An Ode to Board and Batten

Image from House Beautiful.

I love board and batten! Our home would feel so nice with it running up the stairs and wrapping each room. I have wanted to install some fancy woodwork in our home, but I always thought you have to be a master craftsman to undertake such a huge project.

Image from Elite Trim.

I have been really inspired with all the amazing work out there in blogland. So I have decided I want to give our little home a some character because it really wants to be a cottage, not a suburban cookie cutter.

Image from This Old House.

The timeline for this project is not immediate... I hope to undertake with in the year...

Here is an Ode to Beautiful Woodwork:

Image from Just Beachy.

Image from It's the Little Things that Make a House a Home.

Image from Newlywoodwards Life: Beyond the Picket Fence.

Image from Our Suburban Cottage.

Image from A Soft Place to Land.

Principle of Design #3 - Emphasis

(Image from Patriciagrayinc.blogspot.com)

Emphasis in interior design is simply enhancing or creating a focal point in the room. A successful focal point immediately draws the eye to a specific point in the design. It does not have to be dynamic in pattern or bold in color because size, color, line, texture, woodwork and ornamental detail can all be used to attract attention.

I love the use of color in this room to create a focal point.

(Image from Apartment Therapy)

Some natural focal points often found in a room include: a fireplace, a beautiful view, architectural details, artwork or a large piece of furniture (such as a bed or piano). Other objects in the room should compliment the primary focal point.

A contemporary bookshelf creates a bold focal point.

(Image from blog.styleestate.com)

By emphasizing the beautiful design of this tub this bathroom feels like a spa... well that and the gorgeous floors, vibrant plants and waterfall feature in the background.

(Image from homepic.blog41.fc2.com)

The piano really invites you to come in, sit down, and enjoy some Chopin...

(Image from Better, Homes and Garden.)

Organizing Small Spaces

Lately, I have really been on an organizing kick. I do enjoy sorting, clearing-out, organizing and straightening the small spaces in my home. I love a quick reward and I can usually do a closet or pantry in very little time (from start to finish about an hour or less).

Also, I find it is so rewarding every time I open the door and see a neatly organized space. Last night I organized our master bedroom closet... I must admit that I made my husband come up and look at it (he was very kind).

My approach to cleaning and organizing is to begin by hauling everything out of the space... making a huge mess. (This probably helps me feel a little better about the final product.) I then sort items into similar groups... shoes, my clothing, my husband's clothing, suit cases and bags, hats, ties, keepsake boxes...

I then sort these groups into four piles or trash bags:

1. Give Away or Sell

2. Trash

3. To Clean or Repair

4. Items to Keep

Because I do this pretty frequently, the first three piles/bags tend to be small. (When I first began learning how to organize I would set a goal to eliminate a certain percent... such as 50%.)

After I have cleared out the excess clutter, I begin placing items back in by similar groups. I try to put items that are used most frequently at or near eye level.

Tips to an Organized Closet:

* Continually eliminate clutter... if you don't like the way something looks on you - give it away; if an items begins to become worn out - toss it; if you love it - keep it.

* Use small bins, baskets or plastic tote boxes to organize small items such as belts, scarves, undergarment and socks.

* Hang purses and bags from large hooks so they don't lose their shape.

* Use bins, shelving units, hooks, basket and rods to accommodate a variety of items.

* Group clothing by season, use and color.

* Store items that are used infrequently at the top or back of a closet.

* Keep heavier items low, and lighter items high.

* Invest in a cute pair of rain boots... all the really great closets seem to have them... ;0).

Images from Real Simple, "31 Ways to Make Over Your Closets."

Refinishing Details

I have had several people ask me about refinishing techniques... I will begin with a preface that I am just beginning this hobby so my technique may not be the best, and may change over time. However, I have been really pleased with the results.

