More Plans for the Master Bedroom

Some of you may have seen <a href="http://instagram.com/p/fBbE_8wW1b/" target="_blank">my little announcement here</a> yesterday. Thanks for the well-wishes!! My first story for <a href="http://www.domino.com/" target="_blank">Domino</a> will go live soon (probably next week sometime) - and I'll be sure to let you all know as soon as that happens. I did some projects in our bedroom for the story, but the images will focus on mostly one corner of the room. Now I'm looking at the rest of the room, dreaming of the other purchases I can make to get our room more comfortable. As always, <a href="http://keep.com/u/jennykomenda/" target="_blank">I've been using Keep</a> to manage my ideas and wish lists for our bedroom.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: start;"><center></center></div><div style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo Knoxvillgrayandpax.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/Knoxvillgrayandpax.jpg" /></div></div><div style="text-align: start;"></div><br />I have this mint embroidered hotel bedding that I really like and I think it will look really nice with the <a href="http://keep.com/follow-ingranddesign-on-ebay-profiles-by-jennykomenda/k/oivT55gBKj/" target="_blank">Chinese wallpaper panels</a> I had hanging in our <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/02/chinese-wallpaper-in-acrylic-frames.html" target="_blank">old loft's dining room</a>. I painted our walls Benjamin Moore's <a href="http://keep.com/knoxville-gray-hc-160-paint-benjamin-moore-knoxville-gray-paint-color-details-by-jennykomenda/k/oiyNJPABDt/" target="_blank">Knoxville Gray</a> and I think the color combos will be lovely, but we need a few punches of color thrown in there.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo fDSC_0436.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/fDSC_0436.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_2931.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_2931.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>One thing I've been especially stumped over is the rug. I have a bright pinky-red overdyed rug in storage that I think is about the right size for the room (ours looks similar to <a href="http://keep.com/safavieh-adirondack-adr108-red-black-rug-contemporary-rugs-by-jennykomenda/k/ohYfIagBNV/" target="_blank">this (very affordable!) option</a>).<br /><a name="more"></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ScreenShot2013-10-03at102944PM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/ScreenShot2013-10-03at102944PM.png" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />I might regret not having something lighter on the floors though, since the walls are so dark now. I think my heart is set on <a href="http://keep.com/safavieh-mirage-mir521-grey-rug-contemporary-rugs-by-jennykomenda/k/ohau6UgBB1/" target="_blank">something like this</a> (too boring though?). Maybe an exciting pattern in a more neutral color, like <a href="http://keep.com/light-gold-kienna-flat-woven-wool-rug-by-jennykomenda/k/ohP9lEgBIf/" target="_blank">this</a> or <a href="http://keep.com/safavieh-montauk-mtk751-grey-rug-contemporary-rugs-by-jennykomenda/k/ohYRWIABLL/" target="_blank">this</a> or even <a href="http://keep.com/beige-avira-flat-woven-wool-rug-by-jennykomenda/k/ohPrKggBFF/" target="_blank">this</a>?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo RUGS.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/RUGS.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />I had been struggling with what kind of bed frame/headboard to go with, now that we are upgrading to a king-sized mattress and need to find something new quick. I've been drawn to something like <a href="http://keep.com/whitaker-bed-beds-bedroom-furniture-z-gallerie-by-jennykomenda/k/ohI8pMgBHc/" target="_blank">this bed</a> with <a href="http://keep.com/rencourt-tufted-bench-linen-wmolasses-legs-ottomans-living-room-furniture-z-gallerie-by-jennykomenda/k/ohJBTWgBIp/" target="_blank">a bench</a> at the foot. (or maybe a <a href="http://keep.com/burlap-steamer-trunk-by-jennykomenda/k/ohPPQNABPp/" target="_blank">pair of trunks</a>??)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo BEDANDBENCH.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/BEDANDBENCH.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />But I think I've figured it out and I'm going to attempt a DIY. I'm hoping the end result looks a <i>little </i>something <a href="http://keep.com/tilden-headboard-by-jennykomenda/k/ohE5d1ABNb/" target="_blank">like this</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ScreenShot2013-10-03at103720PM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/ScreenShot2013-10-03at103720PM.png" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo melissapaynebakerviaTTcopy.