Our New Carriage House

We have a carriage house folks.  Can you believe it?  I still find myself surprised when I look at the backyard.  It's there!!  Our Amish crew arrived last Monday, and the building was completed on Wednesday.  They pre-fabricated the first story in their Chester County warehouse.  It was delivered in two pieces and the rest of the building was built/assembled on site.  Watching them put the pieces together was mesmerizing, and I snapped LOTS of pictures.  If you follow me on Instagram (@kellyrobson), you've already seen a few of these photos.  But, here's a play-by-play of last week's momentous build.  :)

Day 1:

It's 1:30pm and the truck arrives...

The first floor of our carriage house, separated in two pieces, on the back of a big rig (my jaw dropped when I saw this).

 

 

Each piece was wheeled in place onto our concrete foundation (!!!).

 

 

One half down, another to go.

 

 

Here comes part 2.

 

 

Now, they're lining the two parts together.  The mule looks like this up close (the entire machine was specifically designed for these types of Amish builds).  It was very fun to watch.

 

 

 

Day 2:

 

7:30am - a team of four Amish men arrive to build the second story.

 

 

Within a couple of hours, we had a roofline.

 

Progress on the backside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Around lunchtime, our dormers were built,

 

And, by the end of the day, there was tar paper on the roof.

 

Day 3:

 

The guys worked all day, installing the roof shingles, hanging gutters, finishing electrical work, etc.  It was truly amazing to watch it all come together.

 

Benjamin Moore "Gray Owl" is the color we chose for the exterior.  The bucket also makes a nifty step stool when installing some electrical work.  :)

 

Our new lanterns, ready to be hung.  These fixtures are made by World Imports (the Sutton Collection) and we ordered the largest size possible, which measured 21.5" high. 

This is what the carriage house looks like today:

 

 

 

It's finished! 

*We still haven't selected a light fixture over the side door.  We'll find something soon, I hope.

We chose insulated carriage-style garage doors with an extra foot of height (just in case we ever want to park a monster truck inside).  The handles are functional and I love the way the hardware looks from the house.

 

our new cupola, with a cast iron eagle weathervane.

 

 

 new lanterns.

 

 

The shed dormer allows for SO MUCH head room on the second floor, we had to include it in the design.  Since it doesn't totally relate to the architectural style of our home, this dormer faces the backside of the property.  So, you can't see it from the house.  I like that.

It's hard to tell from the photo, but there is a TON of space on this level.  We're so excited to set up a workspace for Dave near the back.  :)

Here is the second story.  This room is massive, measuring the entire footprint of the garage itself (24' x 28').  Right now, we'll use it for storage space.  But someday, we'll insulate it and drywall.  I would love to make it an office...  or, a play room.  Or, a separate guest house.  :)

 

 

so much space!

(love the head room provided by our new hipped dormers)

 

 

 

 a note about our builders:

 

We hired Stoltzfus Structures to build our carriage house, and our entire experience with them was TREMENDOUS.  Located in nearby Chester County, Pennsylvania, this family-run Amish builder specializes in pre-fab and custom-designed garages, carriage houses, barns, pool houses, and sheds (they also build cabanas, gazebos, and chicken coops!).  I can't say enough about these people.  We first met with Jonathan in February.  Dave and I were in the "research" phase of this project, and had narrowed it down to a small handful of potential builders.  After we toured the facility and experienced the professionalism and warmth of the staff, we immediately knew that we wanted to work with them.  Over the next several months, we exchanged a few emails with Jonathan, keeping him updated on our schedule.  We never felt pressured.  When we finally felt ready to begin the project this summer, we worked with him to customize our design.  He was so extremely professional, friendly, and easy to work with (even with our last minute changes to the front elevation!). 

 

Like I mentioned above, the carpenters at Stoltzfus Structures built half of our building off-site, in their Chester County workshop.  The carriage house was installed in modular units and then the rest of the building was built on site.  The crew that showed up to our house was AWESOME.  These guys worked from morning til night, they were friendly and courteous (some of the finest young men you'd ever hope to meet).  Dave and I are truly thrilled with the end result and hope to work with Stoltzfus Structures on future projects (pool house anyone?!).

