Craftsman Makeover

Craftsman houses were the modern of the early last century. They are quite handsome, but some can be dark and heavy. Not this one! Designer Aaron Hom undertook a stunning makeover. The interior — yes even much of the prized Craftsman wood work — has been painted brightest white. Any period antiques are whitewashed and upholstered seating is bright white also. All other furnishings are classic modern in a restrained palette of natural tones with accessories and art providing pops of color here and there. Now the interior is fresh, really eye catching!

{ All photos courtesy of Aaron Hom and photographer Julian Wass } 

Monday Mash-up: Sophisticated + Serene

Quiet yet plenty of visual texture. Restrained by a narrow palette of neutrals, primitive pieces are combined with modern classics and transitional furnishings.

{ Photography by David Duncan Livingston } 

List Love — 11.22.09

So much to love on this week’s Craigslist. C’mon, give these orphans a home!

1970s chrome + glass console, expands in length — $50

42” contemporary wood table — $50

38” iron + green onyx table — $150

Carved wood and caning chest + armoire — $675

Handmade shelves — $40

Mixed-media framed art from Madhubani district of India — $25

Pair of chrome + glass side tables — $50 / two

Italian end tables — $80 / two  { Man, I love these tables! }

Large leather-framed mirror — $150

Antique kissing bench — $500

Two Ralph Lauren Polo nightstands — $775 / pair  { Damn. These are the nightstands I’ve been looking for. But I want them to be $75/pair! }

West Elm table + chairs — $300

Antique library chair table — $250

Pair of cool black lamps — $100 / two

Rattan side chair with woven leather cushion — $45

Modern stainless king-sized bed frame — $800

46” rattan + wood bench — $50

Ornate wood + iron Italian-esque console — $400

Two designer french chairs — $300 / pair

Butcher block-top kitchen island from commercial kitchen in Provence — $1200

Two smoked lucite + vinyl chairs — $100

Reader House Tour: Therese Long

Therese Long and I were cut from the same cloth. Like so many of us, she’s an antiques scavenger who loves the thrill of the hunt. She left a comment on eye spy, we began emailing, I read her blog, I visited her etsy shop, one thing lead to another… And now I have a bad case of fireplace envy. I think you will too. Here is Therese’s beautiful San Francisco home followed by a selection of her fabulous finds.

{ All images from Therese Long } 

Oh and did I mention that Therese has a real thing for dolphins? Therese Long is LaDolfina! 

Therese, tell us about these pillows! They look like Missoni, but crazy better. Who, what, where?

And now for a bit of shameless promotion: I had the honor and great fun of designing Therese’s logo, blog banner, and etsy banner. Thank you Therese!

Reader House Tour: Sally Wheat

As I was writing yesterday’s post on playfulness, I kept thinking of Sally Wheat and her spectacular Houston home. Like many of you, I saw Sally Wheat’s house tours on Cote de Texas’ funny Stalking the Wheats. Wow. Sally had me at ‘gray Fieldstone by Benjamin Moore’ kitchen. And every other corner of her home. As soon as I saw it, I quickly downloaded each photo into my inspiration file. Then one day a “Sally Wheat” emailed me in response to some little eye spy post. Are you the Sally Wheat from Houston? Joni’s Sally Wheat? My Sally Wheat? I know I actually squealed! 

The Wheat house was exquisite. A wonderful example of French/Belgium-style filled with fine European antiques, pretty furnishings, a restrained palette. Perfect even. But, this past summer, her redecorated interior was unveiled on Cote de Texas. Now her house shines with its resident’s vibrant personality. Sally injected classic modern pieces, interesting art, bold patterned fabrics, and furniture of her own design. The result is spectacular.

{ Images from Sally Wheat, Cote de Texas, and Houston House & Home } 

Sally recently finished decorating her son’s room. Design must be in the kids’ genes too — her son’s favorite colors are chic black and gray.

 

Look at the handsome antiques, textiles, and vintage finds available at Sally’s coop at Antiques & Interiors on Dunlavy. What a keen eye! I love the moc croc on the vintage stool. And how about the ‘after’ blue velvet modern arm chairs? 

Be sure to pop in tomorrow. I want to introduce you to reader Therese Long, her blog, and her etsy shop. You’ll love touring her San Francisco home and accompanying her on scavenging adventures up and down the California coast. 

And if I haven’t told you enough… I love my blogging friends. I love reading your blogs. And I love reading your emails and comments and learning of your adventures in decorating. Thank you for each and every comment and, please, keep them coming!

Update on Thursday, November 19, 2009 by susieq

Another tour!

Today’s post at Design Crisis — yes, I’m a devoted reader — is all about Erin’s dining room makeover. Go here to see photos of her beautifully inviting, very personal, very playful dining room.