Driftwood

Condo renovation: Living area

2011-01-02T17:17:00.000-05:00

The final space upstairs is the living area, which got a bit constrained when there were 4+ people in the unit. The first "before picture" isn't our actual unit (we were blessed with the lovely green couch with the golfer pillow), but it otherwise it's identical to our unit (even down to the faux plants).

We were inspired by a friend's recent build in Southern California and put up paneling on the main wall. It definitely gives texture and interest to the space.

We're still waiting on two chairs and footstools to arrive and eventually will get around to getting something of interest on the walls. At the moment, I'm leaning towards horizontally hanging 10-20 wooden golf clubs above the sofa. We'll see though...

In the meantime, we were excited to find the bright yellow wooden waterski's at Lanier's (see in the corner by the slider?), a vintage leather megaphone, a few wooden rackets, a 1960's wooden skateboard and a turquoise ball hopper as well. They probably won't end up where they are now, but they definitely add a bit of youthful whimsy to the space.

So there's the living area. It will be nice to get a bit more seating in the space for the next visit, but our monster couch (at least 7 ft long) was well used on our recent trip.

Thoughts/comments? What would you do to the space?

Condo renovation: Master bedroom

2011-01-02T16:48:00.001-05:00

In a vacation condo, you want to make sure that you've got a cozy place to rest, relax, and sleep in. Once again, the existing room wasn't horrible, it just wasn't the what we considered cozy.

We really liked the Restoration Hardware light wood theme at the moment, but it's just so expensive. After many trips online, I couldn't seem to justify the cost for a king size bed frame. I turned to my fellow design blogs and was intrigued by this image posted on Apartment Therapy where old shutters were used as a head board.

While visiting one of my favorite furniture shops in Miami, Victoria's Armoire, I came across an antique Indonesian and the wheels started to turn. Surprisingly, Mr. Big was all over the idea and everything fell into place (or was nailed into place!).

Against the muddy paint from Restoration Hardware, the headboard definitely grabs your attention, especially when viewed from the main living area. The room looks a bit darker than it actually is in these pictures, but it definitely has a cozy, hunkered-down feel to it.

Across from the bed, we have this beautiful early-1900's chest from Hungary. I love the simplicity and rustic feel. Mr. Big still is trying to convince me to give it a paint, but there's no chance that he'll win that one. Good try though!

Yet again, we were pulled towards the Restoration Hardware furniture line because we loved their Zinc Nightstand. Wouldn't it be great on either side of the bed? But the price was just crazy $$$$.

So we picked up these very stylish, yet "in need of TLC" side tables for a steal at a Kissimmee antiques shop, Lanier's. We were surprised to get them home and find out that they are actually Hendredon side tables. What a find! With the help of the very detailed instructions at Freckled Laundry, we plan to update these babies to have a similar finish (this is obviously one of our outstanding projects).

In the "before" photo at the start of this post, you can see that there used to be a tub in the corner of the room. While it seems like a great luxury, we really never used it in the 7+ years of owning the condo. So it was "bye, bye tub" and the space was updated with a locking owners closet where we can leave behind enough to avoid traveling with luggage. What a treat! And of course, I returned to Container Store for this because I find their Elfa system so practical and space conscious.

While the picture below is not of our actual unit, it is identical to our Master Bathroom except we didn't have the lovely wall paper. If the room was getting an update, the bathroom was certainly going to follow.

I couldn't get the color to come out quite right in the bathroom pics (no natural light), but it's painted in Restoration Hardware's silver sage (or actually an exact match...to save $$ of course). The big mirror was an antique find from South Florida.

We have a little bit of work left on the bathroom walls, but we'll get there. At least it's starting off in the right direction.

So there is our cozy new resting area. We've loved it so far and look forward to many restful nights. Once again, suggestions/comments welcomed! We do need to get the sports/amusement theme in here subtly, but I just haven't figured out how yet. Maybe some fun pillows and wall pieces?

Condo renovation

2011-01-02T15:03:00.000-05:00

Apologies that it's be so slow on this site...it's really been due to the fact that most of our main home has been completed (and shared!) already. But as I have alluded to over the past few months, Mr. Big and I recently undertook a renovation of a vacation condo. No, we can't seem to just sit still...

As a bit of background, the vacation condo was originally designed and decorated by the resort in which it resides. It was really never a style that matched either of our preferences, but it worked and was comfortable enough. But most importantly, it was required to allow us to rent the unit to resort visitors (to ensure consistency with all other units). Recently we decided to take the unit out of the rental pool to keep just for ourselves, which allowed us the opportunity to renovate it if we wanted (imagine how quickly these wheels started spinning...).

While not everything is entirely completed, it's probably far enough along to share at this point. You may have to imagine a few chairs, pictures on the walls, etc., but hopefully you'll get the gist of it. Because it's a vacation get-away, we attempted to go for a cozy cottage, vintage, comfortable feel layered with a bit of a sports/recreation theme.

So let's start with the kitchen. It started out looking like this:

For a rental unit, it worked satisfactorily. Behind the upper cabinets in the last picture was a wall. On the opposite side, there was an owners closet and hallway. While it worked okay, it didn't seem to be the best use of space. The most significant modification that we made in the renovation was to remove that wall and owners closet to open up the kitchen. Ta da!

I hunted high and low for appliances on Craigslist and ebay to keep costs manageable. It is just amazing the deals that you can find...although it does take time to find them. I used the Ikea kitchen planning tool to determine the cabinetry layout, but at the last minute, Mr. Big went with a local cabinet supplier. He did a good job and everything seems to fit well.

And in a fairly substantial style change from our main house, we did a lot of open storage. Over time, we'll fill up with some more colorful finds from my new-found antiquing hobby. I'm shocked to find myself enjoying all the "stuff" out, but it really does contribute to the more cozy feel of the condo. It reminds me of my grandmother's open shelves that always had fun colorful treasures within.

You can also see in the "before" photos that the dining table was previously in the living area, which resulted in a bit of a cramped space. We went for a big picnic-type table in the kitchen, which leaves substantially more space in the living area. The Emeco Navy chairs came from a local restaurant that was closing down. They are so light and versatile that they move effortlessly throughout the unit. What a great find! And an extra large vintage salmon poacher serves as our "junk drawer" holding all our scissors, tape, and just general necessities.

It's difficult to see in the larger photos, but we went with a painted brick paver backsplash in the kitchen. I was inspired with the beautiful job that Kim at The Twice Remembered Cottage did with her kitchen. It adds to the vintage, imperfect feel that we were seeking for the unit. And one of my favorite antiquing finds was this traffic sign from Napa, reminding us to slow-the-heck down.

This last image shows how we removed the walls between the kitchen and living room to open the space up. We're really pleased with how much larger the unit feels/looks. The style certainly is not for everyone, but it's working so far for us.

I'd love to hear any further suggestions or comments that my talented family and friends have. Let us know what you think. More photos to come, but this is the start!

Drive by

2010-12-15T10:16:00.000-05:00

Just a quick something to drop off so I don't let it permanently drop off my radar screen. Really intrigued by Restoration Hardware's Belgian Farmhouse Floor Lamp. Not the price though, of course...

Coffee tables

2010-10-01T22:01:00.002-05:00

Just speeding through to share a few unique coffee tables or alternatives. Any favorites? We're looking for something vintage looking, perhaps with a slight industrial feel.

From Perch

From Serena & Lily

Love our mac

2010-05-30T08:39:00.003-05:00

Yes, we've turned into a home of mac junkies. I don't really recall how it happened, but it's far too late to turn us back now (Mr. Big loves that store...). These skins from Karvt are actual wood and are available in loads of different wood species and stains. Fab!

Ideas for costal decor - part II

2010-05-17T07:53:00.004-05:00

I can't seem to turn the faucet off! In just browsing through some photos online, here are a few more decorating ideas for a coastal decor that just feel right.

These three pots of grass on the table are beautiful. I love the natural terra cotta against the dark wood. And white slip cover couches and chairs feel effortless. I suspect that the covers could be easily bleached and thrown in the washer in the case of little fingers. (Does anyone have experience with this?)

From myhomeideas.com

I love the spray of tall grass on the kitchen countertop. It give s a bit of volume with the high ceilings and again adds a natural element. The very modern piece of artwork is great in this room as well.

From coastalliving.com

Similarly, the tub filled with lots of palm fronds feels "easy breezy", yet adds just a bit of depth. Imagine how dry this room would feel without them.

From coastalliving.com

And again...palm fronds in a glass vase just couldn't be easier. I like the combination of a few on furniture and some on the floor.

Source unknown

Another example. Actually the consistent key appears to be just a few arrangements, glasses vases, and fronds (which you can now get in very lifelike silk versions for maintenance free living). And check out how cool this coffee table is with the big blown vases on top.

From coastalliving.com

These are perhaps a wee too dramatic for everyday living, but could be good on the ground or would be bold as a centerpiece for a party.

From coastalliving.com

Could you imagine having a hanging daybed on your front porch? Pillows and a mattress covered in Sunbrella would hold up to the elements. And while I probably wouldn't put the rug at an angle, it sure does add to the cozy feel.