 

If you are considering a build like this (garage, carriage house, pool house, whatever!), I highly recommend Stoltzfus.  Even though they're based in Eastern Pennsylvania, they work with customers all across the country (and just recently finished a project in California!).  I feel like I need to disclose that Stoltzfus is not paying me to write this, nor did they discount our project-- I am just so honestly THRILLED with the service, I want you to benefit as well!  Ask for Jonathan and tell him that Kelly sent you.  ;)

 

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So, our carriage house is complete!  What do you guys think?  If you have any questions about our experience, please feel free to email me personally or you can leave a comment at the end of this post.  Thanks so much for following along with this project, dear readers!  It's been so fun relaying ideas with you and sharing updates on the blog.  Now, I look forward to starting our NEXT home project and sharing all of the progress here with you.

 

xoxo

Kelly

 

 

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Happy Halloween Decor!

 

We've added some chic Halloween decor to the store this week.  Do you decorate your home for the spooky holiday??  I do.  And these pieces are really great.  I'm personally in love with those Iron Eagle Lanterns-- they're amazing!!  I want two of them, flanking my front porch.  Boo!

Large Brass Fly (with hidden compartment) / Cast Iron Eagle Lantern /

Black Owl Doorstop / Vintage Ouija Board

 

(top image also features our Large Bone Tray, Ceramic Vases, Chocolate DinnerNapkins, and White Porcelain Tea Cups)

Happy Weekend!

 

 

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Carriage House Update: Specs

I can't even believe I'm typing this, but our carriage house build starts on MONDAY.  As in, six days from today.  We've been saving and planning for so long, it's immensely gratifying to know that in one short week, we will have a new structure in the backyard.  We are working with an Amish builder in the area (more on them later), who will deliver part of the carriage house in pre-fabricated pieces (think "WIDE LOAD" down the Pennsylvania Turnpike).  The rest of the structure will be built on site.  In eager anticipation of the upcoming build, I thought I would share some of the design specifications with you today...

 

We've decided to paint the building a warm shade of pale gray.  I wanted something more gray-tan, Dave wanted a color that felt more gray-silver.  In the end, we chose Benjamin Moore's "Gray Owl" OC-52, which in my opinion is the best shade of gray-tan (haha).  The trim will be painted in a bright white, and the shutters and side door will be black-- both paint colors will be provided by the builder.  After a great debate over roofing materials, we decided to go with architectural shingles in a classic black.  We had once considered using slate shingles (or faux slate), since that's what our home originally had in the 1890s.  But, the EXTREMELY high price tag made us take a closer look.  We came to the conclusion that architectural shingles are just fine for us (however, if you have faux slate shingles, please share your review in the comments!  I'm dying to know how they hold up).




We will be building hipped dormers, rather than the gable dormers, and we're still thrilled with this impulsive decision.  Each one will hold two windows, so there should be lots of light on the second floor (should we decide to convert it into a guest house someday).  We will be building a small cupola because we just have to have one of those.  And, while we're at it, let's install a weather vane with an eagle on it, mmmkay? :)

In terms of lighting, I looked high and low for the perfectly affordable large square lantern.  The lanterns add so much interest to the front elevation of the carriage house, it was important that we selected something good.  This guy is perfect:

World Imports, Sutton Collection 4-Light Outdoor Wall Sconce

 

I love the square silhouette and dark finish.  The scale is good, measuring almost 22" high by 12" wide.  I'm not sure how much I love that seedy glass, but I'm going for it anyway.  In addition to three of these lanterns, we'll also be installing something simple over the side door.  I found this fixture at HomeDepot.com and I kind of love it...

 

180-Degree Outdoor Motion-Sensing Wall Lantern-HB48017MP-237 at The Home Depot

 

Dave and I haven't officially agreed on this piece yet, but I think it could be perfect. It's simple enough and the best part is that it's MOTION SENSING. Love that. Also, it's cheap.  What do ya think?

UPDATE:  We definitely will NOT be selecting this light fixture.  Thanks to your wonderful comments (and poor reviews of this product!), we can see that we'll need to select something else.  Bummer.

 

 

Finally, to dress up the entry, we'll be flanking the garage doors with three large square black planters (positioned under each lantern).  I like this option from Grandin Road...

 

 

Powder Coated Box Planter in Black

 

 

We've also considered building our own planters, or buying something like this and painting it.  Another good option would be to go with a fiberglass "zinc look-a-like".  Or, zinc itself.  We'll see.  That won't happen right away.

Six more days...

