Katy - North London

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font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Katy is a Press Officer for </span><a href="http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>The Dogs Trust</i></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> and first appeared on the blog back in January 2010 - see her previous bedroom </span><a href="http://whatsinyourbedroom.blogspot.com/2011/04/katy-north-london.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">here</span></i></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. She has been in her fresh, new abode, for just two weeks, and in those two weeks she has got it looking good. - in a similar vein to her last place, displaying a host of curios. Katy says, "I like bits" and I like rooms with lots of bits, but that's because I'm a bits girl myself. I like things that express a memory, things that you pick-up along the way.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">When I asked Katy what she'd save if her bedroom were on fire, she said, "Bob, my dog cushion. My great grandfather's leather suitcase in which I'd put my mum's engagement ring and a wicked 70's gold and black maxi dress, that I have only worn out once but I often just waft round the house as it makes me feel super glam!"</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OvOpNqjywJk/TbAKg9u3qnI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/ZqNe_PXqJcc/s1600/IMG_4037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OvOpNqjywJk/TbAKg9u3qnI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/ZqNe_PXqJcc/s1600/IMG_4037.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #060505; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><b>See more of Katy - click on </b><a href="http://whatsinyourbedroom.blogspot.com/p/bed-heads.html" style="color: #1d1717; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b>Bed Heads</b></i></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b> </b></span><b>and scroll down</b></span><b> </b></span></span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #060505; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;"><b>Find Katy on Twitter </b><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/pforpapa"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>@pforpapa</b></span></a></span></div></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"></div>

Katy - North London

Katy is a Press Officer for The Dogs Trust and first appeared on the blog back in January 2010 - see her previous bedroom here . She has be...

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Abstract Painting How-to + New Kitchen Photos

