The making of an interior decorator

<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="ArticleText"><b>  What's your interior design aesthetic?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="ArticleText">             "</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="ArticleText">"What's that you ask?  Design aesthetic? </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="ArticleText">Should I have one ?  Perhaps I do! " </span></div><br /><span class="ArticleText">This is not a question I could have answered in my teenage years, but it was those early years that laid the foundation for what I would come to understand and appreciate about design in my adult life. </span><br /><br /><span class="ArticleText"> I believe our  interior design aesthetic (aspects of interior environments we are attracted to) is developed from what we've been exposed to  through our life experiences:  the house we grew up in,  homes of friends, your home town, reading, travel, and various forms of  media, etc. </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSiLYFVoMcL33iSw-mRC-L-eZ6HPFchDZwMgLbgJdq9RQUW431yKF7gwS2ZksPz8fGblHyy0__EnaX_W98meFOBgO2DJ67k47NQepqtY7-WrhVZ_iLg-nGYPEFIBU5GDfO3OPFUWK90wy/s1600/JERSEYSIDE-499X283+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSiLYFVoMcL33iSw-mRC-L-eZ6HPFchDZwMgLbgJdq9RQUW431yKF7gwS2ZksPz8fGblHyy0__EnaX_W98meFOBgO2DJ67k47NQepqtY7-WrhVZ_iLg-nGYPEFIBU5GDfO3OPFUWK90wy/s400/JERSEYSIDE-499X283+(2).JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The road to my house just before my birth</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORST8HjiiJblDaJzXurW0mIY-Q-2KR33yXCDcJdA4SbFQxkrGPNnWgH2gO-1AaRnOO82kFuI4Zpah-p3xCqL0Uc-9cImEVUb5IJR0PRm1-ZIODYFUWamgPWR_axmjrjWdACP9_SEzQdN4/s1600/house.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORST8HjiiJblDaJzXurW0mIY-Q-2KR33yXCDcJdA4SbFQxkrGPNnWgH2gO-1AaRnOO82kFuI4Zpah-p3xCqL0Uc-9cImEVUb5IJR0PRm1-ZIODYFUWamgPWR_axmjrjWdACP9_SEzQdN4/s320/house.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My house age 8</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLFD0F7RLbXxRO17bCWJUJvbaGxKloKoUHlVRAM0coRKR9Ds3MWwVjYeSklDHFd2NRc5-HZDYnf8TOsgSJ_h1VDnDHBJBEtH7Tm-2zH_EcXnVbXjQj9KGKs8NbK45zkjnKBMbnSRhXd7c/s1600/JERSEYSIDE02-503X318+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLFD0F7RLbXxRO17bCWJUJvbaGxKloKoUHlVRAM0coRKR9Ds3MWwVjYeSklDHFd2NRc5-HZDYnf8TOsgSJ_h1VDnDHBJBEtH7Tm-2zH_EcXnVbXjQj9KGKs8NbK45zkjnKBMbnSRhXd7c/s400/JERSEYSIDE02-503X318+(2).JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="ArticleText"> Is this a town that raises a design conscious gal? </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="ArticleText">"Yep!"  </span></div><span class="ArticleText"> How did that happen? </span><br /><br /><span class="ArticleText">I was exposed to very functional decor growing up in a small town in Newfoundland in the the  50's and 60's, but there were always  handcrafted  items in our home and I was encouraged to participate in their creation. There always seemed to be lots of scraps of wool, fabric and thread around.  I  appreciated what an individual could create with very modest materials, and I  believed at an early age that I could create anything I wanted.  That's a pretty powerful beginning. </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5ThEKhSFrZ4Im7JbtoWl3KKGRVrwGgAbdr6uhs3vVRT4dKWFBPYHzgcfgJSog60YFqcCwLLwMPAJZOdkUUquMk9AbU9m_yvGM-m1CDN1XHp2rlIEwT1C_2szYIIwQOga_EiRNN3BOCH-/s1600/singer.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5ThEKhSFrZ4Im7JbtoWl3KKGRVrwGgAbdr6uhs3vVRT4dKWFBPYHzgcfgJSog60YFqcCwLLwMPAJZOdkUUquMk9AbU9m_yvGM-m1CDN1XHp2rlIEwT1C_2szYIIwQOga_EiRNN3BOCH-/s400/singer.jpg" width="400" /></a><span class="ArticleText">The Singer sewing machine got lots of use in our home. It was a sound I did homework to, read to and even made it hum myself. </span><br /><br /><span class="ArticleText">What came off it was varied: curtains, quilts, bedspreads, and even mini skirts and tent dresses. Fabric remnants came from family members in New York.  That link assured I was current in textile designs! When not sewing I was busy with  crocheting , knitting , and hooking  rugs. All added warmth to our home. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="ArticleText"><span class="ArticleText">At 13 I discovered the library in the next community and my design world expanded.  </span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="ArticleText"><span class="ArticleText"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99Daj3lLnHxUFP9G1_YcMKWTu7btEBz9TrdttjopWc1Z7edPfqrTf97dAd0eQPtwC9kbQmP-PPY6-M2sLtkHz06o1_c3ivav44SZ8GYkbxvHBkjaPTIeSjGlVZzfCZDfKpdksJaVFMtsw/s1600/1964_OLD_SCHOOL_INTERIOR_DESIGN_MID_CENTURY__MODERN24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99Daj3lLnHxUFP9G1_YcMKWTu7btEBz9TrdttjopWc1Z7edPfqrTf97dAd0eQPtwC9kbQmP-PPY6-M2sLtkHz06o1_c3ivav44SZ8GYkbxvHBkjaPTIeSjGlVZzfCZDfKpdksJaVFMtsw/s400/1964_OLD_SCHOOL_INTERIOR_DESIGN_MID_CENTURY__MODERN24.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="ArticleText"><span class="ArticleText"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFIWkvz2OLnPHGKEfkKWCGShexfz2c0qld1aek9oGoW003yjU07tZ6iZuH8hrPsUfiH1kBXAhkgAbHqiBJYGRmKKTHnldZT6VGtdZwyXMLAAkbXQQsBVb0wMw9bttFED0ibNFFUt_qYCt/s1600/may64-goodhousekeepingi23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFIWkvz2OLnPHGKEfkKWCGShexfz2c0qld1aek9oGoW003yjU07tZ6iZuH8hrPsUfiH1kBXAhkgAbHqiBJYGRmKKTHnldZT6VGtdZwyXMLAAkbXQQsBVb0wMw9bttFED0ibNFFUt_qYCt/s400/may64-goodhousekeepingi23.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Good Housekeeping</span></div><br /><span class="ArticleText"><span class="ArticleText"> </span></span><span class="ArticleText"><span class="ArticleText">There were books and magazines  that took me well beyond the small town I grew up in.  I devoured them, imagined, sketched, and rearranged our bedroom (with my sister's help) numerous times.  Mom took it all in stride. </span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="ArticleText"><span class="ArticleText"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJc9rLduFYKbNEr5nSiaSuH3tLGm8jQuUQeTGnuhGsWyIENOpLDopZfvE_gPxKGyqJWZiQY0t5D1PcF13mEygQEi56ghWcp8rAQ6emDp6meuI9nbwtICTJuyeRio9mlZS2SzyyxFXFHsH/s1600/me+sofa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="ArticleText"><span class="ArticleText"></span></span></a><span class="ArticleText"><span class="ArticleText"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJc9rLduFYKbNEr5nSiaSuH3tLGm8jQuUQeTGnuhGsWyIENOpLDopZfvE_gPxKGyqJWZiQY0t5D1PcF13mEygQEi56ghWcp8rAQ6emDp6meuI9nbwtICTJuyeRio9mlZS2SzyyxFXFHsH/s1600/me+sofa.