Jenna Lyons' house for sale

You may have already seen this, but old news doesn't stop me from checking out Jenna Lyon's Sotheby Homes listing and then looking for jobs in NYC. There are plenty of job listings for "Executive Creative Director for Mega Fashion Retailer" right?

We've all seen the style director's enviable closet since it was featured in Domino:

Here are a few shots of the rest of the house:

Her 7bd/3.5ba Park Slope home is listed for $3.75M. See the full listing here. And if you aren't familiar with who Jenna Lyons' is, you can see a video of her here and see her season's picks for J.Crew here.

For the love of gold

I'm dying over this kitchen featured in this month's Canadian House and Home. It's not the typical open everyone-gathers-here kitchen that I would normally covet, but it's gorgeous. White glossy cabinets, marble counters, chevron (or herringbone?) wood floors, brass hardware AND brass toe kicks, white stove, and the fireplace. Fireplaces make kitchens so cozy, don't you think?

Biggest surprise of all - the cabinets are from IKEA! She customized them with her own recessed brass pulls and hardware found on ebay and miscellaneous antique stores. See a video tour of the home here

{Living} Chic

Every once in a while, I stumble across a home that makes me consider selling a non-vital organ in order to own it.  This is one of those homes.  Located in Northern California, this house combines all the natural elements I love and all with the modern necessities I don't really need, including:  22-ft folding doors in the kitchen that open to an outdoor deck, a complete outdoor kitchen and built-in dining area, a full outdoor living space, a separate wing for the master with french doors that lead to a private patio, a pagoda entrance built out of re-used redwood, an outdoor shower, and a complete guest apartment.

Click on the dots at the bottom of the image to view a slide show of my favorite rooms.  Then let me know what you think the going rate is for an appendix or tonsils in Northern Cali.

slide show via

**Ignore the "17" on all the images. Not sure what's going on there. 17 images total.

At home: Crate & Barrel fall 2011

It's been a long time since I've been impressed with anything in the Crate & Barrel catalog, but this one has me craving it all.  I love the chevron rug , the mix of all the primitive elements, clean mid-century design, exaggerated textures, and an overall look that makes a home feel comfortable.

all images digitally scanned from Crate & Barrel fall catalog

A new take on indoor pools

It's a bajillion degrees out right now and it's just the beginning of summer.  I've missed the last couple of pool parties for various reasons, one being that I don't have a new swimsuit and my little two-piece, pre-baby bikini seems to add about 10 more pounds than I used to have.  Funny thing, right?  I certainly don't have those 10 extra pounds in normal clothes.

I finally got around to buying a new suit yesterday, now all I need is a pool.  Our backyard is big enough for two pools, but with 9 trees, it's difficult to put one in.  Not to mention the pain of keeping it clean with so many trees around. Well, this New Yorker has found a better solution: a pool in her living room! 

Notice to swing in the middle? So cool.
And a bar located conveniently within walking distance.
I also like the medieval weaponry decor.
Because nothing says "a relaxing dip in the pool" like weapons.
From the medieval era.

Don't you think the white arm chair and side table look dangerously close to the edge?
I see someone taking a big plop into the chair and then a bigger plop into the pool after
one too many ale lagers.  (That just sounded like a medieval beer to me.)

Furniture placement aside, I love this retro 70's house.  All 5 stories, 5,000 square feet, 6 bedroom, 5 baths, $10.95M of it.  See more images here.

Source credit

{DIY} frame wall

Here's an inexpensive way to bring a lot of look to your large plain wall.  Ballard Designs sells these cameo frames for $199 each (I don't get it). The intaglios (below) were made for less than $200 total. 

Source: kikis-list.blogspot.com via Mommy on Pinterest

 

images via

This isn't exactly my style (I do like the dark dining room wall), but I always appreciate a look-for-less DIY.  And I think it's perfectly lovely in this home.  Check out the how-to here

PS - I read a trick for hanging pictures without having to guess where to put the nail.  I can't find the visuals anywhere, so try to follow along with my poor instructions:

1. Tape a large section of butcher paper on the wall.  (Enough to cover the area your frames will hang.)
2. Use a level to draw a straight line on the butcher paper. 
3. Now line up the frames along that line and mark where to put the nail.
4. Nail the mark you made on the paper then rip it off the wall.

This is so much easier than nailing one frame up, realizing the third one down is not aligned and then making three more holes to get it right.

