As you can see from the post date, I'm writing this a little late. I took off for a much-needed mini-vacation to San Diego, and between the time change and general exhaustion, I missed the post deadline. But here I am now, with double the posts...Week Four AND Week Five (coming at you after this one). But first, if you haven't seen my posts from previous weeks, check them out first and come on back.
Week 1: The Old, the Ugly, the Outdated, and the Inspiration to Change It All
Now that you're all caught up, let's dive in.
Week Four (4/19-4/25) was the week that I brought in help. I had hoped to do a lot of the final pieces on my own -- installing my amazing light fixture, painting the bench, fabricating the bench cushion -- but as the time ticked away, and I recognized how little time I would have when I got back from CA (May 1, and my photoshoot was scheduled for May 3). I was still committed to fabricating the table skirt and painting the chest of drawers, and I didn't think that would be too much to leave for the two days I had left in Week Five. Anyway, bringing in help is ALWAYS a good idea, and the money spent is totally worth it.
First up was reaching out to Laura Braun, a local soft furnishings guru, who I knew had the fabric I wanted to use for the bench cushion in stock -- Root Cellar Designs' Espalier Thistle in Minty Blue.
Gorgeous, right?
Laura and I know each other through Instagram, and this is the first time we did a project together, but it definitely won't be the last. I reached out to her in a panic, asking if she could make me a cushion with this fabric in what felt like .2 seconds, and she said yes! Just wait until you see the results.
The second person I called in for backup was my perfectionist painter Gregg of White Home Improvements. I had planned on painting this boring bench a crisp white, but literally couldn't find the hours to do it. He picked it up with the promise to deliver it new and improved just in time for my shoot.
The final piece that fell into place in Week Four was the drapes. Even though I had put a rush on the production, I was concerned that they wouldn't make in time for my May 3 deadline, but by April 23 I got a call from my favorite gals at Calico in Beverly, MA saying that they were in. I zipped up there between client meetings mid-week and hung them just before taking off for California. They're graphic, substantial, and stunning -- a far cry from the faded gray-blue (see above) that they replaced.
The fabric is an upholstery-weight Waverly pattern and it resulted in incredibly luscious, thick drapery. The cartridge pleat was a perfect selection, as many of the other pleat options would've messed with the pattern too much. Plus, it's a perfect balance of casual and elegant.
So let's check in...here's what I have left, post-California:
- Fabricate and install the table skirt
- Paint the chest of drawers
- Purchase and lay out 20 six-inch potted plants
- Receive and install light fixture
- Decide on which rug to use
- Style, style, style
Ugh, even with all that help, it doesn't look like I've ticked much off my list. Keep your fingers crossed that this all gets done, will you?
Before you come back, be sure to visit the posts from the ORC Featured Designers and my fellow guest participants. There are some incredible projects out there, from both pro and amateur decorators and designers. It's amazing what a deadline can do for you.
See you in Week Five!
All photos, other than the fabric close-up, taken by Paige Lewin, Tess & Ted