What Is On Your "SOMEDAY" List?

Do you all make lists?  I do.  Sometimes I make them on paper or in a journal and other times just in my head.  I have two types of lists, a "Someday List" which is a list of things that are attainable.  The "Wish List,"  contains things that I probably will never have due too money issues, circumstances but I still like to dream about them.  

 I am very patient and will wait for a "Someday" for a really long time. I have always loved black and white checked floors, and they were on my "Someday" list for a long time. After being in my home over twenty-five years, I actually now have one.

 I would rather wait for a really long time for what I truly want, than to just get something to fill in an area.  I will share my "Someday List" with you, and keep it to my top seven.  Attached to my  "Someday List" are inspiration pictures. I can see the picture in my head, but the visual is a good reminder and it also helps Hubby see what I have in mind. I also hope that it inspires you.

"My Someday List"

A faux fireplace and bookcases for living room

This is obviously a room under construction. I like the fact that there are no distractions,just the bare bones of the fireplace surrounded by bookcases.  My room is no where close to being this large but the basic concept is something that is very appealing to me. The beamed ceiling is wonderful. Notice how wide the door casing is that leads into this room. Love that affect. Oh my! they even have a transom window above the French doors. I'm sorry , I got carried away. Now back to my list.

I am keeping my eyes open on treasure hunting trips for an older mantle to work around. This is a gorgeous marble beauty. I also like the moulding that has been applied to the sides. Very interesting.

I like the way the lower doors in the wall cabinet flow into the design of the wainscotting in this room. I also want wainscotting to be incorporated. This is my entry hall wainscotting, as you can see below. I think it would have a nice flow if it were also in the living room.

Love the sconces here. They have a nice traditonal line to them with a touch of black. My favorite combination, black and white!

Two sofas facing one another in front of fireplace in my familyroom

I know there is no fireplace in this picture, but I have also thought of a day bed to divide the room. The vote is still out on that.

A beautiful picture from Elle Decor Magazine.  Now we are talking.

Two chairs to divide the room are most likely what I will do.  I think that will give us more seating possibilities.

I love everything about this room.  Of course the two french doors with the amazing view might be swaying me, just a little. I am also drawn to the piece of art above the mantle. It gives a window affect, like you are looking out to some beautiful scenery.  Notice how the dark ottoman grounds the room.   This room has it all, texture, color, contrast, light,fresh flowers and ferns. Pretty close to Perfection for this girl!

Hardwood Floor running down the hallway to match existing floor in my kitchen and familyroom

This is not my hallway but it is very long like mine. My hallway is 29ft long and all of the bedrooms are running off of it. My uncle said," This isn't it a hallway it is a dormitory."  It gets the most wear and tear so carpet just does not hold up that well. In a narrow hallway I would run the boards horizontally to widen the look of the hallway. I think it would look quite nice to continue the wainscotting from the entry down this hall. Oh my! Poor Hubby! He has so much work ahead of him. Like I said I am willing to wait for my "Somedays"

French doors in master bed

 This is the actual window in my master bedroom that I would love to replace with a French door. Don't you think it would look perfect here?  Now we just have to convince Hubby. The more I look at the pictures below the more I think I reallllllllly need a French door!

Now don't you think this look would be perfect for my master bedroom?

I don't want the black shuttered doors but I think this door is interesting in this room

White tile countertops in Kitchen with Carrara marble backsplash

Am I the only girl around that actually wants a new white tile countertop in her kitchen?  Yes, you heard right, I want tile. I love its durability ,textural interest and fresh look. With the counter I would like a carrera marble back splash.  If truth be known I would really love a carrara marble countertop but I have read a lot about having carrara. Everything I read says it stains too easily and I really use my kitchen a lot.  I don't want to worry about maintenance. If there is anyone out there in blogland that reallllly uses their kitchen a lot and you have the carrera marble counters please let me know.  I would love to be convinced!!!

