living room decorating

Out of the Office

Somehow we made it to the second half of August - and now it's finally time to sign a lease on an apartment in NYC for a Sep 1 move in date. I made a trip up to New York on our way to Boston this weekend with my girls (Michael was busy finishing up his last projects at his current job). It was a long weekend, but the good news is I think we're going to have a place to live next month! Relief.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture4-6.png" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/top-design-matt-room1.jpg" /></div><br />We got back to Delaware last night, but we're packing our bags right back up today and heading home to Arizona for a week.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/matt-lorenz-room.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/topdesignmattlorenz2007skirt.jpg" /></div><br />These next couple of weeks will be a whirlwind of traveling, packing, cleaning, moving and settling. Thanks for your patience as I focus on family needs for a little bit. I'll be here as often as possible, just probably not every day.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture5-6.png" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture7-5.png" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture13-5.png" /></div><br />PS It's been fun to talk with some of my girlfriends about how we live in our homes. Michael and I have been deciding between a big, open and pretty raw loft space and a nicer but smaller and more compartmentalized apartment. One of my friends says she could never get right with her kitchen being open to the living area. I actually like the idea of living/eating/cooking/working in one room. Different strokes though. How would you most like to live in the city?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture16-2.png" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture8-2.png" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture14-5.png" /></div><br /><div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">Most images via <a href="http://www.casasugar.com/Coveted-Crib-Matt-Lorenzs-Winning-Top-Design-Loft-2069921?page=0,0,7">CasaSugar</a> of Matt Lorenz's winning design of a loft space on Season 1 of Bravo's Top Design.</div>

Out of the Office

Somehow we made it to the second half of August - and now it's finally time to sign a lease on an apartment in NYC for a Sep 1 move in d...

8:19 PM

Wood is Back (...was it ever really gone?)

I showed my friend a photo of this lovely Tiger Oak antique desk that I'm buying off craigslist and she immediately asked what color I was going to paint it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/3m73o23p85T25Q15U6a6sbf46db142cd614a4.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It's no secret that I'm a really big fan of painted furniture, so it  might surprise you how much I actually love the look of wood. It adds so  much warmth that I always try to use at least one all-wood piece in a room.<br /><br /></div><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/3n83o93l25Z35U35P6a6s688111756b1116a3.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">My paint brushes will be coming nowhere near this pretty little desk.</div><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/3nb3kc3p85V25W65U4a6sb6259ade4c701f41.jpg" /></div><br />One of my very favorite ways to incorporate wooden furniture is using antique chests in entry ways. The best way to pull this off in a fresh way is to pair the traditional wood with modern art and some quirky accessories. A great lamp is always welcome!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/AprilHouseandHome-photobyDonnaGriffith.jpg" /><br />House and Home<br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/thomfiliciahb2.jpg" /><br />Thom Felicia<br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/SuzanneTuckerpg31.jpg" /><br />Suzanne Tucker<br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/marmeladeint8.jpg" /><br />Marmalade Interiors<br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/gasl_entryways_14.jpg" /><br />Domino<br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/3233935465_22fdd2b8aa.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/2511394161_f31d70a966.jpg" /><br />Domino<br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_0004.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/markolsenphotogchh2.jpg" /><br />Mark Olsen Photog (for House and Home)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">What do you think? Have you warmed up to wood again? Or were the embers of love always burning?</div></div>

Wood is Back (...was it ever really gone?)

I showed my friend a photo of this lovely Tiger Oak antique desk that I'm buying off craigslist and she immediately asked what color I w...