The <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2011/04/abstract-painting-completed.html">painting I made for the kitchen</a> really breaks a lot of "rules" about art.  I wanted something pretty, something vintage-y but modern, something that "went" with the kitchen & I set to work with these goals in mind, which is a big no-no for many professional artists and I respect that.  Art is about more than decorating.  So, I want it to be clear that what I've made is really more "craft" than art.  A fun project, a hobby I enjoy, and not an artistic statement.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NwRD9IcWR7kpvApoq5-eITjx8Og3OPHb5ZK910bAE0q6LHJ5OiQCaOcI-Z9VhvTCVFwGhyGgrOoyZuNl_pSVC_YoqyBHVoyh5ga5M1XKJV7s7uEQxqFDipRS5Y-v53_K60OOizziPar8/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NwRD9IcWR7kpvApoq5-eITjx8Og3OPHb5ZK910bAE0q6LHJ5OiQCaOcI-Z9VhvTCVFwGhyGgrOoyZuNl_pSVC_YoqyBHVoyh5ga5M1XKJV7s7uEQxqFDipRS5Y-v53_K60OOizziPar8/s640/027.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally - a slightly sunnier day for a fresh new photo<br />P.S. Ignore the bananas, we're on a fruit smoothie kick</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><strong>How-to:</strong><br /><br />First I bought a large square canvas on sale (I have been stockpiling them whenever I find a good price).  I tend to just move paint around as the mood strikes (see <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2011/03/bedroom-update.html">here</a> & <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2010/12/master-bedroom-before-in-progress.html">here</a> for examples of other paintings I have made), but this time I challenged myself by doing something a bit more controlled: <em>circles</em>.  I cheated and sketched them out first:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtZCezpDfMAhaSmWa8QQ7BeWurfTTsUi2M5dJKk5X32y-QWu-VhYkGKAbWiu83kjhMAQd1kHLMagrPmcR6B_MxVH9hYHuFVgl3PFflmuUohYt-njnDuSJBDIwLs1lZBTggGpwpzaTxh3j/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtZCezpDfMAhaSmWa8QQ7BeWurfTTsUi2M5dJKk5X32y-QWu-VhYkGKAbWiu83kjhMAQd1kHLMagrPmcR6B_MxVH9hYHuFVgl3PFflmuUohYt-njnDuSJBDIwLs1lZBTggGpwpzaTxh3j/s640/022.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZV-kp8cz1pDI3ta1L4hCnmgBYUPVhZBcBYqwKFLEh-c2ln2B89a0DoSstKpwEluyKN7o0JrHV-A-0HC1TZ6KPHAQfSBcEsZ8-Zyte5SWa6GxMuF4XuJNzrNDey0IOAIi6rqk4l2YHejlt/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZV-kp8cz1pDI3ta1L4hCnmgBYUPVhZBcBYqwKFLEh-c2ln2B89a0DoSstKpwEluyKN7o0JrHV-A-0HC1TZ6KPHAQfSBcEsZ8-Zyte5SWa6GxMuF4XuJNzrNDey0IOAIi6rqk4l2YHejlt/s640/021.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />Then, with a variety of paintbrushes (one big, a couple small - all with shorter bristles for more precision), I worked the circles and background alternately so that there would be "movement" - I didn't want the painting to look like a flat wallpaper pattern (although that would look nifty too).  I used my brushes to create subtle texture and followed the perimeter of the circle with paint, instead of painting across the circle.  I used acrylic paint because I like the fast drying time and easy clean up - plus you can easily paint over areas you don't like!  That is something I definitely did once or twice.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz82Ff2yJx4QHc6DNRdbUgsHE_U3g45tLVbsSfQKIkt25ljxjj8xI1ad3RXh-YDcVXHi1OwWA6vJBSZmOpwaxmTHCbu022poC08cbgqskg3n_RDO85SXf92bhPqFoHcOneKcFyykThU2bB/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz82Ff2yJx4QHc6DNRdbUgsHE_U3g45tLVbsSfQKIkt25ljxjj8xI1ad3RXh-YDcVXHi1OwWA6vJBSZmOpwaxmTHCbu022poC08cbgqskg3n_RDO85SXf92bhPqFoHcOneKcFyykThU2bB/s640/031.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoqMcyz5TesRpO0X_lkqiO-rdwEY6WwhViM25zJlE4cKeU9Qow6AaOk1U31Rxm9hD3oiARsJxBWHkptKQfHLowXqbFInSyYG3q1OaSx5JntiEJkaSuGjmDh5CIK2OL6KLvkwNLai8iUAq/s1600/159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoqMcyz5TesRpO0X_lkqiO-rdwEY6WwhViM25zJlE4cKeU9Qow6AaOk1U31Rxm9hD3oiARsJxBWHkptKQfHLowXqbFInSyYG3q1OaSx5JntiEJkaSuGjmDh5CIK2OL6KLvkwNLai8iUAq/s400/159.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3VdnsxgWeuWaXkLdJbG-UoKrxAi8sBBFZ8uWenHhyphenhyphenKo2Gp2Hz5zyUdDN-w8stW7NLEXfSUiPa7R2VETkSvojdkAuvwwfkDslKhSptl2QlIt8PlBs-w_EEsNMB48KXJlvnlmiLSmOGHtb/s1600/135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3VdnsxgWeuWaXkLdJbG-UoKrxAi8sBBFZ8uWenHhyphenhyphenKo2Gp2Hz5zyUdDN-w8stW7NLEXfSUiPa7R2VETkSvojdkAuvwwfkDslKhSptl2QlIt8PlBs-w_EEsNMB48KXJlvnlmiLSmOGHtb/s640/135.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmmm . . . textured.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><strong>My tip</strong>: to make a crisp, clean pastel (think Easter & nurseries) use a white like titanium white.  For the vintage-y pastels (you can really see the difference in the pink circles) use titanium buff.  You'd be surprised how little of the coloured paint (red + white for pink, etc) you need.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7MjIXbINi6uez39BrccC06ekA1RgXhTGOdhB8WLQPPrV2aB8KXZd9qFrtmSX5K_pFkHt5ZCbhj4jbyFPu28h7KP3_v3nNDwrd-gYa9iw8PAkUzm2evW6m-X6yIsz1EvEPYHQfFpcZvKh/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7MjIXbINi6uez39BrccC06ekA1RgXhTGOdhB8WLQPPrV2aB8KXZd9qFrtmSX5K_pFkHt5ZCbhj4jbyFPu28h7KP3_v3nNDwrd-gYa9iw8PAkUzm2evW6m-X6yIsz1EvEPYHQfFpcZvKh/s400/023.