Before And After: Mid Century Bathroom [Part 2]

It's been a while since I posted part one of our mid-century bathroom renovation and it's high time I share Part 2 with you.  Since the bathrooms are adjacent to one another, I decided to keep the same "feel" going by using Fireclay's Old Cario tiles in both spaces.  Keeping their original layout, we updated the all fixtures and finishes in both baths.  We now have a brighter, more functional bath for our children and their guests.  As in our bathroom, I combined new and vintage items to keep the space interesting, and, for the first time in all of my amateur photography avocation, I enlarged and framed one of my very own photos. 

Take a look at the before, during and after images:

Installing artisan Jai, from Intelligent Tile, laying out the pattern.

A flea market found mirror and towel hooks from Anthropologie offset the spaces "newness" and add contrast.

Oversized Boston ferns and a bamboo hedge lend the space privacy and add visual interest to the indoors.

The mix of artsy patterns with Kelly Wearstler's Channels wallpaper in gold, transform an ordinary hallway into an eye-catching one.

Cass Clutch: Where You Headed, Pardner?

Since its successful Kickstarter campaign, The Cass Clutch has been shipped and received by campaign supporters throughout the country and just recently a big bag order was mailed to Niebuhr.01 in Berlin!  There's a new color, an inside pocket and small, coordinated zippered pouches which will be released at the SF Renegade Craft Fair the weekend of November 19th and 20th.   I'm also looking forward to Cass Clutch participating in the Childrens' Health Guild Holiday Boutique & Luncheon on December 2nd in San Francisco.  A portion of proceeds from the event will help provide local children and their families with much needed healthcare services.  I hope to see you at either one or both of these upcoming events.

In the mean time, check-out Cass Clutch's recent photo shoot.  A vintage MG sets the stage for The Cass Clutch in Big Sur Green and Stinson Amber.  The bag's simple shape, color and flexible design combined with the season's fashion showcases how The Cass Clutch is both classic and current.   It's a bag built to last.  Take a look:

Many thanks to Beverly Jane Peatross for modeling, to John for lending his car and to all who have and continue to support The Cass Clutch.

Before And After: Guest Studio

After 4 years of being our children's stuff catch-all, we finally renovated the studio apartment above the project room.  Since it enjoys a private entrance, a functional kitchenette and oodles of natural light we decided to turn into a rental.  Before we began, with its wall to wall carpeting and muted blue tones, the space wasn't exactly inviting.  Afterwards, it became a bright, comfortable and functional haven for short SF or East Bay visits.  

Firstly, we removed the carpet and replaced it with a gray-wash laminate flooring that made the space feel larger.  The bathroom was enlarged, so it could accommodate a sink and a full size vanity for storage.  Secondly, we created closet space and repaired the kitchenette.  Lastly, we gave the studio distinct sleeping, lounging, and eating/working areas.  The space is now officially listed on Airbnb. Take a look:

Who wouldn't like to spend a little time in this studio above the tree line?

You're Invited: Caftans, Clutches And More....

You're invited to Caftans, Clutches And More, a shopping event with Ginger Caftans, Beauty Counter, Chicory and The Cass Clutch.  Join us at my home on Sunday, September 25th, from 3 to 5pm for light snacks and bubbly.  Try on Ginger's beautiful and super comfortable caftans, wrap yourself in a Chicory cashmere or silk scarf, explore Beauty Counter's line of natural personal products and experience the Cass Clutch.  All these items and more will be for sale at the event, and the amazing thing is that they all work well together.  Further details below:

No better way to spend a Sunday afternoon.  Bring your friends!

The Way We Live: Art In An Updated Ranch

Earlier this summer, I had the pleasure of touring the home of Christy Mack, art lover, collector and consultant.  Her house is a mix of vintage and new mid-century furnishings, objects of interest and art, LOTS of it. She has a knack for finding and placing canvases.   Whether in a client's home or in her own, Christy combines colors, textures and curiosities in a effortless way.    

Growing up with parents that antiqued and thrift store shopped, she learned "the thrill of the find" and later, through her mother in-law's extensive art collection, she became familiar with the who's who in the art world.   As you walk through her beautiful home, you'll experience photographs taken by her and her husband and her son's art alongside noteworthy oils hanging or layered on walls and surfaces creating many visual treats.

When Christy is not out immersing herself in the art by working with artists, galleries, museums and art collectors she is serving the community.  Christy recently served as  President at the Lafayette Juniors League and is a founding member of 100 Plus Women Who Care Contra Contra County.  Both of these organizations raise funds for other local non-profits that benefit women, children and seniors in need.  

Thank you, Christy, for your efforts on behalf of many in our community and beyond for sharing your house with us! 

 For the readers who would like to know more about the non profit organizations that Christy is part of please click here and here.

You find Christy on Instagram @cmackorart