Canadian Designer Spotlight: Brent Comber

<a href="http://www.brentcomber.com/">Brent Comber</a>   is an  innovative  Canadian furniture maker  who uses local woods to produce a variety of designs.  I first became aware of his work through his Alder series.  He dries and fastens alder branches and then carves the piles into cubic shapes. By combining organic materials with geometric lines he produces furniture with a very dynamic aesthetic. I particularly like the idea of using alder - a sustainable wood- that growns like a weed in most places in Canada.  My husband is always battling alder bush growth near our summer house in Newfoundland. Alders grow quickly  into dense stands and left alone they will overtake an area.  <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz6E9RD1Yl19Qt6yfnmqQZRLQU1TBcearef5tMQL2_k_R1NhSthlGcgpDldnrGDvyNdWAPXVPWbyoyXiBS1no6m_lU2xl04u8aPnmUGp14Ab70dC-uXHOV4-mFToag6VfZUHi3BjIGnxhO/s1600/reclaimed-wood-furnirute-brent-comber.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz6E9RD1Yl19Qt6yfnmqQZRLQU1TBcearef5tMQL2_k_R1NhSthlGcgpDldnrGDvyNdWAPXVPWbyoyXiBS1no6m_lU2xl04u8aPnmUGp14Ab70dC-uXHOV4-mFToag6VfZUHi3BjIGnxhO/s400/reclaimed-wood-furnirute-brent-comber.jpg" width="398" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brent Comber  alder stools and bench</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8V8GYbNefgD_Wv4DBXr_nROwMTGgRAi4kbCcbLIiHCDq9yUkQfBn_pQH3wCoh0V9ZWLhbKkDcUNOYHY0ki3vd0OvHFHfFYmgsV_hXuPCiGyQFNQvRDTTt0IjfXWQgu7SKQ8OIDJUyyth-/s1600/Brent-Comber-AlderRound-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8V8GYbNefgD_Wv4DBXr_nROwMTGgRAi4kbCcbLIiHCDq9yUkQfBn_pQH3wCoh0V9ZWLhbKkDcUNOYHY0ki3vd0OvHFHfFYmgsV_hXuPCiGyQFNQvRDTTt0IjfXWQgu7SKQ8OIDJUyyth-/s400/Brent-Comber-AlderRound-.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Round alder stools </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPQZTPi4jt3eqwnHrq7PKT9-Mxadz9-z74_byYPnuqH7KPDuJFeWZ47163r2rJgU_9CqpXmh-PkedI_XMlM9JIrIl_PXCKXWJv8k5dqHwLAwtJOMFjBS6fsLQYQSMf9g8Xk0SkNsxEeBH/s1600/Brent-Comber-ART-AlderDisk3-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPQZTPi4jt3eqwnHrq7PKT9-Mxadz9-z74_byYPnuqH7KPDuJFeWZ47163r2rJgU_9CqpXmh-PkedI_XMlM9JIrIl_PXCKXWJv8k5dqHwLAwtJOMFjBS6fsLQYQSMf9g8Xk0SkNsxEeBH/s400/Brent-Comber-ART-AlderDisk3-.jpg" width="348" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">54 inch Alder disk at White Horses Spa</td></tr></tbody></table><br />This  54” Alder Disk  hung in  White Horses Spa at <a href="http://www.doonbeglodge.com/gallery.html">Doonbeg Golf Lodge,</a>  Ireland.  While the same materials used in Comber's furniture pieces are used in the disk, the viewer is  engaged in a different way, looking  directly at the patterns and rhythms  that emerge at eye level. The piece is convex in shape and the light changes depending on time of day and the viewing angle similar to the way the light is filtered in a forest.   <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjenoraFasDDzNwxwCzXgVVjCC0zlFSEOJ_QerTZ0mn4aJKh7sWlPDlp5Z88IQvholZq7-XU1Oo3NKmhBzOox6L2TktPUx8UFsKQOTkda4FXhT5tq11wOA4YnEvJ0oX8j5MpwjJ9PqTaIFw/s1600/brent-comber-spaces-baumkuchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjenoraFasDDzNwxwCzXgVVjCC0zlFSEOJ_QerTZ0mn4aJKh7sWlPDlp5Z88IQvholZq7-XU1Oo3NKmhBzOox6L2TktPUx8UFsKQOTkda4FXhT5tq11wOA4YnEvJ0oX8j5MpwjJ9PqTaIFw/s400/brent-comber-spaces-baumkuchen.