tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64472030638352088332024-03-13T11:15:24.625-04:00 Hudson Smith... home...Leigh @HudsonSmithHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13511915759142553411noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447203063835208833.post-27019206301591113882015-03-27T09:32:00.000-04:002015-03-27T09:32:37.911-04:00.: On Kindred Spirits...That moment when you realize that you're sitting across from a person who, although only an acquaintance, shares so many of your thoughts and feelings. Happy moment.<br />
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Interior design can be a very lonely profession. We are often one-woman (or man) shops, working from home, and with little face to face interaction. So it's always a joy to welcome a new friend and colleague into your life. Especially when you have so much in common. And so it was for me on Wednesday, when what started out as, "Let's meet for coffee", turned into a 2 1/2 hour gab fest of getting to know each other and finding that we are kindred spirits.<br />
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Here's a Happy Birth-day to a new friendship...<br />
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And, while we're on that subject... I don't usually use this space to share my personal life, but as this impacts every aspect of my life, share I will...<br />
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Today is my birthday. It's a big one. A scary big one.<br />
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Last weekend I rented a house about 15 minutes away, in the town next to mine. A pretty little farmhouse, hidden down a long, unpaved driveway. I arrived on Friday, the day of the Spring Equinox (auspicious, I'd say). My friend Barb was already there, having decided to leave early to avoid the impending (and, hopefully, last of the season!) snowstorm. <br />
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I had invited about 20 of my closest friends to come and play with me over the weekend. Now, we all have busy lives, and I knew that it would be impossible to find a couple of hours on any given evening when we'd all be able to attend a party. So this seemed like a good idea: be in a vacation house for a weekend, but close to home; my friends could come whenever they were available, and stay for as long as they wanted. It's like a getaway, but you can go home for dinner if you need to. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Saturday afternoon: Many cars, and lots of mud, in the driveway.</i></td></tr>
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And so, I spent my weekend just being with my friends. Talking, eating, drinking, laughing, crying, sharing. It was fabulous. Some friends were there for an hour, others stayed overnight. The women at the house were from various different eras and areas of my life. They didn't all know each other. There were amazing moments of six degrees of separation. They all found that they had things in common (besides knowing me), that they shared common bonds, that we were, all of us in that house, kindred spirits.<br />
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I learned that women <i>ALWAYS</i> bring too much food.<br />
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You can literally drink prosecco all day, and not get drunk or wake up with a headache.<br />
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No matter how wonderful a house is, even if there's a hot tub, sauna, gym, and outdoor fireplace, you will spend most of your time in the kitchen.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Friends in the kitchen. And literally 1/100th of the food!</i></td></tr>
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If you ever have the opportunity to do this, I encourage you to try it. It is a most wonderful way to honor our time on this green earth.<br />
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Happy Spring!<br />
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<i>~ Leigh</i>Leigh @HudsonSmithHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13511915759142553411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447203063835208833.post-1865660086432175332014-02-20T09:30:00.000-05:002014-02-20T09:30:03.097-05:00.: Fade to Black...<br />
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A black ceiling! Would you? Would you dare?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://47parkav.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><i>via 47 Park Avenue</i></a></td></tr>
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I would (but then, we all know I can do crazy things!)</div>
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What makes it work is the weight of the fabulous crystal chandelier...it draws your eye up and keeps you from falling into the abyss...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://47parkav.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><i>47 Park Avenue</i></a></td></tr>
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Of course, it also works beautifully in the reverse...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://47parkav.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><i>47 Park Avenue</i></a></td></tr>
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So, whaddaya say? Could you do it? I double dog dare ya!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>~ Leigh</i></span></div>
Leigh @HudsonSmithHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13511915759142553411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447203063835208833.post-29529889682897425452014-02-19T09:00:00.000-05:002014-02-19T09:00:00.749-05:00.: Enticing Entry...<br />
Loving this entry foyer in a 100 year old Brooklyn Heights townhouse. All the traditional stained Victorian woodwork is brought up to date by the modern light fixture and bright blue wallpaper. My favorite part is the recessed credenza (great space for dropping mail and keys, and charging the phones!) and large mirror above. Plus a place to sit and take off your shoes, and a basket to recycle your junk mail right away...<br />
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Beautiful, organized, modern + traditional!<br />
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Design by <a href="http://willeydesign.com/" target="_blank">Willey Design</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Brooklyn Heights Town Home by Robert Granoff" height="640" src="http://www.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/001-brooklyn-heights-town-home-robert-granoff.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="426" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.homeadore.com/2014/02/17/brooklyn-heights-town-home-willey-design/" target="_blank"><i>via HomeAdore</i></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>~ Leigh</i></span><br />
<br />Leigh @HudsonSmithHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13511915759142553411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447203063835208833.post-28950367949783430512014-01-10T13:12:00.001-05:002014-01-10T13:12:42.581-05:00.: Friday Find :.<div>
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Isn't this a great little table? I was just perusing the <a href="http://www.uttermost.com/default.aspx" target="_blank">Uttermost</a> site and it grabbed my attention. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.uttermost.com/p-4894-rimmon-side-table.aspx?EID=50&EN=Category" target="_blank"><i>Rimmon Side Table at Uttermost</i></a></td></tr>
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The Rimmon Side Table (designed by Matthew Williams) has a beautiful antique look, without being too rustic. And it has a great shape and size -- at 20" square, you could even cluster four in front of your sectional to make a large square table. The slanted side pockets are perfect for magazines, books, or the remote control. I could even imagine keeping a small cushion in one of those pockets, so I could pull it out, lay it right on top, and use the table as an ottoman or extra seating. Big plus: use that antiqued iron pull to open the lid and reveal a storage compartment. </div>
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I think I love it!</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">~ Leigh</span></i></div>
Leigh @HudsonSmithHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13511915759142553411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447203063835208833.post-38966938078164754802014-01-06T09:30:00.000-05:002014-01-06T09:30:01.955-05:00.: Five Fabulous Fireplaces<div>
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<br />With super-low temperatures around the country (the NWS forecast for my area tomorrow is a "high" of 13, with windchill of up to -15 degrees!) many of our minds are on curling up next to a warm fire. Here are five that I wouldn't mind cozying up to....<br /><br /><br /><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;"><img alt="Rustic Living Room by Mlinaric, Hernry & Zervudachi in La Beauce, France" height="440" src="http://cdna.tid.al/rustic-living-room-mlinaric-hernry-zervudachi-la-beauce-france-201105_1000-watermarked.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Design by <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: start;">Mlinaric, Henry & Zervudachi</span></span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Traditional Living Room in New York City" height="508" src="http://cdna.tid.al/traditional-living-room-new-york-city-201104-2_1000-watermarked.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Home of fashion designer Kasper</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Rustic Living Room by Alfredo Paredes and Michael Neumann Architecture in New York, New York" height="435" src="http://cdna.tid.al/rustic-living-room-alfredo-paredes-new-york-new-york-201204_1000-watermarked.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Architect: Michael Neumann Architecture; Designer: Alfredo Paredes</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Rustic Media/Game Room by Michael S. Smith Inc. and Locati Architects in Big Sky, Montana" height="426" src="http://cdna.tid.al/rustic-media-game-room-michael-s-smith-inc-big-sky-montana-201212.jpg_1000-watermarked.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Design by Michael S. Smith</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Traditional Living Room by Cullman & Kravis Inc. and Mark P. Finlay in Charleston, South Carolina" height="494" src="http://cdna.tid.al/traditional-living-room-cullman-kravis-inc-charleston-south-carolina-200707_1000-watermarked.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Design by Cullman & Kravis</i></td></tr>
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<br /><br />And just one more, for the heck of it.....</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Rustic Bedroom by Michael S. Smith Inc. and Locati Architects in Big Sky, Montana" height="426" src="http://cdna.tid.al/rustic-bedroom-michael-s-smith-inc-big-sky-montana-201212_1000-watermarked.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Design by Michael S. Smith</td></tr>
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<br /><br /><br />All photos courtesy of Architectural Digest's <a href="http://designfile.architecturaldigest.com/search/query:fireplace/page:1" target="_blank">AD Design File</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><br />Stay warm!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>~ Leigh</i></span></div>
