William Bernard is here!

On Thursday, September 19th at 7:58pm, our son William Bernard was born.  

He is the cutest, most precious gift I have ever laid eyes on.  Having a baby is a profound experience, obviously.  But until you go through it, you're never truly prepared for the magnitude of emotion that runs through your soul (at least, I wasn't prepared for it).  I look at him in awe-- I can't believe that I'm his mom. 

I'll be back in a few days to share the birth story.  Right now, I'm transitioning into my new life of baby cuddles, midnight feedings, smelling his sweet baby scent, and watching for every new little expression.  At some point, I'll finally wash the baby puke out of my hair and get it together.  But until then, I'll be kissing those sweet little baby feet and thanking God for this precious miracle in my arms.

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So, it's September...

I can't believe this month is finally here.  9 months of pregnancy-- check.  

2013 has certainly been the fastest year of my entire life.  Without a doubt.  Between the pregnancy, our growing business, design clients, and our 3rd floor renovation (whew!), this year is flying by so fast.  And now, in just a matter of days, we are about to welcome our first baby into the world (official due date is September 14th).  It's kind of mind blowing.  With all the days of your life...  and, only a handful of days remain between "before kids" and "after kids".  Nearly 6 years of marriage and we are about to become parents (what?).  And, even though my hormonal self has had 9 months to adjust to this exciting transition, the concept is still equally astounding.  :)


An update on our project:  the 3rd floor renovation is now completely finished and for the last couple of weeks, I've been working to furnish the space.  I've been buying rugs, installing new bedding, pulling hoarded vintage furniture out of storage, and getting everything set up.  It's a great feeling...  especially, when I'm reminded that not too long ago, the 3rd floor looked like this.  But, we now have two guest rooms with walk-in closets and each bedroom holds a queen-sized bed.  Between the two guest rooms is a tiny little room with two large windows that face the front of the house.   Here's the floorplan:

Some of you have emailed me asking about our living situation.  Here's the deal: we've decided to bunk up on the 3rd floor while we finish the renovation on the 2nd floor.  It feels a little backwards, but I'm so BEYOND HAPPY with the way that the 3rd floor turned out, I want my entire house to feel this way.  So, I don't mind waiting.  :)  Living on the 3rd floor is hardly a sacrifice, for now.  The three of us (baby included) will be living up there over the winter months and most likely into the spring/summer 2014 (I feel like I should write an entire post about living through a massive home renovation-- and I probably should.  But, I'll save that topic for another time).  Dave and I will sleep in one of the guest rooms, and baby will live in the tiny front room.  Even though the permanent nursery will eventually reside on the 2nd floor, I've decided to do my best and design his temporary little room in the meantime.  Here is my inspiration board for the nursery:

 The vintage bamboo armoire (that I've been hoarding for years now) won't fit in this 3rd floor space, so that will have to wait until the 2nd floor is complete.  But, almost everything else managed to squeeze into that tiny room! 

(resources: glider, floor lamp, crib, ottoman, teddy bear rocker, dresser, area rug)

 

I wanted to keep the palette soft and a little bit grown up...  so, I stayed away from overly saturated colors and used soft shades of blue, mint, bright whites and warm tans...  with a pop of emerald green for contrast.  The walls are Farrow & Ball "James White" so the vibe is really bright and warm.

If you follow me on Instagram, you've already seen a couple of sneak peeks.  But, here are some additional photos of the space as it comes together...

 (drawer organizers from Ikea-- go buy them, they'll change your life)

We are still waiting on our glider, so once that arrives I will post some additional photos of this precious little room.  :)  In the meantime, we're on baby watch.  

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3rd Floor: New Drywall & Paint Colors

It's been a REALLY long time since I've posted any home renovation projects.  Our last project was a biggie (the new Carriage House), and since then, we've sort of taken a break on the house.  But now that we have a baby coming (yay!), we're cracking down on the interior of our home and knocking out some of the biggest projects.  So, I have some updates to share.

If you remember when we bought this house, the plaster walls/ceilings on our 3rd floor were in terrible shape.  The plaster was cracking, many places had been poorly patched, and overall it was a disaster (the plaster literally crumbled off the wall when we touched it).  It could not be saved.  So, we carefully removed the original trim, and demolished everything else.  Everything.  Once the walls were gone, we cleaned out the debris that was hiding behind the walls (you don't want to know), we replaced the rotting windows with brand new double-paned wooden windows, and installed proper insulation throughout.  And even though the 3rd floor was still down to the studs, you could see progress.  We had a space that was WARM and functional-- perfect for two cozy future bedrooms.  :) 

And then we lived with it like that for 2 years.

