Addicted 2 Decorating

What You Can Buy for $275,000 (or less)

addicted2decorating@live.com (Kristi L.) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 22:43:00 +0000

I was just reading some news on the New York Times website when a photo of a most adorable house caught my eye. I clicked the photo, and was taken on a wonderful tour of three separate homes around the country--all priced at $275,000 or less.

First, here's the house that originally caught my eye. It's located in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia, and the price is $269,900. I absolutely love the black trim contrasting with the red brick, and that red front door is absolute perfection! I was less impressed with the interior, although the rooms seem rather large, and have tremendous potential. And while I'm a fan of color, the use of bright and almost neon colors is a bit over the top for my taste. I wish the interior had been decorated more in keeping with the style of the exterior.

The next house is located in Columbia, Missouri, and is priced at $274,900. While the exterior is nice, it really didn't arouse my curiousity like the first house. However, I'm glad I kept clicking through the tour, because I would have missed one spectacular house! The interior is really beautifully decorated, and I can tell that the homeowners have put a great deal of time and effort into decorating their home (although the master bedroom feel incomplete to me). I'm sure it will pay off in the sale!

The last home is a one-bedroom loft in the San Antonio district of Oakland, California, and is priced at $275,000. This would definitely be my choice! That wide open floor plan is incredible, and the modern and industrial touches are right up my ally. I don't really think the current owners have taken full advantage of this magnificent space, but in the right hands, it could be a real showplace!

To see more of these homes, you can visit the NY Times website.

Designer Spotlight:: Blount Design

addicted2decorating@live.com (Kristi L.) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:16:00 +0000

I recently came across the website of Blount Design, an architectural and interior design firm located in Atlanta, Georgia. Their portfolio is filled with gorgeous, colorful interiors. Here are a few of my favorites:

To see more beautiful rooms from this design firm, visit the Blount Design website.

Designer Spotlight:: Mint Home Decor

addicted2decorating@live.com (Kristi L.) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:14:00 +0000

The other day, I came across the website of California interior designer Claire Campbell of Mint Home Decor. I love the fresh color and clean, uncluttered (yet homey) spaces she creates. Here's a sample of her work:

Beautiful, right? I especially love that dining room, with the sparkly chandelier, the contrast welt on the chairs, and the rug...THAT RUG!! I love it!

BTW--Mint Home Decor is the most recent addition to our Interior Designer Directory, and the photos of Claire's work will soon appear in our Photo Galleries. (I promise!! After this week, I hope to really be able to set aside some huge chunks of time to work on those galleries. I have HUNDREDS of photos ready to be added!! 24 hours in a day just simply isn't enough!!)

Anyway...if you are an interior designer (or you know one) who would like to be added to our directory, please feel free to contact me!

Paula Deen Home

addicted2decorating@live.com (Kristi L.) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 22:02:00 +0000

Paula Deen, the southern belle queen of the kitchen, is branching out! Her new furniture line, by Universal Furniture, is exactly what you would expect from this classy southern lady (with the thickest southern accent I've ever heard--and I'm Texan!!). Simply beautiful!

I wish I could tell you where to go to find these lovely pieces, but I couldn't find an online retailer...at least not yet. However, I'm sure you could ask your local retailer of Universal Furniture to see a catalog, if you're interested. You can click here to find your local Universal Furniture retailer.

First spotted here.

A Favorite Room:: Fabulous Black Walls

addicted2decorating@live.com (Kristi L.) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:14:00 +0000

Happy Monday, all! It's time to get another week underway, and after taking the day completely off yesterday, I'm ready!

So this week, I'm using my old desktop computer while my Matt uses my laptop for some projects he's working on. I've had a good time looking through all of my old "inspiration files", and being inspired all over again by the gorgeous interiors. Here's one of my favorites. (I may have featured this before, but it's so spectacular, it deserves revisiting).

To me, a black, white, and red color scheme is one of the most beautiful palettes there is, and I love the boldness of the black walls. Gorgeous! And isn't it nice to see a room with black walls that doesn't look dreary and depressing? Nothing depressing about this room!

Unfortunately, I have no idea who designed this room. If you recognize it, please let me know so that I can give credit to the talented creator of this beautiful room.

So is there a color palette that always appeals to you--one that has stood the test of time for you? Please share with the class!

**Update: Thanks to a commenter below, I now know that the talented creator of this room is Kelley Proxmire, of Kelley Interior Design in Washington, D.C.

