Master bedroom preview, part 1

As I pulled in to my driveway early this week, I came upon this mesmerizing sight. There is nothing like a huge boom truck delivering a bunch of blue board to bring a smile to this decorator’s face! I will now show you a series of before and after pics from this project ...



Master phase 1: new floor boards are put down over newly insulated and framed floors. What I don’t have a picture of is the true before, when there was a chimney surrounding this black vent pipe and the access to this space was a pull-down ladder that was situated in a 2nd floor bedroom closet! My I’ll-never-forget-memories from the day the chimney came down is a story for another post!



Master phase 2: framing of the new room has begun! What happened next was Thanksgiving and Christmas, so we did not get back to this project till the new year (and the day I created our at-home-projects timeline calendar!)

Master phase 3: insulation! We are now fully insulated. Doesn’t this space just look warmer?? A crew showed up last week and created this sci-fi like scene. Spray foam insulation is the latest energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly technique used to achieve a completely air-tight insulation application. Here is a close up of under the eaves (which will be a great area for long-term storage) ...



The difference in the overall temperature in our house was noticeable right away. Before, heat was going through the slate roof which would cause landslides of snow to come crashing off the roof during the winter months. When my kids would go out to play, I used to fear that they would be caught in a mini-avalanche if they walked too close to the sides of the house! Now, the snow stays on the roof like a blanket. With the added insulation, it is also a lot quieter in the space. Bonus: we are expecting to cut our heating bill almost in half which is something to look forward to!




Master phase 4: the walls are up! Yesterday the boarders did their magic. A dream is starting to look like a reality! This dormer will soon be my mini-office. There is actually room for a good-sized desk and file cabinet in this little nook (see my sketch below). Now all we need is an energy-efficient double pane window to replace the ancient single-pane ... the only window in the main house that was never changed by the previous owner (we will replace this in the spring).

I used a neat online tool, icovia to sketch out the plan for our new room. I first discovered this resource while reading the blog of Linda Merrill. I asked her about it, and she walked me through a couple of her projects (virtually). The software offers a lot of options, although the monthly fee certainly will add up. The offset value to the monthly fee is that program updates are received automatically (without having to purchase a new version). Plus, if I were to sign up I could cancel at any time. I have already tried it out for a couple of spaces, however I cannot save my project work until I become a member.



What you can’t see in the above drawing is the future master bath (just framed for now) and the walk-in closet. Both of these will be just outside of the room and to the right. I will be very happy to finally have space to hang all of my clothes in the same spot instead of stashing them in various closets like I am doing now (old homes like this one are notorious for their lack of closet space!) I also like the idea of having our clothing storage located outside of our room – it will be much more serene. To check out some inspiring walk-in closets, visit Heather Clawson at Habitually Chic who recently posted some enviable spaces!



Come back next week to see the completely plastered room along with my color and fabric choices. I am off now to make some final decisions on the flooring ...

You are invited ...

A second shiny object was delivered to my door this past weekend. I had a $35.00 credit at Rue La La* which I turned in for this adorable bunny plate by Arthur Court Baby (I still have a little left over after paying for shipping and the plate.) Now I realize that I don’t have any little ones eating baby food anymore, but I do love anything with a bunny on it, so I am adding this piece to my collection. Plus, I never know when I will have to stage a baby room ...

But what is Rue La La you might ask?

* Rue La La is an exclusive online destination of premier brand, private sale Boutiques that are open just two days each. Joining is free, but you must be sponsored by an existing Member.

Your existing member? C’est moi ... yours truly!

I have actually had a peek behind the scenes of Rue La La, which is located in Boston. The place is all a-buzz with stylish happenings ... photo shoots being shot, glamorous models on set, racks and racks of designer clothes being whisked by, and tons of props on hand (a stylist’s dream!) So if you would like to see what all the buzz is about ...

Visit RueLaLa.com then simply register to start shopping! You will soon receive regular e-mail alerts announcing upcoming 2-day boutique sale events.

Fashionable linens by 1891 by Sferra

While Rue La La’s main focus is wearable fashion like Calvin Klein, Dolce&Gabbana, and DKNY, they often feature fashionable home good items as well like Tivoli Audio, 1891 by Sferra and items from the Global Views collections (all to be featured on January 14th.)


Items from Global Views

Tivoli Audio products

And they will soon be featuring the work of the winning designer from the Bravo series Launch My Line (which I have not had a chance to watch, but I like the idea of the collaboration).