2:28 AM

A Bedroom Furnished by Shop Furbish

<a href="http://www.isuwannee.com/">Jaime's</a> shop in Raleigh, NC, <a href="http://store03.prostores.com/servlet/furbishstudioonline/StoreFront">Furbish, is officially online</a>! Here's a girly bedroom board I put together using items from Jamie's shop:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/LGNFavesatFurbish.jpg" /></div><br /><a href="http://store03.prostores.com/servlet/furbishstudioonline/the-295/Roberta-Roller-Rabbit-Queen/Detail">Roberta Roller Rabbit bedding</a><br /><a href="http://store03.prostores.com/servlet/furbishstudioonline/the-41/Zebra-Bracelet--dsh--Black/Detail"><br /></a><a href="http://store03.prostores.com/servlet/furbishstudioonline/the-14/Sand-Story-Lamp/Detail">Sand Story lamp</a><br /><br /><a href="http://store03.prostores.com/servlet/furbishstudioonline/the-18/Chickadee-Pillow/Detail">Chickadee pillow</a><br /><br /><a href="http://store03.prostores.com/servlet/furbishstudioonline/the-44/Zebra-Stenciled-Hide-Caramel-fdsh-Off/Detail">Caramel zebra hide</a><br /><a href="http://store03.prostores.com/servlet/furbishstudioonline/the-243/Ikat-Rose-Tea-Towels/Detail"><br /></a><a href="http://store03.prostores.com/servlet/furbishstudioonline/the-62/Cubist-Camel-Throw/Detail">Camel throw</a><br /><br /><a href="http://store03.prostores.com/servlet/furbishstudioonline/the-156/Decorative-Barnacle-Cluster/Detail">Pink barnacles!</a><br /><br /><a href="http://store03.prostores.com/servlet/furbishstudioonline/the-182/Driftwood-Mirror/Detail">Driftwood mirror</a><br /><br /><a href="http://store03.prostores.com/servlet/furbishstudioonline/the-91/Faux-Python-Tray--dsh-/Detail">Python tray</a><br /><br /><a href="http://store03.prostores.com/servlet/furbishstudioonline/the-41/Zebra-Bracelet--dsh--Black/Detail">Zebra bracelet</a><br /><br /><a href="http://store03.prostores.com/servlet/furbishstudioonline/the-231/Chevron-Frame--dsh--Pink/Detail">Chevron Frame</a><br /><br /><a href="http://store03.prostores.com/servlet/furbishstudioonline/the-289/Floral-Pillow/Detail">Prettiest Floral Pillows</a><br /><br />Now, go shop to your little heart's content! And a big congrats to Jaime for taking this HUGE step! xx

A Bedroom Furnished by Shop Furbish

Jaime's shop in Raleigh, NC, Furbish, is officially online ! Here's a girly bedroom board I put together using items from Jamie'...

2:27 AM

Bamboo Mirror

Bamboo Mirror

I got sooo many emails about the vintage greek key bamboo mirror! It was sold very quickly at the Arlington Flea, but you can get a similar ...

2:33 AM

Jonathan Adler Rug Sale

If you love <a href="http://www.jonathanadler.com/Rugs/">Jonathan Adler rugs</a>, like I do, now's a GREAT time to place an order.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Zoome_rug_group.jpg" /></div><br /><a href="http://www.jonathanadler.com/Rugs/">All rugs</a> (even the custom ones! Any color! Any size!) are 20% off, through August 15.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture5-5.png" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jonathanadler.jpg" /></div><br />These are my favorite offerings.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.jonathanadler.com/richard-nixon-6574/?cat=486&initial=">Richard Nixon</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture4-5.png" /></div><br /><a href="http://www.jonathanadler.com/Mansard-Rug/?cat=486&initial=">Mansard Rug</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture8-1.png" /><br /><br /></div><a href="http://www.jonathanadler.com/Herringbone-Rug-TQ-NT/?cat=486&initial=">Herringbone Rug </a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture13-4.png" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture-32.png" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.jonathanadler.com/Greek-Key-Rug/?cat=486&initial=">Greek Key</a></div><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture7-4.png" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/dsf264cdb9a8d8.jpg" /></div><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/hosl02_bookshelves.jpg" /></div>

Jonathan Adler Rug Sale

If you love Jonathan Adler rugs , like I do, now's a GREAT time to place an order. All rugs (even the custom ones! Any color! Any size!...

8:00 PM

Weekend Recap

What a crazy weekend! Friday afternoon we picked up the 26-foot moving truck and packed it to the gills. We didn't finish packing until late that night, but it was cool to drive down the Mall in DC in our giant truck at around 2:00 am!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_4860.jpg" /></div><br />We unloaded all night at the flea (didn't sleep a wink!) and got crazy looks from the other flea market vendors when they saw just how much stuff we were unloading. One guy even came over and was like 'This is your first time selling here, right? You have a lot of nice stuff, but don't be disappointed when you're loading most of it back up today. Try again next month!'<br /><br />We were still putting prices on small things by the time 7:00am rolled around. I seriously looked so gross. I had planned on getting in a nap and a shower at a friends house nearby, but that definitely didn't happen. Yuck!<br /><br />At 7:00 the madness started. I had grand plans of photographing everything and I was so excited to walk around and meet and chat with some of you readers - also definitely didn't happen. By 7:45 I came up for air and nearly 90% of the items had been sold. At the end of the day, there were only a handful of things to load back up in the truck.<br /><br />It was SO amazing to get to meet a couple hundred of you guys! I'm sorry that you got to see me at my worst - disheveled and hot! But thank you for coming and supporting me! I would LOVE to try something like this again.<span style="font-style: italic;"></span>

Weekend Recap

What a crazy weekend! Friday afternoon we picked up the 26-foot moving truck and packed it to the gills. We didn't finish packing until ...

