{Home} Red to Taupe (gray)?

12 Thursday Jul 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Decorating, DIY (do it yourself), House and Home, Paint Color, Renovating

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Well, I’ve done it. I made the switch. After nearly 15 years of living with red, really burgundy, walls in our family room and kitchen I called our painter and had the walls painted. I’m not sure what triggered the need for change, is anyone ever really aware of these motivations, but it was time.

I can speculate that we were charging into summer when, once again, the room would feel a little warm, even though we rarely use our air conditioning due to the pleasure of mother nature’s natural air conditioning…a wonderful fog bank that creeps over the hills most evenings and cools us down, thank you Newport Beach, the red color gave off a psychological warmth (if there is such a thing). Great in the cooler months, not so much in summer.

I had written a post about my leaning towards a more neutral color palate for that space and I must say, even though it’s taken a few days to pull the room together, I’m happy with the change. And, maybe more importantly, Hubby likes it. He rarely has input in these matters, and is just as happy to go along with my incessant pondering of new design ideas for our home, but he likes the less cluttered look I’m striving for so all is well.

One of my motivations for the change can probably be attributed to these porcelain jars…Tina over at The Enchanted Home opened a store and sells some wonderful items. I found these (image below) and fell in blue and white porcelain love.

Somewhere down the line I will most probably reupholster the sofa in more of a neutral, non-patterned fabric but that will have to wait for now.

As with all home decor changes a proverbial can of worms is opened. We knew the over mantle needed a fresh coat of paint. So, we painted it. Now the brick surround needs paint but that is adjacent to the French door, which is painted the same color as the brick and the same color as the entertainment center, which was a bigger project than we were ready to tackle this weekend. So, painting those items will be on the list for later. I also have questions about the ceiling, which is tongue in grove wood, stained lightly with white. It looks like a limed pine but we’re now wondering if somewhere down the line we need to paint it white.

Any ideas? Would the white paint we’ve used on the over mantle be too much white?

Meanwhile, I am content with the changes. I can be patient for the final paint work that will need to take place, {hopefully}.

Happy Tuesday, my friends, hope your week is a happy one.

{GHP} Outdoor dining, summer of ’12

10 Tuesday Jul 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Entertaining, Outdoor living, Recipes, Simple Meals for the Avid Cook

≈ 10 Comments

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outdoor dining

Random question: Before I begin my post about fabulous outdoor dining I have to ask an unrelated question…does anyone besides me find it weird to abbreviate the year. I mean when we were in the 1900s I was fine with writing ’97 or ’99 but ever since we’ve turned the corner on the century I just find it uncomfortable to type ’12 (2012). I think it’s because I think people will think I mean 1912. Do any of you find the abbreviated year a little odd?

On to the fun stuff. I know its summer for at least half of the globe. I’ve come across so many pretty outdoor dining spaces that I couldn’t resist. I’m also including a recipe that is super easy and grill-worthy so you can cook something simple (or better yet, have someone barbecue for you), set the table and relax over a summer meal alfresco.

Now this (below) is what I call alfresco with a breeze…wouldn’t it be lovely sitting by a lake enjoying a meal?

via Brabourne Farm

Italy or France…beautiful either way.

unknown

via Providence Ltd. Design

via Wendy Posard Design

Now this is my idea of a day at the beach!

via Brabourne Farm

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, wish we could grow lilacs in Southern California that looked like this.

Photo by Tara Whittaker

This is one of my favorite of this set of images…the yard looks like a dream forest. So pretty.

Bunny Williams

As Delores over at Vignette Design said, this furniture is probably unrealistic for outdoor dining unless you have someone that can move the furniture after the dinner.

via Vignette Design

An outdoor fireplace would be nice to dine by, right?

unknown

via Providence Ltd. Design

Even big city living can provide one with a wonderful setting for dining under the shade of an umbrella.

John Saladino

An old looking lantern hung from a tree creates a welcoming setting.

unknown

This setting is wonderful with the lush green surrounding the table and teak chairs.

via Simply Pix tumblr

Here’s the recipe, it’s from Barefoot Contessa “Parties” book. It makes a wonderful side dish for any grilled meat or fish and you can make it in advance, what could be better? Use this link to print.