From coastalliving.com

Rooms with neutral bases can easily be updated by the season with pillows and throws. This quick dash of tangerine is quite fun.

From coastalliving.com

Everything I've picked up above is probably very obvious to those of you doing coastal decor, but it's a bit neat for me to look at something new for a change. Any more sources for ideas on finishing touches? I'd love to hear about them.

Ideas for coastal decor

2010-05-16T16:47:00.010-05:00

A good friend recently built a beautiful new house reminiscent of Diane Keaton's home in "Somethings Got to Give". They have beautiful grey wood floors, white plank walls and dark wood accents, including amazing beams across their ceilings. And of course, there is the gorgeous white kitchen with rough black granite countertops. For a family with two little boys, its completely liveable, with just the littlest touch of elegance to it. Although I'm not there to go shopping with her, I couldn't help doing a bit of etsy browsing on her behalf. Maybe something here will catch her eye.

We're starting a bit nostalgic, but I could really see these recycled Coke glasses in her kitchen, which is emphasizes family time. Imagine how cool her boys would find them, especially when friends come over. And when not in use, they would add just a peep of color and humor through her glass.

From etsy seller angelicglass

Keeping in the same vein, I could see a collection of blue glass jars in many places in her home. While it would be easy to put them in the kitchen, they could look great on shelves or countertops in their office, living room, or boys play areas. I think the key here would be to have 3 or 5 in varying color/shapes to make it look like a collection.

From etsy seller jwhite2

And for outdoor dinner parties, a modern table could be beautifully illuminated with some painted mason jars. Just enough to give a quiet nod to the kitchen inside.

From etsy seller alyssaettinger

These large pebbles make me think of the beach. A nest of these could be really cute on a bathroom countertop with family members names, or if more humor is desired, "wash up before dinner".

From etsy seller sjengraving

They have this great area outside their boys' rooms for them to congregate. They will soon be riding their bikes all over the street. This image reminds me of boardwalks and the big packs of bikes that you find outside seaside cafes. It would be great in a common area like they have. The modern aesthetic could appeal to mom and dad, while an image of bikes would likely never disappoint a 5 year old.

From etsy sellerbicyclepaintings

In the same vein, this photo of a beachside swing set would be great in a common area or playroom. It keeps with the nostalgic, youthful theme, while not getting too "goopy". It leaves a bit to the imagination. Can't you just imagine yourself there right now?

From etsy seller JP Greenwood

A sign like this would be really fun in the boys bathroom (which is shared). Or even better, put it next to a guest shower/bath and give your friends a good laugh. Another idea would be to put it above dog water bowls (even if outside). Maybe a bit corny, but I got a laugh out of it.

From etsy seller johnwgolden

A large black and white image of the two boys would also be great in a play space. It also has a nostalgic feel, without being to obvious or sugary sweet. There is no question that their two boys would have a great pic to turn into a great wall piece.

From etsy seller phunklab

Turning our focus to "big kids", these would be pretty pieces on a cabinet top, hanging on the wall, or on a side table. But be warned, I've found that Mr. Big ties to use these types of bowls to store things (mail and paper). The nerve! How dare he think that a bowl is for using... :). Nonetheless, I like how modern the first piece is. To make sure that the house doesn't get too beachy, a few items like this would keep balance.

From etsy seller steeltoehome

From etsy sellerisabelleabramson

Personally, I find that it's really nice to have a few natural elements to keep the house feeling fresh. Etsy seller floresdelsol always has something captivating on her site.

Etsy seller floresdelsol

Etsy seller stemsandthings

Returning back to the coastal decor, a few pretty shells always look nice in a wooden bowl or on a wooden tray. With youngsters in the house, clear tack may be necessary to keep them in place without breaking, but it would be worth it.

From etsy sellerblueroompottery

Or combine them on a table top with a few more modern vases and it will keep them from getting too beachy.

From etsy seller sarapaloma

As long as it's not overdone, a few pieces of coral also is dramatic. Similar to above, I would mix them in with some more modern elements. There are beautiful cabinets in her formal living room that are begging to be filled. However, sometimes these areas can be intimidating...if not done properly, the glass cabinets can look cluttered. A few pieces of coral, combined with some shell topped clear bottles would look right at home.

From etsy seller seashellcollection

From etsy seller peacockstainedglass

Pillows are always good for a quick pop of color without a huge price tag. This pillow has a beachy feel without being too obvious. It could go on her current sofa easily to lighten it up and give just a hint of color to her living space.

From etsy sellerantracitproduction

With beautiful wood paneled walls, I would be worried about hanging artwork. It would have to be artwork that is worth potentially damaging the walls for (in my case anyway). While the kids artwork will likely be a bit more playful, more modern takes on coastal images can keep the house "current" (no pun intended).

Both from etsy seller AaronOverstreet Art

And after building their house from scratch, there is no doubt that they have a special feeling for the home that they have created. I love the idea of framing your front elevation plans or having a handprint of your street view on your walls. Go ahead and celebrate what you've accomplished! This again carries the nostalgic theme through the decor.

From etsy seller theinklab

She has a stunning front entry to her house that is begging to be shown off. Nothing to fancy, but something that makes you feel happy when you walk in the home. Although the space is wider than what is shown below, I like the distressed table with a few special items on top. It wouldn't seem too difficult to have a piece custom made by a local carpenter for the space.

I love the lazy baskets below as well. Add a few sprays of eucalyptus in a tall glass vase for a natural element. Or the hydrangeas in the pail still carry out the casual theme.

From interior stylist Atlanta Bartlett

Above the table, I like the idea of framed sea fans. I saw this recently at the Catch restaurant at the Casa del Mar (see two posts below). Please excuse the personal photo, but the sea fans are framed behind me here. I loved the texture that they added to the room. They worked perfectly in the restaurant as it was right on the beach. However, they were really cool, rather than kitschy.

With the width of her entry, she could easily have two rows of three or four framed fans. With each one being slightly different, they really do look like pieces of art. How beautiful is this?

Sea fans available from etsy seller seashellcollection

So, I may have gone slightly overboard, but that's only because I wish I was there to have fun finding stuff for her house with her. Hope that there might be something in here that would work.

Anyone else have good resources for modern, yet coastal decor that she can look at?

Inspiration vs. Reality: Photo wall

2010-05-16T14:04:00.004-05:00

While we're not totally there yet, our photo wall has been coming along.

Inspiration pic

Progress so far

For some reason, I was worried that our wall wasn't large enough for four shelves (not sure why because I measured it no less than eighteen times). Just a reminder for all the lovely ladies out there...sometimes its not best to go with your gut. Math really does work. The walls would be mangled if we adjusted them, so this is how they will stay.

To me, the larger frames on the lowest shelf looks better than the smaller ones on the top. If all frames were the size of those in the top row, there would probably be too much space between the shelves. But of course, larger frames means less pics...and what fun is that? Maybe once all rows have large frames, I can throw some of the smaller ones throughout.

Nevertheless, I love looking at it as I leave the house for work every morning (it's at the top of our stairs). I'd love to get thoughts or suggestions!

Kitchen ideas for a condo

2010-05-15T11:14:00.010-05:00

Recently we've been considering updating a condo (emphasis on considering). The budget is pretty small so we'll need to be resourceful.

Ikea cabinets immediately came to mind for a new kitchen. The poor guy in their kitchen showroom was stuck with me for hours, but we have some good ideas. And the best part was that our fab new kitchen cabinets would be less than $2k. Mr. Big initially wrinkled his nose about this possibility, but after viewing few of these beauties and a test run in their showroom, he was sold.

From styleathome.com

Ikea website

Living etc. April 08

Living etc. December 08

Designer Carol Reed has a great blog entry about using Ikea cabinets. She uses them quite a lot, but emphasizes not to go with an entire Ikea fit out (i.e. use other brand appliances and fixtures).

Any experience with Ikea cabinets?

Hotel Casa del Mar in Santa Monica, Ca.

2010-05-13T08:56:00.003-05:00

Recently my brother got married at the Casa del Mar in Santa Monica. I must admit that I haven't spent a lot of time in Santa Monica and I wasn't too sure what to expect from the hotel. It's got a lot of history and the main areas have a bit of an art deco feel to them. And then they take you to your room...

Well, hello dolly! Treat me to an oceanview room that looks like this anyday. While certainly a bit more traditional than our typical style, Mr. Big and I fell right in sync with the hotel.

Darrell Schmitt Design Associates remodeled the hotel in the past few years...and wow...it certainly impresses. It's difficult to tell in the following photo, but the Catch Restaurant and Wine Bar, is a design dream. Covered in creams, pale blue, and natural accents, I was in heaven. It may seem odd, but they had some of the greatest chairs that I've seen.

Best of all? The staff of the hotel were fantastic. I'm not sure if it was because we were there for a wedding or what, but they took amazing care of us. Room rates definitely aren't cheap, but if you can get a promotion, it's not to be missed. I would definitely return for a little R&R in the future.

(PS. The runs on the beach in the morning were fab!)

