the left wall, the fiddle leaf fig, the mantle arrangement and a few of other things are from the accessories package. The dinosaur on the coffee table- the piece de la resistance in the room- however, was already there. ;) ;) </center>
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I'm off for the day but will be sure to share some more before & afters this week!! Hope you enjoyed!!</center>
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If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, <a href="http://www.thepurestyle.com/index2.php#/contact/">contact me</a> about our design services.</center>
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