Exterior Paint | Sherwin Williams Muslin to match Anderson Windows Canvas

We are so close to being ready to move back into the house - only one week left.  It doesn't seem real.  At all.  Ah!  Of course after waiting and waiting for so long (patiently?) I feel like there a million things that I need to get done between now and then!  Not today.  Today, I'm taking the morning "off."  I'm drinking my coffee in my PJs and writing blog posts and enjoying these photos.  We've been working so hard on the yard (and new DIY patio, details coming soon!) that I've earned a break in front of the computer today - away from the mud.

The interior and exterior painting were finished last week.  I haven't been able to share many details of the paint because the house was really off limits while the painters were working.  Then the day they finished the electricians swooped in a started hanging light fixtures.  So, you get to see a lot today!  I started with putting interior and exterior photos on this one post as well, but it was getting very lengthy, so I'll post those tomorrow.  Promise - writing it today.

Here we go!

As you know, so much of the design inspiration from our house came from our time in New England.  I love the early american, farm and coastal architecture there.  In fact, it was what I loved most about living there - but I didn't like being away from our family.  So, we thought, we'll just build a New England-esque house at home and have the best of both worlds.  Okay, so I don't have the beach, mountains and all of the colonial history minutes from our house... but, I can pretend : )

Below I talk a little bit about our various travels and where the inspiration for the paint scheme came from.  We knew we wanted a white-ish house, but with a little more warmth.  So, creamy.  But not too yellow, not too warm.  My favorite off-white is Benjamin Moore's Navajo White, which we used all over interior for walls and trim in main areas of the house.  I thought it would be a perfect match outside, too, but we needed to match our clad Andersen Windows.

Note : we are still waiting for the shutters, which will be painted to match the front door, SW Iron Ore.



As you may recall, I chose the Canvas color for the exterior clad of the Windows (Andersen 400s) because I knew I didn't want the house to be white-white.  So, we upgraded the windows from the 200s to the 400s to get the Canvas color option.  Andersen provided the exact match for the window color in Sherwin Williams Muslin, which is just a shade more saturated than Navajo White.  I tested the colors next to the windows and it worked perfectly.

*I mentioned before (this is non-sponsored, by the way) that we ordered our Andersen Windows from Home Depot.  We saved almost $4K compared to a local Andersen dealer.  Crazy.  Highly recommend!

I was a little nervous that the house would seem light beige instead of off-white, but I really think it turned out perfect.  I love classic white houses, but all of my favorite houses of all time were a little more creamy, so we took the risk.

Another risk was leaving the dormers and garage front in natural cedar shake instead of painting them like the rest of the house.  I'm so glad we did.  I feel like it really transformed the house from a standard looking cape to a charming cottage.  We wanted to do a cedar roof, but the cost was a little crazy, so adding the cedar element to the dormers and garage added that cedar element.

To make the final decision, we went back and looked at some inspiration photos :

This is was a house that we both loved that we found on our trip to Nantucket (more photos of our trip to here) last fall.  Note the very creamy trim, black shutters and natural cedar.  During the building process we kept coming back to this photo for inspiration.  It helped to have something to show subs and the builder, too, to help them realize you aren't crazy : )

Another house we've always loved was the Bedford Post Inn in Bedford, Ny.  We visited there a couple of years ago when I went to the Martha Stewart Show and toured her offices.

They have a lighter trim, but still same creamy siding.  You can see other photos from our Trip to Bedford Post Inn here.

Martha Stewart's Turkey Hill Home, old (when Martha owned it, above) and renovated (by new owners, below).

I really wanted to do the trim and the siding the same color - there is something about that tone-on-tone look that I love.  I love how subtle it is.  I love how it makes the millwork around the windows and door look.  For me, it lets the millwork stand out on its own, without relying on an "accent" color.  Her color is more grey/beige than ours, but I like the way it looks.

This is the renovated color.  It looks very much like our muslin, but not sure what the actual color is.

Side view of the new Turkey Hill.

Another point of inspiration (especially for tone-on-tone paint) was our trip to Deerfield, Mass.  In coincidences of all coincidences, as I was explaining my inspiration to our painter he told me he went to boarding school in Deerfield.  Yes, our painter in Kansas went to boarding school in Deerfield, Mass.  Such a small world.
More photos from our trip to Deerfield Mass.