Doing the dishes

2010-05-13T08:32:00.005-05:00

Sometimes I secretly wish for a dish fairy to come and clean up after a meal. No, it's obviously never happened, but heck, what's the harm in wishing? Recently I found a little extra boost for this chore...Mrs. Meyers cleaning products, especially in her Geranium and Basil scents.

Not only are they all natural and clean like the dickens, they smell so good. No, not like that manufacturered apple smell. Like a candle...while you are doing the dishes!

Case and point. On Monday night, Mr. Big and I made a big bowl of popping-hot spicy chili. Being lazy (shocker I know), I left the dirty pan in the sink to soak with some of her Geranium scented dish soap. This isn't going to be a good reflection on me, but three days later I finally dumped the water (and other stuff) out to clean the dish. It still smelled good! Like really good.

Another time, I had a tradesperson call me back two days after finishing our job. Want to get paid? Nope. Forgot something at the house? Nope. He wanted to know what type of hand soap we had by our sink because it smelled so good. A tradesman!

Check your grocery shelves for this good stuff. There is an entire line of household products worth taking for a whirl. Let me know what scents you like and what you think!

Open kitchens

2010-05-09T23:39:00.004-05:00

Just a few pictures to enjoy wide open kitchens

Mirror mirror on the wall

2010-04-11T22:02:00.002-05:00

I'm loving these three vertical mirrors used in a room designed by Vincent Wolf. Gorgeous. The architectural model is stunning as well.

Still loving textured rugs

2010-04-10T19:25:00.003-05:00

And this lovely from etsy seller ladiesandgentlemen keeps the longing in check.

Fabric for outdoor chairs

2010-04-09T17:34:00.005-05:00

Yes, it's been a long time since I've posted (work is very busy at this time of the year), but I'm back to get some much needed insight from friends and family. Our outdoor lounge chairs need a new look and I was so excited when I found Gallant & Jones today. How fantastic are these fabrics?

Here are pics of our backyard. Which colors would you go with? I'm stuck between the blue, orange and brown.

Which color would you go with? I'm thinking of a mixture of two, but just can't commit!

Wine Cellar: Done with a capital "D"

2010-02-17T14:01:00.009-05:00

Thank goodness! It's such a good feeling when you can claim an area of your house officially d-o-n-e. That's how we're feeling today as we finished up our "under the stairs" wine cellar. All the bottles have been cataloged in a cellar management software and we've finally moved all of the leftover construction junk out.

(Okay, maybe that's not the entire truth...we did notice a few little items that we'd like to alter, such as removing the ceiling light and fixing some left over "construction paint spillage" on the stairs. But at this point, we're ready to claim victory.)

Mr. Big's going to kill me for posting this picture, but I can't help showing how happy he is. There is no doubt that this is one of his favorite places in the whole house. So if anyone is wondering what he looks like on a loungy "housework day", here you go. Sorry babe...

We used Cellar Tracker's online management system, which will help us to make sure that we're pulling out bottles before they go bad. This will definitely prove useful as I'm a complete novice in this area. It's also interesting to see other people's comments on the wine that you like.

A fashionable bar

2010-02-14T23:32:00.004-05:00

Not sure why, but this bar has a certain appeal, especially in an outdoor space. Is it the use of artwork? The low shelf? The light wood? Thoughts?

It's romantic until you're ripping the pool out

2010-01-30T11:40:00.004-05:00

This backyard of event planner Walter Hubert, featured in the LA Times, is so lush and romantic. We have a multi-level yard so I was particularly interested in the large bushes that they have overflowing the lower wall. They are just perfect.

And that Eucalyptus tree? So fantastic. And romantic. Imagine it draped with dangling white lights for an evening soiree. Then reality set in pretty quickly. Isn't it a little close to the pool?

This could very quickly turn from a romantic backyard to one filled with strife. "We bought the house for the beautiful tree. Now we're ripping it out and building a whole new pool". Isn't home ownership fun?

Looking for unique railing?

2010-01-18T18:37:00.004-05:00

Check out this charmer in one of Daryl Wilson's portfolio (as featured on Desire to Inspire).

I can positively guarantee that this would never make it through inspection down here. Maybe it would work for a remodel? Any takers? :)

DecoDomo in Zurich

2010-01-16T19:12:00.007-05:00

Last week I had a challenging week of work in Switzerland with lots of meetings, lunches and dinners....and window shopping of course. After meeting countless clients and contacts, the end of the week found me headed back to the hotel fairly drained. Well, so drained that I unexpectedly stumbled (i.e. curiously ventured down various alleyways) into DecoDomo in Zurich. Perfect find!

With a window display full of Designer's Guild fabrics and colerful pottery, they had me at hello. Inside, they introduce you to a perfectly styled mixture of morrocan, asian, english, french, and everything-else-good-that-I-could-ever-imagine design.

They carry Mateus pottery, which is designed in Sweden, produced in Portugal, and soon to be enjoyed in our house...at least in the form of espresso cups anyway (sans the lacy saucer). Without the handle, they can easily be stacked and tucked away. We had been looking for something unique for a while and these perfectly fit the bill.

Their pillow selection, presumably mainly from Designer's Guild, was top notch. Their furniture was unique without being too "out there". They had great morrocan and other motif tray tables that could fit many places in a home. The shelves were filled with all sorts of other goodies, from reasonably priced porcelin bowls to decorative stands to beautiful morrocan lights.

Overall, it was unique to find a small shop that carried off so many different styles so successfully. And of course, they were as nice as you can image. If you are ever in Zurich in search of a fun design store, perhaps a stroll through the street will lead you to DecoDomo.

An overwhelming closet?

2010-01-16T17:40:00.004-05:00

Do you long (unrealistically of course) to wake up to something like this?

This article over at Apartment Therapy gives some good ideas. I found this advice particularly interesting and useful:

Put items used regularly at eye level, items used less at lower levels and items used rarely at high levels.
Make sure that the space is well lit

Color coding can make things easier to find

Consider good looking and coordinated storage boxes

Use coordinated hangers for a clean look

When we moved into the house, we ditched the 10+ different types of plastic and wire hangers. Through an ebay seller, I was able to get a great deal on loads (and I mean loads) of hangers. It's sort of a silly little thing, but the fact that everything hangs at the same level in the same fashion just makes my closet feel more coordinated. Perhaps it reminds me of a shop...who knows. I've also gone the color coordination route and find it easy to manage.

Organizationquest.com is another great resource as it's author, Anne-Marie works through organizing her home and life. The best part is that she's a normal gal just like most of us, as opposed to a professional. That makes her posts just that much more realistic. And if for nothing else, you should pop over there to take a peek at her craft closet.

While our closet is in fairly decent shape, I have a particularly poor habit of discarding my worn outfits daily on our closet countertop. Who am I kidding? Sometimes I'll go 2-3 days (wink wink). I think this will be my New Year's resolution...to have everything put away by the time I go to bed each night.

Does anyone else out there have organization-related resolutions?

Going girly

2010-01-03T13:29:00.004-05:00

What is going on? I'm getting soft or something because this outdoor loveseat featured at oh joy caught my interest this morning. Again, I see my grandmother everywhere in this fun piece.

Actually, it's a bit of a coincidence. You see, there is a quaint, rustic, and yet much loved hotel that will soon be shutting it's doors in Cayman. We were there recently for a party and their iron outdoor seating really caught my eye.

In a possible stroke of luck, they recently announced that they are selling all of their furniture. While a bit "frilly", I was thinking that they could be made a bit more modern with a good coat of paint. In particular, I l-o-v-e the alternating round and square tables. And because they are quite heavy, they would work really well on our dock, where we get a lot of breeze.

I'll certainly be keeping my fingers crossed that these might be included in their sale. Wish me luck!

Shine Shanghai console table

2010-01-03T12:42:00.004-05:00

Oh how I truly admire this beautiful console table by Shine.

It's even more stunning in citron, but the white could go in any house with any decor. If my grandmother was still with us, I can imagine her getting giddy right next to me over this piece.

I can completely imagine it at the entrance to our master bedroom right here...so fun!

Why do they call them "poufs"?

2010-01-02T19:29:00.005-05:00

Seriously, there must be a better name. These pieces are useful when company comes over and can fulfill a design desire, but the poor guys got the name "poufs". If I were so fortunate to own this gorgeous Ankasa piece, I wouldn't dare utter "Honey, could you move that pouf over here for the party?"

The name alone could possibly eliminate it from any real consideration from the dear husband (the price would certainly follow shortly thereafter). We'll stick with "ottoman" around here and maybe it could stand a chance. :)

Nevertheless, I just wanted to take a moment to admire this pretty....

Recipe: Roasted Potatoes

2010-01-02T10:09:00.005-05:00

These roasted potatoes with rosemary and spinach made a number of appearances at our house over the holidays. You know that they are good when repeat requests are made (especially in my kitchen!).

They are so easy to make and certainly pack a punch in the flavor department. I used dried rosemary instead of fresh (that's what happens when you don't get to the store until noon on Christmas Eve) and they still were very fragrant. Although the recipe indicates only 2 servings, we fed at least 5.

Let me know if you try them. And of course, enjoy!

