the Nordic Christmas

My mom is a designer, best known for her elaborate Christmas decorations. My tastes are more subdued but I take my queue in selecting a theme from her.  For the past few years, I have been focused on a natural, earthy, simple theme.  Leave it to Domino for summarizing what I was going for - Nordic Christmas.  This Christmas, I kept it even easier, adorning the tree only with handmade snowflakes, wicker stars from IKEA and organic candy canes (which have a traditional look to them) and of course lots and lots of white lights.  But I was inspired to wrap my own branches with yarn for the fireplace and window vignettes.  Hei Norway!

Inspiration (image via Domino)

Inspiration (image via Domino)

2011 Tree

Tree branches from our backyard

Fireplace

Buffet

the Serenity of White

Is there anything a coat (or 4) of white paint can't fix? 24th came with an authentic 1960's faux stone fireplace, not only is the location totally random (square in a corner) but the stone was just horrid.  We plan to tear it down during one of the fantasy phases of our remodel but needed to do something in the meantime.  I was procrastinating on painting the million nook and crannies until a designer friend re-enforced that white was a way to go.  A slow Friday night and we set forth with several cans of BM super white.  Upon completion I was concerned that we went from the 60's to the 80's, but after it settled it was a definite improvement. (Notice the couch got a hit of white from a new slipcover too)

Living room before we moved in

Close up of faux stone fireplace

Current fireplace

the Love of Stripes

OK, I am obsessed with stripes, both for clothing and decor but especially rugs.  I have been coveting the Madeline Weinrib Atelier wool black and white rug for years.  I see it in countless magazine shoots and always oogle over it.  Unfortunately, 24th came with standard beige carpeting throughout and the floors are usually the last part of a step-by-step remodel.  So I will stick to loving from afar....

 MWA rug (image via Domino)

 

 

MWA rug (image via Domino)

MWA (image via CocoCozy)

(image via DwellStudio)

IKEA version (image via Dwell)

Stripe Jute, what could be better? (image via West Elm)

the Doors

It is amazing the impact new doors can make.  24th came with old, hollow, dark grained interior doors and a dilapidated front door.  We knew for certain we wanted something simple and clean and decided upon a single panel shaker for all the interior doors.  We also added a door from the kitchen to the hallway to help separate noise from the front to the back bedrooms.  

Dark and dingy, but the kid is cute

For the hardware, we went with satin nickel round door knobs from DirectDoorHardware.com, which had a great selection.  We considered using levers to match with the style of the house but decided with young children the harder to open knobs were a better selection and has since worked out well.  

Hallway

Separation Door

For the front door, we went with something more traditional. The goal was to let in as much light as possible while maintaining privacy (our front door opens directly into our living room, the only draw back of 24th).  We found a solid oak door with 6 small panel windows on sale from Caldwells in San Francisco.  To the dismay of our painters, we painted the outside but stained the interior.   I don't have a before picture of the exterior door but it was bad, a worse version of our previous interiors.  Here is is now.

Exterior Door