Four matching chairs facing eachother in the living room

I love this clean and uncomplicated look. I can just see me sitting here and having great conversations with family and friends.

Although these four chairs are only matched in pairs it still gives the look I like. Notice the fireplace and the wainscotting?

I think this room looks a bit crowded but the concept is there.

I really like this! I plan on putting a mirror in my faux fireplace with a nice fern in front of it.  I have done that in my operating fireplace for a summer look.  Hubby just made me a trifold mirror so I could easily move it in and out for my summer look. We even attached a clip light to the flue to illuminate the fire box. It was a really nice affect. (Note to self: wire for lighting inside faux fireplace)

Great inspiration picture for me, fireplace and four chairs.

Black and white striped awnings on windows

I just think this house is so charming!  My house is a small ranch so I think the awnings would add so much character.

There you have it, my "Someday List," complete with pictures to inspire.

Do you have a "Someday List"? I would love to hear what you have on your list.

"Enjoy the Process," Of: Making a" Someday List"

Kathysue

Do You Toss Your Throws?

Designer Suzanne Kasler

I have a question for all of you. Do you toss your throws?  You know how you stand back and just toss it on a piece of furniture to make it look as if someone had just gotten up and threw it there .  It is a relaxed comfortable look.  It helps people visualize in their minds how wonderful it would be to sit on that piece of furniture all snuggled up in the softness of that very throw.

Maybe you are in the other camp of those who like their throws nicely folded and placed in a very intentional manner. It will be neatly folded and placed either on the end of a bed or on the arm of a chair or sofa.  I am going to show you some pictures of both methods.  Let me know which way you prefer your throws??? Tossed or Placed

In this lovely and comfortable looking room the throw has been tossed in a gentle manor. I think maybe there was just a little bit of tossing with purpose here. It almost looks too neat to be considered a toss.

This pretty bedroom designed by Lynn Morgan actually has two throws. One on the chaise and another on the bed . These are in the neatly folded and placed camp.  Which way are you starting to prefer?

Whoever did the tossing of the throw here did a great job at making it look as if someone just got out of that chair and tossed the throw on the arm of the chair. This is tossing at its best.

There is no doubt that this is deliberately placed.  This throw is more for decorative purposes to add a punch of color on the all white sofa.  I have had clients use two throws in the same color lined up on the back of the sofa for a color spot.  This is a way to totally change the look of a room  very inexpensively.

I had to show you this picture. It is one of my favorites and  I have had it  in my inspiration file for quite awhile. It is from the  wonderful blog,Three Men and A Lady, written by a very talented homeowner, Michelle.  Be sure and  take a peek at her blog. The transformation of her bedroom is amazing!  It is obvious that Michelle is in the camp of placing her throw deliberately and neatly.  I love the way she took it a step further and actually tucked it under the cushion.  Brillant!

Someone must have been very cold! They have actually realllly tossed two of their throws.

This is a picture from Elle Decor magazine.  First I must say cover me up now!! Love this warm and cozy look.  It has a purposeful tossed look to it.  I can tell that the stylist was keeping this shot nice and cozy, but not messy.

Neat and tidy here! No tossing was done in the styling of this room.

Here we have another neatly placed and tucked throw. Because of its texture and the little bit of rumpling it looks a little more casual.

Definitely tossed!

Very neat and with purpose.

Designer Christina Rottman

This picture from House Beautiful is showing two gorgeous throws that were placed very intentionally almost to cover up the sofa and make the throws the focal point on the sofa. Very interesting

Designer Jeffrey Bilhuber

We have both examples of tossing and placing in this room .

Now you have seen all of the pictures.  Which camp do you fall in?  The toss and go camp. The toss and straighten it just a little bit camp. Or are you in the neatly placed camp?

I bet you are wondering which camp I am in?  Have a guess?

