Mid Century Modern Wood Armchair

Anyone who has ever read this blog knows that I have been looking for a mid century modern wooden armchair for a while. Ever since I passed up this opportunity, I have been kicking myself! Finally, I decided to be proactive and posted a "wanted" ad on one of the online thrift stores that I frequent and someone has contacted me! Here is my new chair:

I haven't picked it up yet- but the cushions look like they are in good shape. I intend to have them re-upholstered in a lighter coloured fabric but at least their is no rush on that. And I am thinking that the chair is walnut, a medium stain and in great shape! Yay!

Kitchen Lighting

The kitchen of our new apartment can really use some love. It is functional but is also well worn and has some wasted space. We intend to completely renovate it. My plan is to create a kitchen with a french bistro style, similar to below... except with dark grey cabinets.

What I cannot decide on is the lighting. It is a small galley kitchen with very high ceilings and could use a nice medium to large pendant. I am not sure what style of fixture to go with- modern or traditional. The rest of the apartment is a mix of the two styles, so either style will work. Here are my choices:


Traditional- black

 

Modern-black

...or modern-stainless steel

Normally I would be practical about the decision and just go with the fixture that costs the least, but all of the above cost roughly the same, reasonable price! Maybe I should let Stu decide? Probably not.

Parisian Patio Style

The best part about having a new apartment is that I have another place to decorate!

Here's some of my inspiration photos for the 10' x 10' patio. I'm calling the style "Parisian Patio".

The New Apartment- The Before Photos

As promised- here are some pictures of our new apartment. FYI- We have not moved in yet so the furniture in the photos is not ours.

Building front entry

Our patio

Kitchen 

 

Living room

Dining room

Bedroom

Bathroom

New Apartment- Finally!

I have been talking for a long time about us moving into another apartment and it is finally happening. Both Stu and I have new jobs (in a new city) and we bought a condo in an old bankers mansion that was renovated into 7 apartments. In the photo below our place is the main floor left hand side of the building. More pictures and details to follow.

Water Hyacinth Baskets

This may make me sound a little crazy but that's okay.
I was given a water hyacinth basket for my bridal shower a long time ago. It has been in my bathroom for years and was starting to show its age. So one day I decided that it would look new and fresh if I put a coat of stain on it in a little darker colour than the original. So I stained it and I was shocked to see that it turned out great! So, fast forward a few months and JYSK is clearing out the baskets below.

 

I love a good deal and I did not pay any more than $5 for any one of them! Just a side note- I also love that water hyacinth is a green choice since it growing time is quite short, they grow like a weed (actually are quite problematic in some areas) and the fibers are strong.

I used the Minwax Wood Finish stain in dark walnut (below) and put a single coat on the outside and inside of each basket using a paint brush. FYI- This is an oil product so you will want to do the staining in a sheltered (they take at least a few days to dry depending on the humidity) and well ventilated area (I did it in my garage).   
  

The finished product is worth the effort!

When we move into our new place I will take a picture of them in their rooms. I think the darker colour stain just takes them up a notch.

Sarah Richardson Design Website- New!

 

Sarah Richardson Design has launched a new website and it is definitely worth checking out. She has included lots of portfolio (i.e., inspiration) photos and even an outtake reel from her various shows and television appearances. 

Just to give you a little taste...

Bathroom- Before

Bathroom- After