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Leigh @HudsonSmithHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13511915759142553411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447203063835208833.post-60172248962503365722014-01-04T09:30:00.000-05:002014-01-04T09:30:00.785-05:00.: Just in case you have $2.3 Million to spend....<br />
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Queen Latifah's home in bucolic Colt's Neck, New Jersey just went on the market. LOVE this lady's kitchen...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UcrAsM1v05OniO-LyRubNKtQYYnycShyL-nA97AO4_sv7vloZ8g3WMFoNnF3B-D3VQHkQQQt49LX5ksR2T8c2qgCplgOkLyHIHGfuw7M57bpZIgd3wNxv-BpfHqd7nLgT063dt6PUbY/s1600/Queen+Latifahs+house+on+CB+-+kitchen.Jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UcrAsM1v05OniO-LyRubNKtQYYnycShyL-nA97AO4_sv7vloZ8g3WMFoNnF3B-D3VQHkQQQt49LX5ksR2T8c2qgCplgOkLyHIHGfuw7M57bpZIgd3wNxv-BpfHqd7nLgT063dt6PUbY/s1600/Queen+Latifahs+house+on+CB+-+kitchen.Jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.coldwellbankermoves.com/property/details/3780117/MLS-21400127/-Colts-Neck-Township-NJ-07722.aspx?SearchID=30855552&RowNum=1&StateID=36&RegionID=0&IsRegularPS=True&IsSold=False" target="_blank"><i>Coldwell Banker</i></a></td></tr>
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And, really, who wouldn't want a luxurious master bedroom like this, complete with a two-sided fireplace and balcony overlooking your nine acre paradise? </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.coldwellbankermoves.com/property/details/3780117/MLS-21400127/-Colts-Neck-Township-NJ-07722.aspx?SearchID=30855552&RowNum=1&StateID=36&RegionID=0&IsRegularPS=True&IsSold=False" target="_blank"><i>Coldwell Banker</i></a></td></tr>
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I wonder if the piano (played by Alicia Keys and Jay-Z at the AMA's!) comes with the house?</div>
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Here's a little more eye candy.... You can see the full listing on the <a href="http://www.coldwellbankermoves.com/property/details/3780117/MLS-21400127/-Colts-Neck-Township-NJ-07722.aspx?SearchID=30855552&RowNum=1&StateID=36&RegionID=0&IsRegularPS=True&IsSold=False" target="_blank">Coldwell Banker Moves site</a>. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>~ Leigh</i></span>Leigh @HudsonSmithHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13511915759142553411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447203063835208833.post-25073569829751757972014-01-03T10:56:00.000-05:002014-01-03T14:36:29.324-05:00.: 2014, A New Year :.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.happyfitmama.com/happy-new-year-2/" target="_blank"><i>source</i></a></td></tr>
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I borrowed this image from Angela over at <i><a href="http://www.happyfitmama.com/" target="_blank">Happy Fit Mama</a>. </i>I think it's just beautiful, and it has meaning, without being cliche. And no champagne. </div>
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As you might be guessing, I'm having a hard time feeling festive this season. My family and I are suffering the terrible loss of my grandmother just two weeks ago. This is an incredible blow to me, as my grandmother was the light and the foundation of my life, and represented everything that I know to be "home". </div>
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Grandma would have wanted me to be brave and true to myself, so that's what I'm doing. In my family room I have a sofa and loveseat very much like the ones in this picture. Giant, sage green, cushy, microfiber behemoths, purchased back in the days when super-comfy cuddle space and resilience to three kids and a giant dog were really all that mattered. Laying on the sofa is like being ensconced in a sheltering cocoon. Right now, true to myself means giving in, for a little while longer, to the shelter of my cushy microfiber cocoon. It's where I've been for most of the last two weeks (any time I wasn't on the road to my hometown, or with my large, loving family). It is where I am right now, cuddled with a blanket and my laptop. It is where I will likely be tomorrow as well.</div>
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My husband and I have been talking for months about buying new sofas for this room. Maybe 2014 will be the year to shed these cocoons and usher in a new era for our home. But not just yet...I need a little more time...</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Whatever 2014 brings to you....</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">May you be present,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">May you be brave,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">And may you always be true to yourself!</span></i></div>
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<i>~ Leigh</i></div>
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Leigh @HudsonSmithHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13511915759142553411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447203063835208833.post-4765782935112962162013-11-06T10:43:00.000-05:002013-11-06T10:43:00.239-05:00.: Quote of the Day, on fireplaces... :.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/decor/2010-12/distinctive_fireplaces_slideshow_slideshow_item6_7" target="_blank"><i>Design by Karin Blake, via Architectural Digest</i></a></td></tr>
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"I don't believe anything can do as much for a room as a glowing fire in an attractive fireplace. Men and dogs love an open fire -- they show good sense. It is the heart of any room and should be kindled on the the slightest provocation." <br />
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~ Dorothy Draper</div>
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'Tis the season...</div>
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<i>~ Leigh</i><br />
<br />Leigh @HudsonSmithHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13511915759142553411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447203063835208833.post-6770543232991520422013-11-04T13:37:00.002-05:002013-11-04T13:37:58.673-05:00.: Autumn Monday :.<br /><br /><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;"><a href="http://g-dopezignes.tumblr.com/" target="_blank"><i>Source</i></a></td></tr>
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Thinking of all the beautiful autumn colors that I'm enjoying today...<br />
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Autumn can truly be another spring....a new beginning....the start of a new season of life. What things will you begin this autumn? <br />
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I have about a thousand projects...<br />
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<i>~ Leigh</i><br />
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<br />Leigh @HudsonSmithHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13511915759142553411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447203063835208833.post-3701732925047800372013-11-01T12:45:00.001-04:002013-11-01T12:45:48.853-04:00.: Welcome to Autumn :.Well, Halloween is over...it's the First of November. Time to start thinking about Thanksgiving, and all the Winter Holidays that follow. Just to get you in the mood, here's a first look at some lovely Thanksgiving tablescapes. <br />
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Oh, the ideas begin to flow....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRd-IGxxiDkY2z8_5cS6fmtwGNxfTbM_G9SJSe0IqeBnqm-7f1YHDZJNgdSbMkHMBZCUx3qOaJEtEsJcVUNi8ZnTTJA6MnBWF3jFY7mba0imMXWxI4VmANf0oMdTLNx5HpNnWfE2Nv1UM/s1600/valencich_original-fall-table-long_s3x4_lg+hgtv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRd-IGxxiDkY2z8_5cS6fmtwGNxfTbM_G9SJSe0IqeBnqm-7f1YHDZJNgdSbMkHMBZCUx3qOaJEtEsJcVUNi8ZnTTJA6MnBWF3jFY7mba0imMXWxI4VmANf0oMdTLNx5HpNnWfE2Nv1UM/s400/valencich_original-fall-table-long_s3x4_lg+hgtv.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hgtv.com/entertaining/glittering-fall-table-setting-and-centerpiece-ideas/pictures/index.html" target="_blank"><i>via HGTV</i></a></td></tr>
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More to come....<br />
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<i>~ Leigh</i>Leigh @HudsonSmithHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13511915759142553411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447203063835208833.post-21850246301005485332013-07-15T14:18:00.000-04:002013-07-15T14:18:15.408-04:00.: Oh, how I wish...<br />
It's been a long time of quiet around my little blog. Not because I don't care, but because my life has been pretty busy, and because I have lots of projects going on. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0X-TmG0jcbHfdSZlfkfYfZihvgz0M6Nuw0tgFPF7H9VvS51wE5uZAkDGH1YO7zGdenkzb-f5DQMB30x_2Of3h2zsrOf-u5Pmuima0FDQL8Q_uvMRnCNNUGJJrCd8sjKiU5l69tJWBD3c/s1600/994206_632245410118937_1539248767_n+from+fb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0X-TmG0jcbHfdSZlfkfYfZihvgz0M6Nuw0tgFPF7H9VvS51wE5uZAkDGH1YO7zGdenkzb-f5DQMB30x_2Of3h2zsrOf-u5Pmuima0FDQL8Q_uvMRnCNNUGJJrCd8sjKiU5l69tJWBD3c/s400/994206_632245410118937_1539248767_n+from+fb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I will be back. <br />
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Soon. <br />
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I promise.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">~ Leigh</span></i><br />
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<br />Leigh @HudsonSmithHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13511915759142553411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447203063835208833.post-15965166842860621672013-05-25T12:05:00.000-04:002013-05-25T12:05:39.365-04:00.: Decoration Day...<br />
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I do like the sound of that: Decoration Day. All of us adult-ish folks know that Memorial Day used to be called Decoration Day. Some of us even know that it was called that because it was the day that folks would go "decorate" the graves of servicemen with wreaths and flags, frequently followed by a memorial service in the cemetery. <br />
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Of course, most people nowadays just think of Memorial Day in terms of the "unofficial start of summer". Three-day weekend, barbeques, and all of that.<br />
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Here in the northeast it doesn't feel much like the start of summer. It's dreary, rainy and about 50 degrees. But we're making the best of it. My plan today is to clean my house --which is currently inhabited by six people and one very hairy dog -- and do *all* of our laundry. Oh, and go grocery shopping. So I don't have to spend the next three days hearing: "There's no food in this house!"<br />
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Exciting, no?<br />
