Giant Brass Chandelier

You know how when a room just won't come together and then suddenly all the pieces fall into place? I've been having a bit of a hard time with our dining room - the space is so awkward (see more <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/10/searching-for-round-dining-table.html" target="_blank">here</a>). But today was full of some really big wins. I found a dining table and this GIANT brass chandelier for almost nothing.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/3Kb3Gd3Hf5L85G25Mccaidd363c3f89081606.jpg" /></div><br />It's hard to tell here, but it's really huge, the same size as the new table - about 60" wide! I'm going to paint it (probably pale blue), change up the chain and use round bulbs. I was searching around the web for a similar look for inspiration and look what I found from <a href="http://www.decordemon.com/" target="_blank">Decor Demon</a>. It looks like the exact same chandelier, painted with round bulbs!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album4/ScreenShot2012-11-08at115305PM.png" /></div><br />We had some freak snowy weather yesterday, but this weekend looks like it'll be warm enough to spray paint (probably the last chance for the next few months). I'm really hoping I can get this chandelier done so I can get going on the rest of my new ideas for the room. Tonight I chose new art, a pair of mirrors and a china cabinet color. I'm so glad things are finally starting to come together. The dining room is the first space guests see when they walk into our house, so I want it to be really pretty. Getting rid of that weird hanging lampshade will be a good start.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%203/2IMG_6281copy.jpg" /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Oh, one more quick thing. Do you have any tips for hanging really heavy lights? The chandelier weighs a TON!</div></div>

Giant Brass Chandelier

You know how when a room just won't come together and then suddenly all the pieces fall into place? I've been having a bit of a hard...

Read more »

Accent Chairs for the Win!

We've been working on a client's living room where a lot of the big pieces were neutral choices (the sofa, the rugs, the tables, the consoles, the lighting and mirrors - all neutral colors). In the first phase of the install we were all feeling good, but had to keep giving each other pep talks about how it would all look much better after the second more colorful layer goes on. :)<br /><br />We've since added colorful pillows, art, lamps, and a great pair of side chairs inspired by this Jeffrey Bilhuber photo. Let me tell you - those chairs completely transformed my client's room! (<i>so excited to get this project photographed</i>)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%203/jeffrey-bilhuber-trey-laird-04-living-room-lg.jpg" /><br /><i>Arch Digest</i></div><br />If you're on a limited budget and can only change up parts of your living room, I would invest in some new pillows for your sofa (<a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/06/bhg-and-pillows.html" target="_blank">here</a> are some color/pattern ideas) and a new chair or two. These are some easily available and affordable options:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%203/CHAIRS1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wayfair.com/Bauhaus-Imperial-Fabric-Winslet-Swivel-Chair-584D-44-HBX1020.html" target="_blank">1</a>  //  <a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Becca-Grey-and-Beige-Polyester-linen-Blend-and-Wood-Dining-Chair/6367575/product.html" target="_blank">2</a>  //  <a href="http://www.wayfair.com/Ren-Wil-Pittsburgh-Fabric-Armchair-FURN184-REW1463.html" target="_blank">3</a>  //  <a href="http://www.cb2.com/curtis-clover-rocker/f6805" target="_blank">4</a>  //  <a href="http://www.wisteria.com/Louis-XVI-Dining-Chair-Aqua-New/productinfo/W8091/" target="_blank">5</a>  //  <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/fuchsia-nina-chair.do?sortby=ourPicksAscend&page=5" target="_blank">6</a>  //  <a href="http://www.wisteria.com/Studded-Lounge-Armchair/productinfo/W7242/" target="_blank">7</a>  //  <a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Jericho-Tan-Leather-Mid-Century-Accent-Chair/6421733/product.html" target="_blank">8</a>  //  <a href="http://www.wayfair.com/Verona-Furniture-Patrick-Chair-and-Ottoman-35-C-ZZ-VRN1088.html" target="_blank">9</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%203/CHAIRS2.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wayfair.com/Skyline-Furniture-Wingback-Chair-88-1-SKY2701.html" target="_blank">10</a>  //  <a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Molded-Natural-Plywood-Lounge-Chair/7191380/product.html" target="_blank">11</a>  //  <a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/angelo-HOME-Bradstreet-Antique-Floral-Bird-Armless-Chair/6060723/product.html" target="_blank">12</a>  //  <a href="http://www.wayfair.com/Safavieh-Alicia-Club-Chair-MCR4572C-FV17982.html" target="_blank">13</a>  //  <a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Vinnie-Cradle-Chair-Blue/4040634/product.html" target="_blank">14</a>  //  <a href="http://www.wayfair.com/angelo-HOME-Sutton-Chair-in-Modern-Lemongrass-Paisley-340C-PSW23-032A-ANH1073.html" target="_blank">15</a>  //  <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/chaffie-club-chair/chairs/upholstered-chairs/239398?defattrib=&defattribvalue=&listIndex=48" target="_blank">16</a>  //  <a href="http://www.cb2.com/club-chair-with-piping/f7237" target="_blank">17</a>  //  <a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod2110764&cm_ps=modal_add_to_cart-_-none-_-other_items_you_may_like&categoryId=cat1537052" target="_blank">18</a></div><br />Have you seen any fab accent chairs lately? I'm always on the hunt! They might be my favorite home item to shop for. Next to lamps. (And art.) (<i>and pillows...)</i>

