CHRISTMAS DECOR: Christmas Hospitality Tour (Part 1)

<div style="text-align: center;">Now that our family is finally past colds, flu, and taking my son to college - </div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm catching up on our fabulously fun Christmas Hospitality Tour. </div><div style="text-align: center;">We had 9 participating homes  - and a good turn out. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope our tour inspires you and that you enjoy the photos! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">HOUSE #1- Ashley</span></strong>. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Ashley is mom to two little girls and a baby on the way. </div><div style="text-align: center;">This is their first house - </div><div style="text-align: center;">a house that Ashley said she chose because she could imagine her family having Christmas there.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Just starting out in their new home, her decorations were mostly hand-me-downs.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Christmas for Ashley is all about the kids. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Just look what we did with a budget of only $150. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The nativity set was a gift that Ashley adds to each year. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">We featured it in a prominent spot under her mirror, </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">which we adorned with an amazing natural looking wreath. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSknCH_5XEGwUxEVNZ2sgsmJEcXxlo0eOnLTuKgrAE6MsjuC_VDajn0StB38AGNKzkAjya5ZLON0lyzaj2Oe9u8K6BYtnNsF_pSTYxiD0ZoMEhdLRkYxPJ5yJPTfblcN6SPAiamnZMt-w/s1600/IMG_1668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSknCH_5XEGwUxEVNZ2sgsmJEcXxlo0eOnLTuKgrAE6MsjuC_VDajn0StB38AGNKzkAjya5ZLON0lyzaj2Oe9u8K6BYtnNsF_pSTYxiD0ZoMEhdLRkYxPJ5yJPTfblcN6SPAiamnZMt-w/s640/IMG_1668.JPG" width="522" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">We bedecked her fresh tree with inexpensive glittered snowflakes and shatterproof (for the kids) ornaments in red and silver. We added a touch of whimsy with a red and white tinsel pompom garland.  </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSOnf0WiXtgRrl9QbD-OPucWGgQ4EuzeQ68CllyV5_v4nl3RxC_XAfueYBhyphenhypheno3OdYUN7qswBq-bCTCxzcRS2vqZUAOfVv5Ygnui0EGX34jfczLpTxCkxgdd5DkWxPW4e3rmRBitCZ6M0/s1600/IMG_1669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSOnf0WiXtgRrl9QbD-OPucWGgQ4EuzeQ68CllyV5_v4nl3RxC_XAfueYBhyphenhypheno3OdYUN7qswBq-bCTCxzcRS2vqZUAOfVv5Ygnui0EGX34jfczLpTxCkxgdd5DkWxPW4e3rmRBitCZ6M0/s640/IMG_1669.JPG" width="460" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mHb1P40WVEj5Ikt7i5y865ZF3yoqF3Wr7RDDCF7-bUVHyTUJtJFHXry1yRMlfNGu9hZixgVVacVTg07vWRlWbibdZTPZWnTLbQ489r6pZHP6KkQz6MyWAn1dgne0M7BHrc1cc670xUc/s1600-h/ashley+tree+closeup.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mHb1P40WVEj5Ikt7i5y865ZF3yoqF3Wr7RDDCF7-bUVHyTUJtJFHXry1yRMlfNGu9hZixgVVacVTg07vWRlWbibdZTPZWnTLbQ489r6pZHP6KkQz6MyWAn1dgne0M7BHrc1cc670xUc/s1600-h/ashley+tree+closeup.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mHb1P40WVEj5Ikt7i5y865ZF3yoqF3Wr7RDDCF7-bUVHyTUJtJFHXry1yRMlfNGu9hZixgVVacVTg07vWRlWbibdZTPZWnTLbQ489r6pZHP6KkQz6MyWAn1dgne0M7BHrc1cc670xUc/s1600-h/ashley+tree+closeup.jpg"></a>Ashley picked this vintage suitcase up at a flea market. We felt it deserved a little Christmas cheer. The green fits in naturally and provides an inexpensive centerpiece with the addition of a little greenery and a silver Noel sign.