love a library

I have ALWAYS wanted a home that had a library.  Every time I see a room with walls lined in books, I swoon.

Moving to the "country house," as I like to call this suburban abode, has given me just that.  It's a small in-between room that previous owners have added a floor-to-ceiling book case.  The wood finish was not exactly my favorite.  Before pic:

Immediately when I entered, I knew I wanted to paint out all the walls, trim detail and bookcases the same color.  I toyed with a few historic colors and settled on Farrow & Ball Card Room Green.  I wanted it to feel like an old English library or sitting room.
Here is what it looked like before:

And now... how cozy and fun! 

A few things to note.  I plan to install inexpensive roller bamboo shades.  I am also waiting on the carpet installer to put in wall-to-wall sisal.  I thought it would be done by now, but you know how that goes.

Last and (most important) is changing out the hideous sconces.  I want a great looking brass library sconce.  This, however, has fallen into the "not immediately necessary!" category.  I'll wait to find a great deal or wait until the coffers have been replenished.

*I do realize that the pictures in this post are particularly bad.  The room looks best in the evening, but my iPhone refuses to capture the magic.  For you readers and potential clients: This room rocks in person.  I have not given it justice in these pictures.  It will be better when complete.)

guest bedroom

I feel like a real adult because I can now have overnight guests.  This room now has heat and air conditioning and it's own closet instead of a hidden walk-through to our room.

Before, it was a lovely shade of turquoise.

 I sampled a few paint options.

And settled on a very soft gray-taupe from Daryl Carter's line for Benjamin Moore, DC-08.

 It's now starting to feel like a nice place to stay.  Missing items like a dresser or desk to serve as a second bedside table, drapery and a comfortable chair to flop on will round out the space.  Until then, at least there is a bed for family on Thanksgiving!  It's looking a tad traditional, so I am going to go with really modern art in here.

new additions

We found these great vintage French chairs and I'm integrating them into the living room.

Look at the metal balled leg - very 50s sputnik.

Hot for Summer

There are innumerable things that I love about summer.  I actually don't mind being really hot sometimes.  Today is so hot that my brain has become liquid.  Not cool, slushy liquid; it's more like a substance with the viscosity of molasses.  Like melting tar in the city heat. I'm envisioning some cool breezes lulling me while I lounge in these cool new items.

 

Above from Anthropologie

 All above from Serena & Lily Bazaar

The new things at West Elm are pretty great.

 Wave pillow by Allegra Hicks

 I love this lamp.  It's mid-century vibe is right up my alley.  The touch of gold at the base gives it some sheen and makes it look vintage.

Haven't seen this in person, but I like that it's a white washed African style stool that could be great in the beach house.