Aug 20, 2012

Rejected…and Dejected…

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As everyone who reads this blog knows, I am an HGTV junkie. I read the website and blog, watch all the shows and drink the HGTV Koolaid. I wouldn’t be studying interior design or writing Country Design Home if it weren’t for the inspiration of HGTV! I have learned so much about design and honed my own personal style while watching some of my favorite shows like The High Low Project 

and Color Splash. I have often wondered, along with millions of other TV viewers, “how does someone get chosen to be on a design makeover show?” Knowing that the HGTV website has a continuous “casting call” searching for homes to renovate, I checked the listings often. Only to discover, much to my dismay, that the majority of the shows are filmed on the west coast or in the NY Tri-State area. Imagine my delight, when one day, while perusing Craigslist (searching for a whale coffee table?), I happened upon a local casting call from Powderhouse Productions, based in Somerville, MA! They were searching for large-scale renovation projects in the Metropolitan Boston area where the homeowners would contribute a certain dollar amount, and then HGTV would quadruple that amount, while providing the overhaul of your space. AMAZING. Can you say BARN WORKSHOP?!?!?

So I completed the form, attached some pics of the barn and hoped for the best.  Months went by, with little communication from the film company. Fast foward to a couple of weeks ago, when I got a call from the lovely production assistant, Jenna, who wanted to know if we were still interested in moving forward with the project we had proposed. Seriously!?

From that point on, things got a little crazy, as Coach and I had to film, and then re-film (apparently when you use an Ipad to shoot video, you have to hold it horizontally) a video of us discussing our renovation proposal. I have to be honest and say that although writing seems to come pretty easily to me, being on camera brought me back to 5th grade speech class. Painful. That was submitted last week, and then the executive producer and her assistant, along with the contractor met at our home last Monday to view the barn in person and discuss our options. We left for vacation not knowing the verdict. Today we got our answer: “Unfortunately we cannot feature your space in an episode. You guys are great, and I appreciate you sending everything along; however, just due to time and location restraints we can’t move forward with you.” Ouch. Now I have an inkling what those contestants on Design Star feel like when they shut the lights out behind their photograph and say “sorry, we won’t be producing your show”. Oh, well, it was worth a try. At least we gave it our best shot. Not sure I really wanted to be on television anyway. After all, they say the TV camera does add ten pounds…

So, back to the cleaning and sorting and stacking and re-stacking. Coach and I will keep working on it, and hopefully we will be able to produce a room that will make HGTV proud! Unless there is another home network out there looking for an old barn to renovate. Hmmm. Wonder what Norm Abram is doing these days?  Susan

Filed Under: My Little Red House, Views From My Back Porch · Tagged: , , , , ,
Aug 10, 2012

The Barn Workshop-Take One

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Dear Readers: Sorry I haven’t been blogging much this week. Coach and I have been cleaning out and organizing the barn. Trying to sort through 25+ years of accumulated stuff (books, furniture, books, antiques, books, tools…did I say books- 5000+!?!?) takes time, patience and perseverance. Me, I am inclined to just toss everything in the dumpster and start from scratch, but Coach is more of a “save this I might need it someday” sorter. Well that “someday” is today- time to let go, move on, clean out. Which often leads to some, well, we’ll just call it “unpleasantness” in our soon-to-be barn workshop. So Coach decided it was best if we are not both in there at the same time, for the sake of our marriage. Which is OK by me today, because it is probably 100 degrees in there right now, and I am in the study with the fan : )

So I have been searching for some barn interiors that strike my fancy. We want to stay true to its roots, preserving the good and enhancing the amazing- like this wall painting of Old Black Nell.

I am looking for simple but dramatic

rustic

inviting

or maybe a more athletic endeavor??

 Perhaps a bit of industrial chic.

There is no plumbing, so I won’t have a kitchen. But if I did…

Shine up the floors. Add pops of color.  

And, of course, some rustic lighting.