</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXOdFaqVadeHONqQwVS7ohweMJQrGAM0jKGogopR81iKNzV81mBG9vL4Bm2biBOqT-knvyBDtwWg4rHrE7aw2b3S-sDOOKem-eVWLRgd0rUPsl62fc7eXWUzNpviIJl9s-Pwsj6St1m0/s1600/IMG_1670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXOdFaqVadeHONqQwVS7ohweMJQrGAM0jKGogopR81iKNzV81mBG9vL4Bm2biBOqT-knvyBDtwWg4rHrE7aw2b3S-sDOOKem-eVWLRgd0rUPsl62fc7eXWUzNpviIJl9s-Pwsj6St1m0/s640/IMG_1670.JPG" width="508" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In Ashley's entry we were met with a large blank wall. We rounded up photo frames that Ashley already owned and arranged them to fill the wall. She quickly chose family photos and had them printed in black and white. Now, everytime she enters her front door or comes down her stairs, her wall says "Family" and makes her smile.</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_TFCWSVU7uoDTV_eeb2HsDhTJZ_sduib1Ido_bSRj4g41OhKN0M18BM847oUI06du2k1s6JUzvr9VAKBHSSn0t19bBxEBtiiuhlqVQtQv5vQo0oLjvk2IdUIrrcAeX0qpj5KT2b-kQzE/s1600/IMG_1671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_TFCWSVU7uoDTV_eeb2HsDhTJZ_sduib1Ido_bSRj4g41OhKN0M18BM847oUI06du2k1s6JUzvr9VAKBHSSn0t19bBxEBtiiuhlqVQtQv5vQo0oLjvk2IdUIrrcAeX0qpj5KT2b-kQzE/s640/IMG_1671.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> We were confronted with another blank wall over the fireplace, but found an unused mirror in Ashley's garage. We hung it horizontally, added greens, berries and ribbon and completed the mantel with a purchased garland, lights and silvered glass votives. </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFZ8Wzne5FNHTXC8aKkC-6upW3wtUf2kC2JFcOveykyXlKN81dWMxKF1qgK3VYvvtoWnWG3rO3Y3aOjFK-TUhKBraL2-wsPtayW3OB_iXOtwkqJ81jBcYrY1UlKJ-O5RORvOVtCaW8-0/s1600/IMG_1672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFZ8Wzne5FNHTXC8aKkC-6upW3wtUf2kC2JFcOveykyXlKN81dWMxKF1qgK3VYvvtoWnWG3rO3Y3aOjFK-TUhKBraL2-wsPtayW3OB_iXOtwkqJ81jBcYrY1UlKJ-O5RORvOVtCaW8-0/s640/IMG_1672.JPG" width="489" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">   Thanks to Ashley and her family for allowing us to tour her home!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">HOUSE #2 - Ginger </span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ginger is a busy mom of 5. She wanted a new look for her Christmas decor this year. We purchased new ornaments, garland and picks and put some of the decorations she already had to work. I actually did a little redesign as well - moving her furniture around in both the living and family room areas. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1S6UzmwPmu_Z4F5hvLSxi25K0nHzWD230ToEB_LYWDTG80Tl4C1M9PSmxe9fk8Snuk0rygJSNHT3DUWrFGkXltt_VGmsyV4Ril3si1gt5P-eaKRuHgu_e005Q9BdxvjlKI0sDIARw-O4/s1600/IMG_1674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1S6UzmwPmu_Z4F5hvLSxi25K0nHzWD230ToEB_LYWDTG80Tl4C1M9PSmxe9fk8Snuk0rygJSNHT3DUWrFGkXltt_VGmsyV4Ril3si1gt5P-eaKRuHgu_e005Q9BdxvjlKI0sDIARw-O4/s640/IMG_1674.JPG" width="479" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Starting at her front door, with a big Christmas welcome, we added pillows to two mid century metal lawn chairs. (We found adorable red placemats and Ginger made them into pillows.) Topiaried Christmas trees were decorated with lights, ribbon and handmade wire star ornaments. A natural green wreath was topped with a wreath of shiny red berries to complete the porch area. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Doesn't it look welcoming?</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRneth_hSfiABE6jFJInkNHUGo7V5NlY8FE0TfI_Av9UefnKhT4anO_E8ZCoAS6edNeq9FMmBk3Tx92yIorGrOZEivjcvn59yRofofr1OEe3Q_7sVqO0kc9YyReSX2TMPYaddt4cjmdKg/s1600/IMG_1675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRneth_hSfiABE6jFJInkNHUGo7V5NlY8FE0TfI_Av9UefnKhT4anO_E8ZCoAS6edNeq9FMmBk3Tx92yIorGrOZEivjcvn59yRofofr1OEe3Q_7sVqO0kc9YyReSX2TMPYaddt4cjmdKg/s640/IMG_1675.JPG" width="453" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Her formal living room was the perfect spot for the Christmas tree. We used golden sisal ribbon and shatterproof ornaments, along with 900 twinkle lights for the 8 foot tree.