Into the Woods

 

A few weeks ago, we headed out of town to my brother and sister-in-law's home for a family barbeque in the beautiful hamlet of Bragg Creek, Alberta. I found myself inspired by the peaceful, wooded surroundings, but most of all by the cozy rustic cabin located on their property.

 

 

The cabin is an original pioneer cabin that would have been situated there for several decades before the main house was built. The pioneer's cabin even has the original stone slab on which a wood stove would have sat and been used not only as a source of heat, but also for cooking.

 

 

My sister-in-law, Colleen, has given me the go-ahead to decorate the exterior.  Their property is filled with useful materials such as horse troughs, antique bed frames, finials, wood benches and seating, both new and old. Can you tell I'm excited? I'll share what I've done in a few weeks time.

 

 

Oh, and I'm sure you're wondering; who exactly lives in the cabin? Well that is a secret for only the woods to behold...

 

~ Shhh!..... ~

 

 

 

 

Lower Level Lounging!

Most finished basements are used more than we realize. So why not kick it up a notch and make it a stylish relaxing space? This space was the first that we tackled when we moved in last September. We needed a refuge while the rest of the house was being painted. Andrew chose the paint from Benjamin Moore in 'Subway Tile', a medium toned grey-blue. I think it was an excellent choice.

A few weeks prior to moving in, we ordered Urban Barn's Liberty Custom Sectional and selected 'Brampton Shale' for the fabric. I intentionally declined the matching ottoman. I wanted something that went with the sectional but didn't 'match'. I chose EQ3's Salema Ottoman in 'Sterling Ivory'.

Note: If you are considering Urban Barn's Liberty Custom Sectional, this is the condo size - it's huge! If you are considering this sectional, this size should be ample. Unless you have an extra large room measuring 400 sq ft or more, then go with the full size)

Now is great time to get started on fine tuning your lower level. Make it a cozy space that you can enjoy when those colder seasons begin. Have a fantastic weekend!

Home Office Spruce-up!

 

I wasn't exactly sure what type of a look I wanted for the office; but I knew I wanted something along the lines of a sitting room with a writing desk look rather than a technological, ergonomic space (boring and not really attractive!) 

Our first week after moving in it looked like this and has been the last room to get some final touches.

Prepping for paint which we did in Farrow and Ball's 'Bone' which is the same color that we used in the guest room. It's a smooth neutral green and makes a great backdrop for any color scheme.

With a few final touches and some soft furnishings, it's finally a comfortable but workable space.

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Hope you have a great Canada Day!!

The Perfect Blue

When we last left off with our main bath, I was searching for the prefect soothing light blue paint color. I wanted something that resembled the color of the water when the bath tub was full. The color we inherited was a tobacco brown (see photos below) and was much too dark for the space.

 

Another color reference for me was the shower curtain which is full of pretty greys and blues. I made my way to our local Farrow and Ball dealer, Maria Tomas, over my lunch hour one day and found myself walking back into the downtown core with a gallon of Farrow and Ball's 'Skylight'. I knew from the painted sample board at the store that the color would be perfect.

 

 

(Remind me to change the chrome electrical plate to a beige one, wont you?)

Hope you're enjoying a beautiful weekend!

Before and After: Staircase

Painting the risers had certainly made difference to our front entry staircase. A simple and relatively quick update, painting the risers gives a more complete look and shows off the finish of the wood. Before the stairs looked unfinished as if they were made from plywood. If you don't want to use the same color as your trim, consider using the wall color to break-up the wood.

Before:

After:

Before and After: Living Room

 

Well it's a double-header of 'befores and afters' this weekend; I've decided to add the living room as well. The tan colored paint really made this room darker that it should be. This side of the house is north-facing so there isn't much light anyway. Thank goodness someone genius at some point added two sets of garden doors - the extra light makes such a difference! Painting over the dark tan walls in Farrow and Ball's 'Skimming Stone' has really uplifted the entire space.

 Before:

 After: 

 Before:

 After:

We're finishing the main bathroom this weekend so I hope to be ready to share with you next week.

 Have a wonderful Sunday!