A Little Hallway Update with Lowe's

After moving to the lakehouse, Hubby and I tackled a ton of budget-friendly, temporary makeovers to make this house feel bright and modern - and "us" - while we planned and saved for major renovations.  I'm so glad we took the time to do those spit & polish type projects because, other than the main bathroom, all of our major renos (full kitchen, laundry room and powder room gut, new roof and siding, new fireplace and secret door, fish room to laundry room conversion, etc.) had to take a back seat to some major life upheavals.  Although I love the temporary changes we made, I have to admit that I have been feeling a strong urge to pick up a sledgehammer and demo something!  I really want to renovate - probably motivated by motivated in part by the fact that all of our appliances are failing at once - but I have to cool my jets a little bit longer.  I'm so excited that I have had this fish room makeover to work on to satisfy my need for change.

In the meantime, I've been focusing on making small tweaks to our decor.  I've been eyeing the kitchen for a little upgrade and I have been dedicated to finding some missing puzzle pieces to finish the budget-friendly makeovers we did early on.  There are definitely some decor pieces that we have needed to help make our home more functional and help some spaces feel more complete.

Luckily, I have Lowe's Canada to help me out!  They have new home decor themes and one collection - "Modern Nostalgia" - definitely has my name on it, so I brought home a few accessories that are as practical as they are beautiful, in the hopes of putting some finishing touches on previous makeovers - and satiating my urge for change!

I'm sharing the piece with the biggest impact today, but come back to see a few more peeks into the fabulously curated decor finds from Lowe's Canada.

After painting the hallways walls, trim, and doors white, upgrading all of the interior levers and exterior door hardware, we replaced all of the boob lights and even switched out the dated door for one with a more mid-century modern inspired look.  We hung up some art and added the only piece of furniture the small space can afford: a little hand carved stool.  Most recently the floors were painted, along with the kitchen, but there was still a missing puzzle piece: a mirror!  

Whenever I wanted to fuss with my scarf or check my lip gloss before heading out the door, I'd either run back to the bedroom to use the full length mirror in there, or dash through the laundry room to the half bath and use that mirror. 

I had forgotten what a wonderful thing it is to have a mirror by the door!  Plus the hallway can be a little dark at times because even with the wonderful windows, our exterior door is often sheltered from the sun thanks to our carport.  So this Columbia Frame mirror helps bounce a little light around.

It's a beautiful addition to the space, adding warmth to my cool color palette of blues and whites.  It's made from solid reclaimed wood with a hand waxed finish, which adds a lot of gorgeous texture and interest. 

After I ordered it, I was worried it would be too chunky or too rustic, but although the diameter of the frame is very substantial in size (31/5"), it still feels delicate.  Plus I just love how the hand waxed finish plays on the lakeside vibe with its driftwood feel.

In my city, Lowe's Canada took over a lease at one end of our shopping mall and that's where the BEST parking is, so I always park there and slowly loiter my way through Lowe's to enter the mall.  I am so excited that Lowe's stocks beautiful home decor in addition to renovating supplies because I love browsing the aisles but I'm not quite ready to start appliance shopping or picking out tiles yet!

Soon, though, soon...

I was provided product and compensation by Lowe's Canada, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Iiiiiiiittttaala - Collection of Iittala Festivo

Whenever Hubby spots some Iittala, he sort of squeals the word and drags out the vowels, with an extra screechy-ness on the I's: "iiiiiiiittttaala".  It totally cracks me up.  What can I say?  I married the absolute best guy.  Last summer he and I were yard-saling with my Mummu (see? The Best) and while Mummu and I busied ourselves scrutinizing a table full of china, I heard the soft tinkling of crystal behind us.  Hubby was crouched down, intently sorting through a box of glassware.  Turns out, he had uncovered a honey pot of Iittala (say it with me: iiiiiiiittttaala).  Once upon a time, I never found a stitch of Iittala in this city, outside of Finnish stores, Finnish homes and antique shops.  Since moving back after a six year long absence, I've been finding Iittala yard saling, in the thrift stores, and even in the classifieds.  There are pieces I pass up, but every now and then I find a steal - or something I really want.

