tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57663044141020379512024-03-18T08:36:56.294-07:00Holtwood HipsterUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger529125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5766304414102037951.post-84703926398464062112017-11-15T22:02:00.000-08:002017-11-15T22:02:27.632-08:00ONE ROOM CHALLENGE REVEAL // CALIFORNIA CASUAL LIVINGROOM<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Another One Room Challenge is finally in the books and today, I'm so excited to show you the result of our living room remodel. While we have made several foundational improvements to this room in the years since we moved into our 1967 SoCal Rancher, it has never quite come together - until now. Truth be told, it has taken just 7 weeks to do what we have been seemingly working towards for 7 years. Today, I'm so proud to take you on a visual tour of the finished room and talk through some of the elements that were integral to bringing our long-intended vision to life.</div>
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You can can catch up on the "before" and weekly progress here:</div>
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<i><a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2017/10/week-1-fall-2017-one-room-challenge.html" target="_blank">Week 1</a></i> <b>|</b> <a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2017/10/californiacasual-livingroom.html" target="_blank"><i>Week 2</i> </a> <b>|</b> <i><a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2017/10/week-3-one-room-challenge-california.html" target="_blank">Week 3</a></i> <b>|</b> <i><a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2017/10/week-4-fall-2017-one-room-challenge.html" target="_blank">Week 4</a></i> <b>|</b> <i><a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2017/11/week-5-one-room-challenge-california.html" target="_blank">Week 5</a></i> <b>|</b> <a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2017/11/week-6-one-room-challenge-california.html" target="_blank"><i>[Bonus!] Week 6</i> </a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xEyK3vExIas/WgvTFQNrcjI/AAAAAAAAN-8/r9ZS9FwjXH4EGKVbhXOnto2O-RhbB4r5ACLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG_1347_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="One Room Challenge Makeover" border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xEyK3vExIas/WgvTFQNrcjI/AAAAAAAAN-8/r9ZS9FwjXH4EGKVbhXOnto2O-RhbB4r5ACLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG_1347_1024.jpg" title="Holtwood Hipster California Casual Living Room" /></a></div>
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With extensive renovations completed for our kitchen remodel during the last One Room Challenge [<a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2017/05/one-room-challenge-week-6-reveal-modern.html" target="_blank">click here to see that!</a>], this round was a nice respite from my typical DIY marathon and the ensuing project chaos that typically follows. Still, the redesign challenged me in other ways - budget and restraint quickly becoming the stressful undercurrents as I plotted and carried out our plan.</div>
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We retained many of the existing furniture pieces which helped save on cost and instead, relied heavily on new textiles, art and an edited collection of room accessories to change the entire vibe of the room. Of course the new white oak flooring we installed throughout the house during the last One Room Challenge was the MVP element in the new design and was essential to pulling it all together.</div>
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We had two primary goals in mind as we planned and carried out this remodel. The first - we wanted to create a design more complimentary to other areas of the house and chiefly, that <a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2017/05/one-room-challenge-week-6-reveal-modern.html" target="_blank">new kitchen</a> we just completed. The second - we wanted this heavily used room to be a more accurate reflection of who we are and how we live. Part of that meant bringing in textural and visual elements that spoke to our love affair with our home state and marrying that up with the work I do in my online home goods shop, <i>Bird + Belle</i>.</div>
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Both goals ultimately influenced the art, accessories and new textile selections in the room. </div>
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It was also important that this room not only look polished, but remain functional. We have two rambunctious dogs and while baby gates kept them at bay for the last couple of weeks while the room was completed, no doubt they will eventually reclaim this room for themselves. Because of this, it was important that the soft goods chosen were not fussy and could be cleaned as needed. We also plop ourselves down nightly on that giant sectional in front of our eyesore of a TV. It may not be the most design-worthy element, but our living room is for living and I think the final design remains true to that.</div>
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I think the the bright neutral palette at work here challenges any prior conventions I may have had that said neutral is boring. In the early days when planning colors for our house at the paint counter, I could not have imagined a combination of tonal grays, beige, black and even brown to play together as cohesively. I was short-sighted in thinking we had to either carry grays, browns or color independently throughout the house and that was the source of a lot of early design frustration.</div>
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When I look at this reimagined room now, I see a balance of both warm and cool. While the sectional, rug and flooring read on the cooler side, the brass, natural wood accents and our original flagstone fireplace add those essential cozy overtones that keep this space comfortable and livable.</div>
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The room is a bit of a fishbowl with clear views into the side and backyard areas of our home. I've always seen this as an opportunity to bridge our outdoor areas with the interiors. Our poolside fire area visible from the north facing windows infuses some of that indoor-outdoor living California is famous for. But the side yard that can be seen from the 15ft bank of windows abutting the couch was the perfect place to showcase a shady side garden planted against the fence we share with our neighbor. I've been making small adjustments to this landscape for several years and with the current selection of native plants, it finally feels complimentary to the newly decorated room just inside.</div>
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The pillows, beads and vintage pottery were all pulled from my own stock of home goods at <i>Bird + Belle</i>. I must confess it occasionally happens. There are some things I find it simply too hard to part with! But most importantly, bringing in a treasure I dug through piles of oddball stuff to find from an estate sale I drove miles to attend and then pairing that up with pillows from the shop make this space much more personal to me. </div>
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Our living room blends with an adjacent dining area that got a bit of work in the months between the spring and fall One Room Challenges. A new custom sized lighting fixture and the counter-height directors chairs we brought in have made this a functional addition to the sitting area in front of our TV. While we use our farmhouse table in the kitchen dining area for daily meals, the set up here provides additional seating when entertaining - something we do a lot of here at the house.</div>
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About the Slim Aarons photograph that hangs here... I realize it has gotten a bit trendy in recent years, but I have a personal affection for this piece that dates back a decade. We got married in a sprawling mid-century house in Palm Springs and on our first tour of the house, my eyes fixed on this very photograph for the first time hanging in the entry-way and I remember turning to my then fiance and I said... "When we finally have our own home someday, this is something I want to hang on our wall." It may be a replica, but that memory is forever tied to this now popular poolside art piece and for that reason alone, I'm not sure I could ever part with it.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l7vV8AgssWg/WgvVkiHInSI/AAAAAAAAOAc/zYp1GUSDxCsbaxSJoDDvCcXU1UPUQ87mQCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG_1422_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="One Room Challenge Makeover" border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="724" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l7vV8AgssWg/WgvVkiHInSI/AAAAAAAAOAc/zYp1GUSDxCsbaxSJoDDvCcXU1UPUQ87mQCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG_1422_1024.jpg" title="Holtwood Hipster California Casual Living Room" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SechkzhnYpg/WgvVsWvK44I/AAAAAAAAOAk/ewhO8M5pJLkuE-H2mabfUazFaUmHM8NFQCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG_1511_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="One Room Challenge Makeover" border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="724" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SechkzhnYpg/WgvVsWvK44I/AAAAAAAAOAk/ewhO8M5pJLkuE-H2mabfUazFaUmHM8NFQCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG_1511_1024.jpg" title="Holtwood Hipster California Casual Living Room" /></a></div>
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As someone who operates a small business, it was also important to me to support other makers and sellers putting themselves out there with their wares (see sources below). Many amongst the pared down grouping of accessories came from local, up before dawn flea market vendors. That vintage kilim rug came from an overseas Etsy shop I wholeheartedly recommend for the friendly customer service and incredibly speedy ship times (3 days from Instanbul you guys - like whoa...). Can you believe that four of the art pieces hanging on these walls came from a singular Etsy Shop? I simply purchased the download and printed and framed my own. Even the custom light fixture over the dining table came from an Etsy shop, as did the fabricated black metal table base beneath it.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fPCIsKvnRa8/WgvWvvFesKI/AAAAAAAAOA4/o8gG-S1NpTAaAdc-2PIssW7pVtV9LDM6wCLcBGAs/s1600/section%2B1.2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="One Room Challenge Makeover" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fPCIsKvnRa8/WgvWvvFesKI/AAAAAAAAOA4/o8gG-S1NpTAaAdc-2PIssW7pVtV9LDM6wCLcBGAs/s1600/section%2B1.2.png" title="Holtwood Hipster California Casual Living Room" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gXqtJ2mE_iU/WgvWGdnHX_I/AAAAAAAAOAs/5FJ5gKTHeawx1tnCt_7qSNEMuOK4sM8LgCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG_1514_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="One Room Challenge Makeover" border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="724" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gXqtJ2mE_iU/WgvWGdnHX_I/AAAAAAAAOAs/5FJ5gKTHeawx1tnCt_7qSNEMuOK4sM8LgCLcBGAs/s1600/thumb_IMG_1514_1024.jpg" title="Holtwood Hipster California Casual Living Room" /></a></div>
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If you made it this far through the flood of photos, my humblest gratitude for allowing me to share my excitement over this project. My sincerest thank you as well to <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/oneroomchallenge/" target="_blank">One Room Challenge</a> founder and organizer extraordinaire, <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/oneroomchallenge/" target="_blank">Linda of Calling it Home</a>. I've been pushed by these quick turn deadlines to finally finish off (5!) rooms in our home over the past couple of years and for that, plus the much needed motivation and the encouragement of the design blogger community, I am truly grateful. A thank you to ORC media sponsors House Beautiful and Home Love Network and to all of the other guest participants for their inspiring hard work over these past several weeks. Last but not least, a heartfelt thank you to all of you who have stopped in to take a peek or dropped a note to pump me up as I worked to complete this design. <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/blog/2017/11/wt4zvxowwtzgvxl5ku587xa5fdxbfh" target="_blank">The One Room Challenge</a> is certainly one of those occasions when the blogging community really comes together to support one another and I walk away with not only a finished room to enjoy for the upcoming holiday, but appreciation to be part of that. </div>
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<i>***For more inspiration, check out the other <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/blog/2017/11/wt4zvxowwtzgvxl5ku587xa5fdxbfh" target="_blank">Guest Participant Room Reveals</a> at Calling it Home***</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*Product Sources</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Textiles:</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Striped, Grain sack and Military Canvas Pillows: <a href="http://birdbelleshop.com/" target="_blank">Bird + Belle</a></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Draperies: <a href="https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Exclusive-Fabrics-Cottage-Off-White-Bellino-Single-Panel-Blackout-Curtain/8321089/product.html" target="_blank">Overstock</a></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Roman Shades: <a href="https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Chicology-Roman-Shade-Jute-Fabric-Privacy-Nevada-Timberwolf-Grey-48-inch-x-72-inch/6145999/product.html" target="_blank">Overstock</a></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>One of a Kind Vintage Kilim: Others at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/530165250/soft-colors-stripe-rug611x112-feet?ref=shop_home_active_31" target="_blank">Lidya Kilim Rug</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Hmong Batik Pillows: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PUREHOMELA?ref=search_shop_redirect" target="_blank">PureHomeLA</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Zak + Fox Lumbar: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6220&awinaffid=416021&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F542153301%2Fzak-fox-tulu-in-khaki-linen-natural%3Fref%3Dshop_home_active_53" target="_blank">Boho Pillow</a></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Lighting:</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Recessed Lighting: <a href="http://www.trimwholesalelighting.com/" target="_blank">Trim Wholesale Lighting</a></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Molecular Light Fixture: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/IntermountainLights" target="_blank">IntermountainLights</a> (no longer on Etsy), but similar <a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6220&awinaffid=416021&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F568859557%2Fgold-or-black-free-shipping-8-light%3Fga_order%3Dmost_relevant%26ga_search_type%3Dall%26ga_view_type%3Dgallery%26ga_search_query%3Dlindsey%2520adelman%2520lights%26ref%3Dsr_gallery_6" target="_blank">here</a></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Brass Library Floor Lamp: <a href="https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Lite-Source-Wayland-1-light-Floor-Lamp/10010145/product.html" target="_blank">Overstock</a></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Art + Effects:</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Vintage Pottery: Similar available at <a href="http://birdbelleshop.com/" target="_blank">Bird + Belle</a></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Art Prints: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6220&awinaffid=416021&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F531897086%2Fcoastal-art-surfer-art-prints-beach%3Fref%3Dshop_home_active_83" target="_blank">WildPrintCo</a></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bone Beads: <a href="https://birdbelleshop.com/" target="_blank">Bird + Belle</a></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Olive Tree: <a href="http://www.rogersgardens.com/" target="_blank">Rogers Gardens</a></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Olive Tree Pottery: <a href="https://www.villagenurserieslc.com/" target="_blank">Village Nursery</a></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Furniture + Flooring:</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Flooring: <a href="https://www.lowes.com/pd/Pergo-MAX-Premier-7-48-in-W-x-4-52-ft-L-San-Marco-Oak-Embossed-Wood-Plank-Laminate-Flooring/1000094929" target="_blank">San Marco Oak </a></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Drapery Rods: <a href="https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Barricade-Extra-Long-Curtain-Rod/13967952/product.html" target="_blank">Overstock</a></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lounge Sectional: <a href="https://www.crateandbarrel.com/lounge-ii-3-piece-sectional-sofa/s483928" target="_blank">Crate + Barrel</a></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Directors Chairs: <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=A/r2Nq8qWOM&mid=41098&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fjet.com%2Fproduct%2Fdetail%2Ffc8d57f1f4c14b3bb78c3b8a83286796%3Fjcmp%3Dpla%3Aggl%3Anj_dur_gen_furniture_a1%3Afurniture_living_room_furniture_living_room_chairs_a1%3Ana%3APLA_785111644_40612359586_pla-307674865415_c%3Ana%3Ana%3Ana%3A2PLA15%26code%3DPLA15%26pid%3Dkenshoo_int%26c%3D785111644%26is_retargeting%3Dtrue%26clickid%3De6e90754-79a2-4082-8cfa-1868f60ce0a9%26gclid%3DCjwKCAiA6K_QBRA8EiwASvtjZWVkmfFZXt_IW6xY6lZBl6ryjQpaQFmXHpFkdlKqoBr7nORpMIo8qBoCr48QAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Jet</a></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dining Table Base: Territory Designs (no longer on Etsy), but similar <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/551221048/industrial-table-base-trapezoid-metal?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=custom%20table%20base&ref=sc_gallery_10&plkey=e2c484b8a4faa5c28cd9ea37e63892685ed718d5:551221048" target="_blank">here</a></span></i></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com90tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5766304414102037951.post-84539919714477412522017-11-09T08:02:00.001-08:002017-11-09T08:02:43.243-08:00WEEK 6 // ONE ROOM CHALLENGE: CALIFORNIA CASUAL LIVING ROOM<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cAvTgSaZLss/WgRpAk7MfZI/AAAAAAAAN9k/YpzKUMDQdq4uGp6mDznKLHgejtKzPFg1ACLcBGAs/s1600/INSTALL%2BDAY%2BUPDATE.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="California Casual Design, Living Room Makeover" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cAvTgSaZLss/WgRpAk7MfZI/AAAAAAAAN9k/YpzKUMDQdq4uGp6mDznKLHgejtKzPFg1ACLcBGAs/s1600/INSTALL%2BDAY%2BUPDATE.png" title="One Room Challenge California Casual Living Room" /></a></div>
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Originally, I had today marked on my calendar as "reveal day". But for this round of the bi-annual <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/blog/2017/11/fall-2017-one-room-challenge-guest-participants-week-6" target="_blank">One Room Challenge,</a> we were given an extra week to bring our room designs to life. I took full advantage of the extra time we were given and tried to space out finishing tasks on our California Casual Living Room so I wouldn't make myself completely nuts. Nothing like going into the holiday season with a newly finished room and my sanity still in tact. <br />
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That's not to say that these past few weeks have been completely smooth sailing. I've had my share of delays, costly screw ups and frustrating projects. This is my 6th One Room Challenge Room and despite weeks of planning and prep, those disruptive bumps in the road still managed to sneak in. There were times when I wondered if this was finally the one that would do me under.<br />
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For today's update, I thought I'd share a few of the challenges I encountered as I redesigned our living room. </div>
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Challenges</h4>
<b>Windows</b> | Dressing our large wall of windows was one of the greatest challenges I encountered during this redesign - and I knew it would be. Those windows were one of the features that drew me in when touring the house before purchase, but they have given me a lot of grief over these 7 years. From afternoon sun that fades furniture and raises the temperature in the room to scale to the odd triangle shaped windows that sit at the top - how and just what to hang became my focus for many weeks. In the end, I settled on a solution of layered shades (solar underneath, woven roman on top) and drapes.<br />
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<b>Scale</b> | The ratio of couch to available floor space in the room presented some challenges around what size rug to buy for this space. We have deep a sectional that takes up quite a bit of real estate in the room and choosing an appropriate (and available!) rug size gave me lots of headaches early on. Same with artwork - we went quite large with our final selections and even taped off sections of the vast white wall for visual planning and placement long before we placed our order. Still - there was still quite a bit of head scratching (and holes in the wall) when it came time to hang them.<br />
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One Costly Screw Up</h4>
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<i>I had to buy our woven window shades twice.</i></div>
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It was a big deal when I finally purchased these shades. I did a lot of research on whether to buy a custom or standard size, fretted over color and material selection and when I finally found the right ones and got them hung, I celebrated - for about 30 minutes until I ruined them <i>ALL</i> with a pair of scissors. </div>
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In my defense, what I SAW were plastic tags (you know the kind that allow price tags to hang from clothes in the store) holding the pleating together for shipping on the face of each shade. What I failed to realize until it was too late was that they actually held mechanical ribbing together on the back of each shade. So when that plastic tag was cut from the front, it consequently rendered that ribbing useless and my shades fell flat to the floor and would no longer draw up. </div>
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Bummer. I thought about trying to sew them back in place, but in the end - I went ahead and bit the bullet for a second purchase of the same blinds. </div>
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So yeah, that sucked.</div>