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baumkuchn Cafe, Tokyo, "log cake"</td></tr></tbody></table>In German, Baumkuchn translates literally as “tree cake” or “log cake”. This European dessert is also popular in Japan, and is the namesake for this cafe in Tokyo.  The 120 foot feature wall, texturally stunning and  simplistically beautiful, serves as a cohesive element in the design of this small space.   <br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDrBYDrFRV6PP_Mb5ANtpmuCsIrcpxnhgG6NkoDAx24ELwZALKoQkgF2EFpJPEh_2u7rSxpvf_Cfem35tn56NZ61UegkKSqbCATMHXB1gZUKAG1MU2NFQb84VTTG-GIvpiL6Wz4pTPzjM/s1600/brent-comber-tea-cup-+stool.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDrBYDrFRV6PP_Mb5ANtpmuCsIrcpxnhgG6NkoDAx24ELwZALKoQkgF2EFpJPEh_2u7rSxpvf_Cfem35tn56NZ61UegkKSqbCATMHXB1gZUKAG1MU2NFQb84VTTG-GIvpiL6Wz4pTPzjM/s1600/brent-comber-tea-cup-+stool.png" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T  Cup stool </td></tr></tbody></table> This simple design speaks of the strength and stability of wood while referencing its passage and growth. <br /><br />And there's so much more...  <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiLdBdnCpYsf_Kw7E4jvNVNiyXh281XcuJMgYyDvLFK45-h6kkCBN9vSDUNronIaaWIcrZU071Hu0U3XwtBLZoMg90YgtsEMh4vrBYYCBcyeJJcx_j-7hEfFIeQw29wXkd0P4Y0pqm8JF/s1600/Aperture_walnut_1_e-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiLdBdnCpYsf_Kw7E4jvNVNiyXh281XcuJMgYyDvLFK45-h6kkCBN9vSDUNronIaaWIcrZU071Hu0U3XwtBLZoMg90YgtsEMh4vrBYYCBcyeJJcx_j-7hEfFIeQw29wXkd0P4Y0pqm8JF/s400/Aperture_walnut_1_e-web.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aperture table</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEm3G60RoHAN3VXpOTeP6514KLHewaylue8Iypw8wW0YVlRR3ZD4PG8pJ_wxPFqhEbBc-tpthCo7iRviqjlEXpYWAsFzfhbecJD6us7OeUm4nr0-fZT52mHdh7OOmWK0HPbXlzalVz9QUz/s1600/Brent-Comber-horizon-dining-table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEm3G60RoHAN3VXpOTeP6514KLHewaylue8Iypw8wW0YVlRR3ZD4PG8pJ_wxPFqhEbBc-tpthCo7iRviqjlEXpYWAsFzfhbecJD6us7OeUm4nr0-fZT52mHdh7OOmWK0HPbXlzalVz9QUz/s400/Brent-Comber-horizon-dining-table.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horizon Dining Table </td></tr></tbody></table><br />The man behind the design.... <br /><br /><a href="http://cesbelleschoses.blogspot.ca/2010/12/brent-comber.html"></a> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVF0eQ_icuWTLWsvBwX-QzYYKhA_5fGhyphenhyphen9YaSfX2JTpwqOMiL3QPjcNT1qUazKR0RTqc3Oe2UuC1kEzFQvlpwnlkHAJ3zSVsmQn67oZwe5YVS_L2GASP-5BHns9aJYU8JlvirOoWOqOktg/s1600/brent-comber-photo-bench-table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVF0eQ_icuWTLWsvBwX-QzYYKhA_5fGhyphenhyphen9YaSfX2JTpwqOMiL3QPjcNT1qUazKR0RTqc3Oe2UuC1kEzFQvlpwnlkHAJ3zSVsmQn67oZwe5YVS_L2GASP-5BHns9aJYU8JlvirOoWOqOktg/s320/brent-comber-photo-bench-table.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://mocoloco.com/archives/001097.php">source </a></span></div><br /> Check out Brent Comber at <a href="http://www.kostuikgallery.com/?section=Artists&page=Artworks&a=20&artist=Brent%20+Comber">Jennifer Kostuik Gallery. </a><br /><br />This fall  Brent Comber was awarded <a href="http://promoteratheart.com/news-events/brent-comber-awarded-western-livings-furniture-designer-of-the-year/">Western Living's Furniture Designer of the Year.</a>

