24 September 2010

your home is your portfolio....

...or at least it is for me.


We have spent time (and money) this week getting the house like we wanted it before they came to look at it.  These were plans we had in the works for the next six months or so---but with an opportunity like this, why not do them now?  

Here is one new purchase:  this brown linen settee (from Ballard)  It is so perfect for this room.  It is a great place to sit and type or read and put your feet up with the sun hitting your back (this room, and our home, faces south)


And on the other side, sweet Kate painted this for me this week (there is no way you can paint furniture with two little boys at home.  If you know of a way, please fill me in!)


my old antique dresser (deep sea green...oil-based semi-gloss Ben Moore)


So today was really great.  Seriously one of the best days of my life.  Whether or not they do choose our home or not, I was so happy with our work and my design and how the home was.  All you can do is give it your all....and we all did.  I think I can feel good about surrendering the outcome if I know I did all I wanted to do.

Here are a few more shots of the house (clean (!) and with roses from our yard)


By the way, that candle right there (as well as those candlesticks you can see on the island) were from a recent shopping trip to Anthropolgie.  I find that a lot of candles make my head hurt.  I don't know the name--but this cream & black one is so subtle.




Our inspiration board got a coat of white dove to lighten it up a bit.

The nightstands finally got dressed up with the new knobs I've had in the drawer for about a year.
(shot from yesterday--not clean--but the setting sunlight was so unreal.  I am a book hoarder.  And pillow and lamp hoarder.)


and Kate's new stitch art for this room....





How beautiful are these?  And stitches!!!  And she is a fine artist, not a seamstress.  I cannot tell you how much I love these.



I still owe you a proper post on her art.  It's coming...along with the mantel post :)


One reason we justify spending this money (like on new sconces for Liam's room) is that we believe it is cheaper than interior design school.


And this is no knock at school...or being ASID for sure.  Just for us, and our lives now, it wouldn't work.  I have a master's degree in English (not that my grammar and spelling always display this), and I just think I am learning so much by living as a decorator and using my home as an example.  People will like it or not like it, but our home is the one place where I have (kinda) free reign to do what my heart desires.


Wyatt got new (old) mirrors, a new pillow, some silver satin Dutch Boy paint on his changing table, and more of Kate's finery above it.




new antique chair, PB rustic frames and photos


And for me, it works out best that I read and learn by reading design books while they nap.  Perhaps I'll go back one day, perhaps I won't...but for now I don't feel I need it.  I do need to learn, for sure, but in a more organic way.


Anyway, I do hope I have good news to share with y'all soon.  And if not, the good news is I am proud of what we've done...and it feels nice to sit back and enjoy a little accomplishment.  "Life for me ain't been no crystal stair", for sure, so you gotta appreciate the high notes.


Enjoy the rest of your weekend, friends!  I'm off to see babies tomorrow.  Both my friends I threw baby showers for this summer both delivered a week early....babies Ruby and Daisy.

Julie

35 comments:

  1. Everything looks so wonderful! All of your hard work has paid off! I have a question though. I see the nude art you have and I am curious what you do if or when your son asks about that? My in laws have a water color nude in their bathroom and he has not asked about it yet but I am just waiting for the day and would love any insight I can get!

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  2. Awesome how exciting! i'm itching to know more. I love love those stitch drawings, does your friend sell them online? They are unlike anything i've seen. I have such trouble finding art i like and this is just amazing!

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  3. Oh~how I am drooling over your house!! It encompasses everything that I love!! It looks fabulous...every room is just gorgeous! Love, love, love it! Have a great weekend! Angie xo

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  4. Your home has such a glow about it and it looks so comfy - love it!

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  5. Hi Julie! Your home looks very pretty, you've done a wonderful job. I HAVE TO comment on the school thing, because this is a situation that I too have run into. In my opinion, interior design school does not make a person a good designer. I have seen plenty of houses done by a schooled interior designer and they weren't so great. Granted I think school can improve a person's skills. But really, it is just one of those things where you either have the ability or you don't :)

    I would have sent you an email about this to go into more depth, but I don't see one listed.

    I love your backsplash by the way :)

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  6. Julie - I love the photos. What are you in the running for? I've been out of town and perhaps out of the loop as well. I hope you get it whatever it is (perhaps i should read down a little more in the blog). Also, no need for another masters. Just take some drafting and CAD classes and maybe building systems so your in the know on the more technical side of things. I have a masters in interior design and I think I learned most things on the job anyway!

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  7. Your house is gorgeous. If for some crazy reason you don't get the shoot, you will surely get a ton of business from these shots. You've got style, girl!

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  8. I love the settee (at our house we'd call it a little curvy sofa). But the metal spring chair next to it is a scream: You can sense sitting in a spring chair. I can just feel it. I'd want to take it with me from room to room.

    What's good about doing school as a grown up is meeting some skilled/talented folks who'll stretch you, maybe become lifelong friends and resources. You'll also connect yourself with a long standing tradition. I don't think it's the degree so much as the exposure.

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  9. You have the most amazingly yummy taste! (Is that proper english?) :) The perfect mix of styles and so eclectic. I would give you the freedom to decorate my house any day. And I never ever say that about any designer or decorator. School doesn't produce talent like yours. You either have it, or you don't. And girl, you DO!

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  10. Such a treat to see. So many great touches.

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  11. Julie, congratulations! Your home is so beautiful and unique. So real. Thank you for sharing your home with us. You can tell so much effort and love has been put into it. I also enjoyed your thoughts on your learning process school vs. no school. I think they're pros to both. I'm rooting for you.....best of luck!! BTW, I love your friend's stitch art - does she have her own shop?