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Alls Well That Ends Well</h4>
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But now here we are and suddenly its install day - err... weekend. Over the next couple of days, I'll be fluffing, fussing, arranging, rearranging and photographing the room for the big reveal next Thursday. I'm impatient so its possible you may see some sneak peeks in my Insta Stories (<a href="http://www.instagram.com/holtwoodhipster" target="_blank">@holtwoodhipster</a>) over the coming days. Wish me luck as this challenge finally draws to a close!</div>
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In the meantime, there are a couple of hundred <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/blog/2017/11/fall-2017-one-room-challenge-guest-participants-week-6" target="_blank">other designers </a>with rooms in progress who can use some extra support over at <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/blog/2017/11/fall-2017-one-room-challenge-guest-participants-week-6" target="_blank">Calling in Home</a>. So hop on over for lots of inspiration! Lots of talent in this group.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5766304414102037951.post-41911832400246394982017-11-02T10:15:00.000-07:002017-11-02T10:15:24.029-07:00WEEK 5 // ONE ROOM CHALLENGE: CALIFORNIA CASUAL LIVING ROOM<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In today's post, I'm sharing another update on the road to our California Casual Living Room, designed for the One Room Challenge. In Week 5, I'm turning focus away from art and windows to the adjacent narrow dining area that is essentially an extension of this space. </div>
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Just prior to the start of the fall edition of the One Room Challenge, there was already quite a bit of progress made here through paint, moldings and new wood flooring. The former owners had utilized this area as their formal dining room. But in designing some of the more functional aspects for our own use, my husband and I felt it important to keep it casual and skip any fuss. We designed and built our own counter-height dining table from simple steel legs, powder coated in black and a wood table top from African Mahogany. For the past couple of years, that is all that existed in this pocket of our extended living room - that is until this past summer when we added four director style chairs to the mix. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mJp5qI5XBGE/Wfs3XO7VmrI/AAAAAAAAN8k/CYcZlZuN0E8wfx9afeMhE_1jZKjYTpfKwCLcBGAs/s1600/2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mJp5qI5XBGE/Wfs3XO7VmrI/AAAAAAAAN8k/CYcZlZuN0E8wfx9afeMhE_1jZKjYTpfKwCLcBGAs/s1600/2.png" /></a></div>
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New molecular-style statement lighting helped to create some visual interest here and casts a pretty glow from both inside and outside the expansive windows that look out onto our backyard fire pit. One of the challenges we've faced in this redesign was that the space is quite narrow and tunnel like. Adding a large scale mirror near the window allowed for a lot of natural light reflection within the space and helped us solve that design dilemma. <br />
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You can also see in the before and in-progress after photos above that we worked a bit to update the original aluminum window with paint and molding - that is after we painstakingly scraped off the dated mirror-like film from said windows (<i>THAT was fun, but sooo worth it</i>).<br />
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This past week we also turned focus to the credenza area. We wanted to elevate our IKEA cabinets with a new top - to both warm up the ultra modern feel (hard to tell here, but the cabinet fronts are glossy white) and hide the cabinet seams visible from the top. The cabinet itself is working well and the fact that it floats helps to balance out the heaviness of the furniture in the center of the room.</div>
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I took a trip to our local lumberyard and had them cut some white oak boards to size. In the coming days, those boards will be glued up and refinished into a solid top which will then be screwed into our credenza for a more finished look. I'm already loving the way it ties in with the new floors.<br />
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So a quick update again this week, but things are progressing nicely. Our frames and artwork arrived just yesterday so my homework this evening will be to begin the framing process. Lots of anticipation for the outcome here. The artwork is one of the elements I'm relying on to help tie everything together for my design. Cross your fingers for me... </div>
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In the meantime, be sure to check out the work in progress designs from nearly <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/blog/2017/11/fall-2017-one-room-challenge-guest-participants-week-5" target="_blank">200 other design bloggers</a> over at <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/blog/2017/11/fall-2017-one-room-challenge-guest-participants-week-5" target="_blank">Calling it Home</a>, as they too burn the midnight oil to finish their spaces by November 16.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5766304414102037951.post-20697050181302402672017-10-26T07:06:00.000-07:002017-10-26T07:06:00.657-07:00WEEK 4 // FALL 2017 ONE ROOM CHALLENGE: CALIFORNIA CASUAL LIVINGROOM<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Slow, but notable progress was made against my <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/blog/2017/10/fall-2017-one-room-challenge-guest-participants-week-4" target="_blank">One Room Challenge</a> living room design in Week 4. With art selections and other purchases that might otherwise delay an on-time finish finally completed, attention has been almost exclusively paid to the large wall of windows over the last few days. But before I talk about this aspect of my design plan, I want to share a bit about the work we did several months back to upgrade the windows. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P0SQ96kRwV4/WfHhRmmvX8I/AAAAAAAAN7k/87R0pVZ7TuYb_BzOkiJ0T_CuW4ijHOpyACLcBGAs/s1600/guest%2Bparticipant%2BORC.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P0SQ96kRwV4/WfHhRmmvX8I/AAAAAAAAN7k/87R0pVZ7TuYb_BzOkiJ0T_CuW4ijHOpyACLcBGAs/s320/guest%2Bparticipant%2BORC.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I should preface this part of my post by saying that the windows in this house were one of the things that attracted me to it in the first place. Plentiful and expansive, they allow a lot of light into the house - something my husband and I both prioritized while house hunting. Living in the house, we've been challenged with that same bright light that also brings with it a lot of afternoon heat which slowly worked to fade furniture and raise our electric bill. Furthermore, all the windows in the house were gray metal which did not provide a polished look within the interior. We also painstakingly removed a reflective tint on the windows that had helped to filter the light, but looked ugly and dated. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WxDL0fFuAlc/WfHcniGw6aI/AAAAAAAAN7U/vBkKDiLmXAk0cSMhW9irENVgIdFOx0shgCLcBGAs/s1600/Week%2B4_Photo%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="1280" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WxDL0fFuAlc/WfHcniGw6aI/AAAAAAAAN7U/vBkKDiLmXAk0cSMhW9irENVgIdFOx0shgCLcBGAs/s1600/Week%2B4_Photo%2B6.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">While we haven't yet made an investment in steel case windows, both paint and trim have gone a long way to lift the finish around our original, single pane 1960s windows. That gray metal was painted out black using an oil based Rustoleum, which has held up very well to everyday use by the way. That allowed us to get the look of a steel case window while we save for the real thing.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9GODP09vqbI/WfHhg1TPJNI/AAAAAAAAN7o/psmAZqc17dAxSd8txzCIdiYTG6COwFTjgCLcBGAs/s1600/Week%2B4_Photo%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="956" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9GODP09vqbI/WfHhg1TPJNI/AAAAAAAAN7o/psmAZqc17dAxSd8txzCIdiYTG6COwFTjgCLcBGAs/s1600/Week%2B4_Photo%2B5.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">As part of the One Room Challenge, my goal is to complete the design with woven roman shades to replace our current vinyl pull down shades and drapery. This past week, shades were delivered and mounted just outside each frame. A black metal wrap around curtain rod was hung high in preparation for ivory linen curtains which will be draped on each side of the frame.</span></div>
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I'm also giving you a sneak peek at the rug, which was unrolled so I could measure out and cut the padding I purchased to give our flat kilim a plusher appearance. </div>
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Man, I love this rug. Tino, don't get any ideas. </div>
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So while this week's update may not be especially exciting, progress made will undoubtedly make a big impact in my final finished design.</div>
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One thing to note - the reveal date for the guest edition of the One Room Challenge has been extended by one week. It's been a rough couple of months for some participants with fire, floods and other natural disasters. The additional week allows for a bit of catch up for those affected. So the new reveal date has now been set for Thursday, November 16. So mark your calendars - for over <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/blog/2017/10/fall-2017-one-room-challenge-guest-participants-week-4" target="_blank">200 inspiring before and after room reveals</a> to be unleashed onto the interwebs. You can check out progress reports from all over at <i><a href="http://www.callingithome.com/blog/2017/10/fall-2017-one-room-challenge-guest-participants-week-4" target="_blank">Calling it Home</a></i>.</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5766304414102037951.post-23937981099571083322017-10-18T21:30:00.000-07:002017-10-18T21:30:38.279-07:00WEEK 3 // ONE ROOM CHALLENGE: CALIFORNIA CASUAL LIVING ROOM<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xiv1WpZh0AM/WeeqlBSK9CI/AAAAAAAAN6I/QS-1JJhSFXwukYgki9TvgosUuAPDuKj5QCLcBGAs/s1600/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Beach Photography Prints" border="0" data-original-height="1168" data-original-width="799" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xiv1WpZh0AM/WeeqlBSK9CI/AAAAAAAAN6I/QS-1JJhSFXwukYgki9TvgosUuAPDuKj5QCLcBGAs/s1600/1.png" title="Art Selections Holtwood Hipster One Room Challenge" /></a></div>
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I can hardly believe that we're smack dab in the middle of the 6-Week <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/blog/2017/10/fall-2017-one-room-challenge-guest-participants-week-2" target="_blank">One Room Challenge</a> and here I am still revealing snippets of my design plan. Perhaps I want to suspend the element of surprise just a wee bit longer or maybe I am still in the midst of decisions and purchases. Could be a bit of both. But I feel the room really starting to take shape and I'm not yet feeling too anxious or nervous about that hard deadline on November 8 (ask me in again Week 4...). </div>
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If I had to pick a theme for this past week's work, it was all about art. I stripped the old DIY framed art off the walls this past weekend, expecting to commence with a lot of wall repair. Somewhere down the line I had adhered those hex mirrors from Ikea all over that wall and I guess I forgot that the ensuing repairs had already been completed. So happy surprise there. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D-VGsnlk0S0/WeevX4v_J2I/AAAAAAAAN6c/CPZG09d-_9wPpLlK26SNs4PzAou-HpOwgCLcBGAs/s1600/Week%2B3%2Bart%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D-VGsnlk0S0/WeevX4v_J2I/AAAAAAAAN6c/CPZG09d-_9wPpLlK26SNs4PzAou-HpOwgCLcBGAs/s1600/Week%2B3%2Bart%2B1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">I've been researching art options for quite sometime now, archiving those that I really liked and what I found as it came time to make some purchase decisions - the tone of the art in a singular shop was really drawing me in. I was concerned that purchasing from one artist would appear that I did not put a lot of thought into art decisions, but the bottom line is that when you know, </span><i style="text-align: center;">you just know</i><span style="text-align: center;">. I got buy off from the hubs (which was a miracle because we're rarely on the same page with artwork) and set to taping the room off to get a better idea for scale.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ktyFeUukNpM/WeevX5-DHyI/AAAAAAAAN6Y/n5Ul9XNNuPUDB32jCKCT6_ixpJ1Q9pQDgCLcBGAs/s1600/Week%2B3%2BArt%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ktyFeUukNpM/WeevX5-DHyI/AAAAAAAAN6Y/n5Ul9XNNuPUDB32jCKCT6_ixpJ1Q9pQDgCLcBGAs/s1600/Week%2B3%2BArt%2B2.jpg" /></a></div>
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We have some really big walls in this space and I've been challenged with sizing the art correctly against them. The one over the couch is 15' long and in this room's previous iteration, we had hung a 72" photograph under plexiglass above the couch. But here, I'm looking to break up the space a bit with three separate works and feel like the smaller scale above the couch will work out well. By taping it off, I got a better sense of how it will play out, knowing the frames may buy me a little more visual real estate. <i>Do you do this too? </i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fTrN3uLW6M0/WeeqlGJFvsI/AAAAAAAAN6M/ZLMphU3Luv81_wr8V0cmWQJLVFoOu0_WQCLcBGAs/s1600/2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="California Casual Living Room" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fTrN3uLW6M0/WeeqlGJFvsI/AAAAAAAAN6M/ZLMphU3Luv81_wr8V0cmWQJLVFoOu0_WQCLcBGAs/s1600/2.png" title="Furniture Selections Holtwood Hipster One Room Challenge" /></a></div>
While new artwork is in the cards for this makeover, a full furniture overhaul is not. The final design will work in a few new pieces, but will put to use pieces we've sort of been collecting with the idea that one day it would all come together. The couch and coffee table will remain (that's our couch, but similar table to ours shown here). I scored a crazy deal on a pair of contemporary metal side tables earlier this year, but the jury is still out on whether both will reside in this room (I have just the place for the extra table if needed). The counter-height director's chairs were also scored during a Memorial Day sale, so they are already in place within the adjacent dining area, as is the molecular lighting fixture. So what about recent purchases? <i>That rug. Oh lawdy - that rug</i>... I ordered it from Istanbul from an international seller on Etsy a week ahead of the ORC kick off date, thinking it would take forever to arrive. Little did I know I'd be unwrapping it a mere 3 nights after I placed the order. It's everything and fingers crossed when it all comes together that it will be the tie that binds in my design.<br />
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Next week's update - we'll talk windows and possibly a little DIY action I have planned if I can make that happen over the coming weekend. My husband thinks I'm a little nuts with this idea that I've floated, but then I reminded him how many of my nutty little experiments are still living with us in our home.<br />
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You know, my family always asks what I get out of this - what is the prize if I "win" and always give me a funny little look when I tell them that there really is not competition per se except that I am giving myself this challenge to complete a design in 6 weeks. I feel like the tight timeline, personal budget and to be frank -internet audience - push me to do things I might not otherwise try if I didn't feel that little added pressure. Some things I'm really proud of have come out of past seasons and I'm hoping to pull the same off this Fall.<br />
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<i>Want to be inspired? You should really check out the other guest participants challenging themselves this season. There are 200 of them all linking up alongside me at <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/blog/2017/10/fall-2017-one-room-challenge-guest-participants-week-3" target="_blank">Calling it Home</a>. </i></div>
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<i>Catch up on <a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2017/10/week-1-fall-2017-one-room-challenge.html" target="_blank">Week 1 </a>and <a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2017/10/californiacasual-livingroom.html" target="_blank">Week 2</a> Here</i></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5766304414102037951.post-17850858984206606972017-10-12T02:00:00.000-07:002017-10-18T20:33:13.098-07:00Week 2 // Fall One Room Challenge: California Casual Living Room<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vanessa Alexander</td></tr>
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Today we round the corner into Week 2 of the <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/blog/2017/10/fall-2017-one-room-challenge-guest-participants-week-2" target="_blank">One Room Challenge</a>, a biannual room makeover event hosted by Linda of Calling it Home. Last week, I shared a look at the evolution of my living room - my focus for this challenge - and how it has slowly morphed through renovation and decor trends over the last 7 years. This week, I am checking in with you to share more about my direction and the design influences for the California Casual design I will reveal on November 9. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-30h3LRGabZY/Wd44dgisvTI/AAAAAAAAN4U/4J91bdOAWe4853Hz_Odgmw-ZeJlgbk3MwCLcBGAs/s1600/guest%2Bparticipant%2BORC.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-30h3LRGabZY/Wd44dgisvTI/AAAAAAAAN4U/4J91bdOAWe4853Hz_Odgmw-ZeJlgbk3MwCLcBGAs/s320/guest%2Bparticipant%2BORC.png" width="320" /></a></div>
We've lived in our home while we've renovated and over time, focused sporadically on each room as budget has allowed. Two recent changes - a new floor and our recent kitchen remodel - have both helped solidify our design plan and created an easier, open feeling flow from room to room. As I work to complete a more finished look with our adjacent living room and adjoined dining area, its important to me to not only create something complimentary to other rooms in the house, but continue with something that is aesthetically aligned with aspects that are important to my husband and I in our private living space. In the end, what will our living room reflect about us and how will we live in it?<br />
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Design Influences</h4>
California Casual is a style that has recently come into better focus through the widely published work of local California designers. But I feel like its been evolving for quite some time. I can think back to places I frequented as a kid in the 80's and remember hints of what it has now become embedded into those early furnishings. Nostalgia aside, what has drawn me most to this style are the airy rooms, earthy, muted tones, clean lines and soft textiles - all things that are comfortable and soothing for two people who spend most of their time saddled in front of a computer or navigating their way through LA traffic all day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dnIzrJ4uHQo/Wd4tw-7cMTI/AAAAAAAAN3w/sSllaMoFykUSGGeUuLTyHojSzKZSNUafgCLcBGAs/s1600/Week%2B2_Amber%2BInteriors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="869" data-original-width="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dnIzrJ4uHQo/Wd4tw-7cMTI/AAAAAAAAN3w/sSllaMoFykUSGGeUuLTyHojSzKZSNUafgCLcBGAs/s1600/Week%2B2_Amber%2BInteriors.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amber Lewis</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laura Singleton</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surf Shack - Photo by Brittany Ambridge</td></tr>
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Design Goals</h4>
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Our design goals for this space are well defined and will continue to unify the rooms throughout the house. We will transition away from trendy accessories (many still packed away from when we put the floor in this past Spring) and work toward something modern, but a little more timeless. </div>
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In next Thursday's update, I will share work in progress and a first look at some of the materials that will be brought into the room ahead of the final reveal. In the meantime, catch sneak peeks on Instagram (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/holtwoodhipster/" target="_blank">@HoltwoodHipster</a>) and be sure to check out progress by the other <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/blog/2017/10/fall-2017-one-room-challenge-guest-participants-week-2" target="_blank">guest participants</a> on <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/blog/2017/10/fall-2017-one-room-challenge-guest-participants-week-2" target="_blank">Calling it Home</a>.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5766304414102037951.post-10488134718971161302017-10-04T23:00:00.000-07:002017-10-18T20:39:57.995-07:00Week 1 // Fall 2017 One Room Challenge: A California Casual Living Room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F3oAOMGRZHc/WdY0YxQ4mKI/AAAAAAAAN28/OjX_SRL_78EcAOAe7jy6ust7UWsSPe-IACLcBGAs/s1600/guest%2Bparticipant%2BORC.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F3oAOMGRZHc/WdY0YxQ4mKI/AAAAAAAAN28/OjX_SRL_78EcAOAe7jy6ust7UWsSPe-IACLcBGAs/s1600/guest%2Bparticipant%2BORC.png" /></a></div>
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Today marks the start of another round of the <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/blog/2017/10/7q04wrp69iflcednbbge56pko7f0tr" target="_blank">One Room Challenge</a>, a biannual room makeover event hosted by Linda of Calling it Home. As I've done many times before, I am throwing my hat into the ring to makeover a space in my own home and will blog about my progress over the next 6 weeks. Each Thursday, I'll share an update here on the blog and I will link up with other <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/blog/2017/10/7q04wrp69iflcednbbge56pko7f0tr" target="_blank">guest participants</a> sharing their own progress report. I'm certainly no newbie to this event and all the work that goes with it - last round I even redesigned our Modern Farmhouse Kitchen. For the Fall 2017 One Room Challenge, I'm completing the design of our Living Room/Adjacent Dining Area. To get a better idea of the design scheme throughout our home, you can see other rooms I've completed for the One Room Challenge linked up in the sidebar.</div>
