Monday, October 28, 2013

{House}: Den Dreams...


When we moved in, our den was dated to say the least. Wood paneling, closed off from the kitchen, nasty carpet. Here is a picture from move in week:

We painted and tried to make the best of what we had:


Once we renovated the kitchen, we opened up the wall between the two rooms (where the pumpkin painting is hanging above). We were left with an updated, bright, modern kitchen and a dated den. Here's where we are today...



As you can see from this picture, the den opens to the kitchen - the back wall of the kitchen here is the color that the den is.


The den is 10 feet wide and 16 feet long. We use this space more than any other in the house.



Ideally we would like to take out the back door and put a window there to have an eat-in kitchen. We would put french doors with stairs to the patio instead. I'd also like to open the doorway between the den and the dining room. There are ducts so it wouldn't be too wide but anything could help.

We want to get rid of the paneling and paint it the same color as the kitchen so it feels like one big space. As for flooring, we probably will do a cork floor the color of the hardwoods since we won't be able to match the original oak hardwood flooring and want it to tie in with the rest of the house.

I'd love to get rid of the ceiling fan, which makes the ceiling feel very low. I wish we could do recessed lighting - I don't know if we'll be able to do because this is an addition and I don't know that you can get back to that part of the attic easily.

I can't wait to get started on our den project... it will probably be spring of next year!

In renovation dreaming,
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Sunday, October 27, 2013

{House} Mom's Bedroom Renovation.


Remember way back in April when I blogged about a project for my mom? She bought two chairs at an antique store to recover for her bedroom, which she was re-doing:


We went to Johnson's Fabrics in Bartlett, ultimately picking the one on the left:


My parents' room has been the same dark red since we moved in back in 1995. It was finally time to paint it and she enlisted the help of a designer to help change the mood of the room. The whole design centered around the painting my mom has above the fireplace:


In re-doing her room, the floors were refinished and the closet door widened, giving her access to her already wide closet (parts were hidden when she couldn't reach them from the standard door width entry).

The end result is a completely different feel - much more serene.

Here is one of the new chairs, reupholstered in the new fabric:

The closet, with a widened doorframe and new organization system:


The bed, which got new pillows and a side table. She's now got lamps and is on the search for the right art for above.


It is about time my mom redid their bedroom - isn't it always the case that the room in the house that gets the least attention is your own? They deserve this nice, pretty space.

In renovations,
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Friday, October 4, 2013

{Friends}: Celebrating Mr. and Mrs. Dugger.

Where do I even start?...

Elise is Engaged
Elise's Bachelorette
Elise's Shower

After almost a year of planning and dreaming, Elise and Nate's wedding weekend was finally here! I had an absolute blast being Elise's Matron of Honor and being by her side as she planned out every detail of the most perfect, special day. I am so grateful for the memories we made and I am even more grateful that Elise chose Nate. He's an amazing guy.

So on to the details...

Elise was home the week prior to her wedding and one of the best laughs I had was when Elise helped me set up my google video chat for a conference call. We did a google hangout and I tried out the special features (which didn't appear during my call...)


Thursday brought out of town guests...Gracie and Chan came over for a slumber party. Chandler was put in charge of the bow bouquet for the rehearsal:


Gracie had fun wtih the pups..


Friday brought the Bridesmaids' Luncheon, hosted by Elise's aunt and grandmother at Paulette's. Here's my excited for the wedding face:



The beautiful table:







A special menu:


The absolutely amazing Hot Chocolate Crepe:


A sweet picture from the decoration of Elise and me in our choir robes:


 The bridal party:

Paulette's was amazing for the luncheon - the food was delicious and service fabulous. We had a private room on the second floor of the River Inn (where Paulette's is now).

After lunch we went for our nail appointments at the Nail Bar on the Island.



I got gold glitter nails:


At some point, my phone decided to remind me about Elise's wedding... in case I forgot:


Then it was off to the church for the rehearsal:




Look at that goofy groom in the background...


And here's my groom... four and a half years later, same church.


The rehearsal dinner was in the Great Hall of the church. Nate's parents did an amazing job with decor. The catering, Simply Delicious, was ... simply. delicious. 




That night Gracie and I stayed with Elise in the bridal suite at the Westin. We had a great view...


The next morning we got hair and make up done with the bridesmaids in the suite. My hair..


Gracie and me in our getting ready shirts from Elise:



Ellen brought pocket Lunas (Elise's dog):



And there was a dance party...


More hair...

Nicole doing makeup:



And then it was off to the church! Elise getting in her dress with her mom...




Matron and Maid of Honor:





Bridal bouquets:


Amy Dale did the wedding photography... and she brought her precious sweet Layla for a bit during a break!


Episco-pals before the wedding:


Almost married...



My mom stopped by to say hello:


And then there was the ceremony! No pictures.. I was busy. But here's the bow I tied on Elise for her party sash:


Married!


The reception was at the Westin on the 2nd floor... the fabulous Janis Kiel was the wedding coordinator for Elise. Seriously - call Janis if you want your wedding coordinated like a baller. Now the Westin on the other hand...

The reception was absolutely beautiful. Here's the first dance:


Father-Daughter:


Mother-son:


Muddy's cupcakes for the wedding cake:




Another great part of the weekend - my houseguests! Eric and Claire stayed with us over the weekend:


Amy had a photobooth as part of her photography:


Elise and her momma:


Holliday's did the flowers... check out this beast. So beautiful.




 What a beautiful celebration for an amazing couple. Congratulations to the Duggers!


 In love and friends,




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