Closet Debacle

A 1950s house has tiny closets, like whoa!  Hubs is in the guest room, mine is in our bedroom.  Each is maybe 3' wide.  I managed to double it up and added a second pole to maximize the space.  However, there are several design ideas and future plans swirling in my head.

1) Our bathroom is TINY.  One sink causes plenty of little arguments as to who can brush their teeth first.  I would love to put in a double sink, but that would require that I give up my closet in our bedroom (it takes up the space at the bathroom entrance).
2) Hopefully the Grouper Room/Guest Room/Storage Room won't be forever ... if/when the Wolf fam grows, Hubs would have to give up his little closet.

What is one to do?  Well, a nice built-in wardrobe along side wall of our bedroom would be perfect.  With a tall dresser under the window (where it is now).  IKEA Pax seems like the perfect solution!  Here are some ideas I put together

Two different door ideas

And the inside organization.  I really think this would hold all our stuff that is currently in our closets.  We would still each have our own dresser.

• 3 rods for hanging shirts
• 1 rod for pants
• 2 shelves - for sweaters?
• 4 drawers for t-shirts and workout gear
• 1 drawer for shoes

It could change some, but is a good start....

My 1st J&M Purchase!

I have mentioned it before ... I browse Joss and Main and One Kings Lane often but have yet to purchase anything, until now!

My first J&M purchase from the House Tweaking curated event!  It is a 4x6 jute black and natural rug which will live in our kitchen.

I took the advice of my bff and went with something that could take the dirt.  Especially since you have to go through the kitchen to get to and from the backyard.  A husband and a dog (ok, and myself) can sure track some dirt through that kitchen.  It should hold up better than the alternate rug I was close to buying from Dash & Albert ... this equally awesome Trimaran Navy & White striped rug ... maybe for a different room at a different time.

Sizing Hardware

I have settled on and am definitely getting these deluth pulls from Restoration Hardware for our kitchen drawers.

Now, to size these pulls.  My inspiration photos have 'longer than the norm' pulls.  These deluth pulls come in 3", 4", 6", and 8" sizes.  So, in order to help me make a decision, I cut out several different sample sizes and tested them out.

4"ers on the top and 6"ers on the bottom.

Then there is this one.  6"

Vs. 8"

We have one other drawer that will definitely get a 4"er.

After doing this exercise, I am sold on the 6"ers for the drawers and the 8"er for the single drawer. I like how it makes a statement ... its like 'Bam!'

Now, do I center the pulls on the drawer?

Or, hike them up higher?

Love It

The Everygirl is one of my daily reads.  Love the variety of content.  Today, I was reading the feature on Ashley Rose and her Houston house tour and loved this piece of artwork over her bed.  So simple.  It would be a great piece in our Master Bedroom!

{via}

Some other lovely (yes, playing on the whole love thing) artwork ... Love or I Love You in different languages.  I found something on Joss and Main a while back, but unfortunately didn't purchase it.  Some good examples 

Lebonretro's shop on Etsy {via}

Now that I have taken a look .. I like the Lebonretro and Lebonvintage shop on Etsy ... note to self.

Both of those ideas above are great DIY activities!

Rug Fail

This rug

Didn't fit the kitchen.  Cue sad face.  I just guest-imated the size needed for our kitchen and the West Elm rug pictured only came in 3'x5'.  I went with it, but I really need a 4'x6' rug.

So, back to the drawing board.

The Dash & Albert rugs, all the stripe ones, was my original inspiration for the space.  The West Elm rug was luckily on sale and I thought I scored at $39 for a 3'x5' rug.  Now that I am regrouping and have skimmed the D&A options, here is what I am thinking

Catamaran Stripe

Trimaran Stripe

You can search all the options {here}

Artwork

I peruse One Kings Lane and Joss & Main often, but I have yet to purchase anything from it yet.  Not that I don't want to, but I always have pre-buyers remorse, especially when it comes to buying things online.  It is just too simple.  But, as a result and over course of time, I have accumulated some some fave artists.  

