Thursday, June 30, 2011

the master bedroom: details



My vision for the room was for it to be a calm, serene retreat- and since it was on the second floor, it would have a perch feel- almost like a tree house. I chose a color palette that was very soothing to us:  grays, champagnes, browns, creams, mushroom and a hint of turquoise.
The room is rather large at 14' x 30' and was a combination of two rooms. When we took down the original fireplace in the dining room (because of damage) we were then able to take down the chimney between the then master bedroom and a small cedar-lined closet and small master bath (both not original to the house). Where the bed is currently was the closet and the master bath was in the area of the french doors. It was an odd and awkward layout as you had to walk through the closet to get to the master bath.  We moved the master bath to the ell and took down the wall and chimney that sat in the middle of the two rooms- making a large master bedroom.  The whole East side of the upstairs is the master suite.
We added this fireplace in Phase I of the renovation. The mantel was found at a salvage shop in Portland, Maine. What I loved about the mantel was that it looks like a "cousin" to the original mantels on the first floor! As was common practice when the house was built (1850) items in public places would have been nicer/ more grand than the items placed in private rooms, like a bedroom- so that this mantel is similar, yet simpler is perfect. The floor is original in this room, though we did have them sanded and restained, as we did throughout the house.
The wall color is Benjamin Moore's Titanium OC-49 in eggshell finish, trim is Benjamin Moore's White Dove in Latex Stain Impervo.
(all my paint color from the house on my sidebar under "my paint colors")






Antique mirror found at Marche aux Puces (Paris Flea Market) hung with antique chain on door.
Antique marble urn turned into lamp.  Antique French table.





I was asked to describe my color palette, and I have long described the colors I use in the house as the colors you would see in a dried hydrangea-  aged, muted, worn color.  In this room I would say I have used more of the neutral tones from those dried petals.






Vignette on antique French commode. Aren't the birds the sweetest?!  They were individual gifts from my mother and my sister, Patti, one Christmas- the same Christmas! Each had purchased a pair of birds, unbeknownst to the other, as my Christmas present. They were both really excited about their gift as they knew I would love it....Over Thanksgiving that year they were telling each other what they had gotten me for Christmas and they both realized that they had purchased the exact same gift (my mother found her pair in Hawaii and my sister found hers in Baton Rouge.) They were so mad that the other had the same gift! And, I was so happy and thrilled when I opened them- first one pair, then the other- I love having four!!! The birds are well-fed, dining on real birdseed!







Caribou antlers.
here







Details of antique chair wrapped in natural linen with mushroom velvet interior and cushion.  Pillow is the same fabric as used on a pair shams on the bed.   Finish is as found!





This is the view when you walk in the room from the upstairs landing.  Antique Chinese ginger jars and jardiniere with lid.  Wood pricket found in France and iron candle holder found in Johnson City,Texas.  Old wicker trunk has leather straps (broken, but still there!)  Piece of forestwood on top of the basket.






After I had finally pulled the master bedroom together I realized I wanted/needed a small table next to this chair. I remembered this vintage concrete baluster that was in the basement (it is one of a pair) and this vintage copper Indian (India) tray that I was using on the upstairs back porch- luckily I just happened to have another vintage brass Indian (India) tray (that I couldn't pass up because it was so gorgeous and the price was great)  sitting outside in the winter elements developing patina since someone had overly polished it, so I just switched them out- this one came inside and the other tray went to the back porch.   (Everyone has an extra Indian (India) tray sitting around, yes?!;) The copper tray was perfect in the room as it has a beautiful turquoise patina.  A closeup of the table top can be seen here.
This orchid bloomed for over a year, went into a three month hibernation and is now blooming again!  The "Ella bed" is used, but rarely- as she much prefers our bed!





Antique French processional crosses.
Bases are antique glazed terracotta. We purchased the bases from a dealer in Kansas City years ago- he was tired of looking at them, so he sold them to us for a great price. I sold many found-objects turned into lamps with these bases, but here we used them (cutting at different heights for the right scale/balance) for each cross. The two other small bases are marble and alabaster pieces from old lamps.






