~our pantry~ {a quick makeover}

Our pantry hasn't been updated since I did a makeover using Ikea Billy bookshelves back in 2014.

The bookshelves served their purpose well, but I decided to take it up a notch and do something different.

I started by removing the bookshelves all together. 

Then I painted the entire space with Benjamin Moore Graphite in a matte finish.

It is the same color as in our master bedroom.

Then I added these shelf brackets that I painted with Annie Sloan pure white paint.

For the actual shelves I used 1 x 12 pieces of pine cut to length and stained with this.

The doors are off because it was easier to install everything and paint with no doors. We are updating  them as well though with sliding barn doors.
To be continued on those.

 Black wood bowl with snacks
Baskets on ground
Risers for canned goods
White dishes
Cutting boards
Glass canisters

Very simple but much more organized which was my goal.
Happy Halloween!

xoxo

from
http://www.mysweetsavannahblog.com/2017/10/our-pantry-quick-makeover.html

ANOTHER DOWNSIZING STORY & A GIVEAWAY BY CURATED!!

For years, Kristin Mullen, her husband, and four children all lived in this wonderful house which they had designed upon returning to the states after living abroad.  With 3 sons and one daughter, a large house was much desired and very needed.  Kristin loves to decorate and this house was her greatest project. 

I first wrote her house and her décor years ago – Kristin’s rooms were a Pinterest and blog favorite.  The house, on Meadowood, was featured in magazines and catalogues even rented it out for photoshoots.   Kristin and her husband had lived in the Far East and when she chose a decorative scheme for this house, she opted for a French Indo Colonial look – to remember those happy times.  

The front door opened to the foyer and the loggia beyond, with views of the expansive back yard.

The entry was my favorite – the skirted table and gray painted molding.

The living room was painted black - years before it became so on-trend.  Later, Kristin rearranged the room.   She brought in lots of red to create that French Indo Colonial feel.

Remember these two chairs – is all I will say!!!

The dining room was the highlight of the house!  Fabulous red Chippendale chairs, two chandeliers, and matching red Chinoiserie cabinets flank the side door.

This stunning piece was repurposed by Kristin.  Painted red, she added leather and brass studs to make it an even more Oriental piece.

The  family room looked as if it was transported from a Scottish mansion with it gorgeous Pine paneling.

The back patio with fireplace overlooks the pool and fountains.

The pool includes a water rill.

With such a large house – at almost 11,000 sq. ft and with three stories - when the children start leaving for college, you start thinking about downsizing.  Well, downsizing is all in the eyes of the beholder.

Kristin’s beloved daughter Darcy has a disability and will always live at home with a caregiver, so a downsized house still needs to be large enough to accommodate her needs, along with room down the road for visiting grandchildren, yet to be born.

Their plan was to sell the house on Meadowood, move to a townhouse and then build another, smaller dream house.  When Meadowood was finally sold, the family quickly moved to an ultra modern townhouse which was to be a nice break from classic décor.  The problem was that Darcy didn’t like the contemporary townhouse.  In  fact, she hated it and was very vocal about her displeasure.  After enduring it for a month, Kristin and her husband decided to meet with a realtor and that very morning they found a classic Tudor that had been remodeled.  It was smaller than Meadowood, but at 7,000 sq.ft. it wasn’t small.  Still – the set up was perfect for Darcy and that was the most important thing.

Like I said – one person’s downsizing isn’t the same as the next person, but the new house is 4,000 sq. ft. smaller!!   

The new house with Tudor accents is very cozy looking from the outside.  But the façade hides its true expansive size.

Kristin decided to give the house an inside/outside garden feel,  the opposite of the glamourous and dressy décor that Meadowood had.   Her family wanted a more casual home where they could use every room and walk around barefoot!    Her pricey rugs were put in storage and Dash and Albert rugs were used instead.   She christened their new home “The Barefoot House.”

