On renovating a bathroom - and so it begins

Do we ever know where the inspiration to renovate really comes from? Is it boredom? Necessity? Pride? Curiosity? Stupidity? Can it ever be answered? Well, the "calling" came to us. We decided to bite the bullet and tackle the master bathroom. We're now going to share this experience, step by step over the next few months. We'll share all that we encounter  - the good, the bad and the ugly.

Why?

Our reasoning for doing this room, at this time, in this scale is a proverbial mixed bag. There is SOME necessity (no, I am not rationalizing things here.) The 1920's house was built with the bathroom located directly over a large front entry hall. Any water issues, from large to small, are literally front and center - to be seen by everyone, everyday. We've now had this minor seepage for a few years now. Plumbers confirmed it's not from the shower faucets. It's either coming from cracked wall & floor tiles and/or disintegrating window frames & sills. All of them original to the 1920 construction. Um...so where do we start?

And that's not all...

Compounding the issue is that there are no simple ways to fix and patch. Hyeah, I know. The shower subway tiles extend and wrap around the room so any window replacement or wall patch work will be noticeable. Attention! Work was done here! There is no way to match the patina of original 1920's tile with anything manufactured today. (I know, thanks.)

There's also no clean technique to remove either floor or wall tiles and leave the sub-layers intact. (Cue foreshadowing music - you see where the thinking is going.)  If we are going to remove the walls, floor and windows to create a clean slate, then why don't we revise the room layout to better meet our particular needs?  Makes "sense", right?  This means adding a double vanity which, by the way, requires a relocation of the toilet.  Ker-ching$.  Ker-ching$. Not to mention we need frame-less glass shower doors, heated floors, marble instead of tile... The madness only continues from here. (This is where the lines are blurred between necessity and stupidity...)

And now overkill

So, we thought, if we're going to be doing some work in the house anyway, why don't we take the opportunity to address the few issues in the guest bath. Makes sense, right? "We'll be saving money since the workers will already be here..." Yea, dot, dot, dot...

This bath needed some corrective work the day we moved in. The toilet and sink were original and required updating to align with code and water conservation guidelines. The wood floor area around the toilet was deteriorating from years of condensation with the old-style toilet design. Finally, with it's position under a roof eave, the claw foot tub could never accommodate an attached shower system. Guests were forced to to walk down the hall and shower in the master. Awkward.


So, this is really a "small" add-on job, right?  Replace/re-tile floor, swap out sink and toilet and reverse position of tub and install a vintage exposed shower system. Simple. Just a few hundred more?
The saga begins

So we'll pick up in the next post on the bidding process and the first shoe drop. After that we'll get into the demolition. You know writing about this, as it happens, may actually be therapeutic for me. For all that goes bad? It gives me more to write about!

As they say, hang onto your hats, it's going to be a wild ride...

Till the next time

On entertaining - Lessons learned from 2011

Lessons learned.

What a terrific summer. I'm really going to miss it. Sunny days. Just enough rain to keep the lawn nicely green. Beautiful nights. And some terrific parties!

I thought it would be fun to examine some of this past summer's entertaining. See what worked. And see what, let's just say, could be improved. We'll take a look at choices in location, decor and menu. I should note some of these events were ones I hosted. (I'll be most critical of these). Others, I was a guest. (Can't be too critical or I might be seen as unappreciative!) So here goes, we'll take a look at three:

- Al fresco dining

- A night of tapas

- Preview of  fall

Al fresco dining

This was to be small gathering, mostly family, celebrating a birthday. Fine china and formal dining room felt too stuffy. With the weather predicted to be perfect, outside was the place to be. Given that I was also hosting a few folks for the first time, I wanted to up the ante a little bit. To me, that meant avoiding the burgers on the grill, etc.  I wanted an informal, yet elegant sit-down affair - something a little unexpected.

The good.

With 11 people, I wanted to try a new outside location. The screened in porch was an option, but too much furniture would need to be relocated to fit the tables. I also wanted, if possible, to avoid the super long event table. I felt this group would enjoy having more options of cross table conversation. So I decided to play with a our square patio area to see what might work.  

The space is very intimate since it's nestled within three exterior walls. Our outdoor round table, usually located in this space, wasn't an option since it could only seat 6 (7 if necessary). So, I decided to try a pair of 6' banquet tables placed side by side - width-wise. Something never tried before. Success! I didn't think it would fit. We certainly needed to make some adjustments (e.g. move the outdoor grill and some plants), but the square top idea nailed it.  