A closeup of the bedding.  The two back shams were made using the reverse side of the fabric, as the colors were softer, more muted (the fabric is actually softer to the touch too.)  The two shams in front match the champagne-colored coverlet (discontinued, Donna Karan).  The large pillow was made from an antique rug; we found the pillow at the Scott Antiques Market in Atlanta.  The hint of turquoise in the pillow was the inspiration to add turquoise into the room.  The small boudoir pillow is a green/blue velvet (Como/ color: Gris from Calico Corners).  The same velvet is also on the ottoman at the foot of the bed (this is where Ella sleeps every night, with her own down comforter;) 
My antique Chinese ginger jars that I use in the room range in color from green to turquoise, so finding a turquoise velvet that worked with the whole range of color proved to be difficult.  I would bring home samples thinking they were perfect, only to have them read too "blue" or too "green" when in the room and next to the ginger jars. 






French doors which open to the upstairs porch here were added in Phase I of the renovation.  The original door that opened from the master bedroom to the porch is now the door to the master closet.
 





I used antique marble for the fireplace surround,  found at Nor'East Architectural Salvage (a great source if you are in the area.)  The antique olive jar was purchased from Mark Sage of Love Train Antiques in Atlanta (aka Bobo Designs.)  The chaise is covered in a slubby basket weave linen that actually has muted threads of turquoise running through it.  Brown velvet pillow from Ikea, topped with a pillow made from an antique tapestry piece.






Curtains are white linen, from Ikea.  Curtain rods are bamboo rods from the garden center ($1 each!)  The curtain rod finials are old curtain rings that I stained to closely match the color of the bamboo, and they fit over the end of the rod (with a little help of some tacky putty.)
The bed skirt is a natural linen and was custom made.






Pair of antique charcoal architectural renderings on the wall behind the desk.  The cream rugs are from Lowe's, and the black cowhide is from Ikea.   I researched using real lambs wool rugs, and everything I read complained about the shedding.  Some articles said that it would eventually subside, but some said that could take a year!  I even went to Ikea, put one on my cart and after being covered in wool dust-bunnies;) I carefully put it back.  Since we have allergies the faux rugs have worked beautifully, and the price can't be beat!





Antique French commode found in Avignon, France.  Antique Italian mirror purchased from a dealer/friend in Dallas.  The antique marble prickets were found on our first trip to the Paris Flea Market.  The 18th century wood candlestick (turned into lamp) has the faintest hint of having been gilded at one time, and has a real candle base.  Antique Chinese ginger jar.





The table and chair were found on the same day, in the same place as our kitchen pedestal table... it was a good day!
here 
The oil painting was a curb-side requisition found on a junk pile in Dallas!   I paired it with a beautiful antique gilt frame.  Design books sit on the table and I will randomly open to different pages for inspiration.  Antique English sterling and horn magnifying glass helps me see all the little details up close!
  This is the second entrance into the room.  The table with antique oval English urn is filled with white and cream alabaster grapes of various sizes.  For reference, the hall window in front of the urn is directly over the front door.






The story of the making of the headboard from reclaimed barn wood from our barn renovation is here.






The story about the finish on the headboard can be found here.





Both pieces of art were found at a gallery outside of Aix-en-Provence, France.  Me thinks we might have paid too much for the bottom antique oil painting as they gave us the antique watercolor of the cows!!  We fell in love with the landscape oil as it reminds us of the region.  It is painted by Barthelemy Niollon, who has works in a museum in Aix.   He was a close friend of Cezanne (though they painted with different techniques), and was a steadfast supporter of his work after Cezanne's death.  





In this photo you can see the other bedroom door.   This is the door most often used as it is just to the right as you come up the stairs.   This photo also gives you a view into the master bath and lets you see how the two rooms connect.





The crosses sit on an 18th century Georgian bookcase found at an estate sale in Dallas.















My assistant! 
It's hard work being Ella;)

111 comments:

  1. Fabulously Gorgeously Wonderfully put together. Your style is authentic and fresh. No "creating" a look with a trip to town. It's the REAL DEAL. I love it.

