The House on First Street

The September issue of Elle Decor is on newsstands now, and while everyone seems to be talking about covergirl Reese Witherspoon's Ojai retreat (it's lovely), I went CRAZY over this Greek Revival renovation in New Orleans.  Purchased almost one year prior to Hurricane Katrina, the renovation journey was, needless to say, filled with extraordinary challenges.  So much so that homeowner, Julia Reed, wrote a book about her experiences (and her newly adopted city of New Orleans) called, "House On First Street."

The Elle Decor article--written by Julia herself--is charming.  Her friend, interior designer Thomas Jayne, worked with her to design the interiors of the home with input from other friends, Suzanne Rheinstein and Patrick Dunne(!!).  And, one thing that resonated with me, as a fellow home renovator, was how Julia took her time with the restoration.  She saved money for things she wanted (Waterworks fixtures everywhere!), and held out for items on her wishlist.  The result is nothing short of remarkable-- A Greek Revival stunner in the heart of New Orleans that oozes historic charm.  Thanks for the inspiration, Julia. 

 but wait, there's more...

The landscape and courtyard design was done by Ben Page of Page Duke Landscape Architects.  Holy moly.  What a talented firm this is.  Here are just a few snippets from the Page Duke portfolio (which is pretty mind blowing).  For more, please visit their gallery HERE.

all images from Elle Decor, Thomas Jayne Design Studio, and Page Duke Landscape Architects. 

Visit their websites for even more design inspiration..

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New In The Store: The Koleman Lamp Collection

Meet the "Koleman" Lamp Collection-- just added to the store this week!  We're so excited about these gorgeous fixtures.  Each piece is available in either polished nickel or antique brass, and the quality is fantastic.  The Swing Arm Lamps are perfect for bedside reading (they come plug-in ready, but can be easily converted to hardwired sconces).  The Task Lamps would give any desktop a modern update, and the Adjustable Floor Lamps are the perfect complement to a living room reading nook.  Just look at those curves...

Koleman Swing Arm Wall Sconce,

in antique brass or polished nickel

Koleman Adjustable Task Lamp,

in antique brass or polished nickel

Koleman Adjustable Floor Lamp,

in antique brass or polished nickel

To shop more High Street Market lighting, click HERE.

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Carriage House Update: Concrete Pad

Last week, our contractor came over to frame the concrete pad for our future carriage house.  Seeing the 28' x 24' space clearly defined in the backyard was very exciting (it's really happening!).  And, a couple of days later, our town inspector dropped by.  He gave everything two thumbs up...

Then yesterday, the first of two concrete trucks arrived...

And, six hours later, the pad was complete! 

The pad will need to sit and cure for 3-4 weeks.  But, before the concrete dried completely....

I ran outside and carved an "R" where the side door will be.  I apologize to Scott, our masonry contractor, for vandalizing his work.  But, it had to be done.

More driveway and carriage house updates to come.  We met with our builders a couple of weeks ago and made a big change to the front elevation of the carriage house.  We're psyched.  I'll share the new elevations with all of you later this week!

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Current Inspiration

London

doors, trim, hardware, marble

stair details

navy, via Tim Clarke

landscaping ideas

everything in here, love it.

so simple and so pretty, San Fran showhouse 2002

monochromatic + animal print, Western Interiors

millwork

lanterns, via Traditional Home

paint, shutters, lanterns, dog boot scraper

styling, David Netto

blanket with pom poms (fun idea for a kids room, isn't it?)

more found on Pinterest.

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Herringbone Sisal Runners

Today, our very popular Herringbone Sisal Runners are BACK IN STOCK.  If your name was on the waiting list, thank you for being so patient!  You can find them HERE. 

our Heringbone Sisal Runner in a clients kitchen

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Driveway Update: New Retaining Wall

Over the last week, Dave and I have worked overtime to complete the installation of our new driveway.  Here are some updates...

we bought 4 pallets of Pennsylvania fieldstone from a local stone yard...

Pennsylvania fieldstone in "Colonial Red"-- sold!

We laid down a layer of modified gravel...

... and, we began working on the retaining walls that will flank the driveway entrance.  Stack by stack, stone by stone... 

Dave, finishing the top layer.

side shot of the new retaining wall.

So far, so good!  We're making progress.  Next project: lay the cobblestone pavers.

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The Best Work Gloves (for girls)

THE BEST work gloves for girls: Tuff Chix by Ironclad (signed by Paige Hemmis from Extreme Home Makeover).  I've gone through quite a few pairs of work gloves since we bought this house, and I can honestly say that these are by far the best.  I used to pay $10-$20 for a good pair at Home Depot, and most were MENS, size small.  Then, I bought these babies and everything changed.  Here's why I like these gloves....

•  They fit.
•  They're SO durable.  My old gloves would start showing holes in the fingers after average use.  These last forever.   
•  Great grip.  Perfect for grasping heavy objects (most recently, cobblestones)
•  Padded knuckles.  Need I say more?
•  They breathe.  No sweaty palms.
•  And one of my favorite features: the backside of the thumb is made of soft black terrycloth.  I'm a girl, and I don't like to have dirt (or any other unfavorable object) on my face.  That black terrycloth is perfect for wiping away any unladylike debris.  :)

They don't come in any other colors, except pink.  I'm not usually a pink person, but now I kind of like feeling girly in pink work gloves.  I'm a girl.  :)

workin it.

Perfect for serious home renovators and weekend warriors alike (I also use them for gardening-- they're great).  You know your girlfriend that just bought her first house?  These would be perfect for her too.  :)

*this is not a sponsored post.  I'm just crazy about these gloves.  However, if Paige Hemmis would like to send me free gloves, I will gladly accept them as payment for advertising her product.  :)

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Reclaimed Cobblestones

Our driveway materials have been delivered! 

We decided to go with a combination of cobblestone + crushed stone to pave the new driveway.  Living in the Philadelphia area, we had the option of buying new cobblestones (cut uniformly and ready for installation, like these)...  or, we could go with reclaimed cobblestones (recycled from paving projects around the area).   As you may have guessed, Dave and I opted for the reclaimed.  They're about the same price as new cobbles, and we love the worn surfaces and irregular shapes.  Fast forward to this week, and there are 1500 reclaimed cobblestones sitting in a pile in the middle of the backyard.


This weekend, we spent some time sorting our new (old) cobbles.  Grouping them by size and stacking them smooth side up.  Each block is made of solid granite and weighs about 30 pounds!  So, needless to say, I'm feeling pretty strong this morning (and quite sore...  where's the Advil?).

sorted cobblestones

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Potted Lavender

lavender, potted in my vintage McCoy planter

My husband Dave knows that I love this specific McCoy pattern (I believe it's called "bead and leaf").  So, whenever he finds a "bead & leaf" planter at a flea market, he brings it home for me. :)   At this point, I have a small collection going (mostly holding fresh herbs).  Recently, I decided to take this particular planter and fill it with lavender.  I love the soft tiny leaves, and the scent is heavenly.   

They say that lavender aromatherapy helps relieve stress (among a million other things).  I think they're right.  :)

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