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No, not really. So here's a little something to perk up our day, a pretty little seasonal thing to get you in the mood for summer (which I hear will eventually come!). Eight lovely outdoor kitchens to get your {barbeque} juices flowing. Enjoy...and have a wonderful, peaceful Decoration Day Weekend!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="265" src="http://media-cache-ak1.pinimg.com/736x/e2/9f/45/e29f4523445670b6fdf9c8ad97c03eab.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/projects/15854/Mill-Valley--CA" target="_blank">Urrutia Design, via Houzz</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="293" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/736x/38/aa/37/38aa3758139d0e5ab72193715307e786.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/projects/10268/River-Home" target="_blank">Lorraine Vale, via Houzz</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="266" src="http://media-cache-is0.pinimg.com/736x/c5/b8/6d/c5b86d033c4476b0d0b22a4e131bacc4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/projects/110467/Outdoor-Living-Spaces" target="_blank">CastleRock Homes; Rick Keating, photographer; via Houzz</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="266" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinimg.com/736x/fb/21/41/fb2141a84adbf318e2708b9c9d0b8c9b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/projects/29335/Saratoga-Jewelbox-Custom-Home" target="_blank">Innerhouse Design; Conrado Home Builders, via Houzz</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="394" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinimg.com/736x/76/6c/ad/766cad5f9b3fc2ea3e74786c05be23e6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/projects/12478/Hillside-Transformation" target="_blank">Arterra Landscape Architects, via Houzz</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAoMC8dWiozfRk5XHSAd8CT1IeUuk-XqANyCtSReii8NE117cNdZspeh58bJxXphRnxVGRBx4FOsccyQmoXGnVCPsaUxmG_8GSRTDXrdF43SGbw54wj-EbhND3lk0QvYSoXXFejSpEjjI/s400/214d71aaf04d0be91462242d0adb5823.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://5thandstate.blogspot.ca/2013/04/outdoor-living-spacepart-3.html" target="_blank">via 5th and State</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Paarlberg Outdoor Kitchen 2" height="300" src="http://www.signatureoutdoorconcepts.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/2007-2008-281-569x427.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.signatureoutdoorconcepts.com/project/caledonia-outdoor-kitchen-and-patio/" target="_blank">via Signature Outdoor Concepts</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="http://www.herlongarchitects.com/images/t612x752/content_778.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="265" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.herlongarchitects.com/Ralston-Creek-Residence-64.html" target="_blank">Herlong Architects</a></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">~ Leigh</span></i></div>
Leigh @HudsonSmithHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13511915759142553411noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447203063835208833.post-53584331069650774482013-05-24T11:52:00.001-04:002013-05-24T11:52:43.520-04:00.: Taking a seat in the garden...<br />
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Is it just me, or are Chinese Garden Stools everywhere? It seems wherever I go lately I see them. I saw these at Marshall's and Pier 1 this week....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIaFBe4bEWbTJ8RzyQxj51tvxNrVmZLH1CXBj_eUia15mDxaXU46t9uoh3P44gHpndnkn5OH2BXsXIixgapNjXpnUmfsYYb_RwxQ60bgxaYhx9_wK3NA9tMuY0LJ6uYqUmMvHn56y09s/s1600/at+Marshalls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIaFBe4bEWbTJ8RzyQxj51tvxNrVmZLH1CXBj_eUia15mDxaXU46t9uoh3P44gHpndnkn5OH2BXsXIixgapNjXpnUmfsYYb_RwxQ60bgxaYhx9_wK3NA9tMuY0LJ6uYqUmMvHn56y09s/s400/at+Marshalls.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marshall's</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggIr8rZd469Fb4Qe4O5FkvBfVq6dUub0azK0xwfo2hUQtGo4PNj5gGy8_kMD8zbshmXiBvnumqzhpx8GCqZVO9_Ox2kcxS_RSWyIiXIm9pjJo3jGu0o5jxVq57zRxymrWSdv_qQLrPFxk/s1600/garden+stools+at+Pier+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggIr8rZd469Fb4Qe4O5FkvBfVq6dUub0azK0xwfo2hUQtGo4PNj5gGy8_kMD8zbshmXiBvnumqzhpx8GCqZVO9_Ox2kcxS_RSWyIiXIm9pjJo3jGu0o5jxVq57zRxymrWSdv_qQLrPFxk/s400/garden+stools+at+Pier+1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pier 1</td></tr>
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And this one at the Kips Bay Show House....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7CQcPZt5UAfXC3F7ivgSAUyq0mGxgR3csRuN25KBXXd8hqd4Bsbs2UI_IEj_6a12cWFvYSPzTI6b-d9wVw4e60HoOxcpueqmZnrWl1JDzmh0LpkVT2xqIYEZuzfZ7WM-b-tQHylEdEM/s1600/Garden+Stool+at+Kips+Bay+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7CQcPZt5UAfXC3F7ivgSAUyq0mGxgR3csRuN25KBXXd8hqd4Bsbs2UI_IEj_6a12cWFvYSPzTI6b-d9wVw4e60HoOxcpueqmZnrWl1JDzmh0LpkVT2xqIYEZuzfZ7WM-b-tQHylEdEM/s320/Garden+Stool+at+Kips+Bay+2013.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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{<a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/" target="_blank">Apartment Therapy</a> ran a nice piece on the<a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/quick-history-chinese-garden-s-128824" target="_blank"> <i>history of Chinese Garden Stools</i></a>, in case you're interested.}</div>
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I will admit, I rather like these stools. Might there be one in my future? Maybe, but it's such a tough decision...there are so many out there...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="200" src="http://www.belleandjune.com/uploads/images/products/379c3fdb-b2b6-4706-9ff0-2d19cac80982.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.belleandjune.com/Browse/Product/136/8/Square-Hook-Garden-Stool-Turquoise" target="_blank">from Belle and June</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="200" src="http://img4.wfrcdn.com/lf/50/hash/428/6628591/1/Safavieh-Everest-Gardens-Embossed-Ceramic-Garden-Stool.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wayfair.com/Safavieh-Everest-Gardens-Embossed-Ceramic-Garden-Stool--FV20911.html" target="_blank">from Wayfair</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Knot Garden Stool" height="200" src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/f/248/9086/10h/origin-d5.scene7.com/is/image/Gumps/156829_is?$PAP$" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gumps.com/p/knot-garden-stool" target="_blank">from Gump's</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="200" src="http://www.belleandjune.com/uploads/images/products/c91a9be6-385a-4e64-8098-88f420a89d12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.belleandjune.com/Browse/Product/5471/8/Turquoise-Treillage-Garden-Stool" target="_blank">from Belle and June</a></td></tr>
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<img alt="Scenic Garden Stool" height="200" src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/f/248/9086/10h/origin-d5.scene7.com/is/image/Gumps/161208_is?$PAP$" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gumps.com/p/scenic-garden-stool" target="_blank">from Gump's</a></td></tr>
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Is there a limit to how many stools one can have in a single garden?</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">~ Leigh</span></i></div>
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Leigh @HudsonSmithHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13511915759142553411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447203063835208833.post-55432117864507594262013-05-23T16:21:00.002-04:002013-05-24T10:07:14.680-04:00.: So, Ceiling Murals... Yea or Nay?<br />
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This morning I was looking for something on Houzz, and, naturally, I got sidetracked. Happens all the time. Anyway, I happened to come across this picture of a painted ceiling mural.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="http://media-cache-ak1.pinimg.com/736x/26/54/5c/26545ceeff68d28760c75c765a4e1076.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="308" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/62107/Living-Spaces--family-room-charlotte" target="_blank">Grainda Builders, via Houzz</a></td></tr>
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This prompted a conversation with my oldest daughter, who was sitting next to me, as to whether we would ever have a ceiling mural in our home. She commented that if she was going to have something like this it would have to be an actual map of Middle Earth. <br />
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I can see that.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hobushomes.com/" target="_blank">Celestial Ceiling, via Hobus Homes</a></td></tr>
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We both agreed that celestial ceilings are very cool, especially in children's spaces.<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">And this would certainly be fabulous. Imagine it in a sunroom. Or above your bathtub.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="363" src="http://www.cuttingedgestencils.com/images/big/Bird-stencils-sky.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cuttingedgestencils.com/bird-stencils.html" target="_blank">via Cutting Edge Stencils</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/736x/4b/48/b6/4b48b6ef5cffeb668d2fce568562edd4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="312" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/projects/15319/House-in-Southwest" target="_blank">by KuDa Photography, via Houzz</a></td></tr>
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According to my daughter, this would be super cool,. If you actually lived with Satan.<br />
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I think the moon scene is very pretty. Bonus...you can confirm whether your overnight guest is actually a werewolf.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/76/b4/50/76b450116fccf3e420c4b11ba6458b00.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/409757266066827391/" target="_blank">via Pinterest</a></td></tr>
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I think this one might be the winner in our family, though. The swirling clouds remind us of a vortex. The time vortex. Of course, we'd probably paint that vent cover to look like a blue police box.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/fe/5a/74/fe5a74c56fc290d64185050206b123cd.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="266" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/409757266066827394/" target="_blank">via Pinterest</a></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">~ Leigh</span></i></div>
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Leigh @HudsonSmithHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13511915759142553411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447203063835208833.post-67450798191222846082013-05-21T19:10:00.002-04:002013-05-21T19:10:47.263-04:00.: Caught at Kips BayJust a few quick pics from the 2013 Kips Bay Decorator Show House.....<br />
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<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WumutuOWnOuPvk5uYLygFTGSueK6qH0BzABtFAhkf85dE2SOZvdUKWtbydTnUI4LeolLSJM_WhMuWkYy0m0aQvSATRNFgqQTrV_DtA7VQ6uhVTtlKoK8jH1cn0GcA9FEKzgg8uEjzAU/s1600/Garden+at+Kips+Bay+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WumutuOWnOuPvk5uYLygFTGSueK6qH0BzABtFAhkf85dE2SOZvdUKWtbydTnUI4LeolLSJM_WhMuWkYy0m0aQvSATRNFgqQTrV_DtA7VQ6uhVTtlKoK8jH1cn0GcA9FEKzgg8uEjzAU/s400/Garden+at+Kips+Bay+2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://nieverawilliams.com/" target="_blank">Garden by Nievera Williams Design</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUwK3DbP4-_jPG58r7uf-w2TNM9CyVgQFX4Smb8oxG5daGjXp3_ntQv_lgX18bA54Aq5BMGOjsTMtoJv3l3oDw2PUJWNyOCN0mMo0RGuSzsrZA4m2Z0is7fY-DMw6GBH0ufRZ61XVNjQ/s1600/Home+Ofc+at+Kips+Bay+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUwK3DbP4-_jPG58r7uf-w2TNM9CyVgQFX4Smb8oxG5daGjXp3_ntQv_lgX18bA54Aq5BMGOjsTMtoJv3l3oDw2PUJWNyOCN0mMo0RGuSzsrZA4m2Z0is7fY-DMw6GBH0ufRZ61XVNjQ/s400/Home+Ofc+at+Kips+Bay+2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://barbaraostromassociates.com/" target="_blank">Office Alcove in "Sitting Room/Home Office" by Barbara Ostrom</a></td></tr>
