blogroomshop

commence project room makeover!

alternately titled

my (realistic) living room dreams

Shopping is definitely not one of my favorite activities.  Fred Meyer is only a few blocks away and I will go there for everything, just to get it all over with in one trip. 

Except...

When it comes to home stuff I'm like a puppy in a convertible.  Doing kartwheels in the streets.  Laughing maniacally.  (not really).

I've been given the go-ahead and pretty much creative license for the living room, which is the only room that still nags at me to fix it.  My three limitations: our modest budget, the size of the room and of course we have carpeting instead of hard-wood...humph.

Change #1!

One standing lamp in the corner was not enough light and didn't distribute well.  These two large, modern lamps with soft suede shades provide all the even, romantic light we need.  Each has two bulbs which can be individually lit, so we decide if we want all four or none or somewhere in between!  The photo doesn't give a really good idea of how nice these look on either side of the couch.  The shades are a soft taupe color.

 

Change #2

Curtains!  We have big vertical blinds for the wall-length window downstairs, but these curtains soften the light if we leave the blinds open.  Plus, they're pretty.

Change #3

This audio tower encloses our record player, set of awesome speakers, and our growing vinyl collection and conceals all the wiring.  I can also decorate free areas with vases like those below from IKEA.

 

Change #4

I had a tough time choosing original art prints, but these are the three I've decided on for the different walls.  I'll mat and frame each with simple black and white.  We also have a beautiful piece from Keirsten Essenpreis, whose art I adore.

Bundled Mustard by Laura George

Baby Deer Photograph by Sharon Montrose

and an original by Wendi Owens

Change #5

After long deliberation, we decided that this furry little fixture can stay. 

See you all in phase two, where I get to pick out a soft grey couch, side tables and a large shaggy white rug!

 

monster thursday

A special surprise download!  Click HERE for a couple of printable cards and a bookmark on this monster-y day.

These little guys are harmless and well-meaning.  They wander among us, picking up bits of old-timey slang and using it even though they don't know what it means.  They'll say things like: "she's madder than an old wet hen" and "see you in the funny papers!"  They eat insects and steal icecream.  They hum to themselves frequently.

I like to imagine them as I'm sitting at work amid stale coffee and the buzz of computers.

and a listy new year to you!

...a very little book of lists, that is.

Most of my printables ideas come at about four in the morning after the cat has stepped on my head and I'm debating whether I should even try to get back to sleep.  This one is no exception...Texas.  grumble.

A little set of lists: restaurants to try (Belly), books to read (White Teeth by Zadie Smith), habits to break (nail biting), crafts to master (lace knitting), places to explore (Crater Lake), friends to contact (too many!).  A little book of lists, written by you.  I punched the top left corner and thread a ribbon through.  These little things will fit anywhere - a purse, a book, a pocket (I wish I'd hung them up on the tree as favors when we had company on New Year's Day).

I hope that all my friends and family and blog visitors had a wonderful holiday season.  I can't wait to be inspired by the springtime again, but for now I'm enjoying staying in with the husband, watching lots of Netflix, cooking exotic soups and sleeping in warm flannel sheets.  Hope you all are having lots of fun doing the same.

Download Little Book.pdf