Our Painted Piano and DIY Malachite Bench.

If our piano growing up was peach or lemon yellow I bet I would have practiced a lot more.

Before, a sad empty living room corner.  

And the movers bringing in what they lovingly referred to as "the heaviest piano ever."  I joke. 

I found this beauty on Craigslist for next to nothing.  She was worse for wear when I found her, but nothing some green paint couldn't fix. 

Even though there was no doubt I'd be painting the piano, this decision was solidified once we got her in the space.  This finish just didn't do her justice.  #lifeistooshortforabrownpiano   

As for the bench, it sat in its original state for quite some time.  I finally decided a monochrome, green-on-green look would be fun and decided to make things interesting with this faux malachite technique I'd been dying to try.  It was so easy and instantly gratifying!  Such a fun way to inject some pattern to the otherwise solid piano.  I would definitely recommend this DIY.

I think this is really a lesson in living with what you love.  By no means am I a technical player, so for us painting the piano wasn't terrible from a sound / quality standpoint (I'm sure some of you serious musicians out there cringe at the sight of our painted instrument).  But we really love it.  This little corner of our house brings me such joy now, whether the piano is being played or just sitting silent.  And I'm such a proponent for a happy home!  So I say if you want to paint you piano (or do malachite walls or paint your ceiling blue or layer a rug on a rug on a rug) do it!  You won't regret it, I promise.  

I Know You've Done It, Too.

That's right.  Bought something for a client.  And then seriously considered keeping it for yourself.

It happens to me alot, which I like to look at as a good thing.  Must means I only put pieces in clients' homes that I'd put in mine as well, right?

Cue yesterday: I stumbled upon an estate sale (those things find me, I swear) and I found these amazing old brown jugs.  Very weird, because the day before I was thinking about styling a clients fireplace with these same things, only I didn't have them yet and wasn't quite sure where I'd find them.  Then BAM!  Into my lap they fell (which, Design Gods, I'm all for, incase you're listening - Keep the goodies coming!!).  But then I got them home, added candle sticks and realized they looked happily at home right where they sat.

Let's be real.  I have enough accessories floating around this little house to style out at least three other residences.  So to the client they shall go.  But it won't be easy.

Before you go, do tell....

Do you ever keep things you initially picked up for a client?  Have you at least thought about it long and hard maybe once or twice?  Don't lie.  We're all friends here.

Client Work: Fresh Elegance.

This living room is sharp and pulled together, yet fun- just like the young couple who lives here.  An undeniably sophisticated space as perfect for entertaining as it is for watching Real Housewives marathons (thanks to the super comfy Crate & Barrel sofa with chaise lounge).  

  

Can't wait to get started on the next room in this beautiful home!

Sneak A Peak Color.

I'm all about creating a happy home, for myself and clients.  Nothing new there.

Elle DECOR

So why not paint the inside of a cabinet in a hue that feels "so you"?!  It will make you smile every time you reach for that chipped ramekin all the way in the back.  I promise.  I'm off to find the perfect tomato red for a similar little project I'm conjuring up over here as we speak.

Happy weekend friends!  Glad to be back!

We Tied The Knot!

And we spent the rest of the day doing this.  More photos to follow as soon as we get them from our photographer, the wonderful Alicia Boch.  You should see the Polaroids she snapped.  Complete stunners.  Cannot wait to share!

Speaking of Countdowns...

Oh, you know.  Just your average chalkboard-door-wedding-countdown.



Only as of today that baby reads "22".  Twenty-two days until we are married.  Hitched.  Tie the knot.  Say "I do."  Yikes! (In a good way.  A really good way.)  

Mackinac Island Wedding Countdown.

Well hello, lovelies.  Do you believe it?!  In less than four weeks, Jason and I will be getting married! The ceremony and reception will take place on Mackinac Island:  the land of horse drawn carriages and fudge shops galore, where each view is prettier than the last.  See for yourself, if you'd like...    

To think in 24 days we'll be standing in that little church reciting our vows to one another. 

 Boy does that blow me away!  Literally counting down the days.