 

 

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Wall To Wall Seagrass

Wall to wall carpeting is not usually my first choice when designing a home.  However, there are places where wall to wall is a total necessity, and in those situations I always gravitate toward wool.  You'll never regret a wool carpet. 

But, have you ever considered wall to wall seagrass?  I've seen it in retail spaces where it knocks my socks off, but I've never specified it for a residential space.  Fellow blogger, Lauren Liess is a big fan.  She put it in her home and raved about the results.  These pictures inspire me to include wall to wall seagrass in some future design projects.  So gorgeous!  What do you think?

 

 

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Pure Wool (NEW in the store)

A couple of days ago, we added some new products to the store... and I thought I would share them with you today!  One of the many exciting parts of my job involves working directly with skilled craftsmen and manufacturers to create new, unique products for High Street Market.  We feel honored to team up with other American entrepreneurs to create one-of-a-kind, high quality pieces that are made in America.  And, the resulting products are excellent.  I hope that you love these new pieces as much as we do!

 

 

Our new rugs are fantastic.  Made of 100% wool, in a "natural & black" colorway, they're completely hand-tied and the quality can't be beat.  This chic Double Stripe Rug is the first in a series of rugs we're creating for the store (more colors to come!).  It's incredibly soft and would be perfect in a bedroom, kids room, or playroom!


We're also expanding our collection of hand-braided wool baskets.  Our new set is made of ivory wool and features leather handles with brass accents!  Available here.

 

Perfect for holding blankets and pillows this fall.  And, the soft construction makes them ideal for a kid's space-- use them to corral books and toys!

 

 

Happy Monday.

 

xo

Beautiful New York: The Plaza Hotel

After we returned from our trip to California, I got in my car and drove to New York City.  My best friend Gina was there visiting her cousin (my college roommate and dear friend), Craig.  Since I never get to see them, we decided to spend a couple of days together.  We shopped and went out to lunch.  In the evening, we had dinner at one of my favorite New York restaurants, Patsy's (side note: as I get older, I've noticed that all of my favorite restaurants are upscale, slightly old-school, and cater to the over 60 set.  These are the best restaurants!  Patsy's is one of them.  White tablecloths, great food, wonderful service, and no trendy, over-dressed guests trying to impress.  It's not scene-y.  I like that about Patsy's). 

 

 

During our New York visit, we all went to lunch at The Plaza.  I've walked past this historic hotel a small handful of times, but I've never been inside.  The interior was so mesmerizing, I snapped a bunch of pictures with my iPhone...

 

 

 

 

I can't quite come up with the words to describe the pure grandeur of this place.  It's truly magical.  You walk through the marble-clad hallways, look up at the gold-trimmed plaster ceilings and you can only imagine the Gatsby-esque parties that have occurred here over the years.  What kind of social giants of the 20th Century stayed here?!  It's a one-of-a-kind landmark that can't be missed, and if you're in New York, you must go!  Next time I visit The Plaza, I would like to have tea in the Palm Court just so I can stare at that incredible glass ceiling for an hour.  The gal in the gift shop told me that when Conrad Hilton owned the hotel in the 1940s, he covered that glass ceiling to make way for air conditioning!  Can you believe it?  Fun stuff. 

Before lunch, we walked into The Plaza Gift Shop, which is filled with interesting things-- new gifty items and fun vintage Plaza memorabilia.  Gina and I bought necklaces by DogEared.  I'm calling it a "friendship" necklace (even though our choices don't match) because Gina and I have been friends for about 20 years.  In junior high, we wore friendship bracelets and signed our notes "BFFs!!".  So, when I wear it, I will think of her.  I also bought an ashtray from the former Edwardian Room (the space is now occupied by Italian designer, Angelo Galasso).  But just a short time ago, The Edwardian Room was a notorious restaurant at The Plaza, overlooking Central Park (originally, it was a mens-only club...  but later evolved to include both genders, which is nice).  The ashtray was only $12.00 and I think it might be considered "vintage" at this point (is it over twenty years old? Ha!).   My little Plaza trinket now holds my bracelets on my bedside table...

The three of us ate lunch at Todd English, located on the lower level of The Plaza.  It's a gorgeous space and the food was delicious.  I highly recommend...

 love the orange barstools and mosaic floor

 

fun typography at the bar

 

 

 

 

 

modern tile in the kitchen

the three of us at lunch

(me, Craig, and Gina)

Homemade pasta anyone?