Our target event date?

Thanksgiving Dinner at a farmhouse table for 20 stretching the length of the finished interior. Better get back out there and see what’s happening! Wish me luck… Susan

Filed Under: My Little Red House, Views From My Back Porch · Tagged: , , , ,
Jul 29, 2012

A Whale’s Tale- The Reveal!

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Here’s the story, about a Whale named Wally (well, it’s actually Wallace, but his “fins” and family call him Wally)  Back on the 4th of July, I started the D.I.M. project- Do. It. Myself. (Because If I Don’t, Who The Hell Else Will?!?)- I referred to as refurbishing Mr. Whale. Today, the reveal! That beat-up, barnacle-covered, down-in-the-spout old pine coffee table I picked up for $5.00 at a yard sale has a whole new look!!

After the whale -washing

the sanding 

then re-glueing and painting the base

taping  and striping

adding the stars

then re-sanding the edges and top and adding the antique glazing (this stuff is typically used for kitchen cabinets but when a whale needs a new coat, anything goes!) You paint it on…

then wipe it off-the more you leave, the darker the finished product.

Final step- polyurethaning  (I used water-based polyacrylic so it will remain clear and not yellow). I wanted to use a rub-on wax for a less shiny finish, but since Wally will be spending the majority of his time outdoors on the porch, he needed a strong, clear coat for protection. 

Wallace the Whale has a whole new life!

Pierce Brosnan (yup, 007 himself) once said: “We owe it to our children to be better stewards of the environment. The alternative? – a world without whales. It’s too terrible to imagine.” Along with tips from my recent “Saving Mother Earth” blog post, I’d like to think that I am doing my small part with my Three “R” principle: Re-Cycle, Re-Furbish, Re-Love. Most of the items on this porch wall were also re-claimed!Wally is a perfect example of what you can do with a little elbow grease and some imagination to re-love an object that might otherwise be headed for extinction. 

Now it’s a smooth sail for Mr. Whale! Time to tackle the couch…Susan

Filed Under: The 3 R's Recycle, Re-Furbish, Re-Love, Views From My Back Porch · Tagged: , , , , , , ,
Jul 28, 2012

Dancin’ in the Moonlight

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One of my very first posts, “Taking the Leap“, was about 2012, the year of the weddings. With five unique weddings on our calendar this year, we were looking forward to a season of food, fun & family. Last night’s nuptials were held at the Smith Barn at Brooksby Farm.  The invitation had read: “Please come and enjoy a celebration of love, friendship, laughter and friends”, and the evening did not disappoint. A tranquil country setting, surrounded by orchards and vineyards, where 200+ family and friends spent the night dining and dancing under the stars in this sooo romantic setting. 

The bride and groom braved the elements and decided to hold the ceremony outdoors in the garden, under threats of torrential downpours and high 80’s temps in the forecast. Just as the guests were taking their seats, the cloudy sky cleared to blue, a sure sign of a bright future for the newlyweds, yes?

The reception was held inside the Smith Barn, an antique two-story structure built in 1904. Simply rustic, with a balcony looking over the dance floor, where we were able to get a bird’s eye view of the bride and groom’s  first dance as husband and wife. 

A few of my favorite unique touches for the affair:

Mason jar centerpieces, decorated with burlap and designed by Parker Florist  of Wakefield, added splashes of color in hues of purple, yellow and green. Perfectly casual country alongside the table markers, empty wine bottles with a stenciled number, the corks having served as the place cards. With 24 tables, that was a lot of wine to drink…gotta take one for the team, as they say. Cute!

The aisle markers, hung on shepherd’s hooks in the garden. Burlap cones filled with summer flowers. So country pretty!