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<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfSjJlU0FIjR6cOBbzrOUYH3V8i-abRsM7Vyiwwb7apbpCOpQvJnRa62us1dyNSG7uM3lsbEDroFROQWaGoO0Ntu8hULE8LMmgcaVVZe6r8FpMiIrdm_H6N1rTg_pD-wExNQZvDl0P2o/s1600/Kips+Bay+2013+Drawing+Rm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfSjJlU0FIjR6cOBbzrOUYH3V8i-abRsM7Vyiwwb7apbpCOpQvJnRa62us1dyNSG7uM3lsbEDroFROQWaGoO0Ntu8hULE8LMmgcaVVZe6r8FpMiIrdm_H6N1rTg_pD-wExNQZvDl0P2o/s400/Kips+Bay+2013+Drawing+Rm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gomezassociates.com/" target="_blank">Drawing Room by Gomez Associates</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhls9iFyuS6f8HMQveskpnjH_8DjGk7Lh3XZmIsFmZfHbRB45YVOIdVnTVkDMulenhHFL_0kMjxaERcbCYwqEXHRLe20QuIkYFaxOkkzoZJIj_vQFC8_BubCOccI0UXX7LpTgcXxq4FIy8/s1600/Kips+Bay+2013+Sitting+Rm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhls9iFyuS6f8HMQveskpnjH_8DjGk7Lh3XZmIsFmZfHbRB45YVOIdVnTVkDMulenhHFL_0kMjxaERcbCYwqEXHRLe20QuIkYFaxOkkzoZJIj_vQFC8_BubCOccI0UXX7LpTgcXxq4FIy8/s400/Kips+Bay+2013+Sitting+Rm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jacklevydesign.com/" target="_blank">Sitting Room by Jack Levy</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_spjH1Nk_7a3c3RkfgXGGQKdu9BE223z3gDF_-Z4A2XGPns9PLtE3DtEMfKgdRa9pFMbN_OtU5hAZlZ4taSaQnNnuCOS0mnxyb9TH5Na3kbq2JEOCv3vHsR6pvbZ8_HSZ_sjF6CiB2k/s1600/Office+at+Kips+Bay+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_spjH1Nk_7a3c3RkfgXGGQKdu9BE223z3gDF_-Z4A2XGPns9PLtE3DtEMfKgdRa9pFMbN_OtU5hAZlZ4taSaQnNnuCOS0mnxyb9TH5Na3kbq2JEOCv3vHsR6pvbZ8_HSZ_sjF6CiB2k/s400/Office+at+Kips+Bay+2013.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stephenmooneyinteriors.com/" target="_blank">La Petite Writing Room by Stephen Mooney</a></td></tr>
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The Kips Bay Decorator Show House is usually one of the high points of my year. I make a day of it: wander through the designer rooms, stroll around the neighborhood, sometimes head over to the Met for an hour or two. I get to have a fun day in the city and feel good for supporting the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club, the organization that benefits from this fundraiser. This year was no different. Well, just a little different -- I attended with over 100 other design bloggers, as part of Blogfest 2013. More on that tomorrow....<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">~ Leigh</span></i>Leigh @HudsonSmithHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13511915759142553411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447203063835208833.post-47176536239912851572013-05-15T11:50:00.000-04:002013-05-15T11:50:22.991-04:00.: Eye of the Beholder<br />
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One of the most common pieces of advice that designers dole out is "hang art at eye-level".<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPTYvsN8-LF_LXjz9Rw1XezYFZwxS2YHLJev2O3-vYvqQObCUMVQZZ_UeoGdxdLE0OuxuqtwoE2-yXzd4dnGcsJCTRgKUJG-aD_1SD53QlEVfgHkyhBgVdvRDlAzu1buGSaaGVMjFfDo/s1600/Tom+Filicia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPTYvsN8-LF_LXjz9Rw1XezYFZwxS2YHLJev2O3-vYvqQObCUMVQZZ_UeoGdxdLE0OuxuqtwoE2-yXzd4dnGcsJCTRgKUJG-aD_1SD53QlEVfgHkyhBgVdvRDlAzu1buGSaaGVMjFfDo/s400/Tom+Filicia.jpg" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thomfilicia.com/home" target="_blank"><i>Thom Filicia</i></a></td></tr>
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Simple enough, right?<br />
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Not long ago I happened upon a gorgeous reverse painted mirror at Homegoods (where else?). As I had some empty wall space in the entryway, and no way of seeing what I looked like before leaving the house (without walking back down the hall to the bathroom), I was particularly happy with this find. I brought it home and promptly hung it at eye level on my empty entry wall. <br />
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Lookin' good.<br />
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Until my friend Melanie came over, took one look at it and said, "Wow. You really are short!"<br />
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Apparently my eyes are not at the same level as those of other, less vertically challenged, people. <br />
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<i>Well, at least I know I look good when I'm leaving the house.</i><br />
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While eye-level is a helpful rule of thumb, it doesn't always work out. At 5'1", my eyes land somewhere around 55" above floor height. That's an awfully big distance from a person who is, say, 5'7" tall. And what if you're 5'11"? Does your artwork hang so that a person of shorter stature can't possibly appreciate it?<br />
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Here's a couple of things you can do. <br />
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<i><b>First of all, fudge it.</b></i> Hang larger pieces, or pieces that are to be seen from a distance, higher on the wall. The overall size will draw your eye up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYC4b-nzcQ4om_S6ztlDJAdnhVGD_3ME7sozePsHTK1H_lyjeF56uIeo1u7hyphenhyphenejMuR8EqQI2enDG_oxFTzRv39FXKTHVyVBEH3cqdZ4ANMcGdegCjRsfGYB-n93z4-YO9qxRg_HzHis3k/s1600/from+materialgirlsblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYC4b-nzcQ4om_S6ztlDJAdnhVGD_3ME7sozePsHTK1H_lyjeF56uIeo1u7hyphenhyphenejMuR8EqQI2enDG_oxFTzRv39FXKTHVyVBEH3cqdZ4ANMcGdegCjRsfGYB-n93z4-YO9qxRg_HzHis3k/s400/from+materialgirlsblog.jpg" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://materialgirlsblog.com/dallas/2009/12/01/sophisticated-kids-rooms/" target="_blank"><i>via Material Girls</i></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJsy1p3Epr2apaoF60HZr-rrGk4tnI_QJ2W42OL4_G5pgpPNvqP-Uzbyo5LgppRLTUnkfRlr4fIO136lrhCFsPcQay8Z5nzfDWFsikW1HwgC-d_p5c5JCFsVAgwpAEsrd3YZWrxw6a7Ng/s1600/height-2-20-girls,+via+cdc.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJsy1p3Epr2apaoF60HZr-rrGk4tnI_QJ2W42OL4_G5pgpPNvqP-Uzbyo5LgppRLTUnkfRlr4fIO136lrhCFsPcQay8Z5nzfDWFsikW1HwgC-d_p5c5JCFsVAgwpAEsrd3YZWrxw6a7Ng/s400/height-2-20-girls,+via+cdc.png" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/growthcharts/cdc_charts.htm" target="_blank"><i>via CDC</i></a></td></tr>
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Stand your *middle* ground.</b></i> If you're on the short side, find eye-level and then raise it up just 4 or 5 inches. Likewise, if you're tall, adjust down a few inches. Not more than 6" either way, though, otherwise you yourself won't be able to appreciate it. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFI7ftRzzH3jQ7IUUt_A6NN3CJSDQPXIuo_VwqcsMzhp-mmvaxz_f_7Gm7PfjcAL2C3fMc2_dHutK9HRLvPuPg5OfFxcCM9y8Fc2P7dbCzaVTxls6vUWLSM3SRQzd8HAwSPWN54pNX20/s1600/Charlotte+Moss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFI7ftRzzH3jQ7IUUt_A6NN3CJSDQPXIuo_VwqcsMzhp-mmvaxz_f_7Gm7PfjcAL2C3fMc2_dHutK9HRLvPuPg5OfFxcCM9y8Fc2P7dbCzaVTxls6vUWLSM3SRQzd8HAwSPWN54pNX20/s400/Charlotte+Moss.jpg" width="291" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.charlottemoss.com/" target="_blank"><i>Charlotte Moss</i></a></td></tr>
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<i><b>Join the crowd.</b></i> My personal favorite way to deal with this is to group art together in an art wall. That way some is high, some is lower, and the overall affect becomes as important as the individual pieces.<br />
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And, remember, there are no hard and fast rules in decorating. Do what feels right in your home.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>~ Leigh</i></span><br />
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<br />Leigh @HudsonSmithHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13511915759142553411noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447203063835208833.post-50896500289927654852013-05-13T11:25:00.000-04:002013-05-13T11:27:31.296-04:00.: Mixing Modern and Antique<div>
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"The contemporary eye combines objects and materials of the present with objects and materials from the past, not because of fashion but because of one's own knowledgeable eclecticism - the result of one's own varied experiences and cultivated taste."<br />
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<i>~ Eleanor McMillen Brown, Sixty Years of Interior Design</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkQJ4zreQXxfaHIdVusT4aUx2J3n5idTm_bQIQrLSddY7gK5neZBMSsM84lnODhZhMxygL3g9VsHp9IFJlBpjKbwpXGTV3UGjp1BLyrY5EkiaiOe3lNw1S_OwWYCGQu5FvW8jpNuW_OU/s1600/smallspace1+from+thedecorista.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkQJ4zreQXxfaHIdVusT4aUx2J3n5idTm_bQIQrLSddY7gK5neZBMSsM84lnODhZhMxygL3g9VsHp9IFJlBpjKbwpXGTV3UGjp1BLyrY5EkiaiOe3lNw1S_OwWYCGQu5FvW8jpNuW_OU/s400/smallspace1+from+thedecorista.jpg" width="387" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thedecorista.com/2010/06/art-of-livinghow-to-decorate-open.html" target="_blank"><i>via The Decorista</i></a></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">~ Leigh</span></i></div>
Leigh @HudsonSmithHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13511915759142553411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447203063835208833.post-69807124151923202872013-05-11T09:00:00.000-04:002013-05-11T09:00:01.038-04:00.: Before and After: Ingrid's New Old Bookshelves<br />
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My friend Ingrid is one of those people that finds things. Like at estate sales, on the side of the road, really anywhere. Which, of course, is one of the reasons that I like her. We bonded over design and DIY love. Ingrid and I, along with our friends Lynne and Leslie, have been working together for the last year as the building renovation team for our house of worship...but more on that another time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvTBSQ439dDovir0q4j12fJlDxtcvq62u1kTV2cRGcf78TKb2z077vVE6i-EwkeiIzF9mEa8Z-AWoRCGArj4Nchh0JgUmG04McB3uiJhoq9tLKFyQHCLPFyxJryCfSLtRkIJb9EVhgiwQ/s1600/Lynne+and+Ingrid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvTBSQ439dDovir0q4j12fJlDxtcvq62u1kTV2cRGcf78TKb2z077vVE6i-EwkeiIzF9mEa8Z-AWoRCGArj4Nchh0JgUmG04McB3uiJhoq9tLKFyQHCLPFyxJryCfSLtRkIJb9EVhgiwQ/s320/Lynne+and+Ingrid.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ingrid and Lynne</td></tr>
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Anyway, it was no big surprise to me when Ingrid said she landed some "awesome" new bookshelf cabinets for her living room. New to her, that is. Awesome in that they were sturdy, the right size, and just needed "a little paint". <br />
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Indeed....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxLR1LxCCEVjjPgCqgkAyy1v2VNf9_Dt0b0qBmpULlu_dFQge_YA23X9qiVKxEh_oHMjzFfIlTPwct8G7xLm9JS9TysnhpongB3yLCqzRPW6mBIjq6LWgzRToryLtc9EoeAj6Z1WkUjQk/s1600/Ingrids+Bookshelves3+-+before.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxLR1LxCCEVjjPgCqgkAyy1v2VNf9_Dt0b0qBmpULlu_dFQge_YA23X9qiVKxEh_oHMjzFfIlTPwct8G7xLm9JS9TysnhpongB3yLCqzRPW6mBIjq6LWgzRToryLtc9EoeAj6Z1WkUjQk/s320/Ingrids+Bookshelves3+-+before.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zj3ndaaIHYUnMovetNWgsKP07Toiwnt_SGz3MPB40Ax9Yz5kQe8MnzNnESYurok3WQ9y3dq5ORnIhY52RMKAqwmIdROlVQ4VmLvTVe3vLLODgKcyc8ZrpdpmwWbDcwkf83-JNafHI-Q/s1600/Ingrids+Bookshelves+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zj3ndaaIHYUnMovetNWgsKP07Toiwnt_SGz3MPB40Ax9Yz5kQe8MnzNnESYurok3WQ9y3dq5ORnIhY52RMKAqwmIdROlVQ4VmLvTVe3vLLODgKcyc8ZrpdpmwWbDcwkf83-JNafHI-Q/s320/Ingrids+Bookshelves+4.jpg" width="239" /></a><br />
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And so, paint she did. Right there in her living room. (Good time to mention that her husband is a saint!) <br />
