IT'S JUST PAINT !!!

A LITTLE GOLD PAINT AND TUBE OF GOLD RUB AND BUFF .......

The "Design" world likes to stir things up now and then. I read, about a year ago, that "gold" would be the new metal!!! Silver and chrome have been hot for the last few years. To keep things new and fresh, gold metals have been slowly taking a bigger place in the market.

Not to let things get away from me, I realized that with a little paint, I could stay on top of the movement!!!! The best part......it's just paint! It can be changed again and again. In fact the large mirror in the Dining Room has had many "lives". It started out a dark brown....boring! Changed it to black, then silver and now it's GOLD!!!! I like the way it "marries" the Asian panels. The console table was originally gold, changed it to silver a few years ago, and yes, it's gold again...... So simple!!!

......it's just a trip to Lowes' paint department!

BEFORE

AFTER

THE GOLD HORSE AND GOLD "BOAT" RELATE TO THE GOLD TRIM IN THE PICTURE FRAME IN THE KITCHEN AND THE GOLD FRAME AROUND THE DINING ROOM MIRROR

BEFORE

Didn't stop in the Dining Room......went to the bedroom and changed the silver frames around the flower prints!!! Secret......they are from The Dump and started life with scratched black frames which I painted silver ......and now ......GOLD

As I said at the start..............IT'S JUST PAINT !!!!

THE GENIUS OF MC

This man is unbelievable!!!

I have always tried to find ways to avoid "Builder Shower Rods"! They drive me nuts! I have gone to great lengths over the years to conceal them.

Our Guest Bath has the typical tub/shower insert and with it came the dreaded shower rod! I have been trying for months to come up with a clever way to hang the shower curtain and not see the rod! The typical solution was a valance/cornice board. I didn't want to have MC do another project at this point. He just finished the wonderful built-ins and I didn't want to push my luck! But, we are having overnight guests tomorrow and I needed a shower curtain!

I have two of the white drapery panels left from the other house. Actually, I was able to take 16 panels when we moved out......and the house still had window treatments when it was put on the market! That is a remarkable feat, in itself!

I mentioned to MC that I wanted to hang the panels on the sides of the tub, from the ceiling. I could remove the builder shower rod when not in use, and put it back when we needed it. It's a simple rod that fits the space and "rests" on the top of the shower insert.

MC to the rescue......in just a few minutes he came out of his "workshop" and had two towel bars in his hands. They had been removed when we moved in. I like to hang towels in different forms and rarely use towel bars. He said he would simply "hang" them from the ceiling......In less than an hour we had the two drapery panels up. A short trip to Lowes for tie backs and the project was finished. I just hung the "temporary" shower rod up for my brother, Hap, and my sister--in-law, Pat, who will be here tomorrow!!!!

GENIUS!!!!












NEXT PROJECT.......

The vanity light in the Guest Bath ......

MC, the Genius that he is.......was able to hang my Kenneth Brown mirror over the large builder mirror. To finish it, MC made the thin black frame around the builder mirror. Now Kenneth's mirror is in it's proper home. I recently learned that it was made to be hung over a bath vanity, so it has been my objective to use it in that manner.
SUCCESS

Now the search to replace the builder light fixture.......


We're getting there.......
Now if I could, I would........???????

THIS DAY WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY

MARCH 7, 2011

What can I say? This is it....This is the DAY!

THE BUILT-INS ARE FINISHED

I have been snapping pictures all around the house! I will post the best, below. As all my projects go, adding one piece or changing one item causes a Domino effect. After putting all the treasures into the built-ins, a "Domino Effect", the size of a TSUNAMI occurred!

Accessories, chairs, tables.... have "moved" all over the place! All through the years, without realizing it, as I purchased furniture and "stuff" they all were interchangeable.....Meaning a piece could work in any room or any decor!

Boy, has that proven to be a redeeming asset! So many, if not most, of our things have been in every room in this house!!! A Great room sofa is now in our Guest Room, wing back chairs moved from the Great Room to the Master Bedroom and TODAY one is in the KITCHEN!!!! Tables, oh they move the most!!!! I think every table has been in every room at one point. The uses change, the "look" changes, to sum up..... I AM HAVING THE TIME OF MY LIFE!!!!!

