the Parsons Desk

I just discovered Front&Main, West Elm's blog.  As a huge fan of the store and its modern bohemian style, I am also a big fan of the blog.  They seem to always showcase their Parsons line; which is probably West Elm's most famous piece often featured in design mags and blogs.  I decided to show how I use my own Parsons desk - as an entry way console.  I decided to get the desk vs. the console because it was deeper and shorter (which worked better for the space) AND I thought it more useful to get a desk should I need to use the piece somewhere else down the line.  {SIDE NOTE: When buying a piece, I try to think of multiple uses for it therefore if it doesn't work as expected I have a back up and also helps justifying a new purchase.  My husband laughs at me for this. }
 

the Love of Craft Paper

I love craft paper.  It's natural, easy and always seems to fit in nicely with the earthy vibe that I am always drawn too.  It has become a staple table runner option, reminiscent of an Italian countryside picnic.  I often write guests names directly on the paper as well as a welcome note providing a nice personal touch.  Craft paper has also become my wrapping paper of choice, either with a big colorful bow or more natural with garden twine and snowflakes for Christmas.  I normally keep a roll in my dining room closet (yes there is a closet in the 24th dining room) but I came across this sweet set up in my daily Remodelista newsletter.  The picture is from the office of Fuzzco in Charlston, but Remodelista provides recommendations on where to find my own massive roll of paper.  Now where to put it.........

(Image: Remodelista, Fuzzco Office)

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

the First Thanksgiving

We officially hosted our first Thanksgiving and made it out alive!  It was a small, but distinguished gathering of close friends and family, together to give thanks, but also celebrate my son's first birthday.  After moving into 24th the week of Thanksgiving two years ago and then of course in the hospital having a baby last year, I was eager to have a mellow, cozy encounter.    Because our kitchen was is so outdated and the oven can be, shall we say... temperamental, we decided to grill our bird outside and it worked out beautifully.

Inspired by a local and organic Thanksgiving menu, I kept the decor natural.  Lots of white and earth tones.  With 8 plus baby guests, I had to keep the table minimal and decided on a row of spider mums in (surprise!) mercury bud vases.  The runner is from West Elm with a large piece of canvas from a local fabric store underneath.

Thanksgiving table

The buffet adorned some large cali lilis grown in our own backyard and a bouquet of green fillers from Whole Foods.  My oldest son assisted with the name tags, making hand "turkey" place cards from nontoxic gold paint by Palmer (found locally at Flax Art).  I used the extra canvas fabric for the buffet as well.

Buffet close up

Buffet

hand turkey place cards

And we couldn't forget the baby's birthday!  I made the sign to fit in with the decor, printed on recycled paper and strung together with garden twine (I love this stuff and will use it to wrap my holiday presents this year). 

 All in all, our "First Thanksgiving" was a success!  PS - Red wine does come out of canvas ;)