Imagine the looks

2009-12-22T08:56:00.000-05:00

I would love to hang this inexpensive faux chandelier up in my office at work. It would feel so much more homey...so much less "office". The looks would be priceless.

Fancy chandelier by etsy seller uncommon

Would you do it?

How much do you believe in having an inspiring space to work in?

Do you mind what your co-workers would say/think?

We're talking a corporate and conservative office environment here...

Windows

2009-12-22T08:55:00.000-05:00

Who can't resist a beautiful collection of windows...especially when they are letting in sunshine during the winter.

Photographed by Mark Williams

Photo by Pierre-Jean Verger

Designed by Joseph Dirand Architecture

Restaurant De Kas in the Netherlands

From Emmas Designblogg

From the March/April edition of Inside Out

Designed by Peter Pennoyer Architects

DIY Holiday Wreaths

2009-12-21T23:31:00.006-05:00

The Food Network hit a home run with a series of DIY candy holiday wreaths. Wouldn't it be fabulous to be so talented to be this creative?

Searching for a clock?

2009-12-21T20:39:00.003-05:00

The Raw Clock by Stanley Ruiz

Only if we hadn't found our new clock last weekend...

Since we're talking about artwork...

2009-12-20T15:08:00.003-05:00

...here are a few inspiration images of photo/artwork walls

A peaceful nook photographed by Melanie Acevedo

Another cozy nook via photographer Douglas Friedman

A modern take photographed by Erik Johnson

Simple decorating with pretty paper via Busy bee's blog

A good example with smaller pieces also via Busy bee's blog

Great large and colorful photographed by Pierre-Jean Verger

Unusual horizontal theme by Kevin Corn Design

Photo ledge also by Kevin Corn Design

Could be neat in a hallway. Via mondo cherry

Hopefully this collection will be helpful for someone else out there that is considering a wall of artwork or photos. Any favorites out of the above?

Inspriration vs Reality: home gym

2009-12-20T14:18:00.005-05:00

When we started the home, we imagined two children's rooms, a guest room, and a play room for the kids. After two years, the children haven't materialized (we're still working on that) so we've effectively been living with four, yes four, guest rooms. Obviously that's not a great use of space (no disrespect to our guests of course), so earlier this year we decided to turn one room into a home gym.

When we first visited a shop to discuss home gym equipment, I received very perplexed looks when I expressed my desire to create a comfortable, yet slightly designed room. "It's a gym!" they would exclaim (Mr. Big in agreement of course). After much discussion, a brochure was produced that had an image of a serene home gym environment...to appease me of course. I don't think that they really thought that I was serious. Nevertheless, here's my inspiration photo:

It's taken a while to get the room sorted, but it's finally taken shape. (As an aside, putting gym equipment together is the most challenging, yet rewarding, puzzle...). I am seriously thinking about sending a photo back to the guys who ridiculed me at the shop as I'm pretty happy with what we created.

Actually, I now spend a lot of time in here, especially when Mr. Big goes on his basketball binges (defined as 3 games per evening...maybe just a wee bit much). A lot of bad Bravo TV gets watched via elliptical in this room. My body isn't really showing anything yet (holidays anyone?), but hopefully there will be good progress soon. Here's to hoping anyway!

Stylish outdoor rugs

2009-12-20T13:18:00.003-05:00

It's difficult to find an outdoor rug that isn't boring or a bit too "busy" for my taste. Ballard Design provides just the right answer with their Celia indoor/outdoor rug, which just happens to be on sale at the moment (bonus!).

We're hoping (emphasis on hoping) that our outdoor space is going to be completed in early 2010. One of these could be a contender for sure. Have you seen any other good outdoor rugs that are worth a peek?

Etsy artwork results

2009-12-20T12:57:00.007-05:00

A few months ago, I posted about these beautiful watercolors by Putnam Court. They've been framed and put up on the wall. No surprise, but I'm absolutely loving them in our office. They add just a touch of color, while still giving us the "calm" feeling that I seek.

We still need to get the countertop on the cabinets (not sure why it's taken us two years, but we've obviously been cutting ourselves slack). Nonetheless, it's amazing how much these pieces have finished off the room. It's definitely been worth the wait.

With that being said, is there anyone else out there who is just finalizing rooms after living in their house for two years? Or is it just our sorry selves who are taking so long? :)

Hold onto your seats...I'm cooking

2009-12-20T12:13:00.006-05:00

No joke. I stumbled across allrecipes.com a few months ago and I've been having a pretty good time with this whole cooking thing. (Insert a pause here for the shock to settle in). For those that know me, they'll concur that cooking has never been a strong point in my repertoire. I pretty much do everything within my might to avoid cooking...leaving me pretty much to items involving a peel top lid. So you can imagine my pure delight when Mr. Big, cook extraordinaire, entered my life.

So how did this recent turn of events take place? Not really sure to be honest. I'm probably late to the game, but I really dig how allrecipes.com let's you input ingredients and then kicks back an easy, but good, recipe for dinner. (Emphasis on easy.) Maybe I'm learning that cooking doesn't have to be hard to be good. And maybe the fact that I've got a mac-daddy kitchen makes me feel the need to actually use it. Who knows...but I've been having fun experimenting lately. And to add another shocker, Mr. Big has been giving rave reviews (unlike the forced, high pitched reviews that he's eeked out in the past). There's a very talented little gal out there in Calgary who is holding onto her seat (yes, I promise your uncle is safe).

Anyway, I thought that I might start sharing a few good things that I've found along my way. Today we'll start with the Tzaiki dish that has been successfully made to complement Mr. Big's pork souvlaki. Even our professional chef buddy can't keep his hands out of the bowl! :)

To my girlfriends out there, can you believe that came from my hands? Here's the recipe that I followed. I added juice from half a lemon to give it a little bit of a citrus kick. And to save time, just use Greek yogurt rather than draining normal yogurt. (Just click on the image to get a larger view of the recipe).

Is anyone else out there having fun with the same site? Or are there other sites that I'm missing? I'd love to get some input. Cheers!

Can anyone help with a use for paperclips?

2009-11-06T09:37:00.005-05:00

Err...I mean clothespins (someone needs to start the day over...). These may just be too cute to pass up and I need ideas.

From etsy seller olivemanna

Definitely check out her site for other great designs. Ideas? Ideas?

A two hour workout...really?

2009-11-03T08:13:00.004-05:00

Last month, Mr. Big and I hit up Las Vegas for a good friend's 40th birthday party. It was a huge reunion with great friends and in a location to have some f-u-n. Mr. Big is a bit tentative about Las Vegas (he's only been there once before), while I was raring for a good time. So you can only imagine his absolute shock when I voluntarily spent at least two hours working out at the gym each day. (That is not typical of me at the moment).

You see, we didn't really understand the whole concept behind Green Valley Ranch Resort before getting there. It's an off-strip resort that is designed to the nines. Rates are reasonable along with normal prices for food, goods, spa treatments, etc. (I feel so uncomfortable paying the ridiculously high prices at the fancy hotels on the strip). And bonus, the casino is fun! We certainly ventured to the strip...but ended up having just as much fun at Green Valley.

But then they throw in one of the most beautiful spas that I've ever experienced. And it's not one of those places where you have to have a treatment to enjoy the amenities. If you're staying there, it's yours to enjoy. (And I did!)

L-o-v-e-l-y. (Apparently lovely enough that I whipped out my camera!). And don't worry, I still rallied for the casino. Mr. Big's first trip to the craps table proved quite profitable.

After being really skeptical about the resort at first, we had a blast. Definitely worth a try!

Etsy hits again

2009-11-01T23:31:00.003-05:00

How can one possibly pass up these original watercolors from etsy seller Putnam Court? We are in desperate need for some artwork in our office and these would start us off well. Simple, peaceful and colorful.

Tee towels

2009-10-31T07:44:00.002-05:00

I've become obsessed with fun, modern tee towels. Studiopatro hit a home run with this set.

My husband wants a fire pit

2009-10-25T10:01:00.002-05:00

I doubt that this is what he had in mind (but a girl can dream).

Photographed by David Prince and featured on Desire to Inspire

Remember drains on your back patio

2009-09-27T10:09:00.004-05:00

When the builders were discussing our back patio, we spent a lot of time discussing gentle slopes that would allow for water to drain to the sides. In all of this discussion, I simply cannot fathom how Mr. Big or I didn't question whether we should put a drain somewhere in the patio.

Fast forward to this morning and you would find me rinsing down a few morsels of potting soil, just begging for a drain in this mammoth patio.

That would be today's little nugget...definitely think about those drains!

Reason enough

2009-09-25T13:12:00.003-05:00

I'm speechless. The fireplace is reason enough to swoon over this room. But then they go and add gorgeous detailed mouldings and a laser cut wall hanging. Yes, it's sweet (and I'm usually not so into sweet design), but this room rocks it. I can't stop applauding the fire place. Bravo!

Image photographed by Rachel Smith

Exquisite and different lighting

2009-09-25T12:33:00.003-05:00

These pendant lamps featured at Terrain are so unique. Wouldn't they be beautiful hanging as pendants in a bathroom? Or over a kitchen island? They might not give off the most amount of light, but boy, they are beautiful.

