Grocery Shopping

I popped to the grocery store a few weeks ago for  some of Andrew's favorite British foods. It was a grocery store that I don't normally shop at, but it stocks British Food so I had to make an exception. While leaving the store, I noticed a silent auction set-up for a print that immediately caught my eye. It was definitely time to replace the framed print above our fireplace, so I doubled the minimum bid and wasn't surprised that I had the winning bid a few days later. OK, doubling the minimum bid was probably more than I needed to be successful.

 

The piece is framed beautifully and is probably worth much more than the print itself. Unfortunately, it's not framed with non-reflective glass (always do this!!) which is obvious in these photos. Nevertheless, this print of Authur Lismer's 'The Channel' is a welcome addition!

 

~ Have you been bundling-up on these cool crisp mornings? Here comes Autumn!... ~

Reframed Art

 

As a follow-up from my New Year Refresh post back in January, here is the final result of the pieces I had featured.

 

I admit I am most pleased by the Hereford bridge piece. Something about its new frame and matting makes me want to continually admire it. We have decided to make a trip to Hereford on our next UK trip, to visit this very spot.

(With new frame and matting)

(In original frame and paper mat)

This oil painting has already had three different frames. The first was done mainly in copper tones, (I can't find a picture of it). It was very pretty, but I eventually wanted something more transitional. I had it framed in a simple silver wood frame seven years ago. Recently, I thought the transitional frame didn't do the painting justice. It maybe even took away from it somehow. So, I went for a warm textured frame with an extra trim piece to really make it come alive (I kept the transitional frame for future use).

 

(New frame - colors and texture really stand out)

(Previous frame in a simple transitional style)

Do you have some special pieces you'd like to frame or reframe? A painting or drawing you or your children have done? Or an old painting from a family member? It's amazing what a difference a  frame can make - try it!

Snuggled

 

Have you been snuggled-up lately with our apparent October weather? Nothing beats the warm intimate glow of a fireplace this time of year. We had this one installed almost three years ago by Hearth and Home here in Calgary. We had an outstanding experience with this company and I highly recommend them if you are considering adding a fireplace to your home - either inside or out!

 

It's Halloween tomorrow! Our sweet cat Bertie is afraid of our decorations - so much for being a tough guy!

 

Have a Happy Halloween! 

Leon vs. Ethan

 

VS.

If you live in Canada, you will be very familiar with the Canadian furniture store, Leon's. Grown from a family business into a national empire, Leon's is known for its ridiculous and entertaining commercials, like their annual 'Ho, Ho, Hold the Payments!' December promo and polyurethane sectionals with built-in compartments to store snacks and drinks.

 

And then there is Ethan Allen. A higher-end American furniture maker rooted in the colonies, with a classic,  country-based design. While it's not the finest craftsmanship and highest of prices, their pieces are beautiful and recognized for their quality.

 

So, why am I suggesting these two could go head-to head? Let's take a closer look! Over the years, Leon's has gradually begun to offer more classically styled pieces similar to those by Ethan Allen. Do you see the similarities in these sofas? Which one(s) would you choose?:



Marielle sofa - Leon's (top) Oxford sofa - Ethan Allen (bottom)



 

Ariel sofa - Leon's (top), Bennett sofa - Ethan Allen (bottom) 



 

London sofa - Leon's (top), Emerson sofa - Ethan Allen (bottom)



 

 



Tristan sofa - Leon's (top), Mansfield sofa - Ethan Allen (bottom)

Some other points to consider: Did you know that Leon's now offers several soft and hard furnishings made in Canada? Some other pieces are of course made 'Off Shore' or in 'Asia', but, so are many of Ethan Allen's.

 

Secondly, fabric choices are a major factor in determining if a piece will work for you or not. Ethan Allen offers pieces with a fully customizable range of fabrics and stain colors (You'll pay for it). They also offer a line of 'Custom Quick Ship' that is similar to what Leon's offers with some of their pieces - a few color choices in one fabric selection for that piece.

 

My last point is warranty. Both companies offer a warranty on their goods, but what type of warranty? Since I am specifically featuring sofas in this post I will point out that Ethan Allen does not cover any deficiencies in wood as a result of expansion and contraction caused by humidity and dryness. Leon's warranty  offers a lifetime coverage on the frame for some sofas,  (Like the Marielle featured above). but not on all of their styles.

 

~So much to consider! And you thought buying a new sofa was going to be easy~

 

 

{Image sources: Leons.ca, Ethanallen.ca}

New Addition

As mentioned in one of my previous posts, we have a new addition to our house. The day before Valentine's day we brought home a new little buddy; a rescue cat named, 'Bertie'. He is a very sweet and outgoing cat who just loves to be around people. This new little buddy is actually not so little weighing-in at over fourteen pounds at only two years old! Which brings me to our second new addition...a replacement for the armoire in our living room!

 

I had been considering replacing it with something lower. A sideboard perhaps or a shorter armoire. And then apparently Bertie tried to jump on top of it. Poor guy hooked his front paws over the top crown moulding façade and couldn't quite get himself up without resorting to the power of his back legs (and claws).



Andrew helped me dismantle the armoire and move it into the garage. My cousin is refinishing it for their  laundry room to use as storage. I think it would look beautiful in chalk paint with crystal knobs.

 

After a quick trip to Bondars, I selected this solid wood dresser but hated the cold, generic hardware. So, I selected new hardware at Banbury Lane and settled on Oriental-style handles made by Top Knobs, in a warm bronze finish.

 

 

The result is far more interesting and the cat agrees!

 

 

~ Have you considered adopting a new buddy? Go for it! They'll be furever grateful!~

 

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!

Rug Warm-Up

So I did buy one of the Pottery Barn rugs that I had originally posted here. In the end we chose the 'Gabrielle' Persian style rug. The quality has far surpassed my expectations. I was prepared for the possibility that I wouldn't like it and was going to make the investment in a more expensive rug. Well, I'm considering putting the savings on the rug towards a warm get-away. We've been walloped by an unusual amount of snow and freezing temperatures - Yikes! Send cashmere!

Enjoy your Sunday!

Living Room Rug: Time for a New Look?

I'm considering changing the look of our living room area with a new rug. In the past (and present!) I have typically stuck to something light and basic like our current rug above. I've considered replacing it with a sisal rug like the one below. Exciting right? Not really.

Pottery Barn Color Bound Sisal Rug in Chino

I think it's time to switch up to the look and add a little more color and pattern to this space.  Either of these two Persian style rugs from Pottery Barn would allow for some warmer accessories to be brought in:

Gabrielle Persian Style Rug

 

Milka Persian Style Rug

Also, I think the colors would compliment our art work nicely; like the winterscape below and oil painting that I've had re-framed for a more transitional look.    

 

 

Anyway, I'll give this a bit more thought but I think I'm quite settled on the idea. I'll keep you 'posted' (Very bad blog humor). Enjoy your Sunday....

Updated Photos

I haven't added any updated photos of our living and dining room areas in quite a while. Only a few subtle changes....I've added a few more leafy greens including a bowl of boxwood on the mantle. The dining room now has two additional side chairs at the table which were definitely needed. I finally found some chairs with nailhead detail at a reasonable price!