I was recently trolling the classifieds when, lo and behold, I stumbled across a colossal collection of Iittala Festivo candle holders.  My Mummu was kind enough to give me her complete set, which is really special because she had one of each size and each piece was a gift from a family member, spread out over years with no duplicate sizes gifted - no one arranged this, either.  It just happened!  Obviously, I love the set she gave me but I always envisioned growing my instant-collection a bit more.  I hadn't yet found any for a good price, so stumbling across a lot was thrilling.  By the time I got in touch with the seller more than half had sold, but I scooped up what remained: 9 in total, which included four signed pieces.

Here's my collection before (including two, 2-ring ones I stole from my Mom):

And my collection, a bit beefier now (but sans the two I stole from my Mom, who insisted I give them back once she saw my loot):

They're definitely squeezing out my little enamel bowl.  For some reason I felt compelled to distinguish new pieces from my Mummu's - although I'm letting them co-mingle - so I marked the bottoms of the newbies with a small silver star sticker so I know who's who in the zoo.

I have to admit that I felt a little woozy making this purchase - a mixture of sheer excitement and a little apprehension over spending the money.  I've been trying to be a tightwad recently because I'd like to make some big purchases - office chairs, bedroom closet doors, etc.  I've been squirreling away as much money as I can and forgoing the little luxuries whenever I can muster the willpower.  (Obviously, my money saving waxes and wanes).  But, as I reasoned with Hubby, I don't tend to buy many accessories for our home and when I do I've normally scored a great deal - usually snagging something fabulous second-hand.  Though more expensive than a normal thrift store score, these were an excellent price too.  Plus the Festivos are, in my opinion, a classic and timeless design.  They were designed by Timo Sarpaneva in 1966 (who also came up with the "i' logo), and produced since 1967 - although they're no longer available for sale (new) in the United States and Canada, making them even more special.  And other than our kitchen shelves and this credenza, I don't have too many spots to accessorize - so I want to make a statement with a collection en masse.

Hubby's reply?  Iiiiiiiittttaala.

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DIY Solid Wood Trivet on Legs

Hubby and I recently spent a week house-sitting for my in-laws.  They casually mentioned that they might not be able to go on a vacation because they couldn't find a house-sitter, so Hubby and I volunteered, even though their place (with two dogs, three kitties + a woodworking shop set on 80 acres of aggressively pollinating trees) always gives me massive allergy attacks.  My desire for free rein in my father-in-law's amazing woodworking shop overruled any health concerns (plus it would have been so sad if they'd had to forgo their trip!).  Handy Hubby and I knocked out four easy woodworking projects while we were there.  Being surrounded by scrap wood really sparked my creativity! 

My favorite project is this super simple DIY solid walnut trivet (or cutting board) on legs - which is actually a gift for my Mom!  She and my Dad live in a small, post-war house with a teeny kitchen boasting a small teak table - the only dining space in the house.  Mom's been on the hunt for a petite trivet to use at the table, but couldn't find one the right size or proportions.  When I spotted this gorgeous piece of wood (which I thought was teak, but is actually walnut), I knew it would be perfect:

I tried to convince her of the merits of a trendy painted edge.  She collects pink and yellow Pyrex and has pretty grey and pink patterned dishes, so I almost had her convinced that a pale pink accent would be perfect but, alas, she nixed the idea in favor of plain wood.  Plain!  But she did suggest that we attach little legs to give it some flair.  With our instructions delivered, Hubs and I got to work making  a modern, solid wood trivet on legs.

Supplies:

• Solid walnut lumber
• Sandpaper (120 and 220 grit - this sandpaper multi-pack will do the trick, too)
• Sanding block
• Tape measure
• Table saw or chop saw
• Wood oil
• Water proof wood glue
• Project clamps

How to make a solid wood trivet:

First we trimmed the edges, because one was rough from the mill, using a radial arm saw (a table saw or circular saw would do the job too).  If you're using a rougher piece of lumber, you might need to add planing - or at least running the belt sander along it - to your list of steps.  Lucky for us, this piece was already planed.

Next we cut off two identical strips, each about 1 1/2 inches wide.  With these pieces removed, it was the length Mom requested. 

After that came a lot of hand sanding.

Hubby suggested using a router to soften the edges, but I like the blocky look.  Instead, I logged a little extra time with the sandpaper to soften the edges.  I used a sanding block and started with 120 grit sandpaper before switching to 220.  Here's a great article on how to properly switch grits.  Basically, I just wanted it smooth to the touch.  When the sanding was done, we wiped down the pieces and affixed the legs with waterproof wood glue, just in case it ever gets too vigorous a washing (although this really shouldn't be submerged in water).

