living room decorating

Cement Countertops

I salivate at the mention of carrara marble. Seriously, though, it is so expensive, and I've heard that it's really hard to come by these days. (most people are using Calcutta?) I don't do work on kitchens and I have never done a serious kitchen remodel of my own, so I don't know all that much about counter tops.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/gillian2jpeg.jpg" /><br /></div><br />But, I know I fell in love when I saw these cement counter tops on <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/designspongeonline/njjl/%7E3/xyl0Y8Omsyk/before-after-ceciles-home-gillians-kitchen.html">design*sponge</a>. The <a href="http://driedfigsandwoodenspools.blogspot.com/">home owners</a> MADE the counters themselves, and, admittedly, they said it was a lot of work, though the cost of goods was pretty low.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/gillian7jpeg.jpg" /><br /></div><br />Do any of you readers have cement counter tops? I've read that sealing them can be tricky. Though carrara is not exactly stain-proof!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/gillian6jpeg.jpg" /></div><br />At any rate, concrete counters make for a very pretty kitchen. And check out those vintage lockers they installed as a pantry! Genius!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/gillian5jpeg.jpg" /><br /></div><br />And don't you just love the ink blue cabinets? They really did a great job here.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/gillian4jpeg.jpg" /><br /><br /></div>And now, just like that, I'm back to wanting a big home in the suburbs.     :)

Cement Countertops

I salivate at the mention of carrara marble. Seriously, though, it is so expensive, and I've heard that it's really hard to come by ...

2:32 AM

Design Quiz!

Design Quiz!

10 points to the first person who can tell me the name of this white turned chair here in the foreground of this photo?

7:01 PM

Dining Style

There are two apartments that we are seriously looking at for our move this summer. Both of them are open concept, where the kitchen, living and dining areas are all together.<br /><br />It's taking all of my self-control (of which there is not much) to not buy furniture for our new place yet until we sign a lease. I really want a HUGE farm house style table and tons of chairs. I want a place to spread out our craft projects and to put down groceries. A place to do homework (I will have a kindergartner next year! tear...) and somewhere to lay out fabric samples and floor plans. We love to have friends and family over for dinner, and I want a chair for everyone!<br /><br /><a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2008/11/manhattan-dream-decorating.html">For a long time</a>, I've been dreaming of this Parsons-meets-farm-house oak table from <a href="http://lorimerantiques.myshopify.com/products/parsons-style-modern-design#">the Lorimer Workshop</a> in RI. I LOVE IT.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/lorimerworkshopcom.jpg" /></div><br />But over the weekend, I was doing some furniture shopping for a client and I stumbled across this 8-foot long table for $300. I don't have a photo of the legs, but they were really cool - chunky and turned on a three-inch apron frame.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/farmhousetable.jpg" /></div><br />I decided to wait on the table (at least a little longer). But I did pick up this pair of bentwood chairs for $2 each.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Bentwood1.jpg" /></div><br />Someone did a horrible glaze job on these and the seats are covered in grime. But they'll sparkle when I'm finished with them.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Bentwood2.jpg" /></div><br />I think it would be cool to have an assortment of chair styles, but all with the same paint and fabric treatment, surrounding my huge table.<br /><br />Though, there's nothing wrong with a full set of bentwoods...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/03Garuse.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">via Desire to Inspire</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/sfgirlbybaybentwood.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">via SF girl by bay<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/abbeyviadsintroduction_monday_mainp.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">via D*S<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/marthastew9.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">Martha Stewart, from Pink Wallpaper<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/dominocotellosara12.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">domino</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/apttherapy091408_thonet.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">Apt Therapy<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/nova4.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;">Abbey Nova, via D*S<br /></span></div>

Dining Style

There are two apartments that we are seriously looking at for our move this summer. Both of them are open concept, where the kitchen, living...

