Nov 25, 2013

A New Neutral Guest Room

It's taken me a long time to figure out that I love living in neutral rooms. 

Don't get me wrong, I love color!

But I've found that living with a lot of color tends to  overwhelm my senses and actually tires me out, while neutral rooms seem to calm and soothe me. As I redecorate our home, I'm trying to create neutral backgrounds on which I can sprinkle bits of color here and there until I reach my color saturation point. 

It's been a fun learning process that's constantly evolving. I began in our new guest room where I'm experimenting for the first time with neutral layering and textures. Once I started getting more experience with different shades of beige, brown, and gray along with patterns and textures, it became easier. I've grown to love the subtlety of decorating with neutrals. 


I began with Benjamin Moore bone white satin paint on the walls, then anchored our queen size guest bed with a cozy warm white duvet, white pillow cases and sheets, and a white quilted bed skirt.



 I splurged on washed linen ruffled euro shams from Pottery Barn in a flax color, then I layered on pattern with an embroidered pillow from Pier One Imports and texture with faux fur and ruffled pillows, also from Pier One. 


 
 The turned wood lamp bases and printed lamp shades are from Target.


 I bought this snugly quilt on a different shopping trip and didn't even notice it's the same pattern as the lamp shade until I put it on the bed. The window panels are voile sheers that soften the view during the day with a privacy room darkening window shade under them for sleeping in late.


This maple dresser was a gift for our nursery when my first daughter was born twenty-seven years ago. I'm a bit torn over my plans for painting it white. Since I ran out of time to get it painted before my Thanksgiving guests arrive in a couple days, I'll have more time to think about it. What do you think? Should I paint it or leave it?  

I still don't have anything hanging on the walls. My old self wanted to run out and buy some vibrant colorful artwork, but the new neutral me is slowing down and taking my time to find (or make) just the right thing to add another interesting layer of pattern and texture. When I find it, you know I'll be sharing it with you!

I'm so glad you stopped by to see my new neutral guest room decor, and I'm so excited for my company to arrive and try it all out!

I'll be busy in the kitchen cooking and baking for the next few days now, so I'll wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving today. I hope you have a wonderful week and a very 

Happy Thanksgiving! 


Nov 20, 2013

DIY Rustic Pedestal

I just love to window shop online. I don't have to get dressed, put on lipstick or fight any crowds. I can sit in my favorite chair in my jammies and visit all my favorite stores while sipping a cup of tea with my feet up! Love it!

Joss and Main

While browsing around online earlier this year at some home decor, I came across these rustic pedestals at Joss and Main and immediately had one of my "I bet I could make those!" moments.  


  
In fact, I already had these chunky wood candlesticks.
 


And I felt like I hit pay dirt a couple months later when I scored these faded old cake pans for 75 cents each at The Youth Ranch thrift store on Orchard Street. I scrubbed the cake pans and ran them through the dishwasher while I sprayed the candlesticks with dark gray primer and dry brushed them with some homemade white chalk paint.



I filled in the hollow tops of the candlesticks by gluing in small pieces of scrap wood to make a flush surface. 
 


I predrilled holes through the middles of the candlesticks and pans separately first and then screwed them together slowly and carefully so the pans wouldn't dent around the screw. 



I love all that rustic patina!


 

Here's a sneak peak of my copycat pedestal in my new kitchen. Yes, my kitchen is almost finished! I'm running around like a crazy person cleaning and unpacking after all the construction and preparing for visiting family and Thanksgiving, but I hope to share it all with you soon!

Thanks so much for stopping by to check out my DIY Rustic Pedestal today. I was so happy to have a quick craft project I could squeeze in between all the busy work going on here at our house. It felt so good to spend a bit of time in my craft room!

And I bet you know just what I mean!  




Nov 16, 2013

An Autumn Walk Through the Boise Front

I love living in The North End. Our cottage, which is located within a National Historic District, is a five minute walk to the charming bustling downtown Boise shops and restaurants in one direction, and a five minute walk in the other direction to the quiet rugged foothills of the Rocky Mountains. I feel like we have the best of both urban and country living here in The North End.

I try to take Tucker for a daily hike in the foothills (called The Boise Front) where dogs are allowed off-leash on many of the trails. Come on along with us today for our autumn walk on the Owls' Roost Trail. 


 It's a beautiful golden day, and I want to try out my new iPhone camera. This is my first smart phone, and I'm loving it.



 Tucker always takes the lead on our hikes, running on ahead to investigate the trail. He never lets me out of his sight, though. He's afraid I'll get lost.



 The Owls' Roost Trail winds in and out of the trees.



 And through the meadows. 



 The trail is named for the owls that have their babies in the nearby cliffs and then teach them to fly and hunt here. 


 In the spring you can see them roosting in the trees and hear them hooting to each other.



 Tucker always stops for his mid-hike drink from this little creek. 



 Then it's back through the trees on the way home.



 This is Tucker's goofy look. I think he's saying, "Thanks! That was a blast!"

Thank you for coming along on our hike. I hope the rest of your day is wonderful!

I'm sharing the Autumn leaves with

Autumn Abounds



Nov 5, 2013

Fall Lavender




    Early last summer I added five small lavender plants to my new backyard.


 As you can see, it grew a bit wild!

  


Last week I harvested.




Growing and harvesting my own lavender was one of the most enjoyable experiences I've ever had, and I highly recommend it!






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Nov 1, 2013

Friday Finds

I just loved the spirit of Halloween fun that was felt all around the blog world this week!  I was so inspired by the shared creativity. The fun has just begun for those of us who love making our homes beautiful for Thanksgiving, too. Friday Finds this week shares decorating ideas and recipes that will help create a warm and cozy home during the cooler fall weather to come. 

 Stephanie's softly lit vignette at The Cozy Old Farmhouse.


 Liz's seasonal kitchen chalkboard at Love Grows Wild.


 Crabapple branches in vases by Country Living.


 At Between You and Me a soft fall tablescape by Tara.


 Another lovely fall tablescape by Kim at Tidbits & Twine.


 Joan's glowing kitchen vignette at For The Love Of A House.


 Wood cutting boards and trays gathered in a handmade basket at Pat's Back Porch Musings.


 Melinda's cozy outdoor fireplace at The Refeathered Roost.


 Heidi of Foodie Crush's White Bean and Pumpkin Pork Chili.


 
And at How Sweet It Is Laura's Crockpot Coconut Hot Chocolate.

 I hope you enjoy all the wonderful things fall offers us, and have a great Friday everyone!