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  2. Gorgeous, as always... and I especially love the ginger jars & the crosses.

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  3. Simply gorgeous! Thank you for posting the details and photographs.

    Cristine

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  4. Magazine ready. Thanks for sharing, Richard at My Old Historic House

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  5. I never tire of looking at what you've done to your home. I think it's one of the most beautiful, comfortable and welcoming homes I've ever seen. Thanks so much for sharing and allowing me to walk away from your blog inspired! I love how Ella is such an important part of your lives too.

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  6. Love your room! So fresh and welcoming. Wow!! I might need to take some ideas for our new bedroom. Thanks for sharing.

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  7. beautiful, beautiful, beautiful - as are all your rooms! Liz

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  8. I love seeing the before pieces and then seeing them in a finished room. Totally a WOW!
    - Joy

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  9. Just incredibly gorgeous, I love the colors and the feel...its so beautiful!

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  10. I love this space and adore the little birds. I'm from Baton Rouge and would love to know where they are from if you can share please. Also, I think I admired that rug at Lowe's not too long ago, would you share the name of it please?

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  11. What a beautiful room. Are those real solid hardwood floors? They look like it.

    You're really taking care of every detail and it shows.

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  12. Beautiful! The paint color, use of muted brown and creams with the pop of turqoise is just perfection:)

    Bee @ http://beeinteriors.blogspot.com

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  13. I love your comparison of the color palette to dried hydrangeas. Gorgeous!

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  14. Thanks for giving us the details of the room. I now won't feel guilty when I see those special antique pieces that are just too good to pass up because your room was filled with them. I love absolutely everything about it! I adorn the urn with the alabaster grapes outside the bedroom, too.

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  15. Congratulations! It really is beautifully designed space. Thanks for sharing all of the wonderful details and sources that went into making it all so lovely.

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  16. Absolutely beautiful! BTW, it was your blog that got me checking into Benjamin Moore paint. I just finished my living room and I have to say that it's the BEST PAINT EVER!

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  17. Amazing. You are wonderful for sharing all this information. You have created an incredible master bedroom. It is beautiful.

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  18. I've bookmarked this post, Joan; you've used my favorite colors and tones so beautifully and created little pockets of wonderful throughout the space. I love that everything has a story. Such an inspiring and lovely space. The last photo is still my favorite. :)
    Thanks for taking us along!!
    Heidi @ Show Some Decor

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  19. Just gorgeous!! Love the idea of the bamboo stakes for curtain rods.....can you share what garden center you found them at? Might have to look into doing the same!

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  20. just beautiful joan. absolutely, positively beautiful.

    ella is one lucky dog b/c there is no way in hell i'd let a dog on that bed. and you know i love animals.

    xo
    janet

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  21. Your talent is absolutely unbelievable. I have never seen a home so beautiful. And I look at a lot of them. I wish I knew you personally. I'm so glad I found your blog. You would not believe me if you knew how many times I have looked at your rooms. So, so pretty. You have an incredible talent. Thank you for sharing. Wenda Scott

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  22. Joan, I am speechless ... SPEECHLESS, I tell you. With a bedroom as gorgeous as this, I have not idea how you can muster up the motivation to get out of bed every morning. No, wait, I forgot how beautiful the REST of your house is. All I can say is, "WOW!!!"

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  23. This bedroom leaves me weak in the knees!

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  24. Every inch of this space is beautiful! You definately have THE knack! I love how you've just pulled everything together and I love the colors... love it!

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  25. Joan, Dan, and Ella: You know that I feel the room is perfect; as always, I enjoyed reading the details. I like how you give us a couple days to digest the pictures and then tell the story that goes along with each room. Have a wonderful 4th. Cindy

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  26. Fabulous. I love the mix of Ikea in there too.

    TDM xx

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  27. wow simple gorgeous !!! Could you please tell me where do you get the fabric from in particular the velvet ? the mushroom velvet you used in one of the chairs ? I can find velvet that have muted - antiqued tones thanks so much !!!