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For the main body of the pieces, she used the same lovely creamy white that she had used on the existing sideboard in the room. (Another sidewalk find, I think.) She painted the back of the bookcases with the leftover wall paint, a blue that I can only describe as the color of the sky on a Cape Cod summer day. For contrast, she left the cabinet tops in their natural wood state. A bonus that you can't see in the picture is that the cabinet top in center piece flips out to create a secretary. <br />
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When she finished, they looked like this.....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNelLL25mWgck7nAaUH4-gf84UuIF_yfDdGLuqfnW4gmCuEDj0nyuLPHzT6z5YS4LtsFs6Rcg7mpRlGOoypDA9tBONmAcsn6klMm9ya_94Q2UMm5_HSpBUmN4N2BWP0JPw_X7W0eH3uo/s1600/IMG_4211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNelLL25mWgck7nAaUH4-gf84UuIF_yfDdGLuqfnW4gmCuEDj0nyuLPHzT6z5YS4LtsFs6Rcg7mpRlGOoypDA9tBONmAcsn6klMm9ya_94Q2UMm5_HSpBUmN4N2BWP0JPw_X7W0eH3uo/s400/IMG_4211.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice how the one on the right is just a smidge shorter than the other two? <br />
Yeah, that was an interesting design challenge!</td></tr>
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But alas, Ingrid thought this was the limit of her abilities. So, enticing us with the promise of a fresh home-made pot of soup and roasted brussels sprout salad, she lured Lynne and I over one evening to style her new bookshelves. Once we were all warmed up by that delicious meal, she took us on a discovery tour of her home. Out came piles of books, bins of photographs and frames, replica house collections, car collections, family memorabilia, etc, etc. It was a little overwhelming, but we were up to the challenge.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHaA0mc9Hqd_5sYleOAOAyO3aROIbKyfrjp74Zfi8iyw_jPIC2ao60m2gDs5-hzyELP9EkYufy6-onwZURu-275oyF3Howc_eIA7yeuUxitJ7fbHiN6S_u9J401zSFyXoBHt05i7WV80/s1600/Lynne+and+Ingrid+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHaA0mc9Hqd_5sYleOAOAyO3aROIbKyfrjp74Zfi8iyw_jPIC2ao60m2gDs5-hzyELP9EkYufy6-onwZURu-275oyF3Howc_eIA7yeuUxitJ7fbHiN6S_u9J401zSFyXoBHt05i7WV80/s320/Lynne+and+Ingrid+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A slow start, but it's a start nonetheless...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Kin2qUZaoAkG-oqPwSclftq2WiOzDuyjVLYfVy7P4vtYFL2aIdC78TrPwupaNhvttyB8Dajb1VeULzfU82mjrWxZHhoHe0e5D0IuxGwe5x4YFsniuOSurXDt6bfHMVAsFq4O334WQmU/s1600/Lynne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Kin2qUZaoAkG-oqPwSclftq2WiOzDuyjVLYfVy7P4vtYFL2aIdC78TrPwupaNhvttyB8Dajb1VeULzfU82mjrWxZHhoHe0e5D0IuxGwe5x4YFsniuOSurXDt6bfHMVAsFq4O334WQmU/s320/Lynne.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the joys of working with Lynne & Ingrid:<br />
they're just as OCD as I am!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSU3lhLo2OpO5-Ws10vYjV04KZx-PTMW0kl4m7msqJ8inUHqV8m6oM7z7tt3K8Oso6XKggdMxyE50JxI-9IJ6PzBWmFQF7FH6T_j6S1WCRsicAA8o4ol3tiN1xIQdy023_WoSudrmRJY/s1600/Ingrids+Bookshelves+7+finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSU3lhLo2OpO5-Ws10vYjV04KZx-PTMW0kl4m7msqJ8inUHqV8m6oM7z7tt3K8Oso6XKggdMxyE50JxI-9IJ6PzBWmFQF7FH6T_j6S1WCRsicAA8o4ol3tiN1xIQdy023_WoSudrmRJY/s1600/Ingrids+Bookshelves+7+finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><span style="text-align: start;"></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">We left Ingrid's house in shambles that night, as it was getting late and we both had to get home to our kids, but I went back later, and Ingrid and I finished up. It was a long process of choosing, placing, and repeated editing of her photographs and other treasures. Luckily, Ingrid has an amazing supply of frames, so we could switch photos in and out at will. Ultimately, it yielded beautiful results.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSU3lhLo2OpO5-Ws10vYjV04KZx-PTMW0kl4m7msqJ8inUHqV8m6oM7z7tt3K8Oso6XKggdMxyE50JxI-9IJ6PzBWmFQF7FH6T_j6S1WCRsicAA8o4ol3tiN1xIQdy023_WoSudrmRJY/s1600/Ingrids+Bookshelves+7+finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSU3lhLo2OpO5-Ws10vYjV04KZx-PTMW0kl4m7msqJ8inUHqV8m6oM7z7tt3K8Oso6XKggdMxyE50JxI-9IJ6PzBWmFQF7FH6T_j6S1WCRsicAA8o4ol3tiN1xIQdy023_WoSudrmRJY/s640/Ingrids+Bookshelves+7+finished.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ingrid made the stunning multi-media artwork using capiz shells and sand she collected on Block Island.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8Kh1LGwSFffbztThggUQAGdamfipWAdUZEe74kXYBBaRY6p4onZcA3JDWmqJNhpC1AOiYe7Sn0ITLjXsBzhoYgyGvyt2TbpySFn6I3xqhlKt4ZfELI5YQinvwzYYqxVK7btSGWg_Jz4/s1600/Ingrids+Bookshelves+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8Kh1LGwSFffbztThggUQAGdamfipWAdUZEe74kXYBBaRY6p4onZcA3JDWmqJNhpC1AOiYe7Sn0ITLjXsBzhoYgyGvyt2TbpySFn6I3xqhlKt4ZfELI5YQinvwzYYqxVK7btSGWg_Jz4/s640/Ingrids+Bookshelves+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The large photos on the bottom shelves are attached to the back of the units using Command Hooks. Raising them allows the desk-top to open easily, but we didn't want to add any unnecessary nail holes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDrJwwrq-qZ-yy34yRoggi_vufrJCLuDWeA-0kP2uulxIGh4FWo_HC5iLdqrKz7CtwSKVGC7_w6xfp6IEQfUnnHOvFQJyOlCVw-9qLv9s988rGomat91vvGP0ShclAG93eVUlQpPsfFNU/s1600/Ingrids+Bookshelves+6+finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDrJwwrq-qZ-yy34yRoggi_vufrJCLuDWeA-0kP2uulxIGh4FWo_HC5iLdqrKz7CtwSKVGC7_w6xfp6IEQfUnnHOvFQJyOlCVw-9qLv9s988rGomat91vvGP0ShclAG93eVUlQpPsfFNU/s640/Ingrids+Bookshelves+6+finished.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We fudged the height difference by separating the units with a piece of artwork, then adding similar items to the tops of both pieces. This fools the eye into seeing the tops as the same.</td></tr>
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Now look at Ingrid's lovely, organized living room. She is thrilled with the results. And we all got to spend some fun bonding time with design friends. How cool is that?!?<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>~ Leigh</i></span><br />
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Leigh @HudsonSmithHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13511915759142553411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447203063835208833.post-64370243802957724472013-05-10T08:36:00.000-04:002013-05-10T08:36:28.210-04:00.: Oh yeah!!! Happy Birthday!!!<br />
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Well, it's not actually <i>my</i> birthday, but it is a birthday of sorts. This morning, my new website went live. <br />
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<i>Yippeee!!!</i></div>
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Many of you know I've been building this website all by my little lonesome. And as technologically challenged as I am, this was no small feat. The learning curve was huge, and it seemed to take forever. But it's done, and doesn't look half-bad, if I do say so myself...<br />
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It's not perfect, mind you. Having just learned to copyright and watermark photos in Photoshop, I'm still working on the photos for the Portfolio section. And I am eagerly awaiting a session date with a professional photographer for new headshots. <br />
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But wow, I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders...<br />
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<i>Ahhh.....</i><br />
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Check it out, and let me know what you think.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="http://www.hudsonsmithhome.com/" target="_blank">Hudson Smith Interiors, new website</a></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>~ Leigh</i></span>Leigh @HudsonSmithHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13511915759142553411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447203063835208833.post-75448275961996354532013-05-09T15:46:00.000-04:002013-05-09T15:46:53.546-04:00.: Decorating is like music...<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>"</i></span><i> <b>Decorating is like music. Harmony is what we constantly strive for. At home, we want a peaceful atmosphere where the objects are the notes and nothing is off-key."</b></i><br />
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<i>~ Charlotte Moss, A Passion for Details</i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dkarchitects.com/index.html" target="_blank"><i>Diana Kellogg Architects</i></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bhg.com/" target="_blank"><i>BHG</i></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/decor/decorating" target="_blank"><i>Mona Hajj, via Architectural Digest</i></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/decor/decorating" target="_blank"><i>Peter Dunham, via Architectural Digest</i></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.effortless-style.com/" target="_blank"><i>via Effortless-Style</i></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/decor/decorating" target="_blank"><i>Suzanne Kasler, via Architectural Digest</i></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>~ Leigh</i></span><br />
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Leigh @HudsonSmithHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13511915759142553411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447203063835208833.post-41016777958333339922013-05-07T08:30:00.000-04:002013-05-07T08:30:03.237-04:00.: Mrs. House-Lust, or: When Will I Learn to Stop Dreaming and Love my House?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello. My name is Leigh, and I am an addict. <br />
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I am addicted to lust. <br />
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No, not the sexual kind. <br />
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The house kind. You know what I mean....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fNZyHyRxBRAe501LulANxv413ADRx7C7jwcv9WEjRog39k94ZSeNkm3BMt30nGFyzVzvWcsxv0X7kYNqhQ0duaAq7cD1CWXtKEricUontSn-r4DwHJWdVuulSiJQF2_Cv0anAd1l3pA/s1600/MP900305861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fNZyHyRxBRAe501LulANxv413ADRx7C7jwcv9WEjRog39k94ZSeNkm3BMt30nGFyzVzvWcsxv0X7kYNqhQ0duaAq7cD1CWXtKEricUontSn-r4DwHJWdVuulSiJQF2_Cv0anAd1l3pA/s400/MP900305861.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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My favorite movie is Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House, and it's not just because I want to be Myrna Loy when I grow up. I have subscriptions to all the major "shelter" magazines. Even the Canadian ones. HGTV is the soundtrack to my life. I spend countless hours poring over real estate listings from all over the country. I find fault with aspects of my home that others never even see. <br />
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I dream.<br />
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I want.<br />
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I drool.<br />
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I need.<br />
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I've got it bad....<br />
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I lust after a fourth bedroom, for my third child. </div>
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I lust after a masterful master bath, with a large tub separate from the shower, and a self-contained toilet room.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.amoroso-design.com/projects/lafayettetwo/" target="_blank">via Amoroso Design</a></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://chrisorlikowski.com/" target="_blank"><i>Chris Orlikowski Studio</i></a></td></tr>
