Deck the Halls

December is my favorite time of year.  My birthday, lots of my favorite color (red), good smelling greenery, parties, presents, the list goes on...  One of my favorite traditions is decorating inside and out for Christmas.

This year I'm starting outside.  Without an outside outlet (?!?!) its not so easy to incorporate lighting.  I've got candles in the windows and a wreath on the door but this year, our outdoor decor is getting an upgrade.  It all started (where most projects do) with the latest Pottery Barn catalogue.
                         
Flair without lights, check! But seriously, at $79 for the wreath and $59 for the garland, these are not Christmas budget friendly.  Plus, I'm willing to bet that I can create a similarly awesome version of these items at a fraction of the price...

I spent less than $30 for the whole project!  Even better, I've got a cute holiday dog too.

Guest Room

The guest room at Hunter Drive actually started out as our master because it has the largest closet.  It is not our largest room and sits in the front of the house so after a few months we moved bedrooms.  Today, the guest room hosts the occasional overnight-er but mostly serves as a dressing room for hubbs because both of our wardrobes do not fit in our present room.  I know, largest closet in the house used as a dressing room, how are my clothes missing out on this?  That story is another blog post...

         

Guest room when we purchased Hunter Drive

Current guest room

Anyway, this is the only room in the house that I did not select the paint color for.  Although its a nice light green, its just not the shade I had in mind.  Its probably best that we didn't get it right the first time around because I wouldn't have thought to paint it the color that I'm currently crushing on...Ralph Lauren's Chocolate Souffle.

November 2011 Country Living found via Cottage and Vine

I know it might be a little dark for this not so large room but I think with some white trim/molding and some colorful accents (most likely the green that I've already got in there) it might make this space nice and cozy.

Cold feet contd.

After some measuring I realized that a 5x8 just wasn't going to cut it for the living room.  This became an issue because when you jump to an 8x10 the price jumps too (quite a bit actually).  While the hunt for the perfect living room rug continues, I have found a new rug obsession....painted rugs.  Check out two of my favorite examples from the blog-o-sphere:

               

               Painted rug by Charm Home

Painted rug from the almost 40 year old intern

Let me tell you, there are a lot of other painted rugs out there all using some version of a stencil or tape and the all important erslev rug from Ikea. Who can beat $39.99 for a 5x7 and $59.99 for a 6x9?  Granted these are flat weave and will require a location in our house that needs some floor coverage but doesn't require a cushy pile.  The men in my life, hubbs and pup, like to lay on the floor so comfort is almost as high as aesthetics on the priority list.  So, I'm thinking a painted rug looks like an excellent replacement for our current kitchen rug http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/39827?feat=902-CL1 (sorry for the link, I'm too embarrassed to include a photo).  Note to self, never purchase a braided wool rug.  Ikea here I come!!

Cold Feet

Most of the rugs at Hunter Drive are hand-me-downs.  And like most things I didn't pick out, I can't wait to buy a replacement.  We have really nice hard wood floors and a dog so I've tried to use rugs sparingly in our home.  Or, more honestly, I'm having a hard time finding the perfect floor covering.  On top of that I'm not thrilled about dropping a couple hundred bucks for something that will just become a haven for dirt and dog hair.  But the real problem is, I have cold feet...literally, so I really need to purchase a new living room rug before the winter.

The living room at Hunter Drive is in transition from the land of beige to a cozy spot with pops of color and new accessories for a look that is more modern than traditional.  A multicolored floral rug isn't going to cut it this time.  I also want to find something that will go with a variety of looks for down the road so I can change the curtains and pillow covers at my choosing.  I've been leaning toward something geometric and black and neutral.  Here are my favorites so far:

Tangier Rug at Ballard Designs $599 for a 6x9

Espana Area Rug in charcoal at Home Decorators Collection $249 for a 5x8

Kite Kilim Rug at West Elm $249 for a 5x8

Which do you like?  I've also been stalking home goods to see if something in my criteria magically appears.  No luck yet, but there are a lot of locations I can check out over a 3 day weekend!

Back Up: what happened to our bathroom?

I started this blog with the idea of showcasing the diy projects hubbs and I were doing around the house.  Tackling the bathroom was the biggest (and longest) project we had done yet and every time I go in there, I still can't believe we did it.  So...here are some before photos to remind you of how outdated and dingy the lone bathroom at Hunter Drive was:

                  

Lets just say it left a lot to be desired (and probably wasn't cleaned enough over the years ever).  Here is the bathroom today:

We started the renovation by just about gutting the whole bathroom.  The only thing we kept was the sheetrock and even that mostly came down.  The layout is exactly the same and was probably the easiest way to go.  What we did:

• Wainscotting with trim and a custom "ledge" around the whole room, sink alcove and ceiling
• Changed out the whole vanity and replaced it with a (free) double sink top and custom cabinet
• New mirrors, lighting and fixtures in sink area
• Demolished the cast iron tub and tile walls, installed new tub deep soak tub, imported tile and fixtures
• New toilet and found storage cabinet for over toilet
• Ripped up linoleum floors and rotten sub floor (yuck), replaced with new tile

Cost?  Probably $3,000 in all.  I think the look is much more expensive and luxurious.  Now if we only had a second bathroom...

Living Room Re-do Part 1

It's been a little quiet these days at Hunter Drive.  But that's just because I've been busy working instead of blogging!  A couple weeks ago we had an appraisal as part of refinancing our mortgage so hubbs and I were busy finishing up half done projects left and right.  We painted the foundation, planted some new flowers, and even did the finishing touches in the bathroom.  I also got right to work on more living room projects.  Take a look!

Living Room partially done

As I mentioned in the last post, I have recently fallen in love with Antler Damask (on the right most pillow).  It is a "new to me" kind of love, as this print by Joel Dewberry has been out for some time.  I was thrilled to find something traditional but quirky and in such fun colors.  Plus it matches our set of antlers that already hang over the TV.  I made two pillow covers from AD and 4 others in coordinating stripes I scored at Ikea.  I followed Brett Bara's online tutorial to a T.  My zippers dont look all that professional but who can tell?

Pillows in their new covers lined up

I also took down the beige curtains and moved in some red ones from our office.  The color isn't perfect but it works for now.  Left to do on my list is:

• New rug - a trellis pattern or something else geometric,  maybe black and white
• More antlers and sportsman accessories for the TV wall
• 2 new lamp drum shades or another more modern shape
• Rearranging the corner cupboard - possibly with antlers and trophies?
• New spot for the oar?

What else?

sneak peak

Joel Dewberry's Antler Damask

Just ordered today!!  I'm so pumped for this to arrive in the mail.  If only online shopping allowed for instant gratification...  Who would have though hubbs would go for pink?

Striped

The living room at Hunter Drive has been giving me the blahs.  I know we need a full makeover complete with new curtains, pillow shams, rug and more contemporary lighting.  Since I plan to make the curtains and pillows myself it will take some time before things are "fixed".  On Sunday, in the middle of Hurricane Irene, I just couldn't take it anymore.  During a lull in the storm, I jumped in the car and drove to Home Depot (sorry Lowes, I had a gift card) where I purchased some paint and tape to stripe an accent wall in the living room.  I had been following a couple of tutorials on Green Street Blog and Young House Love, which were the inspiration for this project.  I think we're off to a good start! 

Grown-ups live here

Before

Beer signs are fun...and they belong in a bar.  They may also be appropriate on the wall in a bachelor pad.  Unfortunately, Hunter Drive does not have a bar, bachelor area or man cave that would provide a proper home for the beer drinking paraphernalia that my husband has collected over the years.  I've been slowly moving our menagerie of beer signs to the basement stairway because hey, grown-ups live here.

The last sign to go is our beloved Narragansett beer girl, who presides over the kitchen table.  I figured moving her would be a struggle and I would have to come up with something really great and pretty inexpensive to take her place.

After

During a local summer sidewalk sale I found printed fruit from the US Department of Agriculture Yearbook from the early 1900's (facebook for fruit).  Each page was around $12 each and I found 8 that looked terrific together.  They were just pages ripped out of a book and kind of an odd shape for a typical frame, so I got lucky re-using four cheap document frames that I had purchased for $3.99 at Walgreens back in college.  Wouldn't ya know, I found 4 more of the exact same frames on amazon for the same price!  Best of all, the "mat" is just the back cardboard flipped around.  Pretty good huh?

Movin' on Up!

Facade of Hunter Drive

Hunter Drive is a three bedroom ranch that is the perfect size for our family of three (me, hubby and our dog Wally).  Since move in day, New Years 2009, we've been working on house projects non-stop.  At first I did a lot of complaining...ok, major complaining, about doing the work ourselves.  While I've always been crafty, I just didn't grow up in the type of household where you laid your own wood floor and installed your own windows (yes, we've since done both).  Now, almost 3 years later, I feel we can take on any house project, even a second story addition!

While we certainly wont build up by ourselves, we are interested in doing as much of the work as possible to keep to our budget.  We're in a good location with a great yard so I'm hoping we can add enough space to make Hunter Drive a place that a family can grow into.  With a ranch, there are so many addition options and I'm determined to avoid a flat colonial at all costs.  Here are some of my favorite facades:

A renovation in Hingham, MA with a before that looks just like Hunter Drive

A ranch renovation in Arlington Heights, IL

Can you see it?  I think its all about the front porch and an interesting roof line.  I'm sure an architect would come up with a number of other alternatives as well.  I can't wait till we get started on this!

Neutral Nursery

I recently joined One Kings Lane, a discount designer site for the home.  And I have to say, where has this been all my life?? 

While many of the items on the site are above my price range (even with the discounts offered), I was pleased to see that there were many home accessories that are absolutely affordable.  The gorgeous yellow pom pom throw in the inspiration board below is currently on sale this week for only $39.99!  

A couple posts ago I mentioned the idea of converting our office into a nursery.  With perfect grey walls, canary yellow and white accents would look fantastic.  I know that yellow and grey is by no means a new combination for home decor, wedding colors, etc. but I haven't seen much of it for a nursery.  I can just imagine a long list of DIY projects starting up: fun yellow print curtains and a quilt, martha stewart's tissue paper pom poms hanging in a corner, a knit pouf for a foot stool.  Could all this be done in 9 months?  

    

Dining Dreams

The biggest bummer at Hunter Drive is the lack of a dining room.  Our "eat in kitchen" really allows us to have just one couple over at a time for dinner, which doesn't cut it for an entertainer like me.  With our plans for a some day second story, I've been saving ideas and looks I love for a functional, stylish but not too formal eating space.

The current living room would make for a generous dining area and I love the idea of adding some bookcases to make the space cozy.  I love the way these book cases are used to organize and add color to the white walls.

via pearl street interiors

I think this look would be totally doable in our future dining room.  This is the window I have in mind...

taken by my iphone

Besides needing a better camera to document Hunter Drive, its pretty clear that my existing living room is suffering from the beige on beige syndrome.  All the more reason to start planning for the dining room now!

Sucker for Stencils

When I was a kid, my mom and close friend started a stenciling business - sweatshirts, tote bags, and the ever popular room border.  This was definitely a trend at the time, and today I'm surprised to find myself plotting out my own stencil projects.  It all started with Schumaker's Imperial Trellis ...

The Schumacher fabric of my dreams was turned into a too small stencil that must have taken hours to cover a full wall.  Check out Hello Gorgeous for the full how-to and final project photos.

While I love this project, I'm not sure I have the patience or dedication to create my own stencil.  Regardless, I was actually contemplating trying this out, until I found three companies that make this project a whole lot easier for just 40 bucks!  Here are some of my favorites so far:

Nautical Chain Pattern at Olive Leaf Studio

Large Chez Sheik Allover by Royal Design Studio

Covington by Cutting Edge Stencils via Etsy

Fancy, traditional or modern?  Which stencil and which wall shall I choose?

Eventual Office Overhaul

The office at Hunter Drive has unfortunately served as the junk room/laundry room/yard sale staging room since the day we moved in.  With the absence of a garage I consider this type of disorganized space to be a necessary evil, but also a shame as the wall color in this room is my absolute favorite shade of grey (it's Valspar's Polished Silver).

While we've had a lot of ideas for the office, we've decided to hold off on any major changes in anticipation that this will one day be a nursery. And no, we are NOT pregnant.

I know grey walls for a baby might seem a little drab but the possibilities are endless for a modern, gender neutral space with lots of fun and colorful accessories.  Here are some inspiring spaces I've found online:

found via back {to}domestics

A nursery in progress by a friend from high school via the facts of Lauren

Project Nursery by wyattsmom

Project Nursery by mscott218

Oooh this is going to be so much fun!  From watching my friends and sister-in-laws prepare for new babies I know this will someday be a huge life change.  For now, I'll just dream about the decorating...

Take Two

Back in January I claimed blog sites for two ideas I had brewing... one, Elle Jay Paper, a spot for my attempt at a stationary company, and this blog Hunter Drive, where I could record the life consuming house renovations that B Dub and I tackle on a regular basis.  After some soul searching and brief business planning, I came to the sad conclusion that starting a stationary company would not be a profitable venture.  Since then I've been looking for a new gig, closer to home, in the non-profit development field.  Now that I have more focus in my job search, I'm hoping it will just be a matter of time before a new position comes along.  In the meantime (and to lift my spirits), I've become friendly with a number of really great home decor blogs, which have inspired me to revisit Hunter Drive.  I look forward to capturing my own projects and sharing inspiring web projects here once again.

Duvets for Dogs

                         

At 26 years old I learned that I am a dog person. Ok, ok...a crazy dog person. Our dog, Wally, is my first dog and I love, and spoil him to pieces. Dog decorations are commonplace at Hunter Drive and if that weirds you out you should probably stop reading this blog.

I was delighted today to find Molly Mutt, a dog duvet company that specializes in reusing old textiles from around your home to stuff a dog bed. While I think this is a fabulous idea, we already have a couple of dog beds so creating a new one isn't very high on my list. However, with 25% off from Daily Candy this week, I'm pretty convinced one of these duvet cuties will end up adorning Wally's gigantic llbean bed in our bedroom. I'm torn between the "perfect afternoon" (image left) and "pictures of you" (image right). What's a dog lover to do?

Tiling

This past weekend we moved the plumbing, installed the tub and tiled. Thanks to our helpers and some unorthodox tile tools we are well on our way to showering in our own home! Check out our progress and learn about my tips for tiling...

1) The tile adhesive (mastic) can easily squirt between tiles and show through grout. If this happens to you, use a pen cap to clean out the spaces in between the tiles.

2) Walls and sometimes tiles are not straight. In addition to tile spacers, wooden shims work well to hold tiles in place while drying. A flat head screwdriver helps when wedging shims.

3) Map out your tile pattern on a paper before you begin.

4) The work goes quickest when you have some people tile and some cut the edges, corners and pipes.

5) Even if it looks and feels dry, give it at least 24 hours before you remove those spacers and shims.

More on grouting soon!

Slow and steady -- remodeling our bathroom

The day I moved into Hunter Drive I knew remodeling the bathroom would be a project we would tackle down the road. The outdated tile, old medicine cabinet and bisque colored toilet left a lot to be desired but it was livable. "It could be worse" I'd say when giving friends a tour of our new home. A few months shy of 2 years later, the first tile fell off the wall (and into the toilet) and the leaky faucet handle broke off and shattered the light fixture. It was time...

We began by removing the tile that covered the walls and lived with the scratched up and hole filled sheet rock for longer than I'd like to admit. When we couldn't find a vanity to fit (the space and our price) at Lowes, we went to a cabinet maker for a custom bottom to match the Corian counter top that a friend gave to us from a construction site that had an incorrect order. Next came tile, fixtures, paint, and a new deep soak tub!