living room decorating

Out of the Office

My parents, siblings and their spouses and children are all here in Delaware for the week. My parents rented a beautiful beach house and we are busy soaking up the sun, eating crab and building sand castles with the kiddies. It's seriously heaven.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/1909_artworkimage.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">my very favorite print available now on </span><a href="http://www.20x200.com/art/2009/12/praia-piquinia-270809-15h17.html" style="font-style: italic;">20x200</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> from photographer <a href="http://www.christianchaize.com/">Christian Chaize</a>. So tempted by this one.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;">I'm taking some time off to enjoy my family, but please come back next week for some fun room reveals and exciting new projects!</div></div><br />xx<br />jenny

Out of the Office

24May2010

New Sponsor: Plexi-Craft

A big welcome to LGN's newest sponsor: <a href="http://www.plexi-craft.com/">Plexi-Craft!</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/plexi_logo_reflective.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture14-2.png" /></div><br />I blogged about Plexi-Craft last week, and they've actually launched a new website (with new pricing!) since then. <a href="http://www.plexi-craft.com/">Check it out</a>!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture12-1.png" /></div><br />Here are some of my favorites:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.plexi-craft.com/item/King-George-Bench-60">King George Bench</a> - a splurge, but oh, so fabulous!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture4-2.png" /></div><br />I LOVE this <a href="http://www.plexi-craft.com/item/Coat-Rack-67">coat rack</a>!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture9-3.png" /></div><br />A perfect <a href="http://www.plexi-craft.com/item/Corner-Shelf-54">little shelf</a> for those unused corners. I would stack at least two or three.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture6-2.png" /></div><br />And a <a href="http://www.plexi-craft.com/item/Shelf-and-Brackets-76">bigger shelf</a> that would be amazing in a bathroom.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture7-2.png" /></div><br />Check out this cool <a href="http://www.plexi-craft.com/item/Tic-Tac-Toe-Board-30">tic-tac-toe board</a>. I think this would look so cool on a bigger coffee table!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture11-2.png" /></div><br />Still tempted by the <a href="http://www.plexi-craft.com/item/Trunk-83">trunk</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture10-1.png" /></div><br />And <a href="http://www.plexi-craft.com/item/Tea-Table-115">here's</a> what I'm getting for our new place. This tea table is the perfect size for a little reading nook near a bookshelf that I've got planned.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture5-3.png" /></div><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 130%;">Special thanks to Plexi-Craft for sponsoring LGN and for offering you readers 10% off orders more than $500 through June 30, using the coded 'LGN0610'</span><br /><br />Maybe you could put the discount toward a gorgeous set of <a href="http://www.plexi-craft.com/item/Z-Chair-65">Z chairs</a> like Nicole from <a href="http://sketch42blog.com/2010/05/plum-cushion-me/">Sketch 42</a>?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture3-4.png" /></div><br />Love her dining room!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_1455-1024x574.jpg" /></div><br />Or how about a custom or semi-custom order? Designer <a href="http://www.robynkarpinteriors.com/g31.html">Robyn Karp</a> used a custom version of this <a href="http://www.plexi-craft.com/item/Square-Vanity-35">AMAZING vanity</a>...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture16-1.png" /></div><br />and used a pair in this gorgeous bedroom:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture2-7.png" /></div><br />Lucite is awesome and a little bit works in every room. Thanks, again, <a href="http://www.plexi-craft.com/">Plexi-Craft</a>!

New Sponsor: Plexi-Craft

A big welcome to LGN's newest sponsor: Plexi-Craft!I blogged about Plexi-Craft last week, and they've actually launched a new website (with new pricing!) since then. Check it out!Here are some of my favorites:King George Bench - a splurge, but oh, so fabulous!I LOVE this coat rack!A perfect little s…

21May2010

Found My Office Chair

Found My Office Chair

Check out one of the pieces I got at my Wednesday furniture auction:A vintage office chair that's actually really comfortable.I love the way it looks from behind with all that gorgeous wood!I'm going to keep the pretty tufting when I reupholster the piece next month. I'm thinking a charcoal linen wo…