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCF98R0ekxSm1mgu4stu9F5fK5smwe4VTILR4iYjWhQEXCPxB-Xq7h0f2gzYDmMH5z8oWjoE_pxUCtACAz3lZj-cXtxOksGPSiCQwsULKRag8hES-qQ2GCbHoWKgxc2IsnhoQpE-Ai0wQ/s1600/IMG_1676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCF98R0ekxSm1mgu4stu9F5fK5smwe4VTILR4iYjWhQEXCPxB-Xq7h0f2gzYDmMH5z8oWjoE_pxUCtACAz3lZj-cXtxOksGPSiCQwsULKRag8hES-qQ2GCbHoWKgxc2IsnhoQpE-Ai0wQ/s640/IMG_1676.JPG" width="518" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We also added garland and sparkly picks to the bannister and a big red bow.</div><br /><br /><br /><br />   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmTFTW6x9Y3IMDJwMCENqXuEZq5bVXPmorix70jkIzUG0oacbA8wcvuuGlX2_L92HWmweEa_7kGrgWrdzbhDa5vcLCEU4ys3plALoiqqBz3BKG68HULK4dQnc7Q5FVanH6bg32ADsiJw/s1600/IMG_1677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmTFTW6x9Y3IMDJwMCENqXuEZq5bVXPmorix70jkIzUG0oacbA8wcvuuGlX2_L92HWmweEa_7kGrgWrdzbhDa5vcLCEU4ys3plALoiqqBz3BKG68HULK4dQnc7Q5FVanH6bg32ADsiJw/s640/IMG_1677.JPG" width="458" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Her family room's natural focal point is the fireplace - which is charmingly decorated with photos of the kids. We added garland, candlesticks, candles and Christmas stockings. </div><br /><br /><br /><br />  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBS-XVhAxg0CfBgN2uNo357rbm13tDALzATS38K01S0TlWzXaQwK2nrmIvGEI_9fi1-_NXk1YtpcDxl3wDGgM4hBzkBJVUUYMdmL3trUiVAhT58ZMO97VQPAoPD0ZS1uk9NtsdQZ5QTw/s1600/IMG_1678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBS-XVhAxg0CfBgN2uNo357rbm13tDALzATS38K01S0TlWzXaQwK2nrmIvGEI_9fi1-_NXk1YtpcDxl3wDGgM4hBzkBJVUUYMdmL3trUiVAhT58ZMO97VQPAoPD0ZS1uk9NtsdQZ5QTw/s640/IMG_1678.JPG" width="462" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Her table was set with handcrafted napkin rings and freshly baked gingerbread men - </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">all made by Ginger.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JDcCKPSlyueoa9bT6ytORwZGhFEqu3iRYYaVe04mx2GKuIVf6YSRtRdEjiEgweZW9ptPLTGeKfD7BV1QHQ3RLkx8T5ft73PSzk80ojH2tCeG5WqhU_ciMxu0WQieFXbRimcwzCWT21U/s1600/IMG_1679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JDcCKPSlyueoa9bT6ytORwZGhFEqu3iRYYaVe04mx2GKuIVf6YSRtRdEjiEgweZW9ptPLTGeKfD7BV1QHQ3RLkx8T5ft73PSzk80ojH2tCeG5WqhU_ciMxu0WQieFXbRimcwzCWT21U/s400/IMG_1679.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Ginger's spacious kitchen has amazing display space above the cabinets. We added greens and berries to coils of grapevine and bedecked her chalk board with ribbon and garland.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcSoEtsMHbjCL3FH9DV831iuOfTYhIPPSHmgbdYOusKyR8rpcoYctFzZQSFsAY-urVqxya1QDB-ui37MVMyXAbd2nmnBTYzbMoGQ5ce4Ws8zl8mnXpVL1BKFWMHOrmEsjeUCiRT5qFFw/s1600/IMG_1680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcSoEtsMHbjCL3FH9DV831iuOfTYhIPPSHmgbdYOusKyR8rpcoYctFzZQSFsAY-urVqxya1QDB-ui37MVMyXAbd2nmnBTYzbMoGQ5ce4Ws8zl8mnXpVL1BKFWMHOrmEsjeUCiRT5qFFw/s640/IMG_1680.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxpLgMhK4c9RAz-FDwOYCOBVGDfzRmsqE0LKiSjhviaK44rPmY3k4MMwHV5NWwbNTvJZzmHTvNg4LyNxrqk6vTjkk-K7B3mZLAaMhqGA2gYwmr_OKhKb_zfzvr5wHUrxRvPrhCbRWqHY/s1600/IMG_1681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxpLgMhK4c9RAz-FDwOYCOBVGDfzRmsqE0LKiSjhviaK44rPmY3k4MMwHV5NWwbNTvJZzmHTvNg4LyNxrqk6vTjkk-K7B3mZLAaMhqGA2gYwmr_OKhKb_zfzvr5wHUrxRvPrhCbRWqHY/s640/IMG_1681.JPG" width="482" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">We found adorable gingerbread men and added ribbon to decorate her cabinet doors, and used ribbon to pull back her curtains. </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Thanks Ginger, for allowing us to tour your lovely home.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UiTCjRj9HkI/SWrAA5zjSKI/AAAAAAAAAnI/5h_GSVGB1rQ/s1600-h/IMG_1672.JPG"></a></div>