I decided to keep the table decor simple since I knew the food would be served "family style."  A couple of flowers from the yard and some pieces from the house helped add some punch to the everyday china and glassware. Crisp cotton table cloths and napkins also added an additional touch.  It was a late afternoon affair so candles  were unnecessary.

The "lesson learned"

The menu ended up being problematic.  It sounded simple: grilled Masala rubbed shrimp, seared bok choy (grill), and Indonesian curry pasta with vegetables. The grill items were fine, easily prepped ahead of time, seared outside and easily served. The Indonesian curry was another matter. I chose this dish since it was a favorite of the birthday girl. Bad decision. Not an easy dish for 11 people since it was best prepared in a wok - a vessel with limited capacity (and I only had one of them).

So with everyone enjoying themselves outside, I was relegated to the kitchen making four batches, back-to-back. All ingredients were prepped and ready to go, yet it made little difference.  The preparation was messy (since I was unsuccessfully trying to speed it up), time consuming (since the cooking had a "liquid reducing over heat" component) and hot (inside over a burner on high).  Way too much stress on a host.

Right intent, but wrong occasion. For the most easy to execute entertaining, stick with recipes that can be made in advance.  A few final things (seasoning, warming, tossing) should be all that's necessary.


A night of tapas

This was a very fun summer evening concept.  It was hosted by our friends who wanted an event that celebrated a variety of unique tastes.

The good

The food was delicious. Some served hot, some served cold. All in small, appetizer-size servings. It was really fun to experience so many flavors in one setting.

The "lesson learned"

The evening also turned out to be beautiful so the hosts made an impromptu decision to move the eating location from the kitchen to the porch. How festive it seemed! Candlelight, cool evening breeze, fun conversation.

For the hosts, it was logistical chaos. We never really saw them.

Travel path

While the idea of moving the event outside was right, the reality of a multiple course dinner moved to a distant location, removed from the kitchen, made it a problem.  One host basically was isolated in the kitchen prepping each course while the other was running the plates back and forth. They also steadfastly refused any offers to help.

To me, keeping the guests with the chefs would have been the better decision.  The magic of a "tapas" evening is possibly witnessing the prep of each course. Sharing the ingredients, the recipes, the shopping excursions, and cooking insights along the way.

Admittedly, a night of multiple courses is a labor intensive exercise. The hosts made this conscious decision to create this unique event. I applaud that. But with this in mind, additional thought should then be made to keep the guests close or at least have an established system that embraces this reality (e.g. time-delayed coursing to give hosts a breather, specific helpers/guest "assignments", logistics totally worked out).

Luckily for me, this was a lesson learned that was observed (taken with a HUGE mental note). These days especially, it's hard for any guest to be totally comfortable when hosts are obviously working. A great meal is where everyone can relax, enjoy some great food and share the moment.


Preview of Fall

Another birthday celebration. An extended family affair. The nights around this time were a little cooler so I chose theme that involved Fall and comfort foods.

The good.

This was going to be an opportunity to use a new floor length tablecloth for our extended round dining room table (e.g. the topper extension that expands the diameter from 58" to 72").  The color was a tarnished gold box pattern over subtle dusty green - perfect for an end of the summer celebration.  It was also the 78th birthday of my mother, so a little more formality was deserved.

Now, I had a little bit of a design problem.  Most of my go-to table decor was silver, chrome or nickel accents.  Very little gold or brass. So I went about my tried and true seek and find exercise. (See prop closet post). As I am continually surprised, unanticipated ideas always present themselves.

The guest list was for 10.  The first items I found in the back of my china hutch were 6 of my mother's hand-me-down "Fall Harvest" design accent plates with gold trim. I knew I needed a creative solution to "extend the color scheme" to the additional four place-settings.  That, right now, would have to wait.

Next I found some long lost polished brass napkin rings.  The had to be clean up a little bit, but were a perfect compliment.

I think the biggest surprise were some candlesticks. I had all but given up on finding anything that would match. The crystal ones alone would have to do. But I came upon a forgotten box of stuff in the cellar that was left unsold from a summer yard sale. The sale was to help clear out unused/rarely used items in my, my mother's and a number of friend's houses.