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJc9rLduFYKbNEr5nSiaSuH3tLGm8jQuUQeTGnuhGsWyIENOpLDopZfvE_gPxKGyqJWZiQY0t5D1PcF13mEygQEi56ghWcp8rAQ6emDp6meuI9nbwtICTJuyeRio9mlZS2SzyyxFXFHsH/s320/me+sofa.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="ArticleText"><span class="ArticleText"> Quite the design statement!  I had nothing to do with this decor, but I did make the dress! Not bad for a 15 year old.  At the time, I thought I would be a fashion designer, but good old Newfoundland practicality took over.  </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="ArticleText"><span class="ArticleText"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fxj_POz1h2-saYoLFEzF5Hkkh-87PkdKAnqZ6yp6SmcrcnfojqQCdJv9L3301Ha1y10zyvIviE-oVxH-8AKX9YmSyGk1DZSfyOZMmDWwedDD2reKvc1KDqGyqWN-0BGoJjbkXL7QTdYB/s1600/UNCLE_cast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fxj_POz1h2-saYoLFEzF5Hkkh-87PkdKAnqZ6yp6SmcrcnfojqQCdJv9L3301Ha1y10zyvIviE-oVxH-8AKX9YmSyGk1DZSfyOZMmDWwedDD2reKvc1KDqGyqWN-0BGoJjbkXL7QTdYB/s400/UNCLE_cast.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span class="ArticleText"><span class="ArticleText">TV programming added to my understanding of what was in style. I jet setted around the world with The Man (Men) from Uncle without ever leaving my living room. </span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="ArticleText"><span class="ArticleText"></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="ArticleText"><span class="ArticleText"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLabBn9PwFWRuehnn4EdozNO1HyMC6efrRjBgCZTMdj4umHikOzzyavO66KGDtNA_YEm6ZP_tYxm5AhXVi8qqa2wjlqcpZnfLki3ahOCj7_mAFBt0-Jnl0qAZapq37c2DfFCEID1DSqgk/s1600/avengers_header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLabBn9PwFWRuehnn4EdozNO1HyMC6efrRjBgCZTMdj4umHikOzzyavO66KGDtNA_YEm6ZP_tYxm5AhXVi8qqa2wjlqcpZnfLki3ahOCj7_mAFBt0-Jnl0qAZapq37c2DfFCEID1DSqgk/s320/avengers_header.jpg" width="301" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="ArticleText"><span class="ArticleText"> And got my first taste of that famous British style on the Avengers. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="ArticleText"><span class="ArticleText"><br /></span></span></div><span class="ArticleText"><span class="ArticleText">What we now refer to as Mid Century Modern design was in its prime in my formative years.  For the youngun' reading this think  Mad Men. </span> </span><br /><span class="ArticleText"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgzLaD9AizoC_X4o6lvpSqmSiVe8LXog37QWHN0571jHI2W57lW67Jt0x0700_XGFnQ5Xv3CYxkAxyHmcqWr0kHvUJcOXjpoe9i6XKsVoqk6PiGVb72IpyxqPK28aR4RBUXFu-dmtJg5M/s1600/Ackerman_Good_Decor2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgzLaD9AizoC_X4o6lvpSqmSiVe8LXog37QWHN0571jHI2W57lW67Jt0x0700_XGFnQ5Xv3CYxkAxyHmcqWr0kHvUJcOXjpoe9i6XKsVoqk6PiGVb72IpyxqPK28aR4RBUXFu-dmtJg5M/s400/Ackerman_Good_Decor2.jpg" width="355" /></a><span class="ArticleText"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="ArticleText"><a href="http://www.midcenturia.com/2011_01_01_archive.html">source </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sandiv999/sets/72157621975018997/with/3843435099/"></a><span class="ArticleText"> When I was 19 I spent the summer in New York. It was a trip of firsts.  First time I went to large department stores,  first time to see art galleries,  first play.....   And what about what I saw on the streets and in store windows?  It all went in and somehow came together into a feeling, a sense of what I liked and wanted in future interiors.While this type of decorating was happening in New York.... </span></div><br /><span class="ArticleText"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="ArticleText"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSUdRsdou6mQowTmEPpHuD3Ofw0tDmzXSyyIGSI-ng1mxzyabEvdfSkKmBpEV5oXtOKbTFu0M_kyS_NlJjcL-nFL1kgILI1DXya2aAT8Pg66YzufKeZCGXbw86LZIyHyS_yZ1vTQVNxRT/s1600/Screen-Shot-2012-04-11-at-5.14.58-PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSUdRsdou6mQowTmEPpHuD3Ofw0tDmzXSyyIGSI-ng1mxzyabEvdfSkKmBpEV5oXtOKbTFu0M_kyS_NlJjcL-nFL1kgILI1DXya2aAT8Pg66YzufKeZCGXbw86LZIyHyS_yZ1vTQVNxRT/s400/Screen-Shot-2012-04-11-at-5.14.58-PM.png" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="ArticleText" style="font-size: x-small;">Albert Hadley, New York, 1971</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="ArticleText" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="ArticleText"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GltHe3rQC9SHKDGeS8Hyvdq0UmtqFFvpEKfrnc7TWZi6GN3ZXQ-AeEbunk9bHhWQ9u4rGwvAKcbOusMy8haMG9PmlHQ6bByBkzjMkPXYVQyyPwsUAKLLA7tXIlJCvc1LwLiiYxEUy3HV/s1600/70slivingroom-300x215.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GltHe3rQC9SHKDGeS8Hyvdq0UmtqFFvpEKfrnc7TWZi6GN3ZXQ-AeEbunk9bHhWQ9u4rGwvAKcbOusMy8haMG9PmlHQ6bByBkzjMkPXYVQyyPwsUAKLLA7tXIlJCvc1LwLiiYxEUy3HV/s320/70slivingroom-300x215.jpg" width="320" /></a></span> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">The average homeowner was living in this. </div><br /></div><span class="ArticleText">That was a pivotal time in my understanding of the broader world and the vast discrepancies among the homes I was used to and the homes of the "out of reach". I began to read more and think about what elements and principles interested me  in the designed interiors I was viewing on TV and reading about. My design aesthetic was forming.  </span><br /><br /><span class="ArticleText">In 1973 I got my first apartment and  it had a lively colour scheme of white with red and navy accents.  All very fresh and simple.   All second hand and dressed up with lots of covers and paint.   I moved from being a university student to a teacher - a different kind of designing! I continued to read about design and do lots of DIY projects.  </span><br /><br /><span class="ArticleText">It wasn't until the mid 80's that I decided to study interior decorating and it would be another twenty years before I officially advertized as a decorator.  I would contend I was always one. During that time I also began to paint.  It was this activity that honed my colour sense and gave me a firm understanding of the elements and principles of design.  </span><br /><br /><span class="ArticleText"> My design interests today can be traced back  to my roots as a mid century modern girl.  I still love clean design without too much "fussy".  I like  furniture with straight lines,  geometric motifs especially circles, lots of texture, light colours, hand made items and abstract art.  I describe my look  as casual contemporary with a quiet edge. </span><br /><br /><span class="ArticleText"><b>What's your design aesthetic? </b></span><br /><span class="ArticleText"><b><br /></b></span>