We used some clamps to keep everything in place and let it dry overnight.  For fun, the distance the legs are inset is the same height of the legs.  Aren't we exceptionally clever? ;)

We opted to skip screws/nails because this isn't a high-stress pieces so the glue will offer a sufficient hold and a cleaner look.  Once the glue was dry, it just needed a finish.

I applied a few coats of teak oil.  Applying eak oil is so simple (catch my teak oil tutorial by clicking here): apply with a cloth, let it soak in (manufacturer's suggestions will vary from a few minutes to a few hours), and then wipe off the excess.  Food safe Danish oil would also be a good option, and then it could double as a cutting board. 

I'm getting really hooked on oiling wood - remember the Danish teak tray I revived?  Oh, and the arms for the velvet garbage chair?  They still look incredible.  Oiling wood is such an easy way to bring out its natural beauty. 

Once I relinquish it, I'm sure Mom will be thrilled to finally have a trivet the exact size she was questing for.  But it's so gorgeous, Mom should be a little nervous about this trivet actually making its way to her place...

This was such a fun and simple project - a perfect beginner woodworking project!  Plus you can make one of these cute trivets with any scrap wood lying around after another DIY.

I still think it could use some pink...or turquoise!

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The Kettle Condundrum

The little red kettle that used to sit on our stove has garnered lots of compliments from readers and friends alike.  Unfortunately, it was recently retired after enduring a battery of assaults.  First, Hubby turned it on empty, which is a huge kettle no-no, proceeding to burn some of the red enamel onto our element to boot.  Next the removable whistle, which was such a pain to remove when the kettle was whistling because it was piping hot and a really tight fit, was left too close to an element and melted.  Oops.  Lastly, a problem neither of us caused: a piece of the handle snapped off, leaving behind a sharp, hand slicing spot.  This was when we decided a new kettle was in order.

I had heard good things about Overstock.com (O.co) so I looked at their selection of kettles.

I immediately fell in love with a whole slew.  After running from store to store (and still coming home empty handed), it was such a time-saver to be able to compare different brands, features and colours at once.

Left to right: KitchenAid Green Apple Porcelain Kettle, Paula Deen Signature Kettle Butter Speckle, Paula Deen Signature Blue Kettle, Paula Deen Signature Blue Kettle, KitchenAid Mustard Kettle, Circulon Silver Kettle, Rachel Ray Curve Kettle Orange, Paul Deen Signature Olive Kettle, KitchenAid Peacock Porcelain Kettle

I managed to narrow it down to two, very different styles: the Paula Deen Signature Olive Kettle and the Rachel Ray Curve Kettle in Orange.

I loved the vintage look of the Paula Dean kettle, but the Rachel Ray kettle came in Hubby's favorite colour!  Plus, the dress in one of my vintage posters is this same rich, persimmon shade.  I am warming up to orange, and knew that this vibrant colour would look great with my turquoise kitchenware and our glossy grey counters.

The major selling point for Hubby (who had strong opinion on the kettle purchase) was that the Rachel Ray kettle has a one-piece whistling spout (the lid flips up) and a nice, curved handle which has no moveable parts to break.  Overtock also features reviews, and the reviews were positive for this kettle.

Our kettle arrived quickly, and I've been making coffee and tea like a Barrista for weeks.  The kettle does not disappoint!  The handle is comfortable, the whistling spout perfectly contains the steam and is easy to flip up with the same hand that is holding the handle.  These are all luxuries to us and make us wish we'd replaced our old kettle ages ago.  The best part is that the colour online was really true to life and the exact rich, persimmon-y hue I was hoping for.  I'm pretty sure I'll continue getting compliments about the (new) pretty little kettle on the stove!  And we promise to take better care of this one.

For anyone who, like me, is a little nervous about buying things online, you should know I was really impressed with the shipping.  Now that I have an Etsy shop, I pay attention to these things.  The box was inside another box and stuffed with bubble wrap.  It arrived perfectly safe and sound (and fast!).

P.S. Overstock.com provided the Rachel Ray kettle to review.  However, I requested to review a kettle and selected which style I liked (with Hubby's input!).  I was not encouraged, prompted or asked to write a favorable review, nor was I asked to write about Overstock in general.  I was just so impressed with their selection and service, I had to tell you.  I will definitely turn to O.co next time I'm shopping for something, especially because they make it easy for Canadians by calculating duties and taxes at checkout and offering affordable shipping to us! 