Buried deep in the box were these 2 brass candlesticks. Again, a little tarnished but would easily clean up. I topped them with a couple of black shades. Presto! They were incredible. I had to smile. Who knew these where here?!?

The rest of the table came nicely together. Wine glasses. White linen napkins. Fall colored flowers.

I also found a solution to extend the accent plate color scheme.  I used my yellow and orange colored demi-tass saucers. I know this broke sooo many rules, (saucers vs. plates, different diameters, etc) but for this occasion, it worked.  The colors of each complimented each other.  It was a holistic visual statement as folks joined the table.  Protocol also quickly removes the accent plates anyway to prepare for the first course.

The "lesson learned"

I hate to admit it, but it was the food again.  This time I wanted a little "wow" factor so I prepared a sage sausage stuffed crown rack of pork, with an apple-brandy reduction.  The roast, potatoes and veggies all passed the "prepared ahead of time" rule for entertaining. The only thing needing a final preparation would be the apple-branding reduction made with the pan drippings - not a problem.  The learning issue arose when it was time to serve.

I hadn't thought through how the roast would be served - table side or plated in the kitchen. If table side, then all of the other items would need to be served family style. I hadn't planned for this. No warmed bowls, no serving spoons. I guess I had the idea of the rack (for show) but still wanted to plate in the kitchen for a "reduction sauce on the bottom" presentation. Hence, two disconnected ideas.

So I had this decorated roast sitting in the kitchen with all of the guests in the other room. What?  Am I going to call them just to see it?  Um, no.  Am I going to walk it into the dining room to only return it back with me to the kitchen? Not likely.

So, I removed all of the rib "hats" (that I just put on).  I also needed more time to now slice the ribs.  All of the other items were out and ready to plate (e.g warmed plates, food off the burners, out of the ovens - all cooling off.)  Bad timing all around.

So there was a little stress on my part to quickly slice, plate and get to the table.  People were around to help, but the point is that it should have be planned/anticipated. The goal is not to "realize something" when you are in the midst of it. Plan it out and you'll have a much more consistently enjoyable time entertaining.

Another little note to self  - and one to share!

So, the holidays are fast approaching. Hosting friends and family will come in one form or another.  Hopefully, some of these posts will help ensure your evening is a success.

Remember, the goal is to enjoy yourself!  That is what entertaining is all about.

Till then next time...

.

On decorating - some handy numbers

In this month's issue of House Beautiful, they featured a column of the top 10 tips of key numbers in decorating. Each one was contributed by some of the premier interior designers.  Since I knew I would be clipping this article and storing it in my notebook, I thought I would share it in my blog for all of you to have as well.

Here they go:

1. A 36 inch-wide rectangular table is perfect for conversation.  A round table with a diameter of 48 inches seats six; a 60-inch round will handle eight standard dining chairs or 10 ballroom chairs.  - Charlotte Moss

Our top is a 58-inch round and works perfectly for 6 (and we've squeezed in 9, yes our close friends, with more narrow chairs.)  I also built a-72 inch topper that folds up for storage to accommodate 10 (and up to 13!)

2. How big should an overhead light fixture be? Just add the length and width of the room in feet, and whatever number you come up with is, in inches, your guide for the fixture's diameter.  So a 15 by 20 foot room would need a 35-inch wide chandelier. - Bunny Williams

We just replaced a chandelier in my parent's house and these measurements were right on.  One exception I have seen is when an oversized chandelier is deliberately used as impact or wow factor.  Never, ever go smaller - think of a large body and a small head.



3. One gallon of paint will cover about 400 square feet of wall.  - Alexa Hampton


4. Mount curtains as high as possible to give the room more height, and let them break 1.5 inches on the floor.  - Miles Redd

I did this in our bedroom.  Initially, we used the hardware location that was left by the previous owners.  While it may seem odd to move the hardware "off the window frame", it gave the room a more spacious and balanced feel.










5. A kitchen island should be about 38-inches high - a little taller than the countertops - to be comfortable for prep. - Thomas O'Brien


6. Curtains should be 2.5 to 3 times the width of the window.  If you are doing 2 panels, each should be 1.25 to 1.5 times the window width.  Buy a rod that's 20 inches wider than your window so it extends 10 inches on either side.  Your window will seem much wider than it really is. - Libby Langdon

I think this trick works if you have a window size disproportional (small) to the size of the room/wall.  In our bedroom space above, we had dormers and sconces so there was no need to add "heft" to the windows. 