Orzo with Roasted Vegetables Copyright

Ingredients

1 small eggplant, peeled and 3/4-inch diced
1 red bell pepper, 1-inch diced
1 yellow bell pepper, 1-inch diced
1 red onion, peeled and 1-inch diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup good olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 pound orzo or rice-shaped pasta

For the dressing:

1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
1/3 cup good olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

To assemble:

4 scallions, minced (white and green parts)
1/4 cup pignolis (pine nuts), toasted
3/4 pound good feta, 1/2-inch diced (not crumbled)
15 fresh basil leaves, cut into julienne

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Toss the eggplant, bell peppers, onion, and garlic with the olive oil, salt, and pepper on a large sheet pan. Roast for 40 minutes, until browned, turning once with a spatula.

Meanwhile, cook the orzo in boiling salted water for 7 to 9 minutes, until tender. Drain and transfer to a large serving bowl. Add the roasted vegetables to the pasta, scraping all the liquid and seasonings from the roasting pan into the pasta bowl.

For the dressing, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper and pour on the pasta and vegetables. Let cool to room temperature, then add the scallions, pignolis (pine nuts), feta, and basil. Check the seasonings, and serve at room temperature.

I hope you’re enjoying your summer. Any dinning ‘out’ on your calendar?

I’m over at Centsational Girl’s recipe party…come see what’s cooking out there. I’m also having fun with Tracie at Fishtail Cottage, she’s hosting a garden party.

{GHP} Research for a path to our front door

05 Thursday Jul 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Outdoor living, Renovating

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

path, walkway

Since its summer, any and all outdoor projects suddenly butt their way to the front of the “do me” line. A few years back we added stack stone to the front of our house. The homes in our area were built in 1968, part of a large tract of Eichler- influenced designed houses. Joseph Eichler homes are known for their flat roof lines, sliding doors and atriums. We had 5 aluminum sliding doors in our 3-bedroom home when we purchased. I confess, while I’ve thought of the architectural style with dismay [I’m truly more of a cape cod cottage gal] I will say, the open floor plan and atrium are two of my favorite features about our home.

It’s hard to tell from this image but the grass starts just in front of the walkway and extends to the sidewalk in front of our house. People that park curbside have to walk through the grass or go around to the driveway and catch up with the walkway there.

But I digress…so when we added the stack stone it was with the thought that at some point down the line we’d add a path, through the front lawn, to the front door. I began doing some research on possible pathway ideas and styles and thought I’d share some of the images I’ve saved for your viewing pleasure. The ball was started rolling due in part to a brilliant post by Debra over at 5^th and State. If you’ve never visited her site you should, I believe you will find lots to love. Her post, “Down the Garden Path” inspired me to think seriously about what I want in a walkway that brings visitors to our door.

The following 6 images are from 5th and State:

I like the detailing on the stone just before the step in this image. I also love the door surround…so pretty.

I like the natural beauty of stone set in sand with moss growing around each stone.

I believe these brick shaped stones are set in sand with pea gravel around them…don’t you love the army of iron rabbits standing at attention for all who pass?

Is it the manor house or the stone pathway that attracts in this image, or maybe the lone peacock?

This looks like a back yard but still, isn’t it pretty. I love the pea gravel idea, probably not practical with grass just beyond.

The blocks of concrete in grass holds some appeal, I wonder if it’s difficult to mow around the stones?

I gained some additional inspiration and ideas Better Homes and Gardens.com If you want some pretty sound ideas and ‘how to’ information, BHG.com is there to deliver. I really enjoyed viewing the various paths they offer.

The following 9 images are via Better Homes and Gardens:

This is a similar concept to the idea above. The concrete pieces are larger but I like the blending of the grass and the concrete.

I really like the mixture of concrete squares with interspersed polished pebbles.

This looks like a combination of brick and cobblestones…very pretty, especially when it’s set in sand.

Pea gravel and stones may not be practical for the front yard at my house.

This particular path appears to be a wide assortment of different stones and concrete. I kind of like it, what do you think?

This is pretty too, the stones look like they’ve been here for a long time, adorned with moss as they are.

again, another backyard, but the stone in gravel is sure pretty and reflects a casual, comfortable lifestyle.

Do you have a path to your front door? What kinds of stones/pebbles do you like best?

I’m over at Fishtail Cottage for her Garden Party

and over at No Minimalist Here for an Open House

{GHP} Happy 4th of July!

04 Wednesday Jul 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Family, Holiday/Seasonal cooking, Holidays, Independence Day

≈ 5 Comments

We’re off to dinner at our friends house this evening. I hope you are relaxing and enjoying friends and family. I know the official first day of summer was June 21st but the 4th of July always signaled the start of summer for me.