A Little Saturday Bonus:: Amazing 3-D Sidewalk Art

addicted2decorating@live.com (Kristi L.) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 14:06:00 +0000

I usually don't post on the weekends, but I came across this amazing video that I wanted to share with you. I'm so amazed by people who can do this type of 3-D sidewalk art. I wish I had the talent to do something like that!

Click here to view the video. Enjoy!

My Latest Obsession:: Sunburst Mirrors

addicted2decorating@live.com (Kristi L.) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:32:00 +0000

I'm a little obsessed with sunburst mirrors lately. They're so eye-catching and sculptural, they make a great addition to any room. Feature one above a headboard, or above a sofa, and it'll add a touch of class! I also love to see these used in modern and contemporary rooms...possibly painted in a glossy white. (Of course, you'd be crazy to paint any of these, considering the price.)

Here are just a handful of the sunburst mirrors I found at 1st Dibs. I'm always amazed at how many different styles there are!

Sunburst mirrors (clockwise from top left) available from Robert Massello Antiques, Jean-Marc Fray, Antiques on Old Plank Road, Fleur, and Blend Interiors.

Sunburst mirrors (clockwise from top left) available from F.S. Henemader Antiques, Antiques on Old Plank Road, Parc Monceau Fine Antiques & Accessories, and Alhambra Antiques.

Sunburst mirrors (clockwise from top left) available from Flessas Design, Tom Thomas, Flessas Design, Melissa Levinson Antiques, 1st Dibs Paris, and Assemblage.

Sunburst mirrors (clockwise from top left) available from Downtown, Ad Lib Antiques, F.S. Henemader Antiques, Donna Parker Habitat, Ltd. Antiques, Novecento Antiques, and John Salibello Antiques.

Sunburst mirrors (clockwise from top left) available from Douglas Rosin, Epoca, Antique and Art Exchange, Modern One, Fleur, and Southall.

Well, are you ready to break out the checkbook? If you're going to buy one of these, you'll need a pretty hefty sum in your account to cover the cost! There are definitely some very affordable options out there, but sometimes it's just fun to dream, isn't it?

Open House:: Fifth Avenue Prewar Triplex, New York City

addicted2decorating@live.com (Kristi L.) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 19:35:00 +0000

It's time for another open house! I'm telling you...I could spend hours looking at the Sotheby's website. It's amazing! So here's another favorite that I spotted the other day.

This Fifth Avenue Prewar Triplex is on the market for $9,450,000, with monthly taxes of $5,060. It has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 2 half baths. It's simply gorgeous!!

I just love looking at these homes. And while I could most assuredly never afford a place like this in New York City, it would be very do-able to replicate a similar look in any city. This one's going in my inspiration file for sure!

I hope you enjoyed this tour!

Hotel Design:: Witt Istanbul Suites

addicted2decorating@live.com (Kristi L.) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:15:00 +0000

Wow, where has the day gone! I took my hubs to the chiropractor this morning, followed by a three hour lunch with my mom (yes, three hours, where we solved all of the problems of the world), then grocery shopping, and now the day is amost gone!

Well, I at least wanted to share one thing with you today. It's spectacular, and I didn't want to wait until tomorrow. You see, as I was poking around on the internet last night, I came across this blog, where I saw the most incredible hotel--the Witt Istanbul Suites. As you know, I have a soft spot in my heart for Turkey, and especially Istanbul. I lived there for a short while, so I'm always interested to see how the city is growing and changing. This hotel definitely raises the bar for others in the city. Designed by the Turkish architecture and design firm Autoban, it's definitely one of their most impressive projects to date. Take a look:

Isn't that spectacular?! My mind is now swirling with various DIY ideas incorporating some of these design ideas.

I'd love to know...what's the most spectacular hotel you've ever seen?

Open House:: New York City

addicted2decorating@live.com (Kristi L.) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:12:00 +0000

If I don't wind up spending my retirement years lounging in a Mexican villa, then I would like to spend them in New York City. I've always been fascinated with large cities, and even had the opportunity to live in one when I moved to Istanbul in 2000. I love being surrounded with people, activity, restaurants, and entertainment venues. I even love the sound of traffic, trains, and other sounds of the city that others consider "noise". It's like a beautiful urban symphony to my ears.

So this weekend, I somehow wound up on the Sotheby's website, looking at New York City real estate. I found several places that I absolutely fell in love with, and I'll be sharing some of my favorites with you throughout the week. But I thought I'd start with this one.

As it turns out, I don't quite yet have the money to purchase this home, so I'll pass the info along to you, just in case you're looking for an investment for your millions.