The Wedding Tree. Upon entering the venue, we grabbed our place markers, but then were asked to add our thumb prints and signatures to a lovely hand-painted poster to create a lasting “wedding tree” momento for the bride and groom. (wipes were provided to remove the ink from our thumbs : )

Hanging pots of flowers from the beams. Since the venue is constructed of unvarnished, unpainted beams, walls and floor, it was up to the wedding planners to add a splash of color wherever possible. The rows of hanging flower baskets added a softer touch to the beams surrounding the dance floor.

Twinkle lights. No matter what the venue, these little lights always cast a warm glow, especially after the sun set and the moon emerged over the vineyards. And it got me to thinking, I have a barn…and twinkle lights. And I like to dance. Perhaps a new business venture?

Ice Cream Bar!! In lieu of the tradional wedding cake, an ice cream bar was offered as dessert. Vanilla ice cream with a choice of toppings including oreos, hot fudge, sprinkles, strawberries, whipped cream and a cherry on top : ) A very cool way to end the evening.

School Bus Rock. The night at Smith Barn ending, the bridal party and their guests who were staying at a local hotel were treated to the ultimate mode of transportation- the big yellow school bus! Packed to capacity, we overheard the cheering and chanting as they rode off into the night.

Congrats to the newlyweds!! May you have a long life of love, happiness and sunshine. Now I could use some coffee and an Advil…. Susan

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Jul 21, 2012

Happily Ever After

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Today Coach and I are celebrating our wedding anniversary. Is it possible that it has been 33 years?!? It seems like yesterday that we met at a local drinking establishment, sitting on a couple of bar stools, sharing some stories and a beer, and the rest, shall we say, is history. Weddings back then were smaller, more intimate ceremonies, without much of the production and style of weddings today. There were typically no “themes”- just a bride and a groom in a gown and tux, celebrating their love with family and friends. Yup, that’s me in the horse-drawn carriage on our way to Glen Magna Farms. My own version of Cinderella : )

Today’s weddings are oftentimes elaborate celebrations

where guests are treated to spectacular venues that are lavishly decorated with flowers

out-of-this-world lighting

“Country Pretty” styling

With table settings fit for a king

or queen…

Where guests are invited to join in the fun with photo booths

stylized food

and synchronized dance moves

Themes range from underwater dives

or above water vows with a view

African safaris (is this elephant the best mammoth?)

even a Cinderella Castle!

But through all the glitz and glamour, one theme remains constant.

Two people fell in love and chose to spend their lives together.

And what could be more spectacular than that?

Happy Anniversary Coach! 143me

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Jul 8, 2012

Sunday in the Garden of Weedin’

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Here’s what’s happening this week in the garden….

The Phlox are in full bloom in shades of purple, white and lavender. They give off such a rich, flowery scent. Probably the biggest we have ever seen in our garden- some are 5 feet tall!! (If I didn’t know better, I would swear coach had cross-pollinated them with those creepy sunflowers…

The daisies are happily basking in the bright sunlight. As is Daisy the dog 🙂

Roses, roses everywhere! Bright pinks and vibrant reds. Is there anything prettier than roses against a white picket fence?

Not sure what these cute little yellow flowers are…

The pond has some lily pads, but the frog seems to have disappeared : (

Black Eyed Susans! One of my favorites, and my name sake. Not sure of the origins of the name, but it always reminds me of the week before my wedding (oh, so many years ago) that I was playing right field in the Wakefield Softball League.

Racing after a long fly ball, I crashed into the center fielder and ended up with a black eye! Nothing a little concealer couldn’t cover by my wedding day. Of course, we didn’t leave for our honeymoon immediately following the wedding, because we both had games on Sunday.

Up at bat, bottom of the third, game tied, the pitcher peers down at me, goes into her windup. Then she does a double-take (may have been a balk, not sure) and yells “Hey, didn’t you get married yesterday!?! What are you doing here!?” Ah, for the love of the game : )

Tiger Lilies are also of the giant variety this year, and in desperate need of some cutting and splitting. Anyone need some for their garden?

The finished bouquet in one of coach’s crocks. Fresh flowers are the perfectly natural way to bring bright, bold color to your space.

