News alert! News alert! Kay, maybe that's a bit dramatic. Interesting-ish fact announcement! Interesting-ish fact announcement!
If you've been sitting at home upset, fretting, weeping uncontrollably because you couldn't see my house in Style at Home ... fret no more. The stylish folks at Style at Home Magazine have released the article that features my semi-stylish house on-line.
My feature is the "One-Month Makeover - Century Cottage Goes Glam". 'Cause I made over my house in a month. Cause I'm weird.
You don't get the whole written article. You only get part of the writing but alllll of the pictures. But let's face it, how many people actually read decorating magazines? You look at decorating magazines and read your horoscope. Duh. Unless you're me. I actually read decorating magazines. Again, that's that aforementioned "weirdness" popping up.
Now before I give you the link ... before I invite you into my house ... there are a few rules.
1. Please wipe your feet.
2. Please don't try to pet the cat. She's surprisingly aggressive for a spoiled Siamese who was potty trained too early.
3. Please don't mention my kitchen floor. I hate my kitchen floor. The kitchen floor doesn't exist. Got it?
O.K. having said that, I'd like to welcome you all to my home! Come on in and please ... stay a while. After you look at my house in Style at Home , come back to read some insider information about every photo! (Scroll down after you've seen the pictures)
Click here ... to see my house in Style at Home on-line, then come back for some stories!
The stuff you didn't get to hear about in the magazine ...
Photo #1 - Me in my foyer. I'm laughing hysterically (which results in chipmunk cheeks) at something my niece said. It's an inside joke which you won't think is funny at all but it involves pee pee. Classy, eh? And grown up!
Photo #2 - My Foyer. It took me months and MONTHS to get my bookcases looking good. If your bookcases don't look this good, don't give up. Just keep playing with them until they feel right. Leaning beside my chair is one of my most prized possessions. A set list I got signed at a Ramones concert.
Photo #3 - Margaret. Margaret is the massive oil painting in my dining room. When my father died of lung cancer 10 years ago, my mother gave my sisters and I some money. Her only stipulation was that we spend the money on a piece of art. I bought Margaret. I will never, ever get rid of Margaret.
Photo #4 - My dining room. Lord I love my dining room. You may notice, the star of the show is my Dollar Store Garbage Bag Table runner. Again with the classy.
Photo #5 - My kitchen. Kay, um ... here's a real confession. That kitchen table? The tulip table? I don't own it. It ain't mine. My niece owns it. I have been looking and looking at flea markets and on Kijiji for the same one for AGESSSSSS but could never find one. Since it's the one I WANT in my kitchen, and will eventually be the one I HAVE in my kitchen, I figured a little borrowing would do just fine. Do you feel cheated? Suck it. As far as I'm concerned THAT'S MY TABLE. It's just a matter of finding it for the right price and buying it. Or stealing it. Whichever seems easier. Oh! And that white brick wall was natural brick until about 3 days before the crew arrived to photograph my house. I highly recommend painting ugly brick walls.
Photo #6 - My Living Room. The huge mirror? I got it at a garage sale for $7. I almost didn't buy it because I don't like to spend any more than $5 for a garage sale item. That end table? The chopping block looking one? It actually is a chopping block. I made it. And in a couple of weeks I'll show you how to make one too.
Photo #7 - My fireplace. The filigree vase on the left-hand side of the fireplace mantle was brought to my house by the prop stylist. I bought it as a memento of the event. It cost $89. The wooden bowl in the far upper left corner of the bookshelf is an antique camel milking bowl from Saudi Arabia! Saudi Arabian antiques are kindda rare outside of Saudi Arabia what with people not being allowed to visit the country without an invitation by a resident. My sister (who is an actual interior decorator ... unlike me) spent last summer in Saudi Arabia decorating the house of a Saudi Arabian princess. She brought me back the bowl.
Photo #8 - My boudoir. I don't own the 2 green pillows on the bed. One is patterned, the other one is a beautiful green velvet. The prop stylist brought them to add a little colour to my bed. I loved them so much I thought I'd ask how much they were to buy. The velvet was somewhere just over $400. I did not purchase the pillow. I am currently on the lookout for a green velvet pillow pricing in at just a titch under $400.
Photo #9 - My bathroom. The bathroom is the only room in the house that isn't painted white. It is a mixture of white and Benjamin Moore Bar Harbor Beige. When I first moved into the house the bathroom had a wood toilet seat. Blech. Double blech.
All photos by Donna Griffith by way of Style at Home.