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For now, let's take a closer look at the focus for this challenge.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MOexlqIooYY/WdPuXviSjiI/AAAAAAAAN1M/SE4GN19Wt2E1vE__FhArObrW9OSmokrhwCLcBGAs/s1600/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="664" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MOexlqIooYY/WdPuXviSjiI/AAAAAAAAN1M/SE4GN19Wt2E1vE__FhArObrW9OSmokrhwCLcBGAs/s1600/1.png" /></a></div>
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In full transparency, you can see that our redesign has been underway for some time. We've been slowly renovating and remodeling our 1967 rancher here in Orange County, California for the last 7 years. I would have liked to have come right out the gate of our purchase with a full remodel done the right way. But as first time buyers looking at original 1960's <i>everything</i>, it took some time to find financial footing to back our plan. In the end, time was on our side because our plan has evolved quite a bit while living in our home these last years. After laying some of the groundwork, today we're finally feeling sure of our direction.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tx53PUoWqR0/WdPuXMKVPGI/AAAAAAAAN1I/P74scCXzSUM7JP6sbUwsPgZya1ty6zjZACLcBGAs/s1600/2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1386" data-original-width="799" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tx53PUoWqR0/WdPuXMKVPGI/AAAAAAAAN1I/P74scCXzSUM7JP6sbUwsPgZya1ty6zjZACLcBGAs/s1600/2.png" /></a></div>
We gutted the room immediately upon purchase and started with a clean slate. Lighting, paneling and paint went a long way for a long time. We almost didn't want to clutter up the space with furnishings because after living for 9 years in a cramped beach area back house, it felt <i>so, so</i> good to finally have these big empty rooms to call our own. We picked a glossy dark floor in haste and it would be nearly 7 years until we realized that it was the root of our mistake. In the process, we threw some good money after bad, redecorating and trying to brighten up a room darkened by the heavy contrast of the flooring we chose. It also took some time to find the tone of our home. Home trends and the romantic idea of owning a midcentury rancher with a pool sent us traveling down a decor path that leaned too desert glam for our everyday tastes. What resulted was a lack of cohesiveness in all the mass produced, hollywood regency-meets-boho accessories that had started to accumulate.<br />
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We recently brought in a more muted white oak floor that was a game changer for us. The path was clear and even more defined as we wrapped up the remodel on our kitchen for the Spring 2017 One Room Challenge. There is now a greater synergy from room to room as you walk our halls and ultimately there is a greater vision for what we want one of the most lived in spaces of our home to reflect about us.<br />
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In next Thursday's post, I'll share the game plan with you.<br />
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<i>Want to be inspired? Check out the other guest participants in the <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/blog/2017/10/7q04wrp69iflcednbbge56pko7f0tr" target="_blank">One Room Challenge</a> over on <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/blog/2017/10/7q04wrp69iflcednbbge56pko7f0tr" target="_blank">Calling it Home</a>.</i></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5766304414102037951.post-67429034911471103522017-09-25T03:00:00.000-07:002017-09-26T07:47:58.885-07:00Best of Etsy // DIY Printable Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1rwij1eTois/WcVMwjqCXkI/AAAAAAAAN0A/WERv8zG0IL8RcBHRybKoiB9bnB3sF_S4QCLcBGAs/s1600/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY Art Prints" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1rwij1eTois/WcVMwjqCXkI/AAAAAAAAN0A/WERv8zG0IL8RcBHRybKoiB9bnB3sF_S4QCLcBGAs/s1600/1.png" title="Holtwood Hipster: Best of Etsy Printable Art" /></a></div>
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Artwork can make a significant dent into any design budget. Sometimes the design starts and builds around a favorite piece of art. But it's been all too common that I find myself nearing the end of a design project, wondering what to hang on a glaringly bare wall with little budget remaining to acquire an art piece - much less frame it. More often than not, the printable art options on Etsy have saved the day - and to my delight, allowed me secure art for my project affordably and quickly. </div>
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<i>Calling all Fall 2017 One Room Challenge Link-up Participants! </i>Looking to build an expensive gallery art wall or find a focal piece for your design project? Here are my picks for some of the best DIY art prints on Etsy, organized by categories that are trending right now. The Etsy shops I'm featuring here also have dozens of other selections available as well. Be sure to click on through and check them out.</div>
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Above the Sea: </h4>
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<i><a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6220&awinaffid=416021&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F498942646%2Fbeach-photography-surf-wall-art-coastal" target="_blank">EmDesignsPaper</a> // <a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6220&awinaffid=416021&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F494177696%2Focean-printable-ocean-wall-art" target="_blank">DeziDeziDesigns</a> // HelloGorgeousWallArt // <a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6220&awinaffid=416021&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F524405561%2Fsea-photography-ocean-art-printable" target="_blank">ILovePrintable</a> // <a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6220&awinaffid=416021&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F498211339%2Fbig-blue-print-wall-art-digital-print" target="_blank">SALTYNALU</a></i></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4pKBXJjBF2g/WcVMzAxbVsI/AAAAAAAAN0I/whK2F4R6yng1nBg8OqS0RIhMnKqR-qVlACEwYBhgL/s1600/3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY Art Prints" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4pKBXJjBF2g/WcVMzAxbVsI/AAAAAAAAN0I/whK2F4R6yng1nBg8OqS0RIhMnKqR-qVlACEwYBhgL/s1600/3.png" title="Holtwood Hipster: Best of Etsy Printable Art" /></a></div>
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Wild Wild West: </h4>
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<i><a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6220&awinaffid=416021&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F503013964%2Fcactus-print-cactus-photography-cactus" target="_blank">PrintmyInk </a>// <a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6220&awinaffid=416021&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F269142986%2Fcactus-print-cactus-photo-printable-art" target="_blank">synplus</a> // <a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6220&awinaffid=416021&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F257106564%2Fblack-and-white-desert-mountains-print" target="_blank">LILAxLola </a></i></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MygddvkUGao/WcVMxh8L6OI/AAAAAAAAN0E/ObIV4P6rbVs4IAc8CWjInuD7hr_UnRIYQCEwYBhgL/s1600/2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY Art Prints" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MygddvkUGao/WcVMxh8L6OI/AAAAAAAAN0E/ObIV4P6rbVs4IAc8CWjInuD7hr_UnRIYQCEwYBhgL/s1600/2.png" title="Holtwood Hipster: Best of Etsy Printable Art" /></a></div>
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Above the Trees: </h4>
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<i><a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6220&awinaffid=416021&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F511551477%2Ffog-forest-print-forest-landscape-misty" target="_blank">FullMoonStudioCo</a> // <a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6220&awinaffid=416021&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F497923306%2Fforest-print-forest-art-nature-print" target="_blank">ModeaPrints </a>// <a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6220&awinaffid=416021&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F475842031%2Flandcape-print-neutral-photography-ombre" target="_blank">ScandiHomeDesign</a> // <a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6220&awinaffid=416021&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F452310796%2Fforest-fog-print-minimalist-printable" target="_blank">AevaPrints </a></i></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xYWKiY3FgJk/WcVMzgFQvOI/AAAAAAAAN0M/X7pavKCEPyYAVhHSOG7iSxM0wXax8MslQCEwYBhgL/s1600/4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY Art Prints" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xYWKiY3FgJk/WcVMzgFQvOI/AAAAAAAAN0M/X7pavKCEPyYAVhHSOG7iSxM0wXax8MslQCEwYBhgL/s1600/4.png" title="Holtwood Hipster: Best of Etsy Printable Art" /></a></div>
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Cali Vibes: </h4>
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<i><a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6220&awinaffid=416021&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F491791281%2Fpalm-tree-print-black-and-white" target="_blank">TheScandinavianHome</a> // <a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6220&awinaffid=416021&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F271514624%2Fpalm-leaf-print-black-and-white-photo" target="_blank">inthepinkprints </a>// <a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6220&awinaffid=416021&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F244598251%2Fbeach-photography-ocean-decor-palm-tree" target="_blank">LittleBigAdventure</a> // <a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6220&awinaffid=416021&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F292128633%2Fpalm-tree-print-landscape-print" target="_blank">StoryPrintsCo </a>// <a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=6220&awinaffid=416021&clickref=&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F249599535%2Fbeach-art-print-coastal-photography%3Fref%3Dshop_home_active_8" target="_blank">LILAxLola</a> </i></div>
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<i>***Favorite places to have your DIY artwork printed to size:</i></div>
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<i><a href="https://www.artifactuprising.com/photo-prints/large-format-fine-art-prints" target="_blank">ArtifactUprising</a></i></div>
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<i><a href="https://www.staples.com/sbd/content/copyandprint/index.html" target="_blank">Staples</a></i></div>
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<i><a href="https://www.uprinting.com/large-format-printing.html" target="_blank">UPrinting</a></i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5766304414102037951.post-70214864986538918152017-09-18T02:00:00.000-07:002017-09-18T02:00:16.950-07:00SHOWER IDEA // BUILD YOUR OWN FRAGRANCE BAR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DLP_Hzc8-Y4/WbwUhAQUvUI/AAAAAAAANy8/gZuVcTHLT8UgGb_TU4e7AXB6JhrQnVKEQCLcBGAs/s1600/DIY%2BFragrance%2BBar%2Bby%2BHoltwood%2BHipster.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Make Your Own Perfume Oil, Custom Scent, Signature Scent" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DLP_Hzc8-Y4/WbwUhAQUvUI/AAAAAAAANy8/gZuVcTHLT8UgGb_TU4e7AXB6JhrQnVKEQCLcBGAs/s1600/DIY%2BFragrance%2BBar%2Bby%2BHoltwood%2BHipster.png" title="DIY Fragrance Bar by Holtwood Hipster" /></a></div>
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Perhaps the only positive from my blog hiatus was that I have a backlog of some really good stuff to share with you - one of which is the build your own fragrance bar I pulled together for my sister in law's bridal shower. Tasked with styling up the party and incorporating an activity of the non-game variety, I created a fragrance bar that would address both. This decorative assembly of oils, pipettes and pretty packaging allowed guests to mingle and create something useful and personal to take home from the shower. In today's post, I'm showing you how you too can create a similar build-your-own fragrance oil bar set up for your shower guests. I did all the legwork for you and am sharing my well researched resources and experience to make your set up easy and more affordable.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NkJoQL3Mgx4/WbsRcYa_foI/AAAAAAAANxc/2fqJ8eu_Sds2h-2qoPUW25HFiZ0YTSHEgCLcBGAs/s1600/DIY%2BPerfume%2BBar_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Shower Idea, Perfume Bar" border="0" data-original-height="743" data-original-width="750" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NkJoQL3Mgx4/WbsRcYa_foI/AAAAAAAANxc/2fqJ8eu_Sds2h-2qoPUW25HFiZ0YTSHEgCLcBGAs/s1600/DIY%2BPerfume%2BBar_4.jpg" title="DIY Fragrance Bar" /></a></div>
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In approaching set up, you'll want to focus on both the aesthetics and self-serve quality, lest you'll need to station an attendant at the table to direct guests on how to assemble for the duration of the party. Know up front that it will be helpful to have someone who knows what they are doing on hand to get guests going. But I found that a quick guide to assembly, framed and placed front and center on the bar went a long way to encourage guests to create and experiment on their own. Also helpful- create and publish 3-5 pre-tested scent recipes for guests who want to participate, but are not feeling particularly experimental.<br />
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Creating your fragrance oil blends</h3>
Your fragrance oils will need to be made ahead of the party. These are the pretty bottles from which guests will layer together in a roller bottle to create their own personal scent. To create these, I added therapeutic / cosmetic grade essential oils to each bottle filled with a carrier oil - in this case <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bon-Vital-Moisturizer-Massage-Diffusers/dp/B01N1PYCVM/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&qid=1505495293&sr=8-18&keywords=sweet+almond+oil" target="_blank"><b>sweet almond oil</b></a>. Be cautious - you do not want oils that are solely used in candle making. These may contain other ingredients that you don't want to put on your body. There is a bit of science involved in this step and I am not an expert. However, I will refer you to a couple of expert resources <a href="https://www.aromaweb.com/articles/dilutingessentialoils.asp" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a> and <a href="https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/dilutions-conversions" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a> that will guide you through the steps. Safety first - I would always err on the side of caution for a skin safe ratio (in this case, essential oil to carrier oil) and keep your pre-blended solution at the lowest recommended percentage. Remember, guests will be layering multiple scents anyway so a blend that seems very light at first will build in intensity within the roller.<br />
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You'll note the bottles are relatively full above. Unless you plan to use these again at another party or have more than 50 guests, I would suggest you only fill these to half to save yourself the extra cost. We had 50 guests and bottles were hardly depleted. I recommend you use a 4oz bottle filled 3/4 full or an 8 oz bottle (like we did) filled to half with your carrier oil. It will still present nicely but you won't have as much waste.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3-UHI8fPJQ8/WbsRgMv764I/AAAAAAAANxg/xJtkin2A1t4F9yrVGeP0KF5wfxHPKym2ACLcBGAs/s1600/DIY%2BPerfume%2BBar_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Shower Idea, Perfume Oils" border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="750" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3-UHI8fPJQ8/WbsRgMv764I/AAAAAAAANxg/xJtkin2A1t4F9yrVGeP0KF5wfxHPKym2ACLcBGAs/s1600/DIY%2BPerfume%2BBar_2.jpg" title="DIY Fragrance Bar" /></a></div>
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Selecting your oils</h3>
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I am sharing the list of oil blends I created and featured at our fragrance bar and some notes on how to blend. These are presented in order - so the base note would go into the roller bottle first, then the heart and finally the top note. You don't have to use the scents I used - there are many others to select from. Essential oils have become increasingly popular for use in home diffusers so you may even already have some of these in your oil collection. Brand selection is somewhat controversial depending upon who you talk to and cost can really add up.</div>
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That said, I thought <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Floral-Premium-Grade-Fragrance-Oils/dp/B017JGFXIG/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1505494884&sr=8-11&keywords=essential+oil+collection" target="_blank"><b>this collection</b></a> was reasonably priced and offered a nice array of different scents to build on. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0J9l1R3CDtA/WbwTeyJFhVI/AAAAAAAANyw/r7iwzLde1gMrlDsUOhb7TNB93WGWFRpOQCLcBGAs/s1600/DIY%2BFragrance%2BBar%2BIngredients_Holtwood%2BHipster.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Make Your Own Perfume Oil" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0J9l1R3CDtA/WbwTeyJFhVI/AAAAAAAANyw/r7iwzLde1gMrlDsUOhb7TNB93WGWFRpOQCLcBGAs/s1600/DIY%2BFragrance%2BBar%2BIngredients_Holtwood%2BHipster.png" title="DIY Fragrance Bar" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_cesHIyqZWI/WbsRjn40d3I/AAAAAAAANxk/HCQLTRNIp_k2SlTYkmJW-gcrvym3ibhGwCLcBGAs/s1600/DIY%2BPerfume%2BBar_1%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Make Your Own Perfume Oil" border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="750" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_cesHIyqZWI/WbsRjn40d3I/AAAAAAAANxk/HCQLTRNIp_k2SlTYkmJW-gcrvym3ibhGwCLcBGAs/s1600/DIY%2BPerfume%2BBar_1%2B%25281%2529.jpg" title="DIY Fragrance Bar" /></a></div>
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Table Essentials</h3>
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Blending oils can get messy so consider that as you plan your set up. You will want to be sure you your fragrance bar is not in a carpeted area so that any spills might be easily cleaned up. Linens will be soiled (as I learned) so hard surfaces like the tile samples I put to use above went a long way in both presentation and maintenance. Open the bottles up and present them with ready to use pipettes. These pipettes should remain in each bottle - guests should not use them in different bottles as scents will cross pollinate. Keep in mind that guests will also want to sample the scent before they commit to it, so sample cards available on the table (and a receptacle for used cards) will be helpful. </div>
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Label your bottles using tags you create or those generated by a <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GQHHYFE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oltwoodipster-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01GQHHYFE&linkId=5ab776635778f9cd6861361398d33e36" target="_blank">label maker</a> </b>as I did. Coffee beans are also useful to guests who want to clear their olfactory palette before inhaling another scent.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bJqoJ68DEts/WbssMqqLFRI/AAAAAAAANyc/D4lXZvVtGPgVPkYAyzxORiF4CA1u8e1qgCLcBGAs/s1600/Perfume%2BBar%2BEssentials_Holtwood%2BHipster.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Make Your Own Perfume Oils" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bJqoJ68DEts/WbssMqqLFRI/AAAAAAAANyc/D4lXZvVtGPgVPkYAyzxORiF4CA1u8e1qgCLcBGAs/s1600/Perfume%2BBar%2BEssentials_Holtwood%2BHipster.png" title="DIY Fragrance Bar by Holtwood Hipster" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>(Complete list of sources below!)</i></td></tr>
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Packaging for Take Home</h3>
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We actually hosted this shower close to Christmas time and I found many guests were creating a personalized scent for gift giving. Regardless, its a nice touch to send guests home with some swag in a pretty package. Clear plastic cylinders (<i>see below!</i>) often used for candy packaging were a perfect solution. Pre-stuffed with a little wood excelsior, the rollers slid easily into the cylinder before being capped and sealed with some decorative washi tape.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1MGb0e9LL7Y/WbsRqHrI6lI/AAAAAAAANxo/g6aRinQXHMM_W996IG7wKuG0QDc4ETp0QCLcBGAs/s1600/DIY%2BPerfume%2BBar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Make Your Own Perfume Oil" border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="750" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1MGb0e9LL7Y/WbsRqHrI6lI/AAAAAAAANxo/g6aRinQXHMM_W996IG7wKuG0QDc4ETp0QCLcBGAs/s1600/DIY%2BPerfume%2BBar.jpg" title="DIY Fragrance Bar by Holtwood Hipster" /></a></div>
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The DIY fragrance bar was a hit at the shower. Just ahead of the upcoming wedding, there were so many guests meeting each other for the first time and this non-game activity encouraged mingling and interaction. It was fun, made a decorative statement and guests got something useful to take home.<br />
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Source List</h3>
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<i>Bottles - <b><a href="https://www.sks-bottle.com/340c/fin150e.html" target="_blank">these</a></b> are the ones used above, but <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IXW796Y/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oltwoodipster-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01IXW796Y&linkId=c9058a8d6a32be26f14f16d32f7369bf" target="_blank">these</a></b> would also be extra pretty!</i></div>
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<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008J23ZJE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oltwoodipster-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B008J23ZJE&linkId=2a7702822a994ffd8f0e424e5baa3b68" target="_blank">Carrier Oil</a></i></div>
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<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P7QZDK4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oltwoodipster-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00P7QZDK4&linkId=291939ecc70a6f81c50b3f91525e522e" target="_blank">Pipettes</a></i></div>
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<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GQHHYFE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oltwoodipster-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01GQHHYFE&linkId=a677994e1844951f9b958e1aea28f2a8" target="_blank">Label Maker</a></i></div>
