Just a quick update on the guest room. I found the idea to hang our fedora hats (that we don't wear) in my previous post. I wanted to keep the room a bit masculine since we dubbed it "Pat's room" (aka guest room). He comes and visits every so often so I want to make sure it fits his personality. Without damaging the pat (pinning the hats on the wall), I hammered a nail on the wall, leaving some length so the hat can sit on on the nail. Then, to keep it in place, I added some museum putty.
Our master bathtub is complete! It's been 4 days since the project completed and I can't tell you how much I enjoy using the new bathtub. The room feels much brighter and roomier now that the shower door is gone. The old bathroom was just an eyesore and I never let any guest see what it looked like. I was ashamed. But now, not anymore.
Sources / Moen Arris Tub & Shower Trim / Delta In2ition® H2Okinetic Shower Head
Oh, that ugly "boob" light. While the guys are waiting for the cement to dry in the master bath project, I had them update Stella's light in her room. A lot of things we did two years ago were last minute updates while the project was in motion. Stella's room had a torch lamp (her only source of lighting) but we wanted something that we could control via switch. I didn't have enough time to research and buy the light I wanted. Hence, the ugly "boob" light. It was always supposed to be temporary, I tell myself. Just as we decided to renovate the master bath, I immediately snatched up the west elm Globe Flushmount when they had their major 20% sale. Strangely, I got it for $69 (plus 20% off). Looking at the site now, it's priced at $99. I'm not sure if I got the price from a glitch.
We're finally fixing up our master bathtub and we're almost done! It was one of the areas from our remodel two years ago that we decided to forego because I just had a baby and the project was taking too long (three times to be exact). What started as a simple shower leak fix to "Screw it! Let's remodel it now that we have time." Well, it's been 5 days since we started the project. I was told it would be 3 days but with unexpected tenant piping issue from another property, we had to use our contractor to fix that problem first. But really, that's okay. Our master bathroom was an eyesore and as long as it's finished, I won't complain that much.
But, everything is coming together and I'm very excited. When we first started, I knew I wanted classic subway tiles with a sunken tub because they're a bit wider than a standard tub. And it's a regular tub, not a jacuzzi tub. Ours were installed with a jacuzzi tub so cleaning the jets were extremely annoying and difficult.
And no more shower doors. I don't know anyone who thinks keeping a shower door (spotless) clean is easy. I hate the look when it gets hard water stains and calcium build-ups. Some say use a squeegee after every shower use, but I don't have that time in the morning, especially when I have to be up by 4am to get ready for work. And depending on the size of your bathroom, shower doors can make the space look smaller. My tub is sectioned off in another room of the bathroom, so it always seemed a bit tight between the tub and the toilet. With a shower curtain, it's easier to clean and cheaper to replace.
Today, the plan is to finish tiling, complete the shower niche and fix the dry wall. (The dry wall was slightly damaged because the tub was a bit too long for the space.). Then grout, fix up the wall, and then maybe we'll get to use it by Wednesday (let the grout and cement dry).
Who knew there were so many variations of the same tile: size (2x5, 3x6, 4x12, 4x16, 8x12, 12x12 etc), finish (matte, gloss), color, etc. After seeing a few in person, we liked the idea of a larger and wider tile. Though Jason is still undecided with the pattern choice (stacked, staggered, or herringbone), I thought the wider tiles look better stacked. The smaller ones would do best with staggered and herringbone pattern.
Since the project starts next week, we had to get all the materials ready. We bought some samples at Home Depot and Lowes yesterday. Then today, I dropped by the Tile Depot since it was on my way home from work. Jason thought because the space was small and we weren't updating anything, we could splurge a bit. And he wanted to make sure I was happy with our pick. At the store, I got lost in the aisles and aisles of wall and floor tiles. And for a hot second, I thought about changing the design. But, I stuck with our choice and borrowed some samples to take home. I still like the idea of a herringbone pattern but I wonder if that's just a fad. Just be safe and go classic. Staggered or stacked. I think we'll decide up to the very minute they're mixing grout and ready to assemble.