Okey doke ... don't let the door hit you on the ass on the way out! Thanks for comin' by and please leave all hostess gifts by the door. Unless you have a white tulip table, in which case you can leave it in the kitchen.
You might also be interested in:
Style at Home Series Pt. I - "Oh Dear, I'm About to get Shot"
Style at Home Series Pt. II - "Getting My House Magazine Ready"
Style at Home Series Pt. III - "I'm Magazine Ready, I swear"
Style at Home Series Pt. IV - "The Art of Having Your House Photographed for a Magazine"
Robin
Hi! I found your site while looking at ideas for a bunch of tree stumps I ran across. Of course, I'm going to make end tables and try to sell them at inflated prices, keeping one for myself. I'm first trying to figure out how to remove the termites from the stumps before I bring them home. Anyway, great site! You crack me up! I'm going to bookmark your site and also share it with my friends. :-)
Karen
Hi Robin! Eek. Termites! I don't know what you can do. It if were me, I'd look for a new stump! Best solution is probably to put the stump in a plastic bag, spray the heck out of it with a bug spray that kills termites, close it up tight and leave it for a week or so. I'm not sure about the life cycle/eggs though. Cold temperatures will kill them, but I'm sure the stump is too big for a freezer. :) Good luck! ~ karen
Robin
Hi again!
Check it out: I did a bit of research and found that no matter what, if you take the stump away from the original tree, the ants/termites can't survive. Their queen lives underground within the tree's root system, and they can't live without her. I got the stumps (8 of them!) from a neighbor three houses down. If/when the bugs come out of their winter nap, they'll be confused, dehydrated, and die of heartache without their queen. Bad for them, but good for me!
Thanks again!
Robin
PS - I've shared your site with several people and they're getting a kick out of it. We need a dose of your happy Canada-ness down here in Texas. :-)
Linda
I'll tell you where to get green velvet pillows for well under $400. Pillow form: $10.for 2
Green Velvet Fabric: $10./yd for really good quality, less for good looks but not top
name a little thread; an hour of time
and... there ya have it.. green velvet pillows. I could get rich if ya want to pass my info on to the set people. heck, I'll make um in hot pink for..less then $400.
oh, love the house, just really got kinda hysterical blindness from the idea of spending that much on a pillow.
Katherine
Karen,
I love love love your blog. Your home is gorgeous. Can you share with us how you painted your clawfoot tub? I have one and it's looking a bit sad. I thought it would be nice to add a bit of punch to the bathroom by painting the tub blue. Thanks!
Karen
Hi Katherine! I didn't actually paint my tub. It came that way when I moved in. However, tubs like this generally aren't repainted. They're re-glazed (or re-enameled). You definitely can't just paint the inside, but you CAN paint the outside. Just gently sand it with 220 grit sandpaper. Then prime it with a rust inhibiting paint like Tremclad. When it's dry lightly sand it again with the 220 grit paper. Then paint it whatever colour you like with an oil based enamel paint. Try to do your first 2 coats quite light with a brush. Sand out any imperfections or bumps when dry with the 220 sandpaper. Then for your final 3rd coat of the tub, you can do a thicker coat. You'll probably get the best results out of a good sponge roller. ~ karen!
Lonely Wife Project
Karen! I just discovered you and I must say I'm in deep lust. I will be dreaming about your home tonight. I MUST purchase the purple rug in your bedroom. Can you tell me where you got it? Thanks!
Rachel
Hi Karen,
I just found your blog and I've been here reading a number of your posts all morning. You're amazing -- your garden is my dream and I would never be able to do that myself. Congratulations.
May I ask where you bought your diningroom table? I've been looking for something similar, but the price always seems to exceed $3000!
Karen
Hi Rachel! Thanks. I actually had my dining room table custom made with antique pine planks at http://www.gregorybrand.ca/ But unless you happen to live in Southern Ontario that probably won't be very helpful for you! I also had a pine bench made to match so that when I have a lot of people for dinner I can fit more people at the table. I LOVE my table. Search out custom furniture makers in your area. That's the best place to start! Good luck. ~ karen
Lisa
Hi Karen! Love your blog! Just found it by the way of Style at Home the other day.
I'm 28, I live in Winnipeg and work as a stage manager in theatre. My boyfriend and I just bought our first house last year and are in the process of decorating.
Have you found your tulip table yet? Did you know ikea has this style called DOCKSTA for $179?
I wish they carried the same style in a side table. I'm on the hunt for one of those at a good price!