7. The bottom of the dining room chandelier should hang 38 inches above the table. - Thom Filicia

This is an "ideal".  In my parent's house, we had to cheat this measurement down a little since we had a somewhat low ceiling.  38 inches up from table would have crowded this fixture up into the ceiling.  Maybe this means a different fixture might have worked better?  Perhaps. But, we loved it too much!!









8. Install light switches 36 inches above the floor and 1.5 to 2 inches to the side of the door trim. - Gil Schafer

In our Chicago place, we broke this rule too.  We had thick door frames/trim in between the formal living/dining/study areas.  We chose to locate the switches inside one of the frames.  They basically became invisible (white switches on white trim, just behind the floor lamp in photo).  It also cleaned up the inside wall so that nothing competed with the featured artwork.






9. For a standard 84-inch sofa with exposed legs and a tight back, you'll need 14 yards of plain 54-inch wide fabric.  Add 2 yards for a skirt. - Madeline Stuart


10. From classical times to today, the golden ratio has always been the perfect proportion: 1 to 1.62.
- Eric Cohler


Hope these help you out someday.  I know I'll keep them handy.

Till the next time...

On decorating - let's rethink the porch

Let's hear it for the summer!!!  Ok well, I know summer hasn't officially started yet, but any temps above 60 degrees are clearly worth celebrating.  It was one tough winter.

This year I am inspired to re-arrange the screened-in porch.  I am not sure if it's being driven by my excessive case of cabin fever or my recent trip to the Brimfield Antique Fair (post 5/25).  Either way, I am excited about what might result by playing around with a new layout and a few new accessories.

Step 1: Anchoring the room

Since the wicker couch is the largest piece of furniture, I decided to let it be the driver of the base layout.  Typically, I placed it on an angle in the far corner to provide a juxtaposition to the box-like space.  This year, I am deciding to embrace the existing dimensions and approach the space in a more symmetrical fashion.  As the pictures above and left indicate, I am positioning the couch along the far wall.  There is a divider column between the screens that acts as a natural centering point.  All of the other pieces will build out from this foundation.




Step 2: Adding the other dominant pieces

Going with the more traditional layout, the placement of the rug, coffee table and chairs is pretty simple.  The goal is to give the pieces space to breathe, yet also keeping them close enough for intimate conversation and functionality (e.g. within easy reach).  I guess the easiest rule of thumb is to consider the grouping as a "cluster" not an entire room "filler."

The easy chairs are a little over-sized so they were placed on an angle to the sofa (versus a more straight-on, side-by-side arrangement.)  Also if you notice the floor plan above, the entryway from the house is located behind the chairs.  Opening the chairs provides a more welcoming and inviting feel to the space.


Step 3: Finishing with accessories

The final step is now bringing in the cushions, pillows, end tables and other miscellaneous accessories.  While there is one (outside) floor lamp, I prefer the use of candles for most lighting situations.  I find pillar candles are best for outside use.  Tapers can too easily drip wax even in the slightest of breezes.  I keep the pillars in hurricane-type holders and enclosed lanterns.  Their designs seem to maximize the amount of light while protecting the flames from any wind

We picked up the indoor/outdoor rug at Target.  It's a great sisal-looking synthetic material that simply needs a hose to clean off.  Absolutely no worry of spills or wet weather.  

This year I also added a rustic sunburst mirror over the sofa.  I found it hidden in my parent's garage.  The frame is slightly rusty and the reflection is a little muddied.  A perfect little accent that helps complete the look

So start thinking of your own summer outside spaces.  Whether it's a porch, deck, patio or balcony, there are so many options to consider.  To make it more comfortable.  To make it more stylish.   To make it more efficient.  But most importantly, to make it more your own.

Till the next time...

PS.  One reader has requested a post on selecting bed linens.  If you have any additional ideas or comments, feel free to send them along!