 

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If you're a history nut like me, you will DEFINITELY enjoy watching a few short videos on The Plaza's website. I would have posted them here (one is particularly great!), but the page won't let me share them. So, click HERE and make sure to watch the two videos under the "Restoration" section of the page. Once you've seen those, scroll down a little lower and watch the video called Architectural Tour-- you'll see the ballroom where Truman Capote hosted his famous "Party of the Century". The videos are short, they're fun to watch, and they allow you to escape to The Plaza for a few minutes today!!

 

 

 

Happy Friday!

 

 

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Snow Leopard Tote

 

 

The Emerson Fry fall collection is finally available online this week.  I'm swooning over this CRAZY GOOD snow leopard tote.  Coming soon, they say.  Not soon enough!  It's on my wishlist, definitely.

 

 

Also...

 

Emerson Fry's New Hampshire home.

 

 

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Sweet Home California

Last week, Dave and I jumped on a plane and flew to my hometown in Southern California.  I haven't been home since Brooke's Baby Shower, which was about a year and a half ago (how does time pass by so quickly??!!).  We stayed at my grandparents' house, a place I've been visiting since I was a little girl.  It brought back such happy memories-- my sister and I used to spend long weekends there as children.  My grandparents took us on picnics, taught us how to ice skate, and planned many other weekend adventures.  Everything revolved around us, and now, as an adult, I'm so grateful for the time we shared.  We didn't watch television at their house, so we ended up playing long (and very competitive!) card games into the evenings.  Some of the best memories with my grandparents involve sitting around the kitchen table, eating ice cream, and playing cards. 

 

My entire family flew into town to celebrate my Grandpa's life.  My sister, her husband, and 3 month old baby(!!!) flew in from Florida; my parents flew in from Indianapolis.  We came in from Philadelphia.  Grandpa passed away recently at the age of 92, and was in fantastic shape up until the end.  It was important to him that we hold a small, private service-- nothing fancy.  So, that's what we did.  The "party", as we called it, wasn't sad.  But instead, it was happy.  My cousins and I shared memories of him (a crazy character if you ever knew one) and looked at old photos.  We ate take-out food off of the good china, used Grandma's best silver, and we drank wine.  Here are a few snapshots of the happy trip...  

 

 

boarding the plane in Philadelphia /

Hello, California!  The view from our seat as we descended.

Grandma has a green thumb, check out her ten foot hedges! /

her Meyer lemon tree produces lemons year round

 

going through old photos for the party, I found this precious shot of my dad and uncle at Echo Park, late 1950s / As a child, Grandma was given a different tea cup and saucer every year for her birthday.  This stunning collection is a result of that.  Wow!

 

 

On east coast time, Dave and I made a 6am trip to the Home Depot (Dave planned on doing some repair work at Grandma's house).  My goodness!!  Who knew they sold flowers like this at the Home Depot?!  Certainly not in Pennsylvania.

 

 

I purchased buckets full of white roses and white hydrangeas to decorate Grandma's house

The dining room centerpiece I created with 36 white roses and Grandma's vintage crystal compote.  With a block of floral foam, this arrangement couldn't have been easier.

picture boards for Grandpa

 

 

Meeting my nephew, Mickey, for the very first time-- magic!  He's incredibly perfect and I think I cried for an hour.  He's so happy and beautiful!

I couldn't keep my hands off of him.  And, he smells so good.  I love being Aunt Kelly.

 

here he is with Uncle Dave.

 

 

and here, with his GREAT Grandmas.  :)

 

 

 

While in California, I also managed to spend some quality time with my best friend, Brooke.  That girl had me laughing so hard, I cried.  Is there anything better in the world than a belly laugh with good girlfriends?  Nothing better.  I'm so grateful for my people.  :)

Now that I'm back, I have a few posts lined up for the week.  An update on our cobblestone driveway  is in order.  Also, I made a trip to New York City last week to visit two of my best friends.  I'll share some photos of that adventure as well.  Happy Monday!

 

 

xoxo,

Kelly

 

 

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Letter Rip! (NEW Brass Letter Openers)

Yesterday, we added a few new letter openers to the store.  Check them out!

 

 

The only civilized way to open snail mail is with a chic letter opener, of course!  And this group does not disappoint.  Each is made of solid unlacquered brass and they're only $16.00 each. 

Available HERE.

 

 

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