Anyway, fast forward to this spring.  A lot has happened on our tiny 3rd floor.  First, we hired an electrician and had him replace all of the wiring on the entire floor (our home had knob and tube when we moved in-- can you say fire hazard?).  Having the new electrical work installed was fun.  I was able to be my own client and draw up an electrical plan-- "we want a pair of sconces there, and an overhead fixture here".  I enjoyed it.  My husband and I love beautiful lighting, so we really had fun with the creative process here (more lighting posts to come).  After the electrical work was finished, we had drywall installers over to the house for a week.  They worked their magic and soon, the space was looking like a home instead of a demolition zone.  I could hardly believe my eyes.  After two years of nothing, we had a whole lot of something.  :)  Here are a few pictures I snapped of the progress last month...

one of the bedrooms-- Dave framed out the new walk-in closets  You can also see the new receptacles and switch boxes.

 

same corner-- new drywall (before the mudding and taping was complete)

 

the landing at the top of the stairs-- there is a small storage room straight ahead, with two bedroom doors on each side of the landing.

 

one of the bedroom dormer windows-- we added a small recessed can in this nook (you can see the rough wiring for that).  Someday, we will install window seats here!  How cute will that be?

 

at the top of the landing, looking down to the stairs (there will be an overhead fixture here and a pair of sconces flanking the window).

 

 

 

Looks better, right?  We were so happy!  So, once our installers had finished mudding and taping, Dave began priming the bare drywall and I was able to choose the paint colors.  Now, we're getting into the fun stuff.  :)  I'm a Farrow & Ball freak (every single color they make is beautiful), so I immediately grabbed my paint deck and started looking for the perfect shades.  We wanted the space to feel light and bright and sunny, so I narrowed the colors down to crisp whites and soft creams.  I selected a bright white for the trim, and picked a couple of "cream" colored options for the walls and ceiling (which would all be painted the same shade).

 

 

 

I ended up selecting Farrow & Ball "All White" for the trim. 

 

Then, we had two options for the walls: "Slipper Satin" and "James White".

 

Farrow & Ball "Slipper Satin" on the left, "James White" on the right

(as you can see, the "Slipper Satin" ended up looking like ballet pink in our house.  Not exactly the look I was going for.  But the "James White" had the perfect grey/green undertone.  It was the clear winner here).

 

 

We put one coat of "James White" on the walls and I'm in love with the color.  LOVE would be an understatement.  I'm obsessed with it.  I love the way the color changes throughout the day.  It looks amazing in every room, and I love the slightly cooler undertones within the hue.  It's honestly perfect for us.  Once again, Farrow & Ball rocks my world.

 

with the F&B "James White" paint

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next on the list:

• repaint and hang the original trim that we so carefully saved (minus the shoe molding)
• install molding around the windows
• paint molding around the windows
• paint and hang the new closet doors
• strip the paint from the original doors, sand, and stain to the natural wood
• install wainscoting up the stairwell, onto the landing
• paint newly installed wainscoting
• refinish the hardwood floors
• install shoe moulding
• final coat of "James White" on the walls

 

 

Lots of things happening here.  So, there will be more posts to come.  :)

 

If you want to follow along on Instagram, I post a ton of renovation pictures over there!  Follow me @kellyrobson

 

 

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Enjoying the Spring in Philadelphia

I apologize for the lack of blog posts this month.  Life seems to be moving very VERY fast and I'm only trying to keep up (I'm sure you know the feeling).  There are lots of exciting things going on at the Robson house, and despite the daily to-do lists, we're also managing to have a little bit of fun in between...  So, here are some updates from me over the last month.

First and foremost: this spring, Dave and I are cracking down on our 3rd floor renovation.  After Dave ripped out the crumbling plaster, and replaced the windows (which could not be saved-- historic purists, please don't send me mean emails.  The windows could not be saved.) and we insulated the entire space, we sort of let it sit.   Two years later (and one baby on-the-way), we are picking up steam and getting back at it. 

Our electrician outfitted the entire floor with new wiring, receptacles, and junction boxes.  Next on the list-- drywall.