CHRISTMAS DECOR: Christmas Hospitality Tour (Part 1)

Now that our family is finally past colds, flu, and taking my son to college - I'm catching up on our fabulously fun Christmas Hospitali...

Read more »

My New Butler's Pantry - Before and After!

<div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">When I moved into my 1930's Royal Barry Wills Colonial four years ago I was certain the room the real estate listing indicated as "small office off kitchen" would someday turn back into the Butler's Pantry it was originally intended to be. The room measures 9' X 8', and because of the way the lot is graded it has 9 foot ceilings and a lovely, large window. Over the years the previous owners removed the original cabinetry and moldings. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">As you can guess, I had grand visions (and a limited budget)!<br /></div></span><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290079462063008338" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SWojPiHa6lI/AAAAAAAABGY/OFophhVNbeg/s400/pantry.BMP" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">I wanted it to be an office and a real working pantry -storage for platters, serving pieces, my mixer, and a place to roll pastry crust. I wanted to hide away my microwave, have filtered hot and cold water. We needed file cabinets for family organization and a place for the family computer and hard drive. I wanted to be able to sit in this Pantry/Office and blog. I wanted to showcase my mothers heirloom, turn of the century China. And, I insisted that it look original to the house but with an updated feel.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290079524901386674" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SWojTMNQebI/AAAAAAAABG8/Aihni7CUjjI/s400/white-kitchen-3-0307-xlg.jpeg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 313px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /> Here is an inspiration photo of the glass front cabinets. I also wanted honed marble counters for rolling pastry. Because my kitchen cabinets were white I wanted the pantry to cabinets to be different, but not wood, so I wanted a gray/green color.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SWonN7L76BI/AAAAAAAABH4/xxEajaVZHq4/s1600-h/sallywheat075_thumb1.jpg"><span style="color:#000000;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290083832479606802" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SWonN7L76BI/AAAAAAAABH4/xxEajaVZHq4/s400/sallywheat075_thumb1.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 388px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></span></a><span style="font-size:78%;color:#000000;">Cote de Texas</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">Here is my inspiration photo for the color of the cabinets. Many of you may recognize this kitchen, it is Sally Wheat's Kitchen from Cote De Texas "Stalking the Wheat's" post. Joni was kind of enough to put me touch with Sally who shared her color with me. Do not miss touring Sally's house. It is incredible - she has wonderful taste and talent! Here the<a href="http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2008/04/stalking-wheats.html."> link</a>.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290081201920133762" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SWok0zlryoI/AAAAAAAABHo/o-qzK7rSnQY/s400/Marble+Slab+for+Pantry.bmp" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 202px; CURSOR: hand" /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">After four months of searching I finally found my marble. Here is my slab of Calcutta before it was installed.<br /></span></div><span style="color:#000000;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290081191945255266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SWok0ObfOWI/AAAAAAAABHI/K6qy_Glqukc/s400/ChristopherPeacock+latches.BMP" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 184px; CURSOR: hand" /></span> <div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">I wanted period style hardware. I loved these from Christopher Peacock. I ended up finding a nearly exact replica from Cliffside Industries. Lucky find! <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290094635646080594" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SWoxCwHiVlI/AAAAAAAABIA/WpP8OGdzr3s/s400/PWC400.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 263px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 255px; CURSOR: hand" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">Vertex</span><br />As a family, we drink gallons of bottled water. At my husband's urging we found this bottleless water filtration system from Vertex. It heats and cools the water and connects directly to a water line. No more lugging bottles or polluting the landfills and the kids make their own hot cocoa and cup a soup instantly.<br /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">I found a wonderful cabinetmaker who was able to work with in my budget constraints. We had some mishaps with other subs, but were able to hide/fix the problems, so hopefully you can't notice them.<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Here is the before:</span><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290197207080065122" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SWqOVMfFWGI/AAAAAAAABII/EAUIz0dAP7g/s400/pantry.BMP" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /> And After: <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SWojQzHE8DI/AAAAAAAABGw/DFDMqVIbDII/s1600-h/20090104_0162.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290079483804839986" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SWojQzHE8DI/AAAAAAAABGw/DFDMqVIbDII/s400/20090104_0162.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>The Butler's Pantry! The cabinets go all the way to ceiling and the molding wraps around the room. Walls are real wood tongue in groove beadboard. You can't see that the counters are honed, nor can you see the bevels on the glass. The color is more gray than green and the counters have much more contrast than these pictures show. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SWojQofrYzI/AAAAAAAABGo/GIMB0iumbaA/s1600-h/20090104_0163.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290079480955233074" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SWojQofrYzI/AAAAAAAABGo/GIMB0iumbaA/s400/20090104_0163.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> The microwave is hidden in the the cabinet in the bottom left of the photo. Drawers have platter and serving pieces. The appliance garage on the left holds my Kitchen Aid mixer & Cuisinart. It's still too new, so I haven't rolled out pie crust yet -but I will in time.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SWojQH6H9jI/AAAAAAAABGg/rSlVIa2beSM/s1600-h/20090104_0164.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290079472207787570" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SWojQH6H9jI/AAAAAAAABGg/rSlVIa2beSM/s400/20090104_0164.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> This side is my office area. Cabinets house file drawers and the hard drive. The appliance garage on the right has shelves for bills. The cabinet on the bottom right of the photo has a drawer for each family member - this is a handy place for keeping homework and school things organized. The far right is the bottleless water cooler - we love it!<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290201058717531074" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SWqR1Y9A-8I/AAAAAAAABIQ/D-uSJbTb6ZE/s400/20090104_0156.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" />So if you ever wondered where I am when I am blogging - here it is! I think I accomplished all I had hoped. My husband calls it my little jewel box - and really it is! Hope you like it! </div>