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  28. i paused, then went back, twice. your layering, details, colors, placement took my breath away. even the antlers take on the feel of a treasured piece of art
    bravo!
    debra

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  29. Wow! I love it all, especially that fabulous wing chair, the Chinese ginger jars, the gilded crosses, the pillows out of old carpets...all of it, but most of all, Ella.

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  30. every last detail is just stunning. i wish i was as talented as you!

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  31. it is absolutely perfect. like a dream, really.

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  32. Hi Joan
    Just love the exquisite detail of this room.I love the way you've used Ikea finds with more precious pieces (the curtains look fabulous) It's not french it's not industrial it's certainly not mimimal But it's absolutely timeless and beautiful. I always refer to your master plan when I'm looking at your rooms to see the layout.So I'm wondering where were going next the reading room has me intriqued do you keep the television in there. Or are we visiting the guest rooms.
    Have a wonderful day thank you for your generosity.
    Kind Regards
    Karen

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  33. Wendy- what I didn't mention was that that Christmas was about 19 years ago :O! I doubt the shop is still there, but I will ask my sister the next time we talk and I will get back to you!

    FloorGal- ye, 150 year old, original floors!

    Jane- yes, as a matter of fact;)

    Marcela- it 'is' so difficult to find them I agree, and without any sheen, and without polyester. I had this 2.5 yards left over from a headboard (now in one of the guest rooms) I did about 7 years ago- it was the perfect amoount to do the inside of the chair! I keep things a looooong time when I like them! So sorry I can't be of more help.

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  34. Oh how I love this room!!!!! Love, love, love!!!! Can't see it enough. To me, it is perfect. Thanks for the details. I adore the Chinese jars. I collect Blue and white porcelainsand have never seen this beautiful color jars. GORGEOUS!!!! Your home is just exquisite. Thank you so much for sharing all this. XO, Pinky

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  35. Such a gorgeous and relaxing room. I love the soothing color palette and the chaise is fabulous!!

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  36. I love the whole room, every bit of it! I especially love the birds and that both your mom and sis knew you'd love the birds ~ great minds think alike, right?! And isn't it nice when loved ones really know you?

    I can't believe how much Ella looks like my dog Lady; she looks just like her in the picture of her on the bed. Made me smile and miss my old friend. :)

    Always a joy to read you blog :)

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  37. Love everything about this room. It screams, or rather whispers, calm, serene, peaceful. Thank you for sharing. Awww......

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  38. I just love your style, and your bedroom is GORGEOUS! I would love it if you would give us some tips on creating lamps out of found objects. I bought some wooden balusters for that reason, but haven't had the inspiration to get started on it.

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  39. I love, love, love!!! And I am with Janet, that is one lucky dog!! I just love it!!

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  40. So wonderful to slowly saunter around your room exploring every beautiful thing! Such a peaceful place!

    LOVE your grouping of processional crosses...and that little mirror on the bathroom door is divine! And the bird seed to go with the birdies...ingenious!!

    Linda @lime in the coconut

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  41. Your bedroom is perfect in every detail. I love it all. Trouble is I am torn now, do I live in your bedroom or your bathroom, then there is your dining room. I know in another life I shall come back as your dog! I love the fact you allow her on the bed, even though the room is so utterly gorgeous, that it what makes it a home too.

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  42. A gorgeous, gorgeous master!! I love the original floors, the addition of the French doors was brilliant and the little French mirror hanging on chain - swoon!

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  43. Wow ! what an interesting blog with nice pictures.Thanks for sharing this information.Your information is really informative for us.
    Keep sharing more & more.....

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  44. Its fantastic! Of course everyroom in your house is! I love it probably because our styles are so similar, only you do it better and more importantly you finish it! That seating area is perfect! Have a great 4th!

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  45. Good Lord...there are no words to describe what I have just seen...I mean beautiful, serene, soft, comfortable,relaxing, are just a few but I am at a loss to express my love for this room.....It is just drop dead gorgeous.