I love my Asian art, my mirrors, and my art from Erica! During the Tsunami, I got the great idea to create an Erica Gallery. This home has wonderful halls that scream for art! Over the past week, MC has moved all of her art into special places in the halls. The poor guy, I have had him move them up and down, just inches, to make them "right" to "my" eye. As long as the spackle and touch-up paint lasts, I can move them to my heart's delight!!! The Christening Dress in it's wonderful place in the foyer, the large black and white picture behind MC's desk's remained in place, and Lady of Love and Hope is still over the guest bed!

All the little projects that were on MC's " To Do List" to be finished before March 10th, have been done. He did it!!!

I have a hunch how he was able to accomplish this wonder! Over the past month, to my amazement, he has started walking 5 miles, two days a week. His interests and energy have soared! He joins up with two other "crazy", wonderful neighbors, at 6:15 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I call them "crazy" because they are out, in the dark, freezing cold.....walking!!! They have a wonderful time and all three enjoy their time together. I personally want to thank Judy and Russ for bringing "My Honey" back to life!!

Without further ado I now present the BUILT-INS.......

FINALLY!!!

WE HAVE MAGNOLIA TREES.......

PLANTED!!!

We are proud to announce the planting of our four 7 1/2 foot tall Magnolia Trees! They look great! Plus..... as the saying goes "Form follows Function", they will give us the sense of privacy.








Can't wait until the summer when they bloom.........

It's wonderful having something to look forward to. .......which leads me to the fact that MC has 6 days to get his projects finished!!!!

CLAIRE'S "DESIGNER" CUPCAKE

NOW THIS IS ART !!!!

Earlier this evening my "Hollywood" Niece, Claire, sent the following email with her latest creation. I have known she loves to bake, but I never imagined she created such gorgeous ART!! Talent in our family comes in many forms. Below is Claire's email ...by the way, I assured her she was far from being "Nerdy"!!!!

I know this is a little nerdy but I bake a lot and I finally made something I really want to share. It's a banana & chocolate cupcake with peanut butter cream cheese frosting. I made it from scratch, of course, and decorated it. I even crushed up the peanut by hand!

I wish I could send you all a batch!


Erica emailed back that maybe the "Blog Creator" in the family would be interested in posting it. I definitely was!

Claire sent the recipes and MC was able to do his "computer" magic! With the input of all four of us, we have been able to whip up this fabulous creation. Now everyone....get your aprons, bowls, preheat those ovens and turn out this fabulous, delicious creation for yourselves.

Claire took two recipes and combined them. Both are from Martha Stewart! But...Martha Stewart didn't put the two together. It took Claire's creativeness to create this 10+++dessert!


BANANA CUPCAKES

Makes 12

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups mashed bananas (about 4 ripe bananas), plus 1 whole banana, for garnish (optional)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 
  

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a standard 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Make a well in center of flour mixture. In well, mix together butter, mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla. Stir to incorporate flour mixture (do not overmix). Dividing evenly, spoon batter into muffin cups.
3. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center of a cupcake comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove cupcakes from pan; cool completely on a wire rack. Spread tops with Peanut Butter Frosting. Just before serving, peel and slice banana into rounds, and place one on each cupcake, if desired.

PEANUT BUTTER FROSTING

Ingredients

Makes about 3 cups

• 6 ounces cream cheese
• 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural)
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Directions

1. Beat cream cheese and confectioners' sugar with a mixer on medium speed. Add salt, then peanut butter, then vanilla. Whisk cream until soft peaks form, and then fold into peanut butter mixture. Use immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. (Bring to room temperature, and beat on low speed until smooth before using.)

From Martha Stewart Living, February 2009

PICTURES

A REQUEST

Erica asked for pictures of how Jan used the table in the room and how I used the same table in our room.

MC was able to do his magic so here goes.....

Jan Showers room

Bucket List Great Room

You all know what's next????? Yes, Yes......I want that rug in Jan's room, but I want it in a Zebra design!!!!!!!!!!

UPDATES

ALMOST....NOT YET!

I have been promised that the built-ins will be finished by March 10th!!!
We are expecting two dear visitors on Thursday, the 10th, my Brother Henry (Happy) and my Sister in Law, Pat. It will be their first visit here. I added a few other projects to the "Please Finish By" list. MC has assured me all will be ready for the Reveal in time!!!

We received permission from "The Committee" to plant four, 7 1/2 foot, Magnolia trees in the back yard. For those who haven't seen our property, we are on the top of a hill. The vista is great....views of the golf course etc. We will have the trees planted so they will not block the view, but will give us a "sense" of privacy. This Friday is the big day!!

I ordered a book written by Jan Showers, "Glamorous Rooms". It's FABULOUS!!!! I was able to get the book for almost nothing because Dear, Dear Niece Claire ordered something from One Kings Lane and mentioned I referred her to the site. I received a $25 credit!!!!

Since reading the script and drooling over the photos, I have been moving and rearranging everything! She has a wonderful approach to design! Her projects are gorgeous. I was stunned, when on page 43, there was my mirrored round accent table!!!! I went wild! I immediately worked on placing mine in an arrangement similar to how she used it. She has it with a sofa and chair as a small intimate coffee table!!! Never would have thought to use it that way and it works!!!!! Love it!

A basic part of her philosophy to achieve a Glamorous Room by paying attention to details! She was influenced by Grace Kelly and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis to name a few. Jan defines Glamour as what Glamour is not!!! It is not shiny satin and fox wraps, not a fad or over the top. She feels Glamour is depicted, if you can picture, the strength of Katherine Hepburn in a black turtleneck, black pants and a red scarf thrown around her neck, or better yet, the exquisite look of Audrey Hepburn in Capri pants, ballet shoes, with a white blouse. Get the idea!
She tells us, the reader, to never forget that comfort most be the top concern. Rooms should not only look inviting they should encourage guests to" linger".

This is not easy. It might appear to be, but think about it. Something elegant, but simple, is not as basic as 1 2 3. A lot of planning goes into every detail, and care needs to be taken in the entire space!

As I read deeper I hope to gain more from her. I feel I have learned so much and I am only half way through my first glance!

Stay tuned....Who knows what I will be doing by the time I get to the back cover.........

PS.....Update on my last post...
Adams' Pink Chair ....it's a rocker!!! What a surprise that was, and I failed to make note of it!!!

GREAT NORTH CAROLINA HOMES

UP THE ROAD .....WE WENT...

Early Friday morning, MC and I headed North to High Point, North Carolina. It had been many months since we had seen Patti and Mark. Actually, it was in November, the weekend they delivered the "Bird" sofa for it's transformation!

In January, Erica and Adam, moved into their first home in Greensboro..... a hop-- skip--- and-- jump from High Point!

ERICA AND ADAMS FIRST HOME

Erica greeting Patti and Mark......MC is taking the picture and .....Me,............ well I stay out of camera range!

The first floor has the kitchen, dining and living rooms, master bedroom with full bath and a guest half bath!

THE PROUD HOMEOWNER!!!

ADAM'S CHAIR
TRUE/TRUE.....ADAM FOUND THIS CHAIR ...HE HAS A GREAT EYE!!!



VERY NICE DINING ROOM
PLANS OF REPAINTING ARE IN THE WORKS!

LOVE THE KITCHEN..... ESPECIALLY THIS FABULOUS TABLE WITH STORAGE

ERICA PAINTED OUR OLD SILVER BED WHITE!!!
WOW!!!!

ALL THE LUXURIES INCLUDED!!!

The second floor has Pete's (their cat) room, a large guest bedroom, Erica's "work" room and a full bath!!!

ALL THINGS CREATIVE WILL EMERGE FROM HERE!!!


DOOR TO PETE'S ROOM

(GREAT IDEA OF ADAM'S)

PETE'S ROOM



ADAM'S MAN CAVE---THE MAIN SELLING POINT!