BEFORE:   The Tudor house had dark molding and paneling, something that Kristin would never want to live with in a house.

One note – the house had been remodeled before the Mullen’s purchased it.  These are the before photos so you can see how different the house looks today.

TODAY:   Painted white, the room is now stunning!!    Recognize the chairs?  Fancy before in yellow silk, they now wear blue and white linen stripes and painted wood!    Beside the new white paneling and walls, the floors were stained black – a great contrast to all the white.

I am in LOVE with this room!!!!   Just beautiful!!!!

Another view towards the front window showing the urns on wood pedestals.

In the corner is this accent gilt chair and ottoman. 

You might remember that Kristin had several Aidan Gray pieces in Meadowood, which she used here in the Barefoot House.   That nest!!!  That’s fabulous!!!

Another view shows a bit more of the chandelier.  Love the sunburst which was found in Round Top!!

Cowtan and Tout curtains.  So pretty.

BEFORE:   Dark moldings and faux paint on walls.   The wine cellar is behind an iron door on the right.

TODAY:   All the walls are white with white moldings and dark, black wood floors for contrast.  Striped Dash & Albert rug.  The room has an inside/outside feel with the door that opens to the garden which Kristin created. 

After Kristin moved from Meadowood, she sold much of her furniture, including her dining table because the rental townhouse didn’t have two dining areas.  The new house did – and Kristin told me she refused to buy another table one month after she sold a perfect one.  Instead she decided to use her table from her outside loggia.  Paired with kubu chairs – the dining table is perfect for the Barefoot House!!

The chandelier came from the Meadowood living room and the bookshelf is from the former breakfast room.

The Tudor/Tuscany styled iron door to the wine cellar was removed by Kristin and a barn styled door styled by her is used here instead. 

Kristin used antique shutters throughout the house, as you will see!

A close-up of the styling in the bookshelves.  An antique pine chair stands in the corner.

A close-up of Kristin’s styling in the dining room – casual and perfect for the Barefoot House.

BEFORE:   The family room with more dark molding and light wood floors – both of which were changed. 

TODAY:  First Kristin removed a built in TV cabinet which was installed on this wall.  Next, she collected antique shutters to hide the large flatscreen.   The two center shutters open to reveal the TV. 

The upholstery is light and casual with blue and white stripes and beige tufted leather.   Against the wall is her prized antique Swedish grandfather clock.

A view of the shutters and console table which showcases Kristin’s talent at tablescapes!   I absolutely love how she hid the TV here!!!   Love her accessorizing! 

A view of the antique Swedish clock.

Behind the sofa is an antique desk with wood wing chair (!) 

The accessories have an watery, beach feel. 

Water colors are brought in by the accessories.

BEFORE:   The kitchen was just…dark. 

It’s amazing what paint can do!!!!  Look at this!!  New marble of course.  And a few new glass cabinet doors – but this is an amazing difference with just paint and new countertops.

BEFORE:  The breakfast area off the kitchen, more dark and light woods.

In the breakfast area, Kristin added a seating area at the window. Pewter plates hang over the desk.

The  library is off the front hall.  More dark moldings and light floors.

In the library, Kristin  added a slipcovered sofa and two red chinoiserie chairs.  Behind the sofa is the desk and slipcovered wingchair.  I love the red accents in the Dash & Albert rug!!!

BEFORE:  The master bedroom on the first floor, with  a sea of carpet. 

Today, the carpet is replaced with the dark wood floors and a pretty skin patterned Stark rug.

The bed is from Tara Shaw’s line.  Kristen mixed the toile curtains from Meadowood’s dining room with plain cream curtains.

There’s a zebra bench at the end table.

Kristin used the chinoiserie breakfront here in the bedroom to give the room that French Indo Colonial feel.

And, more antique shutters add layered texture to the room, along with the ticking covered wing chair.

A view at dusk in the back yard, where Kristin created an English styled garden with a pool.  The grass softly creeps right up to the pool – so as to eliminate a mass of hardscape.