Finally, wine by the pool

2009-09-23T20:28:00.004-05:00

The month after we moved into the house, I was accosted by a friend for drinking wine...gasp from a wine glass...while sitting on our pool steps. I suppose that I hadn't fully understood how difficult it would be to hunt down a single piece of broken glass in our monochrome pool (another home ownership secret revealed). Oh how quickly we learn.

Last weekend, Mr. Big and I had the delightful pleasure of visiting Old Montreal. A stroll through the streets yielded us the perfect solution, Govino wine glasses.

These puppies are shatterproof, reusable, recyclable plastic glasses that don't break the bank ($2.99). Supposedly they have properties consistent with crystal for color and aromatics, but we haven't yet tested that theory out yet.

I'm ready to give them a whirl. Poolside party anyone?

I could survive with this mirror in my house

2009-09-23T20:10:00.005-05:00

From Elle Decor via From the Left Bank to the Right Coast

If I buy one more tealight holder...

2009-08-15T11:12:00.002-05:00

...my dear husband may leave me. Swoon.

Bazaar tealight and candle holders by Graham and Greene

A little something to cheer up your day

2009-08-15T10:42:00.003-05:00

Just a few little treats that made me smile this morning.

Nest print by Bold & Noble

Egg candleholder by Michel Mason

Pelicano rocking chair by Michel Arnoult

Wood clock by etsy seller Woodstockclocks

Cotton Tree

2009-08-14T07:06:00.003-05:00

There's been buzz on the street recently about a new boutique hotel that opened up at the tip of the island. For years, there really has been nothing but large hotels so the presence of a boutique bed and breakfast has been sorely missing. Last night I took my first peak at their website and the property looks so impressive. Go Cayman!

The perfect white paint

2009-07-23T07:50:00.005-05:00

If you've tried to choose a white wall color, I suspect that you've sat in front of the display and felt like you wanted to throw your hands up. How do you choose? Who knew there were so many different shades? And what if I (gasp) pick the wrong one?

When it was time to choose ours, I took to the internet to get opinions, but that was equally as confusing as you consider individual preferences and styles. Back at the store, I selected my top 5 (of course it took me an hour to get down to 5) to trial on the walls. I was astounded by how different each "white" was on the walls. At the end of the day, we settled on Benjamin Moore's White Dove (OC-17) and I love it. (As if my life would have been turned upside down if we were one shade different).

Benjamin Moore's White Dove (not in the best lighting)

This morning I came across the incredibly talented Vicente Wolf's blog. He was posed this exact question...how to choose the perfect white. He consistently chooses Benjamin Moore's Super White, as he feels it is the most neutral white. I thought this was a good little insider tip from the top of the design world. (Oh why couldn't he have blogged about this before I spent far too many hours of my life worrying about the right shade of white?).

Benjamin Moore's Super White (notice a difference? didn't think so)

So no, I'm absolutely not worried about our white. It's great in our house. But apparently I did feel compelled to contribute to the internet chatter on finding the perfect white. If anyone is facing this dilemma, just thought you might be interested. This is also a good article on the different hues on the most popular whites if you're still not certain. Good luck!

Inspiration vs reality: driveway pavers

2009-07-18T22:01:00.004-05:00

Throughout our build, I was set on taupe and grey pavers for our driveway. No questions, don't fight it, this was certain. Right. The day that we were scheduled to place our order, I came across this image on the Hanson Hardscape website.

The deep brick color surrounded by green grass was so fresh (to me at least). Gorgeous. With Mr. Big shaking his head in the background, I changed my mind completely and we changed our order completely. I secretly hoped that I wouldn't regret this impulse.

After living with the finished product for a year, we're both really pleased with the last minute change. We went with the Hanson Abbey Road pavers, which combines larger and smaller pavers. It provides an imperfect, but interesting pattern.

Our workers were cursing us throughout the project (talk about a puzzle...), but we ended up with a driveway that we really like. And thank goodness, the brick red color did exactly what we were hoping for.

So there you have it, another "inspiration vs. reality" summary. I've been slow to post them all, but they will begin making their way here once again. And if anyone out there is looking for pavers, we certainly wouldn't hesitate recommending Hanson.

Backyard fun with the camera

2009-07-18T21:38:00.006-05:00

One year later

2009-07-18T20:26:00.008-05:00

The majority of our landscaping went in exactly one year ago today. It's amazing how it has grown in, so much so that I can't wait to see what another year will do. Our landscapers, Vigoro Nursery, have been wonderful to work with.

Here are the original photos from that day. And here we are today...

It has been a real treat seeing everything come in. There's always something new that surprises us. I'm beginning to learn that there's nothing like enjoying your garden.

Great docking station

2009-07-18T10:32:00.003-05:00

A real cedar solution from etsy seller woodtec

Dont' even ask

2009-07-14T23:37:00.002-05:00

Over the past few weeks, I've been considering ways to update a slightly outdated golf condo. It's on the course, two levels, and requires a face lift soon. I was pleased to see the following image on Desire to Inspire today.

Just go ahead and plop me into one of those chairs. This may kick us off in the right direction.

Ideas for friends: Feature wall

2009-07-11T11:20:00.006-05:00

New home construction is so exciting, especially as the walls have gone up and you really begin visualizing your spaces. A friend of Mr. Big's has an amazing opportunity to do something really cool on a feature wall that is visible from the front door. Ever since visiting his house in May, I've been secretly watching for neat ideas that he could consider. Hope there might be something in here that catches his eye.

As a handy guy, he probably could mimic this textured, modern wall.
Styled by Glen Probestel

Painting that mimics a concrete look would also be sharp with his existing decor.
The round bookshelf would look fab on his wall as well, especially if it was 3-4 ft in diameter.
Again, styled by Glen Probestel

Love this idea of subtle color changes.
Surprise, styled by Glen Probestel

A ceramic or tiled wall. Because it's not to the edges, it looks more like artwork.
By Katie Blee.

Paint it an accent color. Krakvik & D'Oazio

Wallpaper it in a monotone, modern, and masculine paper.
Designed by Sheldon Keith Trimble

A funky mixture of molding and mirrors (without the girly touches of course)
Photographed by Tom Leighton

Anyone else have interesting thoughts for an accent wall?

Can you smell the surf wax?

2009-07-11T10:16:00.004-05:00

Growing up in Southern California, I woke on endless mornings to the sound of our '49 Ford Woody getting fired up in the garage. My dad's long boards would be perched out the back window with my brothers' short boards hidden beneath. In the blink of an eye, my mom and I would be left behind (with the exhaust) as the boys spent another day searching the perfect wave. Those boys and surfing...what great memories.

There's even a story where my dad pulled over a dump truck traveling down the freeway because he saw a somewhat battered, but salvageable, board peeking out at him. No word of a lie, he refurbished and road that board for years. Talk about love.

When I saw this image, my heart went straight back to my teenage years. I can almost smell the surf wax...

Photo by Francesco Bittichesu

What a wonderful way to honor a pastime.

Bathrooms to enjoy

2009-07-08T08:30:00.001-05:00

These lights are fab. Photographed by Ken Gutmaker

Simple and stunning bathroom in designer Jill Crawford's home

I heart visits

2009-06-30T08:05:00.008-05:00

We recently had a visit from a very special family from back home. Besides catching up on all sorts of fun bits, they are building a house as well so we had lots to talk about.

Fortunately, their process seems infinitely more organized than ours was. They have weekly printed agendas that they review with their contractor each week on site. Heaven. And when the first item on the agenda was the weather forecast, you can immediately tell that they are dealing with a first class firm. She knew everything on her status, down to the fact that they were 3 days ahead of schedule. Wow.

Anyway, onto the fun visit pictures. I adore their oldest son. He's got these honest deep brown eyes that you can't help but fall for. Yum. He's just that guy that you know is going to woo the girls when he gets older with his calm, sensitive, but charming ways. He's all heart and then some more.

He wasn't too sure about the water to start, but when you turned your back, he was testing it out. Hey this is kind of cool...

And then there is his little brother. He couldn't be anymore different. Where he is all love, his brother is all spirit. Fiesty, fun, ready to check this world o-u-t. Hmmm, wonder what's going on around here...?

In probably the biggest surprise, Mr. Big and their youngest son literally fell in love with each other. Everytime we turned around they were cuddled up together...

...sharing their own laughs

...checking out the stingrays

...enjoying the beach

...sleeping on the boat ride home

...we really clicked man.

I mean seriously? You're buddies and all, but it's time to give the child back to his mom. And yes, he was safely returned. Unfortunately for the rest of us, it was so that Mr. Big could put his cooking skills to the test. Blech...squid.

All in all, it was a great visit. Thank you so much guys for traveling so far. It was so memorable and we can't wait to come crash at your new place!

Sticks not stones

2009-06-28T14:36:00.008-05:00

There's something that draws me to decorating with branches, leaves, reeds, and pretty much anything natural. Typically, my attempts don't turn out as intended, so here is a gallery of inspiration pics for future reference.