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><strong>Inspiration:</strong><br /><br />Although I was initially inspired by the pattern on a vintage lunch set I have (first photo), I used the painting to unify elements in the kitchen: the red accents, black & white floor, black & white houndstooth chairs, and (of course) the pale green and turquoise that I love.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQ8yzSZzWfJKD4TivHyZQ9p2FOhQ2B0C_oD1lOVURQoctFsZzq3_mZjaaGX-rnRSiWuHYtBlEnvFsZ8vWeaXIGYxb4iqDTbGGdDok1af6EpjXxrZ1NyiBKq-ckK_seVMCCIxA0EatzLht/s1600/580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQ8yzSZzWfJKD4TivHyZQ9p2FOhQ2B0C_oD1lOVURQoctFsZzq3_mZjaaGX-rnRSiWuHYtBlEnvFsZ8vWeaXIGYxb4iqDTbGGdDok1af6EpjXxrZ1NyiBKq-ckK_seVMCCIxA0EatzLht/s640/580.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My original inspiration: my vintage luncheon set<br /> (there's two more with the set!)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3h7_r814k3BsDUg-4Sy8g9ZJLIA5GL3nLqnlS5Q2D__jshby0miqq6yyT4usvZTYmABt0tsvi8brOrsjLjnpd61sKbE3IKMg3JyVKDu-V4LSYgfcO9ivAkTrk2mAxL-fRDn-tgbTXwoby/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3h7_r814k3BsDUg-4Sy8g9ZJLIA5GL3nLqnlS5Q2D__jshby0miqq6yyT4usvZTYmABt0tsvi8brOrsjLjnpd61sKbE3IKMg3JyVKDu-V4LSYgfcO9ivAkTrk2mAxL-fRDn-tgbTXwoby/s400/033.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black & white floor we've chosen to work with<br />(as opposed to replace)</td></tr></tbody></table>    <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJiK8zg6YXjrbdV2Svh9Lu1qX4SZE1LkhEYZTnirPFlmiLr7IfElBvcqCDiyuq9PfiImYst-QAP1rvX7PCe4cT7QIsIw7rspHW_BZ9DomYzgLOfrbzZWrLHhDla6OtFkU34xw6MtAW31_2/s1600/129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJiK8zg6YXjrbdV2Svh9Lu1qX4SZE1LkhEYZTnirPFlmiLr7IfElBvcqCDiyuq9PfiImYst-QAP1rvX7PCe4cT7QIsIw7rspHW_BZ9DomYzgLOfrbzZWrLHhDla6OtFkU34xw6MtAW31_2/s640/129.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black & white houndstooth print I chose to recover the chairs with,<br />to go with the floor</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg63XvfCZkHTYdTWxhVVU2vRT_zr_gH2ya0k4Tpgf8ketiITSWBRf8EebLnPBL0tsT_mpJ2dpo6EvE6g23okZwJlsguvFrkSP-h8Ckinu5Sq_sOuRZktO79HgAsI7wvj5KSiSHMAETsU4F/s1600/092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg63XvfCZkHTYdTWxhVVU2vRT_zr_gH2ya0k4Tpgf8ketiITSWBRf8EebLnPBL0tsT_mpJ2dpo6EvE6g23okZwJlsguvFrkSP-h8Ckinu5Sq_sOuRZktO79HgAsI7wvj5KSiSHMAETsU4F/s400/092.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3xDNiR2c2lnwlQ9zVsn4MNtumY9nFR5cUUSladk4C2X97z7CRh4RUYowYPaM_GrZ3VlR_fynhguGj1uZ8aBZnHukbZkmFi7EMXcyOwzlYcE18EYmy2U5M-dzdYyFkmweqWeCCsDUs6Et/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3xDNiR2c2lnwlQ9zVsn4MNtumY9nFR5cUUSladk4C2X97z7CRh4RUYowYPaM_GrZ3VlR_fynhguGj1uZ8aBZnHukbZkmFi7EMXcyOwzlYcE18EYmy2U5M-dzdYyFkmweqWeCCsDUs6Et/s640/002.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colourful kitchen accents</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I also tried not to compete with the artwork in or near the kitchen, like <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2011/02/art-attack-bert-weir.html">Hubby's grandpa's painting</a> (below) or my mom's print (above the kitchen sink).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBVaLKRagcb_4X6lWDKbdo_Kj1Mc6YeZ1PtuoAYeFlFLvDfG8PdHgUnBxxJJEfCltIm1V6rdep1DfLqHzjl3bMN_IeSprvr5uhHdgP0MhH8HQABwthCxHxQMKvXjG564zwJNBpaTZRdGz/s1600/147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBVaLKRagcb_4X6lWDKbdo_Kj1Mc6YeZ1PtuoAYeFlFLvDfG8PdHgUnBxxJJEfCltIm1V6rdep1DfLqHzjl3bMN_IeSprvr5uhHdgP0MhH8HQABwthCxHxQMKvXjG564zwJNBpaTZRdGz/s640/147.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAN0io1nWOy4xxdcsbej3rlAHVDnKeTVDQcUUMp-F9vmhJWx68xK_8IqGbTm18jiKbyH7PenRxYLlvgAet271Fl15jexQMvKkY8kZc3Hm42Gs2bO3xiluQShFaZyENAwdi8oSiJuJAv0/s1600/P1060028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAN0io1nWOy4xxdcsbej3rlAHVDnKeTVDQcUUMp-F9vmhJWx68xK_8IqGbTm18jiKbyH7PenRxYLlvgAet271Fl15jexQMvKkY8kZc3Hm42Gs2bO3xiluQShFaZyENAwdi8oSiJuJAv0/s640/P1060028.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbs0BLIjBTuL92F8n7UaK71KfN7mDCFrihqxZHeioCMgQy6QmuVDp8aDS2MIVjPOzvtAbNgIF2D8nWf_0It6uyq330_BvcSPHaMzFjsBJK-4nrMdlnoO15Z11mcuBBuOrHpi_GiLTGkXa/s1600/077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbs0BLIjBTuL92F8n7UaK71KfN7mDCFrihqxZHeioCMgQy6QmuVDp8aDS2MIVjPOzvtAbNgIF2D8nWf_0It6uyq330_BvcSPHaMzFjsBJK-4nrMdlnoO15Z11mcuBBuOrHpi_GiLTGkXa/s320/077.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And that is it!<br />To see more kitchen pictures (or to read about the "<a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2010/11/kitchen-before.html">before</a>," <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2010/11/kitchen-before-after.html">the backsplash tiling process</a> or how we <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2010/11/diy-re-varnished-cabinet-fronts.html">re-varnished the cabinets</a>, click on the links).  </div>