Canadian Designer Spotlight: Brent Comber

Brent Comber    is an  innovative  Canadian furniture maker  who uses local woods to produce a variety of designs.  I first became aware of...

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Designing Home Blog 2014

 I just wrote my 200th post on Designing Home and I've had a very laid back Christmas with lots of time to consider what is working on my  blog and what I might like to add, change, or improve.  Here are the results of my mini conference with self:<br /><h4><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjmEL7KIG-8xwFtqoLuKHXpi9kGvmqlNyBKeXpTvrf8OeK5TjGqGYDODgRixeiOjzpn8s8hHslZj5ZLEmi1ZhYA-c87ePKm0bOGttKaciqodEo6D-f0VbxTSnInUc4ADOm2xjivoZvZHyB/s1600/decorating-small-spaces-living-room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="decorating small living room" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjmEL7KIG-8xwFtqoLuKHXpi9kGvmqlNyBKeXpTvrf8OeK5TjGqGYDODgRixeiOjzpn8s8hHslZj5ZLEmi1ZhYA-c87ePKm0bOGttKaciqodEo6D-f0VbxTSnInUc4ADOm2xjivoZvZHyB/s400/decorating-small-spaces-living-room.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></h4><br /><b>Practical posts for  homeowners</b><br /><br /> I usually write about  topics that I think  average homeowners are interested in as they go about refreshing  or designing new spaces.  I will still continue  to address these topics  because I can see from my stats that these are my most read posts especially any that address <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2011/12/10-tips-for-decorating-small-living.html">designing smaller spaces.</a> Aren't blog stats a wonderful thing? I also know that my  largest blog readership is in United States.  Hey, where are the Canadians?<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Canadian designer Lori Harrison" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19PJ05du62d3UonVfVW9oXiUiJdz52ouu7MLkwIjRqgNnDZfLjG8EJPWpJxZ1_1fYagaOZQBiv63imp_Lx_3q8K7cogpy_P1gj7hSvrnNQP-xlQy3ymbgmKXaw8yoUer_Qr3gR1lX2zsH/s400/Lori-Harrison-+Collection_01.JPG" title="" width="276" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lori Harrison Collection</td></tr></tbody></table>  <b>Canadian focus </b><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">I've decided it's time to seriously ramp up my Canadian content. Stay tuned to meet some great Canadian designers over the next year.   I will include product designers (furniture, textiles, housewares etc. ) and also Canadian interior designers and  visual artists. </span><br /><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJIB13waUHW9gA1X3cj-UqOuVy36ikhzWLYdkkxVyqk9_aBiicQysbw231UFgp7R61VgXYlgqPS-8s87RKXGDG27YJouRq0eR6_68tmgVtJqfxtUmwSMW5hBDwo6RRiPEvKXj5v9AtN6Q5/s1600/Canadian-designer-Bev-Hisey_01.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </span></h4><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><img alt="Canadian interior design bloggers list " border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zoWeM81t3zXKMt3OWcXZdYRoqQ8ghIvHau3SYHq7BkPWcZE-HW6dS1ks06uPnayeB_uwVaY0dl0IaqI7J9W9ZMWBM_wbARbIyGbqKofgp5tiswmKNzIQOMIaNpEJPh19R7UHx93Oypsl/s320/Canadian-blogger-list_01.JPG" title="" width="320" /></h4><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> I am also on the search to add more Canadian bloggers to my reading list and encourage you to do the same.  I found a good source on Pinterest (where you find everything) that I am wading through and choosing my favourites.  </span><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="paterson woodworking fisher table NL" border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIF-sSxihe7XOzIZ9T3lCrWNk6397H4rNdkLx2WjHNnxXGkqNaMoM6KAdWeFddFBV4xoRhMUkJ4UqukjfETR2dwZZoW43WcTYkTrpCrjfjai5pNlC1hgezGEhO8JISqxXVMpAVQLGGh7VW/s320/Paterson-Woodworking-Fisher-table-NL_01.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paterson Woodworking Fisher Table </td></tr></tbody></table><b>Local Design</b><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Newfoundland Labrador has some very creative people and their products can enhance any living space.  You will meet some of them this year<b> </b>as I encourage  my NL readers to buy local, and other readers to spread their wings our way when purchasing.<b> </b></span><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><br /></b></span></b><br /><h4><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3m8cU-Kq7gY5QX-WkF2jQbInX-pdjCAoaEx239BEFS6W-7EMPsIMDw6nCsH48Xpbc89vDiw-jJChq_lgb_0KDi8Kgm4ADqxssXNbDQWs2EY9B_DY7rjxNN0ikLR1voS0XiVV9rFzxGbF/s1600/us.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Carol Bajen-Gahm Vestiges " border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3m8cU-Kq7gY5QX-WkF2jQbInX-pdjCAoaEx239BEFS6W-7EMPsIMDw6nCsH48Xpbc89vDiw-jJChq_lgb_0KDi8Kgm4ADqxssXNbDQWs2EY9B_DY7rjxNN0ikLR1voS0XiVV9rFzxGbF/s400/us.JPG" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></b></span></b></h4><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>  Fine art focus</b></span></b><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">Anyone who knows me is aware that I am also a visual artist  with an art blog called <a href="http://margaretryall.blogspot.ca/">Painting On.</a>  It is becoming increasingly more difficult to keep both blogs current.  I am seeking solutions to this problem and I'm sure there will be cross posting or artist highlights on Designing Home. They will support my belief that no home is complete without art.  I also want to write more posts about the arrangement and display of art in your home.  </span><br /> <span style="font-weight: normal;"><b> </b></span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Google+ </b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">I just took the plunge and joined <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/113225853381577858531/posts">Google+</a> .  It's a little overwhelming right now, but I hope it will be a community where I can meet other  interior design bloggers.  </span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Welcome 2014</span><br /><br /><h4><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></h4><h4><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h4>