20May2010

The Night Life of Trees

Here is another set of frame-worthy prints on black paper. These silk-screened images in the book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Night-Life-Trees-Durga-Bai/dp/8186211926">The Night Life of Trees</a> from Tara Publishing, are absolutely stunning. And might I add, are a little more <span style="font-style: italic;">masculine</span> than floral botanical prints...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture2-6.png" /></div><br />From Amazon:<br /><div>"In the belief of the Gond tribe, the lives of humans and trees  are closely entwined. Trees contain the cosmos; when night falls, the  spirits they nurture glimmer into life.<br />A visual ode to trees  rendered by tribal artists from India, this handcrafted edition  showcases three of the finest living Gond masters. This collection of  their distinctive styles is enchanting—an excellent gift for those  fascinated by trees, art or folk traditions."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/cherrycolouredimg_5083.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/thenightlifeoftreesviaflickr4274385.jpg" /></div><br />Also, if you get a kick out of the silk screening or book binding process, check out <a href="http://drawn.ca/2008/11/17/handmade-books/">this video</a> on how the books are individually hand made (but do yourself a favor and skip the first two or three minutes).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture4-1.png" /><br /><br /></div><span style="font-style: italic;">discovered via Julia Rothman's amazing blog, </span><a href="http://www.book-by-its-cover.com/handmade/the-night-life-of-trees" style="font-style: italic;">Book by It's Cover</a><span style="font-style: italic;">, and <a href="http://goop.com/">GOOP</a></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/nightlifeoftreesviaflickr4273638957.jpg" /></div><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Photos (other than the multi-page shot above from Book by its Cover) courtesy of another amazing blog, </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bibliodyssey/4273640049/in/photostream/" style="font-style: italic;">Biliodyssey</a><span style="font-style: italic;">. And a special thanks to </span><a href="http://www.tarabooks.com/" style="font-style: italic;">Tara Books</a><span style="font-style: italic;">.</span>

The Night Life of Trees

Here is another set of frame-worthy prints on black paper. These silk-screened images in the book, The Night Life of Trees from Tara Publishing, are absolutely stunning. And might I add, are a little more masculine than floral botanical prints...From Amazon:"In the belief of the Gond tribe, the live…

19May2010

Favorite Glasses

Favorite Glasses

I'm beat. I had some errands and drop-offs to do in NYC at the last minute, so the girls and I had a whirlwind trip there and back yesterday. Productive, but not exactly fun. My poor kids have been in the car this year more than I'd like to admit. They are good sports.One highlight of the trip was g…

18May2010

Pretty Rugs at Burke Decor

<a href="http://www.burkedecor.com/">Burke Decor</a> is a new-to-me resource. I'm loving their rug selection.<br /><br />Here are a few that I'm considering for our home:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.burkedecor.com/Frontier_Collection_Wool_Area_Rug_p/ft48.htm">blue and ivory</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture1-5.png" /></div><br /><a href="http://www.burkedecor.com/Frontier_Collection_Wool_Area_Rug_p/ft51.htm">gray stripe</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture3-3.png" /></div><br /><a href="http://www.burkedecor.com/Madiera_Handtufted_Rug_in_White_and_Grey_in_Variou_p/madiera-wht.htm">black floral</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture5-2.png" /></div><br /><a href="http://www.burkedecor.com/Portland_Handtufted_Wool_Rug_in_White_and_Beige_in_p/portland-white.htm">white and beige geometric</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture6-1.png" /></div><br />PS - saw this ad on Lonny for an extra 7% off at Burke using the code "HEARTS". Every little bit helps!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture9-2.png" /></div>

Pretty Rugs at Burke Decor

Burke Decor is a new-to-me resource. I'm loving their rug selection.Here are a few that I'm considering for our home:blue and ivorygray stripeblack floralwhite and beige geometricPS - saw this ad on Lonny for an extra 7% off at Burke using the code "HEARTS". Every little bit helps!…

