looking back

Yeah guys, no mantel post tonight.  I will though--I have to remember how busy I am and perhaps I need to say "maybe" to some things instead of "I will."  I also need someone to come over and give me a Mac lesson.  I love my Mac, but I have files everywhere and no organization.  I can't post the mantel pics because I didn't properly label or file anything and I have to email some people to see if what I think is their mantel is, in fact, theirs.

Anyway, did you see Rue?

If you didn't, please do check it out.  I think it is so good (okay, not my part--that's not 

what I'm saying)--but I think it is fun and interesting and good design and free!

What did you think?  

I just had to write a post because I (and Chris) really can't believe that I have written for Rue

and that...okay, I'll tell ya...a national magazine is taking scouting shots here next Friday.  I feel

like I'm in a dream world.  I am tickled and nervous and excited.  I have to share it with someone, why 

not you?

I just want to look back at about two years or so.  I dug up some old pictures.  The first, above, is one of the pictures (Cottage Living) that inspired our renovation.  I really had the cabinet guy model his work

on this picture.  I taped it up for him so he wouldn't forget.  I loved the simple beauty of it.  I do think big industrial vent hoods have their place, for sure, but in this home the attention needed to be elsewhere.

Here is the second picture that spawned the see-through in our kitchen.  The contractor kept trying to talk me into having that lip on the counter--more like a diner.  "No!", I kept demanding.  I wanted it flat, just like this.  I also wanted that extra storage in the supports, but it wasn't happening.

Here are some images that inspired us (read "me" and I encouraged Chris) to renovate instead of buying a house move-in ready.  I am so glad we did (and, boy, I had my heart set on a home that would have pushed us financially.  We tried to get it, but it sold before we could make an offer.  I am so glad, too.  Thank God this life isn't all up to me.  

                                                                       Country Home

(the majority of my inspiration came from Cottage Living, Country Home, and Swedish blogs as you know by now)

(side question:  Do you think these are just the PB thonet chairs painted white?  The barstools I got at the mart are on some ship from Brazil or something crazy and won't be here by next Friday.  I like these--do you?  I am getting that basement done!)

I just can't believe I wrote for Rue...really.  It is weird because my best friend since middle school always told me I should be writing for a magazine.  (I have been design/fashion obsessed since birth)

                                                      Isn't this room great?  I love looking back and seeing what I was drawn to then....then seeing some things come to fruition (like the Panton chair)

I was bursting with the design bug in our former home...I went pattern crazy.  It was fun, though.  You only live once (and just a day's work to repaint for staging)

I went way more vintage/boho/who knows in our other home.  I loved it, though--tons of blue and green.

Anyway, I just wanted to share my excitement with y'all.  It was just I had this desire for design so strong that I had to do something with it.  Haven't you felt that before?  I can only equate it to the desire to have a child.  What have you desired for?

And to the regular readers--thanks for your kindness and support.  You kick ass.  Julie