Designing Home Blog 2014

 I just wrote my 200th post on Designing Home and I've had a very laid back Christmas with lots of time to consider what is working on m...

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THIS is the year

<p>Hey hey! I’m writing today from under six inches of snow – with absolutely FRIGID temps coming next week. We’re talking feels like negative 50 degrees in Indiana. What?? So serious question here – what do you do with a Chihuahua dog who hates the cold already in those kind of temps? I mean, that’s not safe for a person, let alone an animal. We’re trying to figure out what the heck we’ll do to take him out? </p> <p>Anyway, other than the insanely cold temps, I actually quite LOVE this time of year. It’s one of my favorite times really – it’s a new year and everything feels fresh and new and full of possibility. And I fall in love with my house all over again right about now. I get giddy with all the plans in my head. </p> <p>I can even stand the cooler temps for about another four weeks. I love being warm and cozy in our house…till about mid-February. Then I’m D.O.N.E. </p> <p>It’s funny because we’ve been in this house almost ten years and I still have a list a mile long of things I’d like to do. A couple of them are dream projects that I would need help with, but most I can do on my own. And that’s why my head feels like it may explode in early January – my list is long. Let’s talk about future plans shall we? </p> <p>THIS will be the year that I finish painting all the doors black in the house: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnPvDNZF4xfp1dO8DRNWpDKKozycymoL_ibUT0vg2Zr3Z-uNthvVtQiASOMiwazZ6sr8Cgbt0tr8pQfETGUFRlNLkBMyLdlT-mULtJyCiGZxML5zVFIS_1-4wDr42h-kYmC0Ng-QUeyM/s1600-h/black%252520doors%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="black interior doors" border="0" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIc8wwrxDnqD-J_sZXqXDGT-uVPl_Flpb07hEfUjNe21sNUChlyLgcXSs7YpgMUORf8TquPm3U50sY5-2_bTG5Hp_4sAE76zZqGz23G35xvku9JVpkno2oBHtp6hQjNK9GbuKdThJ8fPQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="black interior doors" width="400" /></a></p> <p>The <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/01/black-interior-doors-in-basement.html">basement doors are done</a> (well, one more door to go to the storage room) and I LOVE THEM. It is a long process because I’ll have to prime every door, but the end result is worth it. (You can see my latest black door <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/12/new-black-back-door.html">here</a>.)</p> <p>There are two rooms in our house that are a pain in my rear. I can’t figure out a good set up for either one – the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/search/label/playroom%2Floft">loft/former playroom/craft room</a> is one: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykMXWIIBTUg80OKIRtGmW19QksjsejDLzvEFVlb65RqlLGxc0ZVvT2r41KRZr2UODqT4rc5YBomQIsZ5Ivb20bMm_muDq-jtHI2V4StLxGAaH745ZBcEh1u72LzYU6KcuQjb2ExTWCik/s1600-h/lining-drapes-with-sheets%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="loft craft room" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5nwCxy6QmxJBtZkGx5YwjoNYqvoeuF4uiYCCSN5ZzF82V60TkdC-3R2FaRpg3Wdhrk9s9NQxieGtbGK9YXUwHkFdKmWRuUPFRGzswtrel2SVkChdsJHP9JG3dPSaC5LqhOdTfubrDQU/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="loft craft room" width="500" /></a></p> <p>My plan for years now has been to build in storage and a window seat along that wall with the window. I keep saying “this is the year!” and it’s never the year…but maybe this one will be the year. We’ll see. </p> <p>That room is HARD because it basically has one usable wall. The wall with the windows isn’t really functional, the other wall is a half wall and then it’s open on the other side. I want tons of craft storage but also want to make it a bit more of a lounge space again. We don’t really NEED another lounge space but we’d use it more if it was one. It drives me batty not to make good use of a space so I want