After our picture taking and tour, Mark and MC headed back to Mark and Patti's house to do Guy Stuff...... while Erica, Patti and I drove to visit Maggie in Raleigh. I hadn't seen Maggie since JULY!!!!! I was hoping I would recognize her!!!!!

Maggie is in her Junior Year at NC State. She shares an apartment with another girl (maybe roommate three in a couple of weeks). It's a great set up. The apartment consists of the main living area.....living room, dining area and kitchen. The plan has three, very roomy, bedrooms, each with their own full baths. The entire complex is designed for the students at State. Perfect!!! Erica had the apartment directly below Maggie's in her Junior Year!!!

GREAT COMPLEX, LOTS OF CURB APPEAL AND PLENTY OF PARKING

GUESS WHO'S QUARTERS????
MARK HAS GREAT WAYS TO CREATE CUSTOM SIGNS FOR ALL THE FAMILY!!!

PATTI AND ERICA RELAXING IN THE GREAT ROOM


MAGGIE HAS THE DESIGNER GENE FOR SURE!!!!

We had a wonderful afternoon doing Girl things.......shopped and ate!!!!

It was wonderful seeing Erica and Maggie. They both are enjoying wonderful lives. We all are so BLESSED!!!!

RESOURCES

YOU ASKED....HERE ARE THE RESOURCES I CHECK OUT.......

Over the past month, as you know, I have been very busy on this lap top! I have "viewed" thousands of chandeliers and pendants!.....THOUSANDS!!!

I am more than happy to share the websites that I check. Some that I have never done business with...I personally am not going to recommend....BUT... they all are full of ideas, and I enjoy browsing around for new inspirations.

The most logical sites to start with would be the lighting sources I check. Now, on each one, there are literally too many to check out in a short space of time. You can narrow your search, by choosing a price range, lighting type (chandelier or pendant,etc.), size, and so forth. Each site has different means in which to get to exactly what you are looking for.

I have personally purchased items from the following:

ballarddesign.com
overstock.com
lampsplus.com
archadianlighting.com

All of the above have been easy to do business with and I have been very happy with the products. Some charge shipping and some don't. Make sure you are aware of this. Also.....most don't charge tax. A tax charge is determined on whether they have a retail business in the State you live. I also recommend you google "coupons" available from the different sites. You will find many that offer free shipping, etc.

The other lighting sources I have looked at are:

atglighting.com
gspncrystal.com
amazon.com
lightinguniverse.com
csnlighting.com

I have also done business with overall home furnishing sites. Most of these you are all familiar with.

ballarddesign.com
potterybarn.com
restorationhardware.com
westelm.com
zgallerie.com
nordstrom.com (click on to Home Dept. The Westin Bed is to die for....the best bed we ever slept on. We've had it for over 4 years and it's as good today as the first night we slept on it. Also great for home accessories) Jennifer, there is no place like NORDSTROM!!!!

On the above .....most charge shipping and you will most likely pay tax. I prefer to shop at their retails shops when possible.

There is an internet site, One Kings Lane, that is a fabulous design source. It has daily sales. I have purchased a number of items from them and highly recommend you check them out. The quality of their items is unsurpassed. Most are high end items at greatly reduced prices. (better than any outlet store you have been to!). The daily sales vary from furniture, picture frames, linens, lighting, mirrors, pet products, a full spectrum!!! On weekends they have tempting gourmet foods. I look forward to their emails with the Day's Sale at 11:00am EST. On weekends, the Tastemaker Sales are fun to look at. World famous Designers are featured with their lines of products. Now.....these can be very pricey, but still greatly reduced from what the regular price is! But...really fun to look at and dream!!!

Kenneth Brown, you all know my passion for him, had a sale. I was able to purchase a fabulous mirror . Usually these items are, one of a kind, and you have to be fast on putting the item in "your cart"!!!