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  12. julie, your home look so wonderful. my favorite things are the new settee and Kate's art. Please do post about her art, 'cause I'm not sure...is thread stitched on there? They are beautiful!


    Doesn't it feel great to have gotten everything together like that? Ahhh, now you can relax and enjoy it. And you have the BEST attitude. The compliment and honor is in the being considered for publication. If it does not happen, it's OK, you were lucky enough to be in the running....

    great work gal. I love your style, inside and out!

    Donna

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  13. Julie it looks so pretty! Love it all.... so excited for you! Crossing my fingers! As far as school vs no school..... I have a degree in design, but to be honest I think either you have it or you don't with any sort of creative profession. You can't teach someone to be creative and artistic, you can only teach them how to refine it...... Clearly you have it! :)

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  14. Like Jessica Davis, I'm not in the know about what publication you're up for...Rue? Wishing you luck in getting the gig and enjoying the exposure it could give your design business.

    Love your home, so layered. You DO know your kind of style! My favorite parts are the surprising ruffled draperies and the stitch art, something I once did on my sewing machine. I composed farmscapes. Kate is totally talented and I look forward to your post on her work.
    Good luck on the publication, whatever it is...:)

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  15. Julie.You must be one happy Mama. All your hard work is done and I think you did a super job.Time to chill now and relax. Actually scrap that put on some music and dance cos you have so much to celebrate..clean house, all those jobs done, house looking fab, great family ah sure I could go on.. Dance I say dance!!.Have a great weekend..Sinead x

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  16. You really do have amazing taste. I see so so much shabby, modern, preppy, etc mixed in and it all works perfectly.

    Is the green rug in your son's room from World market? I swear I just saw it there the other day and was wanting it for an eventual boy's nursery!

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  17. Best of luck girl! I love your home, your style is so inspiring! Have a great weekend! Hugs!

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  18. Everything looks beautiful!! I've been feeling a bit like the cobbler whose children don't have shoes lately. You've inspired me to suck it up and finish a few things around the house. You're right, your home is your portfolio!
    I'll also agree with several other designer comments about school. I went to design school as well. I swear I learned everything I know now on the job! You are doing the right thing for yourself!!

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  19. Hello Julie!
    What a warm and inviting home you have. I love your eye for details from your ruffled drapery to the wallpaper in the bedroom. Is that "W" over your son's crib from the hotel? I know it's a silly question, but I just had to ask!

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  20. Julie...I love your style...a little french, a little retro, and just oodles of cool things layered to create that"un-perfect feel". I mean that in a good way. I love the garden seat in the bedroom and the mirrored console with the ruffled curtains. It's young, hip and just waiting for a photo shoot!!!!!

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  21. Looks amazing...beautiful, beautiful! As far as school, I think you are wise to save your money...sometimes the best school is just real life - diving in and doing it!!! As far as design goes - there are just some things that cannot be learned in a classroom, you either have it or you don't - my sweet girl - you have it!!!

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  22. What a great job you've done!! Thanks for the peak inside...so fun to see -

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  23. Julie, your home is absolutely beautiful! You have an amazing eye for mixing styles and patterns. Every room is warm and cozy with fun details and layers. You should be so proud of how it looks and what a gorgeous portfolio you have! And to think that it's a space that you live in as a family everyday is a true testament to your talent. It's a home that all of us aspire to have. xo

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  24. Very random - but you have the absolute best taste in lighting fixtures! From lamps to chandeliers to even just simple bathroom lights.

    Where do you usually find your lighting fixtures? Any place in particular? Would love to see a post on that.

    Whitney

    A Toast
    www.whittheheck.blogspot.com

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  25. Julie-
    I can not stop thinking of this post. You've struck a chord with me! I wrote/linked to this today on my blog.

    Your house looks spectacular, and I love getting a look into all the rooms. Your office space is divine and I can't get over those drapes! Congrats again!

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  26. are you kidding me? I'm drooling all over my keypad! Beautiful! Simply beautiful. xo

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  27. Hi Julie, I just came to you through Abby & Her Boys. Your home is beautiful, I loved every picture. Talent comes from within, not from books, but the honing of the talent, I've found can come from self education, just like what you're doing. I wish sometimes I had a degree, too, but in the end it's what people say about the work you do, and how it makes them feel, that counts. You should be following your passion, you clearly are great at what you love! Being new to your blog, I don't know who you were finishing up for, but if it would make my husband dish out some decorating dollars, can you please send them to my house next? :)

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  28. keeping my fingers crossed for you. your home looked AMAZING - beautiful and real. So how they couldn't choose you I don't know. The new brown Ballard settee is down right yummy! :)

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  29. Julie, your home looks amazing!! I am crosing my fingers for you!!!

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  30. Everything looks gorgeous as always. Your home should be in print! Love your new settee and I have always loved how you have the metal chair in your bedroom. I have the glider from that same set on my front porch! Great new wall scones too!

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  31. Hi Julie, we love seeing our lamps come to life in such a beautiful home! That makes us happy. Thanks for sharing.

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  32. I am with you on your home being your portfolio. I have done that in the past (with our old home) and want to do so now with our new home. But question for you...or anyone else out there that may know..can you write off any of it? I figure you are (or in my case I am) buying things decorate my home JUST so I can build up enough pics for a decent portfolio. Any knowledge on this subject at all?

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  33. Julie it looks amazing!! I hope your hard work pays off in the form of a nice, glossy feature, but I am thrilled that you are thrilled with it -- isn't that the whole point, anyway?? I needed that reminder today!

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  34. Love your house!! Degree or not to Degree? That is the question!! Like you said...this is what you are doing now. As I have aged I realize life is short, do what is best for you and your family at this time. In the next chapter your decision will come to you as to what to do.

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