The making of an interior decorator

  What's your interior design aesthetic?              " "What's that you ask?  Design aesthetic? Should I have one ?  Perh...

Read more »

The dish on modern design

<br /><br />Modern style is a clean, streamlined furniture and architecture style that first appeared in the  1930s with roots in the German Bauhaus School of Design and Scandinavian modern design.   The modern movement was a response to what happened in design and history up to that point.  Art, architecture and  interior design broke from traditional detailing and styles and forged a new path. Modern design is still a prominent style in today's homes where homeowners seek original mid century modern furniture and accessories or resort to reproduction pieces. <br /><br />  Defining characteristics of  modern interior design include:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIXASDfJoT_HpQm497WhwOQpqGaoxuOQit9pig0MfFitlAcpgVLJGbnIaSBUop22mzs2fX5crLOv7pZhewjmgXfgj1CNzJrRNtcqi68dAOFBY-tmelR86-01z0A2MvlxOrvLkdCQufJjt/s1600/518d2ca633d2fc3182babe43e2b9d98e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIXASDfJoT_HpQm497WhwOQpqGaoxuOQit9pig0MfFitlAcpgVLJGbnIaSBUop22mzs2fX5crLOv7pZhewjmgXfgj1CNzJrRNtcqi68dAOFBY-tmelR86-01z0A2MvlxOrvLkdCQufJjt/s400/518d2ca633d2fc3182babe43e2b9d98e.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> John Maniscalco Architecture</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><ul><li style="text-align: center;"> simple, minimal, flat surfaces and unbroken lines </li><li style="text-align: center;">low profile furniture with raised legs for an airy look </li><li style="text-align: center;">wood floors but sometimes, cork, cement or rubber </li><li style="text-align: center;">minimal accessories </li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQPYQURtVGnOSGwBWgIaz7Rp_u5aWniTNDurtF9Bly5pC6Iw_HHzzzKmJQsICsIgWUdfXmEO2PLT02N0XpI8OnyJNev59dVg3aW_Fqejz5-Vgm6vPw32FUk99hKrPgt26SBZwx7z36bzr/s1600/18876bba61d93babb5e9c75e2a45e218.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQPYQURtVGnOSGwBWgIaz7Rp_u5aWniTNDurtF9Bly5pC6Iw_HHzzzKmJQsICsIgWUdfXmEO2PLT02N0XpI8OnyJNev59dVg3aW_Fqejz5-Vgm6vPw32FUk99hKrPgt26SBZwx7z36bzr/s400/18876bba61d93babb5e9c75e2a45e218.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><ul><li style="text-align: center;">emphasis on form, geometric shapes </li><li style="text-align: center;">large windows that let the outside in</li><li style="text-align: center;">natural elements for accessories (large plants, sculptural twigs) </li></ul></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/166716/Hillside-Sanctuary---Bedroom-Sitting-Area-by-Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design-contemporary-bedroom-san-francisco"><img border="0" height="334" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/c301a4f90db7a85f_8-9720/contemporary-bedroom.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><ul></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/kimballstarr/kimball-starr-interior-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Kimball Starr Interior Design</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><ul><li>use of metals, leather and glass</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQ_Hydo-I5uuKaP3zNxfo-f5LdqUu0FNINZqXTqQ3nn__ei4I-k_neAa5kTVZecz31LiBBH6zbmjhaoyX1p7a5ODy-Yfu9nFwKQQO9dYa39uCTUQH9WviQvaXlpmI5p9wgF8Ug6IkJs7J/s1600/178032991489242024_gmVUVTl7_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQ_Hydo-I5uuKaP3zNxfo-f5LdqUu0FNINZqXTqQ3nn__ei4I-k_neAa5kTVZecz31LiBBH6zbmjhaoyX1p7a5ODy-Yfu9nFwKQQO9dYa39uCTUQH9WviQvaXlpmI5p9wgF8Ug6IkJs7J/s400/178032991489242024_gmVUVTl7_b.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5mwKedLvAHK2VaIQPCsuGJF6_8HePa4fpE1KYS8PcueME43GVM3hm9aNFtpb7kivZOV6s0-4M9Q9j-FKSUjw7EGkAIdDjSHkMnVdPQKFl8GrgJ0wn0Q6MI6QpY5uU1BrEcAyFx794MCN/s1600/242490761156663145_Htk33HMy_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5mwKedLvAHK2VaIQPCsuGJF6_8HePa4fpE1KYS8PcueME43GVM3hm9aNFtpb7kivZOV6s0-4M9Q9j-FKSUjw7EGkAIdDjSHkMnVdPQKFl8GrgJ0wn0Q6MI6QpY5uU1BrEcAyFx794MCN/s400/242490761156663145_Htk33HMy_c.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><ul></ul><ul><li> molded plywood, clear and white plastics for furniture </li></ul></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyafSgs_L0A5o09XLkWrZvL0c3_vJj2YU97etphCXDGVra6Cr1bxqZrq38L0zJC9flr66at5nktlhXJijtjY3pQ2zpxaHc2sMCLZGZoF9lBeeikqtk0sU6R9WqQlP6D9GMUVRBeNdMHDnj/s1600/134545107587674550_kHlMjylx_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyafSgs_L0A5o09XLkWrZvL0c3_vJj2YU97etphCXDGVra6Cr1bxqZrq38L0zJC9flr66at5nktlhXJijtjY3pQ2zpxaHc2sMCLZGZoF9lBeeikqtk0sU6R9WqQlP6D9GMUVRBeNdMHDnj/s640/134545107587674550_kHlMjylx_b.