So what’s happening this week in your garden? Happy Weeding! Susan

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Jul 6, 2012

Taking Center Stage

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“So, what did you learn in school today?” When my children were young, the typical response to that question was “nothing”. Now that I am back in school-for the third, and hopefully last time-everything I am learning is essential. Staging and Re-Design, my current class, is so helpful when learning how to make a home saleable in today’s volatile real estate market. The take-away from this class? Take away!! Remove the junk, reduce the clutter, neutralize the colors. Obviously, since you are selling your home, you don’t want to spend a lot of money to update it, but with a few simple tips, your home can look like a show house at any price point. You want prospective buyers to walk in and imagine their families and their belongings in your space. Remember that buyers come from anywhere and everywhere, so you want your rooms to be appealing to all. In poring over the MLS listings, we came across many rooms that were in dire need of some serious cleaning and editing. It simply amazes me that sellers can’t grasp why they need to clean off their kitchen counters, or de-officize their bedroom! However, what amazes me even more is the horrible photography on so many real estate websites! I mean, seriously? Would you even venture over to look at this scary place!!?! Is there not a mandatory photshop class for real estate brokers?!? If not, maybe that’s a niche market someone needs to explore.

When coach and I bought our house back in the 80’s, prices were at the 50K mark and rising, and interest rates were at 17%! At the mercy of our local realtors, we had no information regarding the houses we were being shown other than the asking price and the taxes. Nowadays, thanks to the likes of Realtor.com, Redfin and Trulia, there is a wealth of information regarding the properties you are looking to buy. Helpful, yes, but oftentimes the accompanying photographs are so dismal it could easily turn a buyer away before they even arrive on your doorstep! Digital cameras, folks! Iphones are great, but not for the purpose of creating a stunning portfolio! So here are a couple of spaces with some staging suggestions that will have potential buyers saying “ooohh!” instead of “eeek!!”

The Red Tablecloth Room. Do I need to even say it? Take it down. Too much furniture in a small space. Remove one of the matching pieces. Paint out the trim white. Not sure what that string of things is hanging from the ceiling, get rid of it.

Too small of a space with too much stuff. Paint out all that old knotty pine paneling to match the wall color. Neutralize that dark beam and trim by painting it white. Remove all the little pictures and knick knacks on the shelf and replace with one large mirror and a couple of candles. Old TV’s date a room, especially on an old little stand. Remove and if you need to have a TV for viewing, get a small 19″ that you can mount on the wall.

Way too much going on in this kitchen. Obviously very nice tile-work, not going to change that. The overall effect makes me nervous- too many patterns, too much color (and you know I am all about color!). Remove the valance over the sink and replace with a light bamboo roller shade. Why do you have a stove top covered with pans?!? Makes the prospective buyer think that there is not enough storage. Clean off the countertops. Put it all away!! Clean out those glass front cabinets and replace with simple white or cream dishware. Remove the ceiling fan and that little sconce over the sink if possible, with something more contemporary.

I mean seriously, what realtor walks into this space and at the very least doesn’t remove the dog crate!?! And then to post a crooked photo on the website? There is so much crap in this room, it’s silly to even post it. And believe me, this pic was one of the better ones. To me this screams, I’ll take your listing, but I don’t care if it sells or not.

The rock room! I have no idea if those are all real stones or not, but when you are trying to sell this home, a buyer is going to walk in there and think one of two things: wow, “that’s awesome”! or “no way I am tackling that project- how do I get rid of all that stone!?!” At the very least, take away the bold graphic rug and show off the hardwood floors. Maybe soften the look of the stone by painting the walls a pale gray. Neutralize that wooden door with a coat of matching paint.

This bedroom needs a stripping from ceiling to floor. That fan looks like it could cut someone’s head off if they sat up too quickly. Lose the striped wallpaper, open up the windows and take down those swags! Lose the gold rug, re-dress the bed in plain white “hotel” style sheets and comforter.