Photo by Philip Harvey

Styled by Glen Proebstel

Photographed by Karina Tengberg

Image from Decor8

Photograph by Anders Schonnemann

Any ideas for Houdini dogs?

2009-06-27T12:29:00.004-05:00

I've brought our beloved Jordan back into our yard 4 times this morning. Yes, 4 times. It seems that he has burrowed a hole under an area of our fence. This is after letting himself out of his indoor space (paw + lever = free dog) and learning to open the gate (which is now permanently locked) . I'm at the end of my rope with him today (although you've got to love his tenacity).

And please don't think it's because we don't exercise him. Normally we do, but he came down with heart worm and is required to be confined without exercise for 3 months. He's almost through it, but he just can't seem to wait. Before his treatments, we had never known him to venture far. On Thursday we found him about a mile from the house playing with other neighborhood dogs.

Any good ideas out there? Crud...there he goes again.

Update: He's jumping the fence. This is so much worse than we originally thought.

Always a good reminder

2009-06-27T11:55:00.001-05:00

Lovely ceramic tag from Paper Boat Press.

Need more countertop space?

2009-06-27T11:51:00.005-05:00

Here's an interesting idea for a small kitchen. No surprise, but the neutral colors are lovely as well, especially with the slightly iridescent tile backsplash.

Tea time

2009-06-25T07:11:00.003-05:00

Any girlfriends out there that might be interested in a cup of tea? Lisa Cohen's photography makes me want to skip work, invite over a few gal pals, and enjoy the morning.

This kitchen that she captured is fantastic as well. With a big farmhouse sink, lovely tiles, and folding doors to hid the range (why didn't we think of that?), this looks like a cozy space to congregate.

I think that my style is starting to soften up a bit from when we first started the house. I notice that I'm getting drawn more to "comfortable" as opposed to "modern". Perhaps that's a good thing...or perhaps that means we'll have a really confused home. :)

Blue and white again

2009-06-25T07:05:00.003-05:00

We've got two rooms with a cobalt blue and white theme that I've been working on. These images really helped with getting them to flow better with our other neutral rooms.

This is another great example of subtle blue and white. I need to keep reminding myself...keep it simple.

Photo by Lisa Cohen.

Realistic?

2009-06-25T06:50:00.003-05:00

This image has been in my files for a while. Something about it makes me feel easy, breezy, covergirl cool. Aahhh...wouldn't it be lovely to live in this space?

But this morning I really looked at it. Who has a chest with a total of maybe 10 items in it? And only five hanging items (all white nonetheless?). Aahhh...there's so much room between inspiration and reality.

Am I the only one that would have this baby jam-packed with goodies?

Good spaces

2009-06-25T06:13:00.004-05:00

These don't really fall into a particular category...more just general decor. Things that could be done in a random hallway, guestroom...pretty much anywhere.

Perhaps it's all the paneling? Or the wood against a white wall?
I'm enjoying this image from interior stylist Atlanta Bartlett as featured on Desire to Inspire.

This vignette feels like it was put together with finds from the owner's travels.
Home designed by Michaela Scherrer as featured on Desire to Inspire.

Lovely neutral shelves, vases, and goodies that don't go overboard.
From Apartment Therapy.

More well arranged shelves. This is so much harder that it looks.
Designed by David Jimenez.

Not a fan of the antlers, but definitely enjoying the small pops of color on a white wall.
From Martha Stewart.

There may be a way out

2009-06-17T07:32:00.002-05:00

So with new pool table, I've been slowly waiting (dreading) Mr. Big's request for an overhead table light. I doubt I could get away with this, but it does get the creative juices flowing.

Note to self: There are options that don't have Miller Lite plastered across the side.

Lazy summer days

2009-06-17T07:04:00.003-05:00

Summer is filled with so much optimism, so it's certainly welcome this year. Although these probably aren't right for our yard, this picnic table and turqouise benches just make me happy.

Image from Coastal Living and featured on Decor8

Is anyone else looking forward to summer? Perhaps it's been all the doom and gloom in the economy...I'm ready for some lighthearted play time. Leave a comment and let me know.

Doesn't every couple have a pool table story?

2009-06-15T09:59:00.007-05:00

Since we first thought of building our home, my sweet husband has envisioned a pool table. I (mistakenly) believed that his interest might slowly wane, seeing as we had never once been on a date to play pool nor had he ever met his buddies to play pool. But as time passed, the vision became more steadfast. (Enter perplexed look here)

We eventually decided that the table would go outdoors in our covered "pavilion-type cabana thing". It was a perfect spot...close to the bar, good ventilation in the case cigars appeared, and well away from those that wished to slumber late at night.

You can probably imagine that shipping a pool table across the Caribbean isn't the cheapest endeavor. But even moreso, it's virtually impossible to find an outdoor pool table that doesn't look like a plastic spaceship. When we did, they were $$$.

Eventually I turned to our local second hand market to see if we could test the waters before emptying our wallets. Because the outdoor space will actually be enclosed with doors when not in use (not really so outdoors, is it?), I was particularly interested in this table for $300.

Wow, was it ever worn. The wood and felt were stained and the poor table just looked sad. Mr. Big wasn't so sure and when I suggested that we paint it high gloss white, all of the color drained from his face. Let's just say that I realized how much he really trusts me at that moment. With potential ridiculing from his friends on the line, he agreed to take the thrifty route. This is a recession and all...

Although the outdoor space is not complete, we unveiled the table at his 40th birthday. Must to my relief, it was a huge hit. A few coats of paint and a new grey felt top did the trick. And it has so much more character than the big bulky new options that we had considered.

It has been used quite a bit since then. Apparently it has a very slight tilt in one direction...I was pleased to hear that it's easy to fix (coaster under one leg anyone?). So yes, Mr. Big was correct, it should bring lots of fun memories and conversations.

Just before I finish up, can anyone pick out which pool cues came from my friend and which came from Mr. Big's friend (for his birthday)? Yep, the bunny ear cues with scantily-clad women came from his friends. We're all class around here... :)

Cozy Glam

2009-06-14T09:53:00.006-05:00

I love tips! A special someone recently pointed me in the direction of Catherine Regehr's new home collection...well actually, all of her collection. L-o-v-e her Porcupine Loop duvet covers. They would be a great way to add texture in a neutral room.

Her line is sold exclusively at Provide Home in Vancouver. (Aside: I'm very glad that I don't live in Vancouver because this store looks far too appetizing for my own good). Fortunately for us, they have a few further photos of her collection. The duvet cover that they show is almost too good to be true. So romantic. And her pillows! Their texture is breathtaking.

As for her fashion...yum.

To the tip miester, keep them coming!

What a cute kids room

2009-06-13T07:28:00.005-05:00

I know, I know. It's totally unrealistic. And yes, I'm going to be conned into a bright red plastic car bed, but we can still imagine right?

Image by Malin Ngoie

There was definitely a designer involved here

2009-06-13T06:59:00.003-05:00

It's a 3-day weekend in Cayman and I was trying to figure out if we could find a cool spot for anything like this.

From Danielle at The Style Files

While I don't think we can, I started to look more closely at this layout. It's designed to perfection. From the built in seating, to the protective glass (to block excessive wind when eating at your built in seating no less), to the mirrors reflecting the sea, it's just perfection.

While we don't have this view, the wheels are turning about creating permanent seating. We definitely have the space. Watch out Mr. Big. Your girl is getting motivated again....

If you are designing a new kitchen...

2009-06-13T06:53:00.003-05:00

You may just need to plan for one of these.

From J Weiss Deisgn

They also show a similar option for storing away your laptop in built in cabinets. Toys are so much fun!

Time for some bedroom inspiration

2009-06-13T06:33:00.003-05:00

It's 4:30am and Jordan is up barking...at iguanas? cats? random cars? the wind in the bushes? Your guess is as good as mine. I've collected a few photos of master bedrooms over the past few months in the case that I became overwhelmed with energy to complete ours. Nope, it's not going to happen at 4:30am, but then again, maybe this will be the start.

Swedeish bedroom featured on Desire to Inspire. Love the separate sitting area empahsized by the rug.

Further proof that space is nice. And how about that ceiling. Yowzers. Photo by Ken Gutmaker
and featured on Desire to Inspire

Doesn't this room just look cozy? Strangely, the fringe on the blanket and pendant really work for me
(but wouldn't for Mr. Big). Image as posted on Decor8 (originally from Living Etc. gallery).

Great natural light and wood tones in the room (featured on Decor8 and originally from Living Etc. image gallery)

Happy birthday - part II

2009-05-17T12:34:00.006-05:00

After a late night party, the sunrise on Mr. Big's birthday had us both up by 8am (that was his birthday sunrise in the post below). We dillied, we dallied, and then we remembered that we had guests that spent the night with us! Good morning!

Kids were already swimming in the pool and the cappucinos were frothing. It was Mr. Big's birthday! More friends casually stopped by, thankfully helping us finish off the leftovers from the night before.

Before you knew it, the party hat was back on. We lounged in the pool, napped in the sun, talked to friends and family back home, continued to experiment on the pool table, watched golf...basically a whole lot of nothing.