On shopping - An "excursion" to Brimfield

For those of you unfamiliar with the experience of Brimfield, let me just say it is not for the faint of heart.  Billed as one of the worlds largest outdoor Antiques and Collectibles Show, it is an overwhelming display of bric-a-brac all in one place.  It's about a mile along Route 20 in Brimfield, Massachusetts.  The deceiving part to me is that while one mile seems big on it's own, it has football size fields of vendor stalls all down the many "fingers" along this one mile road.  (Yea, THAT big.)  Since I made the trip last year (my first visit), I kind of knew what to expect.  This time, I didn't let the size or crowds consume me.  As many of the blogs about the show suggest, it's best to go:

1.) Early in the day
2.) Wearing comfortable shoes and clothes (that you expect to get real dirty)
3.) With a clear sense of what you are looking for

The show runs from Tuesday through Sunday three times per year (May, July, September).  Each day it officially runs sun up to sun down (though I'd say many vendors break down around 3:30 when the crowds die down.) If you go early in the week, you have better selection.  If you go towards the end of the week, you have better deals (vendors don't want to bring everything home.)  I choose to go later in the week (this year Friday).  I simply want deals since I don't feel comfortable (e.g. knowledgeable) enough to buy anything too expensive.

An agenda or not?
On my first visit, I approached the trip as I would any random yard sale.  Looking for nothing in particular. Wondering what "surprises" might be discovered.  This, I think, is what did me in.  With way too many stalls, many selling virtually the same stuff,  I barely made it through 2 fingers in 4 hours.  Yikes!  I was exhausted and left wondering what I missed...

This year, following what some blogs recommend, I went in with an agenda.  I was looking for:
1.) vintage drawer pulls for a old dresser going on my screened-in porch
2.) vintage stemware, specifically my grandmother's pattern, since a few more wine glasses would be great for the set.  (Thinking ahead, I also brought along a picture of the pattern on my iphone to compare the detail work, if needed.)

What did I learn from having an agenda?  Something unexpected.  I found it yielded a little more work, but in a better, more focused way.  On one hand, I found myself moving quickly, efficiently through the stalls.  It's amazing how fast you can learn to scan an entire display.  For my needs, if I saw any crystal?  I stopped.  Any hardware or fixtures?  Stopped again.  Generally,  if a vendor features some items in the category of merchandise you seek, it's worth a look.  If you only see other items?  Don't waste your time. Move on.

The real work came when I found a stall with "potential."  Crystal patterns?  No problem.  Pretty easy to investigate and eliminate.  Hardware?  Another story.  Most was contained in large disorganized boxes.  When finally locating some drawer pulls, it became a mission to find "the right look at the right price."  This meant digging through dusty, rusty old fixtures that, of course, were NEVER grouped in similar types or designs. (Insult to injury was that I needed a matching set of 4.  Let's just say,  things in "sets" are rare in these types of venues. Ugh.)  This rummaging pattern went on for most of the day.  My hands were caked with dirt and rust.

Results?

It was an enjoyable, albeit tiring, day.  I had success with the drawer pulls, but not with the crystal.  The purchased pulls were solid brass with a nice, aged patina.  I needed four, but I found five, so I bought them all.  (Just in case.)  They worked beautifully.  See the finished piece at right.

Given my newly honed rapid-fire scan technique, I was also able to make through about 2/3 of the show in one day.  (Again, yea, it's that big.)  This also included a fun lunch with friends at the bustling (um, more like crowded beyond capacity) food court.

Other finds along the way?
Funny, despite being on such a vision quest, I still was able to spot some random, totally unexpected items.  I would have loved to have them, but alas, the "bargaining" I received on them was still a little out of my comfort zone.  Nonetheless, I snapped some photos to share with you.

This weathered mirror caught my eye as a fun piece to have out on the screened-in porch.  Casual and worn.  Mirrored inserts to help reflect light and add depth.  $300?  Not outrageous, but too much for impulse.

LOVED this ceiling light fixture.  Highly polished chrome with a chunky, industrial feel.  While the photo is a little vague, its size was pretty hefty.  Thought it might look great in our kitchen.  For curiosity, I later outlined its measurements at home.  Way too over sized.  Good thing.  Price was way to over sized as well.  $900

This vendor had a ton of these vintage metal screens.  The braids were about 1/4" thick and had a great distressed white finish.  Again I could see a couple of these on our screened in porch, hanging as a backdrop to the wicker couch.  They would be suspended in front of the large screen windows, adding a little bit of detail without blocking any airflow.  Couldn't get a price since ALL OF THEM were sold.  (I guess I was victim to the pitfalls of attending later in the week...)