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I lust after a space to call my own, a studio for my art, my crafts, my sanity.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.christopherrosearchitects.com/" target="_blank"><i>Christopher Rose Architects</i></a></td></tr>
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I lust after a screened porch, preferably with a fireplace -- although I'd happily settle for a firepit on the patio (which I don't have, but only sort-of lust after). <br />
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My screened porch would, naturally, look out over my fenced vegetable and cutting garden. <br />
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Ah, but in the face of all the beautiful home pictures, the HGTV makeovers, the perfect little neighborhoods that I drive through on a daily basis, I must admit that these things are not in the cards for me. That evil do-gooder Reality sets in, and I realize that I have to face my lust. I have to come to terms with my addiction and maybe even break it. (Ha!) <br />
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As with any addiction, the first step is admitting you have a problem. So here goes.....<br />
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<i>Hello, my name is Leigh, and I am addicted to house lust. It has been 45 minutes since I last thought of my house as imperfect, or lusted after another person's bathtub.</i></div>
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<i>~ Leigh</i><br />
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<br />Leigh @HudsonSmithHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13511915759142553411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447203063835208833.post-8644444501922981642013-04-06T00:18:00.001-04:002013-04-06T14:00:24.992-04:00.: This is the house that will haunt me {part three}<i><span style="font-size: large;">{The Final Chapter}</span></i><br />
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I know, I know....I've been going on about this house as if it's the greatest thing ever built, and you're probably thinking, "What the heck? It's only a house!"<br />
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But a house is never "only a house" to me. It is always the sum total of its physical being, its history and its future potential. This house stands its ground on all three counts. True, its physical being currently shows signs of age and leaves a little to be desired. But it has the square footage, layout, and location that make it worth the investment. Granted, it boasts 4 bathrooms that literally haven't been touched since the house was built in 1964. <br />
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Back in those days bathrooms were small, and foil wallpaper was a "thing". But luckily, the master bath and the upstairs family bath are back to back and sandwiched between two huge bedrooms, which makes updating and enlarging them both (by stealing square footage from the bedrooms) easy-peasy. And the powder room yields this little gem.<br />
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A gilt French Provincial console vanity with green onyx counter (and faucet accents) and a gold leaf Greek key pattern on the basin! Are you kidding me? (Oh how I'd love to get my hands on this little jewel-box of a powder room. The gold flocked wallpaper is maybe a little over the top, but that's easily remedied with a spray bottle and a scraper! A few coats of Chinese red lacquer color on the wall will make that stone sing like it's the emperor's own basin. A new mirror, some carefully chosen antique art pieces for the wall, and....ah, sorry. I got a little carried away....)<br />
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Anywaaaayyyy. Getting back to the physical being, there are some other cool little features in this house that I haven't mentioned (besides the three bucolic acres and, of course, the dumbwaiter): an indoor pool (floor needs major repairs, but...), sauna, greenhouse, stained glass inserts in the interior doors, a nifty wrap/paper towel holder built into the kitchen backsplash, skylights, built-in stone barbeque pit on the patio...and that's just what I saw on a quick walk-through. There might actually be more that I don't even know about.<br />
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The three acres are located in one of the nicest neighborhoods in our town...a small, conveniently located lake community with a mix of cottages and larger homes, all of which consistently fetch a good price at resale. The recent history of the home is just about as fabulous as that onyx vanity. It is the property of Ernest and Hedy Dichter. Ernest (1907-1991) was an Austrian-American psychologist and marketing expert who was known as the father of Motivational Research. He conceived the term "focus group", and was instrumental in putting the "tiger in our tank" and bringing the Barbie doll into existence. (Google him -- there's some very interesting information out there!) Apart from being Ernest and Hedy's residence, the house was also home to his Institute for Motivational Research. After Ernest's death, Hedy continued to live in the home until just a few weeks ago, when she was moved to a local nursing home. At the age of 102! I hear she swam in the pool and used the sauna every day, right up until she moved. No doubt that's why even though she uses a walker, she's otherwise still quite agile.<br />
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So, there you have it. A home that combines some amazing features, great location, passionate and intellectual history, a great deal of love and the potential to be an exquisite abode.<br />
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If I hit the lottery, you'll know where to find me. And if not, well....I'll still be here. Still addicted to looking at houses and sharing with you. But if it just so happens that you decide to buy this house, you might need a good interior designer. And if you need a good interior designer (who already loves the house!), you know who to call! ;-D<br />
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<i>If you'd like to see the original listing for this home, please visit <a href="http://www.coldwellbankermoves.com/property/details/3406568/MLS-3308705/24-Furnace-Brook-Dr-Cortlandt-Cortlandt-Manor-NY-10567.aspx?SearchID=18877943&RowNum=5&StateID=38&RegionID=3&IsRegularPS=True&IsSold=False" target="_blank">Coldwell Banker. </a></i><br />
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<i>~ Leigh</i>Leigh @HudsonSmithHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13511915759142553411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447203063835208833.post-4888889377419490502013-04-03T09:00:00.000-04:002013-04-03T09:00:06.500-04:00.: This is the house that will haunt me....{part 2, cont'd.}<span style="font-size: large;"><i>{Living and Dining Rooms, continued}</i></span><br />
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We left off last week in middle of the imaginary renovation of a great house that's on the market in my town. If you don't remember what we were up to in the living and dining rooms, refresh your memory <a href="http://hudsonsmithhomeblog.blogspot.com/2013/03/this-is-house-that-will-haunt-me-part-2.html">here.</a>...otherwise, read on...<br />
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To finish off the dining and living rooms, I picked just a few furniture and accessory pieces. I've chosen a simple, classic set for the formal dining room. With modern lines based on neo-classical forms, it will transition well in any kind of decor. The round and rectangular shapes that play off of the floor and wall patterns, and the walnut finish coordinates with the flooring. Plus, those chairs look nice and comfy.....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglLXjkkqCr2WmgpPfdDnnC0r3z7TIt0YiXZvwdcgv4jX30a4EuImPbEHDfDn2WK8_9q3Dc5JeyQTB2pD-3L8mcI-_4TW37RC4kZL-QE651soq48nQ4WUJ8D_1gJQ10bnUCcQLXnBNEnsA/s1600/51zwwaBoHnL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglLXjkkqCr2WmgpPfdDnnC0r3z7TIt0YiXZvwdcgv4jX30a4EuImPbEHDfDn2WK8_9q3Dc5JeyQTB2pD-3L8mcI-_4TW37RC4kZL-QE651soq48nQ4WUJ8D_1gJQ10bnUCcQLXnBNEnsA/s400/51zwwaBoHnL.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wayfair.com/Hokku-Designs-Regan-7-Piece-Dining-Set-KUI2484.html" target="_blank"><i>via Wayfair</i></a></td></tr>
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And this light fixture from Horchow should work nicely as well. Notice the rounded-off square within the circle...<br />
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<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROg-_yidux7t9-8qiVh_cJ6X7_RxRhk6Kq9emkc6wZuSCAqQj21ZRrSSpXSA-ZMRtB1QkGYSPqW6l17ktkzR2OP3jPCDFc-dpnA8aJYXi_ur34WVmtHNsP1N7ZibsogG28uIaaRCwDqI/s1600/HCH6T8W_mx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROg-_yidux7t9-8qiVh_cJ6X7_RxRhk6Kq9emkc6wZuSCAqQj21ZRrSSpXSA-ZMRtB1QkGYSPqW6l17ktkzR2OP3jPCDFc-dpnA8aJYXi_ur34WVmtHNsP1N7ZibsogG28uIaaRCwDqI/s400/HCH6T8W_mx.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.horchow.com/p/Gaby-Winthorpe-Chandelier-Chandeliers/cprod97420002_cat000099_cat1590731_/;jsessionid=74B5C2AACFCA773828FA6AFC489F5582?isEditorial=false&index=11&cmCat=cat000000cat1590731cat000099" target="_blank"><i>Gaby "Winthorpe" Chandelier</i></a></td></tr>
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Back in the living room, I'm not sure if you can see in the photos, but those black panelled walls flanking the stone fireplace are "almost" pure drama when you walk into the room. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm8TOYkjRqQEsetWFzY8kriWYb_9K47rsDqHtbYpNjOpIZvZnS_3016MiPa-lIM0UpSB0hR8FpoR9aiO6UN6Y77hXJGiqhtnf9rd5ia7SwROuQBDIOXyrxXFKJpPgLqXNsoSDKTgVdAPQ/s1600/IMG_4464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm8TOYkjRqQEsetWFzY8kriWYb_9K47rsDqHtbYpNjOpIZvZnS_3016MiPa-lIM0UpSB0hR8FpoR9aiO6UN6Y77hXJGiqhtnf9rd5ia7SwROuQBDIOXyrxXFKJpPgLqXNsoSDKTgVdAPQ/s400/IMG_4464.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I say almost, because I think they only need a little tweaking. I would definitely add some beautiful knobs on the cabinets, and lose the heavy header board on the right in favor of matching trim on both sides, as well as some crown moulding. I would love to indulge my wildest dreams and install a brass rail and library ladder on the left side, making it look sort of like this:<br />
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<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-cNO-fHy5SV9WB3xtZcmg8B9lz2-4awkLe-oyNF-ymqrDXYF2V8upKAAMWcQiTciSEioYsWJ0KyRVeomEQky-tczujyhgeGQGxipLTcIZi8zKmJHY09u38jacP4CDNYzBTxRrSDxSLM/s1600/Grange-Modular-TV-Cabinet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-cNO-fHy5SV9WB3xtZcmg8B9lz2-4awkLe-oyNF-ymqrDXYF2V8upKAAMWcQiTciSEioYsWJ0KyRVeomEQky-tczujyhgeGQGxipLTcIZi8zKmJHY09u38jacP4CDNYzBTxRrSDxSLM/s400/Grange-Modular-TV-Cabinet.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.grange.fr/grange/easysite/grange/us/browse-products/modular-units" target="_blank"><i>via Grange</i></a></td></tr>
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Now that would be stunning!<br />