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/melissapaynebakerviaTTcopy.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><i><a href="http://www.thingsthatinspire.net/2011/07/summer-beauty.html" target="_blank">image via Things That Inspire</a></i></div><br />I found some really simple white sheets at Homegoods that are dotted with little tiny white squares and I love them, but if I didn't have them, I'd be tempted to snatch up <a href="http://keep.com/organic-ikat-stripe-sheet-set-by-jennykomenda/k/ohErG2gBKq/" target="_blank">these small-scale ikat sheets</a>. I do need some fun pillows in here I think and <a href="http://keep.com/marble-print-silk-pillow-cover-feather-gray-by-jennykomenda/k/ohExEVgBL9/" target="_blank">these marbled ones</a> are calling my name!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo MARBLEDPILLOWS.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/MARBLEDPILLOWS.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />I'll probably reuse my <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/02/stripey-glass-table-lamp.html" target="_blank">white Murano-style lamps</a> from before, but seriously - how awesome are <a href="http://keep.com/industrial-sconce-by-jennykomenda/k/ohkAs0gBLt/" target="_blank">these $50 sconces</a>? Please buy them for me.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ScreenShot2013-10-03at104412PM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/ScreenShot2013-10-03at104412PM.png" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />The fireplace in our bedroom is getting a second <a href="http://instagram.com/p/e-yJOJQW08/" target="_blank">coat of white paint</a> today (yay! looks so much better already!) and I'll hang a big mirror up there to cover the arch.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7845.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7845.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />I've always imagined a pair of chairs by the fireplace, but I don't want the area to look too formal or stuffy, you know? If I weren't doing a tufted headboard, I would totally go with a pair of something like <a href="http://keep.com/fog-kendall-chair-by-jennykomenda/k/ohQIERgBKs/" target="_blank">these club chairs</a>. Can you believe that price?! (I also saw a brown leather version in the store and it looked very promising considering the cost.) But I already have a pair of vintage bergere style chairs too that need to be reupholstered. Something <a href="http://keep.com/strasbourg-chair-by-jennykomenda/k/ohNhUFABJu/" target="_blank">similar to this</a> would be nice and I think more to scale for the room and the floor space.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo CHAIRS.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/CHAIRS.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />I'm going to go with simple blue-gray roman shades on the windows to cover up the arch, which looks a little dated to me. I'll probably make my own in the end, but if I run out of time, there are plenty of options online. JC Penney always has a sale on <a href="http://keep.com/jcp-black-out-shades-by-jennykomenda/k/oFOQCPABMW/" target="_blank">fabric shades</a> and some of their offerings are really well-made (be sure to study the helpful reviews). I also like these silk shades <a href="http://keep.com/dupioni-silk-cordless-roman-shade-with-blackout-lining-by-jennykomenda/k/ohF8RugBKu/" target="_blank">on sale here</a>. I'm waffling a little though because I kind of wanted to do a version of these <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2010/01/billowy.html" target="_blank">goldenrod yellow curtains</a>. It probably would be too crazy with the fireplace though and doing a simple blue-gray to play on the wall color would be nice.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo SHADES.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/SHADES.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I'm so excited to figure out the rest of this space. I've added a ton more Keeps to my Master Bedroom collection (and other collections - <a href="http://keep.com/large-dome-new-arrivals-french-connection-usa-by-jennykomenda/k/ohbF0cABFV/" target="_blank">this bag</a> is a recent fave!). <a href="http://keep.com/master-bedroom-by-jennykomenda/c/n-pq2WAAQQ/" target="_blank">Check them out here</a> and have a great weekend! xo</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #7f7f7f; font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.25px;">This post is a part of series brought to you by <a href="http://www.keep.com/" style="color: #00256d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Keep</a>, which is a free website dedicated to helping you learn about the best products out there as determined by your friends and your style soulmates, making it easy to keep track of your online shopping wish-lists.</i></div></div>