"Enjoy the Process" Of: Tossing or Placing your Throws

Kathysue

BTW: Rhoda at Southern Hospitality has a post on making your own throw, after you make it you can decide to toss or place it.

"SALE ALERT"

From Ballard Designs catalog This light fixture sold for $139 and is now $79.99

My friend Terri from La Dolfina has done a post of her laundry room where she has this light fixture and when I saw this I fell in love with it.  I can see hanging an article of clothing straight from the dryer on that special little hook. Be sure and check her blog out here.

Another Ballard Designs darling! This wicker fixture sold for $129 and is now on Sale for $29.99

This is the bargain of the day!!

This light reminds me of a birdcage. I love the look of this, also from Ballard

This originally sold for $159-$189 Now it is on sale for $59.99-$69.99

One last sale item, this is from Grandin Road catalog . This Ikat bedding comes in a king including the pillows, it was $299 and now is on Clearance for $69.00

I hope some of you can take advantage of these great sale items.

"Enjoy the Process" Of: Getting a Good Deal

Kathysue

INFORMATIVE VIGNETTE

I know all of you out in blogland are very creative when it comes to making a vignette.  I have seen many lovely and fun vignettes in my travel throughout blogland.  I am not talking today about that decorative type of vignette. I am talking about an "Informative Vignette" which is something that I have had my clients do as part of their design consult. This is a tool that has helped me and my clients really get in touch with what they will truly love in their homes.

Are you ready to make an "Informative Vignette" ? 

• First, clear your mind of your home and what you think you want it to eventually look like. Ready?
•  Now, think of five items you have had for more than five years that you absolutely love.  It can be an accessory from your home, a dish from your cupboard, or even an old favorite sweater or a pair of shoes. 
• Put all of these things in an open clear spot and step back. What do you see?  Colors, textures, styles, theme?  These are the elements that you need to have in your home to make your home, Truly YOUR'S.
  

I am going to show you some of the items that I would put in my "Informative Vignette"

This is my entry hall, it is actually is showing several of my favorite pieces.

1) The white and black marble flooring.

2) The French antique black marble top table.

3) The white wainscotting and moulding.

4) The green and white striped wall paper.

5) The blue and white ceramic pot.

Now what does this tell me?

1)  I need to have architecture in my home for interest.

2) The mouldings need to be painted white or cream

3) I will have to have some older pieces in the mix of my furniture

4) I like a simple elegant style

5) Touches of blue and white need to be in my rooms

6) Clean lines will be more pleasing to my eye

7) Sharp contrast in colors usually with the use of black and white

8) Fresh colors

9) I need a bit of shine with metals or mirrors

Now go back to the top of this post and you will see a room that meets most of the elements that I will love in a room.  See if you can pick out a few of them.

It is very important that you are really honest with yourself in the process of pulling your items together. Sometimes we talk ourselves into maybe the latest trend or something we have seen in a friend's home.  My goal for myself and for YOU is to have you really understand your own personal style. I hope this little exercise will help you in discovering the true YOU for your home.

"Enjoy the Process" of:  Discovering what your home needs to make it truly YOU!

Kathysue

BTW: Today is the last day to vote for Eddie Ross! Be sure and Vote!!

Here 

Bloomingdale's Big Window Challenge

Design Quirks or Sensibilities?

Love,Love this entire room!

In writing  post for my blog I am discovering I have quite a few ."Design Quirks."  Have you ever sat down and written  your own quirks?  You know the things You HAVE to have in your home to make it your very OWN.  The way you have to always have a certain area look, or the world will fall off it's axis!

Actually what "Quirks" turn out to be is your personailty coming out in your home.  Quirks are the elements or the design sensibilities that you have as a homeowner.  I am going to share with you , a few of my "Quirks."