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">  </div><ul style="text-align: center;"><li> simple or no hardware </li></ul><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4arhuB25WW0pRViHa4GQE3fw0XRoTRbZn7Pvn1yYttggmS8kPhqS-NY1ZHf7IkwZaohhbAi8HFzZ547temLggoIJkPQzpZ2E2kDtbDkC6_5Xtv46elE1NkVWLEdUHp5WwYlauLYbZRJCh/s1600/00423d4d305ba9bf04179e1c0fd217aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4arhuB25WW0pRViHa4GQE3fw0XRoTRbZn7Pvn1yYttggmS8kPhqS-NY1ZHf7IkwZaohhbAi8HFzZ547temLggoIJkPQzpZ2E2kDtbDkC6_5Xtv46elE1NkVWLEdUHp5WwYlauLYbZRJCh/s640/00423d4d305ba9bf04179e1c0fd217aa.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1lYOE-f9KtE1GngZXSOPbIVX7v70xH9rs7SpI5RZgBYviQXf7jXZg9ylh7JjqDEDV7_8kBPJD4n1b5n-96NwloXy8KIJ90tKAFymogEKT0Buk0-t5_Woi14l40CBzhKS7dcL0rhkbwn9m/s1600/4896a7302e9ffbcbc2672020cd590dc0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1lYOE-f9KtE1GngZXSOPbIVX7v70xH9rs7SpI5RZgBYviQXf7jXZg9ylh7JjqDEDV7_8kBPJD4n1b5n-96NwloXy8KIJ90tKAFymogEKT0Buk0-t5_Woi14l40CBzhKS7dcL0rhkbwn9m/s400/4896a7302e9ffbcbc2672020cd590dc0.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">George Nijland</div><ul style="text-align: center;"><li> predominately light walls, especially white</li><li>controlled use of pure colours in furniture/accessories ( mostly red, yellow, blue) </li><li>use of texture  </li><li>use of art to add colour,  design elements and a focal point</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyiICygEnmqnUmiUI2_1vD1A-A9_PHDSf6vTwZCnhGzmao-dyu3-tMqDrHRkCuNLLHtzhGqibdDs6SlfonAoWWlde1b2umDyY_jPP3jAEFyFwe6C5Hi6Nd9f7UQ4LuI7yzcSxiqtx5LRv/s1600/Mid_1959_clr.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE99WqJV8pV1kVXfzXZwhU2U07ciehklWOoVZQt7u4n67HE31vL0T08ZQkqiRUxykq-vlG2fm5xmCeCxqeVq2gNVO-N5dp1k28UktdXojZ0dsUeYdXPwRJFlQc6GOhE84IlTSDit4R2lXD/s1600/33337445b5ffe563b039b26c625146d5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE99WqJV8pV1kVXfzXZwhU2U07ciehklWOoVZQt7u4n67HE31vL0T08ZQkqiRUxykq-vlG2fm5xmCeCxqeVq2gNVO-N5dp1k28UktdXojZ0dsUeYdXPwRJFlQc6GOhE84IlTSDit4R2lXD/s400/33337445b5ffe563b039b26c625146d5.jpg" width="307" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHh6BsBMPnl4EcZ71cIKfnqXyZU1lRjSzJ1gPCNpCRuWfacgrob1rCK6VE59ZYDdfHnC710aWK4OEWN9IAuYbxfioKhGGgyKbU6wJORqbTUEXMg78UAYk8khC6vuezKnejqB8k2cRyMjv/s1600/214695107207172933_MGdJyQ9r_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHh6BsBMPnl4EcZ71cIKfnqXyZU1lRjSzJ1gPCNpCRuWfacgrob1rCK6VE59ZYDdfHnC710aWK4OEWN9IAuYbxfioKhGGgyKbU6wJORqbTUEXMg78UAYk8khC6vuezKnejqB8k2cRyMjv/s400/214695107207172933_MGdJyQ9r_c.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">  use of geometric patterning </div><br /><ul></ul><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUAHYuxV73G1qOfw_5CCgUsFDy1PYolqiX9HF-FP9LTTx6TkZkzUqZlPn7Cd3OI5pwbIoCvVNeIbsZR255gzOz7Pfhr4nq6slf3exM1Iokf3q9Gv1hQoQXSQfy7_IfCs9R5vphF0sSBOG/s1600/130641801e17595cfbc670c72fc60632.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUAHYuxV73G1qOfw_5CCgUsFDy1PYolqiX9HF-FP9LTTx6TkZkzUqZlPn7Cd3OI5pwbIoCvVNeIbsZR255gzOz7Pfhr4nq6slf3exM1Iokf3q9Gv1hQoQXSQfy7_IfCs9R5vphF0sSBOG/s640/130641801e17595cfbc670c72fc60632.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><br />Many of the iconic furniture pieces of mid century design are still reproduced today and this confuses people because modern  is not that new! What some consider leading edge has been popular since the middle of the century.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PUirg6n45vyUvbHmpim80fQjxNWN7PWvFPphJ5FMQb-Qxa_85VrXwicD-rc-AKIFY20cpgWldPW8MWWbeqCSoMTWzVWxq4_1zk4e6_S5SC3g0h8KlNF47sP3rsBBWC2vZDdgD4WTsqSw/s1600/bda100f7d4954f66967aacfd157e4a2d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PUirg6n45vyUvbHmpim80fQjxNWN7PWvFPphJ5FMQb-Qxa_85VrXwicD-rc-AKIFY20cpgWldPW8MWWbeqCSoMTWzVWxq4_1zk4e6_S5SC3g0h8KlNF47sP3rsBBWC2vZDdgD4WTsqSw/s400/bda100f7d4954f66967aacfd157e4a2d.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><br /> One of the strongest trends in home decor  today is to mix  modern pieces with contemporary decor.   The overall tone of this room is mid century  modern , but the severity of line and the more minimal approach has been softened with accessories.  Removing flowers, books, vases and pillows would create a truly modern decor.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLffyEQ00heD9mdrZF0ZHJsQKgvNOg57lSCbbq6BsJPxHlOHUSMGNGulW7AurIgUojglpcJ4g98p7Q5PYJtCG2v_PG8olhfR0bhg3Xy1uQKPPZ1dcHODRbWMYDvRW7lzyA-tu1RR_m8-nF/s1600/DSCN8736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLffyEQ00heD9mdrZF0ZHJsQKgvNOg57lSCbbq6BsJPxHlOHUSMGNGulW7AurIgUojglpcJ4g98p7Q5PYJtCG2v_PG8olhfR0bhg3Xy1uQKPPZ1dcHODRbWMYDvRW7lzyA-tu1RR_m8-nF/s400/DSCN8736.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> In my own home I like to mix mid century modern  pieces like the dresser, bed and chair with softer accents and a range of patterns and textures. <br /><br /><br /><div style="overflow: hidden;"><br /><br /></div>

The dish on modern design

Modern style is a clean, streamlined furniture and architecture style that first appeared in the  1930s with roots in the German Bauhaus Sc...

