Can I do this to my half story?

I've mentioned this before.  When I'm no longer feeling completely and totally reno'd out, I really, really, really want to rip up the carpet in the half storey and then paint the whole thing out white - floors and all. 

 (desire to inspire)

But maybe a bit of black?

(desire to inspire)

House Porn

My house changes as you go from the first to the second storey.  The main floor receives very little natural light while the second floor is washed with it.  It gives both spaces a very different feel and it's been interesting trying to unify the two. 

On the main floor, I'm moving to darker, richer pops of colour on a white background:

Via the decorista

skona hem via 2 by design

(decorology)

 (Decorology)

One of my favourite kitchens of all time ever.  It's a Tommy Smyth special that was originally photographed for House and Home Magazine.

(via nest egg)

On the second floor, I always want it to feel fresh and airy and kind of like it's spring no matter the time of year:

 (Pinterest via Decorology)

 (Bright Bazaar via Simply Grove)

 (Elle Interior via Simply Grove)

(The Decorista)

(decor8)

(decorology)

Long time since my last post...

The good news is the porch will be covered by insurance.  I'm just waiting on our insurance company to finalize Norm's quote.  Looks like the work will be done in the spring.   In the meantime, there's lots of small projects including way too much painting, wallpaper to be applied to the stairs leading from the main to the second floor and tiling in the kitchen.  Should keep me busy over the cold winter months (well, that and training for the upcoming CrossFit Games season).

While the outside of the house has an air of crack den, the insides are spiffied up for the holiday season.  The tree looks a little bit like it might be drunk.  One of the many reasons I love getting a real tree verses using an artificial one.  Oh, and in case you're wondering.   Yes, the cats knocked it over twice before a 50lb weight vest was added at the base to keep the poor thing upright.

We moved into the bedroom over a month ago...

...and then we decided summer is too nice to spend indoors painting and hanging curtains and pictures so we've been total slackers.  This weekend is supposed to not be particularly nice out (rain, cold) and the gym is closed (but I have a key) so my guess is we will get down to work and finish a room or two.  I'd like to get the study and powder room painted as well as some curtains up in the bedroom.  I'm sure our neighbours would appreciate it. 

To help motivate myself, I've been reviewing some house porn on the internets.

First up, soft white walls, diffused light and natural textures. I want to curl up on the bench with a strong cup of coffee and rub my bare feet on the soft rug.

(Valentin Loellmann via Escapade)

I really like how this half storey was carved up.  Hmm, thinking.  

(Apartment Therapy via Decorology)

If this doesn't get me excited about getting our powder room completed, nothing will.  Hmm, I need to get myself some frames.  I haven't picked up any so far and it's going to take awhile to start putting together a collection of vintage ones...

(Domino via Automatism)

Tea and a good book while wrapped in a gray flannel blanket.  How can you tell the weather has turned and it's cold out?

(The New Victorian Ruralist via La Maison Boheme)

Still renovating...

And it really HAS been for ever.  Ugh!   The good news is we will be moved into our new bedroom and dressing room next weekend.  The final coat on the woodwork was done yesterday and Kurt's putting the final coat on the walls and ceiling as well as installing our face plates and chandelier.  Yayness!  I so can't wait to actually start the fun stuff with styling our rooms.

Some house porn to make me feel better and get me in the mood... for more painting.  The powder room is up next. 

(Elements of Style)

(Herve Pierre the selby via Plush Palate)

(Secrets of Domestic Bliss) 

(Plain English via The City Sage)

(Caroline Rufini Decoration)

(Absolutely Beautiful Things)

(the selby via Sfgirlbybay)

(miss wallflower via Coco + Kelly)

(sneak peak: heather taylor via Design*Sponge)

(New England Home Magazine via Shelter)

House Porn

(Gorgessity via Secrets of Domestic Bliss)

(bolaget via escapade)

(la maison boheme)

(Pretty Lovely Things via SFGirlByBay)

OMG! Pillers!

Okay, these are just... fun.  Jeff did a gorgeous job.  Damn but that man can do millwork!  And I definitely am moving that chandelier to the dining room and getting a different fixture.  The longer it hangs in there, the goofier it looks. 

Uh, don't mind the clothes hamper. 

Here's a view of the millwork on the bases.

The bed that's in the room is down from the guest room temporarily so my parents have a place to sleep while they're down.  The guest room up in the half storey... not so much suitable for guests right now.



Last week, I stumbled across a real find on Used Regina - an antique desk from the CPR rail line.  It's in really good condition and fits perfectly in the space between the exterior wall and the railing in the study.  It's massive.  Originally, I toyed with painting it black but now I'm not so sure.  It's kind of lovely just as it is.

This last weekend, mom took the time to sew the roman blinds for both bathrooms.  We can't string them up, though, until the drywall repair is completed.  We friction fit them into the windows and, yes, they are going to look fantastic!  I love my mom.

She also brought down the velvet drapes that she lengthened.  LOVE!

Now, we wait on the electrical...