to make this room more functional this year. </p> <p>The other room that gives me fits is our living room. Again, with only one useable wall: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSJhpjF0pf-NFYRtSehCeFC1ytaRzTjPu9j3Np7X1PJECRIU8xrbtyCOKTv-OnuWRuFmDsVW19ywg6U2y07kp75kCbgZke2RDkTGWWZ_ueMjXAdVmEqPHUtKc3Fb9kvhvakPCJvYNbWM/s1600-h/IMG_5516%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="sisal rug" border="0" height="755" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHl-FFVyh3gc7IpuBRATLSdAQQadb_MeaJAQ5puE1nNEo6cCSghr423IM_PMq-w0hnOK2cRQ8L4SxVuxAKzZ01zT6VDPJXgwsmbAMgcWOa6aoJiZk_Gqg80T8CkeIZYgwu0Ibf7v39tc/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="sisal rug" width="500" /></a></p> <p>At least one of you noticed in the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/12/christmas-party-2013.html">Christmas tree post</a> that I took the drapes down. You’re good! I’m planning a big DIY project on those windows – I wanted to try and tackle it in the month of December and then got my brain function back and realized this year may be better. :)</p> <p>A few months ago I made a decision about this space. I’ve hated the sofa for seven plus years and I decided I’m 38 years old dangit and if I hate it I’m not going to keep it. I find it hard to replace something that’s functional but not my favorite thing – I feel guilty, like I shouldn’t spend on something when we have something that technically works just fine, you know? But I think I’ve found a <em>really</em> inexpensive option for this room, I just need to go test it out first. </p> <p>Of course I will continue my record of taking years to finish a space – this time in the mud room. It’s been half way done for two years now: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gtUa4MkDsjTPsFAzosY4nsw-qudOvaXEGs7PBuB4u8Sy-iZoLnJZ_5vX_kBq1yJGQFTw28BmUi4uqcV84vap9q5SMC2yWIhuU9qwHlP8SenQL9llHpGBrY6VuUGHgSkeTggje7KeNZA/s1600-h/IMG_7790%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bFKqjG_AI1138iHolID3XejWJvcgt2sR3eSrqYLT_AafdT0HJayDXZXQxBTUASUwl0Mf5vkSohc-FzimC_28Ib3rr0gbdV1dWSmJgH7rwUCkcofQFnRiYqaiCz7Gzb8iMXMuk8jPhmU/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I shared the latest paint and floor updates to the room <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/12/paint-and-floors-mud-room-progress.html">earlier this week</a>. I was planning on taking a trip out to Lowe’s today to start the bench but it may not happen with the snow. </p> <p>I’ve had BIG plans in mind for <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/search/label/kitchen">our kitchen</a> for years now – and yes it involves painting the cabinets. I know there are so many that love wood cabinets and I do too – but ours have some major wear and tear and there’s nothing we can do to fix it, other than sanding them down and restaining. <em>That’s</em> not happening. So, I have little plans that turned into bigger plans and those bigger plans are what are holding be back from starting the whole thing: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8SfNHwCnDzuE9dcMLyoQuUJKeaR2wZCkB1qo2plJa_dZzgDTmi2oLFFL_3dz-d2tz3y_2LGcWcxRip8t-k419erOlVeRYHBygcNoa8epweFOLPOd67Q8_UyBF5GuDNoIuMHAa9H7iXM/s1600-h/IMG_5421%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="chalkboard in kitchen" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7gGJ7mPfyOHAZjcpLl3IKLHxvFmDVp8gWSHJvHWzioLfRtlHAqyeobT0wQy1AsvXhl4yp3x-04LFwLzanXczH8RttPM1lh1BXwkTB7ny_OtncZ2ccjsPSUct0Nk5N8UVAqqhCTedhmE/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="chalkboard in kitchen" width="500" /></a></p> <p>But I think I can move ahead with most of it so I’m determined to make that happen this year. I can see it all in my head – it’s been sitting in there for a while now. ;) </p> <p>The <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/search/label/master%20bedroom">master bedroom redo</a> will continue this year and when I say continue I <strong>hope</strong> I mean