2011~A Year in Review

     As I think back on 2011 many things come to mind. I guess the best words to describe this past year would be that it was a year of changes. While change can be both unnerving and emotional, it can also be good.

     For one, I began a new venture starting this design blog and launching a repurposing career to go along with my design business.  After 25 years in the interior design arena it feels good to start something fresh and to create something beautiful out of something past it's prime. It's been so much fun so far! Looking forward to this coming year and all the projects I'll be doing.
     A life changing event and probably the hardest to accept was bringing my daughter Brittany(& baby) off to college. This was a change that I knew was coming and dreading, but I must say I'm thrilled with her progress and transition. I miss her dearly. The house isn't the same, and time seems to be marching on. It is good though, and I know it is for her best. I'm a proud mom. She is a great friend and a wonderful young lady :)

                                                     

     One of the most difficult changes was saying goodbye to our faithful dog and friend, Sully. He was a German Shepherd/Collie mix and I called him "the king of dogs" he was so kind and smart. We had him for 12 years and he lived to be 16 years old. We use to say he was a kid dressed up in a dog costume...such a great soul.

We know we want another dog, but our standards are so high because of Sully...he's one of a kind.

     I've also changed spiritually this year and for this I am most excited. My faith has grown stronger and have experienced a renewed trust in God.  During a biopsy scare I felt so blessed to have been prayed for by a group of friends, and I experienced comfort from a loving and faithful God. He is so good...and even when the news was uncertain, I knew I wasn't alone. When I turned it all over to Him I found peace and joy. Why is it that I try to do life under my own strength first, and then when I can't figure it out we then turn to God? It must be that self-reliance comes more naturally.

                                                

     As I reflect on this past year I see change, yes, and growth, yes, but also gratitude for old friends, and new ones too. For my dear family... you make my life full and I love you... see you next year :) ... and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Sweet Vintage Table

Here's another "before & after". On a hunt & gather recently, I came across this awesome end table. I could see the possibilities in my mind...the table had great style and a history. The nicks and warn patina were appealing and I wanted to incorporate them into the finished design.
So here is the "Before"...

The leather top wasn't salvagable so I replaced it.

The new table top was replaced with a new textured one that has a rich bronze & deep brown tones. I painted the table legs in a contrast caviar black paint.

So here is the "After"...

The warn weathered wood adds an interesting history that I new I wanted to keep. I rubbed it with steel wool and sanded it. Then I applied a paste wax finish.

                     So here is the finish product...let me know what you think.

 Stop back soon to see what else I have been up to!

Salvaged Chair

On a fall Saturday that happened to be a cold and gloomy, my  husband and I decided to venture to our local salvage yard. The place is chocked full of any and EVERYTHING! Most of it is pure junk and I have to confess I have to resist the temptation to want to organize it. Everything inside of me wants to sort, straighten, and for goodness sake add some better lighting! (a little OCD or obsessive compulsive designer!) But never-the-less it is still fun to pick through the shelves to find something to re-purpose. Then I came upon this little gem just sitting in the back waiting to be discovered, and it was in need of an overhaul. Here is the "before"

...and after removing 2 fabrics, and old cotton cushion, webbing, and dozens of nails, and gave it a good sanding...

 I decided to paint the chair a rich matte Caviar Black (SW6990) to show off the details and curved legs, and a fun Kravet fabric with a swirl pattern to play up the detail on the back. I just love how it turned out, let me know what you think.

Here is the "After"

Stop back and see some more re-designs...until then Merry Christmas!

Christmas Trees

Merry Christmas Y'all !
I just love this time of the year. It seems to bring out the best in people; a generous spirit of giving, wishing others well, and time spent with family and friends. I also enjoy driving around at night and seeing all the Christmas lights, creating a sense that the world is at peace. And to think it all began with the birth of a baby in a manger, who came to be the light of the world. When the once dark neighborhoods of just a week or so ago, now come into a life of there own. Each home expressing a different personality- some aglow in pure white light, while others are more expressive in color, and still others offer a little of everything. This year it is my intention to enjoy each moment with friends and family, to savour good food, the smell of cookies baking, and look to the future with a renewed sense of hope. Merry Christmas!

My Family

We'll this is where it all begins with my wonderful family. My husband Jeff has been by my side for over 26 years. He is a great support, and is my rock and at the same time makes me laugh every single day. Then comes my oldest, my son Jared, now 21, and he is as comfortable to be around as they come. Always happy, has great faith in God, and has a positive outlook. He too makes me laugh, often to the point of hyperventilating. He is studying to become an RN and works when he's not in college. I'm very proud of him. Next comes my sweet baby girl Brittany, 18 and in her first year in college, my favorite shopping partner ( we love to hunt for a bargain, even at 2 am...crazy as it may seem), she has more talent and abilities than she realizes. She brightens my day by just being around and I love her dearly. That leads to me, at a time in my life when I'm looking to grow, give, and create. I find that when I'm creating and using my artistic ability that I am totally engrossed...it definitely fills a need. So I'm venturing into unknown territory...incredibly exciting, and a tiny bit scary, but not enough to stop me. So stay tuned as I share ideas on design, re-purposing furniture and decor, photography, and other ideas I feel inspired to divvy up.

Summer Memories

Summer 2011 at our family cottage on
       the shores of Lake Michigan

My favorite people in one of our favorite places. We go to the shores of Lake Michigan to relax and unwind, eat great food, and take afternoon naps without guilt :)