Even our friendly famous chef popped by. Somehow the boys conned him into cooking lesson on his famous shrimp quesadillas. As if the kitchen hadn't taken enough of a beating the night before, these two at the helm was quite a sight.

While the evening before was nice, the next day was p-e-r-f-e-c-t. We did absolutely nothing but enjoy our friends and new home. Lots of great birthday smiles...party hat included.

Getting inspiration from a new source

2009-05-17T12:17:00.006-05:00

One of the best advantages of our homesite is that it faces east. This means that we are regularly treated with gorgeous sunrises. Now, I'm not a morning girl and I grew up on the West Coast...so I always appreciated sunsets. But things are changing. I regularly open one eye at 5:30 to take in the daily spectacular show...and then promptly go back to sleep, storing the image in my memory for half a second.

A friend from school visited recently and she actually took the initiative to get a picture of the sunrise one morning. Why didn't I think of that?!? (Probably because there's zilch going on in my brain at that time of the day).

So just how pretty are these sunrises? I finally dragged my groggy head out of bed to capture one for you all.

So there you have it. This is a standard Cayman morning, which is pretty darn impressive. This whole morning thing might just grow on me. Might.

Happy birthday - part I

2009-05-17T11:26:00.009-05:00

Mr. Big's birthday has come and gone. We celebrated for about two weeks straight...first locally and then with a big trip to Las Vegas. It was loads of fun, but it came at a price. This household packed on a whopping 12 pounds in two weeks of indulgence! This is part I of a three post recap (covering exactly where those pounds came from).

For the local party, we celebrated with about 80 friends. Of course, yours truly couldn't just throw up a few "Happy Birthday" signs (which would have been more than Mr. Big expected). I was inspired by these votives, but couldn't come close to stomaching such a crazy price tag to create an ambience.

Instead, the lovely Martha Stewart helped create a similar feel with white paper bags, a bit of sand, and small candles. I got the bags ready and enlisted the help of four kids to help fill the sand. They methodically filled each bag with just the right amount of sand and carefully placed a candle in each one. It was a fun project, albeit completed about 15 minutes before the start of the party (in our typical style...)

We hung white Christmas lights and a few Cince de Mayo flower balls to keep the festive mood.

We even brought in a few extra tables for dining on the dock. Fortunately, the rain stayed away (despite pouring most of the day) and a mosquito couldn't be found anywhere. That's Mr. Big for you...lucky, lucky, lucky.

The margarita bar stayed busy, tequila was served in ice shot glasses, and Mexican food filled our stomachs. Unfortunately, I was having too much fun that I completely forgot to get the camera out during the party! Good lesson for next time...

Most people wandered home around 1am, but the pool table and cigars remained active until 3:30am...proving that we're not getting that old. By the end of the night, things were looking about this hazy. And yes, Mr. Big's party hat was out in full force.

Even poor little Jordan couldn't keep his eyes open at the end of the evening, even though he still needed to be the center of everyone's attention (of course).

It was a lovely evening and we were fortunate to share it with many fanstastic friends. Thanks to everyone who joined and celebrated the big guy with us!

The joke is on us

2009-04-30T07:43:00.003-05:00

About two weeks ago, everything came together on the house and our final inspections were passed. Life has been grand with manageable workloads, friends down visiting, lazy dinners outside and the warm aura of a new, completed house. Aahhhh....

I mean AAAAHHHH! Yesterday our guests found water pouring through the ceiling light fixtures of our downstairs bathroom. Turns out we have a wee problem that has been with us for a while, and it decided to introduce itself. Our upstairs shower has been leaking since we moved in, through the second floor concrete slab no less. (If Mr. Big's dad comes across this...You were right!) And without fail, this all happens the week that work gets turned on it's head. Of course it does.

So we've got a few holes in ceilings and walls (and no doubt other places that we probably don't want to know). Two of our bathroom are out of commission. Normally we probably would roll with the punches...but we've got only about 70 people coming over for a small get-together on Saturday. We weren't really going for the holes-in-the-ceiling and rough-sheetrock look, at least originally anyway.

I'm sure that the service teams will get us through, but no doubt someone somewhere is having a good laugh at us. Welcome to home ownership guys...

Rocket St George

2009-04-28T08:35:00.003-05:00

I stumbled onto this site this morning and couldn't pull myself away. Strong willpower is a must if you venture a peak.

The Beatles got it so right with this one. And a little reminder every once in a while doesn't hurt.

And while you're at it, your bed can always use a little extra twinkle.

Along with your dining table.

And without question, no home with bright young children and a backyard should be without these loungers.

This should be against the law

2009-04-22T20:56:00.002-05:00

This studio at the Viceroy Mayakoba in Playa del Carmen should be illegal. Not fair. Immediately go to jail. It just raises the bar to another level.

Mornings

2009-04-21T07:24:00.003-05:00

The air was so still this morning that I was able to capture the following two photos as reflections in the canal water. Yes, they are actually pictures of the water. If you look closely, you can see the small ripples at the bottom of the photos.

In the middle of my 3 minute fantasy world, Jordan successfully scurried an iguana off our property...and straight into the water. So much for those shots.

Far too easy

2009-04-20T08:17:00.003-05:00

Sunset.com is running a neat article on 20 fun DIY projects. How simple is this table top for a dinner party? And what an easy way to reuse champagne glasses. Love them!

Photo by Thomas J. Story, Jess Chamberlain

A long journey

2009-04-20T07:23:00.004-05:00

On Friday, we received the call that we have been anxiously awaiting for...we received our Certificate of Occupancy. Yes, we are now legally living in our own home, just a mere 16 months after moving in. And hold you breath...66 months after our first meeting with an architect. This has been a long journey.

Calendar by etsy seller upup

In all our eagerness and excitement to build a custom home, we certainly did not realize how time and all-consuming the project would become. I couldn't wait to start making decisions back then. 66 months later, I feel like this whole experience has whopped my backside.

Don't get me wrong...I L-O-V-E the finished product. We still marvel and giggle over the fact that it's ours. But over the last few months, I have felt like a roller coaster sliding into the station after a crazy ride...a bit more calm, a lot more steady, lingering with messy hair and excited breath.

So I suppose that is why the blog has taken a back seat a bit. We've spent Sundays watching the Masters, evenings hosting friends for dinners, afternoons planting herb gardens, and overall just enjoying. It's been a real pleasure "doing" rather than "planning". Nothing beats relaxed, deep breaths.

There's certainly still decorating left to do in the house so the blog will continue. But it might be a tad slower than during the frenetic building phase. And we might get a few more "lifestyle" posts on here...dinner party ideas, interesting hobbies, etc. I hope that you'll stick around and share your thoughts as we move into the next phase...life in the new house.

Keep it simple (again)

2009-03-22T08:00:00.003-05:00

Another reminder that simplicity is stunning.

Image from Alvhem via Apartment Therapy

Some of us (i.e. you know who) have a tendancy to want to get something on every wall. This is a perfect reminder that its.not.necessary.

Update: It turns out this is a staged apartment, hence the reason there's minimal clutter. Oh well, still an inspiration.

Product review: Miele steam oven

2009-03-14T13:32:00.004-05:00

Is it possible to live without a microwave? We weren't sure. But when we were trying to decide between our old faithful and a steam oven, we were intrigued by the health benefits of cooking with steam. As this is a product review on the steam oven, I suppose you can guess which option we chose.

Pros:

Perfect steamed vegetables. Really perfect. We eat more broccoli and asparagus now that we live with this cool cat.
Maintains original flavors when reheating left overs. It's virtually the same as the original day you cooked it.
The use of steam must be healthier than microwaves. Listen, I'm no expert and don't know all the nitty gritty details, but it has to be.
It's easy to use. The display walks you through everything. Fill the water tank and you're off to the races.
Pretty much everything can be cooked in it. Other than popcorn (boo hoo), this puppy can take care of virtually any dish.

Cons:

Takes a while to heat up before it starts cooking. We didn't expect it to be quite as long as it is. Now that our expectations are adjusted, it's no biggie. It's definitely a transition from a microwave.
Need to look closely at your settings. I've had a few times where the broccoli has come out very overdone. Once I experimented with different vegetables and dishes, it has become clear. But there was a tad of learning necessary at the start.
No popcorn

It was a bit of an adjustment, but we would go this route again. A year after getting it installed, we've learned to s-l-o-w d-o-w-n our cooking expectations a bit. In our rush, rush, rush society, it's been a good thing.

Hope this might be helpful to someone going through similar dilemmas at the planning stage!

Obsessive compulsive at all?

2009-03-14T12:55:00.004-05:00

Owning our own house/condo/apartment has been a long time coming. Now that we're settled in, we've started setting up the house exactly how we want it (it was pretty much in shambles for the first year). My lovely husband started to get a bit concerned when I purchased a label maker. "What are you going to with with that?" Ummm...

Not only do we finally have an organized kitchen gadget drawer, it's also been labeled. Yes, a bit over the top, but hey, I love it. :) No trying to remember where "that thingy" is. No frustrations sifting through various items for "the one tool that I need". And in a really silly way, it makes me feel like I live in a Williams Sonoma store. Yes, it might be slightly disturbing, but I've waited a long time to finally have a home of my own...and I'm going all out.