Abstract Painting How-to + New Kitchen Photos

The painting I made for the kitchen really breaks a lot of "rules" about art.  I wanted something pretty, something vintage-y but...

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Still a Nosey Newt

Now that I am back online, <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2011/01/nosey-newt-strikes-again.html">I'm at it again.</a>  <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm on the hunt for a vintage teak secretary or roll top desk, something like the pics below.  We need something like this because I am a total computer/office hog.  Hubby can barely log internet time with me around, so we bought a laptop for him to call his very own and now he needs a desk.  Poor fella has been using the footstool of <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2011/03/bookcase-tweaking.html">the reading chair in my office</a>.  Not comfy.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="500" id="il_fi" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/atimg/1519258/1_rect540.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="375" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://s3.amazonaws.com/atimg/1519258/1_rect540.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/scavenger/danish-modern-teak-secretary-350-san-francisco-scavenger-119655&usg=__y8NrRMWz1OgqMOmNmnG8TSioVak=&h=500&w=375&sz=62&hl=en&start=0&sig2=WLwgD7miY3IM2UejCGA0WA&zoom=1&tbnid=iYqgZrR0_JhgAM:&tbnh=132&tbnw=99&ei=moCOTanGA8iRgQfJo5WjDQ&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dteak%2Bsecretary%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26biw%3D1323%26bih%3D850%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=756&vpy=496&dur=2917&hovh=259&hovw=194&tx=63&ty=151&oei=moCOTanGA8iRgQfJo5WjDQ&page=1&ndsp=40&ved=1t:429,r:36,s:0">Apartment Therapy</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtnRYrD1OufGbkCpd8EWruYaxZ6sSaApM9KOcX7-WO6MN5rvkvdYBHKz9HCbAEiSwHoi7iWf9HsPuTx7QpX1YR9Z0KRIxFrHrhGjYaik38zZksrul-zxlYp2oD2e7GM45zzFVsRzoE7PR/s1600/tumblr_lccyp6Kakq1qb9wx5o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtnRYrD1OufGbkCpd8EWruYaxZ6sSaApM9KOcX7-WO6MN5rvkvdYBHKz9HCbAEiSwHoi7iWf9HsPuTx7QpX1YR9Z0KRIxFrHrhGjYaik38zZksrul-zxlYp2oD2e7GM45zzFVsRzoE7PR/s1600/tumblr_lccyp6Kakq1qb9wx5o1_500.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mauriceandking.blogspot.com/2011/04/friday-eye-candy.html">Via Maurice & King</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Where will we put a secretary when we find one?  We're thinking of replacing my beloved armoire in the guest bedroom (see the <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/p/house-tour.html">House Tour</a> for more pics).  Then the space can be his to use as an office, but the piece will still function for guest storage.  Perhaps even better than what is there . . . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1fq0MtbUCBk7NpzBxrRVEwQA_sIZ-pAZ5qc2T-zT0g4Z3baMXojgSlVPUWvTvGtnMy6ncXF7wXMCYsN6HoJq8diynujUzocVL0QcQOiwyF26gd8Vt6W9PrRs9sNxtEt8k3bzwlS-wrCcy/s1600/430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1fq0MtbUCBk7NpzBxrRVEwQA_sIZ-pAZ5qc2T-zT0g4Z3baMXojgSlVPUWvTvGtnMy6ncXF7wXMCYsN6HoJq8diynujUzocVL0QcQOiwyF26gd8Vt6W9PrRs9sNxtEt8k3bzwlS-wrCcy/s400/430.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ooo, have you ever seen this angle?</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But, during this quest, I'm a bit distracted looking at snippets of homes in the online classifieds.  I'm ogling the good design.  Check out the gorgeous space below.  I love the bold artwork & accessories with the neutral off white sofa and grey chair.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCofcGoxyDJG6rhwcQ0aBy3ZZB1ftEAm_N5wx236wM0ginr1QLRyQwAappYe8heZv4T5PHVjTns7PTPo7sU7GFuQEeFwGMDPZRXau-7JGmbd4AQSvuErluXpe1a8dOvWWslCOjHldiCRa/s1600/kijiji+snoop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCofcGoxyDJG6rhwcQ0aBy3ZZB1ftEAm_N5wx236wM0ginr1QLRyQwAappYe8heZv4T5PHVjTns7PTPo7sU7GFuQEeFwGMDPZRXau-7JGmbd4AQSvuErluXpe1a8dOvWWslCOjHldiCRa/s400/kijiji+snoop.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiexHv8DtPYdvSoCCioTexscgtBnfGIty7e08amQyHAQrRaRHs4Q_qU_81eTw6Rmg3L59z8xigM_D-SROv3ms5xhbJEG0SSWDSRRyQ37p-7Yb6FhTBSMS2Jm-QxIPywoGYIXPPNZwAlnMH4/s1600/kijiji+snoopII.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiexHv8DtPYdvSoCCioTexscgtBnfGIty7e08amQyHAQrRaRHs4Q_qU_81eTw6Rmg3L59z8xigM_D-SROv3ms5xhbJEG0SSWDSRRyQ37p-7Yb6FhTBSMS2Jm-QxIPywoGYIXPPNZwAlnMH4/s400/kijiji+snoopII.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />P.S. The coffee table is for sale.  But what I really want is that grey chair . . . </div>

Still a Nosey Newt

Now that I am back online,  I'm at it again.   I'm on the hunt for a vintage teak secretary or roll top desk, something like the pic...

