Stair Runners

I finally got my long awaited stair runners replaced.  There is a slight snafu with the "back" stair so I will have a little painting to do this weekend, however, I am super happy with the new goods!
Before there was a gray and slightly corporate looking runner.  It was probably 15 years old and while it camouflaged dirt really well, it was not very pretty.

The back stair had the same carpet.

Picking out something fun for the back stair that we use to go to our bedroom.  It's also the first thing you see when you come in the oft used side door.  Dash & Albert samples available through Hudson.

I knew I wanted sisal on the main stairs.  This is from Steven King (to the trade).

Another before of the back stairs with paint color swatches

Exposed treads.

On it's way!

If I had a wider staircase, I would have done a wider contrast border for more interest, but it's actually a little narrow in person (which is surprising), so I kept it really simple.

Pretty!

I specified wall-to-wall carpet for the back stairs, but then mis-communicated when I asked the installer if I can use the Dash & Albert runners for the area.  He assumed that I wanted a runner instead.  Now I have some old beat up stairs exposed on either side.  Thus my aforementioned paint project.  Glad this wasn't a client's job.

Front stairs are pretty at night with the Christmas garland.

master bath

I've been hesitant to post about the master bath because there are some finishing touches that are needed.  However, it's pretty close, so here it is so far.

We still need a medicine cabinet or mirror above the vanity.  I also have yet to purchase the proper baskets for below the sink.  The sconces are working out well.  The lucite base matches the lucite towel rods.  I also plan to add some trim to the Roman shades on the windows.  The space is clean and nice, but needs a little life with color or pattern.

Just a quick reminder of what it was before:

Two bathrooms back to back got transformed into one.

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.)

home for holidays

While my house is almost "complete,"  ok - will never be complete, it is, starting to look a lot like the holidays in there.  That makes me happy.  The following are updates on the den where we spend most of our time lounging and watching TV.  It's connected to the kitchen and next to the dining room, so it was also a hang out during Thanksgiving weekend which I was so pleased to host this year!
First timer!

 We reupholstered our vintage Knoll sofa and I'm so pleased with it's new life.  We also now have our window treatments up, but not before I snapped these.

Before the original orange Knoll fabric was ripped and stained and in general tired.  Plus too much orange for me:

I threw this pic in because when I replaced the kitchen counters I added an overhang to the peninsula.  This is now a great place for friends and family to perch and help prep! 

Thanksgiving table.

I went shopping for some napkin rings, but my favorites were pricey vintage pieces and I just can't spend any more money right now.  Some floral twine made festive work & doubled as sculpting material for my creative family.

 I also ran some black construction paper as a runner with chalk in silver julep cups to encourage more creativity.  (I'm from a long line of doodlers and sketch artists.  Yes, very sketchy)  

Family made use of the den to put their feet up after feasting.  Who's in charge of getting that fire going?

Next Up: Christmas decorations.  Wreaths are hung, mantles are swathed in evergreens and I'm dying to put up a tree.  I'll report back with home for the holidays part II.