This property is located at 151 East 58th Street in New York City. The list price is $8,500,000 (so if I'm figuring right, I only need $8,498,000, and then I'm in! That's do-able, right?) The real estate taxes run $1,264 per month. The home has 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and 2415 square feet. Ready for the tour?

[all photos via www.sothebyshomes.com]

If you'd like to know more about this listing, or see the larger photos (including photos of the views from the windows, which are nothing short of spectacular), you can visit the Sotheby's website.

I hope you've been inspired! Is there a particular place (city, state, or country) where you hope to put down roots one day? If so, please share!!

Decorating Questions from A2D Readers

addicted2decorating@live.com (Kristi L.) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 16:28:00 +0000

I've just answered the latest round of decorating questions from A2D readers, submitted on the Ask The Interior Decorator page.

Check out their questions, and see if you agree with my answers. Have something to add? Leave a comment and take a stab at answering these decorating questions. I certainly don't mind people disagreeing with me, or having different opinions. That's how we learn, right?

John asks about his home's exterior color, and how it should relate (if at all) to his neighbor's home.

An anonymous reader asks how she should refinish her great grandmother's dresser and matching furniture pieces for use in her own home.

Cheryl in Massachusetts asks how much beadboard she should use in her very narrow bathroom.

Mariane in Texas asks if she should paint her knotty pine walls in her dining room.

LisaAnne in Maryland asks what type of furniture and flooring she should use in her beach-inspired interiors.

Happy decorating,

PS--We've had some technical difficulties with the Ask the Interior Decorator page. If you've asked a question, and have not yet received an answer, please send an e-mail to addicted2decorating[at]live[dot]com.

Artist Spotlight:: Campbell Laird

addicted2decorating@live.com (Kristi L.) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:50:00 +0000

Have you heard of Campbell Laird? Well, even if you've never heard the name, I bet that you've probably seen some of his work. Perhaps you've purchased his work at Ikea, or maybe you've seen his work beautifully spun into a wool rug for Chiasso. I'm sure you saw his work gracing the wall of Anne Hathaway's character's apartment in The Devil Wears Prada, and perhaps you even have some of his work displayed on your desk or even sitting right on top of your bathroom vanity and didn't even know it.

With his use of fluid lines, organic shapes, and brilliant color combinations, it's no wonder that this Australian artist has gained international notoriety. Here are a few of my favorite series from Campbell Laird:

Well, I've only barely scratched the surface (and it's a very tiny scratch). Laird's entire body of work is so extensive that it would be impossible to do it justice with just one blog post. But I encourage you to go ahead and click right here, and spend some time getting lost in the fantastic world of Campbell Laird.

Happy decorating,

Let's Take A Trip South Of The Border...

addicted2decorating@live.com (Kristi L.) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:56:00 +0000

This weekend, a friend sent me a link to a Yukatan real estate website. I was completely drawn in, transported to a magical place where life is slow-paced, where days are spent lounging on the sandy beaches, or sipping tea with friends in the courtyard of my villa, with all of the doors open wide, and gentle breezes blowing through, to blur the lines between outside and inside. Ahhh...maybe one day.

Here are a few of my favorites:

El Portico de la Candelaria, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, $450,000
I am absolutely in awe of the gorgeous tiles throughout this home.

Small size, big style, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, $138,500
What an unbelievable price!!! And again, don't miss the gorgeous tiles...especially in the room with the hammock.

Colonial beauty, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, $545,000

Urban magic, located in Merida Centro, $195,000
The kitchen is unlike anything I've ever seen before!

Tranquility and beauty in Centro, 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, $289,000

The Royal Home, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, $865,000
I love the big carved wood doors throughout.

Casa del Panadero, located in the Centro Historico district of Colonial Mérida, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, $259,000

Well, I hope you 've enjoyed this journey as much as I have!!

Happy decorating,

Natalie Blake Studios:: Sculptural Wall Tiles

addicted2decorating@live.com (Kristi L.) — Tue, 19 May 2009 21:32:00 +0000

If you're looking for something to give your walls a little color, but don't want the standard framed artwork, these sculptural wall tiles from Natalie Blake Studios may be just what you need. Aren't these gorgeous?

Click here to see more of these little beauties.

Happy decorating,

I Want This Lamp!!

addicted2decorating@live.com (Kristi L.) — Fri, 15 May 2009 21:47:00 +0000

Oh, how I love interesting lamps. I found this lamp at Moth Design, and immediately fell in love with it! It combines two of my favorite things...nature-inspired accessories and that fabulous green color!