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  46. Joan it is absolutely wonderful. I had to laugh at your hydrangea remark. When we painted last year I took a dried hydrangea to the paint store for a color match. :) I want to copy your bamboo rod trick. May I? I would love for you to share details on the rod. Did you use a regular rod bracket and how did you plug the hollow end?
    Thank you for sgaring this beautiful room with us. It's always a treat to visit you. Much better than a shelter magazine! :)
    xoxo Dianne

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  47. I love the rug in the sitting area !

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  48. I just wanted to say how much pleasure I get from reading your blog. Your home is truly beautiful. I love your generosity of spirit where you give so much of yourself and are selfless in sharing how you have put together such a warm and beautiful home. Sometimes it can be hard if you are not creative to know where to start with your own home so having someone who is so open and generous is such a blessing. I feel privileged to be able to read your blog and share in your home and to know that there are people in the world who like their home are "beautiful".You would be welcome in my home if you are ever in Australia! I would love to show you around.

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  49. it's glorious. my head and heart are both full of inspiration and admiration for what you've accomplished in such a lovely way. i do love coming here!

    michele

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  50. Amazing, and inspiring!

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  51. Thank you so much for your very generous comments! thank you, thank you!

    Debbie C- it was a local store, not a Lowes/HD... are you in the area? you can also find them online. the trick is to find similar diameters.

    Carolyn- wow, tips on making things into lamps would be really difficult as each piece has its own set of challenges. For instance, my bedside table lamp is an anitque French iron fireplace stand (held small tools) and since it is iron the socket is epoxied on the piece- drilling wasn't an option, and it is "French wired", meaning the wire goes up the back instead of inside the piece since it is solid. The wire is then wired (with a very small gage wire) to the lamp itself.
    Since this is more Dan's department (I usually ask "can 'we' make this into a lamp?!";) I should ask him if he has any tips (he's out of the country today) and if he does I will do a post on it.

    Dianne- loved that story! did they get the color to match? Of course you may copy the bamboo rod!! I did not plug the ends- in the room there is really only one that you see straight on from the side and it happens to be cut on the joint so the opening is very small. I would think some colored putty would fill the hole if you wanted it filled.
    Good question about the rod bracket, I had forgotten, but that 'was' a bit tricky since my bamboo was just a little bit larger than most brackets would accommodate- I found some oiled rubbed bronze brackets that did fit the bamboo(that are also really beautiful btw) at Ikea. They were part of a package, so I had to buy the rods too just to get the brackets. It was Ikea, so still a good deal;)

    leah- thank you so much! that is the sweetest comment and offer and I just might take you up on it one day, as Dan is always saying how he would love to visit Australia. In reality he will tell you that it has been since I started blogging and meeting all you nice, fun Aussie's that he has wanted to visit! I think my Australian bloggy friends are better than the dept. of tourism!

    thank you again for all of your very kind comments!
    xojoan

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  52. Thank you for posting the details and photographs.

    1 Year Old Birthday Party Ideas

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  53. Hi, Did you order the rugs as custom from Lowe's or by direct from store? What size are they? Love the ottoman? Is it an antique? Both have inspired me for my master which is similar in color to yours! Thanks for sharing :)

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  54. The description of our colors being like a faded hydrangea was beautiful and perfect...I completely see it! It's so nice to see such character and love in your design, we now know you through what we see in your home, it refelcts you and that's what makes it all so special.
    The balustrade 'table' is so inspired...just brilliant, and the little antique painting was worth whatever you paid for it...it caught my eye instantly in the first post and I was coveting it, it's stunning.
    btw...Ella's lovely woodland coloring compliments your hydrangea bedroom perfectly!
    Happy Fourth Joan...have a wonderful weekend!
    xo J~

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  55. Jennifer W- the rugs were in store. they measures 8' x 10'. the ottoman is not an antiuqe, I had it made in Dallas.

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  56. Re Australian visit, just finished guest bedroom where I live in Adelaide! Also have a home in Broken Hill N.S.W(look it up) which is out in the bush so you would get a very different outback experience from just going to the cities. Let me know when tickets are booked!!!

