Master Bedroom Update: Before And After

Recently, Alex and the kids surprised me with the Society pillowcases I've been obsessing over.  Now that the bed is fully dressed again, it became clear why.  Their color and pattern perfectly balance the texture and tone of the brick wall behind our bed.  Mixing high and low ends of the spectrum, sheets from Ikea and a linen duvet from Coyuchi completed the new look.  I also replaced the chrome based bedside lamps with oversized brass and green ones I found at a consignment shop.   Take a look at the before and after bedding and the 'new' light fixtures and let me know what you think.  I'm still on the fence about the lamps and I badly need your input..

Kitchen Renovation: Part 2

Now that the walls and ceiling of our kitchen have been exposed, new electrical wiring and boxes are being installed.   The valances, so typical of Mid-Century design, have been preserved and in some areas extended.  In case of any late night entertaining, we added a pocket door to separate the dining area from the hallway leading to the bedrooms.  This so that those who tend to go to bed early (mostly me) can fall sleep easily.   On Tuesday, the concrete floor affected by the renovation will be sanded, smoothed and tinted.  Things are moving right along.  Take a look:

Before And After: My Favorite Quick Fix

Thankfully, not much as been updated in our Mid-Century (1953) home to mess with its architectural integrity, but that doesn't mean I'm less anxious to make some changes myself.  Taking into consideration financial resources, project priorities (kitchen first) and careful planning, sometimes a quick fix will do until the time is right for that big undertaking.  My favorite one is replacing the hardware on cabinets, doors and drawers.  Our home office, guest bath and master bathroom got a new look with very little effort and investment just by changing-out the existing pulls and, sometimes, throwing on a new coat of paint.  Take a look:

My favorite place to look for knobs is Anthropologie, although I always have my eye out for them at garage sales, flea markets and vintage home stores.

Take a look at this Pinboard for an array of hardware ideas.

Before And After: A Connecticut Farmhouse Part 1

While visiting interior stylist Vera Abud last month, I had the opportunity to see a project she's currently working on:  an 1800s farm house.  Her approach modernizes the space retaining the  historic foundation of the home and honoring her clients' aesthetic.    Take a look at the master bedroom makeover and stay posted for more updates on this home.

I love the painted floors, layered bed linens, stacked books and her client's jewelry collection!  Many thanks for sharing this special home with Cocoon's readers.

Before And After: Book Shelves (Part 2)

We recently added onto an existing built-in cabinet, gaining more room for our book collection and a more balanced space.  By recreating a mirrored image of the right side shelving on the left, our  unit now feels complete and so does the room.  Take a look:

In order for the built- in to look cohesive we painted the entire unit.  I used the same color but in a full gloss finish.  In this "before" the boys are helping us remove the books and enjoying them as well.

The Chinese chest that belonged to my mother-in-law sat above our living room bar.  Now, in its new home, it can be truly appreciated it.

Have you added any recent updates to your home?  If so, please share them.