Monday, August 31, 2009
A State of the {Dis}Union: Part 2
Judging by your responses to Friday's post, my half empty, half unpacked home really resonated with y'all. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised though, after all, is one's home ever really complete? Decorating, at its best, is a long term process, and as Rome wasn't built in a day, neither should our homes be fully furnished in one. That said though, I'm truly touched by your votes of confidence. Decorating can be downright scary (especially if you're willing to take some risks, which I am) and you've helped me screw up my courage to -- for lack of a better way to put it -- keep on, keepin' on.
But down to business, shall we? I promised a follow-up tour of the upstairs and I thought we'd start with the den. Much of the contents of our old great room was relocated to here and, while this room is noticeably smaller, I think everything fits together rather cozily. I still haven't unpacked all of the art and accessories, but once I do, I'm hoping this room will come off as a trifle less...brown. I'm contemplating painting the walls a lovely, subtle shade of celadon, which would pick up on the green in the rug and throw pillows, but as I've rather had my fill of painting for the quarter, I plan on living with the room as-is for now. I imagine that eventually I'll redecorate this room at some point down the line, as even now (some three years after I purchased/permanently borrowed) these items, the decor is no longer quite to my taste. But again, that's for another year and a replenished budget.
The first guestroom, decked out in our old guestroom's hand-me-down furniture. Bedding is from Amenity Home, a great organic linens company that specializes in modern, nature-themed linens. I picked this set up three years ago, but there are similar style still available on their site.
The second guest room. I know, it's completely insane to have two spare bedrooms, but in truth we currently have three -- the third being completely empty. The furniture here is courtesy of my mother and was actually my bedroom set as a teenager, which I remember excitedly picking it out at the age of 16 from Ethan Allen. I believe the series was called Radius and I distinctly remember loving it for its modern take on a classic 4-poster style. At the time, I paired it with tone-on-tone ivory chinoiserie wallpaper and slate blue chinoiserie linens for my take on the "modern Zen" look that was all the rage in the late '90s. Today, the bedding is from DwellStudio (but scored on sale via HauteLook). As this room is the "permanent" guest room, I'll be painting at some point over the next few months -- though of course I'll have to settle on a color first. I'm thinking a light gray at the moment. By the way, the wood circle on the bed is actually a mirror (only right side down).
Various and sundry vacation photos line my upstairs' hallway, awaiting hanging. I told myself I'd get to it before Labor Day, but that's still days away....
Dave's room. If only this room had more storage! While we fit two large bookcases along one wall, there's still plenty of space (and need) for more. I'm really liking the peacock blue against the mahogany wood tones -- the dark woods lend a more masculine touch to the room that suits Dave well. If I were the sole voice of decorating for this room (which I'm not), I'd really kit this out as an old-fashioned library, complete with beat up leather chair and ottoman, wall-to-wall bookshelves, brass library lamps, antique lithographs, etc. Dave, on the other hand, is already talking about putting a stringing machine and weights in here. Sigh.
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16 comments:
Averill:
I meant to comment to your first post on the house to tell you it looks AMAZING!! You're so much more on top of things than many of us would be at that stage of a move-in, and your keen sense of design is evident - to say the least!
Keep it up, and keep us posted!!
Best,
alison g.
It's looking good! The sectional looks like it fits perfectly in the den and the den looks cozy. As far as Dave and the stringing machine... too funny. I can totally relate to that. I love living with my husband, but when it comes to decorating he can rather cramp my style :-)
I love the den. It is super cozy! I can't wait to see what else you have up your sleeve!!
Wow! You do have a lot of space!
Ah, boys - I can totally relate with my husband's office!! Love the way it's coming along, and you're right - those peacock blue walls are awesome!!
It's quite challenging to take what looked great in one house and make it look equally as great in another, especially when you probably just want to start from scratch! it'll be a good exercise in creativity to rethink the items you already own and make them work. You're off to a good start!
I'm enjoying seeing the evolution of your new house. Love the bed in your 2nd guest room and the bedding too.
And just think - a long weekend ahead of you. I hope you take some time to sit back and relax!
"But screw your courage to the sticking-place, and we'll not fail."
I think it's looking fab. And when Matt and I first moved into our current house we had three spare rooms too - two guest rooms and one office!
WOw - Averill, I am LOVING your house! Decorating IS an infinite process, but you are off to a great start. The bones in your house are so good - it's the perfect frame for your decorating. Love what you did over the mantel, and that peacock blue room is fantastic. Carpe Diem Decorator!
Woman! You are amazing! You've gotten more done in a month than I have in 3 years -- and it looks fantastic!
Wow! Amazing progress!
It's really coming along, and it's even more amazing considering that you've done all that in a month. I'm not digging the blue room as it is yet though. Some extra cabinets, and perhaps wall decors would help a lot.
the dis-union is coming together - lucky you for having such an amazing new place!!!
xox
I think it's looking great. We also have 2 (3 really) spare bedrooms. I made two into spares and one into my craft room.
I just came across your blog this morning and will admit that I have spent a good 2 hours reading archives and drooling over inspiration pics. Great job...you are now on my RSS of design blogs!
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