Have a safe and yummy 4th of July!

{Home} Making room for Olivia…daybeds

03 Tuesday Jul 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Decorating, Family, House and Home, Misc, Renovating

≈ 10 Comments

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and baby makes three

We have a 3-bedroom home. When our boys were young they each had their own room. Once they were grown and gone we converted the smaller of the bedrooms into a study/office. There is a comfortable leather reading chair and side table. We converted the clothes closet into a desk area and there is a second desk in our built in. This has been great for our empty nest and for Hubby and my computer work.

Karen’s desk area (above)…when can we expect wireless everything?

Hubby’s desk area (below)…since Hubby works from home he has more of everything.

The guest room is comfortably equipped with a queen sized bed and ample closet space for visiting guests [read :: son #1 and DIL, with our granddaughter]. Olivia is still small and has been quite happy to sleep in the pack and play we were given but we know the day will come when Olivia (and her mommy and daddy) will want her to have a bed to sleep in, preferably in a separate room.

Below is the wall we could fit a daybed…the chair would be moved but the wall is relatively furniture free.

So…I’ve been looking at day beds. And since I love you guys and your valuable input, I’m sharing some of what I’ve seen and hope you will offer some opinion on this topic.

The bed below looks like it could be an antique. This holds great appeal for me. I could see passing an antique down to someone later for future generations. I tend to romanticize the spin on just about everything.

la Brocanteuse

The blue bed is sweet and looks like it would make a little person feel safe with the side detail. It also looks like it might be a little shorter than most twin beds, which would be a bonus in our room with its limited space.

unknown

I like the looks of an iron bed, I’ve seen a few varieties that seem sweet and might take up less visual space since the iron is less bulky in feel than a wood bed.

The Paper Mullberry

This bed is lovely but I believe it wouldn’t fit in the space.

Ivy Clad

Charles Faudree has the best ideas (below)! If space permitted I’d go for book cases, one either end of the day bed.

Simple but efficient.

The bed below almost looks like a closet…very nice.

Ivy Clad

This would be the ideal “grandma and grandpa” guest arrangement for visiting children…

Inspiring Interiors

It would be nice if the daybed did double duty and provided sofa seating when needed.

Photo by William Waldron

Or maybe we could screen the patio and let the wee ones sleep outside! Just kidding, but isn’t this a great set up (below)

the adventures of tartanscot

What do you think? Do any of you have daybeds in your home, any recommendations? I love hearing your ideas. xo, Karen

{Garden} The gift of a bench

28 Thursday Jun 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Antiques, Collections & Accessories, Gardening, House and Home, Outdoor living, Renovating

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

garden bench

Most of my friends, at least the ones that are passionate about their homes and gardens, occasionally need change. It doesn’t always mean the furniture, paint, landscape or whatever is damaged or broken, it boils down to simply wanting something different.

That may be the case in the tale I’m about to share about how I was gifted a beautiful concrete garden bench. The story goes like this, my friend Carla [I’ve featured her amazing garden and home HERE and HERE] has a “secret garden”. The round of boxwood encircling her armillary had gotten a little large for the space. Casually mentioning this to her husband Tom, a brick layer was hired and a beautiful Lutyens teak bench was purchased for the space within a short time. {We should all be so lucky to have husbands that WANT to re-do something the moment it’s mentioned}. The downside of this was the beautiful concrete bench that had been there for years; always a focal point to the garden, no longer had a home. There wasn’t room for it.

There is always a silver lining to my stories…Carla, knowing my love of concrete garden items, offered the bench to me. I was delirious with joy. But I tempered my joy knowing Carla had some misgivings about the change.

The bench is happy in my garden, but I think the lions look a little sad, they miss Carla’s pretty space. 🙂

As a result of the concrete bench, I was able to move the teak bench that had been in this spot over to my secret garden…

I visited Carla’s new secret garden and took some pictures, it looks amazing and I believe she is content so I can share the lovely concrete bench with you as it stands in my garden…all is good in the garden.

…as it looked before the switch…{Carla, avert your eyes}

Pippi, their Welsh Corgi, approves of the new garden space.

…and as a bonus, I’ve thrown in some additional images of some beautiful benches in gardens.