Ok, back to our house.  Here is a glimpse of the landscaping I've been working on.

We ordered another Concord Lantern in Antique Brass (this one a wall mount) from Cape Cod Lighting Co., another nod to our time in Concord and on the Cape.  We had a lantern from the same collection over our dining room (that will now be in our bedroom) and I had two smaller ones made for over the island.

Also, I forgot to take a photo of the Barn Lights above the garage - also from Cape Code Lighting Co.

I really like this perspective of the house - see that big window?  Above the tub!  I really think the exterior grills on the windows make a big architectural impact on the house.   You can see how the house looks the same as it did from the front, but grows subtly out the back - just what we wanted to do.

Then, when you get in the back yard...

An entirely new look - but still colonial inspired.  

I forgot to take a full photo of the back after plastic had been removed, so this is one from my phone. 

Here are the copper lanterns on the porch!  There are 3, with 2 fans in between.   These are from Sandwich Lantern Co., also handmade on Cape Cod.  The owner is so awesome (and funny!) to work with.  Just talking to him on the phone takes me back to the salty air.

You can see another glimpse of the garden coming along.  This photo is a little outdated as we finished the new patio yesterday!  Mike and I (with Emma's help) built it ourselves in two days - I'll share the details later this week... after sod is in!

Interior photos coming tomorrow.  Thanks for sharing in my excitement - it has made it such a fun journey!  I can say that now that it is almost over : )

Mr. Darcy's Collection | Dog Beds, Cookie Cutters & Toys

Mr. Darcy.  He was my first baby - he was even mine before Mike.  Remember his baby pictures?  (here)  The idea for this collection started with me spotting an adorable (I mean handsome...) dog bed in a boutique window.  We've never had a dog bed for Darcy, he's more of a my bed or couch sort of guy.  

In the new house we are setting up the mudroom as his room - doggie door and all.  Don't worry, we have a dutch door between mudroom and the rest of the house to keep him from coming into the house with muddy paws on wet days.  My studio and computer will also be set up in the mudroom, which he will love, as he is always laying about 4 feet from me while I work.  I plan to set up a really comfy place for him, with a new bed, toys, food and a view of the backyard - all of his favorite things.

I'm sure not everyone thinks about how a dog bed or toy look, or that the color coordinates with their home decor, but here is my theory - if it is laying in the middle of my floor, or on my bed, why not be cute as cute as possible?  I know I'm not the only one that doesn't like florescent orange and yellow dog toys or a not-so-cute dog bed lying around their house, right?  

This entire collection is from Harry Barker, except for the cookie cutter.  I love their branding and logo - everything is artfully made to coexist and compliment your home.  Everything they produce is eco-friendly.  For example, the dog bed fill is made from recycled water bottles!

Bone Copper Cookie Cutter, $15

I've always kept a dog bone cookie cutter hand and whenever Emma and I bake sugar cookies, whether it be for Valentine's or Halloween, we always make one for Mr. Darcy.  This week was Darcy's birthday, so we made him some special dog treats (basically oatmeal and peanut butter cookies...) with this copper cutter.  Working with something as beautiful as these handmade cutters make even the most basic activity really special.  These copper cutters are handmade and will last for generations of puppies and kids.

Linen Dog Beds

Let's start with the dog beds.  I'm carrying two different styles.  This linen looking bed is so beautiful. The dog friendly linen-looking fabric is very sophisticated, especially with the handsome leather label.  It comes in Small, Med or Large and (top to bottom) Grey, Green, Natural or Brown.  I ordered the Natural (second from bottom) in Medium for Darcy that he is pictured with in the first photo.  It looks just like the natural linen fabric on our sofa and ottoman.  I think it will go great in our new hearth room, right by the french doors so he can look out of the window.

The fabric is a Jute & Poly blend that is both eco-friendly and mildew resistant.  The filling in the bed is made from 100% recycled water bottles!

Vintage Stripe Dog Beds

This collection is call "Vintage Stripe" - isn't it so great?  There is something that feels very chic and European about it to me.  I also love the laurel wreath logo.

I plan to order a black stripe one for the mudroom for Mr.   I think it will look great with all of the cream paint, brass and oil rubbed bronze fixtures.


Harry Barker Toys & Tosses

Mr. Darcy has loved these new toys.  I love that they are nautically inspired and come in great colors.  Everybody wins!