Tile Depot
2129 Rosemead Blvd
South El Monte, CA 91733
On a roll with this gold trend. Read the reviews about this Target Threshold 28" Round Brass Mirror. I didn't think it was that hard to hang (and it wasn't). And I didn't notice any distortion on the mirror, so the $44 was totally worth it.
My friend just moved back to the bay area after spending the summer with us. So that means I have the room back to play home decorator again. First off, this west elm Pell Sconce Long Gooseneck. I originally had the Target rose gold marble lamp in an older post but it wasn't bright enough and it was taking too much space on the night stand. Oh, and my friend forgot his antique boat art so I'm safekeeping it for now, which conveniently goes with the new sconce.
It took me quite some time to really embrace and adopt that Moroccan rug trend. But after slowly seeing it all over social media, it was like I was hit over the head and was told to get on board, STAT! It helped that my living room was under a major identity crisis. I started with a new sofa, then a faux Herman Miller Eames Chair, a west elm chair, and then before I knew it, I had some mid-century theme going on. It now seemed appropriate that the rug had to go as well.
Depending on the brand and size, the price can be in the upwards of $1000. What I really wanted was the west elm Kasbah ($799) but I'm not willing (or afford) to pay that price. My sofa didn't cost that much! Most importantly, Jason would just have a conniption. I have a 2-year-old daughter so the thought of her spilling juice all over the a light-colored rug is enough reason to keep the old, ugly rug. But, with some patience and my awesome online shopping skills, I found one that would work: Target's Gebze Rug. It's only $285 with FREE shipping (and FREE store return), I was seriously having a "why not" moment.
Side note: This Lil' Bully stain remover works wonders. I tried it on the sofa when Stella spilled her food and drink and it took it right off!
Okay, so here's Stella's bathroom. Nothing major (obviously). The cabinet, sink, mirror are from IKEA Godmorgon/Odensvik series. I started with the shower curtain, which is fun and feminine, but it still screamed IKEA bathroom. I knew eventually I had to make it less so without it literally screaming "little girl's bathroom." You know, just add enough so it's "her bathroom." I'm pretty sure this room (and her bedroom) will go through many identity crises. Until then, just a few art frames to complete the look. Soon, there will be a stool so she can reach for the faucet and potty training seat.
For the art gallery:
Sources / IKEA Godmorgon/Odensvik Series / Schoolhouse Electric Woodland Meadow Shower Curtain / Nate Berkus Faceted Soap Dispenser / Oh Joy! Hey Hey Hey Framed Wall Art / Rifle Paper Co. 2016 Travel the World Calendar / Cat Coquillette Little & Fierce Art
I wasn't not sure what to do with this picture ledge. (I can't commit to art for more than a few weeks so a wall gallery won't work.) And I don't want it to be all photos of us. I want it to be different and have a variety of art displays. So far, all I can think of are: pictures of us as a family (we should at least one one photo of the family, right?), Stella's art pieces (they're as good as they're gonna get for a two-year-old), something personal (a beach picture I took when we were in mexico), an artwork that I like (which happens to be the Fleetwood Mac's album cover), an art replica, and finally a vase (that sits empty until Jason feels generous and buys me flowers). So really, no rhyme or reason. Stay tune... this will change.
My house isn't that big, so when the living room became Stella's playroom, I had to keep that under control. Now, I'm not judging all the other parents who let their kids have all that clutter laying around. But, for me personally, I like some order and it's a good way to teach Stella about organization. I try to teach her to play one toy at a time and put the rest away. So far, it works. But as for as storage is concerned, I didn't want a storage ottoman because it looks too bulky and really, traditional. So, I picked an upholstered bench (for variety of future uses) and baskets so it's easy for Stella to pull out and put back.
west elm Mid Century Upholstered Bench / Crate & Barrel Sedona Honey Totes
This guest room has furniture and decor that I don't know what to do with, or were gifted from friends, or were bought with an idea in mind (now is lost). As you can see, it's pretty plain. I moved that rug wall art from side to side. The mudcloth doesn't have an exact home yet but it's here for now. And for my DIY, the headboard is actually a tan microfiber nail headboard. I bought a grey IKEA throw and draped it over the headboard. I pinned the excess fabric with some flat tacks.
To be continued...
