Power Tool Addict

I've got the bug...you need something cut? I've got you covered. Papa k is teaching me to use tools. But somehow I can't help but think I'm being used and abused...I wasn't allowed to leave the saw all day. Papa k shouted dimensions, Kati cut and delivered.

This Bathroom Is Occupied

Papa k tests out the bathroom functionality. It took us forever to lay out the room. Lots of measuring and string along the floor to come up with a plan that maximized the space and more specifically...the headroom. Somehow we ended up with a tall, BIG shower and plenty of room to spare everywhere else. This isn't your typical attic bathroom...and papa k is so proud and excited!

Isn't he so cute?? Silly, papa k...

Testing the shower space.

Taking a rest on the shower seat.

Pretending to use the door.

"Washing" his face in the sink.

Practicing his deep thoughts on the toilet.

Maximizing Space, Simply

To maximize the eave space in the attic AND to save time and money, we bought raw IKEA dressers to build into the walls. I won't say the dressers and IKEA engineers didn't get the best of me at times, but I'm so pleased with the outcome. They are nice, smooth set of drawers, added storage, no space lost...and we didn't have to spend the time or money to make custom drawers.

Spoiler alert! I plan to paint the drawers a slightly darker white than the walls and add cute hardware.



Tarva 3 drawer dresser - $79.99



My Pinterest!

It took me a while to get into Pinterest...another social media tool to consume time, frustrate me when I can't remember my password and then have stuff lost in an abyss that I never think about again.  Ever happen to you?

But then I created an Attic board (they call them boards). Okay, not a novel concept, but I finally found MY reason to use Pinterest...and it's great! Once upon a time I would snap ideas from the web on my phone and save them to my camera roll. And likely forget about them or lose them. Or stock pile home magazines and clippings that become dust collector throughout my house. Pinterest is so much easier. It's an organizer's dream.

I'm so excited to apply my Attic board to decorate the attic in a few months. Stocking up on unlimited ideas that I won't lose or forget about! ... now, back to pinning...

http://www.pinterest.com/ksalef/attic/

Light Loves

I've fallen in love with some of IKEA's new lighting. Trendy, sleek...and cheap! Check 'em out...

 

VITEMÖLLA, Ceiling lamp, metal glass - $39.99

 

RANARP, Pendant lamp, off-white - $24.99

IKEA FAMILY member price

Price/

Regular price

 

 

HEKTAR, Pendant lamp - $29.99

 

Attic Attack

We're at it again. Papa K is here to finish the attic: guest suite!

For the past few years the attic has been a really, really great storage closet. We have been busy pitching and selling stuff {p.s. how have we collected so much cr*p??} and moving the stuff we'll keep to the dark, dingy and damp basement.

We can't wait to have a second bathroom and comfortably host guests for extended stays. Book your visit now!!

Accustomed to Camo

Every house needs a little camo...according to Hank.

 



Stepping Up

We're stepping up the front steps. The battered backs of the stairs just needed a little paint to clean them up.

Nothing Says Custom More Than Built-ins

Papa K loooooves the "custom" look. It's no wonder he was excited to draw up plans, design and build our beautiful bookshelves and fireplace in the living room. Can you believe the before and after?

The center section is popped out a bit and painted a different color than the sides. This gives the ceiling a dramatic depth and texture.

We don't have any way to vent a fireplace, so we decided to go with a ventless ethanol burning fireplace. The bonus...Pete is an ethanol trader!

The boys also had a great time picking out a new sound system, because "it was the perfect time to build it into the built-ins." Nice work, gentlemen!

 

 

Cozy Curtains

We've been living without curtains in the dining room for years. And only because we didn't know what to do - so many options. Long curtains, balances, patterned, plain... Finally decided to go with long, linen, solid colored Pottery Barn curtains. The curtains have turned a large open room into a cozy area ready for hosting dinner parties. A little extra fabric dragging on the floor adds to the cozy feel.

 

Love them!

 

 

The Newest Addition

Two years since my last post and only minor house decorating...until now. The newest big addition to our home is a puppy! Please meet Hank. He's a German Shepherd, Lab and Mastiff rescue from Tennessee. Named after Pete's Grandpa Hank.

It's amazing how fast you fall in love. And more importantly, just how much better he makes every room in our house look. He's our living décor...