This boutique style shopping experience becomes even more interesting when you invite your friends ... with every purchase that a friend makes, a member receives a $10 credit to buy more la la! So this is your invitation to shop (the deals are that good!)

Enjoy!



And if you are wishing for a chance to receive a free item of your own, check out the shared blog of friends Kristin and Megan: BonBon Rose Girls. They have some really cute pieces that they are gifting to a handful of their lucky readers to celebrate their one year blogger-anniversary! Check them out and “bonne chance” (good luck!)

Design tip ... orchid

A deep cranberry colored shawl warms up a
bookcase in the corner of our dining room.

Now that the holidays are a distant memory, I figured it was time to freshen up my interiors with a new indoor plant. I’ve mentioned before how much I appreciate the orchid as a quick design statement. They’re simple and elegant, the perfect antidote to the decorating over-indulgences of the past few months.

Brazilian Teak

A Georgia O’Keefe-inspired close-up

My husband and I made a trip to our local home improvement store on Friday night after a nice dinner out with friends. We were in search of some pre-finished flooring options for the new bedroom. I brought home a sample of Brazilian Teak – which is not so dark that it will show every speck of dust, but still deep enough in tone to offset what will be creamy white walls. I also picked up this lovely orchid for a mere $15 (they often go for around $40). It was sold in a 4-inch clay pot which I then popped into my blue urn that most recently held a large spray of evergreens.


I had to build up the bottom of the urn with some crumpled tinfoil to set the smaller pot at the right height. Then I used moss around the base of the orchid to hide the gap between the small 4-inch pot and the larger width of the urn. I happened to have still-very-green moss that I had transplanted to pots from my backyard in mid-October to use for visual merchandising at Beth’s shop. When dried, it forms a soft and natural carpet that is easy to move.

Art by Beth Hylan

I love how moss hides the dirt that is usually exposed with indoor gardening. If you would like to achieve the same results and do not have access to live moss, most garden supply stores sell bags of spagnum moss that will easily take care of several pots. I have even used fake moss that comes in sheets at craft stores. The real deal, however, is by far my favorite. Just topping off your existing houseplants with moss (or your outdoor container gardens, if you are in a warm climate) adds designer polish in an instant.
Give it a try!


I thought this butterfly clip used to secure the
stem of the new orchid was very clever.

Endnote: Congratulations to my friend, Kim Smith, who eloquently wrote and joyfully illustrated Notes From a Gloucester Garden, which was recently listed by Carol Stocker of the Boston Globe as one of the best gardening books of 2009. You can almost see my personal copy in the first photo of today’s post (it is to the right of the blue photo album).

Now is a great time, especially for New Englander’s like myself, to start researching garden design plans for spring. Kim offers many tips on choosing plants based on scent, color, texture and even desired ambiance. Her stories about creating her garden are a pleasure to read, and the watercolor illustrations make me want to get out a paintbrush!

Gardening, whether inside or out, honors the beauty of nature and provides visual joy with little effort (how many things can you stick in the dirt and expect it to get better with time?) If you struggle with a “I-kill-anything-green” attitude, remember, you can always start with moss (no watering required!)

Thanks Skirted Roundtable!

A couple of weeks ago I was surprised to discover that I was one of three lucky winners (chosen at random) who would receive a holiday giveaway item courtesy of the women at The Skirted Roundtable, a must-read-and-listen-to blog that features podcast discussions between the three design bloggers (Linda Merrill of Surroundings, Megan Arquette of Beach Bungalow 8, and Joni Webb of Cote de Texas) with invited guests from the design industry.

Previous podcasts have included Margaret Russell of Elle Decor, Eddie Ross from Martha Stewart and Top Design fame, and most recently Stephen Drucker, editor-in-chief of House Beautiful magazine. Just to have my name and blog posted on a site that features so many industry greats was honor enough!

But on to my present ...



Here is the gift box with pretty tissue
and this sweet card from Linda ...




And here is my giveaway gift ...


I love it! Bowls and shiny objects
are two of my favorite things : )

I celebrated with a little photo shoot.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Now for you, my dear readers,
I have a fun assignment!


From the beautifully decorated set of It’s Complicated
– written and directed by Nancy Meyers –

Go out and see the move “It’s Complicated” with Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, Steve Martin and scene-stealer John Krasinski from The Office. With so many recent posts on making good choices and keeping resolutions, I think we could all use a few laughs!