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Small Space Suggestions: Furniture Scale

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Someone (let's call her Susie O) wants to cancel her subscription to the interior design magazine she receives monthly.  Susie O is tired of design magazines featuring <u>huge</u> homes, sometimes even in "small space" specials.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"A 20 foot long kitchen island?!?" she exclaimed one day.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">[Expletives omitted]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"So?" said I.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"My <em>house</em> isn't even 20 feet wide!!" Said she.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">[More expletives, followed by some muttering, omitted]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thinking this was hyperbole (twenty feet seems awfully motor home small), I asked Hubby to measure the width of the townhouse during commercial breaks of Hawaii Five-O.  And wouldn't you know?  Our house is 20 feet wide - exactly.  Seems Susie O is right: a 20 foot island is ridiculous for her & I.  Why bore you with the details of how wide the townhouse is?  I think the townhouse is officially a "small space".  You won't find a post about my 20 foot island or giant sectional sofa.  Instead, this post marks the first in my "Small Space Suggestions" section.  I'll tell you about some "Small Space Rules," how I follow them & when to break them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First issue: furniture scale.  <a href="http://www.styleathome.com/homes/small-spaces/5-small-space-myths/a/33888">Style at Home Magazine advises </a>small space owners not to buy shrimpy furniture.  Instead, buy full scale furniture and simply scale back on the number of pieces:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img align="middle" alt="bachelorette-living.jpg" border="0" height="606" hspace="0" src="http://www.styleathome.com/img/photos/biz/Style%20at%20Home/bachelorette-living.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.styleathome.com/homes/small-spaces/small-space-interior-bachelorette-pad/a/30258">Style at Home: Tania Sarracini's Home</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That's a good suggestion, that I tend to follow. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the dining room, we have just a normal sized table and chairs (and <a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2011/03/why-i-need-helicopter.html">currently a canvas</a> - who knows when I'll get around to moving it - three days and counting).  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICJKF7dyBLApe5T8-0RCtbyEDUjoYeUBc_Y21Nc2LzL8YAvgBF8WtQzFOhwDjkfZFGPn405rqNEjWQtnjxrkP2VKgNqOP_pSfYmGefU4hkLJiEFQFt9KtUpgSvsUfmXas-PtzihpU4lkA/s1600/341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICJKF7dyBLApe5T8-0RCtbyEDUjoYeUBc_Y21Nc2LzL8YAvgBF8WtQzFOhwDjkfZFGPn405rqNEjWQtnjxrkP2VKgNqOP_pSfYmGefU4hkLJiEFQFt9KtUpgSvsUfmXas-PtzihpU4lkA/s640/341.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lWeQ8_ZINso6bjSEM4hB9XO5JkHn-QgUVH-vo4i2UV7qa5eiys4pMZZPbodX68BFIxPEW5ZQwn69dymELejhzCwFf2jOceymA6Mm7ehcfOLB_mINf4S-Lvbpf-Jzm3yqvUk4i_z3kzLJ/s1600/310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lWeQ8_ZINso6bjSEM4hB9XO5JkHn-QgUVH-vo4i2UV7qa5eiys4pMZZPbodX68BFIxPEW5ZQwn69dymELejhzCwFf2jOceymA6Mm7ehcfOLB_mINf4S-Lvbpf-Jzm3yqvUk4i_z3kzLJ/s640/310.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the bedroom we have just nightstands, a headboard and small chest.  No dresser or armoire - we try to keep all of our clothes in the closet (shoes, purses & coats do live elsewhere).  But the bed is a King Size and the headboard, in person, is quite large and even more dramatic than in photos.  We went full size with the furniture - we just have fewer pieces.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SmBGvvnHNB_3ggL_k7zpVFWeeAUMaE3Bz-GRL1ktk0PBuEqA2UZMEUGz6N-Kob9aAiQDIn5Br9z5rhAADmzixYEvC2jbnAfooRt063OGN8VuN10JAg5IX0WY3WL1ppuGkWpFltf3eeke/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SmBGvvnHNB_3ggL_k7zpVFWeeAUMaE3Bz-GRL1ktk0PBuEqA2UZMEUGz6N-Kob9aAiQDIn5Br9z5rhAADmzixYEvC2jbnAfooRt063OGN8VuN10JAg5IX0WY3WL1ppuGkWpFltf3eeke/s640/038.JPG" width="490" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJG5ShcOj4gLY0qXJLJbadkJZNWrI-COMf-mhZtyMJVouxkCzqYTT89IoxFJcIh13IJeYEp0J3U06QoQzGUohBxCXzCpVdHpKnEZrIbcWVBVS8An9F7B4LiPtS_mQHaE3GP5M0SzERqwk/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJG5ShcOj4gLY0qXJLJbadkJZNWrI-COMf-mhZtyMJVouxkCzqYTT89IoxFJcIh13IJeYEp0J3U06QoQzGUohBxCXzCpVdHpKnEZrIbcWVBVS8An9F7B4LiPtS_mQHaE3GP5M0SzERqwk/s400/029.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutFmyBnpvgmcHkiVcWNcMPF3m_lQ4z8hO5niDVOmsx5LX_IW9NnmdssuMilwiZUFcSO4O7DkUK2r6l6WOaREDk0U-63ImxtglFxCnJHK5JCHdg40nacf3sLudaJqAT_WQ6KXfUlCzlWVI/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutFmyBnpvgmcHkiVcWNcMPF3m_lQ4z8hO5niDVOmsx5LX_IW9NnmdssuMilwiZUFcSO4O7DkUK2r6l6WOaREDk0U-63ImxtglFxCnJHK5JCHdg40nacf3sLudaJqAT_WQ6KXfUlCzlWVI/s400/031.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Have you ever even seen this angle?</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, we do tend to pick full sized items, but sometimes we can't just go without.  Sometimes dropping a piece of furniture from the floor plan isn't an option.  Take for example the two chairs facing the fireplace (I move them seasonally).  I really needed a table to put a cup of tea on, but a full sized table pushed the chairs too far into the room.  So, I found this adorable little handmade, vintage stool the other day (at a flea market) and I re-purposed it as a table:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhpUKdlh2RezzxB2UMEra8sarzQ_ctTNy47xnpo9AJPXpTvYxuV7LLM7bWs4IueV4nlSUrZfB0LwoGgUoeHOXWaUdlTLS3d7CqgwiJ-J2dS_A8IBiTncxIB9eGzfrkm0V5b9VqiZ1YOdL/s1600/163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhpUKdlh2RezzxB2UMEra8sarzQ_ctTNy47xnpo9AJPXpTvYxuV7LLM7bWs4IueV4nlSUrZfB0LwoGgUoeHOXWaUdlTLS3d7CqgwiJ-J2dS_A8IBiTncxIB9eGzfrkm0V5b9VqiZ1YOdL/s640/163.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I am searching for a gorgeous pair of vintage teak chairs to replace this pair.<br />These chairs may of may not have been purchased at a grocery store.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, although we follow the common advice: don't buy teeny furniture, sometimes we just HAVE to mix in a few smaller scale pieces so the furniture works for us.  </div>