Twiggy floor lamp in green

It also comes in a table lamp size.

Twiggy table lamp in green

Coral table lamp in white

Twiggy table lamp in bronze

Happy decorating,

This Is For The Birds

addicted2decorating@live.com (Kristi L.) — Wed, 13 May 2009 21:53:00 +0000

I've noticed lately that when I'm out shopping for home accessories, I'm so drawn to things with birds on them. The other day, I was shopping at Hobby Lobby and came across this little resin bird that was on sale for only $3.50. I snatched it up immediately. It was a gray color, but I had a plan to paint it a clean, crisp white and put it on my new shelves in the family room.

So yesterday, I got out my spray paint and went to work. My new white bird was beautiful...one of those little things that made my heart happy. It was so humid outside that I had to bring it inside to dry. I carefully placed it out of the way and went about my business.

About 30 minutes later, I heard a crash. My cat had knocked my bird to the floor, shattering the base. Uuggghhh!! (Maybe it was a mistake naming her Peeve--yes, she's our pet Peeve. It's become a self-fulfilling prophecy!)

Oh well, at least I'm not out lots of money...only $3.50.

Here are some other bird items I'm loving right now:

Offspring vase from Tara Robertson Pottery

Peacock pedestal plate from Catherine Reese

Bird on a Wire coat rack from Huset

Thomaspaul goldfinch table lamp from 2Modern

Bud vase from Abitare

Hand blown willow grouse from Abitare

Rosenthal Netter Ceramic Italian bird from Hi and Lo Modern

Turquoise glazed vase from Twisted River Clay

Bird silhouette plate from Wickedly Good Wares

Small dove bowl from Paloma's Nest

Cupcake stand from Whitney Smith

Pillow from White Twig

Salt & Pepper Shakers by Jonathan Adler

Happy decorating,

PS--The pic of my broken bird was taken on my new table. Have you seen it? If not, you can click here to see it. It's bright, fun, and different!

Keep Calm...or Freak Out?

addicted2decorating@live.com (Kristi L.) — Wed, 13 May 2009 14:47:00 +0000

If you read design blogs, you've likely seen this poster time and time again, as it seems to have become somewhat of a design staple among the bloggy types.

And while I certainly like the look and message of the original, used by the British during WWII, I generally tend to dislike items that I find are too overused (which is why I'm also anti-granite). But I do love these rather humorous versions, created by Claire and Me Designs. Every room needs a bit of whimsy and humor!

Happy decorating,

P.S.--Thank you to Twice Remembered for featuring my gumball machine fish bowl, along with other great gumball machine makeovers!! Learn to make your own gumball machine fish bowl here.

Dreaming Of A Perfectly-Organized, Gorgeous Home Office

addicted2decorating@live.com (Kristi L.) — Tue, 12 May 2009 15:53:00 +0000

As of today, I am still without an office. I moved out of my office last week, and my home office is still far from being finished. I'm so anxious to get it finished, and know how I want to arrange the basic layout, but today I find myself dreaming of wall colors, window treatments, interesting lighting, fun little organizational tools, and all of the things that will make my functional home office also be a beautiful place where I'll feel inspired.

I immediately thought of one of my all-time favorite offices:

Office designed byVanessa De Vargas, via Decor8

What a fantastic space! So looking for more inspiration, I decided to head over to HGTV's Rate My Space and take a look at some of the top rated home offices from some incredibly talented homeowners. Here are a few of my favorites:

Posted by Debe

Posted by wanderluster

Posted by recanach

Posted by MrsLime

Posted by lillyawu

Posted by DecorPad

Wow...my mind is spinning with ideas. Who knows at this point what I'll end up with, but I hope it'll be a wonderful combination of practical, usable spaces and bright, fun, inspirational eye candy.

So how about you? What are your ideal qualities in a home office? If you have a great one, I'd love to see it! (Psstt...did you know you can post photos in the comments section?)

Happy decorating,

Book Review:: A Girl's Guide To Decorating, by Abigail Ahern

addicted2decorating@live.com (Kristi L.) — Mon, 11 May 2009 14:51:00 +0000

Hello all! Sorry for the long absense...it definitely turned out to be longer than I had planned, first with the computer trouble, then the crazy, busy work on the condo, and then moving my Kristi Linauer Interiors office, and in the midst of all of that, having to fit in some actual work. Wow...it's been busy! The days have flown by as if it's been just one short weekend.

