Rome Wasn't Built In A Day...

This week I get to show off all the work that's taken place over the past year on a friend's loft. Last March we started slowly and patiently--she wasn't in a rush and wanted her place to develop over time. You may remember some of the great DIY projects that were featured on Apartment Therapy during this project.

Well, after nearly 16 months, I think we're pretty much done! See what a difference color, art, thrift store finds, some spray paint, and custom built-in storage (including a custom kitchen island) can do!

Here are the before and afters. See what a difference the custom Kitchen island makes:

 

 

I love how the Kitchen is brightened up by this thrift store table, painted a sunny yellow. The deep blue of the neighboring wall creates this split-screen effect that I love:

The blue wall really helps define the Living Room:

 

 

A lighter shade of blue (and a groovy fringe panel!) help define the Bedroom area:

 

 

 

 

We were lucky that her mother and mother's boyfriend were handy enough to do so much work like paint, hang the fringe curtain, and even make the Kitchen island and all the window seat storage from scratch! The blue walls and bamboo shades make such a difference. The space now feels like a proper home to my friend.

Yes, it took over a year, but each piece really has a story. You can get so much done by taking your time.

How I wish, how I wish you were here...

This past weekend my partner and I went up to Guerneville and had quite an adventure. We joined our friends on an annual canoe trip along the Russian River (the 10th year running! And only our 2nd...) and decided to stay in Guerneville over the weekend so we wouldn't have to drive exhausted after paddling 10 miles.

We stayed at the rustic Woods Resort in downtown Guerneville and had a great time. We could have stayed at posher places or more modern "designed" hotels, but we chose The Woods for its central location and friendly atmosphere. After capsizing in the river and losing several key belongings, getting into a fight and losing our group, we decided to upgrade to a Deluxe Cabin.

It was the best decision we made!

After a hot bath to clean off the mud and dirt of the river, we sat around and read on our deck over looking the pool and garden.

Then we ate at the excellent Russian River Pub, gorging ourselves on their signature sandwiches and burgers since we lost our lunch to the river (seriously--our food got soaked when we capsized!)

We even had a chance to explore a few shops in Guerneville. From what we've seen, a lot of places have gone out of business, but lucky for me Sonoma Nesting Company was still in business (and open at 6:40pm on a Saturday evening!)

I can see why Sonoma Nesting's been featured in a few travel shows--it's a good mix of eclectic, shabby-chic stuff. And they had a freaky doll in a vintage oven--I wish I had taken a photo for you!

Despite the previous canoe trip several years ago, this was actually the first time I'd ever seen Guerneville. It definitely won't be the last!

Images from The Woods Resort and Sonoma Nesting Co.

After the boys of summer are gone...

Remember my idea for a great summer headboard? Well last week I finally had a long enough lunch break and was able to pop over to Macy's for some inexpensive Euro pillows for my new Cocteau-inspired Greek key shams from West Elm. Check it out--instant headboard:

I think these are a good temporary solution until we decide on a new bed and proper headboard. These pillows are good for reading in bed. And even though the weather in SF is cold and foggy (again), we can imagine how bright and summery these shams would feel in other parched areas of the country...

Over July 4th weekend I finally stopped by Nooworks on Valencia Street and snagged the Supremes pillow I've spied in their window for months (it comes and goes...last time I was too late and thought they wouldn't make it any more, but there it was. I kept making mental notes as I passed the shop en route to the gym.)

While I was there, I also saw this Dolly Parton pillow and HAD to buy it! It features her classic quote, "It takes a lot of money to look this cheap." Love it!

I'm on a summer pillow spree!

This State of Independence Shall Be...

This week I have to give a shout-out to my friend and former classmate Jolene Lindner. Since we finished school together, she's not only had a baby but is also keeping busy with her own interior design business.

I've also been so busy at Ye Olde Dayjobbe that when some friends asked for help decorating their place, I knew I couldn't handle the extra work. So who could I turn to (and trust)? Jolene, of course! I knew she could give them the eclectic look they wanted while keeping everything child-safe (being a mother herself, she's aware of their needs.)

So this Independence Day post goes out to Jolene! Check out her past projects and blog. She's living the dream, working for herself and calling her own shots. Someday I hope to be right there with ya..!