Little Blue Chairs: January 2011

Now what?

If you have been following along, I have been participating in the Ultimate Blog Challenge. Which means I've been writing a post for everyday of January.

I made 30 posts (including this one), which means I was one shy, and I refuse to beat myself up over it. But what I am left with, and where to go from here?

I took on the challenge to see if I could write a post a day, and what it would mean for Little Blue Chairs. I have decided that it is completely possible for me to do, but I still do not know if it is best.

So as of Feb. 1st, I think I will scale back to a minimum of 3 posts a week. However, I will allow myself bonus posts. Why am I doing this if I was able to post every day? Simply, I don't want to burn myself out. I want to make sure that every post I am writing has a purpose. I want to make sure that I am putting out content that relates to my house and my style, (period).

I will still be pursuing my education on window coverings and putting together a Window Wednesday post. I will also continue to nail down my style in my I love...posts. Also, I will be continuing to do work in my house and keep you posted on what is happening and giving before, during and afters.

I had also noticed that keeping up with a schedule of a post a day meant that I was no longer reading posts from other bloggers, and I did not like that side effect, as part of the reason I joined the bogging community was to read and be inspired by others.

I hope you continue on with my journey and let your friends know about Little Blue Chairs. You can follow me through an RSS feed, FaceBook, Twitter or through Blogger.

I look forward to what 2011 has to bring and I love all my readers.

-Laurie

The Big Chill

I am talking refrigerators today.

We just purchased a new one and in the process have discovered how personal this choice is. Everyone has an opinion on what the perfect fridge is.

Here is where you can chime in. Tell me what your choice is.

Do you prefer the standard freezer on top model?

Side by Side

French Doors (Freezer on bottom)

Freezer on bottom

And what about finishes.
Are you a fan of stainless steel or do you prefer the classic white?? Please take the time to vote. I am curious to see where everyone falls.

For us it was an easy choice...

Smooth black, side by side.

I Love a Vintage Bathroom

source-Country Living

I am fond of all things old. So, I appreciate the styling of a vintage bathroom. Hex tiled floors, white subway tile, pedestal sinks, claw foot tubs and bead board. Dreamy.

Of course, I would require updated plumbing.

source-Country Living

source-House to Home

source-Country Living

source-Flickr

source-House to Home

source-Country Living

source-House to Home

source-Country Living

source-victoriana

-Laurie

You know it when you see it

Look at this picture from Country Living.

Are you seeing the same thing I am?

Now I just need to find a few more chairs.

-Laurie

Before and After - Broom Closet/ Storage Space

My first official project of 2011 is complete, and I am so excited with the finish project.

When I first took the wall down, back in March, I had no idea what it was going to look like when it was finished. All I knew is there was unused space behind the wall and I need a place to stash a laundry basket.

After tearing down the paneling, we lived with this for 9 months.

Pipes, duct work, studs and all. Pretty nice, huh?

I wish I could take all the credit for the work done, but I can't. I was lucky enough to have my Dad in town and her was able to get the framing done for me. Here is where we started a month ago...

We made the decision to remove the old door jamb, open up the side to install a broom closet and build some storage shelves in the remaining space.

So that is what we did.

After framing and getting the drywall up, my Dad left the rest for me. I was able to learn some new skills. I got some mud, taping and sanding done on the walls. I also installed some laminate flooring. I then moved on to some more familiar skills like adding shelves, trim and painting.

First, I should let you know that getting pictures of this space was quite a challenge. I did my best.

This is the space next to the kitchen, right at the top of the basement stairs and at the landing to the garage. So as you can imagine, there is a lot of foot traffic in this space. Installing the shelves have given me the much need laundry space, along with serving piece storage and a place for my cookbooks. I now also have a place to get a quick look before we leave the house. Not to mention it is just nicer to look at when passing through.

I decided to use red on the door to tie it to the front door (which is also red). It is a metal door and I have been known to post things to this door. I was thinking I could use it as another command center if I used chalkboard paint, however, in the end I thought it was more important for it to be linked to the other door.

We were also able to get a true broom closet in the space. (I posted more about the interior of the broom closet here.)

From this angle you can really see how connected this space becomes. Before it was a transition; all materials were different. It was truly an afterthought room. By taking out the jamb, extending the flooring and putting up dry wall the space now feels like it has always belonged.

Have I mentioned how thrilled I am with the results. Here are some more beauty shots.

It was so worth living with the big hole for 9 months.

-Laurie

Oops-

My apologies, if you are coming here to see the finished project.

I wish I had it together for you. But I don't, instead I went out to buy a much needed refrigerator. So I did not get my homework done. Shame on me.

I will, however, give you a teaser shot.

Interested in seeing more? Also, I should be getting my new fridge tomorrow morning.

Thank you for your understanding.

-Laurie

The Big Push

I have been very busy and I am so close to being done with the Storage Area/Broom Closet on my main floor.

I have been pushing through and getting it done.

As I write this I have installed the floor & shelves, and primed and painted the walls. I have installed the trim work. I have even painted the door.

Check, check, check and check

~~Install pegs and finishing touches in the broom closet~~
~~Finish drywall and sanding~~
~~Install flooring~~
~~Prime and paint walls~~
~~Install shelves and trim~~
~~Paint the door~~

So why no after pictures today?

I still have 2 items left. I have yet to paint the white trim work and I want to make a trip to Homegoods to make it pretty. So tomorrow afternoon I will be posting the final look.

Until then, here is a reminder on where I started.

And after the wall came down.

I am super excited for tomorrow. So please make sure and stop in to see the results.

-Laurie

I Love painted woodwork

In an effort to nail down my personal style I want to talk about some of the things I love. Things that make me swoon, pant and drool.

Today lets talk about painted woodwork and trim. I LOVE it.

source -Country Living

source-Country Living

All that creamy, luscious-ness (is that a word?). I love how fresh and clean painted woodwork looks.

source-Country Living

There is always something so easy about painted paneling.

source-Country Living

And lets talk about using an unexpected shock of color.

source

Nummy!

Now don't get me wrong, I appreciate the beauty of natural wood paneling. Especially when it is historic and has reached the richness that comes with age, like at the James J. Hill House.