Small Space Suggestions: Furniture Scale

Someone (let's call her Susie O) wants to cancel her subscription to the interior design magazine she receives monthly.  Susie O is tir...

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DIY Tea Cup Clock

I've blogged about my love of tea cup clocks before.  How could I not love these clocks?<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQ_MFsSZGcMwWRAnCLmu6mQuzdqEl_CORcS9gu1E2OCo3n8RDX0NYT2L7ypx80ndZILqXWx5iK8GUjbmVr7FU0DK_532zKZbI8CiT3t79OVXiNIktVDrQ3uc7Z3qyLmdHfGPWUkWp1TFn/s1600/tea+cup+clock.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQ_MFsSZGcMwWRAnCLmu6mQuzdqEl_CORcS9gu1E2OCo3n8RDX0NYT2L7ypx80ndZILqXWx5iK8GUjbmVr7FU0DK_532zKZbI8CiT3t79OVXiNIktVDrQ3uc7Z3qyLmdHfGPWUkWp1TFn/s400/tea+cup+clock.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mulberryinspirations.blogspot.com/">Via</a></td></tr></tbody></table>  <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Teacup Clock - photo" height="400" src="http://s7.thisnext.com/media/400x400/Teacup-Clock_E2421515.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thisnext.com/show/item-images/DB012ACD/97ABAD2C/">Source</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The other day I stumbled across a great DIY tea cup clock photo (with a tutorial!), that I wanted to share.  <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eGeZl02yeUnEMM5sdY7zya5zF8FjNixVICkifArTNRHQ4r4rNQdymDA8mOqQMpljvV5vg0o2W1GDX19I1wMnYWKRmYddy0grqLDWEzftErElHa1wyhBjMoFQhE7miDSxfe3loH40rL_L/s1600/IMG_5249(10).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eGeZl02yeUnEMM5sdY7zya5zF8FjNixVICkifArTNRHQ4r4rNQdymDA8mOqQMpljvV5vg0o2W1GDX19I1wMnYWKRmYddy0grqLDWEzftErElHa1wyhBjMoFQhE7miDSxfe3loH40rL_L/s320/IMG_5249(10).jpg" width="279" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vintagerevivals.blogspot.com/2010/08/tea-cup-clock.html">Source</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I found the colourful tea cup clock pictured above over at <a href="http://vintagerevivals.blogspot.com/">Vintage Revivals</a>.  Turns out it is a super simple project which involves a lot of collecting, then a lot of gluing.  Click <a href="http://vintagerevivals.blogspot.com/2010/08/tea-cup-clock.html">here</a> for the full tutorial.</div>

DIY Tea Cup Clock

I've blogged about my love of tea cup clocks before.  How could I not love these clocks? Via   Source  The other day I stumbled ...

