Quiet on the Homefront

We haven't been doing too much around here lately.

Everything has been rather quiet at home.

I was feeling a little under the weather last week, so there are no new projects to reveal.

I've just been straightening up and re-organizing things a bit. I finally sorted my barely used cook books and cleared our catch-all counter spot.

It's amazing what a basket can do do capture the clutter. I love the TJ Maxx mirror on the counter that I scored for 8.00...

I just had to include the next picture-Take note of our little pig-I mean pug-Norma walking to her water dish! A rare in-motion shot!

I'm itching to find something to line the windows of our kitchen pantry door. See it in the background below? Believe it or not it was discarded at Lowe's and we got it for 5.00! Seriously-my mom found it and called us to see if it would fit. It was too big but we told her to take it anyway. We just sliced it down to size and voila! I love it! I just hate seeing our messy food stash inside.

It has to be lined with something that looks nice from the living room too. I haven't fallen in love with anything yet, so for now, we're looking at canned goods.

The mirrors behind Noa-also from TJ's-12.99 each. I love a bargain!

I'll be working on a few small things this week and I will soon have pictures of my sister in law's new house-drool! Stay tuned!

Have a great day!

Vanessa

High on 9 by Design

I have been completely obsessed with Robert and Cortney Novogratz, the couple who is Sixx Design, since I first spotted pictures of their Great Barrington house in O at Home magazine. I then eagerly awaited the publication of their book Downtown Chic and have read every word and drooled over every picture countless times.

I have been waiting and waiting for their new Bravo show 9 by Design. Luckily, I caught a preview episode on Sunday and it does not disappoint!!!

Their story is amazing. First of all-they now have 7 kids! They began purchasing/renovating/and selling houses in NYC just over 10 years ago and have since made millions doing what they love. But, the road to their success wasn't always perfectly paved. That seems to me so alluring about this family-they welcome the challenges and the mistakes and don't mind admitting to them.

They decorate with what they like and make it all work together. Though they have 7 children, they don't sacrifice style. Their kids rooms are so beautifully put together. High end pieces, secondhand furniture, flea market finds and mainstream store purchases all reside together creating the perfect balance.

Just by glancing at these photos you can see that their home is full of personality.

They seem to be fans of the West Elm parson's desk! I spy one in the girls' room and the above master. Love all the artwork...

9 by Design airs Tuesday, April 13 on Bravo. Whether or not decorating is your thing, it should make for an interesting show! Check it out for some inspiration. If you want to see more/read more go here.

Happy St. Patty's!

Vanessa

Carnation Nation

Wishing for spring, I picked up some pink carnations at the grocery store yesterday.

Carnations are a great way to keep fresh flowers in the house without spending a fortune, plus, they last longer than most blooms and come in a wide range of colors.

I finally settled on the light pink ones...

I was trying to decide how to display my bargain flowers...I knew I wanted to bunch them tightly together rather than putting them in a bucket or vase.

So, I simply cut the stems very short-to about two inches. I then sliced the bottom off of a styrofoam ball so that it would stand straight by itself. Next, I tightly stuck each bloom into the ball creating a pink dome. I then put the arrangement in a white bowl with some water...

Many of us are in a time that we have to forego such luxuries as fresh flowers, so it's nice to know that there are inexpensive options that are still pretty!

This arrangement is abundant enough to remind me of hydrangeas or peonies...my favorites!

...Yet practical and accessible enough to have on display around the house.

Now that I have the flowers, I can't wait to spruce up the porch for spring...

Have a great weekend!

Treat yourself to a bargain!

Vanessa

I Love Lamp

I've been practicing some deconstructive behavior lately...

This lamp shade was formerly covered in a shiny, satiny, cream colored fabric with lots of fringe. I once loved that shade. Until recently, when I began to notice just how gaudy it really was! Funny how your style evolves over time.

So, as my husband looked on in shock, I and a pair of scissors attacked the fringe and ripped all the fabric off. What's left are the bare bones and I quite like the looks of it now! It fits in so much better with the rest of the house. Imperfect and understated.

Have a good day-Don't be afraid to tear something up!

Vanessa