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  57. Thankyou so much for sharing all the details. The more I look at it the more I see the beauty!

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  58. This is absolutely stunning! You made such great use of the space and the colors are so soothing. Your entire home should be in a magazine!

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  59. Hi Joan,

    Your Master Suite is just stunning...you really have a natural eye and talent for pulling together a room. Your love of a house, cannot be mistaken it shines so brightly throughout your home. Simply Beautiful...
    Thank you for dropping by today!!! Have a Happy 4th of July...enjoy your weekend too!
    All the Best,
    Christine

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  60. Spectacular, Joan. I love the words you put with your images. Though they could certainly be pictures in a magazine, your text brings alive the love and care that went into every item. It makes the whole room feel all the more sweet. And I LOVE that bed!!

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  61. Room Service ~ Decorating 101July 3, 2011 at 8:22 AM

    It's perfect. I love everything. Thanks for sharing.

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  62. Are you kidding me?! Your home is SOOO gorgeous! This master bedroom is absolutely stunning. You should be calling House Beautiful to come and take photos of your house for their magazine!

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  63. Joan, Absolutely gorgeous! I had to go back and look at all the details a second time. Just beautiful.
    xo,
    Sherry

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  64. I honestly love everything about this space. Beautiful details, colors, floors, and I always fall for fur-babies nestled in beds!

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  65. J....your home is so lovely...the attention to detail is inspirational....especially the whimsy....How often do you have to replace that birdseed? k

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  66. Your home is absolutely stunning. I wanted to ask you where you find Ella's beds. I had one of those for our poodle when I was growing up. I've been looking for them for years now for our adorable Pug Tobe, but can't find them anywhere.

    Heldy

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  67. to the moon- I've had all the baskets for years, they actually belonged to our first dog. I just did a search of "wicker dog baskets" and found lots of companies that sell them. wicker dog beds didn't show the same type of bed, so be sure to search baskets! good luck, and thank you for your comment and compliment!

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  68. So refreshing and beautiful. This blog is just the boost I needed after finding room in my garage for a auction delivery scheduled for today! I like to wait until it is in the high 90's... to move my "do to" furniture! I have a beautiful heavy natural wicker dog basket I can not part with, although the love my life pup is gone 2 years. I bought it 30 years ago at a yard sale of a neighbor, all my dogs have used it, and saw it in a high end shop for 200.00 years ago in SF. I had in the garage and brought it in the house and decided to keep it this a.m, it must be fate I took a break to visit here the first time! Ella and your home, inspiration for both movitation and maybe it is time for a new dog! Thankyou

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  69. dear anon,
    Welcome! Happy that you visited. I totally understand as I tend to decide to transplant plants in 90 degree weather;)
    Thank you for your comment. I am touched by your dog basket story. Two years is a long time to be without some puppy-love (I call all ages "puppies";) I know first hand, after our first dog, Kelsey, died I mourned for a year and a half until finally going to the pound to "just look." Ella was the first adult dog I saw that day and I fell in love. Loving another seems to be the only thing that allows the heart to heal the loss...
    I wish you luck with your auction delivery and hope that you will write back soon and tell me that you have found a new love;)

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  70. Hi Joan, I have had the best time catching up with your blog after coming back from vacation. I wonder what it must be like to wake up in this beautiful room and then toddle down to your drop-dead gorgeous kitchen for a cup of coffee? Also, I have been searching for the right top to a vintage pedestal I found recently and nothing has worked. I believe you have given me the answer, so now I'm on the hunt for a nice Indian tray.
    http://thevintiqueobject.blogspot.com/2011/02/feeling-rustic.html
    I also recently made a little table from a turned leg and a pewter tray!
    http://thevintiqueobject.blogspot.com/2011/01/home-made-side-table.html
    Thanks for allowing us a glimpse into your lovely, lovely house.
    Camille

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  71. Inspirational! Gorgeous!

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  72. In the movie Topper Returns Gail Richards slips into a bed saying "China was NEVER like this" Me and my sisters always proclaim that whenever we are enveloped in heavenly luxury. Your master bed epitomizes that feeling.