And, a day view. 

There is also a smaller, secret garden, right off the dining room, at the side of the house.

Recently, at a Kappa luncheon honoring popular designer and blogger Mark Sikes, Kristin was invited to design a table setting.  Using Mark’s favorite blue and white stripes as a jumping off point, Kristin added antique French chairs along with red and white stripes.

Another view of her table, which was an unusual perfect square shape.   The movie “Home Again,” which Mark consulted on, also influenced her with the bougainvillea centerpiece.

Isn’t this just the perfect table to honor Mark Sikes??

Kristen opened her shop “Curated” a few years ago for another outlet to showcase her creativity.  The shop features Swedish & European antiques and accessories,  all handpicked by Kristin, along with objets d’art.  The shop also serves as a home base for her decorating business.

Don’t live in Dallas?  You can still shop at Curated online HERE.

Curated is also a Sponsor of Cote de Texas and it has its own button on the sidebar, where you can reach the store directly.

Kristin was so sweet to have a Giveaway for Cote de Texas readers.

One lucky reader will win these two 19” pillows in Swedish Grey

To win:

All you have to do is visit the Curated web site

HERE

and pick out your favorite item for sale.  Come back and leave a comment here, telling us your favorite item!

Be sure to go and “LIKE” the Curated Facebook page HERE

Want to visit Curated?

Call 469.930.9811

6725 Snider Plaza
Dallas, Texas
Monday - Saturday | 10am - 5pm

from
http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2017/10/another-downsizing-story-giveaway-by.html

~how to make a fall wreath with dried leaves~

My parents have these giant maple trees that line their driveway.

I remember when my dad planted them when I was little.

Every year my mom waits till the leaves drop, and then gathers a bunch to dry inside.

She has been making these wreaths for years, so this year we had a little crafting day and I made one of my own.

If you have a tree or access to one with pretty leaves like these, here is how you can make one too.

Bring in the leaves and lay them out in a single layer on a towel to dry.

Fill a wire wreath form with Spanish moss.

Add twine in a cross pattern around the diameter of the wreath form.

Once the leaves are dry, gather them up in a bucket.

Then you can start adding them to your wreath form one by one.

The longer the stems the better. You'll want to start by tucking the stems into the twine. If you have a really long stem you should be able to thread it through several pieces of the twine.

Add in additional leaves, overlapping the first ones.

Just work on the top of the form, you won't need to do the sides as it fills in itself.

Continue all the way around until it is nice and full.

I recommend these for indoor use, but I have hung one on a covered porch before.

The best part about these wreaths is that they will last year after year after year if stored properly.

Happy wreath making thanks to my mother and mother nature :)

xoxo

from
http://www.mysweetsavannahblog.com/2017/10/how-to-make-fall-wreath-with-dried.html

~Friday favorites~

Hello and happy Friday!

This has been such a busy week for me. I am so ready to relax and play this weekend.

First up, this bedroom. I mean, it's every girls dream right?

If you are looking for a similar bed, I found one here that is pretty darn close.

Wouldn't it be cute in a little girls room with these sheets?

For fall and winter I am loving all things buffalo check.

I actually just picked one up from here. Not sure where I will use it, but I couldn't pass it by!

While I was in there I had a hard time passing up all the cute duck boots.

I think I secretly want it to be winter.

I want to sit by the fire curled up in one of these.

{green multi}

This mirror is to die for and is on my Christmas wish list.

These are back and they sell out fast so get em while you can!

If you want the vintage ones, click here.

I swear I am not trying to fast forward and push Christmas or winter on anyone!

I just get so excited about this time of year.

I hope you all have a great weekend!

xoxo

from
http://www.mysweetsavannahblog.com/2017/10/friday-favorites_27.html

~wax resist Halloween eggs~

I stopped by my neighbors modern farmhouse the other day and she had created the most amazing simple display on her mantle for Halloween.