Too much of everything: paneling, furniture, lace. Take down the curtains, remove the tattered blue velvet sofa and the plaid one as well, paint the paneling a neutral color. Knotty pine was out in the 70’s!!! This room needs a focal point.

So there you have it. Just a few of the hundreds of horrible real estate pics I looked at. If you have a room you want to re-stage or re-design, for selling or just for living, send pic to countrydesignhome@gmail.com and I will try to help! In the meantime, step in to one of your rooms and look at it with fresh eyes, and see it as a potential buyer might. You will be amazed what you find! Happy Staging! Susan

Filed Under: Views From My Back Porch · Tagged: , , , , , , ,
Jul 4, 2012

Have a Whale of a Fourth!!

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Before heading into Boston today to view the Tall Ships via Hestia Cruises (an early birthday gift from our kids : ), I was excited to give Mr. Whale the coffee table a new look. As soon as I saw him at the yard sale this past weekend, I knew he just needed a fresh face to return him to his former maritime glory! Since our back porch is red, white and blue, it only seemed appropriate to make him the patriotic focal point. Mr. Whale before:

During the transformation process: the whale wash

Sanding off the old shiny varnish

Painting the base (Coach did this while I was at work- one less thing for me!)

Designing the pattern (best not to do this after a long work day and a couple of wine coolers-makes for many mis-measures)

Taping off the design

first coat of red stripes (remember 7red, 6white…7red, 6white) taping makes for perfectly straight rows and sharp, clean edges

Addition of the stars on the blue background these little stickers were perfect as a stencil- stick on, spray over, peel off when dry! Couldn’t fit 50 stars, so decided to go with a random, funky look instead. My apologies to Robert G. Heft, the schoolboy who designed our current 50 star American flag for a school project…for which he received a B-!!!

Unfortunately, today is a damp, rainy one. Not great for Tall Ships viewing, and certainly not great for painting and glazing whales out on our makeshift workshop on the porch. Sooooo, here is Mr. Whale- patiently awaiting his glaze finish. Moby Dick never looked this good : )

Left to do (once the air dries and the sun comes out):

1. Sand one last time for a truly rustic, aged appearance

2. Antique glazing to add a touch of shine and protect Mr. Whale from the elements

3. Enjoy our new coffee table!!!

Have a whale of a Fourth everyone!! Susan

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Jul 1, 2012

That’s A Crock!

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Once again, this weekend flew by, along with my best intentions to work on the Hall of Shame. I know, it’s getting to be old news by now. But it was just so darn hot, especially in the hall, where heat rises and turns the upstairs into an inferno. The alternative? Hit the road in the CRV with the AC and music cranked up, on yet another trash to treasures hunt. Had some major scores, including these pretty vintage fruit compotes ($1.00!), this amazing pressed glass punch bowl set ($5.00!) and …

…my new favorite piece of porch furniture- meet Mr. Whale!!! I have been searching for quite some time for a whale coffee table to replace one that Coach and I had acquired for our first apartment- is it possible that was 30+ years ago!?! Not sure why we ever gave it away the first time, but I am so happy to give this little guy a new home. We had (shall I say it?) a whale wash today, and it will be sanded, primed and painted, hopefully in time to celebrate the 4th in patriotic fashion. After a few yard sales, we made the trip to Todd Farm in Rowley, still searching for a final piece for the porch- a couch. Although I think we have done a fine job of filling the porch with vintage wicker, Coach has complained loudly and often that he needs a couch for his afternoon siesta. After months of fruitlessly searching yard sales, antique shops and

craigslist, we came upon this vintage Benchcraft rattan sofa. Vintage is putting it nicely. It is smelly, dirty, has UGLY cushions and some unexpected guests-yuck! These creepy little things started crawling out of the sides when we were hiking it up on to the roof rack. Brought back memories of Rod Serling’s Night Gallery– remember the episode when the earwig laid eggs in the guy’s brain and they hatched?!?!?!? Not sure if I will ever be able to lay down on this couch, but the reno has begun in ernest. Washed, bleached, cushions tossed. Stay tuned for the final results.