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Nightstand Vignette

I love a good nightstand vingette:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img align="middle" alt="colourful-condo-bedroom.jpg" border="0" height="594" hspace="0" src="http://www.styleathome.com/img/photos/biz/Style%20at%20Home/colourful-condo-bedroom.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.styleathome.com/decorating-and-design/bedrooms/15-beautiful-bedrooms/a/34094/14">Style at Home</a><br /><strong>My favorite!</strong>  Love the scale, crisp white & silver, plus the artwork</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPNX_2X3sURu_n6-T5G0NLNldDtCx8GROezKmP-t1iYL7QmWDkFgK5Tvi91mBLkZWB6zbFfcrnHFxSpE8JonVM0cJn3GTcCAu8aa3tps0PGIurp9fSLqPkWY7HMNDoVY0cUR0SXVU6fS2j/s1600/tablescapeV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPNX_2X3sURu_n6-T5G0NLNldDtCx8GROezKmP-t1iYL7QmWDkFgK5Tvi91mBLkZWB6zbFfcrnHFxSpE8JonVM0cJn3GTcCAu8aa3tps0PGIurp9fSLqPkWY7HMNDoVY0cUR0SXVU6fS2j/s400/tablescapeV.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.livingetc.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=5811&">Living Etc.</a><br />Great lamps and nice pop of yellow</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfwPN8Lew1zHeYAS055_vRS-5h4z13Mk-L3asmAFjCZDKElbltIv-vqsWIEzMEqhr2RNzI8sRZwX3ndObE8eeVSla7mhENRhdb-Y72YjU2uyz3IP24ruFoSu6e9JdHCCFrJSB7jLwNf9zg/s1600/tablescape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfwPN8Lew1zHeYAS055_vRS-5h4z13Mk-L3asmAFjCZDKElbltIv-vqsWIEzMEqhr2RNzI8sRZwX3ndObE8eeVSla7mhENRhdb-Y72YjU2uyz3IP24ruFoSu6e9JdHCCFrJSB7jLwNf9zg/s400/tablescape.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/window-headboard-g007/?pkey=cheadboards-bed-frames">West Elm</a><br />Great balance of soothing colours and <br />nice contrasting shapes (square lamp, rounded vases)</td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0hzCYZtB7GEav2qgIkslemSc_HaQ-x7QdKpnwE1Fds1CS6Jibfi8fH28tIJzJOwx3nX4aLItTP_sfF3SdozMLDWxDOeP_mVCnVpB82UH1QzJiiSUvBOu4qowiEtyBDDJb2usjT5suwrq/s1600/tablescapeIV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0hzCYZtB7GEav2qgIkslemSc_HaQ-x7QdKpnwE1Fds1CS6Jibfi8fH28tIJzJOwx3nX4aLItTP_sfF3SdozMLDWxDOeP_mVCnVpB82UH1QzJiiSUvBOu4qowiEtyBDDJb2usjT5suwrq/s400/tablescapeIV.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.livingetc.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=6114">Living Etc.</a><br />So simple but elegant - a unique vase with a single flower</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I always struggle with curating a nightstand because I like things to be practical.  Practical for me involves a place for books, my glasses, something to drink, etc., and decorative items can get in the way.  And I tend to knock them over while frantically trying to turn off the alarm.  As a result, sometimes my nighstands look naked.  But I'm <em>slowly</em> learning to style tables in a way that looks pretty but is still functional.  For me, this means:<br /><ol><li>A nice, big lamp</li><li>Ideally a two shelved table (top for "pretty" & bottom for "stuff")</li><li>One or two larger scale decorative pieces</li></ol>So, for me, something like this is too cluttered:<br />   <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZifGF4a6TS6Mra6BFOweaLyNavley7tSy42QfqNaPfo5ml-PeJqTsqDyOR7O6aQptIXgAidZVeLKct_zmwE4ExArIjI8uuAvRaSMXEmcClIx_V9XgrRbFVfyNhHL8gGWDyVW4O6tbcjs/s1600/tablescapeIII.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZifGF4a6TS6Mra6BFOweaLyNavley7tSy42QfqNaPfo5ml-PeJqTsqDyOR7O6aQptIXgAidZVeLKct_zmwE4ExArIjI8uuAvRaSMXEmcClIx_V9XgrRbFVfyNhHL8gGWDyVW4O6tbcjs/s400/tablescapeIII.