finish: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9yd5Wyu-103yqr9A_mK1azvNutOz-7hLaC2zJRrbv0n3H0CWsimg9cbgyYlg08-PHf7K28A9o19X4NSmEGtIlkt6k6nI2fqrLYRfhyphenhyphenQIvXAse3KG-B5_DiQbR_xsMLjKD7YV07WOIX98/s1600-h/IMG_6575%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY headboard" border="0" height="693" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSvm1zXk7oB0bFU4V3ra75Mdo451x8y94S8_zsdGrmmJxCZwpPWYLbe32-q-TyLn8GSZvIQNmu8Cb56Se_TcUbR_4l53UH9Y0Wcg_LAJ10gXnoSqmGcFLE5o13s6tVPdr4wHhU_IX-k4/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DIY headboard" width="500" /></a></p> <p>There’s only one wall painted (it’s been like that since the summer) and I need to get going on that. The bed will get new pillows (most likely a DIY if I can find the right fabric), the bed wall may get some kind of special treatment and sometime this year I’d like to get new floors in there. The carpet is DONE. </p> <p>Another project I’ve almost started numerous times is painting the family room and kitchen:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBabvQnnU9cpMIb8qPiE1mWKEa3PDI7u1hDmrzlaQGIWI37Pl4PrTXJb3jgtSOtMl0q_aXCwmgt5pB2fcj0TbFjfpBIYO01wG1oaN8Qrc8-gIedYRs4cAZzqOYyYDh6vcBgEPnbb4k2w/s1600-h/IMG_7177%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="blue gray rug" border="0" height="749" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXfng-lQjQLHVSMAZgxhgSdoftrLuHWnXGzJyQhsHJh21BZYOG_uA9iX1BhwLXo8mDFA6GBz5XdJGehscjl0UW_h62atlEGDpGVStAqdguN-GdvloF7fHGHJmiKSlDJDSLAEgmZql5Pc/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="blue gray rug" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Our current wall color is Sisal from Ralph Lauren (one of the top questions I get her on the blog) and we’ve had it up since the day we closed on the house. I came over with the brand new keys and paint and worked for hours on it. :) I’ve been planning something a bit lighter, but then I see a dark, cozy color and fall in love with that again. So we’ll see. </p> <p>I’m also contemplating a large built in unit where our entertainment “dresser” currently sits: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZbJBvn5ukBA08hb1CTiw1i5dsry1D4Y3oi-aSbwRETscI1q9I_cDkA4obY3Hdl9zGmYhbk7G8g1jYcEp_mbJySEGhM9EUesoT8cVq5vXy3xRLggLOXMtp0uI2Xa3i8DkGVzgxBJCYYg/s1600-h/IMG_7186%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="dresser as entertainment center" border="0" height="742" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFXbdr6N_QgOwRqtVwQ0jhHthf7CSn99-15yxh98Y-XpOyzCF98Awlm5vf0EJbhkXVSLd7S1uk8pwNiYViKRxVUdRFY74PH19WwdPU_9Fh2pSM6Y_uz5yp81Ox9d8PVDNKK1OvnyrLQs/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="dresser as entertainment center" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I’m pretty sure I think I’m five people instead of one, cause I don’t know how this girl (who works like molasses) will be able to accomplish all of this in a year, but it’s fun to daydream, right? I’m hoping to get most of it done! </p> <p>AND I told my husband the other day that THIS is the year our closet will become a spotless, organized, magical place where stars burst out of your eyes when you walk in. If you could see it you’d know why he laughed and laughed and…laughed some more at me. But it will happen. You can’t see the before pictures though – not until I clean it and even then you’ll be mortified. And when I say that I’m so not being all, oh it’s kind of messy and I’m acting like it’s horrible. NO. It’s horrible. So, there’s that to look forward to. ;) </p> <p>So do you love this time of year as much as I do? Do you have any fun plans for your home, or at least ones you daydream in your head? Any organization projects you want to tackle? Do tell! </p> <p>I’ll be back next week and back to a regular posting schedule! Have a great weekend and stay safe if you are getting this weather too! </p>

THIS is the year

Hey hey! I’m writing today from under six inches of snow – with absolutely FRIGID temps coming next week. We’re talking feels like negative ...

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