My New Butler's Pantry - Before and After!

When I moved into my 1930's Royal Barry Wills Colonial four years ago I was certain the room the real estate listing indicated as "...

Read more »

Beauty in Portola Valley

<div align="center"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288242506552206578" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SWOcipkqZPI/AAAAAAAABFI/4mlk_Iz6St8/s400/boschkichen1.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></div><div align="center">BCV Architects in California do some extraordinary work. Here is a kitchen that is stunning. It has been posted on BCV Architects website. It also has been on the GardenWeb's Finished Kitchens Blog Forum since 2004 and still four years later, there are comments of admiration being posted. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288242508575832274" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SWOcixHIeNI/AAAAAAAABFQ/kPmmOHbUiV4/s400/boschkichen2.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <div align="center">It is a wonderful and peaceful space. The owner refers the kitchen as Tuscan meets California Wine Country. I call it beautiful and timeless!<br /></div><div align="center"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288242518979980546" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SWOcjX3rLQI/AAAAAAAABFY/cVvlSB6LjB8/s400/boschkichen3.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> Notice the Beautiful honed caesarstone in Baja on the counters, with a double thickness added on the edges to give the illusion of greater heft. I love the mosaic backsplash.<br />A Lacanche Fontenay range! The Rolls Royce of ranges. Stunning!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SWOckswwrPI/AAAAAAAABFo/5uFvqYWcXWI/s1600-h/boschkichen5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288242541767994610" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SWOckswwrPI/AAAAAAAABFo/5uFvqYWcXWI/s400/boschkichen5.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Notice the lovely windows. The owner mentioned that the Astec extruded bronze windows were imported from Italy. Also notice the bronze pulls.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288242531401989842" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SWOckGJT_tI/AAAAAAAABFg/DBpfMh5INIA/s400/boschkichen4.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></div><div align="center">The doorways on either side of the range lead to a pantry area. . </div><div align="center">The area has a dog watering/feeding center, additional stove and microwave<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288242722940554610" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SWOcvPrqjXI/AAAAAAAABFw/6rAsxS8p_C0/s400/boschkichen6pantry.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></div><p align="center">With every renovation the architect's design is an important component, but also the owner/builder relationship and their ability to execute that design is paramount to success. In this case it seems a very talented and tenacious owner was able to create a space that is elegant, peaceful and timeless. Let me know if you agree. </p><p align="center">I encourage you to click on the Garden Web link to read the owners comments in more detail. She is very gracious and forthcoming with her experiences and information.<br /><a href="http://finishedkitchens.blogspot.com/2005/06/bosches-kitchen.html">http://finishedkitchens.blogspot.com/2005/06/bosches-kitchen.html</a>. </p><p align="center">Also more pictures of the entire home including the exterior and the dining area are on the BCV website: <a href="http://www.bcvarch.com/home.html">http://www.bcvarch.com/home.html</a></p>

Beauty in Portola Valley

BCV Architects in California do some extraordinary work. Here is a kitchen that is stunning. It has been posted on BCV Architects website. I...

Read more »