Finally I would like to mention a few of the Design sites I check out regularly:

kennethbrowndesign.com (of course a MUST)
sarahrichardsondesign.com
janshowers.com

I hope this has been helpful.....Have fun
Patty

For my readers who are local to the Griffin---- Atlanta area I highly recommend the following:

Lockwood Upholstery,LLC.... for fabulous reupholstering, etc.
Kathy Lockwood does fabulous work and you can reach Kathy at:
lockwoodupholstery@gmail.com

JCdesigns by Joe Cobucci is the best for window tinting and blinds,etc.
He can be reached at:
jcdesignswindowtinting@gmail.com

Linda Hilley at Re/Max Southern is the tops in resale
Linda can be reached at
llhilley@aol.com

Hewes Family Movers has to be the best movers we have EVER had
Bill Hewes can be reached at:
www.HewesFamilyMovers.com

Winston Bernard for interior home painting. We have had Winston paint both our homes here in SunCity and I have such praise for his work. A joy to have in your home!!
Winston Bernard can be reached at:
wbcps@aol.com

Janet Gibson......for anyone desiring to move into Sun City Peachtree
Janet can be reached at:
janet.gibson@delwebb.com

I will continue to update this list as I run into great people and sites.
Patty

I HAVE BEEN REMINDED THAT MC HAS BEEN LEFT OFF THE LIST!!!!!
I SPOKE WITH HIM AND UNFORTUNATELY HE CLAIMS TO BE BOOKED FOR THE NEXT 10 YEARS !!!!!!

KENNETH BROWN'S LATEST INSPIRATION

KENNETH BROWN IS SO, SO TALENTED!!!

Click on to today's entry on the Kenneth Brown Design website, under the Facebook tag....

http://www.kennethbrowndesign.com/

What a fabulous idea.....

I immediately thought of the German Calendar pictures our Son Bobby gave us. I had them framed back in the 90's. There were in the "warehouse". I hadn't found the perfect place to hang them......now I don't have to hang them..

Wow, I told MC we needed to have a Dinner Party.......well someday!



I would love you to take a look at all of Kenneth's website. He has fabulous hints, ideas ...you name it ....it's there.

It's getting warmer.....MC will be in the garage very soon!

IT'S HERE AND UP!!!

JUST 50,000 + VIEWED !!!


Our latest addition arrived this morning. MC immediately attacked the task! In less than one hour it was up and WORKING !!! He has this down pat now!

Very ironic...... we saw this particular fixture last month when we were looking for one for the kitchen. We ruled it out because of it's size, and we felt it would "fight" the clock.

Just on a whim, last week I took another glimpse of it. I was curious if Ballard still had any left. Three weeks ago they put them on sale and had an inventory of 65 . I checked out the Ballard site, they were still on sale. We called to see how many were left.......12!!!! They were now greatly reduced! Original price, $479, and they were on sale for $189..... and............I had a 15% off coupon! We ordered it before they were all sold out! How things work out really amazes me! It was meant to be.

"I THINK WE'VE GOT IT !!!

OLD KITCHEN FIXTURE IN MC'S OFFICE

GREAT ROOM AND KITCHEN

VIEW WITH DINING, GREAT ROOM AND FOYER



ALL FIVE ....IT WORKS!

Now..............on to warmer weather! The forecast is for another cold/snow event later this week and then it's to turn WARM!

WHO KNOWS, MAYBE THE BUILT-INS WILL GET FINISHED BEFORE SUMMER???

DECISION MADE !

THE END OF THE CHANDELIER SAGA

It seems like months, if not forever, that I have been in a "Chandelier" world!!!

What to hang in the Great Room was easy. The rest has been so, SO difficult.

I can't even guess how many chandeliers I have viewed on line. Each site I have gone to has at least 5,000 to view!

Erica led me in the right direction. She advised hanging the one that was in the dining room in the kitchen and that worked perfectly!

The new Grand Chandelier is now in the Great Room and it's definitely Grand!

We hung the one that was in the kitchen in MC's office and that is also, perfect, for the room!

The Foyer remained the same. ( Thank goodness!!!!!)

That left the Dining Room..................

As some of you know I have been all over the spectrum of shapes, textures, colors, etc. We thought we had it down to two. The ones I showed you last week..........................

But No .................That was not the case...........they are both "No Goes"!!!