Images from It’s Complicated website

I have to say, this was the best movie I have seen in a long time. The sets are fantasy eye-candy and the script was hysterical, yet thought-provoking. If you would like to read up a little about what some of our friends at Skirted are saying about the film, go to Silver Screen Surroundings, or Cote de Texas, and then check in with them at the Roundtable next week as they chat it up with Beth Rubino, the actual set decorator for the film. I wish I could be there (in person or virtually) to pick Rubino’s brain! I have always imagined that set decorating would be a great career choice for an artist/decorator. What a huge canvas!


I am loving this cook’s garden ... its “a good thing!”

For those of us who can’t be at the Roundtable in person, you may download SRT podcasts via ITunes (it’s not complicated) and listen while you do other things (like paint a couple of walls like I did this week!)


Room designed by Ginger Barber and
photographed by Victoria Pearson.
This bedroom from House Beautiful
is the cozy/casual look I am going for
in my new master bedroom.
(more on that next week)

And be sure to schedule time to listen to SRT and Stephen Drucker from House Beautiful discuss the relationship between the magazine industry and the world of design bloggerism (yes, it is an actual word!). Drucker shares insight from his industry experience (he used to work for Martha Stewart Living – I thought I recognized him!) and explains what goes on behind the glossy pages of shelter magazines ...


– How to get your own copy –

Like how they discover talent, how design work is presented, the time line from scouting a location to when our much looked forward to magazines arrive in the mailbox (or at the news stands.) With the recent demise of so many great design magazines, I have seemed to transfer my addiction from mailbox to inbox, surfing online daily for that “I wish I lived there” fix. I think that is part of why I love writing/photo-styling for my blog. It motivates me to create and publish designs in the present moment. Blogging can be very zen, don’t you think?

Have a great weekend,
xo Yvonne

A few shout outs ...

My boys got the above quote this week to set them off on the right foot (I am trying to encourage a supportive band of brothers and they seemed like they needed a gentle reminder). They always surprise me, however, when they can quickly rephrase the quote into kidspeak. According to son #2, “It means if you help someone, good things will happen.”

In that spirit, I am listing links to the businesses of a handful of my friends. Anyone willing to put themselves out there with a business of their own deserves some wind in their sails every now and then. Be sure to mention that you saw them on my blog (I am actually trying to gauge audience interest in different products) or feel free to post a comment here to let me know your thoughts (you can even just anonymously check a box if you liked this post : )

Thank you in advance for visiting my friends!

People always stop me when I am
carrying a bag by Jane Skelley.

I am putting Oranta Millwork
in my own home ... soon!

If you have young children and live
in the Boston/North Shore area,
you will love Wiggles & Giggles
for party entertainment or
parent-and-tot classes.



Special creative workshops at TaggArt Studio are looking good! What a cool idea to combine yoga with creative art instruction! Sign up now to register for other Winter 2010 classes. Classes begin Jan. 11th.

I wish this parent-to-parent matching service was around when I was home all day trying to keep up with a bunch of toddlers (and desperately wishing for adult conversation!) Discover new friends to help you navigate the ups and downs of parenthood at truebluematch.com. Or become a fan on Facebook to receive parenting tips, newsletters and friendly support from founder, Christine Cook (my trueblue friend since grade school!)



Some of the above friends are featured on my website Friends Who Design which I created in fall of 2008. My goal for this site was to promote creative friends in a virtual marketplace in order to share resources and references. When I came up with the idea for the site, I did not have any experience with blogging. Nowadays, I finder it quicker to share information through this blog, but I still update the Friends site often. Check it out and be sure to share it with your friends!

Keeping my resolutions ...

There is something about posting resolutions online that is quite motivating. I highly recommend telling a world of strangers (or friends you haven’t met ; ) your goals if you want to be held accountable for working towards them! So this weekend, while I did not get on the treadmill (haven’t gotten around to clearing off the miscellaneous clutter that is piled on top of it) and I still finished off a box of Cheese-its (they were already open ...) I did manage to get started on resolution #4: Tackle at home design projects.



Awhile back, we had to jack up the floor of our sagging four-square Colonial (phase one, reconstruction: totally necessary, but not visually satisfying in the after department). This procedure caused the curved wall (originally lath and plaster) to literally come crashing down. We then had it replastered (twice) to get it right.



