House of Earnest

January 16, 2012

Prepping and Plotting

I’m preparing to leave town for Salt Lake City, but wanted to pop in and give you the progress on the shelving project that continued this weekend!

I tore up the carpet from the recesses so that we could build the shelving bases directly on the wood floors. We still haven’t decided yet in the carpet vs. hardwood battle, but tearing up at least the portion under the future shelves is necessary for building them. Floors will be done after the shelves, so we’ll just take this one step at a time (because that’s how I make decisions).

I also primed the recesses so that they’re ready for paint after the shelves are built. Step six in our bedroom process is to paint the entire room, so I wasn’t super careful with the primer. The entire room will be primed before too long, but I wasn’t getting into all of that this weekend.

We also made a small change to the plans. Initially, I wanted the shelves all to be the same depth, but adjusted this weekend to a more ‘built in’ esthetic by increasing the depth of the lower two shelves and base, and decreasing the depth of the upper three shelves. The lower half of the shelving will be an 18 inch depth (flush with the chimney) and the upper shelves will be just 12 inches deep. The trim construction was also solidified. It looks pretty cryptic, but in short, we’re applying a flat 1 x 2 to the front of each shelf to help them appear thicker and to hide some of the mechanics.

All of this took me way longer than it should have, as I was watching The Sound of Music while priming which meant that there were lots of breaks for singing and dancing.

I’m headed off to edit some photos and work on some blog administration type work (and I still need to make those baked goods for the new neighbors) How was your weekend? Productive?

Have a SPLENDID Monday!

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January 13, 2012

Friday Faves 1.13

in friday favorites with 1 Comment

ONE If you’re up for a little eye candy this morning, check out this beautifully blush and black home from Design Sponge via Lark + Linen. TWO cheese is my culinary weakness, and this cute poster drawing just reminds me of all the different kinds I should be eating right now. THREE I love a good chair (even though I already decided on the one I am buying for my own dining room) and this chair is a fabulous option from CB2. Minimal and modern with a natural vibe, is there any more room at your table? $199 from CB2. FOUR a beautifully natural arrangement from Elisha over at Morlee reminds me of an english garden. FIVE get ready for valentines day, or make some heart shaped goodies for your new neighbors (that’s what I’ll be doing this weekend). These cute little mini heart vintage baking pans are only $18 on Etsy.

Am I glad it’s Friday, or what? It has been a long week, and I’m ready for some rest and relaxation. If you’re lucky, like me, you have a 3 day weekend ahead of you and, like every other weekend, I have a slew of things to complete!

I plan on making some goodies for our new neighbors, packing for Alt, tackling the next step in our shelving project, and editing the photos from the wedding I shot last weekend. I am also going to try and get my hands dirty in Photoshop which my husband so sweetly bought me for my birthday that was Tuesday!

A special thank you for the birthday wishes, cards, tweets, texts and emails! I’m very blessed so have so many amazing and generous people in my life!

Have a BLESSED Friday and weekend!

p.s. It’s snowing !!!

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January 12, 2012

Decor Dilemma: Carpet Split Decision

in Home Decor with 25 Comments

We are a little split over here at House of Earnest over the decision of whether to carpet or not to carpet. While knowing that we are planning to replace the flooring in our bedroom, I am opting for restaining the wood floors that exist under our current (30 year old) carpet, while Matty really wants to get new carpet. He does have a point that carpet is soft and warm in a bedroom, but I just am not on the same page!

I feel that wood floors with an amazing rug could still be warm enough for a bedroom, while still being stylish and fitting in with the esthetic of an old home.

What are your thoughts? To carpet or not to carpet?

Photo Credit 1 | 2

25 Comments

January 11, 2012

Let it Snow!

in mood with 7 Comments

Most people would be dreaming of sun and sand about this time of year, but it’s been so unseasonably warm, that I really am eager to see some snow. I feel a little ‘off’ without the cold temperatures to keep me inside cozying up in front of the fire. Luckily, next week at this time, I’ll be jetting off to Utah in search of some colder weather and possibly my fill of snow!

Let’s keep our fingers crossed!

Have a LOVELY Wednesday!

photos 1 | 2 | 3

7 Comments

January 10, 2012

Perching Perfect

in Home Decor with 9 Comments

Finally I’ve narrowed down the dining chair that I want! The Wegner Wishbone ‘Y’ chair is so beautifully simple and modern, but won’t look out-of-place in an old farmhouse. Unfortunately, they’re around $900 a pop, so (although it pains me to say) I’ll be scouting some replicas for my personal dining room.

On my home tour, I showed you the dining room with my ‘placeholder’ chairs that were $20 each from Target purchased until I made my final dining chair decision. I’m still a little up in the air on color, but I’m heavily leaning toward the black. Thoughts?

Now off to search for a cost efficient version (I need 8 after all!).

Have a BRILLIANT Tuesday, guys!

9 Comments

January 9, 2012

Getting the Shelving Show on the Road

in our home with 16 Comments

Last year, I wrote a lot about my plans for my master bedroom, including the built-in bookshelves that have been in the back of my mind for over a year.

We have an odd wall in our master bedroom due to the fireplace downstairs and it’s chimney which continues up through this room. I always felt that two (somewhat) symmetrical bookshelves would be a good idea to make the best of the odd wall and also to give us more storage. We have a ton of books and collectables which need a home.

When I initially posted about the idea, our bed used to be orientated on the left side wall. Matt challenged me to move the bed in order to see if I even liked the bed on the strange wall prior to going through the shelf building process.

