Monday, February 24, 2014

Oops, I Did it Again.

As you may have noticed, loyal readers, I've been pretty good lately about not buying things I don't need. Specifically, I haven't brought home any furniture that we don't need (free or otherwise). I'm not sure if this is because I feel my house is full (it is) or because I've been distracted with laziness and curtain making, or maybe because CT is buried under like 3 feet of snow. Whatever the case, our house hasn't seen a new piece since November.

I'll give you a moment.

I know, its shocking.

Anyway as you probably guessed by the title of this post, I found something awesome, and its now hiding in my attic.




Do I already have a total of 18 dining chairs? Yes. Did I need 6 more? ABSOLUTELY. Look at these chairs... you know I'm right. You wouldn't have passed them up for $165, would you?

I'm pretty sure that when Dan finds out, he will be mad... some comment about 24 chairs and me going over my allowance will be made. But honestly, it was only a matter of time. Frankly, he should be happy I made it this long.

The reason I simply couldn't avoid this purchase is because I have been looking for chairs like this since early October. I happened upon this scene in the Pottery Barn at West Farms.


I wished I had $4,500 to spend on a set like this. And I strongly considered saving for it. For a minute anyway. So when I saw the chairs at ReStore last week, I couldn't pass them up, even if they were $165 plus tax... the shape is fantastic, and I LOVE that they have a cained seat, it's so rustic and casual. Basically, these chairs were begging to be brought into my house.

Thing is, I'm pretty sure I can't continue to hoard chairs like this. I'm going to have to get rid of a few things soon. Specifically, the set that is currently in my dining room.

If you know anyone looking, let me know. And in the meantime, just hope Dan doesn't figure it out too soon.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Curtain Call

Remember that time I said I would post more often and then I didn't post for over a month?

That was funny, wasn't it?

The thing is, dear readers, I haven't done too much this winter. I've been lazy. I don't know if it is because I am getting older and slower, or because its winter and when its dark my brain says, "time to sit on the couch and watch Harry Potter marathons." Either way, you haven't missed much.

But with the longer days of February I have started to pick things back up again. I'm sure you noticed on facebook and instagram that work has begun in the dining room. While I can't wait to give you an update on that, we really should cover the old stuff first.

So, curtains.

I never really understood what an impact curtains would have here on Sadlon Road. I strongly considered never having them, its not like we needed the privacy! In Manchester, curtains always darkened the rooms, which were lacking in light to begin with. Additionally, I never wanted to cover up the gorgeous chunky trim with panels. But here in Columbia, the curtains really are, as "they" say, the lipstick of the house. Which reminds me, maybe I should start wearing lipstick...

Check it out.


In the kitchen I added simple tab-top panels from Ikea. They were pretty cheap ($19.99/window) and they seem to get the job done. Our kitchen isn't particularly bright, so having white, light-filtering curtains was a must.


In the office I wanted something with color. The paint in this room is pretty blah, so having panels with a little blue and green adds something on the color scale without clashing with the paintings that cover the walls. They are made from a really cool plaid fabric that I bought years ago thinking it would make good curtains for my Mom's family room. Well, isn't it funny how things come around? I was able to procure additional yardage and sewed these panels over the course of several weeks, like a sloth.




The living room was another Ikea job, although it took me forever to hem the bottom of all of those curtains (10 panels in all). We also finally ordered the wooden blinds for the two windows that did not have them when we moved in.

Last but not least, the bedroom, near completion!



And just in case I have not yet made my point about how curtains make you look like an adult who has it all together, check out the two pictures below...



Not too shabby, huh?