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<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017JGFXIG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oltwoodipster-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B017JGFXIG&linkId=43fd7fce90c35c146beaaaa3c55579e5" target="_blank">Essential Oil Kit</a></i></div>
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<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JIA3M4I/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oltwoodipster-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01JIA3M4I&linkId=7cc260ad8d45086188d39f258428c7c4" target="_blank">Roller Bottles</a></i></div>
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<i><a href="https://www.papermart.com/clear-gumball-cylinder-containers/id=50363" target="_blank">Clear Cylinders</a></i></div>
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<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CPD6X28/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oltwoodipster-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01CPD6X28&linkId=bd5baf646209d8a31c8b9e5b61dd6c6b" target="_blank">Wood Excelsior</a></i></div>
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<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D3AHZWU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oltwoodipster-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00D3AHZWU&linkId=b50dd4931af83e4e3dc031b7cc41b81e" target="_blank">Washi Tape</a></i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5766304414102037951.post-50245808927417144972017-09-13T08:29:00.000-07:002017-09-13T08:29:49.092-07:00Arrangement of the Month: September 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t6uf_fpyY80/WblMXBT8vYI/AAAAAAAANxE/0pwlg2MMvb0_MrjyTCuxoHKvizKffTjOACLcBGAs/s1600/HH_September%2BArrangement.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="White Floral Arrangement, Hydrangea and Roses" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t6uf_fpyY80/WblMXBT8vYI/AAAAAAAANxE/0pwlg2MMvb0_MrjyTCuxoHKvizKffTjOACLcBGAs/s1600/HH_September%2BArrangement.png" title="September Floral Arrangement" /></a></div>
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Full of fluffy white hydrangea and roses, this month's floral arrangement represents a clean slate as the season changes from summer to fall. Too busy with the getting back to business, business, I plucked these right from the grocery store and created a statement arrangement where we'd be greeted at each trip in and out the door. Despite a methodical selection of buds, it's the greenery that really steals the show here. Our garden is turning over as well, so pruned cuttings from our formerly out of control Lady Banks climbing rose were also added in for some extra dangling drama. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5766304414102037951.post-8786269546037903962017-09-08T17:30:00.000-07:002017-09-08T17:30:24.660-07:00REAL LIFE: END OF SUMMER MUSINGS<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lHgWDoGuTbg/WbLb4_yRE_I/AAAAAAAANwM/GXO5kILjRQsThGN6VhCGwy3AcjxoooBNwCLcBGAs/s1600/palm%2Btree%2Bon%2Bbeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Palm Tree on the beach, Single Palm Tree" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lHgWDoGuTbg/WbLb4_yRE_I/AAAAAAAANwM/GXO5kILjRQsThGN6VhCGwy3AcjxoooBNwCLcBGAs/s1600/palm%2Btree%2Bon%2Bbeach.jpg" title="www.holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com" /></a></div>
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I've always been fond of this little limbo-land time lapse between summer and fall. For so many years, it's signaled renewal much more positively to me than the post-holiday void of January, when the wallet is spare and the diet and gym membership beckon. Like clockwork every September, there's a bustle of activity around back to school and the forming of game plans that lead into the holidays. There's the changing of the wardrobe, the opening of the windows once again, a difference in the way the light washes across the room and a cozy, but spirited energy that I feel only fall can bring.<br />
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The inner nerd in me also craves a bit of back-to-productivity. The downtime that comes with summer fun is good for all of us, but I'm happiest when I'm on schedule. Truth be told, my fall calendar is already filled out with things I hope to accomplish before the year officially ends in January - personal goals, plans for my online shop, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BirdBelleShop" target="_blank">Bird + Belle</a> and around the house. I guess I'm not too far away from that kid who was once first out the door with my packed-to-the-gills book-bag on the first day of school after all.<br />
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Reflecting a bit, this summer was good to me. We finished our kitchen remodel just before the calendar turned over, spent a lot of time in the pool, threw a couple of good parties and closed it all out with a weeklong vacation by the beach with friends who feel like family. Before our extended crew arrived, Ryan and I had a few days alone on a mostly empty beach with little Valentino and to me, it was some of the very best days of this year. After 18 years together, we have an easy vacation cadence that we're quick to settle into once we arrive and its a comforting thing to know that we can fall back into sync that easily, especially when the demands of the work week can often take us off track. So the time alone was a good chance to regroup and reconnect with my little family and I'm moving into this next season fueled by that.<br />
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Speaking of family... I feel like there is something I've wanted to say for some time, but I've hesitated over relevance to this blog and a reluctancy to disclose something so private. Still, it has impacted my time here, resulting in a year long blog hiatus and all too infrequent posts. So for that reason alone, it feels somewhat remiss to not mention it. For the past 3 years, we've been trying for baby - <i>3 years this fall in fact</i>. In that one regard, the transition into this new season is a bit of a bittersweet milestone. For much of this time, I've retreated and internalized the frustration, loneliness and anguish that comes with all that, not wanting to make others uncomfortable by discussing it or appear as though I was appealing for sympathy. My sole goal in raising it now is certainly not to do either of those things, but to sort of release a bit of that internalized struggle out into the wild, to vent the steam in the pot so to speak in a healthy way. I've opened up in other ways recently and I've actually found some catharsis in doing so. I've also realized that one couple's experience with infertility is not someone else's either, so while it's important to recognize that others are going through it too, it can be somewhat difficult to connect through details, something that is oddly isolating on both ends. The reality of that might keep me on the fence from talking about it more here (or maybe it wont - maybe its something that should be talked about to break down all those walls). But I'll just say simply that where I am now with this is that I want to be more open about it as my current reality behind the pretty Instagram pictures and recipe posts. There are scenic seafood boils on the beach, busy remodels and fully decked out parties being had. But there will always be the behind the scenes happenings too and I wouldn't want anybody to misinterpret all that for the real-life human stuff.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5766304414102037951.post-49042650863285625122017-08-25T02:00:00.000-07:002017-08-25T06:41:35.213-07:00Cocktails with the Mister // Make this Rose Mojito<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjXBubtN64g/WZ5hNMqzOBI/AAAAAAAANu8/MqKGYamqOQIK8TwMV874O7DWhOM4Q2yJgCLcBGAs/s1600/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rose Mojito Cocktail Recipe" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjXBubtN64g/WZ5hNMqzOBI/AAAAAAAANu8/MqKGYamqOQIK8TwMV874O7DWhOM4Q2yJgCLcBGAs/s1600/1.png" title="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2017/08/--rose-mojito-cocktail-recipe.html" /></a></div>
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<i>****Among my husband's greatest talents is his ability to make a very drinkable cocktail. He never worked professionally as a bartender, but at any house gathering, you'd be sure to find him mixing away at the bar for a thirsty line up of our friends who put their faith in him to "surprise them" with something particularly delectable... and he always delivers. Never too tart, never too sweet, never too strong. The glass in hand is without fail the one you didn't even know you wanted. </i></div>
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<i>So I too asked if he would surprise me with a monthly recipe and feature it here on the blog. So today, we're kicking off 'Monthly Cocktail with the Mister', where he will ideate and mix you up a drink just in time for the weekend happy hour. ***</i></div>
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It's not uncommon for my wife and I to be out in a local restaurant and for her to request I 'figure out how to make this' cocktail she's sipping eagerly through her straw. Such was the day she returned from shopping and dropped a similar request to deconstruct a drink she had at the new upstairs bar over at our local Nordstrom. The drink is known as "Vine Street' on their menu and has both the flavors of a glass or rose and a minty mojito. Ingredients (though not the measurements) are listed on the menu and they <i>probably</i> would have been kind enough to tell her how to make it if she had asked. Nevertheless one Sunday afternoon I set out to make her my interpretation of that cocktail, which emerged as a Rose Mojito.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YEhhim89MrQ/WZ5hORMiw_I/AAAAAAAANvA/WeNPow13bj0tB0liE7G9dPybUVryd65PwCLcBGAs/s1600/2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rose Mojito Cocktail Recipe" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YEhhim89MrQ/WZ5hORMiw_I/AAAAAAAANvA/WeNPow13bj0tB0liE7G9dPybUVryd65PwCLcBGAs/s1600/2.png" title="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2017/08/--rose-mojito-cocktail-recipe.html" /></a></div>
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She didn't believe me, but it's important to measure for this one so that you get the right ratio of vodka to rose. I also added an additional ingredient not found on the menu, but one that became immediately important to help balance the heat of all that alcohol out in the drink - simple syrup. I could only guess that the restaurant used a slightly sweeter rose or prosecco in their version. You have some flexibility when it comes to the grapes and mint - add a little more or less according to your own tastes. When shaken, the grapes and mint flake off into the mixture and end up in your glass - much like those little flakes of ice in a martini that always seem to make so good.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sJpIAdxYU7Y/WZ5hOQVPwHI/AAAAAAAANvE/o0xnwCZUUUw-pOrhg_1BdhKyGqzIxe8lgCLcBGAs/s1600/3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rose Mojito Cocktail Recipe" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sJpIAdxYU7Y/WZ5hOQVPwHI/AAAAAAAANvE/o0xnwCZUUUw-pOrhg_1BdhKyGqzIxe8lgCLcBGAs/s1600/3.png" title="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2017/08/--rose-mojito-cocktail-recipe.html" /></a></div>
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Once shaken, the foamy elixir is strained and served over ice and then garnished with a skewered assembly of grapes and mint after finishing with floater splash of prosecco that gives it a nice soda like fizz in the finish.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BtoMEay13Ig/WZ5hQ1RbTxI/AAAAAAAANvI/s5yMDya5TD8j9SL8xOZ6LhzF4_a5g_WuQCLcBGAs/s1600/4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rose Mojito Cocktail Recipe" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BtoMEay13Ig/WZ5hQ1RbTxI/AAAAAAAANvI/s5yMDya5TD8j9SL8xOZ6LhzF4_a5g_WuQCLcBGAs/s1600/4.png" title="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2017/08/--rose-mojito-cocktail-recipe.html" /></a></div>
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<b>Recipe for Rose Mojito</b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Recipe by Ryan Neally for Holtwood Hipster</span><br />
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<b><u>Ingredients:</u></b><br />
2.5 oz. Rose Wine<br />
1 oz. Vodka<br />
0.5 oz. Simple Syrup<br />
12 grapes <span style="font-size: x-small;">(10 for muddling, 2 for garnish)</span><br />
6-8 leaves of mint<br />
Squeeze of Lime<br />
Splash of Prosecco<br />
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In a cocktail shaker, muddle grapes and mint, along with your simple syrup. Muddle well so you get all the juice out of those grapes and release the mint by breaking it up.<br />
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Add your vodka, rose and squeeze of lime to the shaker. Cover and shake well.<br />
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Prepare your glass of ice. I like to use crushed ice for this drink.<br />
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Strain the mixture over the ice, making sure to shake the flaky remnants of the mint and grapes through the strainer holes into your glass. Finish with a splash of prosecco and skewer of grapes and mint.<br />
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There are quite a few bottles involved in this drink, but capped well - the rose and prosecco will save for a couple of days in the fridge. Cheers!</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5766304414102037951.post-57320034983182836532017-08-18T04:00:00.000-07:002017-08-18T06:21:43.211-07:00END OF SEASON PATIO CLEARANCE SALE PICKS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The inevitable summer wind down may already be in the works, but end of season outdoor sales have me dreaming of ways to extend the feeling of summer through a quick refresh of our outdoor decor. Our loungers that we purchased when we bought our house 6 years ago finally gave way and made it to the curb. So, I've been on the hunt for replacements and in the process, uncovered the best patio furniture and accessory deals. Today, I've rounded up a few of my favorites and I'm sharing them with you here. I admit that it's always a gamble to wait and see what inventory remains at mid-August. That rug or dining set you had your heart set on in April may no longer be available. My own indecision (<i>or lack of allocated budget</i>) earlier in the season meant I missed on a couple of things this year myself. But there are still some good design options to be had - and many are being offered at steep discounts as retailers make way for holiday inventory.</div>
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In this round up, you'll find many of these items reduced by 50-60% off. Retailers are also extending additional discounts through coupon codes so your savings may even be far greater than what you see on the product page. Personally, I'm thinking hard about that sectional and 2pc lounger featured here. Can you believe it? The geo rug you see below - it's just $22 on clearance right now. </div>
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Find them here:</div>
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1. <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/409957/201333/2092?prodsku=34842382&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Foceans-2pc-wood-lounge-chair-and-ottoman%2F-%2FA-34842382" target="_blank">2pc Wood Lounge Chair</a> 2. <a href="http://www.wayfair.com/Brielle-Pestemal-Striped-Turkish-Bath-Towel-BRLL1102.html?ds=108706" target="_blank">Striped Peshtemal Towel</a> 3. <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/Breakwater-Bay-Westinghouse-Rope-Cotton-Chair-Hammock-BKWT1555.html?ds=108866" target="_blank">Hammock Chair</a> 4. <a href="https://www.target.com/p/stained-hanging-planter-black-smith-hawken-153/-/A-50981215#lnk=sametab" target="_blank">Hanging Planter</a></div>
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5. <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-8401552-10368321?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.homedepot.com%2Fp%2FBrown-Jordan-Form-Patio-Chat-Table-STOCK-DY11114-CH%2F205466174&cjsku=205466174" target="_blank">Outdoor Coffee Table</a> 6. <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=A/r2Nq8qWOM&mid=41098&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fjet.com%2Fproduct%2F9-Outdoor-Patio-Market-Umbrella-with-Hand-Crank-and-Tilt-Taupe-and-White-Stripe%2F0129f477a9694e02af31f1e3d7c822ca" target="_blank">Striped Market Umbrella</a> 7. <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/Brayden-Studio-Dennison-Medium-Outdoor-Sectional-Sofa-with-Cushion-BRAY8649.html" target="_blank">Brayden Sectional Sofa</a></div>
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Find them here:</div>
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8. <a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-8401552-11410997?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.worldmarket.com%2Fproduct%2F49x69-green-and-gray-geo-flatweave-indoor-outdoor-rug.do&cjsku=535995" target="_blank">Geo Flatweave Rug</a> 9. <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/Home-and-More-Beige-Stripe-Indoor-Outdoor-Area-Rug-HOMO1275.html#readmoremodal1" target="_blank">Striped Outdoor Rug</a> 10. <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/Three-Posts-Burruss-4-Piece-Sofa-Set-with-Cushions-THPS2859.html?ds=108644" target="_blank">Cushioned Sofa</a> 11.<a href="https://www.wayfair.com/IDS-Online-Corp-4-Piece-Lounge-Seating-Group-with-Cushion-IDOC1032.html" target="_blank"> 4pc. Seating Group</a></div>
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Find them here:</div>
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12. <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/Mercury-Row-Haddox-7-Piece-Bar-Set-with-Cushions-MCRW4104.html" target="_blank">7pc Bar Set</a> 13. <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/Breakwater-Bay-Kairi-Adirondack-Chair-BKWT2706.html" target="_blank">Unfinished Adirondack Chair with Ottoman</a> 14. <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/Mercury-Row-Groesbeck-Hello-Doormat-MCRW4924.html" target="_blank">Hello Doormat</a></div>
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15. <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/Beachcrest-Home-9-Woodhaven-Market-Umbrella-BCHH6574.html" target="_blank">Market Umbrella</a> 16. <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/409957/78775/2092?prodsku=51376043&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fjames-4-pk-wood-patio-dining-chairs-threshold-153%2F-%2FA-51376043" target="_blank">James 4pk. Wood Dining Chairs</a></div>
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Find them here:</div>
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17. <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/Breakwater-Bay-Jackson-Outdoor-Throw-Pillow-BRWT5543.html" target="_blank">Black and White Geo Outdoor Pillow </a> 18. <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=A/r2Nq8qWOM&mid=41098&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fjet.com%2Fproduct%2FZew-Hand-Crafted-4-Piece-Square-Bamboo-Patio-Bistro-Set%2Fbbb52aa678e44dce8875b547a64ab492" target="_blank">Bistro Set with Umbrella</a> 19. <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/Willa-Arlo-Interiors-Chardae-Pillow-Black-and-White-Vertical-Stripe-WRLO3371.html?piid%5B0%5D=22702081&piid%5B1%5D=22702086" target="_blank">Black and White Striped Pillow</a> 20. <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/Varick-Gallery-Camron-3-Piece-Lounge-Seating-Group-with-Cushions-VKGL3357.html" target="_blank">3pc Lounge Set</a> 21. <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=A/r2Nq8qWOM&mid=41098&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fjet.com%2Fproduct%2FBest-Selling-Home-Gorlomi-Wooden-Patio-Club-Chairs-with-Cushions%2Fda619e4a88584e2f997f97e521e2f088" target="_blank">Wood Club Chairs</a></div>
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Find them here:</div>
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22. <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/Birch-Lane%E2%84%A2-15-Light-Globe-String-Lights-BL22400.html" target="_blank">Outdoor String Lights</a> 23.<a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=A/r2Nq8qWOM&mid=41098&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fjet.com%2Fproduct%2FBellezec-Patio-Umbrella-10-Patio-Tilt-W-Crank-Outdoor-Cantilever-Tan%2F11d93a553ea84fcbb7e751b706fdd9b4" target="_blank"> Cantilevered Umbrella</a> 24. <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/Hallmark-Home-and-Gifts-Pot-Arrow-Pattern-Ceramic-Hanging-Planter-HHGT1262.html" target="_blank">Hanging Planter </a> </div>
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25. <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/Trademark-Innovations-Play-Teepee-TQIN1588.html" target="_blank">Play Teepee</a> 26. <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/REZ-Furniture-Drop-Clay-Clay-Wood-Burning-Chiminea-REZF1147.html" target="_blank">Chiminea</a> 27. <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/Breakwater-Bay-Blythe-3-Piece-Dining-Set-BRWT5033.html" target="_blank">3pc Dining Set</a></div>
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See any favorites? Are you in the loop on other sales hitting the web this week? Do tell! </div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5766304414102037951.post-74030994751862022512017-08-16T06:57:00.000-07:002017-08-16T07:11:30.034-07:00MAKE YOUR OWN REFRIGERATOR PICKLES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wUUn8SxRaIM/WZM3wOkrQ6I/AAAAAAAANsk/tfSY7g59leovtX7DBZI5-kLv6JEB4MsmACLcBGAs/s1600/Pickle%2BParade_1_Holtwood%2BHipster%2BBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Quick and Easy Refrigerator Pickles by Holtwood Hipster Blog" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wUUn8SxRaIM/WZM3wOkrQ6I/AAAAAAAANsk/tfSY7g59leovtX7DBZI5-kLv6JEB4MsmACLcBGAs/s1600/Pickle%2BParade_1_Holtwood%2BHipster%2BBlog.jpg" title="http://www.holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com" /></a></div>
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Around here, we're always on the lookout for ways to step up our foodie game and it doesn't always mean patronizing a new restaurant. Finding a way to craft our own version of a common store-bought item can be so satisfying - even if it means some extra time in the kitchen. Take these easy to make refrigerator pickles for example. In no time flat, we made use of that extra bounty from our garden and produce piling up in our refrigerator drawer and had a full on pickle parade to snack on for weeks to come. Trust me once you make your own pickles, you'll reconsider that jar of grey, lifeless cucumbers on your next trip to the grocery aisle.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WDPB58YgJ_c/WZRLoghIEjI/AAAAAAAANtQ/CVmUfB4ZZi0_8F4JYLJX84QIcCyBETJaQCLcBGAs/s1600/PICKLE%2BPOST%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Quick and Easy Refrigerator Pickles by Holtwood Hipster Blog" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1301" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WDPB58YgJ_c/WZRLoghIEjI/AAAAAAAANtQ/CVmUfB4ZZi0_8F4JYLJX84QIcCyBETJaQCLcBGAs/s1600/PICKLE%2BPOST%2B2.jpg" title="http://www.holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com" /></a></div>