And the best part is, she made these decorations!

She got the idea from Martha Stewart magazine, October 2004.

You can find the directions here.

I love the way they are in a nest, but check out how my friend displayed them!

Didn't she do a fantastic job? I really want to make some.

I don't know if I will have time this year, but maybe next!

xoxo

from
http://www.mysweetsavannahblog.com/2017/10/wax-resist-halloween-eggs.html

~sausage and pepper meatloaf~

As fall is here, I like to turn to comfort foods for family dinners. 

A friend recently shared this recipe with me and I thought it was so good, 

and that I would share with you!

Serve with mashed potatoes and asparagus or other vegetable for a great meal.

Enjoy!

xoxo

from
http://www.mysweetsavannahblog.com/2017/10/sausage-and-pepper-meatloaf.html

~cauliflower mash~{a healthy Thanksgiving side dish}

Even though mashed potatoes are a staple on most Thanksgiving tables, try adding in this alternative as a healthy side dish.

Would you like some other fun Thanksgiving side dish recipes?

Look no further than below.

And don't forget to pin any of these recipes for future reference.

from
http://www.mysweetsavannahblog.com/2017/10/cauliflower-masha-healthy-thanksgiving.html

~5 Instagram accounts you should be following~

The Ranch Uncommon

Hammmade Furniture

Heather Bullard

Old Silver Shed

Amber Interiors

And well, of course you can find me here.

xoxo

from
http://www.mysweetsavannahblog.com/2017/10/5-instagram-accounts-you-should-be.html

~pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies~

It's a snickerdoodle for fall and it's delicious!

Find the recipe here.

xoxo

from
http://www.mysweetsavannahblog.com/2017/10/pumpkin-snickerdoodle-cookies.html

An Apartment Renovation– Part Two!

Early last year I wrote a story about Color Outside The Lines blogger and interior designer Artie Vanderpool’s newly renovated apartment.   Fresh from a break-up, Artie had moved to several different apartments, until he finally found one that he thought might be good enough to put down some roots – AND one he could decorate to his heart’s content.  After living in an older, vintage house with dark moldings – Artie craved light and bright.   His newest place was all this,  plus large and airy, and after a rough start, he was ready to share his place with the world.

Originally, the apartment had white walls and a sea of beige wall to wall carpeting.   What you can’t see here is that it also had lots of windows to let in the bright sun.

But the carpet had to go and so did the light fixtures and mini blinds – it was all too boring for Artie’s chic aesthetic. 

Artie’s manager gave him permission to make these changes, but he probably would have rescinded if he had seen what the apartment looked like during the reno process!!

Before he moved in, Artie had all the boring carpet pulled up with plans to put down wood floor tiles.  Except, decades of carpet glued down to concrete doesn’t make a pretty picture.   Artie spent nights cleaning up the concrete in order to install the tiles.

But they wouldn’t adhere to the concrete.  He almost gave up and put the carpet back down…but instead, Artie had a brainstorm…

He painted the concrete white!

And then decided he absolutely hated all the white. 

Except, now that the floor was tacky from the paint, he tried to install the wood tiles again, and miraculously – they finally stuck!

It’s not actually a real wood floor, but it looks exactly like one. 

And here is the new dining room with his newly installed wood floor, chandelier, and gallery wall.   He also installed dimmers on strategic lights such as the dining room and hallway.

He added curtains, textured shades and lots of accessories and the apartment looked fabulous!

Here is the living room with the tufted sofa and chinoiserie cabinet.  More art work and a layered rug over seagrass give the apartment a real luxe feel.

The view from the dining room, with two slipcovered stools.

And in Artie’s bedroom – what he really didn’t want you to see, is that he never pulled up the carpet in the bedroom.   This detail was overlooked in the original story.

Artie had bought this four poster bed online and when it arrived, he discovered it was a bit out of proportion and he had to remove the top canopy.  The bed was just too short, as you can see in this photograph.