I have to have a clean kitchen counter!  I have a rather large kitchen bar area and if it has anything on it I have to clean it off immediately.  I love for it to look open and uncluttered.  Keeping this in mind, I need a kitchen that has enough counter space to allow wide open spaces. Here are some pictures of kitchens that would more than meet this little Quirk requirement:

Give Me Wide Open Space

I love all the wide open spaces on these counter tops. Notice there is not just one island but TWO and look at its shape.  This is a really interesting mix.

Another great and open bar area, really cute bar stools, love that check.

These counters have some items place on them but they are not overly clutered  The accessories  give this kitchen warmth and style.

Nothing needs to be said here except," Perfection!"

Again there are a few items placed on the bar but it has an open uncluttered look. This more than meets my Quirk requirement.

Talk about wide open spaces!!!

Let Their Be Light

There has to be light in my home.  If it is a dreary day out, I have lights on.  If it is a sunny day out, I have lights on!  Good lighting is key to me.  Unfortunately it is a costly little Quirk when we get our Electric bill. Joni at Cote de Texas has a wonderful post on sconces and how she always leaves her sconces on even in the daytime and also tries to talk her clients into doing so.  She would not have to talk me into it because I am of the same school of thought on that issue.

Last but not least by any means is Joni's wonderfully designed living room with all of her lights on.  My kind of girl!

I Can't Breathe! I Need Air!

I have to have open and airy rooms with lots of natural light spilling in to the rooms from open windows. I am not one that dresses my windows with heavy draperies, I like to think of the windows as a frame to the beautiful view outside.  I will often have my windows open to let in lots of fresh air.  I have been known to open them even on cooler days just to air out my home and let the air circulate.  If it is too terribly cold or rainy outside I turn on my whole house fan for a short period of time to circulate the still air in my home, I told you I have Quirks.  Have you noticed that a couple of these Quirks are costing my hubby some money?

Open windows, Aaaah! Notice the dark steel framed windows and french doors.  Many home owners are changing their white window frames out for these dark steel beauties.

Can't you just smell the fresh air and feel the gentle breeze? Again I say Aaaaaah!

No window dressing here just beautiful windows and lots of light.  I am loving this Greek Key floor tile (note to self, future blog post,Greek Key designs)  Another fun and interesting idea is look at the mirror spacer between the two cupboards. (keep this in mind for future projects)

Lots and Lots of Windows, Love it!!! Notice the draperies pulled to the farthest edge of the window. If you are going to drape a window for softening the edges or for privacy, make sure you have room to pull it over to let in as much light as possible.

Gorgeous!

I Hear Music!
I like a little background music playing in a room.  If there is not music playing the house feels dead to me.  Nothing jarring or loud,just a soft background of music, You know the kind you hear in the spa. This will require a nice sound system and a good resource for the kind of music I like.

My Strangest Quirk

When I clean my kitchen sink out I have to dry out the sink, make sure the faucet is polished and then......The faucet has to be lined up straight in the middle,not to the right or the left but in the middle. Okay this is just a little weird but what can I say?  Trust me I realize this is probably the strangest of all of my Quirks but let me show you some examples of straight vs. to the side. I will let you be the judge. Which looks better to you? 

To The Side! Oh No!!

Straight! I rest my case.

Straight! YES!!!

This pains me since this is one of my favorite kitchens, but what were they thinking? It is leaning to the left.  They do get bonus points for the open window.

Leaning to the left, what a shame.

Two sinks, Two faucets nice and straight!

Have you ever thought about your own litte Quirks I hope I am not the only one out there with Quirks or maybe we should rename them, "Design Sensibilities".  In making a list of your quirks you might find some requirements or elements you need to change in your home.  Let me know what you come up with  I would love for you to share , some of your Quirks Design Sensiblilities with me and the other Loyal Readers.

"Enjoy the Process," Of: Discovering some of your Design Sensibilities.

Kathysue

I just found out that Vicki at Room Service- Decorating 101 just posted her own Design Quirks.  Go and take a look.  This could be fun if others would post their Quirks throughout blogland.