Lisa.
Cheryl Martin
Hi there! Puhleeeeze tell me where I can find one of those Mongolian Yak fur throws????? I really love it!
Karen
HI Cheryl! Of course I'll tell you where I got it! I found the Mongolian throw at Homesense (last year) on sale. The equivalent is Homegoods in the States! Good luck! ~ karen
Laura
I absolutely adore your foyer! So beautiful! The chair, bookcases, table, rug, light fixture - I love everything about it! May I ask, where did you get that beautiful stainless steel pedestal table? Love your blog!
Karen
Hi Laura! Thanks very much. I got the stainless steel pedestal table at Homesense (Homegoods in the States). I've seen them around before but never this big. If you keep your eyes peeled I'm sure you'll see one somewhere though! Good luck and thanks again. ~ karen
Laura
Thanks Karen! Does the table have the brand name or manufacturer on it? I've been looking everywhere for something similar!
Jen
THANK YOU so much! I was flipping through the magazine and spotted your clever chopping block side table. It's given me inspiration to rework our poor sad living room. I knew I wanted to use wood blocks I made my Dad save for a similar use... I just needed a push. Thank you, can't wait to see your directions on how to do it!
Mary
Loved the pixs of your place. My favorite is the one in the foyer - with all those bookcases. Have to ask - where did you get them? It is exactly what I want for my living room area. I have an IKEA Expedit there but it is so big and bulky. These are perfect and can allow me to switch around if I need to.
Thanks!
Karen
Hi Mary. Thanks! The bookcases in my foyer are also from Ikea. I have 5 of the single Billy bookcases pushed up against each other. They're great because they're only around 11 inches deep. However, because of that they could have a tendancy to be a bit tippy. You really should secure them to the wall. No big whoop though. ~ karen!
Heidi
Hi Karen,
Just recently discovered you and I am a big fan of your blog. Already made your dollar store mirror planters! I too love the good old dollar store, oh and they know me by name at Homesense! I searched but nothing came up, so I wanted to double check that I have not missed the "How to make a log end table" post. I see you said above, it was in the works. (um hint hint :)
I turned a slight green looking at your house! Thanks for the inspiraton and ideas!
Gal
I love your house, really beautiful even without the added stylist details. Also great blog.
sherry hart
Mad talents my dear!!! Your home oozes style.....Audrey Hepburn meets Suzanne Kasler meets Thomas O'Brian..... ish. AND you are cute and funny. The Gods smiled on you.
Angela N
I just found your blog, via Bryn Alexander's. Love it. I saw some velvet pillows at Pier 1 that might work. And for $15.96!! Just a tad less expensive then $400. ;-)
http://www.pier1.com/Catalog/RugsPillowsWindows/RugsPillowsWindows/tabid/514/CategoryID/144/List/0/catpagesize/25/Level/a/ProductID/5663/ProductName/Chive-Plush-Pillow-/Default.aspx
Karen
Hi Angela! Thanks for the pillow info! Would you believe the day after the magazine shot at my house I ran out to Pier One to look at their pillows! I picked that one up and walked around the store for about a half an hour with it, but I couldn't decide if I the green was quite right. I didn't end up buying. And now ... of course ... I wish I had. Maybe I'll go take another look! Thx. again for looking out for me (and my bedroom)! ~ karen
LiveLikeYou
You did a fantastic job. What an inviting beautiful, traditional yet super modern home. I want to live there!
Karen
Thanks! I went to have a look at your blog and also your design website. Um. Wow. The Swedish house all white on white you featured today is STUNNING. And your design portfolio is shockingly beautiful. Great use of .. well ... everything! ~ karen
magali
my friend has been telling me about your blog forever and this post has just made me a regular follower from now on! great house! i love your bookcase.
I am redoing my kitchen right now and well... i have a white tulip table. oval however. my grandmother is giving me the one she use to have way back when. good luck with finding one!!
Emily
Karen - it looks wonderful! I love all of it, but I'm especially jealous of your beautiful coffee table. I've been on the hunt for one for about three years now. May I ask where yours is from?
Thanks in advance.
Emily
pam h
dammit, CANADIAN. I can spell, despite all indications to the contrary.
pam h
How did i JUST DISCOVER YOU JUST NOW? probably because I am not Candaian. But I am now a devoted follower.
pam
howtorunyourlife.blogspot.com
Terri
I am lusting after the bookshelves - particularly the one by the fireplace. Guess I need to find a drunken carpenter!