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Truth be told, our upcoming camping trip gave us further motivation for prepping our jars of beans, cukes and carrots. Camping (<i>or any gathering really</i>) is serious food business amongst our group. As we typically do this time of year, we're making preparations for the camp Bloody Mary bar we host each morning during our stay. It's always a good way to circle up the troops before kicking off the day's festivities and we are always working on something new to bring to the table for those who swing by on site to take part. This year, we're stocking the bar with our very own handmade pickled garnish accoutrement (<i>you know, if we can keep from eating them before we get there</i>). I even designed some labels to further personalize our offerings.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uPBfSqIPc70/WZNInYlEVZI/AAAAAAAANs0/CCeyBAp8keMvFmvGRrSq_f7decLN-a2yQCLcBGAs/s1600/Pickle%2BParade_2_Holtwood%2BHipster%2BBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Quick and Easy Refrigerator Pickles by Holtwood Hipster Blog" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uPBfSqIPc70/WZNInYlEVZI/AAAAAAAANs0/CCeyBAp8keMvFmvGRrSq_f7decLN-a2yQCLcBGAs/s1600/Pickle%2BParade_2_Holtwood%2BHipster%2BBlog.jpg" title="http://www.holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com" /></a></div>
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Of course, you don't have to make a caseload at one time like we did. It's easier - and quicker than you might think to prepare a jar or two of your favorite variety.<br />
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Quick Steps</h3>
It's a simple preparation equation: wash, cut, boil and fill.<br />
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<b>Wash.</b> You'll want to give a good wash to all your veggies and jars.<br />
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<b>Cut.</b> Prep all your vegetables by chopping well before you make your brine. You may find you need to double your recipe like we did given the volume you wish to bottle up. We used green beans, carrots, onions, turnips and cucumbers. My husband also made a batch of pickled eggs. But you'll also want to prep cuttings of fresh herbs like dill and thyme and even extra onion, peppers and garlic cloves. You'll be layering those extras into your jars around your veggies.<br />
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<b>Boil. </b>There are many brine recipes out there. In all, we whipped up 5 different brines for this round. But don't be intimidated. There are a lot of recipes available out there with enough flexibility to satisfy all tastes. If you like them on the sweeter side, add a little extra sugar and use cider vinegar vs. the common white variety. I also whole-heartedly recommend using other types of vinegar like champagne, white wine, red-wine and even rice-wine as alternatives to the more pungent common white.<br />
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<b>Fill. </b>When you fill your jars, you will want to layer in your herbs, garlic and onion amongst your cut veggies. Leave an inch at top (so if you need to cut your vegetables down, do so). You can always go back in and add after the brine has been poured in.<br />
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<b>My Tips</b></h3>
<ul>
<li>Use kosher salt - not table salt in your brine. </li>
<li>Jars come in all shapes and sizes. Its fun to mix and match. I like to use <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CNHCDR6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oltwoodipster-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00CNHCDR6&linkId=83c6ce49b25200647b4871373b7155bf" target="_blank">these quart size</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KF5STQC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oltwoodipster-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00KF5STQC&linkId=b7aa63f86db0c4b8d435779d5b5b3987" target="_blank">these smaller ones</a>.</li>
<li>Change the hue of white veggies like turnips and onions by adding a couple of slices of beet.</li>
<li>Stray from the common pre-made pickling spices and use other things like mustard seeds, coriander seed, dill seed and caraway.</li>
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<b>Recipe Links</b></h3>
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Here are some links to recipes I personally like. I typically stick to the published ratios of water-vinegar-salt-sugar in these recipes, but I do take some liberties with the herbs and spices to suit our personal tastes. Not all use boil brines, but that's my preferred method.</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.feastingathome.com/quick-pickled-vegetables/" target="_blank">Feasting at Home</a> </b>gives a great foundation for brines (with really pretty pics!)<br />
<a href="http://bakeatmidnite.com/half-sour-pickles/#" target="_blank"><b>Baked at Midnight </b></a>features a non-boil, half-sour brine<br />
<a href="http://leitesculinaria.com/105846/recipes-refrigerator-sweet-pickles.html#pvdRCcSg6L8U8VI6.32" target="_blank"><b>Leite's Culinaria</b></a> has a good recipe for a sweet pickle<br />
<b><a href="https://dinnerthendessert.com/pickled-turnips/" target="_blank">Dinner Then Dessert</a> </b>has a recipe for the pickles I can't get enough of at my favorite Lebanese restaurant<br />
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There are a ton of recipes out there. Do you have any hot tips or personal favorites to share?<br />
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Care to see what we're cooking up this time? Our culinary camping adventures are well documented over on Instagram (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/holtwoodhipster/" target="_blank">@holtwoodhipster</a>). Click the link to follow along!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5766304414102037951.post-78604587232511327342017-08-11T04:00:00.000-07:002017-08-11T04:00:05.427-07:00ROUND-UP // EASY DRINKING ROSE PICKS YOU SHOULD DRINK RIGHT NOW<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QoqMIdhvh9c/WYx4iS9K9SI/AAAAAAAANsE/vqLDYICZp6AJXyDZTVcbrDh8L2QyyHNrACLcBGAs/s1600/HH_rose%2Bpicks%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rose Wines to Drink Now, Best Rose Wines" border="0" data-original-height="1016" data-original-width="796" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QoqMIdhvh9c/WYx4iS9K9SI/AAAAAAAANsE/vqLDYICZp6AJXyDZTVcbrDh8L2QyyHNrACLcBGAs/s1600/HH_rose%2Bpicks%2B1.png" title="www.holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com" /></a></div>
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I get it. By now, it's mid-August and your thoughts are already drifting to a pumpkin latte. But friends, the weather is still warm and you're well ahead of Labor Day weekend. From where I sit, there is still plenty of time to fill your glass with a refreshing rose. Not sure which one to pour? Fear not. I've spent the last couple of months sampling them all (<i>trust me...</i>) and I've narrowed it down to some rose picks that are easy to drink, easy to find and easy on the pocketbook.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2NVphxB9C_s/WYx3mh1Z6HI/AAAAAAAANsA/qlnyElXWmH0CaHNMLBp0JlCbkruo50mtwCEwYBhgL/s1600/HH_Rose%2BPicks%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rose Wines to Drink Now, Best Rose Wines" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2NVphxB9C_s/WYx3mh1Z6HI/AAAAAAAANsA/qlnyElXWmH0CaHNMLBp0JlCbkruo50mtwCEwYBhgL/s1600/HH_Rose%2BPicks%2B2.png" title="www.holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.wine.com/product/aix-rose-2016/178108?ct=12565&iid=Recommendation:FromWine:Product+Detail:JCB+No.+5+Rose+2015" target="_blank">AIX Rose 2016</a> ($17) // I might have been drawn in by the label, but was very happily surprised with the drinkability of the AIX Rose. I picked up mine at Whole Foods and paired it up with a platter of cheese and veggies (go <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/holtwoodhipster/food-boards-%2B-platters/" target="_blank">here</a> for some ideas!). <br />
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<a href="https://www.vivino.com/wineries/saved/wines/mom-magic-maker-9999" target="_blank">Saved 'Magic Maker'</a> ($14) // The label design got high marks from Forbes back in 2014, but this limited CA production wine also deserves praise. It's been my pick during concerts this year at both the Bowl and the Greek and I've found it consistently stocked at our local grocery chain store.<br />
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<a href="http://www.totalwine.com/wine/rose-blush-wine/rhone-blend/chateau-desclans-whispering-angel-rose/p/107869750" target="_blank">Whispering Angel</a> ($19) // I picked up a couple of bottles of Whispering Angel for a family pool day and quickly understood why I've seen this one on so many bar and restaurant menus this season.<br />
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<a href="https://drizly.com/listel-grain-de-gris-rose/p17574" target="_blank">Listel Grain de Gris </a>($10) // Our local walk-up fish counter serves this one and its another one that is just so light and drinkable! Not sure and want a second opinion? Wine-searcher lists this one as climbing in popularity over the last year. Its also affordable enough to serve to the masses while entertaining.<br />
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<a href="https://www.wine.com/product/jcb-no-5-rose-2015/158394" target="_blank">JCB #5 Rose</a> ($19) // I've seen this one priced as high as $29 a bottle which might fall into the splurge category. Catch it on promo right now at wine.com or your local BevMo.<br />
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I've declared pretty much anything by winemaker <a href="http://www.gerard-bertrand.com/en/" target="_blank">Gerard Bertrand</a> a good choice. There are some pretty tasty bottles of bubbly made by this wine house. But I say, start with the <a href="http://www.bevmo.com/catalog/product/view/id/4906" target="_blank">Cote de Roses</a> ($13), as its easily found on your grocery store shelf (and at Costco!). Then branch out and sample the <a href="https://www.wine-searcher.com/find/la+sauvageonne+coteaux+du+le+rose+languedoc+roussillon+france" target="_blank">Chateau La Sauvageonne</a> ($20) and <a href="https://www.wine-searcher.com/find/gerard+bertrand+gris+blanc+igp+pays+d+oc+de+france" target="_blank">Gris Blanc </a>($12) found at chain outlets like BevMo or Total Wine. All three bottles are solid tasty options to drink now through the official end of summer.<br />
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Am I missing any of your favorites? Drop me a note in the comments section! There's certainly plenty of time left in these last warm weeks for me to adopt a new favorite.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5766304414102037951.post-43506027649642816112017-08-07T04:00:00.000-07:002017-08-16T13:50:04.313-07:00WHAT WE LOVED AND DIDN'T ABOUT OUR MODERN FARMHOUSE STYLE KITCHEN REMODEL<br />
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Well hello there! <br />
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We are fast approaching the 90-day mark on the backside of our Modern Farmhouse Kitchen reveal for the One Room Challenge (<i>can you even believe it?!</i>). As far as room makeovers go, I know I often wonder how the people living in the space feel about the "after" once the buzz of renovation activity has waned. Would they do anything differently given a second chance?<br />
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In that spirit, I thought I'd be a good time to circle back and let you know how things are holding up with our own kitchen remodel, what we're loving and if there are any things we'd reconsider if I had to do it all over again.<br />
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A quick reset to catch those of you up with our primary goals for this project.<br />
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<b>Improved functionality</b> in our smallish kitchen workspace<br />
<b>Durability </b>across our selection of <b>upgraded surfaces</b><br />
Lots of <b>layers and textural details</b><br />
<b>Creative use of space</b> to maximize our what we have<br />
Project an overall <b>brighter background</b> in a shady area of the house<br />
Design it to <b>flow and function</b> well for entertaining<br />
Ensure the update is <b>complimentary</b> with other areas of house</div>
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You can see what we started with [<a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2017/04/one-room-challenge-week-1-modern.html">here</a>] and what became of the adjoined kitchen / dining areas after in the reveal post [<a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2017/05/one-room-challenge-week-6-reveal-modern.html">here</a>].</div>
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<i>So, let's break it down</i>. Are we loving the changes we made? In short <i>yes</i>. Are there things we'd do differently, well <i>maybe</i>.<br />
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Renovation Highlights</h2>
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Countertops</h3>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P2UJyfeBFHg/WYdb-4m0LOI/AAAAAAAANq4/bE7Hg4fVDb4U2_L7GKBn9RsK6rr7-Ji3ACLcBGAs/s1600/5%2BKitchen%2BReveal_%2BErin%2BNeally.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What we loved and didn't about our Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Remodel with product sources" border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="735" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P2UJyfeBFHg/WYdb-4m0LOI/AAAAAAAANq4/bE7Hg4fVDb4U2_L7GKBn9RsK6rr7-Ji3ACLcBGAs/s1600/5%2BKitchen%2BReveal_%2BErin%2BNeally.jpg" title="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2017/08/modern-farmhouse-kitchen-remodel" /></a></div>
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We absolutely made the right choice in our dual countertop selection. Initially driven by budget, our decision to break out the worktop surfaces into a white quartz / acacia butcher block pairing brought a nice visual contrast and some added texture to our design. We chose wisely, opting to install wood in the areas we knew we would not beat up on a daily basis (does anyone else leave their coffee spoon on the counter like I do?).We do use them though and three months in thanks to proper preparation [<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003WP5MKI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oltwoodipster-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B003WP5MKI&linkId=2b6102fcc735a5ed155d6c08cfaf776e" target="_blank">here</a>] (full post forthcoming), those wood counters still look like the day we installed them. The veiny, white Silestone has also held up beautifully to our abuse and is so easy to wipe down and keep clean - a real change from the original ceramic tile and aged grout lines we were battling before. <b>Verdict: Thumbs up for both wood and quartz countertops.</b></div>
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Range / Hood</h3>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-34791eiNuuU/WYdbqCjd8hI/AAAAAAAANq0/hEhSFhioMtYPgUuYaCWUyUk4gWAVMCxfQCLcBGAs/s1600/3%2BKitchen%2BReveal_Erin%2BNeally.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What we loved and didn't about our Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Remodel with product sources" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-34791eiNuuU/WYdbqCjd8hI/AAAAAAAANq0/hEhSFhioMtYPgUuYaCWUyUk4gWAVMCxfQCLcBGAs/s1600/3%2BKitchen%2BReveal_Erin%2BNeally.jpg" title="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2017/08/modern-farmhouse-kitchen-remodel" /></a></div>
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We absolutely, absolutely made the right decision with our new all-gas <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0100A3H54/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oltwoodipster-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B0100A3H54&linkId=aa3e377a284a1283e6943df740daeb4d" target="_blank">Thor Kitchen Range</a>. No electrical panel to worry about, a solid, even layer of burner grills on top so we can move our big spaghetti pots around with ease and burners that burn like our outdoor grill. It's been amazing and the by-product of finally owning a stove we love, is that we're cooking more than ever. The removal of our over-range microwave and installation of our built in hood infused a more professional appearance to our home kitchen for sure. But even beyond the fan functionality, we also unexpectedly use the under-mount lighting within it so much to actually get a better look at what we're cooking nearly every time we use our range. In stark contrast, we've used that new compact microwave now hidden behind a cabinet in the peninsula maybe twice. The hidden solution isn't permanent and someday given our lack of use, we may even ditch it altogether to take back additional cupboard space. <b>Verdict: Happy we invested in this redesign and the professional range.</b></div>
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<h3>
Floors</h3>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P58fHPpTXHk/WYdck-yOUdI/AAAAAAAANrA/rtDyn0YTHoQ4r5gtzrDCknhYNNqHk95lQCLcBGAs/s1600/floors%2Bclose%2Bup.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What we loved and didn't about our Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Remodel with product sources" border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="473" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P58fHPpTXHk/WYdck-yOUdI/AAAAAAAANrA/rtDyn0YTHoQ4r5gtzrDCknhYNNqHk95lQCLcBGAs/s1600/floors%2Bclose%2Bup.tiff" title="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2017/08/modern-farmhouse-kitchen-remodel" /></a></div>
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Perhaps not part of our original plan, the decision to update the flooring allowed for a seamless transition from living room to kitchen to dining room and really brought in the cohesiveness we were after. The floors we chose have been easy to clean and also brightened things up considerably in what can be a cavernous area with no direct sunlight. It's the first thing people comment on when they walk into the kitchen and they are just the best feeling under bare feet! Spills wipe easily and in the end - they were exactly what we were hoping for. <b>Verdict: The floors were 100% worth the spend.</b></div>
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Floating shelves</h3>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vn3hyb4rX-Q/WYdgUaYcxCI/AAAAAAAANrY/t_Z6ygDL97sgMVYecA_yREVG5q_7QcvEACLcBGAs/s1600/bar%2Blighting%2Bclose%2Bup.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What we loved and didn't about our Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Remodel with product sources" border="0" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="612" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vn3hyb4rX-Q/WYdgUaYcxCI/AAAAAAAANrY/t_Z6ygDL97sgMVYecA_yREVG5q_7QcvEACLcBGAs/s1600/bar%2Blighting%2Bclose%2Bup.tiff" title="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2017/08/modern-farmhouse-kitchen-remodel" /></a></div>
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I didn't emphasize this in the reveal post and I think it's because I didn't yet know how much it would factor into our day to day, but the floating shelves we installed over the wet bar were outfitted with built in lighting. This was a manual build that I challenged our contractor with. One afternoon I came home with a <i>heavy as all hell</i> 2 x 12 x 8 solid white oak board and declared it our choice for shelving. Because of the board weight, I ended up having to order two <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MezaModernDesigns?ref=l2-shopheader-name">heavy duty floating shelf brackets</a> from a local seller on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MezaModernDesigns?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Etsy</a> (a new method for our contractor who had to figure out how to install these over our uneven wall tile). I think this may be one of the areas where method-wise, I would have chosen to install these first and then tile around them simply because of the headache that ensued. Learnings... but guys check it out - it's the routered in tape lighting that we use every single day to brighten up this space and illuminate the countertop grain and white tile backsplash. </div>
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<b>Verdict: <a href="http://www.trimwholesalelighting.com/" target="_blank">Lighting</a> solutions like this should not be an afterthought because they make all the difference in the day to day.</b></div>
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<h3>
Dining Area</h3>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-opF6w2cg-mI/WYdeBA7ZtrI/AAAAAAAANrQ/EL_iJgp2Uc83_9_810vOXVor5nXN7hj8gCLcBGAs/s1600/13%2BKitchen%2BReveal_Erin%2BNeally.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What we loved and didn't about our Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Remodel with product sources" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-opF6w2cg-mI/WYdeBA7ZtrI/AAAAAAAANrQ/EL_iJgp2Uc83_9_810vOXVor5nXN7hj8gCLcBGAs/s1600/13%2BKitchen%2BReveal_Erin%2BNeally.jpg" title="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2017/08/modern-farmhouse-kitchen-remodel" /></a></div>
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We absolutely went in the right direction with our mixed-materials dining area. We retained our host chairs, bench and dining table, opting to refinish the table and re-upholster the seating with durable, easy to clean materials. I really love the overall look our farmhouse style black wood dining chairs (purchased here) gave the space and they <i>are </i>comfortable btw. I think they don't <i>look </i>comfortable though to visiting guests so I may eventually sew up some leather pads to make them more inviting. <b>Verdict: We chose our mixed seating arrangement wisely and used this area to add additional comfort and texture to our kitchen.</b></div>
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Aside from those small tweaks, is there anything we'd reconsider in our design plan?</div>