Tug & Pull, Large, Natural :

D and Emma have never really "played" too much together, but the Tug and Pull has been so fun for them - he's dragging her around the floor... and she likes it! 

Seagrass Soft Squeaker, Large, Aqua :

This soft large bone is a pillow toy that D loves to lay his head on and it has a squeaker - always a favorite for the Mr.

Knot Toss, Medium, Blue : 

Great for throwing and retrieving... also looks very nautical!

Rope Bone, Small, Light Blue : 

This is the perfect little bone toy to add to a gift for a dog lover.  Emma really likes to throw this one - it is just her size.

I hope you puppy lovers out there love some of these new products!  Emma and I plan to make more Dog treats today to share with you (the recipe at least) next week.

Browse the entire Dog & Puppy Collection, here.

Happy Weekend,
Jenny

Landscaping and Garden Design Plan | Hydrangea, Boxwood, Peonies, Lavender...

The time has come for us to actually be doing some physical work at the house.  After months and months (7, but who's counting...) of doing walk-thrus and watching subs work, I actually get to get my hands dirty (and my fingernails...) and do some work, which thrills me.  I'm not a very good observer - more of a doer.  Being able to "do" for the last week has made me feel so rejuvenated.  Rejuvenated and ready to move it in just a couple of weeks; )

You can browse through my plan above to see where I'm going.  I'll share photos of my actual progress later in the week.  This is a finished project plan drawing.  I'm picking and choosing what I'm working on this year to start.  I've already put in the front landscaping - boxwoods and hydrangea.  I've planted the hydrangea hedge in the back left, along with the dogwood.  The cherry tree and lilacs are also in.  I transplanted some very old peony bushes in the back right that I'm so excited about - more on those later.  

As you can see from the design plan, I'm doing a lot of symmetrical beds - my style.  I'm trying to incorporate some curves and some flowing places, too, to create movement and natural lines - a little out of my comfort zone there.   Just making the plan has helped me feel a little better - and helped curb my enthusiasm to do everything at once.

So, this is where I've been for the last week.  Our old new yard.  Okay, actually, this is where I've been for the last week...

This is a major Before picture standing on our back porch.  As you can see, we have an overgrown fence line in the back that is our neighbors.  I like the natural backdrop, but want to put a pretty cedar fence in front to hide where their chain peeks thru.

The previous owners didn't do too much in the back, so we are left with a nice blank slate.  I do wish we had some more mature trees like our neighbors to offer shade, but we'll have to plant small and let them grow the old fashioned way.



To my left, very charming south neighbor's yard.  We'll be matching her fence for our gates and back fence line.

To my right, North side neighbor's privacy fence.  We'll be adding landscaping to soften.  The first think Mike did was rip out the bush to the left.  I think it was just a giant weed.

I assure you after a week of work it already looks better than these photos I took a couple of weeks ago.   In fact, here's your first sneak peek of the exterior paint color.  

You can also see the stepping stones (some of them) headed to the new patio area.  

We still have a ways to go.  There are a couple of things that will help tremendously :

1) New back cedar fence to match south side neighbor.  Mike and my Dad worked on it over the weekend and should be ready very soon.

2) New sod everywhere - something Mike has been dreaming of for a long time.

As always, I've gathered a lot of inspiration... I'll be pleased if I can somehow create even just a glimpse of these luscious gardens in our yard.  Hopeful, but not entirely sure : )

We are doing pea gravel for our patio and I'd like to put some big pots scattered around the yard, too.

We all recognize this garden.  This is an older photograph of the Barefoot Contessa's.  I love the wild mixed with the hedged boxwoods.

Newer photo.  Purple and white.

And an arial, just because it is interesting to see the structure.  We will want more play room in our yard, but maybe I'll do some hedged square beds, too?

I want our front walk to be spilling over with hydrangeas like these.  The boxwoods will be more for the winter months when the hydrangea are sticks.

Wish me luck!

Mother's Day Collection | Lavender, Baskets, Candles & Trays

For Mother's Day this year I've gone back to the classics - Mom's like that, right?  Bunches of dried lavender from France, I brought back the Hanging Door Baskets from last year, a new size of Willow Serving Trays and a collection of Classic Trays that are my new favorite thing (made of recycled materials!).  I hope you find something that you (and your Mother) love.