This is one of those pieces that nags me.  I think I let this one get away.  It could have been used in any number of rooms.  On an entry table.  The living room bookcase.  The dining room console. One of those "statement" pieces.  I still wonder why I didn't let the impulse move me.  The price was $250, but the clock didn't work.  Since when have I ever been obsessed with time?!  Oh well...I have to let it go... I have to let it go...



All in all, I whole heartedly recommend going to Brimfield!  No matter what your decorative style, there's something for everyone.  You have 3 opportunities per year to get there (though I hear the July event can be uncomfortably hot.)  Go in looking for one thing and come out with something else.  You never know what you might find.  And decide on an agenda or don't.  Either way, set your expectations so that you can enjoy all that it offers (and not get overwhelmed by all that it offers.)

Till the next time...

On decorating outside spaces - a little secret about faux

I can't believe I am going to admit this.  Faux?  Really?  The words conjure up images of cheesy thick plastic flora that look as natural as the figures in It's A Small World at Disney.  (um...hyeah...)  Well, I am now a convert albeit in certain circumstances.  When there's some location that's set back and difficult to "naturally" maintain, the faux option actually works.  Here's how it unfolded for me...

Our house features two built-in flower boxes off the second floor. Trouble is, they are problematic.  Southern exposure with all-day direct sun.  No shade.  Shallow depth for soil.  Hovering just above the "radiating in heat" asphalt shingle roof.  In front of inoperable windows.  Need I go on?  Picture a barren wasteland.  Cue: blowing tumbleweed.  Needless to say, these boxes sat empty for the first five years.

So, I happened to see this picture (at left) in a magazine.  It's of a house similar to ours (well maybe a little bigger) with what looks to be a somewhat similar flower box issue. Notice, however, the box is overflowing with lush flowers.  It got me thinking...

Now I know photo shoots create scenes that can never be maintained in real life.  But this image reminded me that, at a distance, no one can tell if these flowers are real or not.  My theory was since our flower boxes were like the the one in the photo (e.g. troublesome), maybe I could possibly pull off a look that will appear lifelike as well.  No one would need to (immediately) know it was faux.  One that can exist in our blast furnace location!

I set out to see what options were available.  I first scouted the local establishments like Michaels, Home Depot and Lowes.  Um, let's just say again, "bad theme park."  No distance could make these items look good.

I next went online.  Google Search gave me a number of options for outside artificial flowers, but the best ones were:

     - hooksandlattice.com
     - qualitysilkplants.com
     - artificialplantsandtrees.com


The price points will feel initially high.  In my mind, however, if the quality is there (natural looking) and they can last two or three seasons, then the price is basically a wash versus purchasing live plants each year.  (For our situation, we really didn't have a choice. What? A dried stick arrangement?)

I admit I researched the "return policy of all online vendors" before I made a single purchase.  Descriptive copy and owner reviews are good.  Seeing the items in hand is most critical - the ultimate "go/no- go" decision point.  If there was any question, the stuff was going back.

The items arrived and I was pleasantly surprised.  Yes, up close, you could see the plastic stems and joints where two items were "snapped" together.  But standing back only a foot or two, everything looked great.

Now came the process of  figuring out how to arrange them.  There were two objectives:
1.) they look lifelike & natural and
2.) they withstand the elements (wind & rain)
I honestly had this fear of arriving home one day and seeing them cascading down the roof and all over the front lawn.  A little embarrassing - like someone pulling off your clip-on bow tie...

Year one (last year), my approach was too labor intensive.  I climbed up with a bunch of materials.  I carefully placed/arranged each "stem" in a gravel base in each box.  I also hammered nails in strategically placed positions on the front, back and sides of each box.  Fishing line was then criss-crossed throughout the arrangement (within and between stems) as a tight grid to hold everything in place.  It worked.  But, I knew there had to be better way...

Jumping ahead to year two, I wanted to create something easier.  This time, I decided to build an entire framework to just "sit" in the boxes.  (And, why didn't I think of this before?) A simple wood frame.  A little chicken wire.  Some plastic twist ties to hold the stems in place.  Done.  Carry ONLY two items (not the litany of stems, tools, nails, line, etc.) up the ladder in the Spring.  Carry two items down the ladder in the fall.  And, I don't have to re-create the wheel each year!  I guess I could add/swap in a new color, but basically the boxes are ready to go.  I like that.