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Happily, just two things. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BkoTUMWCKKw/WYdgd1zaoUI/AAAAAAAANrc/7U8Q3ad-C7cGvAQmDPTkx3aJSRBx-rFSACLcBGAs/s1600/sink%2Bclose%2Bup.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What we loved and didn't about our Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Remodel with product sources" border="0" data-original-height="869" data-original-width="609" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BkoTUMWCKKw/WYdgd1zaoUI/AAAAAAAANrc/7U8Q3ad-C7cGvAQmDPTkx3aJSRBx-rFSACLcBGAs/s1600/sink%2Bclose%2Bup.tiff" title="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2017/08/modern-farmhouse-kitchen-remodel" /></a></div>
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Our faucet fixture though very attractive, has failed twice now. We returned it once and the manufacturer was so great about taking it back (I mean, really great customer service). But the switch over to stream type has never worked properly and it is so powerful that it splashes water all over the place when in use. So, I'm on the hunt for a replacement- again.</div>
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We also manually installed glass paneling and metal grills right into our existing cabinets in one section of our kitchen. But because we had a limited door depth to work with, we could only install the one pane of glass at the front and skipped the pane of glass on the back that would have allowed for easy cleaning. Not a huge miss, but one I'd spend more time solving given a timeline beyond 6 weeks. This may get reworked in the future if I decide I can't deal with the smudging. For now, we're just enjoying the new look and the way it opens up that side of the kitchen.</div>
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The decisions we made around cabinetry really deserves its own post though, so look for that. I'll be sure to dig in a little more on our process for installing the metal grill mesh and also show you how we retained and refinished our original cabinets our remodel to help save cost. </div>
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So overall very, very happy - and I'm putting our kitchen through the paces and cooking up a storm. You can see the daily abuse (and love) with frequent posts over <a href="https://www.instagram.com/holtwoodhipster/">Instagram</a> (<i>follow along!</i>).</div>
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Working on your own modern farmhouse style kitchen and interested in some of the things we used here? Here's a partial list (<i>and sources!</i>) for products we used - click on the text below to be directed:</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0100A3H54/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oltwoodipster-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B0100A3H54&linkId=e928214a53112234b7e71dc4606fdc7f" target="_blank">Professional Cooktop Range</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E4O0OHM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oltwoodipster-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00E4O0OHM&linkId=d47cdafe9282cdad849eb86be107ff4a" target="_blank">Hood Insert</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Truman-Low-Back-Windsor-Classic-Dining-Chair-Set-of-2-iNSPIRE-Q-Modern/9620961/product.html?refccid=OAPKVCZZDNNJP5SCEPF7GOADWM&searchidx=1&keywords=truman%20dining%20chairs&refinement=">Modern Black Farmstyle Dining Chairs</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/birdbelleshop">Striped Vintage Pillows</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Moka-Solid-Wood-and-Metal-Counter-Stool-Set-of-2/16341602/product.html?recset=95a0f245-4412-4995-af32-0343503c285a&refccid=TD6L63WE5E3YL72IRJEVRN3QL4&recalg=872,873,839&recidx=0">Rustic Modern Counterstools</a> (Similar)</div>
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<a href="https://www.silestoneusa.com/color/calacatta-gold/">Silestone Counters</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00734PAHE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oltwoodipster-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00734PAHE&linkId=2213a45da5b545a6776316ad0f45af44" target="_blank">White Undermount Sink</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014KE5OY8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oltwoodipster-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B014KE5OY8&linkId=744a644657ff7f9bd3b383d0cf5f93bc" target="_blank">Modern Gooseneck Faucet</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/BEHR-Premium-Plus-Ultra-5-gal-N450-7-Astronomical-Eggshell-Enamel-Interior-Paint-275305/205265690">Dark Cabinet Paint</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/color-overview/find-your-color/color/oc-17/white-dove?color=OC-17">White Cabinet Paint</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00310XK4Y/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=oltwoodipster-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00310XK4Y&linkId=96655e3859f7349b81e3ae36c186f4d9">Round Cabinet Knobs</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.westelm.com/products/jute-boucle-rug-iron-t275/?pkey=cnatural-rugs">Charcoal Jute Rug</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.trimwholesalelighting.com/">Built in tape lighting</a> (shelves)</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5766304414102037951.post-70479552858223224762017-05-10T20:34:00.000-07:002017-08-16T13:50:42.695-07:00ONE ROOM CHALLENGE // WEEK 6 - THE REVEAL // MODERN RANCH-STYLE KITCHEN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8F7oON-Zc3c/WRDi43RTegI/AAAAAAAANkc/BglQdYgiELEQAMBJZc7Z_watL6jRivbggCLcB/s1600/1%2BKitchen%2BReveal_%2BErin%2BNeally.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Farm-house Kitchen; One Room Challenge" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8F7oON-Zc3c/WRDi43RTegI/AAAAAAAANkc/BglQdYgiELEQAMBJZc7Z_watL6jRivbggCLcB/s1600/1%2BKitchen%2BReveal_%2BErin%2BNeally.jpg" title="Erin Neally_Holtwood Hipster_ Modern Ranch Style Kitchen" /></a></div>
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Just 6 weeks ago, we embarked on a long awaited kitchen remodel, complete with new countertops, tile and appliances for our 1960's era kitchen. Throughout this time, I blogged weekly about our progress and shared some of the triumphs and challenges encountered as a guest participant in the One Room Challenge along the way. For this redesign in such a crucial area of our home, we chose not to move walls or replace cabinetry, but instead transformed these well loved bones with a contrasting paint and materials scheme that also complemented new white oak flooring replaced at the same time throughout the entire house. </div>
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Wanna see a <i>really good before and after</i>? You can catch up and see where we started <a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2017-04-12T19:59:00-07:00&max-results=4">HERE</a>. </div>
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It was an ambitious and hair pulling undertaking to be sure. But I think the results I'm revealing today were well worth it.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bHmMEEomKvA/WRODV0hwX_I/AAAAAAAANm0/p7lY_nFggAwdQUWYthi1YdC4nZlFPC5PQCLcB/s1600/thumb_IMG_0787_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Erin Neally-Holtwood Hipster-One Room Challenge-modern farmhouse kitchen-ranch style kitchen" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bHmMEEomKvA/WRODV0hwX_I/AAAAAAAANm0/p7lY_nFggAwdQUWYthi1YdC4nZlFPC5PQCLcB/s1600/thumb_IMG_0787_1024.jpg" title="Erin Neally-Holtwood Hipster-One Room Challenge-modern farmhouse kitchen-ranch style kitchen" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">We upgraded and brightened up this high traffic area in the house, creating a functional workspace open to entertaining in the adjacent dining area, which was also fully remodeled. The existing farm-style table was sanded down and given a rustic finish, intended to contrast against some of the more modern fixtures and wallpaper. We ditched the maker grade, bonded leather benches and introduced a cozier, mixed seating arrangement - complete with slipcovered host chairs, a striped linen bench cushion, and black spindle chairs on the opposite side. Our glassware cabinet saw paint and hardware upgrades which worked to create a more eye-popping display for our barware collection and chrome, nautical pendant lights were swapped out for a simple, translucent option, creating an unhindered line of sight which worked to make the room seem bigger than it really is. </span></div>
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We put several lighting styles to work throughout the kitchen and dining area, all of which are now set on dimmers to suit function and mood in the immediate area. Bulky under-cab lighting in both the kitchen and dining bar areas were replaced with a cooler, more efficient LED option. We also added lighting to the glass-front dishware cabinet in the kitchen area, which brightened up the bank of charcoal cabinets on the left side of the kitchen. Functional improvements went beyond lighting as well. We better utilized hidden cabinet space at the front of the peninsula, which now houses both a compact microwave and an assortment of cookbooks.</div>
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Along with our charcoal and white color scheme carried through paint, tile and veiny Silestone counters, we also incorporated various woods into the design plan. The bar shelves and flooring were built from white oak, while the countertops were custom cut from wide planked acacia. You'll also see olive wood and maple board accents weaved in throughout. Also on the lumber front, clear pine shiplap was also used to frame out both the newly added range hood and peninsula facing.<br />
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Glass was also a consistent materials theme - seen in the dining pendants, barware display and then brought full circle into the kitchen by the use of glass-front mesh overhead cabinets now showcasing our collection of white dinnerware.<br />
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What you don't see here - but what I am most excited by - is the functional impact afforded through the redesign. This One Room Challenge remodel - like the others before it (<a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2014/05/one-room-challenge-project-reveal-guest.html">Guest Bath</a>, <a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2014/11/one-room-challenge-reveal.html">Master Bedroom</a>, <a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2015/05/the-one-room-challenge-week-6-reveal.html">Masculine Workspace</a> , <a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2015/11/one-room-challenge-reveal_12.html">My Studio</a>) - forced us to rethink how we wanted to better use this room within our home. We cleaned out and cleared out, donating and repurposing what we could. Our pantry has new slide out shelving (that we built ourselves!), pots and pans are not jammed behind cupboard doors and bowls are no longer cohabiting with pantry items. It's been a real game changer for us - and I can not wait to use that new all gas range.<br />
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A big thank you to Linda at <i><a href="http://www.callingithome.com/">Calling it Home</a></i> for creating the One Room Challenge and for being such a great host to <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/blog/2017/5/spring-2017-one-room-challenge-guest-participants-week-6">all of us</a> who participated in the <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/blog/2017/5/spring-2017-one-room-challenge-guest-participants-week-6">Thursday round up</a>. As a guest participant, I always look forward to joining this event for the learning experience it provides and the design camaraderie. To that end, I also want to thank the many people who took time out of their day to encourage and motivate me during those long 6 weeks without a functional kitchen. I have to say, there were some tough, chaotic days mixed in there (and yes, lots of fast food). The kind, encouraging words offered on my social media posts helped make it all a bit more bearable.</div>
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I also want to thank my Dad, who again jumped in to save us with his painting and carpentry skills. I estimated he put in roughly 354 miles round trip on his commute over the last 6 weeks to help push us over the edge after our awesome contractor and electricians had done their thing and we are eternally grateful. </div>
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I'll be posting sort of an <i>after-the-reveal </i>in the coming week to detail some of my favorite aspects of this redesign and will be sharing a list of sources as well. So more to come... </div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">// Design: Erin Neally</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">// Construction: South Coast Pro Services</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">// Flooring: Diversified Flooring</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">// Lighting by: Trim Wholesale Lighting</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">// Styling and Photography: Erin Neally</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5766304414102037951.post-13010615822096768272017-05-04T08:30:00.000-07:002017-08-16T13:51:17.562-07:00ONE ROOM CHALLENGE // WEEK 5 // MODERN RANCH-STYLE KITCHEN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's Week 5 of the <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/blog/2017/5/one-room-challenge-guest-participants-week-5">One Room Challenge</a> and I have a brief progress update for you on my ranch-style kitchen makeover. It's busy times over here! Afterall, I have just one week to go to make sure all the puzzle pieces come together for my design before revealing the final look to you all next Thursday! I actually plan on shooting the room over the weekend, so that means I'll be burning the midnight oil at the end of my real work day for the next couple of nights. </div>
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Here's what's happened since we last checked in:</div>
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If you're following along on Instagram, you might have seen a sneak peek at the glassware cabinet display I was building out last Sunday. I'm pretty pleased with how the glassware contrasts against the new black background. Clearly, I'm approaching hoarder status with my glassware collection. But I can assure you that it gets used by many and often during get togethers and dinner parties. </div>
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There are many aspects of this room I'm already proud of. But the wood counters I sanded down and finished myself are near the top of the list. I researched endlessly to make sure I'd use the right product to protect them from wear and tear and landed on Waterlox. We're in CA so the only formula we can get our hands on is a Low VOC formula. I was nervous considering every reviewer I found online had used the regular formula. But man, this stuff went on easy and with a little elbow grease, buffed out to perfection. Its smooth as butter you guys and the beading I saw when water tested it gives me confidence that this will hold up to our daily use.</div>
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Also at the top of that list - the striped bench cushion I completed last Saturday. I'd stared at our dining bench purchased in a bonded leather for years, imaging it in bathed in stripes and now - it is. Contrast piping and everything guys... </div>
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Our pantry makeover also came together last weekend and I've spent the last several nights organizing and restocking. My husband and I built out the Oak sliding shelves ourselves. The stain actually ties it in with the adjacent wood countertop just to the left of this cabinet. I can't wait to show you next week in the full room reveal!</div>
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I realized over the course of this week that I did not give you much of a glimpse into our purchases for the room. We worked a lot with what we had, but this remodel was also a step up from the interim makeover we had completed when we bought the house 6 years ago, so it was time for some upgrades.</div>
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So that's where we are in Week 5. Next Thursday, I'll be sharing the final reveal with you all and I'm very excited to show you what has been accomplished in a short 6 weeks.</div>
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Be sure to check out all the other <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/blog/2017/5/one-room-challenge-guest-participants-week-5">guest participants</a> over at Calling It Home. The last week is always rough and they can use some moral support as they work to cross the finish line.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5766304414102037951.post-20575993634473666452017-04-26T21:50:00.000-07:002017-04-26T22:22:20.026-07:00ONE ROOM CHALLENGE // WEEK 4 // MODERN RANCH STYLE KITCHEN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Week 4 of the One Room Challenge always seems to sneak up on me. This is my fifth round as a Guest Participant in this bi-annual makeover event and just when I think I've figured out some sort of formula for balancing the work and progress reports efficiently, Week 4 sneaks in to remind me that I'm past the half-way point now and it's time to stop <i>concepting and buying </i>and just kick it into high gear and finish this room up. </div>
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But I do have progress to report and actually when I look at it here, it's not a half-bad place to be. </div>
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The biggest win - the counters are in and we have a sink. Guys, a kitchen renovation is no joke. We had set up a makeshift kitchen in our living room just to feel as if we had a home base of sorts, but for the most part we've been eating out for nearly every meal. The temporary loss of the sink was the biggest inconvenience though. We underestimated just how often we use the kitchen sink for hand-washing, rinsing out of cups, wiping down surfaces and so forth. So you can imagine how glad we were then when the sink finally arrived and we were able to install it along with these beautiful Silestone countertops. </div>
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Early on, I mentioned a farm-style table re-do and today, I'm happy to finally share more details on this makeover with you. If you are following me on Instagram, you may have already seen some of the transformation. But you need to see what the original table looked like to truly appreciate the impact of the before and after. Our table was quite dark and thickly layered in a brown town stain and lacquer finish. I was so worried that underneath all of that there would be some awful veneer that I could not do much sanding with. But to my happy surprise, this table was solid wood and stripped down to a very light natural wood - much lighter than what these pictures could capture.</div>
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I refinished the top in a weathered oak look, putting my own spin on a tried and true stain mix created by <a href="http://www.prettyhandygirl.com/gray-restoration-hardware-stain-recipe/">prettyhandygirl</a> (see below for more details). I've actually used this same custom mixed stain previously on a couple of other projects and I knew it would get me close to what I was hoping for with this one.<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jeHBI0Mb9lQ/WP_Sp4syJNI/AAAAAAAANgk/IVUsl-muJ-gaFwhlgC5YV1MVrSnnyu5UwCLcB/s1600/Slide4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jeHBI0Mb9lQ/WP_Sp4syJNI/AAAAAAAANgk/IVUsl-muJ-gaFwhlgC5YV1MVrSnnyu5UwCLcB/s640/Slide4.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">The legs and accompanying bench were painted out in Valspar's "Tomcat" in Satin - a true, but just slightly softer black. I love the contrast and how the lighter table top brings both warmth and airiness to the dining space within the kitchen now.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">As you can see at the top of my post, we also removed the over-range microwave and cabinet and started to build out a range hood with insert. This will open up the space above the range like we were hoping for and let a little more of that tile backsplash show through. The peninsula also got a wrapped lumber treatment to create a more solid and streamlined look for that part of the kitchen. </span></div>
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As I mentioned in the last post - we decided to refinish our existing cabinetry in lieu of buying new. So one day, all the doors finally came off and my Pops took them home to sand them down and pretty them all up. We're so lucky to have him step in and help us (again) on this project! </div>
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In demoing and prepping, we had to confront some bad drawer liner decisions (and I'm not referring to the 1970's daisy print you see going on there above). Guys - the sticky rubber shelf liners - don't do it. It's such a mess to get off and completely ineffective in areas like a pantry where liquids can seep through.</div>
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Because of built in niches within the cabinet fronts, we had to keep our existing copper hinges. So we sprayed them black for the lowers and white for the uppers so they would better blend into the face of the cabinet. </div>
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One of the happiest moments of Week 4 for me came with the installation of white oak pantry shelves made by my husband and I. These are solid, pretty and super functional. I can't wait to show you how these turned out. Game-changer for us when we finally move back into the kitchen and hunt for that box of pasta or can of soup.</div>
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I'll have just one more week to show you my progress before the nail-bitting final reveal in two weeks. Until then, please check out all the amazing transformations taking place by other One Room Challenge <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/blog/2017/4/one-room-challenge-guest-participants-week-4">Guest Participants</a> over at <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/blog/2017/4/one-room-challenge-guest-participants-week-4">Calling it Home</a>.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5766304414102037951.post-13376060703605091992017-04-19T21:44:00.002-07:002017-04-20T09:07:17.669-07:00ONE ROOM CHALLENGE // WEEK 3 // MODERN RANCH STYLE KITCHEN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's Week 3 of the One Room Challenge and I am finally sharing a look at my design plan with you all for our soon to be modern ranch-style kitchen. </div>
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You guys, this one has been a long time in the making. I've been dreaming up this kitchen for many years, collecting inspiration from far away places we've visited, restaurants we've enjoyed meals in and designer kitchens I've admired. My mainstay neutrals of black, white and woodsy accents will come into play for the foundation, but I think my design will really take shape in the composition of lines, textures and mixed materials that will be put to use in the room.</div>