We took the measurements of both, and MC made forms of each one. We held them up and they were both much too small for the space!

So, back to the web sites. I haven't left the house for three days! This new computer is really wonderful. I am so thankful it has speed and doesn't jam up on me as the old one did. I would be in the nut house if I still had that one!!! Or worse, in jail, for abusing MC for not making it work!

Late last night, it was down to three entirely different ones than we were considering last week. I had "saved" about 8 from the thousands, but four were eliminated due to cost and one because MC simply hated it. The three that made the final list all met the first requirement, they were withing our "Retirement" budget. I have to admit that having restraints on cost makes the entire adventure, A True Adventure! But really, isn't that the fun of it all????

So after a final review with Erica, we made our decision! We ordered it!!! It's done!!!


Now, you really don't think I'm going to just show you a so so picture, do you? Of course not!

You will have to wait, with us, for good ole UPS to deliver it. The second MC finishes hanging it, I will post a picture! And I will also post pictures of all the "Jewels" in their new spaces! Lighting is a necessary function, but more importantly, the it's the "Jewelry" of the room!!

Now the wait...................

AND WHERE ARE THE BUILT-INS?????

WHEN WILL IT BE A NORMAL WINTER IN GEORGIA?????

MC, is working on the Built-Ins......

See? Here's the proof. He has all the materials and Goodness knows all the tools........



PROBLEM.....

It's just too, too, cold in the work shop!!!

He has done a lot of planning......a lot!!!

He has even made "Jigs" ..... He has been working on those since December!!!!!!

Hopefully, by next month, the weather will be "Normal"???? and he will be able to get working on this project.

However, the wait will be worth it ....not matter how long it takes .....
When they are finished they will be magnificent and the Great Room will be FAB with all our wonder treasures being showcased !!!!!

WORK IN PROGRESS

IT'S NOT THAT EASY.....

In this project, I am sharing how my ideas and decisions come to be! Rarely does a design fall into place, easily. It's a process of trials and errors! I am not a Professional Interior Designer, I have never claimed to be one.....I just love doing it...it's my passion, therapy ...it's just ME.

Instead of waiting for the "final reveal", I am sharing the "trials and errors" I go through to reach my vision. (and occasionally that vision changes many times) When a plan falls into place, you know it. It just "feels" right!

I generally run things "through" Erica, and we go over the different elements. This past week, Erica, has been moving into their FIRST home in Greensboro, North Carolina. Adam is now working with his Dad. Although Erica hated to leave her wonderful job in Asheville, she is looking forward to growing in different directions. She learned so much in retail, (buying, marketing, etc.) She will take all that experience with her in whatever her next adventure will be!!!

Yesterday, amid all the boxes, Erica took the time to give me some of her wonderful advice. It's always great when "new" eyes can see the design! We went over all the factors and concerns I was having. She looked at the pictures I posted and said: "Grandma, I think what is "off" is the weight of the fixture in the Dining Room. Try that fixture in the kitchen." Her reasoning ....the fixture is "light" .... doesn't appear large or "heavy" enough for the size of the dining room and the "bulk" of the table wood. From the picture on the web site, the "cool" glass shade fixture I am considering for the kitchen appears to be oblong and would look spectacular over the dining table. I called the chat line on Lamps Plus and found it's 19" in diameter. So....I am not quite sure it will be large enough for the space??? I do love it, and I know the elements in it are perfect, but.......

Erica opened up an entire new vision for me. I agree the dining fixture will look better in the kitchen and MC and I will try it there today. Meanwhile, I am looking at more fixtures that are larger than 19" in diameter for the dining room. Yes, I am back on all the lighting fixture sites......I still am considering the one I found last week....the material, color and texture are perfect.....just not sure of it's size.

I found one last night that caught my attention. It's actually designed to be used over an island. But.....our table is the shape of an island, 80" x 30"! Maybe this would work????????????????




........it's not always easy!!!! There are no rules any more in design, but it has to be right to the "EYE"

Thanks Erica for taking the time last night ...... I appreciate your knowledge and vision!