The Transformation is Complete

Eons ago, way back in January I had posted about our project to fancify our rather vanilla powder room (see before shot and concept image here). It actually took us quite a while to complete the project because so much other stuff has been going on, but now I am ready to reveal the makeover.

The finished product! The smallest room has become a warm and inviting hangout ... even if you don't really want to hang out in a bathroom.

It actually turned out even better than I imagined. We went to discount stores and antique shops for the details that have brought the look together. We were going for a style that was influenced by European water closets, but didn't look like we thought we lived in Paris or London. The stripes add interest and the touches of black add depth.

We "aged" the dentil moulding by using a dark stain and a small artist's brush. A couple of clear coats later and it was ready for installation.

I love how this rug fits perfectly in front of the vanity and adds a touch of class to the room. And I got it for only $4.99 at Ross!

This sign was purchased before we even moved into our house. Found at Paddington Station in Ashland, I couldn't wait to use it - and now it has real purpose!

This mirror is our favorite find. We picked up this beauty at a local antique shop for under $20 and the details are intriguing. I personally enjoy how the frame is falling apart, it adds age and character to the room.

There are a few more touches we would like to add, but inspiration must strike first. It has the be the right thing. But other than that the transformation is complete. So if you are in the neighborhood, we invite you to come on over and ... um, pull up a seat in our cozy little powder room!

Put A Label On Me

Don't laugh, but when I was in middle school I fancied myself to be somewhat of a fashion designer. I would spend endless hours drawing clothes and paper dolls and often dreamed of owning my own designer label some day. Being the late 1980s, the fashions were, well ... interesting. I was big into geometric cut out bathing suits and skin tight skirts in neon colors. Yup, I was so cutting edge!

For the record, I will not upload any of the paper dolls for everyone to see. Though they would be good for a laugh, I am not ready for total humiliation!

As an adult I still love clothes and design but my life has taken a much more down to earth route. I realize that I will not become the next Valentino, however since I have picked up knitting, I have created a label that I attach to any knit project I gift to others. So, in a way I have my own label and my dream has come true.

On my labels I like to include the type of yarn I used and the care instructions.

I knitted this vest for my sister using Lamb's Pride (a wool and mohair blend) by Brown Sheep Yarn Co. in Sandy Heather. It was very nice to work with and should hold up well over time.

Oh how I would love to have a stack of these vests in every color.

This vest turned out even better than the one I knitted for me. Proof that practice makes perfect (or almost perfect!)

Who knows, it's not to late in life to start a new career. Can you say knitwear designer?

The Wait is Over

I know I have been keeping everyone in suspense. I know you all have been biting your nails in anticipation. And now I am pleased to say ... the wait is over! I finished knitting my vest!

Okay, so maybe you have more important things to do than wait for me to post my finished project, but I would like to think that there was some curiosity out there. No? Maybe?

Anyway, I completed the vest last week and I have to say it went really well. It was my first experience with reading a pattern. It was the first thing I knit beyond scarves. And I even got a little bold and let the inner fashion designer in me come out and I added epaulettes on the shoulders! I have to say that I am pleased with the results.

As you can see, it fits! It is pretty much what I expected it to be and I love the yarn that I used. I don't have any other sweaters in this heathered merino wool.

This photo shows the epaulettes in better detail. I used a single crochet on the underside to strengthen the sides since the stockinette stitch tends to curl. I tethered them down with pearl buttons I had saved from a store bought blouse.

The yarn I used was Paton's Classic Wool Merino in Natural Marl.

Now that I am finished with my vest, I am making one for my sister for her birthday. I had her choose the yarn she wanted it made of and she chose Lamb's Pride (a wool and mohair blend) by Brown Sheep Yarn Co. in Sandy Heather.

I think it will be just lovely!

HGTV, Eat Your Heart Out

There is one room in the house that I have been neglecting. The Powder Room. I really should not neglect it so much because guests use that room and while I want it to be welcoming and ... um...comfortable, I just have never given it much thought other than keeping it clean.

Other rooms have had the benefit of my interest, creative eye, and love for color and textures. The Powder Room has seriously suffered. Plain cream walls, no window, and arbitrarily placed accessories has made this space BORING! So it is time for a change.

Fortunately my husband was receptive to my sudden urge to give this bathroom a little TLC. I explained my ideas to him and then we headed down to the local Home Depot.

Before: plain cream walls and ceiling, strangely placed towel bar, and high ceiling with awkward lighting.

And through the magic of Photoshop (not to mention my somewhat brilliant abilities - if I do say so myself) I have been able to transform that little room into something warmer, inspiring, and may even make you want to "relax" a little more, if you know what I mean.

The Concept: wide vertical stripes and whole ceiling in "Gobi Desert" by Behr Paint, dentil crown molding with an antiqued natural finish about 15" down from ceiling with illuminating rope lighting to create a glow.

We are still relocating fixtures and picking out wall hangings, but I have a feeling it will all fall into place when we are finished with the painting. I will post photos of the finished product when finished but until then, can't you just see the transformation?