16May2010

Mom and Dad's Updated Family Room

My last day in Arizona after the <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2010/03/my-parents-new-bedroom.html">whirlwind bedroom redo</a>, we found this upholstery fabric and my mom decided that she wanted to reupholster her family room sofa.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_2663.jpg" /></div><br />Her sofa is a nice piece with down fill cushions, but the old upholstery was showing it's age.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/before006.jpg" /></div><br />As with most decorating projects, one thing leads to another and within a week or so, mom was emailing me about thoughts and suggestions for "quick update" to the room:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/before002.jpg" /></div><br />I've been using <a href="http://www.lsfabrics.com/fabric_catalog.php?pid=9079">this great fabric</a> in the style of this Brunschwig & Fils '<a href="http://www.brunschwig.com/search.php?search=Dzhambul&x=22&y=10">Dzhambul</a>' fabric in a number of projects. It's hard not to use it everywhere - great price, great weight, beautiful bright colors. It really goes in every room. Mom loved it instantly and we decided on some other colors for the room and also a graphic stripe for pillows:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_1194.jpg" /></div><br />The day bed needed an update (and the ottoman as well):<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/before1f.jpg" /></div><br />So I mailed my mom a couple of yards of this great velvet from my stash.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_2003.jpg" style="height: 731px; width: 552px;" /></div><br />After my mom had painted the walls and finished all the reupholstery projects, she took a little trip to Home Goods and texted me photos of her favorite finds. Here are some of the pieces that made the cut.<br /><br />A cute green and white pillow:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_3444.jpg" /></div><br />A totally glam white floor lamp (we added some navy trim to the shade):<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_3447.jpg" /></div><br />This adorable garden stool:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_3446.jpg" /></div><br />Mom got a pair of these lamps, painted them red and added trim to new white drum shades.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_3448.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I love the way everything came together. It was a quick and fun room to do (well, for me it was! My mom did a lot of upholstery!) The sofa has a brand new lease on life. I love the pattern, color and the white piping. Mom also bought new sofa legs at Lowes.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/fr006.jpg" /></div><br />My very favorite thing in the room is the suzani ottoman slipcover with the navy piping. It's so nice that she can pull the fabric off periodically for a gentle wash.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/fr005.jpg" /></div><br />My other favorite part of the room is the velvet daybed. So dreamy.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/fr004.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I love a good eDecorating project! Thanks, Mom!!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/fr002.jpg" /></div><br />A few more resources:<br />Sunburst <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/Wall-Decor/Mirrors/Decorative-Mirrors/Bellesol-Mirror/p/11925?path=1%2C2%2C1468%2C1541%2C1603&iProductID=11925">mirror</a> is from Ballard<br />Orchids from Home Depot<br />Drapes from <a href="http://www3.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6E.aspx?DeptID=60156&CatID=60958&GrpTyp=ENS&ItemID=17c8643&attrtype=&attrvalue=&CMID=601566019360953&Fltr=&Srt=&QL=F&IND=9&cmVirtualCat=&CmCatId=60156601936095360958">JC Penney</a><br />Striped pillows from IKEA<br />Yellow flower pillow from Target<br />Yellow <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30078337">frames</a> from IKEA (mom painted these)<br />Antique mantle clock from Brussels Flea Market (bought it for 5 euros and it still chimes beautifully)<br />Seagrass Rug from <a href="http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Seascape_Seagrass_Area_Rug/820/">Home Decorators</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/fr003.jpg" /></div>

Mom and Dad's Updated Family Room

My last day in Arizona after the whirlwind bedroom redo, we found this upholstery fabric and my mom decided that she wanted to reupholster her family room sofa.Her sofa is a nice piece with down fill cushions, but the old upholstery was showing it's age.As with most decorating projects, one thing le…

14May2010

New Office Chair

New Office Chair

I'm in the market for a new desk chair. I'm considering upholstering a vintage craigslist find in a fun fabric, a la Ames Ingham. She reupholstered an Eames Management chair (which would be a dream come true for me to find on CL)...Domino…

13May2010

See-Through Tables

I've been getting lots of emails and questions about lucite since <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2010/04/apartment-inspiration.html">this post</a>.  I'm a big fan too, though I know it's not for everyone or every room. I'm considering getting a small acrylic side table for our living room for an awkward space that needs a flat surface, but not a lot of visual real estate. Sort of like how these little tables work in this Suzanne Kasler room:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/HBPicture-1_2.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">House Beautiful</span></div><br />Here are a few favorite pieces on the market and in the running.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.lumens.com/Jolly-Side-Table-by-Kartell/uu104454/product?ad_id=froogle&utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=cpc&&CAWELAID=413257485">Parsons meets Kartell</a> for $166<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture1-4.png" /></div><br />Three <a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Acrylic-Nesting-End-Tables-Set-of-3/1995574/product.html?cid=123620&fp=F&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=10302784">nesting tables</a> for $139.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/L10302784b.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/MLA10302784d.jpg" /><br /><br /></div>Riddle me this, Batman. How can those tables above be so reasonably priced, but this slightly more intricate piece below can be six times as expensive? It's $699 at <a href="http://www.wisteria.com/Acrylic-Table-Side-Table-New/productinfo/W4090/">Wisteria</a> and $849 at <a href="http://www.horchow.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=cprod61240118&parentId=cat6050749&masterId=cat2020732&index=23&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat000010cat2020732cat6050749">Horchow</a>. I love it so.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/w4090r1-large.jpg" /></div><br />We already talked about <a href="http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=114&f=699&fromLocation=search">CB2</a> as a great source for acrylic tables.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture3-2.png" /></div><br /><a href="http://www.plexi-craft.com/">Plexi-Craft</a> is the king of acrylic furniture in my book. If you want something in lucite, chances are they sell it (except for my favorite side table above. boo.). Though, some of the pieces are weirdly expensive and then others are totally reasonable.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/12ex.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/11e3x.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/12dx.jpg" /></div><br />My favorite piece is probably <a href="http://www.plexi-craft.com/accessories.htm">the trunk</a> ($328). I think it would be cool for throws and extra pillows in a living room.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/11bx.jpg" /></div><br />Reminds me of this piece featured in the most recent <a href="http://www.lonnymag.com/">Lonny</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/LonnyPicture-17.jpg" /></div>

See-Through Tables

I've been getting lots of emails and questions about lucite since this post. I'm a big fan too, though I know it's not for everyone or every room. I'm considering getting a small acrylic side table for our living room for an awkward space that needs a flat surface, but not a lot of visual real esta…

12May2010