Backyard blues

You know how I mentioned here that my backyard is pouting?  Well, after a recent visit to a new friend's house, my backyard isn't just pouting, it's giving me the finger.  I'm trying to find some garden inspiration, but I'm not finding a lot online that's in between a complete oasis and a few boring plants.  Do you have any suggestions?

I don't need a total backyard retreat, I would just like a lush, green lawn.  Maybe one that's emo, so it would cut itself.  (Just kidding, people.)  And maybe some strung lights like these:

Source: weheartit.com via Rebecca of on Pinterest

Source: smallplacestyle.blogspot.com via Rebecca of on Pinterest

Source: ruffledblog.com via kirby on Pinterest

Don't strung lights just make you happy?  Perhaps if I draw all the attention up, people won't notice my yard is dead and they're stepping in dog poo.

My yard is pouting

Maybe it's the beginning of backyard bar-b-que season, or that I visited the Arboretum this weekend, but I need a total yard makeover.  Unfortunately, I have a very black thumb and everything we plant dies.  So I need an easy, low maintenance yard that can grow naturally and still look beautiful.  Kind of like my hair.

I'm in search of pictures to show our lawn guys since we have a large language barrier and pictures seem to habla espanol better than I can.  I haven't found too many yet, but here are few that caught my eye:

This little building would be perfect for a gym, yoga studio 

or cabana.  I'd be happy with a kiddie pool at this point.

Source: houselogic.com via Mommy Chic on Pinterest

This would be so nice...if we had summer weather to enjoy it.

Source: houzz.com via Mommy Chic on Pinterest

This cute little garden reminds me of Anthropologie.  Those succulents
are pretty but grow out of control.  I had one.  It died.

Source: flickr.com via Mommy Chic on Pinterest

Is anyone from HGTV reading???  Because I definitely have a Landscaper's Challenge! 
 

{DIY} West Elm rug

Source: pudel-design.blogspot.com via MommyChicBlog on Pinteres

What a cool DIY idea for anyone with a little creativity and a lot of patience.  Using the inspiration photo above from West Elm, this crafty lady printed a stencil she found online, bought an IKEA rug, spent TWO DAYS painting it, and now has a nifty new rug for a fraction of the cost.  (Yeah, I just used the word 'nifty' like I'm a grandmother.)

 images via

I think it turned out pretty well, don't you?  If only I had her patience and could spare an area in my house to work on a project like this.  Unfortunately, it would probably end up with giant paw prints all over it.  Maybe that's our new decor theme?
 

Design for dogs

For most people, their four-legged babies are just as much a part of the family as any of the two-legged members, so it's no surprise that some home owners have incorporated their pets into the design of their home.

I love these two kitchens just as they are, but I also like where they've
placed the dog bowls to keep them out of the way.

traditional kitchen design by new york interior designer AMI Designs

eclectic kitchen design by boston kitchen and bath Artisan Kitchens LLC

They say the heart of the home is in the kitchen where everyone gathers, so why not
have a place for Max* and Lulu* to lay with everyone?
(I just made those up, but don't they look like a Max and a Lulu?)

traditional kitchen design by chicago architect COOK ARCHITECTURAL Design Studio

This is the perfect spot for your nosy-old-neighbor pet who likes to watch what

everyone's doing and report back with daily neighborhood gossip.  

"You wouldn't believe what that ol' cat Marmalade was doing yesterday with 

Princess Snowball.  And don't get me started on how many times Oscar marked the tree."

traditional kitchen design

It's hard to find a place for doggie doors, especially when your doors are glass.

This little dog door is in the wall, right under the window, where it looks like

part of the light and airy design.

modern kitchen design by philadelphia general contractor Buckminster Green LLC

This is the best idea!  A dog wash built into the garage storage with steps so

no more bending down into the bathtub! This is a definite must in my next home.

contemporary entry design by san francisco general contractor Dijeau Poage Construction

Do you have any pets and any special places for them?

 

le sigh

le beams, le light, le flea market ambiance....

le love.

 et vous?

 

 

 

 via

  See the rest of the house here.

Home makeover 3

Here's the third and final inspiration board for our living room. Maybe. My very clever husband picked out everything in this board. (Well, I picked the books, but he approved.) He loves the Arne Norell lounge (3) and floor task lamp (1) and I love how the brass butler's table (2) warms up the chrome in both. The cowhide rug (4) gives the area some texture and allows for a visual break from the hardwood floor and leather chair (both similar in color).