Somehow, I have never gotten around to dedicating the time to re-priming and painting the new plaster (it is such a small job, why hire it out?) Since the second plasterer was returning to look at another project in our home (master bedroom : ) I figured I had better get to work on the thoroughly cured wall (it is a good idea to let plaster cure for about three weeks for best results when possible. I am pretty confident that our walls are bone dry).




With constant renovations in progress, we find ourselves moving items from one room to another a lot, so it took about an hour for me to find all of the necessary prep work supplies. I even found the original gallon of paint (Martha Stewart Pebblestone) that I put on the walls awhile ago even though we weren’t officially done with the space (we still need to finish the crown molding, the trim, put down a new hardwood floor and redo the staircase ... ) See why we have a hard time crossing jobs off our to-do list when every project hinges on a big something else??? Not to mention the life-with-kids-fact that usually the boys are running through the house, asking to be fed, and in need of my expert negotiating skills on answering the often asked question “is it my turn yet??” Well this weekend it was my turn to do something!

My hubby took the boys out and I got started on sanding the walls (which required the extra precarious effort of getting on a very tall ladder) and then cleaning up the mess (there was white plaster dust everywhere which I decided to let settle before vacuuming walls, etc.). I am now 100% ready to paint! Since I had a busy day today with real work, etc., I will schedule a little time tomorrow between the bus and a consultation appointment to get the paint on the walls. I will post the end result. I pinkie swear!

A new day ...

Before you read any further ...

I wrote my original post early last night as I was at home with 2 out of 4 kids who were under the weather (no need for details). Instead of going out to celebrate, we made a family dinner for the healthy among us (roast, mashed potatoes, corn) and had a few bottles of Prosecco, one 2-liter of gingerale, plus a jar of marachino cherries all chilled and ready for a midnight toast. Well, we never made it to midnight. I woke up (hangover free) but face-to-face with the resolutions that I had penned the day before.

The last thing I wanted to do today was get to work on sanding, priming and painting the new wall in the foyer as I had envisioned (see resolution #4) or jumping on the treadmill (that would be #6). So instead, I went back to bed and hid my head under my pillow for a couple of hours! When I got back up (good thing the kids can get their own breakfast!) I sat down with the hubby/general-contractor-in-residence and we decided to make a wish list for 2010.

Let’s just say that by October of 2010 we should be done finishing what we have started around here (plus I will have my *dream* kitchen!) So, now I just have to get to work on everyone else’s projects so that we can make it all happen (or start playing the lottery). I just figured that by making the list we could throw it all out there to the universe and see what comes back!

P.S. I am happy to report that we did start the day with fruit smoothies and I stood in Mountain Pose for at least one minute. Next I will be gathering up a few friends to see the movie “It’s Complicated.” I figure it will provide some comic relief (plus some visual escape) to the end of vacation week and the start of a new year with high expectations!


So now back to my previously scheduled post ...

My 10 resolutions for 2010

#1 Streamline time on technological devices (interpret as needed)

#2 Travel more ... with and without the kids.

#3 Inspire my children with daily quote board (already started this : )

#4 Set time aside each day to tackle at home design projects. Look for “Designer Confessions” coming to this blog soon!

#5 Organize family photos like I used to. I am about 5 years behind (my sincere apologies to my fourth child who is almost 6). The outrageous number of pictures I take with the digital camera might have something to do with it ... I guess running out of film was a blessing in disguise! I plan to skip the photo albums and create memory books online instead. Resolve to create books with actual people in them and not just design “before and afters.”

#6 Get on the treadmill for 10-15 minutes a day without fail. Do at least one yoga pose a day. If I can devote substantial time every day to mundane tasks like laundry and dishes, there is no reason why I can’t do the same for something that will actually have long-term physical benefits. How hard can 15-20 minutes be?

#7 Actually use lateral file to file stuff, instead of as a drawer to put things in “till later.” This goes along with the annual resolution to get organized. I would love to know exactly where something is when I actually need it instead of wasting time searching through piles (of paper, of clothes, of ...)

#8 Eat more high energy foods and less Cheese-its. More green tea, less Keurig.

#9 Schedule time for family adventures. The boys are all old enough to get out there and try new things, and with all my new found time and increased energy (see resolutions #1, 6, 7 and 8) I should be able to keep up with them!

#10 Expect to be lucky and at the same time focus on gratitude.


My resolution last year was not to have any resolutions, which actually worked out pretty well, too! Good luck with whichever approach you decide to take in 2010.