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I'm not really one for window coverings, and with fenestration like this, with views to your three private wooded acres and nary a neighbor, I'm especially inclined to skip the curtains. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZE0c6kiV1SgYkGypzkeaSR_oKWXGPUuV2xA9Ck5JUlOkKX-frj2m_kowibXSkydpZ4G8m6oBbx6LABfOOnwE_antevx3GsIE1cMIKkZQzOy47e2OWWhpNB_-It55GE_8N0Fkq9iZ5_0g/s1600/IMG_4463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZE0c6kiV1SgYkGypzkeaSR_oKWXGPUuV2xA9Ck5JUlOkKX-frj2m_kowibXSkydpZ4G8m6oBbx6LABfOOnwE_antevx3GsIE1cMIKkZQzOy47e2OWWhpNB_-It55GE_8N0Fkq9iZ5_0g/s400/IMG_4463.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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But let's say, for the sake of argument, that you wanted to control the light on a particularly sunny day. A solar shade in a natural colored textured weave would do the trick. The style that rolls up completely to be hidden by it's own valance would be perfect -- and unobtrusive.<br />
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<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0Lrrxq9vzZFj67mIFpErNnSmG-U7aDxnKLM98miEL9IYkajDeoULhiAdEGguvr36k9NkrF8KzGSWstzvGLB5NHLQk9XY_RhraS7fNZ6YBfA44ROhoaE5-7wl47ODvArW5VBZYciLqYE/s1600/bnd_11600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0Lrrxq9vzZFj67mIFpErNnSmG-U7aDxnKLM98miEL9IYkajDeoULhiAdEGguvr36k9NkrF8KzGSWstzvGLB5NHLQk9XY_RhraS7fNZ6YBfA44ROhoaE5-7wl47ODvArW5VBZYciLqYE/s400/bnd_11600.jpg" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.smithandnoble.com/" target="_blank"><i>via Smith and Noble</i></a></td></tr>
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We need a carpet to tie it all together and warm up the floors a bit, so I'm thinking of a antique Persian or Indian carpet, something like this.....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkjnoSPjN-cPPtpEy1OTYP9LujmIhMDpmP7xlwueyatLaAXF2STH5BCHMYTCy_fMb4FoQjerzxYeGfEDH2dZBHWPY6yuI7x65rKP4ssZUVhdhofmwWynaagyVmx6ElzQdzPHkxomNvC0/s1600/detail-44691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkjnoSPjN-cPPtpEy1OTYP9LujmIhMDpmP7xlwueyatLaAXF2STH5BCHMYTCy_fMb4FoQjerzxYeGfEDH2dZBHWPY6yuI7x65rKP4ssZUVhdhofmwWynaagyVmx6ElzQdzPHkxomNvC0/s400/detail-44691.jpg" width="322" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://nazmiyalantiquerugs.com/antique-rugs/floral/modern-sultanabad-rug-44691/" target="_blank"><i>Sultanabad Carpet</i></a></td></tr>
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With natural dyes and hand-knotting which creates a soft, undulating quality, this kind of rug is exactly what we need in this room. And, it pulls together our entire color palette (the golds and browns that we pulled from the stone wall for the paint colors; black from the panelling and built-ins) while the terra cotta red spices things up a little, and the soft blues and greens give us the opportunity to bring in some cool accent colors for counterpoint. <br />
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E voila! Bring in a sofa and a few comfy chairs (maybe a coffee table!), light a fire in the fireplace, and this fabulous living and dining room area is ready for our first guests!<br />
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To see the original listing for this home, please visit <a href="http://www.coldwellbankermoves.com/property/details/3406568/MLS-3308705/24-Furnace-Brook-Dr-Cortlandt-Cortlandt-Manor-NY-10567.aspx?SearchID=18797113&RowNum=3&StateID=38&RegionID=3&IsRegularPS=True&IsSold=False" target="_blank">Coldwell Banker</a>. Come back and visit soon...I might just have something exciting for you to see!<br />
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<i>~ Leigh</i><br />
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<br />Leigh @HudsonSmithHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13511915759142553411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447203063835208833.post-3042646747720323382013-03-30T15:15:00.000-04:002013-03-30T15:23:47.702-04:00.: This is the house that will haunt me {part 2}<i><span style="font-size: large;">{Living and Dining Rooms}</span></i><br />
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Returning for day two of this great home....and entering the living and dining rooms. Here's the living room, as you would see it from the entry foyer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyor4wiSnZs177GI28YqKF_rfkaxmwr2P_CqASYcwyDx6k6IHhcUsNVevGvhi-TVfvwBl_XdvgYVEDCmpb-3sStGFMaFUfMCElF4ak4bwmhGnSpevo-zIFZR6bSqvEIMvai3viIYU6Vcg/s1600/3308705_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyor4wiSnZs177GI28YqKF_rfkaxmwr2P_CqASYcwyDx6k6IHhcUsNVevGvhi-TVfvwBl_XdvgYVEDCmpb-3sStGFMaFUfMCElF4ak4bwmhGnSpevo-zIFZR6bSqvEIMvai3viIYU6Vcg/s400/3308705_3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWImzT0eHPLwF55w2OkhuA1XYnsDvG6T6h0wiMw7vhXvRyrJNhfHGVKD7yOEi4-b9cFdKsqFNLtudtDIF5dUe2CVm47Uzlp2HN7PwQ42XmKLvc2SzRwEOlTboep3jLkCz7EMxboG-Iuds/s1600/IMG_4463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWImzT0eHPLwF55w2OkhuA1XYnsDvG6T6h0wiMw7vhXvRyrJNhfHGVKD7yOEi4-b9cFdKsqFNLtudtDIF5dUe2CVm47Uzlp2HN7PwQ42XmKLvc2SzRwEOlTboep3jLkCz7EMxboG-Iuds/s400/IMG_4463.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioy2AFLJwlvko5p0yi1ZPBwwDgBxuWCMO0Yb5eH_uTW2Or23GE08_G96Ly9PiP35hgzoj7jhILCIxF-XiG-6w7yTg1qyUHEM3YEmsa7xrCjPk9X8HWd4QFn4udPM_en4wsJ2fvCbjjeMY/s1600/IMG_4464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioy2AFLJwlvko5p0yi1ZPBwwDgBxuWCMO0Yb5eH_uTW2Or23GE08_G96Ly9PiP35hgzoj7jhILCIxF-XiG-6w7yTg1qyUHEM3YEmsa7xrCjPk9X8HWd4QFn4udPM_en4wsJ2fvCbjjeMY/s400/IMG_4464.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is a really stunning room. Just by eyeball, I would estimate that it's at least 15x30', maybe bigger. What to do.....? Well, the absolute first thing would be to rip up that old carpet and expose these pristine, never-seen-the-light-of-day wood floors.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxZRgwUqUVKdHHuPN-_1pwEEPa33J-Do0LqG3pRcH2UOaRQCapoHJ5x6EvB7l4eHFt21i4Ilf5-vtVI3DKeOsBs51qyy2sjjjdcPR69eXpz2Ag8-AyCzV8ILai_uMoHT9uWtHj37-Atc/s1600/IMG_4489+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxZRgwUqUVKdHHuPN-_1pwEEPa33J-Do0LqG3pRcH2UOaRQCapoHJ5x6EvB7l4eHFt21i4Ilf5-vtVI3DKeOsBs51qyy2sjjjdcPR69eXpz2Ag8-AyCzV8ILai_uMoHT9uWtHj37-Atc/s400/IMG_4489+crop.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then I'd measure that big triangular window and run right over to <a href="http://www.hudsonglass.com/" target="_blank">Hudson Glass</a>. After sitting down with the fine folks over there and I'll have designed a custom, three panel stained glass piece to hang in front of that window. On the way home I'd stop in at a wood flooring specialist to plan the new dining room floor. <br />
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Oh, by the way, here are some shots of the dining room.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTbORkXHKJjCivOjd29OpdSkC4Cguks4-nRzkslmlZWLZMVV7OZ__EMPPRlScexHrkkHDPSSH5goZrNAvu-J8kJ0AWMvG8m9nsf9eC8di4J2Ow-ljedy78Ntr_nAeTl1AHBwOSvradS8/s1600/3308705_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTbORkXHKJjCivOjd29OpdSkC4Cguks4-nRzkslmlZWLZMVV7OZ__EMPPRlScexHrkkHDPSSH5goZrNAvu-J8kJ0AWMvG8m9nsf9eC8di4J2Ow-ljedy78Ntr_nAeTl1AHBwOSvradS8/s400/3308705_4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MQumTJSoAXGlCmboKiyWzMq5e2a9jdOcdnL7dNxX2oLosF_xq7G4kjlr0V1QAX0PxdA_eDEFPF82_C21OlJqqYt1hypSNhtZBxlMa3qdlVarOcYdxGIOLN6OM9XgFPP_ZraBorWCSLw/s1600/IMG_4467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MQumTJSoAXGlCmboKiyWzMq5e2a9jdOcdnL7dNxX2oLosF_xq7G4kjlr0V1QAX0PxdA_eDEFPF82_C21OlJqqYt1hypSNhtZBxlMa3qdlVarOcYdxGIOLN6OM9XgFPP_ZraBorWCSLw/s400/IMG_4467.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The existing dining room floor is an original 1960's stone mosaic tile that looks kind of like this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="http://www.karndean.com/~/media/Images/Products/Swatches/Product%20Thumbnail%20Images/Michelangelo/MX95AncientOnyxMosaicFlooring.ashx" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.karndean.com/en/floors/iconic-floors/mosaic-flooring.aspx?link=mm" target="_blank">Karn Dean floor tile</a></i></td></tr>
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<div>
You know, it's a really thin line between "wow, mid-century" and "Whoa -- so mid-century!" Yeah, this floor is cool, and once cleaned up it might look pretty good, but it kind of crosses the line for me, so in my fantasy design out it goes. I toyed with the idea of replacing it with another stone mosaic, maybe something with travertine and wood onyx. I like the ease of cleaning with a tiled dining room, and you can also lay it over a radiant heating mat, so the floors will always be warm. </div>
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But ultimately, I was woo-ed by this lovely floor....</div>
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<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXL5hKTDXQTfeu72XLUIbGkXbsf3tcCJ-lTiSm9cG1OClCJzVvVX-DQs8Qj2I5W9LCSfH1X5kVjtIrfQbIs-zeYePGOPiMujaXBCtvkhp_I6xV9UnboY_1g1u63fEimf4wueBa3YA-1_o/s1600/Damascus+Floor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXL5hKTDXQTfeu72XLUIbGkXbsf3tcCJ-lTiSm9cG1OClCJzVvVX-DQs8Qj2I5W9LCSfH1X5kVjtIrfQbIs-zeYePGOPiMujaXBCtvkhp_I6xV9UnboY_1g1u63fEimf4wueBa3YA-1_o/s400/Damascus+Floor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://florafloors.com/Damascus.html" target="_blank"><i>Oak and Walnut floor (this is the whole floor, not a tile!)</i></a></td></tr>
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I think the simple geometric pattern on this floor will work well with almost and kind of decor, and I love the interplay of the oak and the walnut. It's the perfect bridge between the oak floors in the living room and the walnut in the kitchen (remember, I said I had an idea that would make the walnut work in the kitchen!).</div>
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Working our way up from the floors, let's get to wall color. Playing off the colors of the stone fireplace wall, our palette will be earth tones with small splashes of brights. I'm thinking a warm, golden yellow on the living room walls, and rich chocolate brown in the dining room.</div>
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<iframe frameborder="0" id="benjaminMooreIframe" src="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/bm/colorgallery/embed_color.jsp?colorvalue=rgb%28237%2C%20209%2C%20148%29&colornum=CSP-945&colorname=yellow%20topaz&colorhref=http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/yellowtopaz" style="height: 190px; margin-left: 0px; width: 290px;"><div style="display:none;"><a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/yellowtopaz">yellow topaz</a></div></iframe>
<iframe frameborder="0" id="benjaminMooreIframe" src="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/bm/colorgallery/embed_color.jsp?colorvalue=rgb%28121%2C%2083%2C%2064%29&colornum=2096-20&colorname=chocolate%20truffle&colorhref=http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/chocolatetruffle" style="height: 190px; margin-left: 0px; width: 290px;"><div style="display:none;"><a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/chocolatetruffle">chocolate truffle</a></div></iframe><br />
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And just for fun, I'd love to add an all-over stencil to the back wall of the dining room, the one you see directly if you're standing in the living room. Taking the living room wall color down a few shades will make it coordinate without glaring. So picture this,<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvnjRTiGKzcWIlwIs0dmgohw8nsycgBk9ClSsfd2w7HMb1QwgOupBdCJUdjrUqzgDZyUy6BiaI_mLlzsdjIv0oIZmGkTABEISr5TvxVveIninw_KSEqdIOp4lao-a1hdvG8bRbCn4OPM/s1600/Trellis-pattern-from+cuttingedgestencils.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvnjRTiGKzcWIlwIs0dmgohw8nsycgBk9ClSsfd2w7HMb1QwgOupBdCJUdjrUqzgDZyUy6BiaI_mLlzsdjIv0oIZmGkTABEISr5TvxVveIninw_KSEqdIOp4lao-a1hdvG8bRbCn4OPM/s400/Trellis-pattern-from+cuttingedgestencils.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cuttingedgestencils.com/stencils-allover.html" target="_blank"><i>via Cutting Edge Stencils</i></a></td></tr>