More Plans for the Master Bedroom

Some of you may have seen my little announcement here yesterday. Thanks for the well-wishes!! My first story for Domino will go live soon ...

Read more »

Two Flooring Updates

I was so 50/50 on the chevron floor angles (and the vote in the comments was a close split too!), but it was time to make a choice this week, so I just went with my initial thought and chose the 30-degree cut. I've been getting reeeeal friendly with the miter saw ever since.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0462.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/aDSC_0462.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div><br /></div><div>We set up the saw so there is a blocker right at 24" away from the blade. This way, I never have to measure or mark a single plank of wood. I just cut one end and then slide the plank down and butt up the cut end to the blocker and cut again. It's still slow-going, but I think we're about halfway through the cuts at this point.<br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo cDSC_0474.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/cDSC_0474.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo cDSC_0467.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/cDSC_0467.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>The floors in the kitchen got a little update this week as well. I had painstakingly painted every single one of the tile squares about a month or so ago and <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/08/making-plans-for-kitchen-with-keepcom.html" target="_blank">left the grout lines exposed</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><center></center></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ssDSC_0448.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/ssDSC_0448.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div><br />The plan was to regrout sometime soon, so that the grout looked clean and new (see how dingy it looks in the above photo? I think the old sealer had started to wear off). But as I've been brainstorming backsplash options, I just kept feeling like there were block patterns and grout lines everywhere in the kitchen, with all the brick on the floors and the arched brick range surround. I wanted to do something to minimize all that. So on a whim I poured some new paint on the floor and rolled on a top coat, completely painting over the grout lines.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0566.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/aDSC_0566.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not quite finished yet (I'll share after photos when I am), but I am <i>thrilled</i> with the look so far. It's about a million times more clean and new-looking. </div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0559.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/DSC_0559.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Sour grapes are not my thing, but I'm sort of kicking myself for not doing this sooner and for spending like 15 hours before, painting all the individual tiles in the dining, kitchen, pantry and mudroom. <i>(grumble)</i></div></div></div><div><div></div></div>

Two Flooring Updates

I was so 50/50 on the chevron floor angles (and the vote in the comments was a close split too!), but it was time to make a choice this week...

Read more »

Midcentury Dreaming

Thank you all for sharing your thoughts on the chevron floor angles and for the sweet well-wishes! I'm doing better, but still trying to take it easy until next week, when I'm having a second procedure done on my throat. It's been nice to press the reset button a little bit and spend some much-needed quality time with my family. Thanks for hanging in there for me. :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><center></center></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7361.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7361.jpg" /><br /><br /></div>Some of you may have seen on <a href="http://instagram.com/jennykomenda" target="_blank">my instagram account</a> that recently I stopped by to see a house that we almost put an offer in on, but didn't. As much as I wanted to make a move, the timing just wasn't right - the house went on the market a few weeks before Michael accepted his new job offer and before we had fully committed to moving to Phoenix. I wanted this house <i>SO</i> much though. I pretty much give it credit for getting me excited about the idea of leaving New York and buying a home. :)<br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ScreenShot2013-03-19at102306AM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/ScreenShot2013-03-19at102306AM.png" /></div><br />It was just what I imagined us buying - a completely original midcentury gem in a cool old neighborhood. Of course, these houses only come on the market once in a blue moon, so it sold in just a matter of hours for more than the asking price. I was heartbroken even though I had never even seen the house in person and we weren't even technically looking at that point. But seriously. Check out that door!! So cool, so much potential.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7370.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7370.jpg" /></div><br />It never makes sense to go down this road, but it's hard not to play the should have/could have/would have game with this house. I love the house we did end up getting, and in many ways our current house is a better fit for us, but it's going to definitely be a different look when we're finished with it than a midcentury house would have been. (<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=angie+hranowsky+house&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=6HJKUuGqBITJygGqsIHgCw&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1223&bih=629&dpr=1" target="_blank">Angie Hranowsky's home</a> comes to mind).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7362.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7362.jpg" /></div><br />Anyway, I decided to rub salt in my wound by driving past the midcentury house the other day. Turns out a flipper bought the house (GASP) and there were workers there ripping absolutely everything out. It was completely gutted, and all the kitchen cabinets and interior doors were being taken out just as I pulled up. The guys saw me poking around and admiring the pulls on two bifold doors and told me I was welcome to have them before they tossed the doors.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7353.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7353.jpg" /></div><br />My grandparents and my great grandma (the one from Sweden) both lived in really cool midcentury style homes in Arizona and I think this home felt a lot like theirs to me. Grandma Johnson had this really cool stone mosaic coffee table and these pulls reminded me of that table and the style of her home. But I can be stupidly sentimental about grandparents sometimes. It's probably for the best the universe bequeathed these pulls to me so I can have a little something that makes me think of their homes, and thereby overcoming the temptation to buy the whole dang house when it goes back on the market in a few months. (I may have still called the flipper's listing agent though, just for kicks) :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7374.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2012/IMG_7374.jpg" /></div><br />I'm sure some of you have a few good sob-stories for me about a home that you desperately wanted, but that just wasn't meant to be. Dish!

Midcentury Dreaming

Thank you all for sharing your thoughts on the chevron floor angles and for the sweet well-wishes! I'm doing better, but still trying to...

Read more »