Accent Chairs for the Win!

We've been working on a client's living room where a lot of the big pieces were neutral choices (the sofa, the rugs, the tables, the...

Read more »

Flame Stitch FLOR Tiles

Have you ever used <a href="http://www.flor.com/all-styles.html" target="_blank">FLOR tiles</a> before? <a href="http://www.designscouting.com/" target="_blank">Abbey</a> and I installed them together in her apartment's foyer and it completely changed the space! (the floors used to be a really unfortunate red marble that Abbey hated).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%203/ScreenShot2012-09-07at30039PM.png" /></div><br />While FLOR tiles aren't <i>the</i> cheapest flooring option out there, it's great that they can be cut to fit any space. And I love that the tiles can be replaced if (<i>more like when</i>) major stains happen. In high-traffic areas or in homes with pets and kids, this is a pretty amazing sense of security.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%203/2AbbeyEntry2.jpg" /></div><br />The people at FLOR recommend buying 10% more than your needs just to have on hand. It's really a good idea to buy at least that much, since there's a good chance your pattern won't be available after a year or two.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%203/Abbeyentry.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Here are some of my favorite patterns available at FLOR right now. Have you used these before too?</div><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%203/flor1.jpg" /><br /><a href="http://www.flor.com/petal-pusher-poppy.html#" target="_blank">1</a>  //  <a href="http://www.flor.com/all-square-purple.html" target="_blank">2</a>  //  <a href="http://www.flor.com/pretty-promise-palm.html#" target="_blank">3</a>  //  <a href="http://www.flor.com/making-waves-pink.html" target="_blank">4</a><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%203/flor2.jpg" /><br /><a href="http://www.flor.com/parallel-reality-pink.html" target="_blank">5</a>  //  <a href="http://www.flor.com/roadside-attraction-frost.html" target="_blank">6</a>  //  <a href="http://www.flor.com/suit-yourself-raffia.html" target="_blank">7</a>  //  <a href="http://www.flor.com/cut-flowers-geranium.html" target="_blank">8</a></div><br /><i>First photo by <a href="http://www.sethsmoot.com/" target="_blank">Seth Smoot</a>, styled by <a href="http://www.kendrasmoot.com/" target="_blank">Kendra Smoot</a>. More of Abbey's apartment tour <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2012/09/new-york-city-house-tour.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</i>

Flame Stitch FLOR Tiles

Have you ever used FLOR tiles before? Abbey  and I installed them together in her apartment's foyer and it completely changed the space...

Read more »

New Range

Fall is probably my favorite season here in New York. Our extended families took advantage of the great weather and the extra space in our new home, so we've had people staying with us for more than a month straight. It's been so great to share our home and city with loved ones, but the only downside was it's been a little tricky to finish the kitchen with so many people here! One thing we did take care of shortly after moving in was buying a new range. Here's the before shot:<br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%203/2IMG_6276copy.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Well, actually, it is a used range. The landlord gave us money to replace the ancient stove. Not enough to buy a new Viking (the range I'd been dreaming of for years), but I was happy to find this one in perfect used condition. It had been used in a summer house for a few years, and had been recently professionally serviced. We paid $1000 for it, but the landlord picked up most of the bill, so it was a total score. Happiness all around!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%203/22DSC_0068.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>PS Tonight I'm putting the last coat of paint on the cabinets (you can see a little sneak peek above)!</div><div></div>

New Range

Fall is probably my favorite season here in New York. Our extended families took advantage of the great weather and the extra space in our n...