 

 

The 3rd floor bedroom ceilings are only about 7.5' tall, so light fixtures were out of the question.  I decided to go with these fancy 3" LED recessed cans.  I think that they'll feel discreet while still providing lovely light to the cozy bedrooms.  Plus, they claim that I won't have to change the bulb for 25 years? 

 

 

I transplanted all of our sedum to the side yard.  I've been wanting to do this since March, so a few weeks ago I picked up a shovel and started working.  I transplanted day lilies behind the sedum, and soon I'll be planting my Limelight Hydrangea behind that.  Come summertime, that side yard will be a much prettier place (fingers crossed).

 

 

 

 

 

I made a simple flower arrangement for my dining room table last week.  I loved the way my mother-in-law's centerpiece looked at Easter, so I went out and bought myself the same glass globe vase ($11.99 at Michael's).  I'm not sure I will ever use another vase.  I'm loving this glass globe-- it makes everything look better.

 

(also, Peonies are back in season-- yay!)

 

 

My parents came to visit this week and we had SO MUCH FUN together. I took them downtown to do a little Philadelphia sight seeing...

 

 

 

We saw the Liberty Bell...

 

 

 

And, toured Independence Hall (something I've always wanted to do)...

 

 

 

 

(loved all that original trim)

 

 

 

 

(I swooned over the Windsor chairs)

 

 

 

 

Then, on Tuesday, I took Mom to Terrain in Glen Mills...

 

 Two hours later, we reemerged and drove home with bags full of goodies.  :)

 

 

(me and the baby bump (22 weeks) doing a little Terrain shopping)

 

 

(fell in love with this little plant-- it's ornamental oregano.  How pretty is this?)

 

 

 

Over the last month, I was also lucky enough to attend the Chestnut Hill Garden Tour (to support the Mann Center for the Performing Arts).  It was INCREDIBLE.  I had so much fun, and snapped a few photos while I was there.  Look for a post on that coming soon (so much gardening inspiration!).

 

 

 

xoxo

Kelly

 

 

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"Tiny" Robson News!

Over the last 5 1/2 years, Dave and I have gotten married, left Los Angeles, moved to Philadelphia, started a business, and bought an old house.  But now, we're ready to begin our BIGGEST, most intimidating project to date: a BABY!  That's right, I'm pregnant.  :)  I've been keeping the secret for months now, and I'm so thrilled to finally share our happy news with you!!!

I'm officially into my 4th month at this point.  And, I've discovered that I'm one of those annoying girls that really likes being pregnant.  In fact, I love it.  As a first time mom, I'm just amazed by the whole process.  I've started to feel little tumbles and tiny kicks (incredible!).  I dream about designing the nursery (so excited to get start that process!), and I consume fresh fruit by the truck load (oranges, bananas, kiwi, berries...  it doesn't matter.  Pretty much anything fruit-flavored gets me going these days). 

Last week, we went in for our 16 week ultrasound, and we learned this:

For someone who thought she would have 27 daughters, I was surprised.  A BOY!  But, I am so truly thrilled.  The thought of this little bouncing boy brings tears to my eyes.  I can't wait to meet him.  But, I'm trying to enjoy every pregnant moment since I know that September 14th will be here in the blink of an eye.

Over the next 5 months, we've got a TON of projects lined up.  There will be changes within our house and within our business.  I'm really looking forward to sharing some substantial updates with you guys this year (budget permitting, as always!).  So, stay tuned.

xoxo,

Kelly

 

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New Year Wishes...

It's hard to believe that 2012 has come to an end, and 2013 is suddenly upon us.  These years are flying by faster and faster!!  December was a wonderfully busy month for us in the store.  And, now that Christmas is over, Dave and I are enjoying a little bit of quiet.  Here are some of the photos I've snapped with my phone over the last week...


The weekend before Christmas, we took some time away from the office and did a little shopping in downtown Philadelphia (something I almost never do)...

Rittenhouse Square, all dressed up for Christmas

 

 

our lovely skyline

 

 

 

Philadelphia City Hall

 

 

Then on Christmas Eve, we packed up the presents and drove to upstate New York to spend some time with my husband's family (and old friends).  This is a picture of the sunset on Christmas Eve...

 

I took this photo from the car as we got close to my husband's hometown.  How heavenly is this?! 