So, get rid of all your outdated images of outdoor artificial plants.  (Oh yea, the industry calls them "artificial", not "fake".)  While close scrutiny still gives away their secret, a small amount of distance gives them all the room they need.  To be beautiful.  To be lifelike.  To be a perfect design solution.

Till the next time...

The finished product!  (Sshhh, don't tell anyone...)

On building your look - "creative" resourcing

When it comes to items for the home, I need to establish I am not an impulse buyer.  Nor am I a full "retail price paying" buyer.  Nor a total discount bin or yard sale scavenger (even though they can be fun on occasion.)  I think first and foremost I am a design idea resourcer.  Whether it's home magazines, coffee-table books or just things crossing my path, I take it all in.  Restaurant decors.  Window & store displays.  Other people's homes.  I make notes.  Rip out pages.  Print images from the web. Snap photos with my phone.  Search pricing.  They are all collected in my notebook.  (And now, sometimes on my blog!)

I've mentioned the notebook in previous entries.  The beauty of it is simply keeping track of what I like.  As obvious as it seems, a little "reminder" is helpful.  Of color combinations.  Of furniture groupings.  Of drawer knobs, tile patterns and fabrics.  You see, maybe it's option overload, but when I go into stores, I think I know exactly what I want.  Well? A strange thing happens.  Something about an entire "room/wall/
encyclopedic binder" of options sets me in decision paralysis. Was it this one or this one? Was it smooth or textured?  I can't remember... Now it's, WAIT!  What did I capture in the notebook?...

And being a resourcer pays off!  By having an understanding of costs/values, you now know when you have a a good deal in front of you.

For example, I loved this lamp.  I first saw it in a magazine layout.  Then located it on the web. Learned the cost.  Added to my notebook.   $1,345.00!?  Um, that'll stay on my wish list...

About a year later,  I had some time to kill so I stopped by Tuesday Morning  - a first quality, closeout store. No agenda. No specific item needed.  I guess, the dreaded term for salespeople, "just browsing."

Lo and behold, there it was (or maybe a close knock-off). AND it was selling for $99 - less than 1/10th of the suggested retail cost. I immediately bought it.  No question. No guilt. (Even called another location to complete the pair!)

Now that is MY version of impulse buying.  Smart.



So, what are some of my go-to "creative resources"?  Here's a recap of my fav's:

1. First quality closeouts
As mentioned in the example, for tabletop, bedding and accessories, I am a huge fan of the stores that feature first quality merchandise at close-out prices.  These are names like Tuesday Morning, Homegoods, Overstock.com and Steinmart. Purchases have included brands like Waterford, Ralph Lauren, Wamsutta, Frette and Wedgwood.  Don't forget the sales tables in the better department stores either (Barney's, Bloomingdales). The brands only get better.

All of these sources are pretty hit-or-miss, so you are best going in without a certain item in mind. Like the lamps above, you'll be surprised at what you might find when you least expect it. Remember, the merchandise at the close-out stores is continually updated so it's OK (and best) to frequently check back in.

2. Family heirlooms
Never, ever pass up the chance to acquire family treasures.  These are some of the premier items that can make your home "historied" and unique.  I'm not talking about the particle board bookcase you used in middle school.  These are things from when your parents were first together, or were passed down from earlier generations. Dishes, crystal, furniture, linens, portraits.  They may initially feel a little incongruous to your current style, but take them just the same.  You'd be surprised how often you revisit them at a later date only to find your perspective has changed.  Maybe you've now seen something like them reinterpreted to more modern environments? Maybe they now embody a color or shape that you've since grown to love? Who knows?  But I can assure you, they will be more meaningful to you than the disposable stuff you find in most retailers today.

3. Ebay
I can't stop raving about Ebay.  It seems no matter what you're looking for, it's being sold there.  I have purchased plates, glasses, fabric - even dining room chairs.  It should be approached much like the first quality, close-out-like establishments.  You can go into it looking for something special, yet you might leave with something totally unexpected.  It also pays to keep going back since again since the inventory is constantly changing.

You'll find some stuff being sold "auction-style" where bidding and time limits are the name of the game.  Other items are "buy it now".  Those have fixed prices that generally stay up until the item is sold.  (Note: always check for shipping costs.  The item prices may seem reasonable, but when shipping is added, the deal falls apart.)