Along with the couch, Coach picked up yet another crock for his growing collection, this one a George Washington Commemorative Crock! (Click the link if you would like one of your very own)

Him being a history teacher and all, anything presidential always peaks his interest. Me being married to a history teacher, I am all about learning important historical origins. So I wanted to find out where the phrase “that’s a crock of Sxxx!“came from. Let’s just say the Romans could have used a little indoor plumbing while waxing philosophical.

Walking along the dusty paths of Todd Farm, saw some really cute vintage yellow kitchenware I love it when the dealers actually bring some sense of order and style to their offerings like these stacks of vintage crates

Anyone got the time?

I am kicking myself for not buying this beautiful set of Virgina Glassware- Tangerine Tango!!

But I am not kicking myself for not buying this clock. Vintage and pretty, but not sure if it worked (if there is a worm stuck on the second hand, does that slow the time?) and just saw it listed on Ebay for $10 less than the dealer wanted. Phew!

So that’s a wrap (gotta find out where that saying came from). Time to start sanding Mr. Whale. For those of you who have the whole week of the 4th off, have a great vacation! For the rest of you, does anyone have a red,white and blue punch recipe? If you do, send it to me at countrydesignhome@gmail.com and I will post it! Susan

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Jun 29, 2012

Here Comes the Sun(flowers)

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Dreary gray sky today, hot and humid-temps in the 90’s-severe thunderstorms,  per  the weatherman. Having my morning coffee on the back porch, looking at the exploding garden that all of a sudden needs some serious pruning and weeding. We have rose bushes, daisies, tiger lilies, phlox in several shades of purples and pinks (thanks to the cross-pollination from the bees : ). One forbidden flower in our garden? The Sunflower, aptly named because of their ability to follow the sun with their giant heads. Now, Coach loves sunflowers, perhaps because they are so big that they give a little extra bang for your buck? Me, not so much. They remind me of that giant man-eating Venus Fly Trap in “The Little Shop of Horrors”. (for those of you unfamiliar with this vintage cult film, click here. When I imagine those ginormous flowers hovering around my back porch, the phrase “what’s eating you” always comes to mind. Do you think there is such a thing as SAD (Sunflower Affected Disorder)? If so, I believe I may be afflicted with that particular malady. ..That being said, I do appreciate that sunflowers, with their bright yellow petals and chocolate brown anther (that’s the middle) can make a colorful impact in a small space. Because of the various shades of yellows and browns and golds, they are comfortable in any color scheme.

Most often used in what I consider to be rustic country decor (with chickens too!)sunflowers in today’s modern eclectic esthetic can add a touch of whimsy

a pop of color in an otherwise black and white and red scheme-LOVE THIS!)They can be bright and cheery or

add a bold contrast (yikes! this shower would slay me-literally!)

Sunflowers can bring a touch of country to a city dwelling

Or create a cozy colorful outdoor nook for reading and relaxing (where they are safely ensconced in that large glass cylinder : )

You might like to know that the color Yellow shines with optimism, enlightenment, happiness and energy and carries the promise of a positive future. Impressionist Vincent Van Gogh thought so, as they were a favorite subject, but most likely that was before he cut off his ear in the throes of depression…

Here’s hoping that this blog about Sunflowers will brighten your day!  Susan

Addendum: Dried Sunflower seeds are also a fun, nutritious treat that can be used in many recipes to add some crunch and flavor. This cold broccoli salad with raisins, bacon and sunflower seeds is a family favorite at any BBQ. DO NOT USE UNSHELLED SEEDS in this recipe! Lesson learned the hard way-literally. Have a sunny Friday!

 

Filed Under: Color Class, My Little Red House, Views From My Back Porch · Tagged: , , , , ,
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