Some of the frequently asked questions:

1. Where do you find your furniture?

Thus far I have been able to find some really nice stuff at our local thrift store (D. I.), through craigslist and our local newspaper's online classified ads. Because my primary goal is to develop a hobby, I plan to resell most of the furniture after I refinish it. And because I do not want a houseful of desks... I try to find items that are inexpensive, sturdy and have a more classic design style.

2. Do you sand your furniture first?

I sand the furniture first if it has a major dents or scratches, or if their is a heavy varnish/polyurethane finish on top. For the varnish I just do a quick sanding with a 120 grit sandpaper on an electric sander to rough it up a little bit. For scratches I typically use a 80 or 60 grit sandpaper to create an even surface and then 120 grit to smooth the top layer.

3. Do you prime your furniture?

Yes, I use KILZ latex primer... it is really nice and thick and will evenly cover most light scratches or dings.

4. What paint do you use?

I love Behr brand paint... I have used in several of my home over the years and have been very pleased. For my furniture, I just buy the mistinted or damaged paints in a neutral, latex base. I typically buy the premium plus because it is usually the least expensive. I do finish my furniture with a polyurethane so I do not worry about the gloss-style.

5. What sand paper do you use to distress?

Either a 120 or 220 grit sand paper depending on what I have convenient and how distressed I want to make it. For distressing I try to mimic natural use patterns... where ever hands and feet commonly touch I distress (i.e. the ends of arm rest, top of chair back, near the "foot rests" at the bottom). Also, I lightly distress all the edges and corners. I have found that I really like to show the original and primed colors underneath so I with distress with varied pressure to bring out different colors.

6. Do you finish with a polyurethane?

Yes, I use a clear (not color or tint added) water-based Varathane polyurethane for interior wood. I choose water-based for ease in cleaning up.

7. Do you use spray paint, an air compressor, paint-brush or roller-brush?

I usually paint with a hand brush... although I have heard really great things about using an air compressor... Maybe someday.

I have used spray paint on some of my picture frames and smaller pieces... but I didn't like the finish as well... probably I just applied it too heavily.

Just Getting Back

I feel like I have been away a long time... it has been a crazy couple of weeks. Two weeks ago my three children came down with serious head colds, the end of the year flu, and strep throat - which really knocked them out - and therefore, it knocked me out, too.

Then last week we got a little addition to our family... at least a temporary addition. Our family provides foster care for children (ages newborn to three). On Monday, we received a call that they had a little infant boy that needed a home that night. The first week is always a big adjustment for everyone... but our children all seem to be adjusting so well, and this little boy is a delight to take care of.

Hopefully, we will be healthy and back into our routine now...

** In case you are curious... my husband and I have been providing foster care for children for four and a half years. It has been a great blessing for our family, though it has also been really tough at times. We also are a legal risk home... which means if a child in our care becomes available for adoption, then we happily expand our family. Our three children have all come to us through foster care adoption.

Principle of Design #2 - Rhythm

The brick wall creates rhythm in this bedroom.

(Image from Country Living, "Guest Bedroom Decor.")

In Interior Design, rhythm is the means through which the eye is drawn around the room. It creates harmony and unity in design. Successful rhythm will create expectation, anticipation and even surprise. Rhythm may be used to draw attention to the focal point in the room.

There are five ways to create rhythm:

1. Repetition and Alternation

Repetition is created through the multiple uses of white in this bedroom.

(Image from Country Living, "Guest Bedroom Decor.")

Repetition establishes rhythm through repeated elements in the design. Repetition may be found in color, pattern, texture, line, architectural elements, lighting and furniture. An example of repetition can be found in a series of chairs lined up in a room.

Alternation is the sequence of two or more components creating a pattern which the eye can easily follow. An example of alternation would be a series of pillows in two coordinated prints creating a ABABAB pattern.

2. Progression

(West Elm Modular Nesting Tables)

Progression is the use of shapes moving from large to small, or small to large (an example may be found in nesting tables). You can also create progression with colors gradating from dark to light or light to dark.