Gray Malin (view his awesome work at www.maisongray.com)

Chicago Harbor

Coogee Beach

Snowmass

Kevin Russ (found here at www.society6.com/artist/KevinRuss) 

Horse Friends

Mt Rainier

Street Walker 

Teton Tips

Three Meadow Moose

Amy Hamilton (also found at www.society6.com/artist/AmyHamilton)

Moose

Red Deer

Finish the House ... ?!

I got home from work yesterday and after finally getting through the whole mattress ordeal (long story) and having some space back Hubs says matter of factly "we need to work on finishing the house".  In context with the situation and what we were looking at at the moment - a pretty empty guest bedroom which is pretty much Grouper's room and Hubs closet - that meant filling some rooms with furniture!  Uh, yes please.  But, of course I know that is a verrrrry long process.

I would say, at least furniture wise, our bedroom is next on the list.  And, headboard/bed frame first so I can finally feel like a grown-up.

What I am working with (Grouper goes to bed super early, this was at 8 PM).  A nice new mattress but an ugly box spring (that at least needs a bed skirt)....

Here are some of my inspirations....

Colette Bed from C&B

Alison Headboard from Ethan & Allen

Fairmont Bed from Ethan & Allen

Quincy Bed from Ethan & Allen

I am still pretty split down the middle on overall type of bed  - wood bed vs upholstered bed.  I love the intricacies of the Quincy Bed as well as the softness and simpleness of the Colette Bed.  Now just to find something cheaper

Cookin' Up More Kitchen Ideas

As you know from my last post I am up in the clouds dreamin' about the kitchen.

Lighting updates are needed big time.  We have this god awful ceiling light - it kinda looks like a spaceship or a saucer and that isn't the worst part, it is a fluorescent light.  Yikes.  I never turn it on ... when I say never, I mean n-e-v-e-r.  I rely on a nice recessed light over the sink and the stove light to get me through.  And, that recessed light needs to be replaced with the perfect pendant light.  Here is what I am thinking ...

Our existing light totally reads un-identified space craft ...

And what I am thinking in its place ... each type comes in both finishes

The Springfield Linen Shade Light

The Urban Loft Ceiling Light

Now, lets be honest, recessed lighting would be fab, maybe one day ...

The recessed light that will be replaced ...

... with maybe one of these?  All the below are from Restoration Hardware

If I go all nickel

Or maybe bronze with a coordinating flush mount?

The milk glass would tie in the white cabinets and white subway tile nicely

Or all glass?

Another milk glass option

And, just for good measure, might as well talk about the rug desperately needed in the kitchen.  Stripes it is, and in blue.  Right now I am loving this rug from West Elm

{via}

Too bad I haven't been able to find those cabinet hinges I need yet ...

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

I totally blew it ... I found the perfect mirror for our living room on Joss and Main but waited too long and the sale ended.  It was a steal (from what I have seen online).  Only $170 (down from $3xx something).  I have found similar ones online, like this one from Target but it is $240!  Shoot.

{via}

So, maybe this can become a house project next week.  We will see.

Front Porch Tweaks

Our front porch is in dire shape.  It really is just blah and in need of a good update.   Exhibit A:

My love of all things nautical is definitely driving my planned tweaks and updates.  Here is what I am thinking:

BM Woodlawn Blue Door {via White+Gold}

Beaded Door Number {via Ballard Designs}

Harbor Sconce {via Restoration Hardware}

Mailbox {via Amazon}

Striped Door Mat {via Pottery Barn}

Spiffy Rooster

You know those painting projects I have been thinking about - well, I made one of them a reality on Saturday.

Welcome the new spiffy rooster:

He is by no means 'complete'.  This is him after 1 coat of white semi-gloss paint.  He still needs a good sanding and another coat of paint.  I lost concentration thouh after Hubs came home from work on Saturday. 

And in case you forgot what he looked like (and p.s. he was d-i-r-t-y, I didn't realize how bad)