Since Artie was never really happy with the bed (of course not!) nor the bedroom in general (of course not!) a MAJOR change was in the works (of course!)

Besides the changes in the bedroom, there also was his media room, which he NEVER told me he even had!  Actually, the apartment has two bedrooms and the second one was turned into a cozy TV room. 

Along with those two new projects, there was his kitchen.  He totally redid the tiny apartment kitchen over two weekends and a few nights.  It is amazing.

Ready?

The Living Room:

There have been a only few changes in the living room since the first story.    Artie’s favorite pieces include his pair of Savonarola chairs with their custom black slipcovers and the chinoiserie chest, which is the focal point of the room.    The Kravet sofa has a Pindler and Pindler velvet cushion cover with a Samuel & Sons jute chevron trim to help protect the cream sofa against his two puppies.

In the corner, Artie added an old concrete urn.   He bought the urn for his dining room table, but it was too heavy, the plant is perfect for it.

The new urn and more plaster pieces.

On this side, he added a new brass lamp – and a fancy-pants Hermes blanket is peeking out!!   The chair is from Pottery Barn, but has been discontinued and the brass chest is from Ken Fulk.

               

The Dining Room:

In the dining room, there’s a new side chair and a new friend – the bust on the chest. 

The cane and leather chair was a steal – $40 at a NYC thrift shop.   Plus the $200 he paid to ship it home!!

 

His new room-mate is Mr. Nathaniel Hawthorne.  At least he is quiet and doesn’t have an opinion about painting over dark molding.  And he likes to drink, so Artie keeps the bourbon close by.

The Hickory Chair table got a new urn and orchid.

And the very latest tablescape – new blue & white and a collection of antique cross bottles which Artie creates and sells HERE.

The  Kitchen:

Before:  The kitchen is just a regular apartment kitchen.  Nothing too grand, but nice and clean with new cabinets.

How to make this plain area look more “Artie?”

To turn it into his own,  first Artie took down the upper cabinets.  Yes.  He did that himself.  Next, he added shelves for dishes and glasses.  Then, he made a linen skirt to use instead of lower cabinet doors. 

The new look:  Artie made a fabric shade for the window and bought a new glass pendant to dress up the kitchen.  A lamp and candlelight add mood.

Artie added open white shelves instead of closed cabinets which makes the kitchen look so special.  And,  I love the linen skirts instead of lower cabinet doors!

Love the oil painting.    I am crazy over the changes!!!  The kitchen looks so great compared to what it looked like before!!

Hard to believe this is the same space – just a few days later!

Artie added a rug to tone down the vinyl flooring but who notices the floor when the shelves are so cute?!?

The brass stool in the hallway is from Target, believe it or not!  The oil painting on the top is by Ted Ellis of Ted Ellis Fine Art and is one that Artie treasures.

One more view!

The Media Room:

The Media Room had two windows and more boring carpet.  For a few months, Artie just kept the door closed.    Then, inspired by a photo of an extra long day bed…

he ripped up the carpet, installed the wood tile floor and created a sofa/day bed:

One long daybed becomes a slip covered sofa.  Artie added three sconces from Lowes for reading light.

I love the one gilt frame mixed amongst the black framed pieces of art.

Artie said he took a few months to decide what to do with this room.  He knew he needed a  space for guests to sleep in and he wanted a spot to watch TV.  He designed the day bed with a 10” memory foam mattress and stiff back cushions make it feel like a sofa. 

Art work hangs on the walls.  Love the two wicker chairs.  You know what?  I think the Hermes blanket would look really good in here, Artie!!  Maybe you should move it here?

Art is from Stellers Gallery in Jacksonville HERE.

Seagrass rug layered over the floor and Thomasville leather ottoman doubles as a coffee table. 

