World's Slowest Painter

I had this afternoon off from work so I decided to finish painting our bathroom. Now, don't get me wrong, there is nothing really wrong with the color of our bathroom other than I'm bored with it. It's a light green color with beadboard painted in a creamy white. Several months ago, the mirror fell off it's support and tore a big hole in the drywall in the process. I finally repaired the hole but since there were no studs to attach that particular mirror to, I sold it and it gave me an excuse to try another color on the walls. White.

Earlier this year...



Inspiration...



This afternoon after goofing off for 5 hours (I'm not a fast painter as I get distracted with music, TV, food, dogs, neighbors, friends calling)...



So I'm almost finished but I'll try to get it completed by the end of the week as I have to purchase some artwork for the bathroom. I'll be sure to show you the final product later this week.

Woohoo!

I was looking for a designer I like on HGTV's Rate My Space and guess who was on their front page under the heading "Top Rated"? Me! I was so excited I had to print screen it to prove it...I'm the bottom left photo of the laundry room.

My husband is just shaking his head at me. This might be as close to "fame" as I get. ;-)

Cool Barn

In Freeland (Whidbey Island) WA there is a Northwest modern home for sale that comes with the coolest barn! I'll show you photos of the home tomorrow but thought I'd start with the barn as it'd be the best workplace complete with a view of the Saratoga Passage. The entire property can be viewed here



The 2nd floor has been completely renovated and could easily be converted into an apartment or guest house.



It looks like the current owner has a big woodworking shop in the barn. I wonder if he (or she) lived in the barn while renovating the main house?



What a wonderful space to hang out with friends and make s'mores!



Great place to launch your kayak!



(Images from Windermere Real Estate/South Whidbey)

Pergola Dilemma

Lately we've had problems with the trees in our yard. Half the branches are dead and we had an arborist come out and recommend 50% of our trees need to be cut down due to fungus. We have this great old apple tree next to our outdoor patio and it gives great coverage from the sun but it's looking pretty bad and hasn't grown any apples the last 2 years. So we're debating whether or not to cut it down. If we do cut it down, I would like to build a pergola to give us some protection from the sun. I know. I complain about the rain and want the sun, but then I complain that the sun is too bright. So that's why I thought a pergola might be a good compromise.

As it is currently...



How I'd like to see it...

Open Shelving

I've noticed more open shelving in kitchens recently and like the idea of exposing part of the kitchen as it a)keeps you organized b)you can find anything instantly and c)it lends a more casual feel to a kitchen. Below are some great kitchens from Urban Grace Interiors and LAKBdesign that utilize open shelving successfully!

Coastal Living Idea House 2010

This year the Coastal Living home is in Seabrook, WA (A New Beach Town) and it's about a 3 hour drive from our house. Tickets are $10/person and more information can be found here.



So using that as an excuse, and we'd like to get away with the dogs for an extended weekend, we're going to visit the Coastal Living Idea House and rent a cottage close by at Seabrook. If you'd like a great place to take your family, consider renting a home from them as they're reasonably priced (particularly if you bring family and friends with you that can help share the cost). We're renting this cute cottage called the Perry.















(Images from Coastal Living and Seabrook)

Installing Crown Molding

I was looking at the blog My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia and Kristin created a great video that easily explains how to install crown molding. What I like about her "technique" is that it's 100% easier and better than the standard molding you buy at the home improvement store. I need to do this now in our kitchen!