07 June 2010

I'm walking the plank

I always loved what T. S. Eliot wrote, "I spit on the grave of my 20s."  I always tell this to friends when they are turning 30 to hopefully make them feel better.  I used to be an English teacher, so I can get away with telling my friends weird things.  They are used to my quotes, for sure!

I love this because it is true for me.  Although life is more of a physical challenge at 37 than it was at 22, there are many things I love about being in my 30s.

I love Sunday mornings more than Saturday nights
I love Starbucks more than the local bar
I love NPR more than the top 40 station
I love accepting who I am more than trying to figure out who I am

Okay, odd introduction about wood treatments on interiors....but there is a link.  I promise.
I have learned that I absolutely love planking in homes!  I love this and accept this and I don't care if it makes me country, cottage, or shabby chic.  I think it gives so much age and character to a home.  And like most designers say...once you have the beautiful bones of a room, it really almost doesn't matter what goes in it.  

I do love throwing some lucite (when I get some) or other modern pieces against the rustic walls or ceiling.  (image above Tracery Interiors)

I think you can't have too much planking (or beaded board) in a home.  You know, I just watched an old movie last night; To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday.  It was a cute movie--I believe from the '80s.  What was so interesting that the Nantucket beach cottage in the movie was not dated at all!  I wish I could find some stills.  The home was filled with wood planks and beaded board and painted furniture against white walls.  It looks like it could have been shot out of last month's Country Living.  

image from LittleEmmasDesignBlog (original source unknown)

This gives me hope that what I love today...I may love tomorrow!

Here is some more eye candy of my favorite wood treatments:

Our tongue & groove ceilings along with 1 x 2s on the walls.  (My favorite light fixture from Paris Flea Market in Savannah.  Heaven on Earth!)

Planking on the ceiling.  Image & degign Tracery Interiors.

Horizontal planking in our master bath.  Not a great shot--but I love it every morning!

Ceiling planks in Meg Ryan's kitchen.  Elle Decor.

Planking on the cabinets as well as a white-washing treatment.  Love this (maybe Skona Hem?  forgive my lack of credits.)

Meg Ryan's bedroom.  More ceiling treatment.  Elle Decor.

The beautiful poplar ceiling of Lee K's home.  Cottage Living.

extra wide planks. 
 I believe Rachel Ashwell credit, but not positive.  Possibly Christine Bauer Photographer.

Beautiful whitewashed planks from House Beautiful.  Rustic Perfection!

Happy Monday...Julie

04 June 2010

Mommy's Morning Out

Of course I love being a mom.  I do.
These are two precious little men.  I wouldn't give anything for the time I have had with them.  But that being said, mommy does need a little time away.
I should have:
1.  mopped these sticky hardwoods
2.  walked 4 miles (yeah right)
3.  okay, walked for 20 minutes
4.  done at least one load of laundry
5.  found that missing phone bill and paid it

I did no such thing.  
I did support our local economy.
The best part of being a resident of Atlanta is our bargain shopping!

I treated myself to a skinny cinnamon dolce latte and hit the road.

Man, I do love Ballards Backroom.  A lot!  I found a $249 beadboard drying rack for $9.99!
I also got four of these:

four document cushions for 50% off!  My boys always complain about these metal chairs being cold...

a new gray plate for my plate rack hiding the cookvent.  (little one on the left.  $7.95 from Anthro.)

see the lamp shade on the table?  Got it for half off from Anthro, too.  I have been stalking that one.

The best stop, as always, was my trip to Barnes & Noble.  All my money goes to either books or decor.  No nails.  No facials.  I am a kinda low-maintenance, high-maintenance girl.  Does that make any sense?
Cottage Living reissued this.  I am sure I have it somewhere, but this first image looked new.  It is so good.  Boy, I miss Cottage Living.  Do you?

This image began my love for banquettes and Saarenin.  I have an IKEA one.  I do want a real tulip one day.

Here is the translation of that at our old house.  Horrible picture, I know.  I did love this room, though.

Love this image, too.  The banquette, the cream and gray painted floors..the ghost chairs.  perfection.

Also can't resist buying this.  I love Marie Claire Maison..and especially this picture.  Simple.  Scandinavian.  And I believe if my french memory serves me that this title is "You play with simplicity"...or something close.  That is a good title for a blog:  Playful Simplicity.  If I had any readers you could use that!  Take care, Julie

02 June 2010

ABCs and 123s

As I am now fully realizing...I do like trends.  I hate to admit it, but there it is.  I love big zinc letters and numbers and I love labels of any kind.  I like this partly (or mostly) for its appearance, but also for practical reasons.  For instance, if we ever forget where we live, we can just glance at our front door and remember!
If I ever forget which room has eighteen loads of boys' pajamas...I can just look up!

If Chris ever forgets which side he lays his pretty head on, he can just double-check the nightstands to check for the "C" I have labeled for him.  Aren't I a good wife?

I have heard boys are slower to learn how to read--I thought a good mom would help them out with alphabet reminders everywhere.

If Liam ever wants to recite the lullaby his daddy used to sing to him, I have taken the liberty of turning it into a big keepsake!  (I got this idea from Blueprint Bliss's blog....she has "You Are My Sunshine" in her nursery.  I had my friend Anisa Darnell paint one for us.

Both boys have humongo zinc letters over their beds, too.  No more fighting over who has which room.

Can't wait to get before and after pics ready to show you more of our renovation!
Julie