4. Sample sales/Floor models
I always seem to keep an eye out for big SALE signs.  Arguably, many times the mark-downs are "much ado about nothing."  20% off retail?  Why bother...  There are, however, some deals to be had especially when they are for sample/floor models.  These top quality items can be pretty significantly marked down.  The wear and tear is usually what will occur in the first year at home anyway. Also be sure to shop the boutiques.  These single-proprietor stores generally have a lot more at stake in getting rid of unwanted inventory.

If you live near "to the trade" design centers, watch for ads that announce showroom sample sales available to the public.  While the price points will be higher than the average retail store, the quality and design is so much better.  I would recommend getting to know a designer before hand to get a better sense of pricing, brands and what a good deal might look like. Better yet, see if they are going and join them! You might just get a tip or two.  A designer friend of mine snagged me a sofa in Big D.  Great deal and I've now had it for years.  (Continued thanks, Neal!)

Don't forget to shop for sales on the web. Most of the bigger sites have built in navigation (tabs) to items specifically marked down.  Never hurts to check them out.  For linens, I also recently found that BBJ Linens, a major national online party rental supplier, launched a site selling hugely discounted (used) inventory. There are some great deals there, but beware.  They do not provide information about specific materials.  I had to call and get someone on the phone.  Some of the cheaper items are for synthetic materials.  (Ick.  Not a favorite of mine, as mentioned in an earlier post.)

5. Estate sales, yard sales and antique stores
Let's be clear , I am not talking about high-high end stuff here.  I leave that to the experts.  I am also not talking about the search for an undiscovered money maker.  You know, an original Picasso for just $20?  I leave that to the guys on TV - American Pickers.  My recommended target?  Relatively small and inexpensive items.  Sometimes it's a lone plate that happens to be from one of my patterns.  Maybe it's some quirky objet d'art that will be fun addition to a bookcase. Occasionally you might find a larger, pricier item like a chair or mirror.  How do you know good deals?  My advice?  Go with your gut. Value is only really determined what the buyer (you) is willing to pay.  Don't get caught up in it.  Just make a reasonable (not insulting) offer. All they can say is "no."

Later this Spring, I plan to do a blog specifically on a visit to the Brimfield Antique show - one of the largest outdoor exhibits in the country.  They have 3 events per year in the Spring, Summer & Fall. It's an amazing collection (talk about option overload.)  Not for the weary...

6. Deal-of-the-day shopping sites
These types of member only sites are exploding.  It seems there is a new one (or one I've never heard of) being promoted daily. With me, it first started as a clothing source (Rue La La).  Then it moved to discounts on local businesses (Groupon).  Now it's seems to be more focused on home decorating.

My favorites are One Kings Lane, Gilt/Home and Rue la La/Home.  They are clearly built for the consummate shopper.  Email updates are sent everyday, announcing the latest designers/stores.  Some also send "reminder" emails letting you know the sales are about to begin.

A little information overload for my taste, but I've been impressed with some of the featured items.  I have seen major high-end brands like Safavieh rugs, Kate Spade china, Barbara Barry/Henrendon furniture.  Like always, you must have done your homework to know the good deals from the great deals.  These sites are built specifically to not leave a lot of time for decision making.  There have been a couple of times where I hesitated from buying, only to find the items sold when I returned.  Not a huge loss in the scheme of things, but a little annoying.  And as with all online shopping sites, be sure you know all shipping (and sales tax) costs before you buy.  These charges can add a pretty sizable chunk to the total price paid.

In terms of keeping up with all these sites, I find it's impossible.  I most likely delete 80% of inbound messages without even opening them. Like I mentioned before, way too many deals to comprehend.  If you are looking for something in particular, the sites post future events so you can plan accordingly.  For me, I'll click-through the link when I have the down time to "just browse."  It's a fun escape, not only to buy or build the wish list, but also to learn.  To jot down notes.  Even capture images (I love "print screen").  All additional information to help confirm a good deal when you see it again!

So, as always, I hope I have introduced you to something new.  New approaches.  New resources to outfit your home.  I wouldn't say to now eliminate anything you've already been doing.  Consider this additive.  Because the more you are exposed to ideas, products and pricing, the more comfortable you become in what you like and what you can afford.

(NOTE: If you would like to become a member of one of these invitation-only sites, send me an email and I'll be your sponsor.  See my email link below.)

Till the next time...