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  73. Everything about it is perfection. Love the color palette, the chaise, the bed linens, the antlers on the mantle...I love it all. I could move right in!!

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  74. LOVE your ENTIRE house!! You have an AMAZING gift!! I was wondering where you found your bed? Keep the posts coming!

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  75. Anon- Thank you so much! My bed or my headboard?

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  76. Headboard! I finally found the link but I have lost it again! haha Do you know how tall it is?

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  77. Approx. 68"

    Try this link:
    http://fortheloveofahouse.blogspot.com/2011/02/making-of-headboard.html

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  78. Your home is gorgeous. Thanks for sharing!

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  79. I absolutely love your bedroom! I am working on ours right now. Where did you get your headboard/bed. I am looking for something similar but am having a hard time. Thanks!

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  80. Christie- If you scroll up to the 7th and 8th photograph from the bottom - above each of those photos you will find links about the making/staining of the headboard!

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  81. Oh I completely missed that. Thanks!

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  82. We're the linens store bought or made. Thanks for the information on the pillows

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  83. We're the bed linens made, if not, what brand are they

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  84. Joy- if by bed linens you are referring to the coverlett and matching shams all that information is above the "closeup" photograph of the bed pillows in this post. The coverlet is Donna Karan, but has been discontinued.

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  85. Do you remember the specifics on the rug from Lowes? I know you researched it and found the softest one, and I want to copy you :)

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  86. Pam- I really don't have any other information (names, sku #), but if you look at a Lowe's I bet you'll find it.

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  87. Okay, I have been looking at Lowes :) Does the Shaggedy Shag rug in cream for around $168 sound right? That is the only pre-cut area rug I could find that looked anything close to the right thing. Thanks so much for your help!

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  88. Pam- as I was writing a response saying it sounded right I had a "feeling" that I kept the card from the rug somewhere and just went and searched and found it!!!
    Yes, it is the Shaggedy Shag rug by Shaw's 8ft x 10ft.
    Style # 12C73 BD664 Cream

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  89. Wow, you are the most generous blogger ever! Thank you so much for searching for that card - that is above and beyond the call of duty, but I so appreciate it! Your rugs look so nice, and I will be thrilled to be able to duplicate their look in my own bedroom. Your blog and house are hugely inspirational to me. I have been redeocorating my old farmhouse in the wake of a heartbreaking divorce, and am struggling to come up with a vision of what I want the house to be going forward. Seeing the elegant warmth of your house has given me a glimpse of what my home can be some day - and there is nothing like a little home improvement to heal the soul. THANK YOU!

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  90. I love your style...not over done, but simply tasteful and inviting! Great job!

    Katy

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  91. Roberta, the bedskirt was custom made from a natural linen. I would have swoon I had that in the narrative somewhere.... I'll add that info!

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  92. I am inspired be your home. Thanks so much for sharing it with us. Can I ask you where you found that ottoman at the foot of your bed? My son just left for college and our golden retriever has been sleeping with him her whole life. Now she is lost and wants to sleep in our bed with us, but she keeps me awake. I love the idea of a nice big ottoman at the foot of our bed, and yours is lovely. Where did you get it?

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    1. hi Kim. First of all you look way too young to have a child in college! Secondly- poor, sweet puppy; she must be so sad your son is away. I had the ottoman custom made. A good upholsterer should be able to make you one or I would suggest Calico Corners as another option. Use a good upholstery weight fabric- I used a cotton velvet (even though the ottoman I pull down the coverlet and that covers the ottoman at night when Ella sleeps on it.) For reference it measures: 25"x 45"x 19"total height.