3. Transition

The strong lines of the exposed-beam ceiling draw the eye from one side of the room to the other.

(Image from Country Living, "Guest Bedroom Decor.")

Transition leads the eye without interruption from one point to another. Some ways you can create this continuous line include: architectural elements such as crown molding and wainscoting, a carpet runner, or a painted wall.

4. Contrast

(Photograph from Joe Schmelzer)

Contrast or opposition is created by an abruptly changing, repetitive pattern. Some examples include: contrasting patterns (striped, plain, striped, plain); color (black, white, black, white); or varying forms (angular and circular).

5. Radiation

(Image of spiral staircase located at Trendir.com)

Radiation is established through the use of concentric or spoke-like lines from a central point. Radial rhythm is often found in windows and floor patterns.

15 Minutes to a Clean Kitchen

(Image from House Beautiful, "California Kitchen.")

I love a clean kitchen (including a well organized pantry). It is the room that for me most dictates my mood. If the kitchen is clean, the house is clean... or at least much less dirty. I try to spend 15 minutes each morning straightening the kitchen - right after my family finishes eating breakfast.

(Image from House Beautiful, "Cabinetry with Period Charm.")

Here are the nine things I do to keep a tidy kitchen:

1. Fill sink or dishpan with hot soapy water. Place dishes into the water to begin soaking. While my dishes begin soaking, I quickly sweep the kitchen and dining area (typically, we only eat in these areas... so it is easy to locate dirty dishes). I place these dishes on the counter near the sink. Next, I wash the dishes by hand or load rinsed dishes into the dishwasher. (I grew up without a dishwasher, so I typically wash by hand... even though we have a dishwasher now.)

Now I need to pause here and comment on the importance of washing dishes, pots and pans just after using them... as soon as I finish frying eggs in a pan I begin soaking the frying pan, quickly rinse dishes as you cook, wash dishes after each meal... this saves me so much time.

2. Pick up trash from the table, countertops and floor... throw away.

3. Put away all items that go in the kitchen... In my kitchen, everything has a designated "homespot." This helps me and my family keep an orderly kitchen because everyone knows where to put items away.

4. Place items that go into other areas in our home into a tote box, laundry bin or basket. These items will be redistributed later... the second I start putting things away in another area is the second I begin a new project so I try to focus on one task at a time.

5. Wipe down countertops, appliances and the backsplash. I have found it helpful to keep a spray bottle of vinegar and water (about a 1 to 3 ratio) to quickly spray down our oven vent and other areas that kitchen grime builds up.

6. Sweep or vacuum the floor. Spot clean as needed. About once a week I do a mop down of the floors... if my children are outside playing in the mud (like right now) then I will do it more frequently.

7. Take out the trash and reline with a trash bag... I don't know why, but I always forget to put a bag back in the trash can. Also, frequently (once or twice a week) I will spray the trash can down with Lysol to kill off bacteria and odors.

8. "Sparkle the sink"... by spraying with a little bit of vinegar or window cleaner and wiping down any water spots. Run disposal as I clean the sink.

9. Redistribute items in my basket to their proper "homespots" throughout our home.

** This process takes only 15 minutes each day. If you feel this will take longer be sure to get your family involved. Have children scrape-off their dishes, clear their settings, wipe up spills and tuck in chairs. I have found that even at a very young age children can do an excellent job helping with proper instruction. My son who is six is responsible for taking out the trash whenever it is full; my son who is five sweeps under the table after meals with a little hand-broom; and my daughter who is four is responsible for wiping off the table.

** Also, because I don't like to pick up scraps of papers, rocks, broken toys, sticks and other treasures my children have collected... if it is left out (and not in their "Keepsake Basket") then I throw it away. I know it sounds mean, but it helps me know if it is important for them. If I think it might be important, then I will give a warning that any items left out will be thrown away shortly.