Master Bedroom Palette

Usually when I begin a project I like to start with an inspiration piece, a beautiful antique, a work of art, or even an interesting object. I have been admiring this console table from Dovetail Furniture since the project began but it was too large to use behind the sofa. It just fit in front of the massive window in the master suite.

Since the budget at Villa Cantina is a main concern my inspiration for the master suite is a fabric that I found on Ebay. I think it is lovely and it was a bargain! It is Homeopath by P Kaufmann

                    



Series prints particularly old ones make a nice statement without breaking the bank. I purchased these from my friend Tess at Hint of History.

You can buy similar ones from Tess here: http://stores.ebay.com/A-Hint-of-History-Antique-Prints



I am waiting for the arrival of this beautiful chest from Dovetail Furniture

I found this headboard at West Elm on sale. It is no longer on the website but you might still be able to find it in one of the stores. I think the wood needs a whitewash to tone it down and then it will be perfect.

I was thinking of using these great lamps from Ballard Designs

Look how beautiful they look here

http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2010/03/webb-design-albans-house.html I love that Joni used some of the owners own pieces, some really wonderful things and an economical find from Ballard. A really good designer can combine fine things with simple ones for a great result.



I also love these big old urns from Pottery Barn (my Villa Cantina staple), I found them on sale for much less at the Palo Alto store. Those of you who know me realize that I have a hard time with purchased lamps. I prefer using found objects. Too often the shade isn't right a pet peeve of mine.

I am also loving these new chairs from Pottery Barn. I think they would look great flanking the fireplace. I love the shade of the wicker and the size as space is at a premium.

These tables are on order from Halo Styles (thanks Joni for the tip)

That just about wraps it up except for a few decicions....Mirrors I love... from Wisteria

You can purchase them all here:  http://www.wisteria.com/


More mirrors from Dovetail

Or what about these from Restoration Hardware

You can purchase them here:
http://www.restorationhardware.com/

Which would you choose?

For my weekend project I am tackling those darn cabinets...wish me luck!

Our assistant is growing weary...

The counter top dilemma has nearly drawn to a close and our loyal assistant has grown tired of the process.

The kitchen is looking better with the concrete counters nearly finished. This is what the beauties looked like when we purchased Villa Cantina...





The "boys"and their "assistant" installed the tumbled marble back splash last weekend. It will be grouted this weekend. I love the rusticity of the backsplash and the concrete counter.

The only problem is the cabinetry still has that "home depot" look. I can't repaint or replace so I am thinking I might give them the same treatment as the cabinets flanking the fireplace, a little ebony briwax on the cabinets and hardware. In the meantime I am dreaming of more interesting endeavors. What do you think about these finds? I am pondering this for above the stairway. You can find it at good old Pottery Barn.






Or what about this from one of my favorite sellers on Ebay, Capitol Salvage

On the other wall I want to hang these great canoe paddles from Crawfords Antiques in Soquel






With either this from Ebay

Or the Pruvost Plaque from Ballard Designs

http://www.ballarddesigns.com/Wall-Decor/Wall-Plaques/All-Wall-Plaques/Pruvost-Plaque-Small/p/12274?path=1%2C2%2C1468%2C1543%2C2563&iProductID=12274

I think this piece has a great look. I have tried to encourage a couple clients to use it but it has not yet found a home. I think I will consult my assistant about this once she has finished with her canine clients

Progress and Diversion

In my last post I promised to highlight some of the finishes and details that we would have to live with and those that we could afford to change. Even though we have been working like dogs, I am not sure there is anything really camera ready as of yet. I would really rather be here.....




(photo courtesy of Terry Hoage vineyards website)

http://terryhoagevineyards.com/
photo courtesy Terry Hoage Vineyards

...sampling one of the fabulous Rhone Varietals they have to offer

“Terry Hoage Vineyards is a small family owned and operated vineyard and boutique winery focusing exclusively on Rhone varietals. Located in the western hills of Paso Robles, our special climate, terroir, fastidious, sustainable farming practices and low yields produce exceptional fruit that is forward and focused. Terry and Jennifer's winemaking approach is to produce minimally processed wines. The 2100 case production includes estate red and white Rhone style wines. Varietals planted on our estate include Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Counoise, Cinsault, Grenache Blanc, Picpoul Blanc and Roussanne”.


photo courtesy Terry Hoage Vineyards

If you google Terry Hoage you will find that he’s an NFF College Hall of Fame inductee and was a standout Georgia defensive back. He went on to become a 13 year veteran of the NFL. All of this is interesting fodder since the names of the wines he and his wife Jennifer produce reflect his football background. That tidbit aside the quality of the wines are amazing.

Here is a picture of my family Harvest Weekend in front of the winery (consequently a barn that was dismantled in Texas & reconstructed on site). For more information about Harvest Weekend go here: http://www.pasowine.com/events/harvest.php

Now that we are all dreaming of great wine...back to the progress at Villa Cantina...

When we purchased the home this is what the kitchen and dining area looked like

As I stated previously I am not loving the kitchen cabinetry. They are what they are for now however. Since they have sort of an industrial feel to them I thought these fabulous cooper draftsman stools from Wisteria might give it a more current industrial/chic look


You can find these at:
http://www.wisteria.com/Coopers-SmallDraftsman

The light fixture was another bone of contention. I was hoping for a nice French/European looking lantern but most were out of my price range for this project. Pottery Barn had these great table top lanterns http://www.potterybarn.com/products/parkhill-lantern/?pkey=clanterns

I consulted my electrician/contractor/artisan husband and son team to see if we could turn the large one into a light fixture for above the dining room table. They gave me “the look” but I knew they could do it. I salvaged some old parts from a hanging light fixture from another job and they worked their magic and created this:

The dining area previously had a square table & chairs which repeated the ceiling and floor pattern but made the dining area appear smaller than it actually is. I purchased the rectangular table and chairs from Dovetail Furniture( http://dovetailfurnitureonline.com/) and I think the space is looking more “spacious”!



Hopefully in my next post I will add a picture of the completed concrete counter top that was to mirror limestone (that’s another story). In the meantime here is my latest source of inspiration from one of my favorite bloggers, Brook Giannetti of Velvet and Linen (http://brookegiannetti.typepad.com/). We have these overly manufactured looking cabinets flanking the fireplace. Brooke recently posted this picture of her cabinets flanking her fireplace in her recently updated family room. Is this lovely or what? I wonder if I could paint the backs of these awful cabinets and come up with something that would mimic her fabulous cabinets?