Recent Happenings

Things have been very busy lately, and if you check this blog regularly, I apologize for the lack of postings!  Last week, an anonymous commenter asked me to "post more frequently!"  I read that and immediately thought, "How nice! Someone likes to read my blog.  I must post more frequently."  And, then I neglected to write a post for an entire week.  Sorry, Anonymous. 

So, while I try to get a good post together, I'll leave you with some images of this busy week.  Last weekend, we ran up to New York City for some meetings and while we were there, we managed to drop in on the New York Gift Show.

pretty shells

the Anglophile in me looooooved this chair, and I think it could be a fun DIY someday.

 

I seemed to be digging vintage glass bottles (since there were many images similar to these on my phone)...

 

...as well as anything covered in rope. 

 

me, with my post-gift-show-glass-of-wine / our view from dinner

 

 

 

The very next day, I had a meeting in Berks County, PA...

 

stunning Pennsylvania sky / lots of lovely corn fields

 

 

 

Yesterday, Dave and I met with some of our local craftsmen, developing some new products for the store....

 

weighing our wool

 

the workshop

 

 

 

In our free time, we managed to decide on a grout color for the cobblestone apron of our new driveway...

 

I like the one in front

 

 

and, we're still sorting cobblestones by size...  an endless job.

 

 

 

 

And every night, I watch 30 second videos of my infant nephew (my sister's baby)....  over and over and over again.  I'm so in love with him, I can hardly stand it.

 

His name is Mickey and he's so perfect.  I can't wait to finally meet him next month.

 

 

 

xoxo,

Kelly

 

 

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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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