10: Eye Candy

Well, it's been almost a month since we have taken possession of our new home. I anticipated I would have the house together sooner than I thought. That hasn't been the case. Yesterday I finally completed our eat in kitchen.

What's better than a little eye candy on a Saturday morning while you're reading and enjoying your coffee?

I had originally purchased this cowhide for my living room, but decided it looked much better with my reclaimed table.

I have been swooning over reclaimed tables FOREVER, after lots of searching I am so happy with the look!

09: Rug Envy

Ever thought you would grow tired of shopping? I have. I have been searching high and low for a living room area rug.

Here are some of the options I have been considering:

 

 

 

Can you guess which one I chose?

In the end, I had some serious cowhide envy. I fell in love with the look. After more research I also learned how durable cowhides are, and with two kids that is my second concern next to appearance.

08: Living Room Storyboard

Our builder finally set our possession date, July 25th! It's been a whirlwind few months and I am eager to settle down in the new house. 

Yesterday my goodies arrived from Pottery Barn. I tired my hardest to not open them, wanting to keep them boxed for the move but I just had to peek! I ordered the Carter console and side table, which I had been swooning over for a while now. 

Below is my living story board. The majority of these items have already been purchased but are unfortunately sitting boxed in my current living room (at least my son thinks they are awesome new toys to climb on).

07: An unexpected hiatus

I am back! Can you believe what a long hiatus I took from blogging? I can't! I do have a good excuse for disappearing so suddenly, in case you were wondering. My hiatus started with returning to work and continued as we found out that we were pregnant with our 2nd child. It ended with me going on maternity leave and purchasing our 1st house!

I also stopped blogging because I was becoming increasingly discouraged of DIY'in a rented house; My ideas were becoming monotonous. After all, how many changes can you TRULY make to a house that you don't own? That is why I am excited to be moving into our new home!

Here is the floor plan along with some pictures from my design board, which were an inspiration for my interior design. I've already purchased some of the larger pieces of furniture (pictured) for our house.

Stay tuned as I blog about designing each room... This is going to be very exciting! 

Entry 06: Pleated Table Runner

~ Inspiration Photo ~

I love these simple and rustic table runners, but you know me I'm not going to shell out the $63.00 they are asking. So, here goes........

Step One: Measure and cut to fit your table. I allowed for 4 inches overhang on each side.

Step Two: Hem both sides of the runner.

Step Three: Pin and measure pleats, I measured 2 inches in between pleats.

I'd say it should only take 30 minutes, mine.... well it took several hours due to my little 10 month old running around. He so intrigued by the sewing peddle and the power cord. :)

Entry 05: Merry Christmas!

Life at the K's has been busy! This year I had planned to do a lot of DIY holiday decor, with only 6 days till Christmas I don't think I'll accomplish it all. My favorite completed project this year is a music sheet wreath, I am in LOVE with how it turned out. Find the inspiration tutorial here: http://missmustardseed.com/2009/12/theres-nothing-new-under-sun/

In our house the holidays have already begun, I am very excited to celebrate our son's first Christmas! Stay tuned in the New Year, I have lots of exciting projects to share. Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas.

Entry 04: DIY Chalk Paint

I found this beauty at the Antique market, just begging for a home. I visited it twice before I decided to pick it up. When I took it home it was in terrible condition, it needed a real cleaning. At the market they had it sitting outside, so it had a little bit of water damage. This is the before...


I sanded down the entire cabinet, I bought a new orbit sander last week...and seriously LOVE it! It's my new favorite thing. For painted furniture project likes this, I prefer to use Behr Premium Plus- It's painter and primer all in one. I painted the first coat with Paris Grey.



The recipe for the chalk paint (not to be confused with chalkboard paint) is very simple. I mixed 1 cup of paint with 2 tbls of Plaster of Paris. The consistency of a thick paste. I then did two coats of paint over the Paris Grey in basic base white. I then took my orbit sander and distressed. When I started to distress it revealed a pink color under the grey, which I think just adds more character.

I am sharing this over at: