Rainboots, anyone?

I like this little scene.

(Sally Steponkus)

If only the boots were rain boots. Then this picture would be relevant to everything outside my window.

Sundays of Yore: 1951 Armstrong Bedroom

This bedroom from 1951 is quite clearly an eyesore. But don't write it off yet! I encourage you to take a closer look, because there are actually some interesting things hidden behind the awful ruffles and overused black floral pattern.

For one thing, the bed itself is kind of nice. If the ruffles went away, the bed might look something like this:

I like the crisp, tailored look of the black border on the floor. I think that could be achieved by layering a rug on top of seagrass. And, I love the way the black outline looks with the curly arm of the upholstered chair. Actually, I think I'd leave the chair just as it is.

The room would still need a lot more tweaks to make it current. New window treatments, an updated vanity, and different artwork, to name a few. Please don't forget new lamps. Also: Look what the lady of the house plans to slip into later. A nice green silky robe and high heeled red slippers. That's what I'm wearing right now!*

*Not true.

Kitchen things

If I owned a house, I would probably try to find a place for this:

I think the pale blue pendant would look fantastic in the same kitchen that houses my beloved Tin Can Alley collection.

Speaking of kitchens, I don't believe I've shared a photo set I found on Flickr a couple of months ago.

I'd love to hang something just like it, but in painting form.

Before and after: Console

Last week, my friend Colleen was in town. Lucky for me, she enjoys scouring Craigslist for good finds. Even luckier for me, she has a really good eye. I can pick out things that I like, but I never quite know what to do with them once they're in my possession. When Colleen is around, she works her magic and even the smallest surfaces are artfully arranged.

My very favorite surface that emerged from the week is a Craigslist find - a console turned bar.

You can see my front door just to the right of the bar. There used to be a small bench in this spot, but no one ever sat on it and it wasn't worth anything storage-wise. As soon as I brought the console home, I knew the bench had to go.

I painted it in a glossy white, and put a coat of gold on the hardware. Not only does the console have lots of storage, it also has room on top to display pretty things. Thanks, Colleen!

(The green and white striped dishes have since been moved, but I haven't had a chance to take more pictures.)

We also ventured to Ikea last week, and I was very excited to see their new textiles. Marc and I don't have a coat closet in our apartment, so we hang curtains in front of an odd shaped corner to block off our designated coat area. The new blue and white Ikea Henny curtains really brighten things up in the room. Plus, I love the way they look next to the old painting I found at a local consignment store. It used to be in an old, beat-up driftwood frame, but I like the look of the canvas hanging on its own - so fresh and crisp.

I don't stop to pour myself a drink every time I walk through the room, but I do stop to admire the new entryway. There's another little project to the left of the curtains, but it's not ready for a reveal yet. It's coming soon, though!

Three pairs of chairs

I love a duo of upholstered chairs, and these three pairs are looking especially Spring-y. Pink flowers, bright accent pillows, and sunshine pouring through the windows. Just the way I like it!

(Country Living)

(Domino)

(Palmer Weiss)

Sundays of Yore: 1925 Traditional Living Room

Pretty wallpaper panels, don't you think?

(Source)

Kitchen vignette

Hi! I've been light on posts lately because I've been spending a lot of time away from my computer. Ahhh, it feels nice. I'll be posting lots of fun pictures soon - before and after shots of projects and scenes from around my house.

But not yet! Here's a vignette to enjoy while you wait.

(Tom Scheerer)

Have a good Wednesday!