See the entire Mother's Day Collection, here >

Jenny

French Lavender Bundles - Dried, $14

These dried French Lavender Bundles come straight from the fields in Provence.  They are the perfect little something for a hostess gift, can transform a bedside table into something special, or go into a Hanging Basket (here) on your front door.  I used three of these bundles in this photo of the hanging basket, but even two would do the job.  They come wrapped in kraft paper and tied with natural twine, just like you would find at a French market.

Basket - Willow Hanging, $38.5

A favorite from last year is back!  This year I've filled ours with dried bunches of French Lavender, but you might remember last year when it was filled with hydrangeas and flags for the 4th of July.  It looks great with branches of Cherry Blossoms, big bunches of leaves or wheat in the Fall, branches of berries for the Holidays... endless.  

 The secret to using fresh branches and blooms in the basket is using floral tubes to keep them fresh.  I've included 10 large clear tubes with each basket.  Please note, it was a little too large to hang on our old front door, as we had a storm door in front of it, but looks great hanging off of a door knob inside, too.  

Lavender Spray Bottles - Set of 2, $8

I love simple ideas - easy ideas that are incredibly chic.  By adding dried sprigs of lavender to water you can transform your linen spray into something really special.  Spray on linens before ironing, or spray on a freshly made bed... or wipe down your countertop with it!   It will make you feel like an incredibly chic French woman in the Provence countryside : )

For this collection, I've included two spray bottles that come with three sprigs of dried lavender.  The set also comes with multiple labels for the bottles - both "Lavender Linen Spray" and "Lavender Counter Spray".  All you need to do is affix the label and fill with water.  In just a couple of hours, the dried lavender will lightly scent the water.  It is simple and chic - no chemicals to cloud the pureness, just an easy way to freshen your daily routine. 

Large Willow Serving Baskets - Set of 2

For me, Summer Entertaining is all about ease and bounty.  These serving baskets are exactly what I envision when I think about a breezy, easy summer party.  They make anything from appetizers to stacks of plates and linen napkins look inviting and lovely.

Last year I carried a set of 3 Willow Serving Baskets that were smaller than these - they were very popular, so many of you have them from last year!  I loved the smaller collection, but this year looked for larger ones that would hold a bigger spread of appetizers.   This set of 2, (and 18" round and a 20" round) are a great size for a summer party - I'm thinking a bowl of tomatoes with basil and mozzarella surrounded by crostini, or chips surrounding fresh guacamole.  I love lining the basket with a nice linen tea towel.  

The Tea Towels used with the baskets, can be seen here.

Bread Boards - Aged Pine (Special Order)

With our new kitchen on the near horizon, I've been thinking about some new accessories (necessities?) that I've had my eye on.  A set of aged Bread Boards is at the top of the list.  We've all seen them in our favorite kitchens, namely the Tessa's (Nine & Sixteen) and the Barefoot Contessa's, leaning on their counters.  Not only are they great for building a big cheese board or appetizer spread, but they will add some aged character to my very new kitchen.  

These Aged Bread Boards are a special order item and will take two weeks to ship.  

Classic Tray Collection

$28-168

For a while I've been looking for serving pieces that have the softly polished, rustic look of Italian handmade pewter, but would be suitable for more everyday and casual parties.  When I stumbled upon this Classic Collection it was like an incredible twist of fate - a New England company (in Manchester by the Sea, Ma.) making pewter-looking serving pieces out of 100% recycled aluminum.  All of my favorite things in one! 

Of course, all Moms (ok, most) Mom's love to bake.  Here are my favorites that make baking a pleasure.  See entire Baking Collection > 

Each year for Mother's Day Emma does a handprint on a nice Linen Tea Towel with her name and year as a gift for her Grandmas.  This year I've restocked this collection of Provencal Blue Striped Classic Towels and Table Linens just in time.

Everyday Candle - Lovely, $16

For Mother's Day I mixed some of my favorite soft and lovely scents - Gardenia, Lilac and Lily Of The Valley.  The result is a clean, soft and fresh floral scent that feels like the doors open on an early morning.  As always, my candles are poured in a Mini Latte Bowl that can be reused after the candle is gone.  Limited supply available.

I hope you enjoyed browsing the Mother's Day Collection.  See everything here >