Read more »

10 Iconic furniture designs

<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Continuing on from my previous post, I'm exploring some of the iconic furniture styles that were designed mid century and still are sought for  contemporary decor. Here are 10 of my favourites. </i></div><div style="color: #444444;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Eero Saarinen</b><i> </i><b>Womb Chair</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/50706/Lake-District-Residence---san-francisco"><img alt="Lake District Residence " border="0" height="668" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/50706_0_8-8154--.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/dijeaupoage/dijeau-poage-construction" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Dijeau Poage Construction</a></small></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><i> The beautiful Womb Chair, designed by <b>Eero Saarinen</b> for  Florence Knoll in 1948, is  available in many vivid colours. This green is perfect with the pale floors and gray walls.  </i></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><b>The Eames Molded Plywood Chair</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/38458/Amoroso-Design-modern-living-room-san-francisco"><img alt="Amoroso Design modern living room" border="0" height="334" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/38458_0_8-9711-modern-living-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/amorosodesign/amoroso-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Amoroso Design</a></small><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Time  Magazine called The <b>Eames</b> Molded Plywood Chair "the best design of the 20th century" and it continues to be a staple into the 21 century. It was designed by <b>Charles and Ray Eames </b>in 1946 for Herman Miller.  </i><small><br /></small></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><b>Arne Jacobsen</b><b> </b><b>Series 7 Chair </b><i><b></b></i><br /><i><br /></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/10850/---C-O-B-U-R-N---A-R-C-H-I-T-E-C-T-U-R-E----contemporary-dining-room-new-york"><img alt="|| C O B U R N - A R C H I T E C T U R E || contemporary dining room" border="0" height="552" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/10850_0_8-5229-contemporary-dining-room.jpg" width="414" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/cwbarchitects/cwb-architects" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">CWB Architects</a></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><i> <b>Arne Jacobsen </b>designed this chair in  1955. </i><i>The curves  move your eyes in a restful rhythm and there is such softness to the overall look. </i><i> I love the colour of these  particular chairs and the shape has always appealed to me. </i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><i><b><i>Arne</i> Jacobsen Egg Chair</b></i><br /><i><b><br /></b></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/626109/Vintage-Furniture-modern-bedroom-los-angeles"><img alt="Vintage Furniture modern bedroom" border="0" height="334" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/626109_0_8-2646-modern-bedroom.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/bafx/david-lauer-photography" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">David Lauer Photography</a></small></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i> <b><i>Arne</i> Jacobsen </b>designed the <i>egg chair</i> in 1958 for the Radisson Royal Hotel. I visited Prague this past summer and this was the style of chair in one of the lounges.  They are super comfortable. </i></div><br /><b><i> George Nelson  Platform Bench </i></b><br /><b><i> </i></b><small> </small></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/117382/pearl-district-loft---entry-modern-entry-portland"><img alt="pearl district loft - entry modern entry" border="0" height="680" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/117382_0_8-6353-modern-entry.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/sbaird/sbaird-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">SBaird Design</a></small></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The  <b><i>George Nelson</i></b> Platform Bench manufactured by Herman Miller</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><i>You see the George Nelson Platform Bench quite frequently in trade magazines .  It is very versatile and works equally well as a coffee table or a bench.  Place it in a hallway, at the end of your bed, in an entrance where space is at a premium.  or in a living room. </i> </div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="viewGalleryItemContainer viewGalleryItemSeparator"><tbody><tr><td><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>                                                    <b> </b></i><b> Florence Knoll </b><b> Lounge Settee</b></span></div></td></tr><tr><td class=""><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><small> </small></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/787045/European-Salon-traditional-entry-minneapolis"><img alt="European Salon traditional entry" border="0" height="750" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/787045_0_8-4058-traditional-entry.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/lucyinteriordesign/lucy-interior-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Lucy Interior Design</a></small><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>This beautiful,  white <b>Florence Knoll </b></i><i><b> </b>Lounge Settee fits perfectly in this tiny space. The straight lines, tubted back and seat provide all t he detail that is needed to see why this is a  highly popular design in the 21 century.    </i></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span><br /><b> Isamu Noguchi Coffee Table </b><br /><i><b> </b> </i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnBhv5XFrI5SZhfLhK0DgJ_vVxYQOgbxjvx7r7Icj19nGXEs7yyxaNbdanR55doanSwteLjlfMiuAvikJg6LH3Lkgf97zsiwBXnkwj1kfRMsdSNvE9uSMMr2A5zDVjLxRP5x9Osr6ocTM/s1600/126734176983451388_XQHeU1r6_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnBhv5XFrI5SZhfLhK0DgJ_vVxYQOgbxjvx7r7Icj19nGXEs7yyxaNbdanR55doanSwteLjlfMiuAvikJg6LH3Lkgf97zsiwBXnkwj1kfRMsdSNvE9uSMMr2A5zDVjLxRP5x9Osr6ocTM/s400/126734176983451388_XQHeU1r6_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><a href="http://curiousorange-caryn.blogspot.ca/2010_04_01_archive.html"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">source</span></span></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><i>  <b>Isamu Noguchi</b> tables are widely available and relatively affordable. They were in constant production from 1947 until 1973, and then returned to production in 1984, and  are still available.  Because of its rounded triangular shape it works well with one edge parallel to a sofa and the the other two edges facing two chairs on angles.  I have also seen it used to great effect with a sectional sofa and a chair arrangement. </i><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Wegner Wishbone Chair </b></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/22199/Design-Public--Dwell-Studio---other-metros"><img alt="Design Public, Dwell Studio " border="0" height="348" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/22199_0_8-0780--.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Have you ever seen The Wishbone Chair in anyone's home?  It is i probably the most popular <b>Hans J. Wegner</b> chair because its rounded style fits with so many other different styles of  furniture. .  This  designer <b> </b>began his career as a cabinetmaker and then spent time as a furniture designer with  Arne Jacobsen's architectural practice. The <b>Nelson </b>Pendant light is another iconic mid century design. </i><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Nelson Bubble Light  </b></div></div><table class="shareTable" id="shareTable" style="display: block;"><tbody></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/51197/Kitchen-design-contemporary-kitchen-new-york" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kitchen design contemporary kitchen" border="0" height="658" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/51197_0_8-1982-contemporary-kitchen.jpg" width="445" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Urban Homes</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><i>The first Nelson Bubble Light was designed by George Nelson in 1947.  They are hanging shades comprised of sculptural wire skeletons covered in translucent plastic. There are a variety of forms including: the Propeller, the Cigar, the Crisscross, the Ball, the Saucer, the Apple, the Pear, and the Lantern which are still in production today. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">.<b>Cherner Armchair  Side Chair</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/75287/Dining-Room-modern-dining-room-boston"><img alt="Dining Room modern dining room" border="0" height="640" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/75287_0_8-4625-modern-dining-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/modern/dining-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/rlreider/rachel-reider-interiors" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Rachel Reider Interiors</a></small><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Norman  Cherner designed this beautifully curved chair in 1958 and it went out of production in the 70'd. His sons started producing them again in 1999. </i></div><br /><br />Do you have a favourite? <br /><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/51197/Kitchen-design-contemporary-kitchen-new-york" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><small> <br /> </small></div>

10 Iconic furniture designs

Continuing on from my previous post, I'm exploring some of the iconic furniture styles that were designed mid century and still are soug...