{via}

Hope you have time to relax in the garden this summer.

xo,

Karen

I’m over Fishtail Cottage for her Garden Party and

Sherry over at No Minimalist Here for her Open House

{Home} Trending vs. Timeless

26 Tuesday Jun 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Antiques, Decorating, Designer

≈ 9 Comments

Tags

timeless design, Trends

I’ve lived long enough to realize that trends change with each decade. This information gives me a healthy perspective when making design decisions. But still, along comes some fabulous trend and I can’t resist, even when deep down I’m sure in 10 years I’ll be asking myself, what was I thinking?

before…a “look” from the 70’s {I’m embarrassed to say, the pattern on the drapes and walls once adorned one of our first sofas. Our adult children saw a picture of the room with that particular sofa a few years ago and said, that can’t be our sofa!} I don’t think we had it very long, we were tired of it after a few years.

My home is mostly traditional but personal tastes in color and appointments come into play and I’m a huge fan of decorating with what you love and what brings you comfort and joy. I largely ignore the designers that dismiss some of my favorite accessories and or color selections as being “so last year”.

House Beautiful ~ remember the trend towards chintz, it’s back and I must say I’ve seen some beautiful, modern day versions. I believe my chintz days are over but beautiful floral patterns still stop me in my tracks.

Then there are those rooms you’ll come upon that were designed several decades before and you are immediately smitten, you cannot believe the rooms/house were decorated that long ago.

Alessandra Branca ~ the Asian influence, calming neutrals and touches of red create a timeless look.

Better Homes & Gardens ~ stone floors, classic urns with boxwood, and the trumeau mirror create a timeless look, don’t you agree?

Bunny Williams ~ Elle Decor

I wonder if we will one day say, this room (above) would be timeless if it weren’t for the sea grass/sisal rug. I love the look, but you know how this can go.

Charles Faudree ~ CF is a favorite designer of mine. I realize his rooms may be too busy for some, but they hold great appeal for me and I am always referring to his books for inspiration for my own home.

Today, I thought it would be fun to share a few of the rooms we all remember and a few that I believe may go down as timeless, classic and as all-time favorites!

Charlotte Moss ~ this image is from one of my all-time favorite books, “Winter House”

…more images from Winter House

Charlotte Moss

Some of the trends that have been declared by a few designers or shelter magazine contributers as “over” for this decade are oil rubbed bronze hardware (guilty as charged, I have it in my master bathroom and converted most of the interior door knobs to it in early 2001). I still like it but confess, it hasn’t worn as well as I’d like. Stainless steel appliances, sorry, I still love my Viking stove. Granite [really?]… how can granite be dated, it’s been around before man! Vessel sinks in bathrooms. I confess, I’ve admired them for others but due to space restrictions have felt they would take up too much space in our two bathrooms. These are but a few of the items I’ve read about and trust me when I say, I take features on this topic with a grain of salt.

Dan Carithers ~ another favorite whose timeless rooms always thrill me.

John Saladino ~ when the idea for timeless design first popped into my mind, John Saladino is who I thought of; in my view his work epitomizes “timeless”.

The ever timeless and classic Phoebe Howard

Isn’t blue and white the very meaning of classic? Image via Splendid Sass

Anyway, do you feel you are living with a trend that may be on it’s way out, at least as far as you’re concerned? Or, do you go forward with confidence that if you love it, you can live with it and be happy?! Me too!

Ken Gemes Interiors

House and Garden ~ Whitney Fairchild (above/below)

So tell me your thoughts, are you more apt to follow your heart where design is concerned, or follow the trends? I love hearing from you.

xo,

Karen

{GHP} Summer Lovin’

20 Wednesday Jun 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Entertaining, Family, Gardening, Outdoor living, Simple Meals for the Avid Cook

≈ 10 Comments

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summer

When I was young I loved summer. I grew up before the days of club sports, classes to teach what the schools have decided can’t be taught anymore due to budget constraints and overly structured childhood. I didn’t have a care in the world and besides a few household chores I was asked to do since my mother worked, I would get on my bike and ride to may friends house so we could play all day and into the evening. The time between the last day of school and the first day of a new school year loomed large and held promise of sleepovers, bike riding, walking to the drugstore for ice cream and candy, hide and seek, baseball, movies and fun.

Then I began to dread summer…I’m not sure when this happened but I believe it was when I was in my gardening business. I didn’t want to be in my own garden during overly warm days and I certainly didn’t want to be in our client’s yards (this might be a bit of an overstatement, but I sure grew to dislike the heat).