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For visual inspiration here, I am sharing four designer kitchen concepts above - a modern-rustic amalgamation of dark and light, each - a cook's kitchen to be sure. That vibe is ultimately what I want to achieve with my final reveal in 3 weeks.</div>
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I should stop and mention that I sort of dislike pigeonholing anything with labels. In the end, I'm hoping my design will stand on it's own and be a collective mix of several styles I admire and ultimately something appropriate to our home. </div>
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But I'm hoping that by calling my design scheme "Modern Ranch Kitchen", that the moniker will resonate with someone out there searching through the 200+ guest participants in the One Room Challenge and pinpoint something they are looking to achieve in their own home - and that there is an aspect or two here that might work as inspiration for them too. I feel like that's how it's done best - we all get a little something from each other creatively to turn around and make it our own.</div>
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So with that out of the way - let's talk paint.</div>
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Budget always comes into play when renovating a room - or as we are doing at the moment - several in our home. So it was no surprise that we resisted temptation to move walls and install brand new cabinets and instead, opted to doll up the ones we already have. I don't look at this as a compromise though. I know the power of paint and I have one of the best painters in my back pocket. Yes, my Pops has returned for another round of the One Room Challenge and will be painting our cabinetry out in a two-toned scheme - light uppers, dark lowers.</div>
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I've tested paint samples for months by the way - knowing our kitchen looks different in the Spring than it does in the Fall. The five that got slapped on our pantry cabinet a couple of weeks ago made the final cut and ultimately - we had a winner and I have to say, it was completely unexpected.</div>
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They call it "Astronomical" and it really is to me. This dark grey cures with some khaki green and I've even seen some blue in there at the right time of day. It will play nicely with our "house white"- White Dove featured just above.</div>
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We went with a slab of Silestone to withstand the wine and coffee beatings our peninsula will surely take on a daily basis. But you'll also find some beautiful wide plank Acacia wood countertops pulled in on the other side of the kitchen. These wood slabs are truly <i><u>butter </u></i>you guys and defy any of my old reservations about wood countertops. </div>
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I'm also really excited by the irregular shape of our backsplash tile, though I'm sure it will present a couple of headaches in the installation process.</div>
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Things will warm up in the adjacent dining area, where a textural mix of striped textiles, mixed metallics and woods will collide. There will be acacia and white oak, stripes on stripes and dark, matte hardware on detached cabinetry - much different from the chrome baubles on the kitchen doors.</div>
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I'm making over many of the pieces that already exist in this space to save on budget and well, honestly I couldn't find alternatives I really wanted to invest additional budget in. New paint and fabric finishes will make old new again.</div>
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Next week's post will be jam packed with progress pics. While I've been dilly dallying with "concept" posts here, we've actually been hard at work with tear down and the great "build back up" on this space. We hired a contractor to help us out this time and we've had a steady crew of construction guys and electricians to schedule around each other. I thought well ahead on this one and ordered up materials and yes, appliances (!) so we're tracking right on schedule for this 6 week project. </div>
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Did I mention we also decided to tear out and replace the floors throughout the whole house as well?</div>
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It just happened, it really, really did.</div>
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See you back here next Thursday! In the meantime, please be sure to check out (and lend some support to) the other participants in the One Room Challenge over at <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/">Calling it Home</a>.</div>
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Inspo image sources: [1] <a href="http://www.devolkitchens.co.uk/kitchens/shaker-kitchens/bath-kitchen/">Devol Kitchens </a>[2] <a href="http://amberinteriordesign.com/">Amber Interiors</a> [3] <a href="http://www.bhg.com/kitchen/styles/country/country-kitchen-ideas/#page=14/">BHG </a> [4] <a href="http://www.blairharris.com/">Blair Harris</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5766304414102037951.post-62661971085642034972017-04-12T19:59:00.000-07:002017-04-13T06:58:39.896-07:00ONE ROOM CHALLENGE // WEEK 2 // MODERN RANCH-STYLE KITCHEN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's Week 2 of the bi-annual One Room Challenge, a 6-week room makeover event created by Linda of <b>Calling it Home</b>. For those of you visiting my blog for the first time - a quick introduction! My name is Erin and I've been moonlighting as a sometimes design blogger here Holtwood Hipster for the last 6 years. I've posted my design perspective (clean lines, black and whites as neutrals, California at the heart of it all) and largely focused on the seemingly never ending renovation of our 1967 So Cal rancher - complete with plenty of landscape projects, paint jobs, tile work and redecorating. This is my fifth One Room Challenge as a Guest Participant. You can link to see the other rooms I've completed below.</div>
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For this round, I'm wearing my contractors hat again and remodeling our kitchen - taking it from a Phase 1 makeover (which tied us over for the last 6 years while we focused on updating other areas) - to a more polished place to cook, dine and entertain. </div>
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Last week, I shared a look at what we walked into when we bought the place and the updates we made that modernized it for the short term. Today, I'm pulling you in closer to see some of the challenges we are facing with the redesign and the areas we plan to focus on.</div>
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The kitchen peninsula is one of the first areas you see when you enter our home and becomes a multi-utilitarian player when we cook and entertain. This is a focal point we use a lot and the already well worn tile and grout has become a highly visible eyesore that no amount of scrubbing and cleaning can seem to improve. We had carried the floor paneling up to make it a little more durable to bar stools bumping up against it. But we are hoping to walk away with a cleaner, more streamlined look in this area at the end of the 6-week project.</div>
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This second area is where the bulk of our cabinets are currently installed. There is also a 42" countertop here that we will need to figure into our square footage when selecting a material upgrade. These are the original cabinets, sanded down and painted 6 years ago when we moved in. They've held up pretty well, but are in need of some repairs and a new paint job if we plan to keep them instead of changing them out. It's been a controversial topic. Modern cabinets provide functionality that these unfortunately in their current state and lay out do not. But new cabinetry would certainly stretch our budget and derail other plans. </div>
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A wider view here spotlights a couple of areas that will need to be addressed in the remodel. As a whole - certainly not a bad place to start from with a makeover. The appliances were updated within the last 6 years, as were the hardware and fixtures. Living in the space has shown us we would like to see this area opened up and the microwave relocated to allow for more height on the cooktop- you know, for that spaghetti pot we are always taking out. Open shelving was also discussed, but having once lived with open shelves near the stove in our former home, we know that the dust and stickiness that just naturally comes with that is not something we want to deal with anymore. So the redesign will have to be creative on how we afford additional breathing room in this well used corner.</div>
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The kitchen opens up onto the main dining area, formerly used as a home office/TV area by the previous owners (see last post). We chose to outfit this area with a large farm-style table with benches and use this space as overflow for the kitchen when entertaining. It is is a critical area for us and the plan is to unify the two spaces with a more cohesive design so that in effect, the two rooms become one. </div>
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To that effect, I've done you wrong guys and neglected to take a proper "before" shot of the whole area. Suffice it to say that beyond the wallpaper installation, what we have going on there now is all going to be changed out in some fashion anyway. You can see a glimpse of changes already in progress down below (#4).</div>
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So as we wrap up Week 2, we are already underway with our project work - deep into demo mode and already headed toward transformation. </div>
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<u><b>1.</b></u> </div>
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The built in bar cabinetry in the dining room has been taken out completely, exposing some electrical areas in need of safety upgrades. Scary what you can find behind the walls of an older home.</div>
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<u><b>2. </b></u></div>
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Those counters and tile backsplash are history! The bulky under-cabs also came out and will eventually be replaced with a modernized, cooler running LED option.</div>
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<u><b>3. </b></u></div>
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Remember that fire on the peninsula I mentioned earlier in this post? With the sink removed, we got a better look at the culprit. A lot of the damage had already been cleaned up, but that hanging wire with plug on the end of it actually powered the outlet on the side of the peninsula. Yes, the outlet was plugged into an outlet (it was actually plugged into an adapter plugged into an outlet). Who knew? Imagine my surprise when I plugged in the vacuum and saw the electricity surge followed by the smell of an electrical fire. All of this old plumbing- and electrical is on the list for an update.</div>
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<u><b>4.</b> </u></div>
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So now a better shot of the dining area. I jumped the gun one rainy week here a couple of months back and started a re-do on our farm-style dining table. The original finish was a dark, manufacturer grade stain top to bottom. I sanded this sucker down to bare wood (which was surprisingly very pretty!) and took it a bit more rustic with a two-toned finish - weathered oak up top, black legs below. We will likely keep one of the two benches that flanked the table, but ditch another in favor of some mixed look seating. </div>
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More to come next week with my vision for the re-design. I'll also give you the scoop on that table makeover - and of course, more progress shots as we build out a prettier, more functional kitchen and dining area.<br />
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In the meantime, please be sure to check out <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/blog/2017/4/one-room-challenge-guest-participants-week-2">all of the other designs</a> in the works by 200+ talented design enthusiasts and bloggers over at <b>Calling It Home</b>.<br />
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>>>> Check out previous designs completed for our <a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2014/05/one-room-challenge-project-reveal-guest.html">guest bath</a>, <a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2014/11/one-room-challenge-reveal.html">master bedroom</a>, my <a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2015/05/the-one-room-challenge-week-6-reveal.html">husband's home office</a> and <a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2015/11/one-room-challenge-reveal_12.html">my own home-based workspace</a>.<<<<<</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5766304414102037951.post-43296337187511469692017-04-06T06:47:00.000-07:002017-04-12T21:52:27.082-07:00ONE ROOM CHALLENGE // WEEK 1 // MODERN RANCH-STYLE KITCHEN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Good news. <i>This before also has an after - before the after. </i></div>
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Welcome to Week 1 of The One Room Challenge, the bi-annual, room makeover bonanza created by Linda of <b style="font-style: italic;">Calling it Home.</b> This virtual event takes the design community by storm - and unites bloggers and design enthusiasts alike - inspiring, motivating and creating virtual friendships all around. All eyes will be on the twenty design bloggers hand-picked to lead the charge in making over a room of their choice over the course of 6 weeks, all the whilst blogging and photographing their progress on Wednesday of each week. </div>
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<i>How do I fit in? </i>I'm throwing my hat into the ring each Thursday as a guest participant after a two-season hiatus from the event- and frankly, a much, much too long break away from the ol' blog. </div>
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I've really missed it. </div>
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I've really missed you- and my hope is that this event will bring me back around to doing something I truly love - connecting with you all about our homes and the big (and even not so big) things we do around them to make life more comfortable, efficient and most certainly pretty. </div>
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This round - I'm completing the long-awaited remodel on our kitchen.</div>
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This will be the fifth space in our home I've tackled thanks in part to all the moral support I've received from so many of you throughout previous ORC seasons. Check out previous designs completed for our <a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2014/05/one-room-challenge-project-reveal-guest.html">guest bath</a>, <a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2014/11/one-room-challenge-reveal.html">master bedroom</a>, my <a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2015/05/the-one-room-challenge-week-6-reveal.html">husband's home office</a> and <a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2015/11/one-room-challenge-reveal_12.html">my own home-based workspace</a>.</div>
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So let's get to it.</div>
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These are the current bones I'm working with:</div>
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But it hasn't always looked like this. This is actually the transitional "after" that has served us well for the last six years while we planned and plotted for the eventual overhaul of this space. When we moved in, we assumed a clean, but dated kitchen area from the original homeowners - complete with tile counters, cabinetry and layout circa 1967. We gussied it up and made it work for us for the short term with some paint, shiny new appliances, hardware and fixtures. But functionally speaking, it has had some modern day challenges for us that I hope will be solved for under the redesign.</div>
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Wanna see what it looked like when we moved in? <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L_tbGD5vDvY/WOW3kzx97kI/AAAAAAAANcM/V9__ZhvwCrMGYfWG9U5u2ZrbfTJCfaLgACLcB/s1600/Slide3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L_tbGD5vDvY/WOW3kzx97kI/AAAAAAAANcM/V9__ZhvwCrMGYfWG9U5u2ZrbfTJCfaLgACLcB/s640/Slide3.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pmTmpIcBRW8/WOW4Y9cLZrI/AAAAAAAANcU/ZWUyGaWnnPkBEtHmGEiYGuzgFKKZ89iaACLcB/s1600/Slide4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pmTmpIcBRW8/WOW4Y9cLZrI/AAAAAAAANcU/ZWUyGaWnnPkBEtHmGEiYGuzgFKKZ89iaACLcB/s640/Slide4.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Fast forward to today's landscape. We actually have utilized the room off the kitchen as sort of the eat-in area, complete with built in-bar. So this makeover will include both the immediate cooking and dining areas.</div>
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This is the most lived in and traveled room in our house. We cook big family meals here, entertain around our bar and open the slider to wet pool guests running in to use the bathroom. It's a critical space for us and one we want to make work more efficiently. </div>
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Next week - more about our current state, the things we hope to change over the next six weeks and the plan to get us there.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgmMxjCnhLg/WO8BxBtQGJI/AAAAAAAANek/2FbpUPEqo9E7or28-R6cKm7Ppr2yrZl3wCLcB/s1600/Slide7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgmMxjCnhLg/WO8BxBtQGJI/AAAAAAAANek/2FbpUPEqo9E7or28-R6cKm7Ppr2yrZl3wCLcB/s640/Slide7.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the meantime, please be sure to check out <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/blog/2017/4/one-room-challenge-guest-participants-week-1%20Show%20history">all of the other designs</a> in the works by 200+ talented design enthusiasts and bloggers over at <b>Calling It Home</b>.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mq8wa7mfFc8/WOW_TKTKAbI/AAAAAAAANcw/kuOfzqsl--YJIjyGh-KfeDrskG_I9RaGACLcB/s1600/instagram%2Bat%2Bholtwood%2Bhipster.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="38" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mq8wa7mfFc8/WOW_TKTKAbI/AAAAAAAANcw/kuOfzqsl--YJIjyGh-KfeDrskG_I9RaGACLcB/s640/instagram%2Bat%2Bholtwood%2Bhipster.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5766304414102037951.post-20921873481699342352015-11-12T05:00:00.000-08:002015-11-12T07:12:06.115-08:00ONE ROOM CHALLENGE // THE REVEAL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qy5E5DCY19U/VkP9BpAY18I/AAAAAAAANKE/wJ7P_W1XHic/s1600/Slide01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="One Room Challenge Black and White Gallery Wall" border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qy5E5DCY19U/VkP9BpAY18I/AAAAAAAANKE/wJ7P_W1XHic/s640/Slide01.png" title="Holtwood Hipster Home Office" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">It's the end of the Fall 2015 edition of the <i><b><a href="http://www.callingithome.com/2015/11/one-room-challenge-guest-participants.html">One Room Challenge</a></b></i>, created and hosted by Linda of <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/">Calling it Home </a>(I made it all the way through- whew!). Over these last 6-weeks, I've shared plans, progress and lots of sneak peeks for my guest room turned in-home office space. Today, I'm happy to finally reveal the finished design in its entirety. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OwgKMG8jB6c/VkP8UZHUTyI/AAAAAAAANJ8/u-nJAyvx9D4/s1600/Slide02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="One Room Challenge Black and White Interiors Gallery Wall" border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OwgKMG8jB6c/VkP8UZHUTyI/AAAAAAAANJ8/u-nJAyvx9D4/s640/Slide02.png" title="Holtwood Hipster Home Office" width="640" /></a></div>
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What a whirlwind the past few weeks have been. After starting with a relatively <a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2015/10/one-room-challenge-week-1.html">blank slate</a>, I got off to a quick start and made lots of progress between Weeks 1 and 2. I painted, Dad came by to help me hang the picture ledges and build out the shelves and I finished the light fixture revamp. I also got through some of the more hands on projects like the lined 'Pyne Hollyhock' drapery panels and buffalo check upholstery on my curbside find in Weeks 3 and 4. But somewhere between Weeks 4 and 6, the project caught up with me and I found myself hung up on the final accessories and styling. As it always does, it all came together over the past weekend - just hours before I was able to get the room photographed for the reveal. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PiWldcpMk-M/VkP9nE7UyaI/AAAAAAAANKM/gibJjVFaGA0/s1600/Slide03.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="One Room Challenge Black and White Gallery Wall" border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PiWldcpMk-M/VkP9nE7UyaI/AAAAAAAANKM/gibJjVFaGA0/s640/Slide03.png" title="Holtwood Hipster Home Office" width="640" /></a></div>
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In all honesty, I started working in the space before it was finished and I think that helped me make some of those final decisions I had been agonizing over. It was important to me to make sure that the space was functional as well as pretty. I also wanted to make it a true reflection of my personal style and a place that would make me feel motivated and productive each day while I worked in front of my computer. By moving in early, I was able to make sure I had lighting and a desk set up that was appropriate for the day to day grind - not just a pretty picture.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HNBxiG-a008/VkP-YQJCEEI/AAAAAAAANKg/0qeJBKF2EZ8/s1600/Slide04.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="One Room Challenge Black and White Gallery Wall" border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HNBxiG-a008/VkP-YQJCEEI/AAAAAAAANKg/0qeJBKF2EZ8/s640/Slide04.png" title="Holtwood Hipster Home Office" width="640" /></a></div>