Read more »

Make mine MCM

  I'm a baby boomer who  loves a sleek, open and slightly boxy look and  hates "do dads".  I was chatting with a  friend the other day and  praised  the mid century modern  (MCM)  period in home decor and was met with a quizzical look.  "Ah", I thought a good topic for a blog post.<br /><br />Just as the name implies, this style  spanned a period of roughly thirty years  in the middle of the 20th century, from the mid-1940s to 1970. This fresh aesthetic developed  after  the Second World War when there was a desire to  recast earlier design to be more in keeping with  the bold new world that was expected.  <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCF9Y5M_3OpBHby-qodrjrSCgExn7f0xvJCPdXBqsuIz4kLNaGqHPoB0bmuO7QwKEjiLUTvJH9QO1RgOlds8bxZYxk_lOiGI06qqZ_IfQxXlAAblBGBwP4guwIsLoI4UhyphenhyphengMffFyo4Gb_/s1600/hg_c3224_M2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCF9Y5M_3OpBHby-qodrjrSCgExn7f0xvJCPdXBqsuIz4kLNaGqHPoB0bmuO7QwKEjiLUTvJH9QO1RgOlds8bxZYxk_lOiGI06qqZ_IfQxXlAAblBGBwP4guwIsLoI4UhyphenhyphengMffFyo4Gb_/s640/hg_c3224_M2.jpg" width="640" /></a> <span class="ArticleText"><b> <span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/articles/articledetails.aspx?ContentId=3224&cat=1&by=3">HGTV </a></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Mid century modern  took from the simplicity of Scandinavian design and gained inspiration from the earlier Bauhaus style in Germany. <span class="ArticleText">During that period of time architects like Frank Lloyd Wright were designing  using organic, natural shapes  and bringing a whole new aesthetic to design.  This was also the era of mass production of furniture and accessories which made them more accessible to the average family.</span><br /><br />The elements of MCM I like best are the  pared-down forms, contemporary patterns and  natural materials.  <br /><span class="ArticleText">I like to pick and  choose aspects from this design era and mix them with contemporary pieces. The 50's space age look -</span> metal and mesh chairs,  sunburst clocks, bubble lamps and pole tension lights- <span class="ArticleText">is not to my personal taste, but I love to see it paired in someone else's decor. </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="ArticleText">If you want to reference a mid century modern look in your decor consider the following:  </span></div><br /><span class="ArticleText"></span><br /><div style="color: #424242; font: 12px Arial; margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> Choose round and sleek </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="viewGalleryItemWideImage" style="background-color: #f4f4e9; width: 640px;"><a class="noHoverLink" href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/166092/Gary-Hutton-Lagoon-House-contemporary-dining-room-san-francisco" style="display: inline; float: left; height: 398px; overflow: hidden; width: 640px;"> <img alt="contemporary dining room by Gary Hutton" id="galleryImg14" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/166092_0_4-6298-contemporary-dining-room.jpg" style="float: left; height: 480px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: -41px; width: 640px;" /> </a> <br /><div class="viewGalleryItemCreditBg" style="left: 330px; text-align: center; top: 373px;">by <a class="colorLink" href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/sfgar/gary-hutton">Gary Hutton</a></div><div class="viewGalleryItemCreditBg" style="left: 330px; top: 373px;">  </div></div><div class="thBuzz"><br /><a href="http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/384599" target="_blank">Saarinen Executive Chairs</a>, a <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/169432" target="_blank">Florence Knoll table</a> and a <a href="http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/344456" target="_blank">PH Pendant</a> create the ultimate mid-century dining area.   The MCM  look is  about spaciousness and light. Think lots of windows, minimal walls,  clean and sparse styling with eye-catching elements.   The rounded lines and monochromatic colour scheme here produces a very calming look. I particularly like the tone of green which is similar to the wall colour in the room below.  Versions of George Nelson's bubble fixtures are still found in today's decor. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamOWInw5fWnpb7WFE_AVaieSnXf_HhnBm7wCrhwT4HZJKRC38DQUpXwj3WCNsk0GFfDCOkKgeL7IsNa_dIH7HPnxq-TQC6VJZcsgeE0R2YfN8YyQe0rLJovFXn97MygaSGimHerewtM_6/s1600/DSCN8196_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamOWInw5fWnpb7WFE_AVaieSnXf_HhnBm7wCrhwT4HZJKRC38DQUpXwj3WCNsk0GFfDCOkKgeL7IsNa_dIH7HPnxq-TQC6VJZcsgeE0R2YfN8YyQe0rLJovFXn97MygaSGimHerewtM_6/s400/DSCN8196_01.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Margaret Ryall</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> Even mid century styled  rectangular furniture often had slightly  rounded edges as seen in this  hand crafted dining room furniture.   </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Explore Medium Toned Wooden Furniture</b></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/167108/Mid-century-style-entry-modern-entry-los-angeles"><img alt="Mid-century style entry modern entry" border="0" height="640" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/167108_0_8-1227-modern-entry.jpg" width="445" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/bafx/david-lauer-photography" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">David Lauer Photography</a></small><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/30054/Niche-Interiors--San-Francisco-Interior-Design-Services-modern-living-room-san-francisco"><img alt="Niche Interiors: San Francisco Interior Design Services modern living room" border="0" height="672" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/30054_0_8-2565-modern-living-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/san-francisco" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/nicheinteriors/niche-interiors" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Niche Interiors</a></small><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><small> </small> As this era was about embracing nature, lighter  woods such as teak, oak and fir made their way into living rooms.  </div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Use  mid century modern  materials </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>While the use of wood was a prominent feature of mid century modern decor, man made materials were just as prominent. Plastic including Bakelite on table tops, along with Plexiglass and Lucite, were all the rage.Other common materials wer  molded plywood and  wire mesh.   A good example of  how plastic was molded and is still popular today is  the tulip chair by Saaranin.<br /><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/661271/Kitchen-table-modern-kitchen-minneapolis"><img alt="Kitchen table modern kitchen" border="0" height="666" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/661271_0_8-4430-modern-kitchen.jpg" width="500" /></a></div></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/photographer/san-francisco" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/kengutmakerphotography/ken-gutmaker-architectural-photography" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Ken Gutmaker Architectural Photography</a></small></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Use bold textures and colours </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/103083/Living-Room-modern-living-room-boston"><img alt="Living Room modern living room" border="0" height="684" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/103083_0_8-2030-modern-living-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/krivoli/kristen-rivoli-interior-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Kristen Rivoli Interior Design</a></small></div><br /><small><span style="font-size: small;">There are so many mid century modern designs that are still popular today that I'll need another post to do them justice. Stay tuned.  </span></small><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>

Make mine MCM

  I'm a baby boomer who  loves a sleek, open and slightly boxy look and  hates "do dads".  I was chatting with a  friend the o...