7:00 AM

Just a Few More Thoughts

1. I want <a href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/2010/03/sneak-peek-emersonmade-2.html">this pantry</a>, from the geniuses behind <a href="http://emersonmade.myshopify.com/">emersonmade</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/6_emerson.jpg" /></div><br />2. Shannon, who writes the great blog, <a href="http://projectshannon.blogspot.com/">Project Shannon</a>, and who won the monogrammed hand towel give away, sent me this photo of her new hand towels from LGN sponsor <a href="http://www.asliceoflife.com/">A Slice of Life</a>.<br /><br />Didn't these turn out so pretty?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/HandTowels019.jpg" /></div><br />3. <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2010/03/sponsor-sponsor.html">Remember Sheila</a>? Thanks to those of you who voted for her! We would love for you to <a href="http://www.realtor.org/rmonews_and_commentary/30under30/2010/3030_2010_salvitti">vote again</a>, if you have a minute.<br /><br />This is Sheila's adorable kitchen. Can you spot the topiaries? Yeah, they're real. And no, we didn't drop $110 each on them at a fancy nursery.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/sheilaskitchen.jpg" /></div><br />$24 at Home Depot!! With the pot! no jokin.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/sheila.jpg" /></div><br />4. Also from Sheila, she is reluctantly parting with a set of four perfectly-perfect vintage bamboo chairs. If you live near Philly, and you want them, email me your best offer for the set.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/sheilachairs3.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/sheilachairs2.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/sheilachairs.jpg" /></div><br />5. I'm happily using these jadite/milk glass lamps in a new nursery design. And you'll never guess where they're from. H-to-the-Goods.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jaditelamps.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jaditelamp2.jpg" /></div><br />They reminded me of the Martha milk glass lighting collection that costs a gajillion dollars.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture2-5.png" /></div><br />6. Working on a post all about shelf styling that will hopefully inspire a client with a bedroom full of gorgeous new built-ins. This noteworthy image happened to be on my desktop. So very lovely.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Martensen_4ashx.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">via <a href="http://www.desiretoinspire.net/">Desire to Inspire</a></span></span></div><br />7. For that same client, we're using <a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1156250&navCount=4">these RH rods</a> for hanging gorgeous silk curtains. These are definitely my favorite curtain rods right now. Big finials can be so fussy. This hardware looks crazy expensive, but lucky you, in reality it's only mildly expensive because the set is on sale.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture8.png" /></div><br />8. On to a different type of hardware, I died and went to heaven when <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2010/03/wedding-rings.html">Joanna</a> posted these wedding rings from the Brooklyn shop <a href="http://www.stkildajewelry.com/home/">St. Kilda</a>. Yes, a thousand times.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/StKildainBKLNviajoAwedding-ring-bro.jpg" /></div><br />9. This bathroom makes me so happy. I want a clawfoot shower stall, please.  Baths sort of gross me out anyway.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/viahouseofturq717597210_HzLUT-O.png" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">via <a href="http://www.houseofturquoise.com/">House of  Turquoise</a>.</span></div><br />10. Lastly, it's the weekend already.<br /><br />Today will be full of errands for me. Little lassies will be in toe. Tomorrow, I'll be shipping about 50 boxes of fabric to some of you! I'll also be contemplating this vintage dresser from Craigslist and how it may or may not be perfect in my bedroom. What say you?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture11-1.png" /></div>

Just a Few More Thoughts

1. I want this pantry , from the geniuses behind emersonmade . 2. Shannon, who writes the great blog, Project Shannon , and who won the mono...

2:29 AM

Some thoughts...

1. Thanks for buying up a lot of my vintage fabrics yesterday. That was awesome and I'll be posting more very soon. So stay tuned and <a href="http://twitter.com/pearlstreetint">follow me on Twitter</a> for early bird notices.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/schumacherplum.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">still have a couple yards left of this awesome vintage Schumacher. The dark color background is a deep plum. yummy.</span></span><br /><br /></div>2. Speaking of fabrics, I love this horizontal striped black and white slubby linen available from Calico Corners. For a subtler approach to <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2009/07/living-room-curtains-are-done.html">my curtains</a>. Price is $36.99/yd.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/bandwhiteslubbylinenfromCC.jpg" /></a></div><br />3. Also, this upholstery grade gray and creamy white ikat is phenomenal. I don't know who makes it. There's a random roll at one of my fabric haunts. Let me know if you want me to pick you up some. Price is $22/yard.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ikat2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ikat.jpg" /></a></div><br />4. Does anyone know anything about this china? It think it's pretty.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/china4.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/china3.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/china2.jpg" /></a></div><br />5. Paloma's <a href="http://paloma81.blogspot.com/2010/03/kitchen-love-some-new-favorites.html">kitchen round up</a> was awesome. I think I gasped when I saw this one for the first time. Ohmygoodness. That island.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/kitchencountrystylemag_thumb1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">via Country Style Mag, through <a href="http://paloma81.blogspot.com/2010/03/kitchen-love-some-new-favorites.html">La Dolce Vita</a></span></span></div><br />6. My latest household product obsession: <a href="http://www.vitaglo.com/my410555.html">Mrs. Meyers dryer sheets in Baby Blossom scent</a>. The smell is sooooo good that I actually like doing laundry now... most days.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/dryersheets-babyblossom-ACT.jpg" /></a></div><br />7. Next, I think this stool at Home Goods would be genius reupholstered in black or charcoal linen. The legs are my favorite part.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/HGbench.jpg" /></a></div><br />8. In fact, they sort of remind me of these awesome <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90142316">pepper mills</a> from IKEA.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_2367.jpg" /></a></div><br />9. And finally, a little family update:  Life is good, my friends. As much as I love all of you, nothing makes me happier than being a mom to these lovely little lassies.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/girls2.jpg" /></div><br />Grace is my partner in decorating crime and she also loves preschool. Claire turned three on the 16th and cries every day when I drop off Grace at school.<br /><br />Evie turned three months old yesterday. And you better believe she weighs 17 pounds.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/EvieCake.jpg" /></a></div><br />She totally would have polished off Claire's birthday cake if she wasn't stuck in the Bumbo.<br /><br />That's all. peace out.