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    2. Thank you so much! Our golden is SPOILED! =)

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  93. Hi Joan,
    A friend emailed me your blog..I think because we also have a labour of love country house in the Yarra valley & Ranges, Victoria Australia. You really have done a lovely job on the house- do you ever get overwhelmed? We have just over an acre in a sweet village called Olinda- the house is a classic, early 1900 weatherboard called Somerton. I adore our house and have much pleasure renovating however she can be a cruel mistress sometimes. She makes you work!
    Kind regards
    Jo McComiskey
    http://jomccomiskey.blogspot.com.au/
    www.beautifulsouth.com.au

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    1. hi Jo, Welcome to the blog! Thanks to your friend who passed it along. Ha, you have perfect timing with your "do you ever get overwhelmed?" I read your comment to Dan and we both said YESSSS!!! Especially this time of year (spring) when all the projects are waving flags at us saying "pick me to do first"! We both have a tendency to feel like we aren't doing much, so the blog is really helpful as we can look back and realize just how far we've come and how different the house (interior and exterior) looks from when we bought it. I look forward to visiting your blog!

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  94. Joan, I don't see a down comforter on your bed. Do you use one but keep it put away until needed? The reason I ask is I am so over dealing with the sloppiness of duvets on a daily basis and am considering switching to a quilt or coverlet and maybe a blanket underneath. Duvets are also such a pain to take off, launder and put back on. There was an article in the Wall Street Journal a while back titled "Down With Down!" that addressed these same points. You operate your home with such wisdom and common sense I thought maybe you have some insight on this issue. Thanks,

    Teresa

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    1. Teresa, I keep the down comforters (which we love- we have a super thin one for summer and a really thick one for winter. Ella even has a small one of her own!!) and sleeping pillows in the guest room closet (unless we are having guests, of course;) I pull the coverlet back and it goes on the ottoman (where Ella sleeps) and bring out the pillows and comforters. It's a nightly ritual, and the guest closet is very close to the master bedroom, so it's really easy. Look at the post of the South Guest Bedroom (on the sidebar) and that is a quilted duvet cover over a down comforter. Because the fabric is thicker than a cotton it never looks sloppy. I know exactly what you mean about some duvet covers looking sloppy, but there are alternatives!

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  95. Hello doll! I love every single piece in this. So chic! I may have overlooked reading this but where did you get the tan/beige quilt bedding? That is exactly what I have been searching for!!!

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    1. I looked everywhere and ended up finding it at BB&B. It is Donna Karan, but sadly is discontinued. It is such a gorgeous champagne color I wish they still made it.

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  96. You have absolutely beautiful taste! Is your bed a queen or king? we just bought a king and we're not loving it...struggling to decided whether to just put it in another room...

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    1. Thank you Donna. The bed is a king. This is our first king and we love it.

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  97. sorry to bother you how did you get the crosses to stand up on the pedestals

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    1. Sheila, if you look at the cross in the middle you see that it has a wooden dowel on the bottom. That is original and some of the crosses came with their original dowels and for the others that didn't have a dowel Dan simply made wooden dowels to insert into the holes in the tops of the glazed terracotta, marble, or alabaster bases.

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  98. I couldn't think of any person better to ask this question than you. We recently purchased a new mattress and I was wondering if you would share any advice you have about your favorite sheets. Thank you . I look forward to hearing your advice.

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    1. that is sweet! A couple of people asked me about sheets not long ago on Instagram:)
      I think sheets are VERY subjective and personal. My favorite sheets are the Costco Brand sets they sell in the stores (NOT the Charisma which don't wear well at all.) I also think you can find some really good sheets (and value) at HomeGoods! We need a new mattress too- what did you get and are you liking it. I think finding a mattress is soooooo difficult.

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  99. Janie from South CarolinaJanuary 31, 2018 at 2:28 PM

    Hi Joan. I love what y'all have done with this house. It is truly inspirational , however , most of us don't have your talent. It is a gift! Can you tell me what kind of shades you used for your French doors? We have several sets of French doors in our new home and I'll be darned if I can figure out how to dress them. Thank you !

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    1. hi Janie! I use very simple blackout shades purchased locally from a shade shop. I wanted something to block the early morning eastern light, but also something that just wasn't noticeable when not in use.

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Welcome! Thank you for leaving a comment; you have no idea how much your comments inspire me to keep writing- I appreciate each and every one. Comments are moderated by me prior to publishing on the blog, so if you don't see your comment post immediately it will be posted as soon as I receive and read it. joan