04 April 2012

Hard Knocks

Ok this blog post is not about the serious tragedies going on in the world.

Loving my house as I do, I have been unable to either figure out what to do at all with a couple of spots, or feel that I am just a couple of switches away from really maximizing the look of a couple of other spots.

I know it's considered an upgrade to have some glass cabinets but I almost wish they weren't.  I can not figure out how to make them look right.  It's been 2 years, people.  I have switched things around so many times Jeff probably thinks I'm nuts.  Right now I have baskets at the top, which I'm happy with, then on the bottom shelf we have our glasses, some awesome mixing bowls from my MIL, then our plates and bowls, and on the middle shelf a jumble of my cook books, hurricanes, a wooden box, an embossing print from our friend Meredith, picture of me and Jeff, and a couple of other knick knacks.  I love the stuff in it, I just don't think it's meant to be and I should redistribute the stuff in there.  (I should mention I'm big on symmetry and this is not symmetrical.) Then I think to myself, "well, my eyes aren't fresh on this. I stare at these walls all day -- my perspective is skewed."  So maybe I have gone nuts :).


I have all these great white ceramic pitchers and serving bowls from our wedding I'd like to put in there, and it would make sense since it IS the kitchen, but with the white background they just seem to get lost.  It looks like nothing is in there.  I'm debating putting removable wallpaper up for some contrast, but then what color?  Printed or solid?  I'm so wishy washy with color and it's nearly impossible for me to pull the trigger.  I do want to keep it simple, that's all I know.  

Moving on to The Nook:


Just to the right of this picture, taken from almost halfway up the stairs, is our front door.  I think this nook is a cute idea, but I don't see how I can make the space useful, and aesthetically pleasing from this view. 


Who knows why this photo rotated this way, but here's the inside of the nook.  It's actually bigger than it looks.  Anyway, it's currently hiding our wreath (we have a wreath for Easter celebrations out there this minute), and the dry cleaning bag. :)

I'd thought about putting a desk in there where the kids can do homework (eventually...like when we have more than one child and they're actually scampering off to school...which sounds unfathomable to me right now but I'm quite sure that day will dawn before I know what's happened....).  But then this random desk chair would be sticking out from the view from the stairs and front hallway?  What should we do there?  I have a refinished dresser I could stick in there.  Again, I never said this blog post was dealing with tough problems.  :)

I took THIS style quiz, and I'm 33% Nantucket, 17% Cottage Chic, but mostly 

Rustic Revival

Rustic Revival

You can take kid out of the country but you can't take the country out of the kid... or is your theme "you can take the kid out of the city, but you can't take the city out of the kid?" Either way you play it, you are one of the unique individuals who loves a mix of modern and country. The clean lines of the modern softened by rustic /vintage elements is the perfect mix in your mind. And can we blame you? You've taken the best aspects of two popular designs and mixed them in a manner that appeals young and old alike. A subtle background of white or light colors provides a nice canvas for all the wonderful flea market, eBay or garage sale finds as well as the classic modern pieces that you love.


I would pretty much agree with this.  I even like rustic color schemes with very few pops of color.  I also gravitate toward:

*candles and hurricans.  I have a wee obsession there. 
*I prefer a big focal piece over knick knacks.  This is also applied to bedding pillows.  
*I like to use wall space up in symmetrical ways, but again, with fewer larger pieces rather than many small pieces.
*when it comes to indoor plants or flowers in a vase, I love arrangements that are packed and full and lush, and I love topiaries, shaped plants, or big, full plants.  

Basically what I need is for someone with decorating knowledge to just come and tell me what to DO.


And to conclude this gem of an internet contribution: 
My hair is up in a bun on the top of my head 99% of the time, and this has been my M.O. for years.  I do my hair some Sundays, if we are getting pictures taken, or if we go out on a date.  The other evening my hair looked like this as per usual.  Jeff asked as he joined me on the couch, 
"So is that how you're doing your hair now?" 
"What?"  
"Is this your new hairstyle of choice?"  
I love that guy. :)

7 comments:

ericareynolds said...

This post made me giggle. 1) I love your hairstyle of choice. You look gorgeous. 2) This post reminded me what it is like to be home with little kids all day staring at your walls obsessing over what to do with them because you are at home all day staring at your walls. 3) You are awesome, creative and have great style. I'm so glad my brother married you. (As opposed to someone who did not have a thing for Hurricane glass because I feel like we would not get on at all. )

ericareynolds said...

A thought on your nook: What about a book shelf with books and a cozy chair for reading? Or a built in bench with pillows... a kind of hide-out or escape for a little kid who wants some alone time or to spy on the neighbors?

Sarah said...

This post is right up my alley. Ok, first thoughts...
The cupboards- I like the idea of a wallpaper. Maybe a neutral graphic print? Something that doesn't stand out too much, but let's your items stand out? I say, less is more. Keep your glasses, mixing bowls, & plates on the bottom, but on the middle shelf do cookbooks and maybe something more decorative? Just simple so the eye doesn't get lost.

The nook- I like the comment above. A slimmer wingback with a bookshelf in the corner? A skinny floor lamp next to the chair OR hook a simple small chandelier above the chair? Or the dresser with a lamp & accessory on it, maybe a topiary (fake) next to it?

Your hair: don't change it, I likey.

meredith c. said...

i took the quiz too! im contemporary style. so sterile!

im really envious that you have this space to make your own. whenever i see pics of the lil jude man i notice your chairs/rugs/decor and always have thought you have a lovely home!

Linds Barttels said...

i agree with all your peeps. that nook screams cozy chair and bookshelf. and if you can't find wallpaper that will work, you might beable to find a pattern or color in a drawer paper that sticks & comes off more easily.

Alice said...

I love your hair and bangs. Put some children's books in the nook and eventually you'll find Jude drawn them and hanging out there to read. He'll like to have his own little space.

Kristina said...

Yes!!! Love the idea of a cozy book nook and how adorable to make it a secret book nook for Jude or a place to spy on the neighbors. We have a not so cozy book nook and I spend about 90% of my day hiding in the cozy chair waiting for Catie to find me to cuddle and read books. Can't wait to see what you decide to do!

Love your hair. :) I love the kitchen cupboards and like the idea of the wallpaper too. Colors aren't my thing though... I have no ability to make a decision.