1 Rowan Pharmacy Task Floor Lamp  2 Brass Butlers Table   3 Arne Norell Lounge  4 Cowhide rug  5 Coffee table books

What do you think?  Too many cow parts in this room with the leather and rug?  Maybe I should throw in a sheepskin rug instead. 

See boards 1 and 2 here.

Home makeover 2

I am by no means any kind of interior designer, but I do love shopping to fill interiors.  We've still got the redecorating bug, so here are a few more options we're considering.  I absolutely love the brass argyle sconces (#2) and I think the chrome and marble-top side table (#1) balances the gold fixtures and kite kilim rug (#5). Coral is everywhere this season, but it's not that easy to find in a simple blanket. This cashmere throw (#4) comes in a number of shades and gives just a pop of color into the room.

 
1. side table  2. brass sconce  3. leather sofa  4. cashmere throw  5. kilim rug

Now all we need is some art.  While I'd love something with Klein blue, I'd be so happy to have an original painting or drawing from one of these future artists.

So what do you think?  Do you have any favorite original artists - adult, child, gorilla, elephant, or the like?

Home makeover

1. edison lamp  2. pillows  3. sofette  4. drum side table  5. rug

This weekend, the Husband and I caught the redecorating bug.  Luckily, I married a man with great taste (obviously!) so there is not much conflict between our decorating styles.  We are now on a quest to give our interior a much needed make-over and I'm scouring the stores, catalogs, and websites in search of our new pieces.

While I like the items above, I'm going to make a few more boards to give us lots of options.  The lamp is my favorite, but out of the budget.  Should lamps cost more than furniture?  I'm hoping we're lucky (and clever) enough to find some treasures in estate sales.  I love the thrill of the hunt and always admire those that snag a great piece and turn it into an unexpected statement in their home.

How was your weekend?  Did you catch anything non-communicable?

It's all wood

I'm still working on the last salvaged wood project (and by "still working", I mean there are wood planks laying in my storage), but I thought I'd pretend to make a few more things with all that leftover fencing...

 

I saw this dark stained wood headboard and bed frame and I want.  Like, now.

 via

I also liked the idea of salvaged wood planks as wall decor.
These have some kind of script writing on them that I could do without.
Still loving the idea though.

via

And this wooden chandelier cannot be crafted out of my 

leftover fencing (or can it?) but how cool is it...

via

If anyone finds a tutorial on the wooden headboard and frame, please pass it along.  It may be best if you try the tutorial first to make sure it works.  Then when you've successfully finished the headboard/frame and decide it's taking up too much space in your room, I'll be happy to take it off your hands.  I'm really nice like that.

 

le sigh

It's almost the weekend and I'm ready to retire to my weekend home in the South of France.  What?  I don't have a weekend home in France?  Or a weekend home anywhere?  Hmph.  Guess I'll have to live in pictures:

 So much natural light and modern cement floors mixed with rustic natural elements. 

le sigh.

 I imagine a little hobbit lives inside that wooden mini-door in the kitchen island.  

Any time I see a mini-door, I imagine a hobbit is on the other side. 
Or a gnome.  Is there a difference between the two? 

I love this giant wood dining table with simple metal chairs.  

What a wonderful place to enjoy a lovely weekend 

brunch with my new Parisian friends.

And then I'll spend the rest of the afternoon soaking in a sunlit bath with a good book 

(because it's not a good idea to bring a laptop in the bathtub).

all images via

Room and (outfit) board

Whether in your home or in your closet, gray and orange is always a good idea.

 images via

 

top-14.80, clutch-65.00, sandals-70.00, shorts-102.00

Sonoma style

 via

This 1937 cottage in Sonoma, California was purchased and designed to be a weekend retreat for the handsome couple above, one of which is a Bay Area school counselor.  Ok, design stuff aside, my school counselors were never so adorable......and do school counselors in California make enough to have a weekend home in Sonoma?  If so, I took the wrong career path and am making an immediate u-turn.

Now, on to the house...

via

Yes, those are ebony stained oak floors and a hand-forged steel fireplace surround (covering the original brick) - but notice the sliding barn door in front of the staircase. swoon

The kitchen shelving uses reclaimed wood and vintage silk bobbins used to as support.  So clever!

images via

The rest of the house uses salvaged finds like the piece of machinery with a marble top as the bathroom sink, an old bullet cap as the pendant light fixture in the bedroom, and a carpenter's work bench with a vintage propeller lamp as the bar.

 

 images via

You can read more about the home here and here.  And if you know the homeowners, you can tell them my suitcase is packed and we're ready for our weekend in wine country!