But the great thing is, I've made so much headway on my little condo. I hope to show you my progress very soon! I've alrleady shown you my painted concrete floor, but since then, I've installed wainscotting and cabinets in my little dining area and living room. I've only painted part of it, so as soon as the painting is finished, I'll share some photos with you. I'm very excited!!

Anyway, moving on...

I wanted to make you aware of this fantastic new book that's coming out (should be available on Amazon on the 15th), called A Girl's Guide To Decorating, by Abigail Ahern. Actually, to call this an actual "book review" may be a stretch, since I haven't actually seen the book yet. But from what I know of Abigail, her store, and her work, this book is sure to be a hit!

Abigail owns a fantastic store in the U.K. called Atelier Abigail Ahern, and I've featured some of her gorgeous items before on the blog (right here). As an interior designer, Abigail will share many of her design tricks and insights with us through her book, and much of it focuses on DIY (you know I love that!), and budget-friendly design. Here's a peek inside:

I can't wait to get my hands on this book!

Happy decorating,

EEK!

wickedmidget@gmail.com (Azra Momin) — Sat, 02 May 2009 17:55:00 +0000

As in: I've been away, far away - well, India, actually - and although I got back all of three weeks ago (I think!) I immediately started working on some book illustrations, and thus neglected to contribute anything to this space. (Kristi is probably busy trying to set up her new work place (hope everything is going well, Kristi!) so this is probably a good time to fill in the blog.)

But also Eek as in Piet Hein Eek, the Netherlands' icon of green design. He takes scrap wood and metal, among other waste products, and puts in hours of labor, turning them into unique pieces of furniture. I just love how he retains the raw flavor of each waste material, yet infuses it with so much class in its reincarnation as a usable product.

Here are some of his scrapwood creations - pure genius, I think, and this is what he says about them:

The scrapwood cupboard from 1990 was my reaction against the prevalent craving for flawlessness. I wanted to show that products that aren't perfect still can appeal to our sense of aesthetic and functionality. I also wanted to design a product that could be made with limited means, material that was abundant. The combination of uncommon material and also uncommon, but simple methods of working became the thread through our work. Because of the expanded possibilities the variety in work has grown. Still, the challenge remains to get the maximum out of the circumstances.

Eek works with scrap steel and aluminum too, and I couldn't resist adding this stunning coffee cube.

More on Eek here.

Hope you like!

Until next time!

Azra

Kristi Linauer Interiors is moving and (almost) everything is for sale!!

addicted2decorating@live.com (Kristi L.) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:14:00 +0000

If you live in the Central Texas area, I've got some bargains for you!!

My office (Kristi Linauer Interiors) is moving locations, and I'd much rather sell my furniture than have to move it. If you live in the area and see anything you like, just let me know! You can also stop by Spice in River Square Center to see the items in person.

~~Pair of~~ leopard print chairs, ~~$200~~ $100

(chairs are vintage, fabric is new)

ONE SOLD, ONE STILL AVAILABLE

___________________________________

Dark red duppioni silk drapery panels (two panels) $120
Use as is, or use the fabric for your own project. There are
approx. 12 yards of red silk fabric.

SOLD!

___________________________________

Tiny church pew (deacon's pew), $250
This little pew seats one, and is approx. 30 inches wide.

___________________________________

Beautiful buffet, $250
I purchased this in Turkey several years ago,
so there may be a few minor scratches, but they can
easily be covered with a bit of stain.

___________________________________

4 x 8 area rug, $200
I bought this new for just under $600 about 3 years ago.

SOLD!

___________________________________

Farmhouse dining table, $125
Table measures approx. 60" x 36", top is dark stain, apron
legs are painted black. Very sturdy. I've been using it
as a desk, and it's a great size for that.

___________________________________

Square dining table with four chairs, $300

Table is approx. 40" square. I purchased it in Turkey

several years ago, so it may have a couple of scratches,

but they can easily be covered with a bit of stain.

Prices on everything are negotiable. I just want them gone!!!

My Latest Project--Patchwork Top Dining Table

addicted2decorating@live.com (Kristi L.) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:09:00 +0000

Well, my husband thinks I've completely lost my mind...

Yesterday, I decided to take a break from the construction-type projects (cabinet installation, wainscotting installation, etc.), and do something a little more relaxing and crafty. So I turned my attention to my dining table.