We’ve been living with the moved bed and emulated the idea of having shelving behind the bed with tables and smaller bookshelves. I’m proud to report that we’re moving ahead with the plans, and I spent some time yesterday measuring out the space. We are limited to how deep the shelves can be due to the window on our north wall, but I think 14″ will be a good hearty depth.

Along with the shelving we’re going to re-paint the room (in the same exact color!), repaint the white trim, and replace the flooring. Since these things will be done around the shelves, our first move before any of the other bedroom changes will be to build the shelving.

After the shelves are done, I’ll be building a custom headboard and layering some interesting side tables in front of the shelving. You may wonder how that’s all going to work stacked in front of the shelves, but I assure you, I’ve got a vision! Stay tuned!

P.S. This weekend, I did everything that was on my to-do list including shopping for some non-work clothes, getting caught up on floral school, having brunch with my parents and photographing the wedding reception of some friends (my first experience shooting a wedding, but they came out so well and I’ve excited to share a few). I hope your weekend was everything you wanted it to be and you’re ready to get back into action on this full five-day week!

Have a SPLENDID Monday

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January 6, 2012

Friday Faves 1.6

in friday favorites with 8 Comments

ONE this week I discovered the tumblr Tabac Blond and I’m smitten. TWO the cutest tie-breaker ‘coins’ from Set Editions – including the phrases “you apologize” or “I apologize” $12. THREE I’ve been pouring over the time lapse videos of Dana Tanamachi doing her amazing chalk art. FOUR cozy spaces like this bed alcove are just perfect for warm winter nights spent inside. FIVE after watching Midnight in Paris, not only do I want to start reading all of the works of F. Scott Fitzgerald, but I want them in these amazingly beautiful sleeves designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith.

It’s been difficult this week getting back into the swing of things, but it’s nice having a short week to figure it out! I’m going to get some quality Erin-Time in this weekend and shop around town, do some blog updates, sleep in, and try on my entire closet getting prepared for Alt Design Conference. I might also try to sneak in brunch on Sunday with my family to celebrate my birthday which is coming up next week! I have such a busy week scheduled in the office next week, that a little advance celebration might be in order. Or maybe I’ll snag one of these F. Scott Fitzgerald books from the library and cozy up with it. Any one of his books in particular that you’d suggest?

Have a WARM and RELAXING Friday and weekend!

8 Comments

January 5, 2012

Toning it Down

in color, Home Decor with 11 Comments

In trend reports and design forecasts, pastels are slated to be big for 2012. Since we’re coming off of a few years of brights, jewel tones, and neons (and I’m sure we have a ton of these colors gracing our homes and closets), I think mixing in some pastels and toned down hues is so pretty.

I love the incorporation of pastels with brights in these spaces! You don’t have to get rid of the bright accessories you’ve been buying these last few years and replace everything with a pastel. A little mix and matching not only gets the trend across just beautifully, but actually makes the pastel stand out.

photo credit: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

How are you feeling about this pretty pastel trend? How do you think you’ll incorporate it into your home?

Have a FABULOUS Thursday!

11 Comments

January 4, 2012

Hidden Treasures: Beaufort House Inn

in weekend inspiration with 6 Comments

Another year flies by… another monthly hidden treasure from Lacey Anne!

*via Beaufort House

This month my hidden treasure isn’t the thrill of a steal, a piece for the wall, or a pair of accent chairs. I just returned from a long weekend at the Beaufort House Inn in Asheville, NC. While my husband planned the details of the long weekend, I reflected on the end of a big year for us and couldn’t wait to nestle up in the mountains and ring in our last New Year’s Eve as two… for in just a few weeks we will become three.

This hidden treasure is not tangible, it is the blessing of truly slowing down, stepping into a photograph I would save in my folder of inspiration, and quietly reveling in the reflection of where we have been and where we will soon be headed. It is difficult in the bustle of the holidays to really take the time to slow your heart rate and get away from it all, but that is just what we did. I will always be cherish my wonderful husband, and remember this trip as our last before we become a family.

The Beaufort House is a true hidden treasure and would recommend it to anyone if you are looking for a place to sit down. How often do we sit down and simply be at peace? No tapping our foot, checking our email, or thinking of all the other things we could be doing. This is my treasure I hold so dear right now and thought it would be the perfect thing to share as a new, shiny year is before us.

Wishing you and yours many moments in 2012 when you can sit down and snuggle your own hidden treasures, take a breath, and have a moment to center yourself and your priorities. And if you can head to Asheville to do it, Beaufort House is just the perfect place… A claw foot tub awaits your arrival for a soak…

Cheers,

Lacey Anne

6 Comments

January 3, 2012

Brighter Days Ahead

in not just for... with 5 Comments

In preparing for a new year (and having some time off work), I spent a little time sprucing up my home workspace. I cleaned and organized, putting away my Christmas gifts and straightening the pile of clothes and accessories that inevitably make their way strewn across my (half upholstered) antique settee.

In putting a few pretty patterned woven scarves away, I came across this yellow feeder stripe scarf from J Crew that used to never leave my neck. I decided that it would be the perfect accent to adorn the white curtains against the white walls and trim of my office.

It’s simple, but beautiful. The opposite window is tied in the same fashion with a different striped scarf in navy. If you like the look, but would want to use the same color/pattern, consider purchasing a couple matching styles from a cheap online site where scarves are sold for around $5.

For a plain, neutral space, using scarves definitely gives a blustery winter window brighter outlook.

Have a BRIGHT Tuesday!

P.S. if you haven’t yet taken my year-end survey, I would be SO appreciative! I’m trying to make the site better for all of you! Click HERE to take it (a super quick 10 questions).

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