 

 

Western New York has the most beautiful rolling landscape, mixed with natural lakes and streams.  It's one of the prettiest places to be, nearly every season of the year.  But, it's especially magical in the winter (think blankets of white snow and red barns everywhere).

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas mass at the most idyllic country church...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 We stayed for a few days, visited with some old friends, watched movies (got my mother in law started on Downton Abby-- oh yes!), and ate lots of delicious food.  Then, it was time to get in the car and drive home-- before the huge snow storm hit!

our treacherous drive back to Pennsylvania. :)

 

 

.....

 

 

 

On New Year's Eve, I generally like to torture my husband by recounting all the blessings of the previous year together.  Month by painstaking month.  I think he secretly likes it (right?).  But honestly, we have so much to be thankful for.  I think that the last day of the year is a good time for reflection.  So much has happened in this whirlwind year, and it's nice to take a brief moment to remember all of the little milestones and achievements.  Last year on New Year's Eve, we wrote down our "Goals for 2012" and taped the list to the fridge (I realize this is pretty cheesy, but he indulges me).  There were big things on the list (like, "build a garage") and there were small things ("be more patient").  It's a nice tradition--whether you meet every goal or not-- and I hope to continue it throughout the years of our marriage.  Do you have any New Year traditions?  If so, please share!

 

 

So tonight, as we pop the bottles of champagne to ring in another wonderful year, I wish you happiness and peace.  May you reach your biggest (and smallest) goals, recognize each and every blessing, and may this new year be even more JOYFUL than the one before.

 

Cheers!

 

 

 

(a gorgeous old home near our house, as it snowed Saturday morning)

 

 

 

 

 

all photos from my Instagram-- follow me @kellyrobson if you want to link up!

 

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Client Sneak Peek, Babies, and Alligators

It's been a busy two weeks over here (and Thanksgiving is right around the corner?  How on earth did that happen so fast??).  Amidst regular work days and shop related activity, I managed to schedule a client installation and a quick trip to Florida.  I thought I would share some of the pictures today!

 

Here's a sneak peek of a little boys room I designed here in Philadelphia.  Our big installation happened a couple of weeks ago...

 

 

 

Custom made windowpane drapery panels and matchstick blinds

 

 

Giant "map print" floor pillows!  They're perfect for these two little explorers.

(we'll be carrying these pillows in the store soon)

My clients' vintage kid's chair, upholstered in shiny red vinyl.  It's perfect.

 

 

And, new chinoiserie Euro shams for a different bedroom in the house-- love the way these turned out against the chocolate headboard.  :)

 

Then, last weekend, I packed my bags for a quick trip to South Florida...

Sisters Weekend!

outdoor lunch, under palm trees and sunny skies...

Lo and behold!!  We spotted an alligator!!!  We were pretty excited.  That guy was about 9 feet long, sunning himself near the deck.  He made the day more exciting, that's for sure.  I've never seen anything like that before.

I spent lots and LOTS of time with my nephew, Mickey.  I'm crazy in love with this one and wish so badly we lived in the same city!!  He's 5-months old, and pretty much perfect in every way.

 

 

My sister and her husband are renovating a modern home, and right now it's down to the studs...

 

Their new entry and staircase!

 

 

 

When we weren't playing with the baby, or having lunch with alligators, Alyssa and I spent most of our time shopping for tile, appliances, flooring, doorknobs, sinks, etc etc etc...

 

We loved this ready-to-go vanity from Martha Stewart's Home Depot Collection.  It's perfect for Alyssa's downstairs bathroom.  It comes already painted in Martha's signature "Sharkey Gray", and we love the drawers, hardware, and faucet.  Thanks, Martha.

Hello, pretty marble tiles.  You're coming with us.

This modern, polished nickel bin pull is pretty much perfect for her new kitchen.  Add that to the list, please.

 

 

And, a side by side refrigerator/freezer combo.  Check, check!  The house will be coming together over the next few months and I'm so excited to see the results!  (I've already picked out my bedroom, so Dave and I can come visit whenever we want.)

 

 

As Sunday night rolled around, I packed up my things and sadly said goodbye to this little nugget...

 

(Please forgive the stain on his shirt. 

He's not a huge fan of homemade pumpkin puree)

 

 

And just like that, it's back to the grindstone. 

 

 

 

I hope you all had a lovely weekend!  I'll be back this week with regular blog posts, so stay tuned.

 

 

Happy Monday!!

 

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