Some thoughts...

1. Thanks for buying up a lot of my vintage fabrics yesterday. That was awesome and I'll be posting more very soon. So stay tuned and fo...

2:46 AM

Vintage Fabric For Sale!!

I always think my husband is being silly when he complains about my hoarding, which I like to call 'collecting.'<br /><br />Then recently I went down in to the basement for a few yards of fabric for a client. I must have been wearing a fresh pair of eyes that day, because it really hit me just how much stuff we have.<br /><br />We'll be downsizing quite a bit this summer when we move to an apartment. I refuse to pay like $1000 a month for a storage unit, so I've decided the time has come. I'm going to sell my stuff. First up is fabric, because I have a truly shocking amount in my 'collection.'<br /><br />I pulled out a sampling of the collection from the basement yesterday to photograph some pieces for clients, but some of the stuff you see here is for sale. The fabrics posted in my sidebar are for sale.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">And big thanks to those readers and </span><a href="http://twitter.com/pearlstreetint" style="font-style: italic;">twitter followers</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> who already purchased about half of the fabrics I posted within the first few hours!! WOW!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/fabricpiles.jpg" /></div><br />Most pieces are between $10 and $30 a yard. Shipping, depending on the  yardage, is between $5 and $15.<br /><br />Please email me (pearlstreetinteriors(at)gmail.com) for pricing and more  photos. I'll be updating the sidebar often, so keep checking back. I'll also post <a href="http://twitter.com/pearlstreetint">updates on twitter</a>.

Vintage Fabric For Sale!!

I always think my husband is being silly when he complains about my hoarding, which I like to call 'collecting.' Then recently I wen...

2:37 AM

Sponsor A Sponsor

Hi readers,<br /><br />I could use your help.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/yellow.jpg" /></div><br />My client, friend, sponsor and realtor, <a href="http://www.sheilasalvitti.com/about/index.htm">Sheila</a>, is a finalist in the "30 under 30" realtor rankings. She's good, guys - in the top 7% of all Coldwell Banker agents <span style="font-style: italic;">worldwide</span>!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ss_101055279.jpg" /></div><br />Can you do me a favor and go vote for Sheila?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/exterior-simon-watson.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">Simon Watson</span></div><br /><a href="http://www.realtor.org/rmonews_and_commentary/30under30/2010/3030_2010_salvitti"><span style="font-size: 180%;">HERE</span></a><br /><br />The polls close Sunday, March 28 at midnight. It's super easy to do and takes about two seconds. Thanks, you're awesome.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/carriage-house.jpg" /></div><br />ALSO! If you live in the Philadelphia area and are thinking about buying or selling, give <a href="http://www.sheilasalvitti.com/">Sheila</a> a call. She is absolutely amazing to work with.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/atlantahomesmag.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">Atlanta Homes Mag</span></div><br />She is friendly and honest, smart and driven. And she's got an amazing eye for detail (you guys are going to FLIP when you see her own home, which is almost finished). She has been one of my all-time favorite people to work with.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/atlhomesviabluprintblissCC4.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">Atlanta Homes Mag</span></div><br />Even if you aren't local to the Philadelphia, <a href="http://www.sheilasalvitti.com/about/index.htm">Sheila</a> has an impressive network of outstanding agents and can connect you with the perfect one, no matter where you live.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/CHH.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">Canadian House and Home<br /></span></div>Check out her website for tips, resources and information for all things real estate related. And bonus for people living in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland or Delaware. You can look for your dream home by <a href="http://www.sheilasalvitti.com/listings/index.htm">searching ALL properties</a> currently listed for sale right now on her website!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/6a00e554d7b827883301053710196a970b-.jpg" /></div><br />Thanks to Sheila for being an LGN sponsor!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/30fenmore14largeocregister.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">OC Register<br /></span></div><a href="http://www.realtor.org/rmonews_and_commentary/30under30/2010/3030_2010_salvitti">Don't forget to vote for Sheila!</a>

Sponsor A Sponsor

Hi readers, I could use your help. My client, friend, sponsor and realtor, Sheila , is a finalist in the "30 under 30" realtor ran...

1:31 PM