I finally got around to decorating her room. It used to just have a crib and dresser (changing table) because I was too exhausted to do anything when she was a baby. Now, she's slightly older (just over 2 years old) and doesn't need constant attention. Since she was born, I've been collecting decorative items here and there but never had an idea of how I wanted to use it in her room until now.
Sources / For Like Ever Poster / Target Pillowfort Unicorn Head Wall Decor / My Red Hand Gang Clothes Hanger / Jardin des Fleurs Customized Art Print / Oh Joy! Wall Dot Decals / Land of Nod Mod Botanical Throw Pillow / Land of Nod Head in the Clouds Pillow / Target Pillowfort "The Coolest Kids in Town" Pillow Case / Target Pillowfort "Young, Wild & Free" Pillow Case
It's pretty rare these days that I get this house THIS clean with a two-year old wanting to play everything all at once in the living room. I look at this picture and I'm ready to update the house (dining chairs, pillows, the bar/vignette, clock, etc.) But first things first: rug. I got this rug when we renovated the house 2 years ago and needed a rug to replace an even uglier rug. It was a haste decision because I still had my old furniture that I didn't want anymore and it just had to match those for now. Now that I have a new sofa, I kinda know what I'm looking for: something simple, shaggy, and simple to contrast the dark colors of the floors.
We didn't do much after the renovation almost two years ago. I told myself that I wouldn't get anything unless I love it. Well, we got a new sofa!! It's the Living Spaces Aidan (91" wide, 41" depth). I love that it's wide so it fits all three of us. I thought the first purchase item should be the sofa and all other things will fall into place. Get an idea of where I'm going with the updates. We only have a living room (which is also the family room) so the sofa needed to be big, wide, and comfortable to lounge. The issue with the old sofa was that the arms were too high and so, t was hard to lay back and watch TV. With the new sofa, the arms were very low and just high enough so that I can lay my head down like a pillow. Stella seems very agreeable in the picture, don't you think? Oh, and it comes with two very large pillows (24") so I'm hoping to repurpose it as floor pillows. We'll see.
My first choice was the Crate & Barrel Lounge II sofa (83" wide, 46" depth) but it was way too pricey for us at almost $1,600. The Aiden sofa cost more than half of the Lounge II. I figured the Aiden is a great, sturdy sofa for a much more reasonable price. I can put more money on other items I want to buy (i.e., RUG, dining chairs, decor, tables, etc.)
Oh! And I got that replica Herman Miller Eames Chair (with ottoman) for $600 on craigslist. I picked it up locally from a warehouse. They only had 2 options to choose from (white and black leather). We had to put it together ourselves but it was super easy.
Bravo, my friend, bravo! After weeks of anticipation and teasers from his instagram page, our friend, Ed, delivered to us our very first custom-made 8-foot redwood outdoor table. Jason wanted the details to be similar to the ones you find at the Apple store. The nuts and bolts, hinges, and whatever, needed to be hidden from view.
In the previous post, it was all about how the house looked before we moved in. Now, you have to remember that in the early 2000s, Pottery Barn was all the rage. The brown neutral colors with large sofas and tables were in style. I saved catalogs from Pottery Barn and Crate & Barrel. I clipped them and made mood boards. I wanted to live in those stores. I tried my best and made the house look like it the catalogs. I think I achieved it, to an extent. I LOVED it. But now, looking back, everything was too big. Too dark. Too traditional. Too much leather. It would have looked better in a larger home. As a result, I fell into that first-time home buyer pitfall and bought everything in sight. I now know that I need to edit. Buy one piece at at a time and see if it fits. Keep it simple and in proportion to the space.
Our house has gone a long way since we first bought it in 2004. It was hard to look past the decor and furniture but I fell in love with the layout immediately. Every space was accounted for and no space was wasted. It's a two story, 4 bedroom, 3 baths, 1589 sq ft with an attached garage. The walls were recently painted with new carpet in the bedrooms, tiles in the kitchen and baths, and laminate in the main living area. It's not my favorite choice of details, but as a first-time home buyer, it was move-in ready.
It's been ten years and we still live here. I'm happy to say we are in the middle of a major renovation.