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in these colors....<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" id="benjaminMooreIframe" src="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/bm/colorgallery/embed_color.jsp?colorvalue=rgb%28121%2C%2083%2C%2064%29&colornum=2096-20&colorname=chocolate%20truffle&colorhref=http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/chocolatetruffle" style="height: 190px; margin-left: 0px; width: 290px;"><div style="display:none;">
<a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/chocolatetruffle">chocolate truffle</a></div>
</iframe>
<iframe frameborder="0" id="benjaminMooreIframe" src="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/bm/colorgallery/embed_color.jsp?colorvalue=rgb%28186%2C%20147%2C%2088%29&colornum=AF-350&colorname=tumeric&colorhref=http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/tumeric" style="height: 190px; margin-left: 0px; width: 290px;"><div style="display:none;">
<a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/tumeric">tumeric</a></div>
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With me so far? We only have a little bit left to go to finish the this area.....<br />
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Come back again to see the furniture, lighting, and accessory ideas for these two rooms........<br />
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Enjoy your Easter weekend!<br />
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<i>~ Leigh</i><br />
<br />Leigh @HudsonSmithHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13511915759142553411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447203063835208833.post-3742002997818452312013-03-28T12:25:00.001-04:002013-03-28T12:26:18.982-04:00.: This is the house that will haunt me...<i>{Part One: The Kitchen}</i><br />
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Sometimes I hate what I do. In my line of work I get to see all kinds of homes. (It doesn't help that I'm also a complete real estate voyeur!) Every time I enter a place, my mind goes all aflutter with ideas about the things I could do to make it better, stronger, faster (bionic designer that I am, ha ha!) And then, as I'm mentally renovating, I begin to picture my own family in said dwelling. And that's where it all falls apart.<br />
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This is the house that will haunt me. I just know it will forever be "the one that got away". It's just that kind of special. This home has so much potential it makes my head spin; the possible return on investment is slightly mind blowing. But enough of my drooling. Let's get to the fun part -- what would I do with this house?<br />
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Starting with <i>The Kitchen</i>....<br />
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Not too pretty, eh? Clearly, the kitchen needs a total gut job. But the room is large and has a basically good layout, so it's really not too bad to work with. Walls, floor, cabinets and appliances all need to be replaced. If it were me, and of course since this is my fantasy house it is, I would start by replacing the floors with a medium toned hardwood, like this....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ai6fFW0zMp7XqJ0E18FI4ShfWrlXGsrsdBNbzLgUeGHBlKsM61dJ0cl1559I2yh2wxavcCdDFX6TbOqPQEWfBvRWi1fJ16vnedD1YKtHGjmEcdRiM6KsIpnUsu7KGmPbKYTf3UIRx20/s1600/Bellawood+American+Walnut+Floor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ai6fFW0zMp7XqJ0E18FI4ShfWrlXGsrsdBNbzLgUeGHBlKsM61dJ0cl1559I2yh2wxavcCdDFX6TbOqPQEWfBvRWi1fJ16vnedD1YKtHGjmEcdRiM6KsIpnUsu7KGmPbKYTf3UIRx20/s400/Bellawood+American+Walnut+Floor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bellawood.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=2083&categoryId=5&sectionId=1&subCategoryId=211" target="_blank"><i>Walnut Floors</i></a></td></tr>
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Now, this might be a tiny bit of a stretch, since the living room hardwoods appear to be typical 1960's light stained red oak. Normally I like uniformity within a home. But in the back of mind I have an idea for the dining room floors that will tie it all together.<br />
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Secondly, keeping the layout basically the same, I would put in black (*gasp*) cabinets all the way to the ceiling. (Did I say <i>black cabinets</i>? Oh yes I did. I went there.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-BDn9eCcfgE/S3WutrWzWDI/AAAAAAAADcE/_5yP8eN7TTg/s640/P2122351.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg041822215671.html" target="_blank"><i>via That Home Site</i></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-BDn9eCcfgE/S4_G1s-dL8I/AAAAAAAADiQ/m6MRslaSjEg/s640/P2122345.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg041822215671.html" target="_blank"><i>via That Home Site</i></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://media-cache-is0.pinimg.com/736x/14/60/f7/1460f75a4eec732b4a1859d460bba1dd.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kbwalls.com/cabinetry2.html" target="_blank"><i>via KB Walls</i></a></td></tr>
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Why black? Well, because the kitchen opens just to the right of the front door, and is visible from both there and the living and dining rooms. And frankly, nothing says "kitchen" less, and screams "elegant" more, than black cabinets. Now, I'd like to eliminate the cabinets above the peninsula and move the peninsula itself two or three feet further into the room, so as to create a larger work area. I know the rest of the world prefers an island, but this kitchen doesn't really have the width to support an island, and anyway, I like a peninsula. And the peninsula would be done in a different finish -- something warm and antique looking.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/736x/79/11/e7/7911e7546155e8c97230dafd3c9f0d30.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="318" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://customcupboards.com/beautifulfinishes/alderknottyalderx/#" target="_blank"><i>Distressed Alder cabinet, via Custom Cupboards</i></a></td></tr>
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I would only make two other changes to the layout. First would be to move the refrigerator to the other side of the doorway, so that it's next to the peninsula workspace. This will open up both the doorway and the sink areas. Second, I would cut back the wall next to the dining room, and put a microwave/wall oven cabinet there, with a 30" base cabinet next to it for extra storage. (Maybe this afternoon I'll work up a floorplan for this...). Not a layout change, but I would love to lower the sill height on those windows above the sink....after all, the view is gorgeous, and you should be able to enjoy it while you're doing the dishes.<br />
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For the countertops I'd like to see warm browns with flecks of black, so I'd either use a Juperana Gold granite, or Cambria Quartz in Bradshaw:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmJeJg41veUTwmYJwWd49woAgvBKhjAsY8NIsYQ1UBkBIijHlwWdQAW_lzkVhI5_1JxcA7T3Ih-RO8k7xaWnYCzbHSTKN4qe3XQiW0iGsyq-4Aitru5eXHNAwXEC34Bg7paI-fypjlK4/s1600/Granite-Juparana-India-Gold-Kitchen-and-Bathroom-Countertop-Color-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmJeJg41veUTwmYJwWd49woAgvBKhjAsY8NIsYQ1UBkBIijHlwWdQAW_lzkVhI5_1JxcA7T3Ih-RO8k7xaWnYCzbHSTKN4qe3XQiW0iGsyq-4Aitru5eXHNAwXEC34Bg7paI-fypjlK4/s1600/Granite-Juparana-India-Gold-Kitchen-and-Bathroom-Countertop-Color-300x300.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.capitolgranite.net/products/natural-stone/granite-juparana-india-gold-kitchen-and-bathroom-countertop-color/#" target="_blank"><i>Juperana Gold Granite</i></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHTdKZ5QoGRK3825eynL1x-d7PmfwR1i_q6p7JVE2y1CEv1EFOtLzjR8ZaQJIFN5rlfTPya6I10ymgl33h-BrILZ2gXwVab4Z6jNxyUf3OpQlCzdBkHnBwHG1ZWkbSxDF8C2_9VswtHA/s1600/Cambria+Bradshaw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHTdKZ5QoGRK3825eynL1x-d7PmfwR1i_q6p7JVE2y1CEv1EFOtLzjR8ZaQJIFN5rlfTPya6I10ymgl33h-BrILZ2gXwVab4Z6jNxyUf3OpQlCzdBkHnBwHG1ZWkbSxDF8C2_9VswtHA/s400/Cambria+Bradshaw.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cambriausa.com/en/our-collection/design-palette/Bradshaw/" target="_blank"><i>Cambria Bradshaw</i></a></td></tr>
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And maybe Jersalem Gold for the backsplash....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="374" src="http://media-cache-is0.pinimg.com/736x/52/82/6c/52826c4118315220b31359aed8092342.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.glasstilestore.com/collection/stone-mosaics/stone-mosaic-blends/octave-pattern-jerusalem-gold-with-wood-onyx-dot-1-2-x-1-2-marble-tiles.html#" target="_blank"><i>Jerusalem Gold mosaic from GlassTileStore</i></a></td></tr>
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Of course, I'd have to add a stunning dining set for the eating area; in the sitting area, a small sectional and an entertainment center to replace the brown built-in; and I would have a desk against the wall (where the mid-century hutch sits currently).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wayfair.com/Paula-Deen-Home-Paulas-5-Piece-Dining-Set-PDH1156.html?refid=SBP&tl_588674864=F71DBEBB-5C56-471B-97E4-9928FA60EB8B" target="_blank"><img height="200" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/736x/58/98/d6/5898d669acd16a16634de170da5cd489.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wayfair.com/Paula-Deen-Home-Paulas-5-Piece-Dining-Set-PDH1156.html?refid=SBP&tl_588674864=F71DBEBB-5C56-471B-97E4-9928FA60EB8B" target="_blank">Dining Set</a></td></tr>
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<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;"><img height="200" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/736x/44/9d/6c/449d6ccd7601c93d4b117ec213ebd9a6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wayfair.com/Rowe-Furniture-Dorset-Sectional-RWE1564-RWE1564.html?refid=SBP&tl_94593392=20F7CD98-25E3-4661-BB45-C593C93122C0" target="_blank">Sectional</a></td></tr>
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<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;"><img height="200" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/736x/fe/61/41/fe61410be5950dc0bb2609a2ca7cafd8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wayfair.com/Hillsdale-Furniture-Grand-Bay-Entertainment-Center-HF4966-HF4966.html?refid=SBP&tl_904389859=1D9F1335-9782-455F-825C-F9CAAE12C167" target="_blank">Entertainment Center</a></td></tr>
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And the whole thing will come together on a background of Benjamin Moore Bronze Tone (2166-30).<br />
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Ah, it would be stunning! Nothing like getting your creative juices flowing......<br />
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Tomorrow we'll hit the living and dining rooms. In the meantime, if you'd like to check out this new listing, you can find it here, at <a href="http://www.coldwellbankermoves.com/property/details/3406568/MLS-3308705/24-Furnace-Brook-Dr-Cortlandt-Cortlandt-Manor-NY-10567.aspx?SearchID=18650505&RowNum=1&StateID=38&RegionID=3&IsRegularPS=True&IsSold=False" target="_blank">Coldwell Banker</a>.<br />
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ps......did I mention this kitchen has a working dumbwaiter? I kid you not! This, of course, would stay!<br />
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<i>~ Leigh</i>Leigh @HudsonSmithHomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13511915759142553411noreply@blogger.com2