IDEA:   Artie switched out the legs and added these brass caster ones, which really is an upgrade and a great idea!!!  The caster legs look so much nicer!!!

The custom made sofa is 10' long and 36" wide and is slipped in a white cotton denim.

Pindler & Pindler mohair and silk velvet pillows.

The throws are so inexpensive, Artie bought 8!  HERE  They come in different colors, too.

Curtains with fabric shades are lined with textured shades – to make it all cozy and warm. 

IDEA:  Notice the skirted table the flatscreen is on – it is really hiding the dogs bed that is underneath the skirt!!

BTW – Artie made the curtains, shades AND the skirt!!

Plaster side tables and garden seats do double duty.

The wicker chairs are old – from Williams Sonoma.

A very similar chair is available at Wayfair HERE.

I love a wicker chair in a room – it’s a great accent and adds texture and warmth and a touch of individuality.

So sweet – Louna’s watching TV!!!

This is such a cozy and warm room to read and watch TV in.

Great job Artie!!   Now, go bring the Hermes blanket in here.  LOL.

The Bedroom:

The master bedroom was just the same as the rest:  more boring beige carpet and mini blinds.

Artie’s first bedroom décor was very nice – in blue stripes.  But he never cared for the bed.  So he sold it.

And then, he bought a lot, a LOT of brown and white striped fabric and….

Now the bedroom looks like this.  Amazing!!

First Artie got a new bed,  which is iron with a painted finish,  then he lined the walls with the brown and white fabric.  And next he added a striped rug over the seagrass over the wood floors that he had installed.

It’s just beyond fabulous!!  Seriously.   It’s beyond fabulous.

I’m so in love with this room!

At the left is a French bench with a slipcover and an oversized mirror.  At the windows are the white curtains and textured blinds.

The fabric is from Valdese Weavers, a mattress ticking with a brown ribbon used for trim.  Artie ended up using 35 yards!

Close up of the slipped French bench.  Notice the trim.  And notice the trim around the wall covering.  Perfect!

Even though Artie complains that the stripes aren’t straight in places, it looks perfect to me.  He said it was really hard to hang the fabric, but it was all worth it because this is his favorite room.   I agree.  It’s my favorite too!!!!!

Across from the bed is the chest flanked by two slipper chairs with striped fabric. 

The two slipper chairs flank the chest.  The chairs are in a different striped fabric.

Another view.  Notice the trim at the ceiling.  So perfect!

The rug is from Safavieh.

Awwww.  Sweet Louna, the French Bulldog!!!

Parting shot.  Notice how Artie brought in some art work with orange tones to tie in with the blinds and the velvet tiger fabric. 

Just perfect Artie.  Seriously – this is a dream come true apartment.  I’m sure he could be happy here for the next decade, but something tells me he probably will be moved out before the year is over!!! 

To visit Artie’s blog and portfolio, go HERE.

Be sure to visit Artie’s Cross Bottle Shop  HERE.  He sells antique cross bottles, above,  AND he will custom make what you want in case something is sold out.  Just email him at: 

artie.vanderpool@gmail.com

to discuss his bottles!

More.

More.

And  more.

AND…

Christmas season is coming up and new design books are being released weekly.  Interior designer Victoria Hagan’s book Dream Spaces is one of the new ones and it’s so beautiful!!

Hagan’s book features 10 houses – and each has something in common…they are all second homes, vacation homes.   The book is large and luscious with beautiful photographs.

There is Victoria’s own house in Nantucket….

And this house is in Aspen.  Can you imagine waking up to these views of Ajax Mountain?????

And this Florida house.

To order Dream Spaces, just click on the book or HERE.

And I haven’t read this one yet.  I did read his wife, Joanna’s book and found it interesting and entertaining.  Now that the Gaines have announced they are retiring from HGTV (no!!!) – I’m afraid we won’t be seeing so much of the Gaines.  To order, click on the book or HERE.

from
http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2017/10/an-apartment-renovation-part-two.html