This time last year, I was finishing the design for the new home we were going to build. We loved the design and the details, but other important things – like the builder and the right land -- just weren’t coming together. A few months later, we found this house on the third “shopping trip” 1000 miles from our Ohio home. (Thanks so much to my patient, hospitable and helpful sisters and families for their help and support!!!!) It was quite similar to the design we had planned -- except we wanted a big front porch. Instead of building a new house, we’ve been painting this one. Probably could have built a new house in the same amount of time :-) But we are done with the big paint projects. Happy dance! Here's what we've done most recently: Wheels is putting a coat of primer on the ... [Read More]
DIY
How to make a large, lighted outdoor wreath
Christmas time in a new house totally different from the last abode. How to decorate for Christmas? We were spoiled with our 10 minute exterior decorating. Ease of installation in potentially frigid air was at the top of our list. Weather is a huge factor and everything has to be able to withstand wind and snow. Our something new needed to be simple enough that it could be done in an afternoon without breaking the budget. Yet large enough that it would make an impact on its own. That large triangle at the front of the house – yes, the one over the garage door – was calling out for something. That space needed: A wreath, of course. The previous owners, who built the house, planned ahead with outlets under the eaves. The wreath could be lighted very easily. There was even a hook at just ... [Read More]
New Home Update: Week 11
New Home updates: Changing colors Solar tubes Painting Progress Home Update Week 7 Home Update Week 11 Week 19 Painter’s Progress New Home Update Week 22 There have been a number of pictures tested here in the front hallway-- just to see if they "sing". This one has lasted the longest. The colors are very intense, but remind us of a particular wooded path we liked to walk in the Ohio fall. Maybe it's the piece for this spot -- maybe not. The house hasn't "sung" yet -- just nodded. :-) Choirs sang when we added the demilune table, though! (Love that word - French for half moon!) It was our first purchase from Wayfair. As soon as we saw the picture on line, we both said "perfect" and it is. The grandfather clock was cramped everywhere else we put ... [Read More]
House update – week 7
We’ve been concentrating on covering the walls with paint. And being able to find the things we need daily. Like clothes, food and important papers. This bit of wall décor managed to escape from its box. As soon as I saw it lying on the basement floor, I knew where it belonged. Above the dining room door to the deck! It makes me happy, happy, happy. Our big accomplishment this past week has been to finish this two story wall along the steps to the lower level. Almost. The niche needs another coat of SW Biscuit. Fun contortions - especially painting the sides with a roller on a five foot long handle. See that line of terra cotta at the top next the white ceiling? No idea how we are going to paint the ceiling and that strip of wall above the steps themselves. If only we could ... [Read More]
Painting progress
We managed to put quite a few gallons of paint on the past several days! The dining room went from deep gold to soft Tradewind (Sherwin Williams). Every wall is so deeply colored that it takes three coats to cover -- primer and two coats of color. Every. wall. That is why it is taking us so long:-) The light fixtures also express an Old World Tuscan flavor with oil rubbed bronze and gold globes. One of the things we noted when looking at the house was the consistency. There was an obvious master vision and it carried all the way through. The colors flowed and were consistent with architectural details and accessories like the light fixtures. Wheels said as we walked out the door on our first visit that this house was a jewel box. Our vision is different but we are working ... [Read More]
Changing colors
A peek at the changing colors in the living room. Original colors are bold, deep and rich from Old World Tuscany – rich terra cotta, deep gold, emerald sage, tumeric yellow. The new palette is sunkissed Mediterranean with clean watery blues, sophisticated grays and creams, a bit of smoky orchid. I’m excited to see it begin to pull together! New Home updates: Solar tubes Painting Progress Home Update Week 7 Home Update Week 11 Week 19 Painter’s Progress New Home Update Week 22 ... [Read More]