Yes, I needed an attitude adjustment…

I’ve come full circle and look forward to warmer, longer days and the relaxed way of eating, dining outdoors, taking advantage of the mild evenings and enjoying a concert under the stars or a ride in the harbor with several couples on a Duffy boat. There’s a relaxed feel to the season and I’m embracing it! {honest}

So with top down, radio on, enjoy the images I find to be a symbol of summer…

Happy Summer Solstice! Enjoy your summer.

I’ve stopped in at Sherry’s Open House – No Minimalist Here

{Garden} Boxwood Basics

19 Tuesday Jun 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Flowers, Gardening, Gardens, Outdoor living, Uncategorized

≈ 13 Comments

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Boxwood

As some of you may know from reading my posts {thank you!} I am a staunch anglophile. My first trip to England took place in 1985 and I fell in love with all things British. We’ve vacationed in the country many times since.

English Cottage ~ love the boxwood and urns.

So when it came to landscaping my smallish yard I knew I wanted it to reflect, on a much smaller scale, an English cottage garden.

We’ve been in our house 30 years, and only now am I beginning to see the image I’ve had in my mind for all these years. What’s taken you so long you may ask? In short, life, children and sometimes funding. ♥

We had a wooden swing set in the yard during the kids “formative” years and it had plenty of use, then we’ve had baseball practice, soccer practice, a sandbox [don’t try to plant a cottage garden near a sandbox, trust me on this one] and dogs to somewhat stall or hinder me.

I’ve trained a row of English ivy along the stone border in the back yard.

The hedge of boxwoods around the patio were transplants from another area of the yard, they are still recovering, but all in all have survived and are showing signs of new growth.

On the side yard I’ve started a hedge of Texas privet (ligustrom) to cover the neighbor’s wall, in front is a low hedge of Japanese boxwood.

In any event, even while my garden business was thriving, I chipped away at areas of the yard and got most of the boxwood (Buxus microphylla japonica) hedges going. The great thing about boxwood hedges in Southern California is the fact that they are pretty easy to grow and require only reasonable amounts of water. I buy the variety that stands up to cool temperatures, even though we don’t get frost where I live. I still have lost the occasional boxwood but in many cases they will fill in where the loss occurs, or I simply buy a 1-gallon replacement.

via Jennings & Gates ~ don’t you love this picture of boxwood with white Crepe Myrtle planted in each section, and the fabulous fountain in the center?

via Atlanta Home and Garden

When my roses are in bloom the formal garden shines.

Here are a few easy tips to keep your boxwood happy:

They prefer well-drained soil

When trimming boxwood be sure to remove all cuttings. If you don’t clean up trimmings you can create an environment for fungus which can cause the plant to die.
Exposure: Full sun or light shade

Carla’s garden…my friend always inspires me.

Dunham Classic American House ~ the boxwood breaks up the expanse of brick leading to the entrance of this lovely home.

via Nest Egg ~ this New Orleans business used boxwood in the planter and as an architectural accent with the rounded hedge spaced between classic boxwood.

Side note: I’ve always been a huge fan of gardening, proof follows. We lived in Texas for 2 years, when my mom came to visit we bought these crazy overalls as we prepared to plant the yard. My orange overalls made me look like an escaped prisoner…LOL! Hubby took the picture to imply I made my mom work during her visit…which was true, in part. 🙂 Can you see our toddler son in the image, still in his footed jammies?

Do you like the “formality” of boxwood?

I’m over at Fishtail Cottage enjoying her garden party and

Stone Gable for her Tutorial Tips and Tidbits

{GHP} Happy Father’s Day 2012…masculine rooms

14 Thursday Jun 2012

Posted by Karen B. in Family, Holiday/Seasonal cooking

≈ 9 Comments

Tags

Father's Day

♥What would the world be without great dads? In honor of the upcoming celebration of fathers, I’m posting images of what I consider to be masculine touches on a room or specific things that make me think of Hubby, one of the best dad’s I know!

Enjoy…

Isn’t this a great painting? It must have been someone’s dad.

Some dads collect watches…you know who you are.

Ship and Anchor

Diamond Baratta Design

When I met hubby he drove this car, he had brought it to the states from Germany. He wishes we’d kept it!

the Steward

I heard that manual typewriters are making a comeback, they have a young adult cult following. They look great in this bookcase as a vintage decorator item.

Ship and Anchor