Curtain Change: Before and After

After our summer-long renovation of the second floor was finished I realized the first floor also needed a change...a curtain change.  Before:  simple floor to ceiling white linen panels from IKEA .

After:  West Elm's carved circle panels.  The pattern makes the space feel bigger and I love how it looks against the wallpaper.  Still light in color and texture, the panels allow the afternoon sun to shine through.  Although it was a small change, it definitely refreshed the space.  My winter pillows, however,  made a cozy and warm comeback.  Below is a photo of the pillows that started it all.  Yes, I'm referring to Cocoon Home Design's blog.   I'm already thinking about new fabrics for them to incorporate the new and fabulous (2011) spring colors.

Have you made any recent decor changes you'd like to share with me?

The Master Bedroom and Bath Reveal

n It's here, the master bedroom and bath reveal.  Our new space brings lots of natural light, plenty  of room to move about, and a 6ft tub for the kids to bathe together in.  To see before photos click here.

All reveal photos masterfully taken by Jonas Kahn.  Many thanks!

West Elm's low bed frame was a perfect fit for our bedroom since I wanted the wallpaper to act as a headboard.  The bedding is from Dwell Studio and the wallpaper is from Steve's Blinds and Wallpaper.  The bronze reading lamps blend into the wall.

Materials that  once inspired the space are now defining it.   See the August 12, 2010 'Til Monday  post.

A wallpapered pocket door separates the two rooms.  The dresser found at Reside expands the bedroom into the bath and provides a place to showcase my newest obsession :  terrariums,  (read and see more about that tomorrow).  I love the fact that the bathroom fixtures are not visible from this angle.

Ikea's double vanity is great for the children.  The light above the sink adds a bit of whimsy, while Frida's portrait adds both color and drama.

One of the worse parts of the renovation was taking down our wall of photos.  They're finally back and actually,  now I have room for more.

Don't forget to check out Cocoon's Facebook page for more images.

Let me know your thoughts and comments on this latest reveal...

Railing Revealed

When we bought our house,  the railing at the stairway landing consisted of  two  pieces of painted plywood.  I assumed there was nothing between them but empty space and dreamed of having a carpenter build something that matched the intricate design of our existing handrail.  Our recent renovation revealed a hidden railing that was seemingly charred during a fire. Apparently, the railing was badly damaged and, for some odd reason, never restored.   My talented contractor reconstructed it and brought it back to its original Art Deco heyday.  Take a look at the before and after.

Thanks Steve.  Great Job!

Before and After- Metal Bases turned Side Tables

On a trip to Maine over this summer my husband bought these metal bases hoping to turn them into side tables. I must confess I was reluctant about his plans for them. But with a light sanding, some spray paint and glass tops they turned out to be cool bedside tables.  Take a look at the "after" photo below.  You'll also get a sneak peak at the master bedroom wallpaper.  Keep posted for the renovation reveal.

Before and After-Living Room and Dining Room

While our master bedroom and bath renovation is slowly coming to an end (thank goodness!),  I've been looking back at how much the house has changed since we bought it.  Take a look at how it looked then and how it looks now....

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The first floor of the house is really one large room separated into 3 areas with the dining area located in the middle.  We used  fedora FLOR tiles in both the living and kitchen sitting areas and same style sofas to keep the space balanced and uncluttered.

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The floors were refinished and stained in a dark ebony.  We used Benjamin Moore's Aura paint in Thunder for the walls and Atrium white for the trim.

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The same wallpaper was used in both the kitchen sitting area and the living room  to keep the flow of the space consistent.  The dining room table was from Cocoon, the store.  We primed and painted it the same color used for the trim.  We don't have a designated art or play area for the kids, all their art projects take place on this table.  The built-in cabinets hold books, magazines, games and art supplies.  The kids can easily grab a box of crayons and paper and set up for some coloring.  The beauty of this table is that can I get out the paint roller and pan and repaint it at anytime so it looks brand new again.

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Art hanging in the window provides privacy while still allowing light to flow in.

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Chandelier sconces from Brocade Home hang in both the front living room and back kitchen sitting area to give the space a whimsical, yet traditional touch.  Mixing botanical prints and geometric patterns render the space modern but add a warmer edge to it.  It's a completely functional space for our way of living:  very child friendly without sacrificing style and substance.