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The Kitchen and I, We're Cool Now

Since adding the vintage Hungarian posters, the kitchen is a fun place to be.  They are HUGE and (fashionably) fill up the whole wall with saturated colour.  I love the statement they make against our relatively plain kitchen.  Although there are elements of the kitchen I love (the herringbone tile backsplash we installed, the teak chairs we re-upholstered with houndstooth fabric, the funky black and white floor), if you've been reading for awhile you know there's lots I don't love (the wood cabinets Hubby loves, that we refinished, but still aren't my cup of tea, the awkward layout, the windowlessness).  But now I'm at peace with the whole package and am committed to this art (as opposed to version one and version two). 

In no particular rush, I am finally accessorizing the kitchen with a direction, using the posters as my guide.  When I can, I like to pick art for a room first, and then pull inspiration for colours and textures from it.

My new (to me) FAB trays look fun in the space, especially because the retro fabrics really bring to life the vintage attire sold in the posters.  I'm using one to corral the hand soap and dishwasher pods I like to keep at arm's length (I'm officially too lazy to bend over and retrieve the pods from the cupboard under the sink).  The horn dish is from Hungary.

I also have a beautiful new tea towel, sent all the way from Berlin!

 
This graphic black and white (Zebraria) tea towel is from La Kattun, handprinted fabrics.  It's hand-printed on organic cotton by a Berlin-based artist, Eva Reisinger.  I'm in love with her fresh and modern designs (available in her etsy shop).  I knew this crisp pattern would look perfect with my punchy posters (especially the one with striped parcels), and black and white floor!  She has also makes pillows with the same design and I am smitten with those too.

Next up: MORE COLOUR!  But summer is coming and with it, yard sale season!!  I know I'll find some great accessories, for a great price, if I'm patient (my Krenit bowl was last year's sweet kitchen find).



Our counters do get a daily dose of colour courtesy of my growing Pyrex, Anchor Hocking and Federal Glass collections, which we use for fruits and snacks every day.

P.S.  Eva is thrilled that I'm so enamored with her hand-printed textiles, so she's offered to host a giveaway for Dans le Townhouse readers!  She has sewn something gorgeous, just for you, so stay tuned next week for details on how to win.  I also asked Eva a few questions, so we can snoop inside her design process as well.  If you can't wait, take a look at her lovely blog, peek inside her studio, or check out her etsy shop, La Kattun.

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How to Stylishly Display a Small Rock Collection

I've mooned over rocks before, even listing some thrifty places to score a gem or too and showing off a few on display, but it never dawned on me to display this childhood rock collection.  There was a major inhibitor: these are my favorite rocks, in their original, handy-dandy box:

What a silly way to store pretty shiny things.  I can't play with them (one of the f-ers gave me a sliver) so the only way they're of any use is if I can look with my eyes.  A new storage solution was needed.

As a side note, how hilarious is it I was given asbestos?  My Dad always jokingly told me every family had one more child than they wanted.  I'm an only child.  

Luckily, the asbestos wasn't my fancy.  My favorite rock was the amethyst from Thunder Bay because it made me feel like a celebrity.  Nerdy child version of me thought that a rock from my home town was the coolest thing.

While still home in Canada, I tracked down a glass box with the same dimensions as the cardboard box, but with fewer compartments.  It was pricey (I paid $60.00) but it was worth it because these rocks are sentimental and sparkly.  Plus, the box is nice quality.

I didn't want to lose track of which rock is which, so I grabbed some double sided tape and affixed the labels to the bottom of the glass.  How cute is it they were typed on a typewriter?

Next up: some needle punched cotton felt batting to line the bottoms.  I didn't want the rocks to slide around or scratch up the glass.

With the labels and felt in place, I arranged my rocks by colour.  Oh, the nerdiness.  This post is so saturated in nerdiness, all you cool kids are going to leave a wee bit more awkward. 

With the rocks displayed in their (secretly) labelled new box, the desk we built Hubby has some sparkle.  The office has a lot of eye candy, from my silhouette wall to artful Expedit hack (tour the office here), plus we're adding a more colourful piece of art above the desk, so I like the simple ornamentation.  So does Hubs, who plonks his laptop here in the evenings and enjoys some computer time uninhibited by tchotchkes. 

P.S. don't have a childhood rock collection?  Dig another collection out of the attic to display:

Via Off Beat Home; Lisa Congdon, a Little Sussy; Apartment Therapy

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