Read more »

Weekend Give Away - James Jeans

<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">It's the weekend! I'm pretty happy this week is over - what a strange one! Michael and I are welcoming the chance to get out of the house and spend a little quality time together (annnnnnd...away from the kids, who have been out of school all week). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's chilly out, so I'll be breaking in my new winter coat and boots, and also these new <a href="http://www.jamesjeans.us/women/skinny-leg-en/legging/james-twiggy-black-coated.html" target="_blank">waxed denim pants</a> from James Jeans. I love that they look a <i>little </i>bit like leather, but more subtle. They definitely are more forgiving than leather pants, and it's easier to move in these.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%203/IMG_8865.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I'm a huge fan of <a href="http://www.jamesjeans.us/new-arrivals" target="_blank">James Jeans</a>. The company (started by a husband/wife duo) cares most about fit and quality, and you can really tell by looking at their clothes. I've ordered a couple pairs of jeans from their site before and I love that I can trust that when I order my size, the jeans will fit right and well.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%203/ScreenShot2012-11-02at60353PM.png" /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm excited they were willing to give away a pair of jeans to THREE readers today! Which pair will you choose? Here are some of my favorites. Mostly I'm loving high-waisted and ankle-skimming cuts - what about you?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%203/JamesJeans1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">To enter, please <a href="http://www.jamesjeans.us/new-arrivals" target="_blank">click here</a> and choose your most favorite pair of jeans, then leave a comment with your choice. Contest closes next Friday at midnight and is only open to US readers. Winners will be emailed, so please be sure to leave contact info or sign in. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>AND!! In related, very exciting news, <a href="http://www.jamesjeans.us/new-arrivals" target="_blank">James Jeans</a> is offering a whopping 25% off to LGN readers through the end of November. Just use the code JJ011 during check out.</i></div></div>

Weekend Give Away - James Jeans

It's the weekend! I'm pretty happy this week is over - what a strange one! Michael and I are welcoming the chance to get out of the ...

Read more »

Chalkboard Kids Table

<div>We've had a framed chalkboard in the girls' room for years (I showed the project <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2009/09/girls-room-part-ii.html" target="_blank">here</a>). They loved it a lot, but there wasn't really a good place for the frame in the new room at the brownstone, so we figured out a new way to have a chalkboard in the room.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%203/DSC_0059-1.jpg" /></div><br />Here's what the board and table (which I picked up at Homegoods <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2009/10/childrens-tables.html" target="_blank">a long time ago</a>) used to look like in the loft. The table looked okay from the side but top was pretty trashed from years of arts and crafts. It was time for a makeover for sure. Plus, I thought the wood table on wood floor look would not be so cute.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%203/IMG_2961.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I cleaned and hand-sanded the table down to smooth out the worst of the surface bumps.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%203/IMG_8524-1.jpg" /></div><br />Then I rolled out about three or four coats of chalkboard paint. The nice thing about this paint is it dries <i>very</i> fast - which makes it super easy to work with.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%203/IMG_8526-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I paired the table with chairs found <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2009/08/peacock-kids-chairs.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/07/round-up-kids-chairs.html" target="_blank">here</a>. We keep the chalk sticks in a neon pink acrylic box I picked up at the flea market. I bought the rug at the <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/05/madeline-weinrib-sample-sale-new-rug.html" target="_blank">Madeline Weinrib sample sale</a> in the ABC clearance basement (I think they just had another sale, actually and I'm sad I missed it! Might be worth a call to see if they have any left-overs...)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%203/DSC_0117-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We've been using the chalkboard table for a few weeks and it's actually working better than I expected even. I think part of that reason is my older girls are able to wipe it down themselves if they want a chalk-free surface. I was also a little concerned that chalk dust would get everywhere, but I haven't noticed any. Success!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%203/2DSC_0048-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">PS There's another <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/10/fancy-fridge.html" target="_blank">chalkboard project</a> in my future. So, so excited!</div>

Chalkboard Kids Table

We've had a framed chalkboard in the girls' room for years (I showed the project here ). They loved it a lot, but there wasn't r...

Read more »