What's going on over here

There hasn't been much progress at Shade of a Beech Tree. The winter is getting us down a little and we're eyeing the crack-house next door as a possible new endeavor. What if we made a low-ball offer and they accepted it? What house would be build? What should the house look like? How many rooms do we need?

We're looking at house plans, like this one from Frank Betz:

 

  

 We like the 2 story entry and the Family Room off the kitchen. An attached garage would be a nice upgrade, currently we have to walk from the garage to the house, braving the elements the entire 15 steps! I also like the idea of a covered front porch, where Jeff can greet our daughters' future suitors while sitting in a rocking chair with a shotgun on his lap. You have to think ahead, you know.

Don't forget, the Library would need (yes. need!) a coffered ceiling, and we'd need nice hardwoods throughout, with a granite kitchen, and marble bathrooms.

Then, we think about the yard!

From bhg.com 

 We'd need an outdoor kitchen!

 

From bhg.com

And a place to relax and have drinks!

Then, the next thing you know, there's no way we can have this dream house we want for the budget we'd have. But dreaming about it is more interesting than watching the thermometer fall.

Dining Room inspiration

We repainted the dining room and hung new curtains, but I've been itching to add some "wow factor" to the space. Here's how it looks today:

I'm thinking a new chandelier:

 

From Shades of Light

A coffered ceiling:

From Design*Dump . The other projects at Design*Dump are amazing too and very inspirational.

From: http://raleighcaryhomeimprovement.com

A properly-placed chair rail, with picture-frame moldings. Our current chair rail is only 30" high so our chairs leave marks on the wall.

 

From Artisan Specialties 

Maybe a new rug. 

 

I noticed Overstock is selling West Elm rugs, now might be the time to try a jute rug.

Sign making give-away at a Concord Carpenter Comments

The Concord Carpenter is giving away the Signpro by Milescraft.

I can think of 100 uses for this, most of them include writing my name on things so people know that my items are to occupy said space, and not theirs. Or to try to teach the Beechnuts where to hang their coats and hats and where their boots go.

But shhh... don't tell Jeff, I want him to be surprised when he opens this on Valentine's day!

Mostly completed

Here are the "After" photos of my closet. 

 

I went with 1 long bar across the back of the closet and a set of 12" shelves along one wall. I splurged on a new 8' bar, rather than trying to glue 2 shorter bars together. 

 

All of the shelving was the Lowes-brand (not Closetmaid or Rubbermaid, which they also sell) of closet organization, which was cheaper and also it was the size I needed.

The yellow/green linoleum floor drove me nuts, but it wasn't really an option at this time to pull up the linoleum since the wood underneath is unfinished. When we renovate the Master Bath, we'll remove this relic. Until then, I am looking for a rug.

My friends are probably wondering where I stored all my shoes for this photo shoot. I am in the processing of making them a nice home in the former linen closet, I'll post photos on that too.

Non-working Fireplace inspiration

My sister recently moved into a new flat in London and has 2 non-working fireplaces. Here's a photo of the fireplace in her living room. Ignore the wires, she's still unpacking!

I really wish our house had a fireplace and have pondered creating a faux version, so I can't stop thinking about my sister's place. I found these photos on the interwebs for inspiration.

She could paint the inside a dark color and fill it with pillar candles. She has a cat though, so this could be a major fire hazard.

I love this visual of the books in the fireplace, although really, this will look messy in everyday life.

She can put a pretty decorative screen in front of it and use the inside for storage of video games/dvds, shoes, etc.

I like this idea of putting the TV inside the fireplace.

I actually suggested something similar to this originally, put some plants/art inside it.

I like this solution, she could pile a few real logs, drape it with white Christmas lights, and voila! instant "Fire"!

I also found a blog specializing in fireplace decorating.

Regardless of what she decides to do, I think she should paint it a charcoal gray or black to make it pop from the white walls.

Ready! Fire-Fire-Fire! ...Aim?

I'm sick of being the responsible one in the family. The one that makes people eat a green vegetable. The one who says "Where are your safety goggles?" and "What are you going to do to support the house once you pry off that moldy support beam?".

So I removed everything from my closet.

This is the closet that I've been thinking about for months, nay! Years! I stared at the gross linoleum on the floor and decided to ignore that.

I did some measurements by holding out my arms.

I found the mis-tint section at Lowes. Its cold here. I went with Mediterrean Blue to feel warm and I painted.

Jeff filled the hole in the floor - the chimney from the old gas fireplace in the kitchen ran through here before it was removed. Then he said "What are you going to do about the hole in the ceiling?".

I did some prying. I found some nice old wallpaper under that metal rectangle.

I now need to make a trip to the hardware store to find something to replace that metal rectangle, the clothes will have to remain piled up in the bedroom for a few more days.

Living on the edge requires patience. Now I remember why I usually make a project plan first.

A little poetic license

'Twas the night before New Years
and from the roof to the door mats
Not a creature was stirring,
we exterminated the bats!

Three cans of Great Stuff were piled in a hill,
A sign more holes in the house had been filled.

The canoe was hung from the rafters with care,
in hopes a spring thaw would soon be here.

The Beechnuts were nestled snug in their beds,
while visions of a new sandbox danced in their heads.

So I laid down my hammer and Jeff quieted the chop-saw.
There will be more to do next year,
So, Happy New Year's to All!

We wish everyone a happy, healthy, and safe new year!