Don't feel too bad for Mr. Big. He's sorted out a few critical drawers as well....atta boy!

We could all use one

2009-03-05T22:52:00.002-05:00

These tissue covers by etsy seller yokomono are fab.

Thrifty finds

2009-03-05T08:16:00.004-05:00

A few weeks ago, I blogged about our search for the right side table here. The right options just weren't popping for me, and those that we did like were getting far to expensive. In a recent run of good luck, I trundled into our local home improvement store for a new broom and came out with this little lovely.

It's a cute option and adds a bit of glam with it's subtle green glass. The best part? It was $19. No joke. $19. Love it even that much more now!

Building for dummies part trois

2009-02-28T12:02:00.004-05:00

These tips may not/likely will not apply to a wider group of ambition home builders, but in case anyone might benefit, here we go once again.

1. Plant a fragrant plant at your front door. Our landscaper secretly placed a Night Blooming Jasmine outside our front door and near our outdoor entertaining area. It's a pleasant surprise at the end of a long day and starts our home hours off just right. We get a lot of comments from friends when they arrive and leave as well. "What is that great smell?"

2. Carefully consider levers vs knobs on doors and gates. We ultimately went with levers throughout the house and garden because I liked the look much better. But seeing as our dog can now let himself out of the yard (yes by pressing on the lever), I cannot imagine what kids might do in the future. And no worries about Jordan, he's learned how to let himself back into the yard. (Ugh...and people question the intelligence of dogs.)

Nice paw scratches huh?

3. Consider matching your rain gutters and down pipes to your exterior colors. Our builder was at serious odds with our architect on this one. "They don't need to match the drains to the windows". We ultimately pressed on, and in the end, the architect is spot on. Even these silly little finishing details really pulled together the final product. I never would have bothered if he had not insisted.

4. With that being said, remember to say no. Our architect was an absolute inspiration to work with. All the options, all the goodies, all the costs. Originally, he wanted to cover our front door and window area in real stone. "It will be fabulous". We almost fell for it, but reason kicked in. We ultimately went with a faux styrofoam-type moulding, which turned out great. Could it have been better? Possibly. But I'm pretty darn happy with what we got (and I'm happier that I don't have stark white rain gutters).

5. Make sure you supervise the whole way through. When the walls are going up and windows going in, it's natural that you are privy to the daily decisions at the house. But towards the end when the little details are getting finalized, it's easy to trust that the builders know your preferences and slack off a bit. I wouldn't want you to come home one day expecting a normal sidewalk only to find a stained and stamped concrete alternative. You might just be disappointed that your attention temporarily wandered.

Hope some of those items might be helpful!

Looking for paint colors?

2009-02-28T10:20:00.003-05:00

How I wish that this series of articles on HouseBeautiful.com was available when we were choosing paint colors. There are articles on the most popular colors, how to choose colors that are right for your space, what colors complement skin tones, how to maintain your painted walls, colors that men like (or they think men like), pretty much everything you can imagine.

If that description doesn't send you to the article, this amazing sun room should. Well done, I hear a round of applause coming...the painted wood floors seal the deal.

I don't know if this is the color used in the space above, but it certainly stood out to me. It's Farrow and Ball Card Room Green 79.

This would be beautiful with Benjamin Moore's White Dove baseboards as it has a very subtle grey undertone.

Okay time for me to stop...we won't be painting anytime soon. At least we hope not.... :)

She's at it again

2009-02-27T17:04:00.003-05:00

More neutral interiors. This time from the talented designer Jayne Wunder as featured on Desire to Inspire. I cannot possibly fathom picking my favorite room.

The most unfair part of this? Not only is she a great designer...she's gorgeous as well. Of course...

Scandinavian design

2009-02-23T00:34:00.007-05:00

My admiration (or obsession) with neutral palettes often leads me to Scandinavian designs. They continue to take me away to soft serene places.

Recently, a stumble to Willow Decor turned me onto Norway retailers Slettvoll. Wow. What a wonderful job of making neutral palates inviting and comforting.

Enough with the dog already

2009-02-22T14:46:00.005-05:00

I know, I know...only owners love their dogs, but I'm officially hooked on ours. According to Mr. Big, Jordan is far to "guy guy" for any of the following (for the record, I agree), but they are too cute to keep to myself.

Leash from esty seller Aroostudio

Pet tags from etsy seller purepanache

Collar from etsy seller luckyfiona

Storage and seating in one

2009-02-16T07:40:00.003-05:00

These bentwood storage cubes featured on Grassrootsmodern are a gorgeous take on traditional trunks.

Wouldn't they be great in a kid's play room?

Inspiration vs reality: Elfa garage systems

2009-02-15T19:36:00.006-05:00

An organized garage has always been a main priority. This Elfa set from Container Store was the our inspiration.

On a recent trip to the States, Mr. Big picked up various options for us. Shelves, bins, hooks, all sorts of goodies. And this weekend, we drilled, leveled, screwed, and arranged our way through the installation.

Wow! I can't wait to get everything properly organized and fully utilized. Our garage floors should be finished this week, which is (once again) one step closer to completion. (By the way, how bad are those brooms in the last picture? It looks like new home construction is going to lead us (yet again) back to the hardware store.)

But don't let this new organization mislead you, a 90 degree turn reveals this...

Just a little bit left to clean out of the garage by all the sub-trades...

We're one step closer to completion, but quite a few from proclaiming it.

For family and friends

2009-02-14T08:47:00.010-05:00

Okay, okay, I'll stop posting inspiration pics and put a few photos of our place up. I suppose that is what this site was intended for anyway.

This morning we had a lovely 7am walk with Jordan and Mr. Big's dad who is visiting. (Yes, you read that correctly, Mrs. Big was up at 7am on a Saturday...and I wasn't even grumpy. What is this world coming to?) After a few weeks of unusually cold weather (68 degrees!), it was a beautiful morning of clear skies and a slight breeze. Perfect for a few moments to appreciate how the house has taken shape.

But first, Jordan would like to say hello.

Hey mom, could say hi to everyone for me? I'll be extra good if they send their loves.

And show them how I like to find big sticks and run with them these days. Here I come!

So back to the regular broadcasting. The back of the house is taking shape. All of the painting has been completed except for the pavilion. Speaking of the pavilion, the Big Ass Fan has been installed and the ceiling stained dark. Now we're just waiting on the arrival of the doors before the exterior and interior walls will be completed. Mr. Big's barbeque space is taking shape inside and soon the island will be built.

The famous Big Ass Fan. This baby moves A LOT of air.

The walls will be painted white and be textured like stone.
Similar to our front door entrance here.

The barbeque pit with the BigGreen Egg and all.
Same stone used here as our interior stone wall.

In the meantime, our outdoor dining area is getting a lot of use. And surprise, surprise, my favorite Panton chairs have made an appearance outdoors. I'm probably the only one who uses them (or likes them), but hey, it's my house too.

The dock has been stained and is just awaiting the final coat. We've used some of the left over wood from the pavilion ceiling to build storage benches for boating supplies. It will get completed and stained soon.

My grandfather had the best idea for these large walls...allow colorful bouganvilla vines to grow down them. I'm looking forward to starting that and getting a few large pots on the dock. I'm turning into a green fiend!

The rest of the garden is really starting to fill in nicely. It's amazing to see how far the side yard has come in the last seven months since it was planted.

No question that we live in the Caribbean.
The palms are coming in nicely.

The side yard now has more green that brown. A triumph!

Love this full covering used by the landscapers.
Apparently so does Jordan...we regularly find two eyes peaking out at us under this coconut palm.

The back of the garage taking hold.

The landscaping over our unattractive gas tank.

And finally, Mr. Big recently fell in love with this outdoor set. After a fair bit of negotiation, it found it's way home onto our deck. We have been spending lots of time in these chairs lately.

It's nice to end the day enjoying a drink out here. But I must admit, I've had to back off the drinks lately. I don't think Mr. Big's vision of the house included a wife with a beer belly....

Hope you all enjoyed the update!

Another DIY chandelier

2009-02-13T07:18:00.004-05:00

Very cool. Learn how to make this fun and funky pendant light here.

Now this is a backsplash

2009-02-09T08:39:00.003-05:00

Grace from Design*Sponge featured these gorgeous wall tiles by Edgewater Design in Vancouver.

Stunning!

Great neutral living rooms

2009-01-28T03:51:00.005-05:00

No commentary needed.

A stunning Stockholm apartment featured on Emmas Designblogg

Photographed by Steve Giralt

Best conference room ever

2009-01-28T03:37:00.005-05:00

I'm going to be spending 3 hours of my precious day in our main conference room at work today. Oh how I wish it were this one instead. Somehow I don't suspect that this conference room finds it's home in North America.

It's not like we have a bad room...it's actually quite nice. Unfortunately, it just doesn't live up to it's glory because of all the "stuff" around. "Stuff" = plastic white coffee carafes, black coffee machine, 80's paper towel roll, too many multicolored trays. I have a nagging urge to put it all away and let the room show through. Little obsessive anyone?