Master Bedroom Retreat

I’ve blogged about my master bedroom before (you can find that post HERE).  But I never mentioned anything about the large recessed wall across from the bed.  There’s was a television, complete with visible ugly wires and a small audio stand housing our digital video recorder (DVR).  Blah.

Several months ago we ditched the satellite dish for a tiny Apple TV unit (it sits just on top of the television), which meant “ba-bye” to the DVR and the awkward audio stand.  The hubs got to work opening a section of the wall and did a little electrical work to hide all the wires  Then he repaired the wall, mudded and sanded and I finished up with a coat of primer and two coats of leftover bedroom paint.  I must say we did a pretty good job -you can’t even tell!

Now we were left with a clean, empty slate.  At first I had visions of something custom built like bookcases or shelving.  But you always have to think about resale and if/when we sell this house, built-ins would mean one huge wall lost for bedroom furniture pieces like dressers or a vanity (we prefer storing all our clothes in our his and her walk-in closets).

With our kids getting older and taking over more of our home’s entertaining spaces for themselves and their friends, I wanted to create a quite, lounging, retreat feeling in our bedroom.  I decided to incorporate the existing day bed we already had and buy cabinets to place on either end so I could have a surface where I could put a small coffee pot and sparkling water (boutique hotel inspired much?!).  The cabinets were tricky to find because I needed a specific size for a snug, custom-like fit between the (recessed) wall and the daybed. After several months I did find two identical cabinets in the perfect size that needed a little DIY! (you can read all about that HERE).

The accessories however were fun to shop for, and I was definitely looking to inject some touches of silver and gold for a little glamour like the gorgeous antique crystal and silver pitcher – it weighs a ton and I am in serious love with it!  Or the cute lamp with gold sequins shade I picked up at HomenSense/HomeGoods.  As well as a couple of hits of coral pink, like the stunning vintage vase I scored and the cashmere blanket I already had (from my mom) tucked away in the back of my linen closet.

The three round abstract art pieces were a made by me, to find out more on the art DIY click HERE.  The art resting near the coffee maker is an original by a talented friend Susan B. Landis, you can browse her work and get more info on her blog HERE.

I did a lot of shopping in my own house, which I always try and do first before going out and spending.  Not only does it save money but by moving things around to different rooms in your home, you get to enjoy your stuff in a new way.

The mask on the floor is from a vacation to Mexico and I plan on hanging it eventually but it is SUPER HEAVY and definitely a two person, with power tools, kind of job.  Although I am starting to like it resting there on the floor!  The stainless tray and coffee pot is by Everyday Essential from Loblaws.  The container that the plant is in is actually a storage basket I picked up at HomeSense/HomeGood

All of the throw pillows I already had (some made by me, others purchased) except for the two large back pillows which are in fact, dog beds! You can read all about that HERE as well as the sparkly sequins teal pillow or as I like to call it The Tube Dress Throw Pillow Skirt (you can read about that HERE).

More to come soon …thanks for stopping by!

-Julie

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“Push pins work pretty good on painted canvas”

What’s a home bar without some great photos of friends… old memories you can recount and toast to?  For some reason when I walked into Le Carrefour De L’espoir (second hand shop) and saw this original (yet, let’s be honest, ugly) art piece, I knew immediately it’s second life would be as a peg board for our basement bar.

Something about the frame looked 70′s ish with its slightly yellowed fabric (think, smoky cigar lounge) but the faded black and gold accent frame seemed right on.  I snapped it up for $20.  Maybe it was a little pricey (considering), but I really had been looking for a long time, and I knew I wanted something “authentic” vintage and not new “made-in-China” from some retail chain.

TIP: “every room in your home should have a thing or two that is old, unique or eclectic”

With a paint brush and a tube of black chalk board paint I painted over it.  I know I know, you’re thinking: “huh?”  First, I knew I wanted to paint it black and already had this stuff laying around the house.   Second, the painting was done in oil and already textury (OK, that is not a real word but you get me).  So painting it with a small brush instead of a roller to help even out and add even more texture seemed like a good idea.  Third, I knew most of it would be covered by photos anyways so I thought “who cares!?”.

More bar pics to come soon! Thanks for checking in -Julie

*re-posted by BOB VILA NATION on December 5th, 2012

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Fake Chalk Board

The Breakfast (lunch and dinner) Nook

Well here it is:  The breakfast nook off my kitchen.  I love how it overlooks my woodsy backyard (and the kids tree-house).

Oh and I love that light fixture, it’s unexpected for there -but it works somehow.   In the evenings it elevates the normally casual space into something a bit more sophisticated.

breakfast nook light fixture by Kichtler

My husband made the bench and some of the pillows were handmade (by me), like the green Moorish inspired print was a bed sheet I fell in love with, I used that on the front and for the back I used heavy felted light gray wool and oversize down euro inserts. The rest were purchased at Ikea and HomeSense.   I would eventually like to make a bench cushion as well.

The vintage table was a Craigslist find for $50!  It was in immaculate condition and came with two very un-sturdy bistro chairs but I preferred the table with my vintage aluminium Emeco arm chairs anyways (I scored those 8 years ago for $7 ea and re-upholstered them myself).

The  flooring is Canadian maple and the stain color can best be described as tree bark.  With so many windows it seemed like an obvious natural choice to link the outdoors in and more importantly it’s the color of dirt!

I think some bamboo shades would look nice installed inside the window frames for added texture (we don’t really need the privacy) but on the long list of things we still need to do/buy for this house it’s way at the bottom.

Although technically this is a breakfast nook, it gets way more use than the dinning room (isn’t that always the case?).  Our gang of 5 tends to eat most of the meals here …  it’s warm and sunny by day and cozy by night!

Wall color, Intellectual and trim and ceiling Ultra Pure White from Behr.  Grey nubby wool rug, Pottery Barn, leather shag rug (on top), Bouclair Maison.  Patio door and windows by Solaris.

The 101:  A light fixture can change the mood of a room.  Almost any fabric (bed sheets, blanket,  shirt) can be used to make throw pillows.  An open bright room is a perfect place to try a dark wall color.  Vintage furniture will guarantee a unique space.

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