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I utilized a series of bins and files to organize my papers, magazine collection, fabric and project supplies. In styling the room, I also looked to some of my former display pieces like the mini tagines - which I now use (and display) desk side on the back console for paper clips and pins. I also incorporated an up-cycled filing cabinet (found at a local garage sale) to help keep important documents close at hand. I painted out the once dingy cream colored cabinet in white and the sprayed the hardware in a matte black, a scheme that now blends nicely into the other furniture in the room.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-JxeTGdgTk/VkP-NfcSIpI/AAAAAAAANKY/FguV4P84aig/s1600/Slide05.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="One Room Challenge Black and White Home Office" border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-JxeTGdgTk/VkP-NfcSIpI/AAAAAAAANKY/FguV4P84aig/s640/Slide05.png" title="Holtwood Hipster Home Office" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DcA0npnXqkM/VkP-fKaoz2I/AAAAAAAANKo/w-zfZl7iU5A/s1600/Slide06.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="One Room Challenge Black and White Gallery Wall" border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DcA0npnXqkM/VkP-fKaoz2I/AAAAAAAANKo/w-zfZl7iU5A/s640/Slide06.png" title="Holtwood Hipster Home Office" width="640" /></a></div>
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My art collection came together pretty fluidly, from both flea market finds - like the mid-century gold horse plaque that was purchased long ago - and newly found treasures courtesy of Etsy. Some of these were even "print your own" images, purchased and downloaded for mere dollars. I used a selection of inexpensive, but well designed frames to showcase my finds and I'm really pleased with the result. To me, the gallery wall in particular and the room in general, was an exercise in designing with my heart and incorporating things that really spoke to me personally. Somehow, all of those individual elements came together into a cohesive design that was representative of my personal style. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hqDG_LXYyVk/VkP_IQWLLLI/AAAAAAAANKw/zM5AiMCP4mw/s1600/Slide07.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="One Room Challenge Black and White Gallery Wall" border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hqDG_LXYyVk/VkP_IQWLLLI/AAAAAAAANKw/zM5AiMCP4mw/s640/Slide07.png" title="Holtwood Hipster Home Office" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Txikq0JmoIo/VkP_Q5Uvq3I/AAAAAAAANK4/_9IFMXV9OYo/s1600/Slide08.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="One Room Challenge Black and White Gallery Wall" border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Txikq0JmoIo/VkP_Q5Uvq3I/AAAAAAAANK4/_9IFMXV9OYo/s640/Slide08.png" title="Holtwood Hipster Home Office" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PYSY-Wfl_fk/VkP_wyJmVfI/AAAAAAAANLA/2fuOaD1p2sI/s1600/Slide09.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="One Room Challenge Black and White Interiors Buffalo Check Chintz" border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PYSY-Wfl_fk/VkP_wyJmVfI/AAAAAAAANLA/2fuOaD1p2sI/s640/Slide09.png" title="Holtwood Hipster Home Office" width="640" /></a></div>
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As it always does, the One Room Challenge tested my DIY skills in new ways. I tackled the lined drapery panels in perhaps my favorite pattern ever - Schumacher's 'Pyne Hollyhock' - which frankly was a pretty smooth project thanks to an easy to follow blog tutorial. I also reupholstered my first chair, the most difficult part of which was breaking down the old upholstery - a testament to the quality of this old piece.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y-osOZ6R0YU/VkQANtWG_ZI/AAAAAAAANLI/tAgeauCgAC8/s1600/Slide10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="One Room Challenge" border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y-osOZ6R0YU/VkQANtWG_ZI/AAAAAAAANLI/tAgeauCgAC8/s640/Slide10.png" title="Holtwood Hipster Home Office" width="640" /></a></div>
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The closet demo gave way to a better utilized space, now organized to display more of my flea market finds and organize project materials. Truth be told, this area will likely evolve a bit as I fold in more supplies still hanging out in my old office space. But I've left plenty of room to organize and fill with more pretty woven bins to help conceal the chaos.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3-iUF-b7KGI/VkQAm-TMIsI/AAAAAAAANLU/TDTclO70V00/s1600/Slide11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="One Room Challenge Black and White Interiors Office Organization" border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3-iUF-b7KGI/VkQAm-TMIsI/AAAAAAAANLU/TDTclO70V00/s640/Slide11.png" title="Holtwood Hipster Home Office" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BEtVGBaqSec/VkQBSFJf7EI/AAAAAAAANLc/_yJrG5wGZf0/s1600/Slide12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="One Room Challenge Black and White Buffalo Check Chintz" border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BEtVGBaqSec/VkQBSFJf7EI/AAAAAAAANLc/_yJrG5wGZf0/s640/Slide12.png" title="Holtwood Hipster Home Office" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqwDCqiOibY/VkQCBFdLC_I/AAAAAAAANL4/QGb2_Z7Yad4/s1600/Slide15.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Black and White Home Office One Room Challenge" border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqwDCqiOibY/VkQCBFdLC_I/AAAAAAAANL4/QGb2_Z7Yad4/s640/Slide15.png" title="Holtwood Hipster Home Office" width="640" /></a></div>
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I kept my now spacious desktop simple and free of clutter. To give you a better idea of scale - that painting is a massive 40 x 40" and at least in photographs, it seems dwarfed on the wall above. Simple IKEA table tops paired with metal trestle style legs gave me more space to spread out my ongoing lists and daily planner each morning and keeps my workspace from feeling too confined.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uThC6-5SC7c/VkQCINvjQEI/AAAAAAAANMA/MG6rYmwQ_iE/s1600/Slide13.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="One Room Challenge Black and White Gallery Wall Sputnik" border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uThC6-5SC7c/VkQCINvjQEI/AAAAAAAANMA/MG6rYmwQ_iE/s640/Slide13.png" title="Holttwood Hipster Home Office" width="640" /></a></div>
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This room gets the most glorious light throughout the day and has already been a big mood-lifter throughout my workday. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ndp-sGUxZ5o/VkQBwdrxR2I/AAAAAAAANLo/OTMwOGNsupc/s1600/Slide14.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="One Room Challenge Black and White Gallery Wall" border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ndp-sGUxZ5o/VkQBwdrxR2I/AAAAAAAANLo/OTMwOGNsupc/s640/Slide14.png" title="Holtwood Hipster Home Office" width="640" /></a></div>
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I like to think my home will slowly be completed - one room at a time, every six months through the <b><i><a href="http://www.callingithome.com/2015/11/one-room-challenge-guest-participants.html">One Room Challenge</a></i></b>. Setting a deadline on the internet is a big motivator to finally tackle a room like this that you know, just seemed to never really come together. It always feels good going into another season with a newly finished room - particularly one like the holiday season when the list of to-dos seems infinite. I can already feel a bit accomplished (and thankful!) walking into my new organized office space.<br />
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A big thank you to Linda for hosting and for expanding the challenge to design enthusiasts like myself so that we might take part in all the fun. Be sure to check out reveals by <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/2015/11/one-room-challenge-guest-participants.html">all the bloggers</a> who threw their hat in the ring this round. A big thank you to all who have supported with sweet comments here on the blog and on Instagram. I hope you will continue to follow along. Now that the challenge is over, I have a long list of design adventures still to share - floral projects and events as well as some still unrevealed renovations that have taken place here at the house. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NW9ulf1SHCA/VkDAgVyovQI/AAAAAAAANIY/VPszaPwAJtw/s1600/Slide13.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="38" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NW9ulf1SHCA/VkDAgVyovQI/AAAAAAAANIY/VPszaPwAJtw/s640/Slide13.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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The '<a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2015/10/one-room-challenge-week-1.html">before</a>' and weekly progress on this room can be seen here:</div>
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<a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2015/10/one-room-challenge-week-1.html">Week 1</a> | <a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2015/10/one-room-challenge-week-2.html">Week 2</a> | <a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2015/10/one-week-challenge-week-3.html">Week 3</a> | <a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2015/10/one-room-challenge-week-4.html">Week 4</a> | <a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2015/11/one-room-challenge-week-5.html">Week 5</a></div>
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<u>Previous ORC reveals:</u></div>
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<a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2014/05/one-room-challenge-project-reveal-guest.html">Guest Bath </a>| <a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2014/11/one-room-challenge-reveal.html">Master Bedroom</a> | <a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2015/05/the-one-room-challenge-week-6-reveal.html">Masculine Study </a><br />
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<span style="color: #7f6000;"><i>A fresh, new look for Holtwood Hipster is currently in the works! Things may look a little sparse and formatting/fonts might seem a bit jumbled at the moment. But I'm excited to soon share a cleaner, easier to read layout that will help me better connect with all of you! Stay tuned...</i></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5766304414102037951.post-23848864025612053782015-11-05T05:00:00.000-08:002015-11-05T05:00:05.659-08:00ONE ROOM CHALLENGE // WEEK 5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8E4OHqdil6Y/VjjYxu7fpyI/AAAAAAAANF8/fN0ET0ciNjw/s1600/Slide1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8E4OHqdil6Y/VjjYxu7fpyI/AAAAAAAANF8/fN0ET0ciNjw/s640/Slide1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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We are just a week away from next Thursday's reveal of the new in-home workspace that I've been designing for the Fall 2015 edition of the One Room Challenge. For today's update, I wanted to focus on some of the resources I've been leaning on throughout the last 5 weeks. I'm a big supporter of both small business go-getters and do-it-yourself warriors and my final design will feature the work and learnings from both. </div>
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The gallery wall is nearly complete (I'm waiting on one more order from overseas - cross your fingers for me!). I have my selections matted, framed and put in place along the ledges Dad helped me hang in that first week. When sourcing artwork for our home, one of the first places I always look is <a href="https://www.etsy.com/">Etsy</a>. Where else can you access talented graphic designers, artists, photographers and vintage works all in one place? The pieces I chose are a composition of vintage and modern photography, sketch-works and hand-drawn graphics, some of which were affordably purchased as downloadable art that I took to my local copy house and printed for mere dollars. I've featured some of my selections and sources above. </div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CameraLucidaEditions">Camera Lucida</a> is an Etsy shop devoted to vintage photography works largely focused on Americana. I chose one by depression era photographer <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorothea_Lange">Dorothea Lange</a> and the works she did under the FSA capturing the harsh realities of the depression. I've always loved her work. While the irony in the image is not lost on me (these down on their luck cowboys no doubt are being taunted by the image in the billboard), I like to look at it a little differently and it will be a reminder to me in my work space that the easy road is not always the most suitable for travel. I also came upon the vintage 70's style sketches of artist Susan Brommelsiek in her Etsy shop "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/WhenIwas20">When I was 20</a>". Her shop features sketches she did long ago while in art school and is well worth a look - particularly if you're looking to source tasteful nudes and anatomy studies. </div>
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I also completed my first set of lined draperies using my beloved 'Pyne Hollyhock' from Schumacher. I was lucky enough to source the fabric from an overseas distributor as "seconds" quality for half the retail price. There is nothing to indicate anything inferior to the original in the yardage I received so I am still scratching my head at that one. I kicked around different styles - toying with idea of more formal pleating. In the end, I chose to hang them rather simply using clip rings and I'm really happy I went in this direction. I did line them and used inexpensive Ikea draperies (in the end, much cheaper and easier than if I had purchased fabric by the yard). I had never done a lined drape so I leaned on this very easy to follow tutorial put together by <a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/2011/10/12/how-to-make-professional-lined-curtain-panels/">House of Hepworths</a>. The tutorial shows you how to line panels using an inexpensive bed sheet. As an alternative, I opted to use Ikea Vivian panels (and flipped them upside down to leverage the 4" bound top which added weight to my panel bottom). </div>
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I also previously shared a peek at the refurbished DIY shandy in Week 3. I had previously hacked a IKEA Maskros fixture following Jenny's lead from <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/05/diy-sputnik-chandelier.html">Little Green Notebook</a>. It was starting to look worn and tired and quite honestly was too busy for the overall look I wanted in the new space. But I really still liked the footprint in the room and didn't want to toss it. I was lucky to find a more streamlined version by Bethany of <a href="http://www.dwellingsbydevore.com/2015/06/diy-sputnik-chandelier.html#.VjjkY2SrR3l">Dwellings by Devore</a> that translated into exactly what I was after. I disassembled the old fixture, repainted it and set about flanking it with simple catering cups (rather than the scalloped design I used previously). Like the tutorial, I opted to cut out gold circles and glue them on the inside base of the cup for a more polished look. I dug through my stash of old invitations and as luck would have it, I had some gold invites I was able to repurpose with the use of a 1" punch without any further purchase. </div>
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One of my favorite projects from this round of the ORC is the barrel cane chair I was able to re-upholster in this black and white buffalo check pattern. I inherited the chair from my neighbor's curb and though the upholstery was in good condition, I wanted to update it with something both equal parts classic and modern. I was a little intimidated and again turned to both You Tube and online tutorials for help. One of the references I found particularly helpful was this one by <i>Peacefully Home</i> via <a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/cane-chair-reupholster-diy/">Remodelholic</a>. It helped me troubleshoot some of the tougher areas where I was not sure how to go about deconstructing and reassembling. There were certainly steps to take to ensure the chair went back together as it was intended to. It also helped that I took photos at each stage for later reference.</div>
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I'm pretty jazzed at this collision of pattern in the corner of my new office. Did you also catch the new look we gave the old aluminum frame with a little oil based black paint? </div>
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I can't wait to show you the finished design next Thursday. Be sure to pop on back for the reveal of the full art gallery wall, closet organization system and a full look at all the details that came together in this space. In the meantime, my blogmates are sharing Week 5 progress over at <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/">Calling it Home</a>. The last week is one of the hardest of the challenge and we can all use the support. </div>
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<a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2015/10/one-room-challenge-week-1.html">Week 1 </a>| <a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2015/10/one-room-challenge-week-2.html">Week 2</a> | <a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2015/10/one-week-challenge-week-3.html">Week 3</a> | <a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2015/10/one-room-challenge-week-4.html">Week 4</a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5766304414102037951.post-52391039494669023202015-10-29T05:00:00.000-07:002015-10-29T07:00:11.723-07:00ONE ROOM CHALLENGE // WEEK 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are beyond the half way mark now in the One Room Challenge, created by Linda of <i><a href="http://www.callingithome.com/2015/10/one-room-challenge-guest-participants_29.html">Calling it Home.</a></i> I am linking in as a guest participant to provide an update on the new, in-home work space I am creating for myself in what was once our unused guest suite. In Week 4, I tackled some of the bigger projects in the space - including a reupholstery project and the new art gallery wall. I also made progress on the drapery panels fashioned out of my favorite Schumacher fabric - <i>Pyne Hollyhock</i>. The room has taken shape and I am already busy polishing it up with some of the prettier details. </div>
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Today, I want to take a step back however and fill you in on some of the organization and furniture components that will make this a more functional home office. </div>
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The gallery wall has started to take shape and I can't wait to give you a better look at all of my final selections. For now, I wanted to showcase some of my favorite affordable go-to frames that will be housing my pics within the gallery. I prefer to use a pretty simple, streamlined frame for artwork within my home. Luckily, there are several sleek options that afford me that look for a reasonable price - my favorite of all being the basic<i> Studio Decor</i> frames found at Michaels. You can purchase these in volume for an even greater value and sub in some matting for an upgraded presentation. I used several of these within the gallery with matting and was pretty darn happy at the way each piece turned out. Ikea also has several options I love - a new one being the Knoppang frame (in black). The Gunnabo frame also has an insert that provides a sleek shadowbox effect and is worth checking out to keep things varied and interesting- particularly when grouping a set of frames together on the same wall.</div>
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I've spent some evenings this week organizing all of my supplies and vast magazine collection using these bins and files from IKEA. The TJENA magazine files were unfortunately sold out in black both online and locally, but I was able to source through an Amazon seller - albeit for double the price. However frustrating, it was well worth the extra spend once I saw the organized line up on display.</div>
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I thought I'd share some of the furniture solutions that will be at work in the space as well. I am committed to repurposing as much as possible from my previous space and I have been fortunate to use all or most of it with only a few additional investments. My Expedit bookcase will be put to use as an organizational console paired up with the Bullig and TJENA bins mentioned above. I've already created a better system to organize and store my fabric collection here - out of sight, but readily accessible for projects. I am also repurposing my old desk chair which is still in great condition and expanding and improving upon my current desk set up with an additional Linnmon table top and a couple of inexpensive sets of trestle legs from IKEA. </div>
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Truth be told, I have always had my eye on the <a href="http://www.2modern.com/products/strut-table?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cse&utm_term=404519241&gclid=Cj0KEQjw5MGxBRDiuZm2icXX2-sBEiQA619bq4rn9SRjdFzV0dIREnXR6n9SldUUw8sOYEm0timHjA4aAg968P8HAQ">Strut Desk by Bludot</a>. But in the end, I just couldn't justify the spend. I think for my money, I was able to focus and invest on other corners within this space that made more of an impact than a fancy new desk would have anyway - at least that's the story I'm telling to myself. </div>
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Speaking of fancy - this chair I was lucky enough to inherit from my neighbor's curb got a fresh new look with some pattern of the moment buffalo check. I tackled the destruction and recreation, complete with piping last Friday evening along with my trusty sidekicks Valentino <i>and Chardonnay</i>. I can't wait to show you how it turned out. </div>
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Next week will be special - I want to showcase a few projects I completed and resources I've leaned on during the challenge. I'll share the finished chair and draperies and will also share a better look at the artwork chosen for the room. I'm pretty anxious though - I could very well show you some of that before next week on Instagram. Are you following along?</div>
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Be sure to check out progress made by all my talented blogmates this week over at <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/2015/10/one-room-challenge-guest-participants_29.html">Calling it Home</a>.</div>
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<i>Previous Updates:</i></div>
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<i><a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2015/10/one-room-challenge-week-1.html">Week 1 </a>| <a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2015/10/one-room-challenge-week-2.html">Week 2</a> | <a href="http://holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com/2015/10/one-week-challenge-week-3.html">Week 3 </a></i></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8