I had purchased a table base for $15 at my favorite local thrift store (which is going out of business...booooo!) It was old, but I loved the shape, and a few coats of crisp white paint brought it back to life. I then added a table top made from two layers of 3/4" MDF, and then I did something a bit crazy. You see, lately I'm a bit obsessed with color. Bright, cheerful color. So I decoupaged some brightly colored papers onto the top of the table. Here's the result:

I absolutely love the way it turned out. My husband, on the other hand, was a bit...shocked.

When he walked into the room, I said, "Well, what do you think? It's fun, right? Maybe a bit funky?"

His reply was, "No...you know what it is? It's pretty!"

Now before you say "Aww, how sweet"...let me just stop you. I don't really think he meant that as a compliment. You see, when we got married six years ago, my taste in decor was very...well...masculine. I liked dark colors, dark woods, clean lines, contemporary style, and no clutter. Definitely nothing frilly, lacy, ornate...and definitely no PINK.

Now I've done a complete 180 degree turn. My taste is more vintage-inspired, with more frills, more sparkle...and with lots of pink!!

I'm sure he's regretting giving me complete control over the decor of our home.

Well, that's all of the time I can spare on the crafty stuff for now. Today, it's back to the heavy lifting and the construction-type projects. I'll be so glad when it's finished!!!

Happy decorating,

Adventures (and Mishaps) in Home Renovation

addicted2decorating@live.com (Kristi L.) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:40:00 +0000

I've been working hard on my little condo. I mean, hard.

Last week, I completed the ceiling. We had installed recessed lighting in the family room, dining area, and kitchen, and installed new drywall several months ago (yes...months), but had never finished the taping and mudding. So last week, I finished that up. By the end of the week, I had a smooth ceiling and a condo filled with white powdery dust covering every single surface.

After cleaning up most of the dust, I turned my attention to the wainscoting and built-in cabinets. I got so much done, and was feeling so proud of my progress this weekend. My goal last night was to put up the rest of the backing for the wainscoting before cleaning up and getting my condo in a livable state for the week. Things were moving along just fine...until...

I put a nail right through a copper water pipe.

Water started spraying from the wall, and began to cover my newly-painted floors. I frantically rushed out to the main water meter/cut-off valve to turn off the water, but even with our water turned off, the water still sprayed into the room. I called my parents, and they rushed over to assist. For over an hour while waiting for the plumber to arrive, my mom and I swept water out of the front door as fast as we could, while the water was still pouring into the room from the wall. In fact, there was so much water that it started seeping into our neighbors' condos. The plumber also had difficulty finding where to turn the water off, so he ended up putting a temporary fix on the pipe just to stop the flow of water.

He came back this morning, turned off our water, as well as all of our neighbors' water, and fixed the pipe. And now, $222 dollars later, we're back in business...but left with a complete mess.

I've learned three important things through this.

When putting nails in the wall, if you feel resistance, don't assume it's a stud.
I'm so thankful for concrete floors!!! I don't think other type of flooring would have made it through this ordeal unharmed.
I should have been a plumber! $222 for about 2 hours of work? Wow!

What a mess!! At least it's dry now. I couldn't believe
how much water was coming out of such a small hole.

Happy decorating!

Do you have any remodeling mishap stories of your own? I'd love to hear them!!

Candice Olsen for Kravet

addicted2decorating@live.com (Kristi L.) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:02:00 +0000

I was so excited to see this in my e-mail inbox today! Candice Olsen is probably my absolute favorite designer, and she now has a line of fabrics available through Kravet. Kravet is only available to the trade, so you will have to purchase through an interior designer, but I'm sure the fabrics will be worth the effort!

To see the fabrics in the Candice Olsen line, click here. And if you want more info on any of the fabrics you find, and there's not a designer in your area who carries Kravet, I'd be happy to help you! Just send an e-mail to addicted2decorating@live.com.

Happy decorating,

Due to technical difficulties....

addicted2decorating@live.com (Kristi L.) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:17:00 +0000

Aren't computers frustrating sometimes? Oh my...I've had my fill this week.

My laptop (my absolute lifeline to the outside world) quit working on Monday night. Frustrating because it's only eight months old...good because it's still under warranty. Yesterday, I borrowed a laptop to use while my own is being repaired, and it won't connect to the internet.

So here I sit, using an old desktop computer with faulty wiring that turns everything orange on my screen.

Oh my...that simply won't do.

So rather than fight and struggle with it any longer, which makes me angrier, more frustrated, and feeling anxious, I am going to take a long weekend and work on some projects around my condo.

Hopefully, I'll meet you back here on Monday. Hope you have a great weekend!

Happy decorating,