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/spring-floral-duvet-and-shams-b593/?pkey=call-bedding">West Elm</a><br />Pretty, but no room on that table . . . </td></tr></tbody></table><br />Keeping in mind the first few photos of nightstands I love and my newfound "rules," I made an addition to the guest room nightstand which, if you recall, was pretty much just a lamp & a clock:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZEhrG0nWU2nyM5w_A5XAR6ytj7qcdpyRQ5n_nd1CEpdjqPlIGMBqHtTDUbOndAz0O2rpWBYd7_Vx2inJJ72CnLC6TKE-2gCWY_R-HzRwVBXWkzULkfX0i7LhSbFiQZ7_8i7k5BoQGFM/s1600/P1060103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZEhrG0nWU2nyM5w_A5XAR6ytj7qcdpyRQ5n_nd1CEpdjqPlIGMBqHtTDUbOndAz0O2rpWBYd7_Vx2inJJ72CnLC6TKE-2gCWY_R-HzRwVBXWkzULkfX0i7LhSbFiQZ7_8i7k5BoQGFM/s640/P1060103.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3F9E-NGRyjabrJVnBtNwE1JjrC8J3fOr3Fz2Tt725PFJPYyAwApzAjqimKhxeSGm5aNPE4AFbIljEUxQljcEZvknyQcFFGzzxQoGmUTy5b0kzy5aWAQo5EqBvP8kdnRpLujYEvPjC5ClF/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3F9E-NGRyjabrJVnBtNwE1JjrC8J3fOr3Fz2Tt725PFJPYyAwApzAjqimKhxeSGm5aNPE4AFbIljEUxQljcEZvknyQcFFGzzxQoGmUTy5b0kzy5aWAQo5EqBvP8kdnRpLujYEvPjC5ClF/s640/001.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yawn.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I aimed to add one more element (groupings of three!) and looked for a piece of the right scale and colour.  Happily, I found one in my mom's curio cabinet.  Haha.  She actually took it from me, years ago, but it is mine again!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAK9r0JBOCiw_u0jVU5e4v5ccRtztFV9yUs3IWSlpsll9i0mM899DL75oAVlVhjgVUBp2lhTjS72khHD-rmiWUpy-66PT2LA1WPJgJ-zMSiIG34hipMR_0NRs3fzVxJbDg_-3ot9pBoIin/s1600/084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAK9r0JBOCiw_u0jVU5e4v5ccRtztFV9yUs3IWSlpsll9i0mM899DL75oAVlVhjgVUBp2lhTjS72khHD-rmiWUpy-66PT2LA1WPJgJ-zMSiIG34hipMR_0NRs3fzVxJbDg_-3ot9pBoIin/s400/084.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yoink</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4mZxoBiYLu96hJvLEX-ZgmGplJyHWVDHP3ik-xN_iVMYjGcV1fSLpORh0ZIdYygoDRFUIamHfb-IR2xxYHh8wEs5Y_6jobHQ0kEelIL6k5qO0rv619PVk4iZ9CaFo1QJbb-vTe3pdhEB/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4mZxoBiYLu96hJvLEX-ZgmGplJyHWVDHP3ik-xN_iVMYjGcV1fSLpORh0ZIdYygoDRFUIamHfb-IR2xxYHh8wEs5Y_6jobHQ0kEelIL6k5qO0rv619PVk4iZ9CaFo1QJbb-vTe3pdhEB/s640/008.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsCHV-AyXsCMFZVZi5TgbBRTafOBJeEuXk6zq75oYXR_AsGYp9do9i0dkSZTfH6xV6D3vju57Ilz07HUH2XKbNHWJ0eHO6lQFyGzh1TIIVbT5UCVR62B8CEsER1YZ1nlAOm4bNXQWAc0N/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsCHV-AyXsCMFZVZi5TgbBRTafOBJeEuXk6zq75oYXR_AsGYp9do9i0dkSZTfH6xV6D3vju57Ilz07HUH2XKbNHWJ0eHO6lQFyGzh1TIIVbT5UCVR62B8CEsER1YZ1nlAOm4bNXQWAc0N/s640/012.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvvl2Av8AHAn_25SbkpFrt7PKZLc0iVFUzfGhUCQRhHM8rjIMI-Ev8xEiWBLh_17MZyqAIra9oUR0H_2jibs5emCCiQEbcN6DpjfvuGrW-8sAvmTLIuydxotD1YEVI_6NG-UXTQf4ibEH/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvvl2Av8AHAn_25SbkpFrt7PKZLc0iVFUzfGhUCQRhHM8rjIMI-Ev8xEiWBLh_17MZyqAIra9oUR0H_2jibs5emCCiQEbcN6DpjfvuGrW-8sAvmTLIuydxotD1YEVI_6NG-UXTQf4ibEH/s640/009.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />I like it!  The vase adds a bit more colour and interest to the nightstand (especially with some cheery Costco flowers!), but still provies guests ample room for a stack of books, cellphone or glass of water:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTlf7-ljTvYczkjL_LJFzJ_91NSMViHEhuF5nKf5293Zbr0kedSH819C81KWw_FZTDFQIEAIOgmOiF_Fi1bOB8PKGT-jMf_BMGlmlMsKTD5f_CD7ZXwPLDcFIb05u5V2ZOKUHpZGmeIr-N/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTlf7-ljTvYczkjL_LJFzJ_91NSMViHEhuF5nKf5293Zbr0kedSH819C81KWw_FZTDFQIEAIOgmOiF_Fi1bOB8PKGT-jMf_BMGlmlMsKTD5f_CD7ZXwPLDcFIb05u5V2ZOKUHpZGmeIr-N/s400/015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />What does a nightstand need to make you happy?  What are your styling tricks?

Nightstand Vignette

I love a good nightstand vingette: Style at Home My favorite!   Love the scale, crisp white & silver, plus the artwork Living Etc. Great...

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