Read more »

Sneak peek

It seems I've been in the middle of a bedroom update forever.  It takes so long when you are doing things yourself.  This is the before picture.  My husband loves black and I love geometric patterns.  Everything in this picture including the carpet and window seat are gone or going. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtm4YlJjVvsJQVqVNhxM9Wa2_inHtDWLQZ7AT6siZhjpLExls7-KuIB9KtEGlo4dsE8E8og5v7EvM72BPsW-J-MxULJWv32ux6viHO_yuonfgQ-sQgcHCLqb6vcUxQBoDzTOQHTHx8BoAC/s1600/DSCN386966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtm4YlJjVvsJQVqVNhxM9Wa2_inHtDWLQZ7AT6siZhjpLExls7-KuIB9KtEGlo4dsE8E8og5v7EvM72BPsW-J-MxULJWv32ux6viHO_yuonfgQ-sQgcHCLqb6vcUxQBoDzTOQHTHx8BoAC/s640/DSCN386966.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The new look will be the opposite to the strong contrast of this one. </div><br />The new look:<br />Soft and serene, no one thing standing out- harmonized to the hilt<br />Lots of textures and gentle patterns<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqy5vzKFpaKes42YTFuwgzp0xQqO8tTmk4JZ2CTTWfGn36xCai-ecBPzGwzVvwvr37YcgCxvfP4DM5SipzRSRfCiJRKDvHpUfBolVBpkM7cHVV7-w7-EIlZ5zQbc4PNBEgipeAgxLlXihN/s1600/DSCN813966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqy5vzKFpaKes42YTFuwgzp0xQqO8tTmk4JZ2CTTWfGn36xCai-ecBPzGwzVvwvr37YcgCxvfP4DM5SipzRSRfCiJRKDvHpUfBolVBpkM7cHVV7-w7-EIlZ5zQbc4PNBEgipeAgxLlXihN/s640/DSCN813966.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> My new duvet cover is very patterned but soft looking.I'm still working on accessory pillows to play with this design. I like to do that when everything else is completed.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLg75OtFE0OtTup48eVBRvjK_T2dFeEB65B8a7l7wCHcdh01A450jmP1TXXZvWAW3gxvJRk6KMcfNIy57eawCQC927h_HcRjd4vWUyRTZ1NFBumVbUtYgdP7ivuVwq-rEZcgRBnJ32JgFc/s1600/DSCN810866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLg75OtFE0OtTup48eVBRvjK_T2dFeEB65B8a7l7wCHcdh01A450jmP1TXXZvWAW3gxvJRk6KMcfNIy57eawCQC927h_HcRjd4vWUyRTZ1NFBumVbUtYgdP7ivuVwq-rEZcgRBnJ32JgFc/s400/DSCN810866.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Love this basket I found at Winners.  Don't like the dark interior so a little spray paint will be in order.  I want some  very tall  natural colour sticks to put in it.  Still looking. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOT6tAhgPR95-dTmgDVfzCPWXULwSyA6kZ3-W7AR0ceAimc34FfeVljEGKXGPuJckNkIdFQSKiFkPR17YjJ3plopMNNj4qUgnvgcG9f1Wom5bc9CaDkla8U_OnzX6l8yO6IuXOzJrvxCq6/s1600/DSCN811666.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOT6tAhgPR95-dTmgDVfzCPWXULwSyA6kZ3-W7AR0ceAimc34FfeVljEGKXGPuJckNkIdFQSKiFkPR17YjJ3plopMNNj4qUgnvgcG9f1Wom5bc9CaDkla8U_OnzX6l8yO6IuXOzJrvxCq6/s400/DSCN811666.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gMOYCA_iOSKEYoG3tCE7AKnBIcezXHFCbB_kWBgvRZC_Aw9hBwXlt6za3FFiYX5T6U34dFTfL4iZ11Pzw6DWYEMmKVWRNEew2kqXhoAT_DkE3uBl-WbxkHngijY9GldVz5c8bSoUMWmm/s1600/DSCN810966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div> New light fixture from Rona.  I spied this when I was shopping with a client and loved it.  When I went back to buy it,  both styles were marked down to $20.00!  I bought  one of each.  Here's the other style just waiting for a new home possibly in my summer house.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9o6qcBXt6zkvUJOMwWQV5P3dUghJUmbrOepJ-NmIP5q8cqV_fDEUMf-6-tijv0p-Kzm9lU929cYQ07Jxcodf6z6XgZIwh46vIs3LH8yumNX6U4RX9qzL7nWqvD0V_KkYwD1vcHedH-NY/s1600/DSCN814066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9o6qcBXt6zkvUJOMwWQV5P3dUghJUmbrOepJ-NmIP5q8cqV_fDEUMf-6-tijv0p-Kzm9lU929cYQ07Jxcodf6z6XgZIwh46vIs3LH8yumNX6U4RX9qzL7nWqvD0V_KkYwD1vcHedH-NY/s400/DSCN814066.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGi3uPe6JCfVejsxeVG7f4QjlAjUAMAG1oBpXPf1O5uU2Rk_iFjYprTHc0lYCXuVMtLFhFty0HxWfue8jN0F8UA2MYZomS_zWBFBLEo2D0tXBQCfqw4GUnqe59ffKt5vEe7NO5J9hAQE98/s1600/DSCN812966.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGi3uPe6JCfVejsxeVG7f4QjlAjUAMAG1oBpXPf1O5uU2Rk_iFjYprTHc0lYCXuVMtLFhFty0HxWfue8jN0F8UA2MYZomS_zWBFBLEo2D0tXBQCfqw4GUnqe59ffKt5vEe7NO5J9hAQE98/s400/DSCN812966.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> My refinished oak mid century modern bureau.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZG8Fxr91ffAQKKzBjl16BmsEebOJP8Ukc7d3BKARycY8OTP8FtSHNdRz2CUFs0LSkJJU6XCRyDbsyODYFJSR0t1MVV79HJrwYG811PaZ8-V5D5ZPpZv0_kIh3MHQBJ0uVGZ3dcp0VXFUY/s1600/DSCN813166.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZG8Fxr91ffAQKKzBjl16BmsEebOJP8Ukc7d3BKARycY8OTP8FtSHNdRz2CUFs0LSkJJU6XCRyDbsyODYFJSR0t1MVV79HJrwYG811PaZ8-V5D5ZPpZv0_kIh3MHQBJ0uVGZ3dcp0VXFUY/s640/DSCN813166.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">   Can you believe that I had this beauty in my studio? I stripped it, sanded, created a grayed green wash (water and paint), brushed it on, wiped it off, dried overnight,  and then applied a coat of satin varathane. I left the exposed border and areas behind the drawers natural colour. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You can see that I like my hardwood light no matter what the current trends!  This mirror is temporary until I can bring the one I want back from my summer house. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinysO6BOLAKALzbK2_TQKOXw9UhkTDRPlpSqIkIqGB_mLdQnZGFTFPNtbo1pGW21wPSHTjBA7EdA_31YuOotX_KQ6-Z4qUggirx0J0GhRlkjcbFwMfiIFXcUKDQ2Cf1Irkr-FxaEfOw2I5/s1600/DSCN811066.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinysO6BOLAKALzbK2_TQKOXw9UhkTDRPlpSqIkIqGB_mLdQnZGFTFPNtbo1pGW21wPSHTjBA7EdA_31YuOotX_KQ6-Z4qUggirx0J0GhRlkjcbFwMfiIFXcUKDQ2Cf1Irkr-FxaEfOw2I5/s400/DSCN811066.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Handy hubby made dividers for the skinny top drawer and now I have a very tidy storage space for all my jewellrey.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq44DL0Vrb2VPyFQ96unLlBxk-X1QVT9CQzBy1jVNyDhNbFt0tcUl3s8fTuD7IzFsCiKCTJWMEwblDp1T1ysSlgprMsPpDA93FbXHKRCesR_nsm3GnbmuGcTqTks44Vj8A6FDp_A98yqSN/s1600/DSCN811266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq44DL0Vrb2VPyFQ96unLlBxk-X1QVT9CQzBy1jVNyDhNbFt0tcUl3s8fTuD7IzFsCiKCTJWMEwblDp1T1ysSlgprMsPpDA93FbXHKRCesR_nsm3GnbmuGcTqTks44Vj8A6FDp_A98yqSN/s400/DSCN811266.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> New tray from my sister, two vases originally black got the spray paint treatment. Still working on the arrangement of all these piece and still collecting. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOT6tAhgPR95-dTmgDVfzCPWXULwSyA6kZ3-W7AR0ceAimc34FfeVljEGKXGPuJckNkIdFQSKiFkPR17YjJ3plopMNNj4qUgnvgcG9f1Wom5bc9CaDkla8U_OnzX6l8yO6IuXOzJrvxCq6/s1600/DSCN811666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjbye7TvKNyZuJpRSNZ52-OTSNULX5UeZEDB8PuqquwPHaOzgJv4Q92nnO3Ay3cQ737pEqJnrlWQ0tWCT_RxoNPlCrjYeS8dHLQbjeZpzvE1o2zjbRycutibr6i1f-WLAyg_8UW62Ila2/s1600/DSCN812666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjbye7TvKNyZuJpRSNZ52-OTSNULX5UeZEDB8PuqquwPHaOzgJv4Q92nnO3Ay3cQ737pEqJnrlWQ0tWCT_RxoNPlCrjYeS8dHLQbjeZpzvE1o2zjbRycutibr6i1f-WLAyg_8UW62Ila2/s320/DSCN812666.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />One of my  mixed media art works called Turning Point, new drapes which are tone on tone with the wall colour - Benjamin Moore AF Collector's Item.  I can't praise this colour enough if you want a warm, soft neutral for any room in your house. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEu3ioXU6LHBEOy2eVnZCuNTJywx-qD2gJwDgBNvOZcY3Ypwm123_jqcKwnvTzW17Ge9tis0fOSpxQUKdzMzHZlH6HwpSAXbXIjvP_dfE_f2qiE3ulJ31sxlWW-ZIl3x4v2zV9pwDV8Txd/s1600/DSCN813466.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEu3ioXU6LHBEOy2eVnZCuNTJywx-qD2gJwDgBNvOZcY3Ypwm123_jqcKwnvTzW17Ge9tis0fOSpxQUKdzMzHZlH6HwpSAXbXIjvP_dfE_f2qiE3ulJ31sxlWW-ZIl3x4v2zV9pwDV8Txd/s400/DSCN813466.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />More art work.  I'll always love this piece created by a friend  <a href="http://www.cathydriedzic.ca%20%20/">Cathy Driedzic</a>.    I'm working on a new painting for over the bed.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdLdeXSdmiyocNYal5_JB-JA7t50BWZbbNvido8yp0Gixm4C4IVLUXBGj7N3Qiw5EFqiyB-Rh-TTLQYQVk3SB7yZalOczrtxi14sDS1XyfFiwA_bZFSsb9ArIc9Gre9e3I_fxPvubl8GP/s1600/DSCN812766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdLdeXSdmiyocNYal5_JB-JA7t50BWZbbNvido8yp0Gixm4C4IVLUXBGj7N3Qiw5EFqiyB-Rh-TTLQYQVk3SB7yZalOczrtxi14sDS1XyfFiwA_bZFSsb9ArIc9Gre9e3I_fxPvubl8GP/s400/DSCN812766.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> This trunk/bench  is currently being used in place of my built in window seat which had to be removed to lay the hardwood.  Haven't decided if it will stay here or go to the other side of the room where is originally resided. Colour Benjamin Moore AF Wind Chime<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGi3uPe6JCfVejsxeVG7f4QjlAjUAMAG1oBpXPf1O5uU2Rk_iFjYprTHc0lYCXuVMtLFhFty0HxWfue8jN0F8UA2MYZomS_zWBFBLEo2D0tXBQCfqw4GUnqe59ffKt5vEe7NO5J9hAQE98/s1600/DSCN812966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRORJ_yRwigoD-_ucR8MlgyjC_84dlXvgbxLPzvLAObWlbSkq98m5qg8jD4lWkblmpuwYn-kJcVOYNvHJC1I5h2ZOK27ULAONNSXeWENoMafrxBospJaCNcAvwZHVfqcTPPEaeH-hZCUCZ/s1600/DSCN813266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRORJ_yRwigoD-_ucR8MlgyjC_84dlXvgbxLPzvLAObWlbSkq98m5qg8jD4lWkblmpuwYn-kJcVOYNvHJC1I5h2ZOK27ULAONNSXeWENoMafrxBospJaCNcAvwZHVfqcTPPEaeH-hZCUCZ/s400/DSCN813266.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> How it currently looks.  Painting is coming down because it is lost in this space. One nail hole to fill in. It will probably go on the wall by the closet - nice narrow space for it. <br /><br />An there you have it.  We are moving to a king size bed and trying to decide on a design for hubby to make.  Too many ideas, too many discussions, and not a lot of patience because I want it done, like yesterday.  The full reveal will come later.  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEu3ioXU6LHBEOy2eVnZCuNTJywx-qD2gJwDgBNvOZcY3Ypwm123_jqcKwnvTzW17Ge9tis0fOSpxQUKdzMzHZlH6HwpSAXbXIjvP_dfE_f2qiE3ulJ31sxlWW-ZIl3x4v2zV9pwDV8Txd/s1600/DSCN813466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br />

Sneak peek

It seems I've been in the middle of a bedroom update forever.  It takes so long when you are doing things yourself.  This is the before ...

Read more »