Kitchen Renovation: Part 2

Now that the walls and ceiling of our kitchen have been exposed, new electrical wiring and boxes are being installed.   The valances, so typical of Mid-Century design, have been preserved and in some areas extended.  In case of any late night entertaining, we added a pocket door to separate the dining area from the hallway leading to the bedrooms.  This so that those who tend to go to bed early (mostly me) can fall sleep easily.   On Tuesday, the concrete floor affected by the renovation will be sanded, smoothed and tinted.  Things are moving right along.  Take a look:

Before And After: My Favorite Quick Fix

Thankfully, not much as been updated in our Mid-Century (1953) home to mess with its architectural integrity, but that doesn't mean I'm less anxious to make some changes myself.  Taking into consideration financial resources, project priorities (kitchen first) and careful planning, sometimes a quick fix will do until the time is right for that big undertaking.  My favorite one is replacing the hardware on cabinets, doors and drawers.  Our home office, guest bath and master bathroom got a new look with very little effort and investment just by changing-out the existing pulls and, sometimes, throwing on a new coat of paint.  Take a look:

My favorite place to look for knobs is Anthropologie, although I always have my eye out for them at garage sales, flea markets and vintage home stores.

Take a look at this Pinboard for an array of hardware ideas.

Before And After: A Connecticut Farm House*Part 2

Welcome to part 2 of the Connecticut Farmhouse tour.  Today, we'll take a look at the sunporch, dining room, entry hall and have a preview glimpse of the living room. Be sure to check out part 1 of the tour here.

The rattan furniture left behind by the previous owners was given a quick and inexpensive update by simply covering it with interesting textiles.  Now the sunporch is ready to provide its new owners with some old fashioned r&r. 

I love the sunporch, the dining room settee and the mantle mirror.   Many thanks to stylist Vera Abud and her clients for sharing this special home with Cocoon Home's readers.  We hope to see more of it as the transformation continues.

Before And After: A Connecticut Farmhouse Part 1

While visiting interior stylist Vera Abud last month, I had the opportunity to see a project she's currently working on:  an 1800s farm house.  Her approach modernizes the space retaining the  historic foundation of the home and honoring her clients' aesthetic.    Take a look at the master bedroom makeover and stay posted for more updates on this home.

I love the painted floors, layered bed linens, stacked books and her client's jewelry collection!  Many thanks for sharing this special home with Cocoon's readers.

Bamboo Mural: Before And After

We've been fortunate to have had interesting, kind people for neighbors in every place we've lived.   In the past, some kept bees, others made cheese, one was a sommelier, and now, our closest neighbor is an artist and fellow garden enthusiast.  When I casually mentioned my plans to wallpaper our children’s bathroom in a bamboo print to replicate the view from its window, she immediately offered to paint a mural instead.  AND did she ever!   Take a look at her amazing brush strokes:

Thank you AM for lending us your friendship and insight, as well as your talent.  We love your work!

A big shout out to all our past and present neighbors for the jars of honey, the bottles of wine and the many spontaneous visits that make our friendships memorable and lasting.