5:31 AM

Sale Info

The truck is coming to my house at noon today and we'll be loading up lots and lots of furniture and home stuff to sell this Saturday, August 7 from 7:00 am - 1:30 pm at the <a href="http://www.arlington-fleamarket.com/">Arlington, VA Flea Market</a> located at North 15th Street and Quincy (<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=15th+street+north+and+quincy+street,+Arlington,+Va.+22201&sll=38.890331,-77.109647&sspn=0.008418,0.020664&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=N+Quincy+St+%26+15th+St+N,+Arlington,+Virginia+22207&ll=38.890248,-77.108274&spn=0.008418,0.020664&z=16">here's the map</a>).<br /><br />Cash only.<br /><br />I will be on the 'E Level' which is open-air. Please come and say hi and introduce yourself. I'll be the girl with paint-stained hands and a baby on her hip.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_4856.jpg" /><br /></div><br />Here's a sampling of what will be coming. I've included some of my reserve prices here. <span style="font-weight: bold;">All prices shown here and on the tickets at the sale will be firm until 11:00 am.</span><br /><br />**Please note that I won't be at my computer much until the sale, so I won't be able to accept 'dibs' or put holds on pieces. If there is something you see here or know of in my home that you want to make a generous offer on, email me and if I'm tempted, I'll consider working something out.<br /><br />I tried to keep prices reasonable and also tried to bring a range of furniture that's either ready to be used at a fair price, or less expensive things that need some TLC.<br /><br />For example, this mid-century dining hutch was something I painted, so it costs $250<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_4838.jpg" /><br /><br /></div>But this vintage hutch is ready for you to customize yourself and costs $60. There is cool paper in a gold cane pattern lining the shelves already.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_4816.jpg" /><br /></div><br />Likewise, due to cost of materials and labor, my Chiang Mai settee has a reserve price of $350.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_4765.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_4763.jpg" /><br /><br /></div>But this vintage tufted sofa is only $50. I love the ivory flame stitch upholstery. This piece is screaming for gorgeous pillows!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_4826.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br />All mirrors $30-$100<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_4841.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_4843.jpg" /><br /></div><br />China $1-$3 per piece<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_4846.jpg" /><br /></div><br />Pair antique twin bed frames (head and foot boards) $250/pair<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_4850.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Drexel twin canopy bed, $100 ($5 side tables seen to the left)<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_4797.jpg" /><br /></div><br />Antique daybed (rails not shown), $200<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_4833.jpg" /><br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Lamps $5-$40 ea (these are the less exciting ones, relegated to the basement)<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_4851.jpg" /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_4809.jpg" /><br /></div><br />Artwork: I have boxes and boxes of art to sell, most for $5-$30 ea. This series of eight prints of scenes of NYC is $100.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_4777.jpg" /><br /></div><br />Pair vintage bombay chests painted BM Marlboro Blue. $80/pair<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_4780.jpg" /><br /></div><br />Side tables GALORE!! Priced between $5 and $60 each.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_4790.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_4793.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_4804.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_4805.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_4806.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_4808.jpg" /><br /></div><br />Benches, some needing a lot of love (for $5), others already upholstered in designer fabric, like Ralph Lauren's leopard. This vintage pair of painted steel benches is $200.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_4784.jpg" style="width: 574px; height: 430px;" /><br /></div><br />Lulu DK footstool $45<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_4760.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Trunks, suitcases etc $3-$50<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_4811.jpg" /><br /></div><br />Credenza $50<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_4818.jpg" /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br />Blue gray wall mirror, $40<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_4857.jpg" /><br /></div><br />China Hutch, $250<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_4821.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_4822.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Bamboo trellis vanity bench, $35<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_4830.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Midcentury tufted floral chair. Upholstery is in perfect condition and the fabric is a gorgeous yellow floral - almost a suzani print. Love. $6o<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_4834.jpg" /><br /></div><br />I featured some of the pretty things, but like I said, there will be many diamonds in the rough, like this $8 pedestal table and the $5 mirror to the right.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_4837.jpg" /><br /></div><br />And then, of course, at 11:00 am all offers will be considered. I don't want to haul anything home.<br /><br />Other things of note:<br /><br />Dining room hutch, $150<br />Dining curtains, set of four panels, $100<br />Chiang Mai headboards from girls room, $300 for the pair (the fabric alone is worth twice that)<br />Black and white striped living room curtains, set of two panels, $150<br />Brand spankin new, still in the package seagrass rug with black binding from Ballard, 8x10, $135<br />Black Campaign chest (the mate to <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/blogspot/bboSV/%7E3/4uN0tTMHFv4/our-house-tour.html">Joanna's</a>), $50<br /><a href="http://www.google.com/images?q=cb2%20surf%20chair&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi&biw=1344&bih=623">Red-orange CB2 Office chair</a>, $35<br />XXlarge sunburst mirror from my DR, $75

Sale Info

The truck is coming to my house at noon today and we'll be loading up lots and lots of furniture and home stuff to sell this Saturday, A...

9:20 PM