Bye Domino!

Today is my last day at Domino. I am moving up to Marblehead permanently to work on the house. Leaving New York was stressful decision I went back and forth on for the past year. In the end the experience of renovating an old house and starting a store seem to match up more with my lifestyle. I will miss New York and all the great people I meet working at House & Garden and Domino. Starting after Labor Day I will be blogging full time about the house renovation and new products and finds. See you next week!
-katy

Bathroom Tile Inspiration

Penny Round Tiles in celadon from Ann Sacks, apartmenttherapy.com.

One of first projects on the new house is re-doing one of three bathrooms. I've been pulling together a little bathroom inspiration to maybe get an idea of what kind of tile we might want to use. We definitely want something classic in white or carrera marble. The house is 250 years old so we don't want to get to modern. I love hexs, penny rounds, basketweave, and subway tiles. But which one to choose? The bathroom is on the first floor and maybe a potential rental apartment. So I don't want to go to fancy. Check out some of my ideas above and below.

Small hexs, apartmenttherapy.com.

Larger hex tiles with subway, apartmenttherapy.com.

Subway tiles with hex floor, dominomag.com.

Cork penny rounds, dominomag.com.

Carrera marble basketweave, merchantcircle.com.

More $1 Design Finds

Here are some more $1 finds that didn't make the domino slide show. Want super cheap placemats that look like hemstitched linen? Check out Christmas Tree Shops for a huge selection available in a number of colors for just a $1 each (above). Below are a few more items to add to your entertaining arsenal. Striped Mexican candles add just the right amount of color to get a fiesta party started. I found the candles at a dollar store in Park Slope, Brooklyn. The bottom pick are glass cups that I think could easily double as votives. Scatter on the table for instant moodiness. I found the blue cups at Jacks 99 cent store in Manhattan.

Sarah Perlis

Three bezel ring with sapphires, $1,070, thisisauto.com.

I'm not a huge jewelry person but something totally struck me with these simple organic pieces by Sarah Perlis. My favorite is the 3 tone sapphire in the image above. Super pretty! The different tones in the sapphires are so exquiste! Check out more from Sarah: shop.sarahperlis.com.

Three bezel emeralds, $1,230, shop.sarahperlis.com.

Disc Charm and Pink Sapphire Bezel, $540, shop.sarahperlis.com.

Mixed circle earrings, $710, shop.sarahperlis.com.

Blue Striped Hand Made Tabletop

I've been craving really simple shapes and colors lately. Totally opposite of what I normally would want. I'm a big pattern and bright color freak. As I pick out things for our new house I'm kinda moving away from the rainbow colors and toward a restrained palette. Right now I am drawn to these simple tabletop pieces by Hering Berlin. Each piece is handmade in their Berlin studio.

"Pieces are either thrown and shaped on the potter's wheel freehand, hand thrown over plaster forms, or slip-casted. Molds are a no-no in the Hering studio."
The blue you see in the stripes is actual cobalt blue. Each line is carefully hand-painted onto the pieces. Gorgeous! Check out more: roseandradish.com.

Bottle Opener Knives

This find comes from the September issue of Food & Wine. "Young designers working out of small studio in Vienna are turning factory rejected knives into bottle openers." I love this! Each one is unique and a totally fun gift for someone that has everything. From $31 each. Check out more: cuttingupknives.com.

Michaela Scherrer: Doily Drapes

I spotted these doily drapes today and was instantly transported to my grandmother's house. Growing up my I remember lace doiles handmade by aunts and friends covering nightstands and dining tables. I was always fascinated by there intricateness. Michaela Sherrer expands on the doily theme with her line of doily shades. The shades are more for a decorative use then a practical shield for privacy. I just love that they make me want to cuddle up under a blanket and drink hot chocolate. Check out more: lisafontanarosa.com.

Tugboat Printshop

Here is a little evening eye candy for you. I've been eyeing these prints from Tugboat Printshop for awhile. I decide to buy the two to maybe put in my new office. I love the color and texture the blockprint gives. Each print is $45 each and custom framing is available. Check out more on their site: tugboatprintshop.com.

Weekend Warriors: Tackling Floors and Clogged Drain

Greg chilling at the local bar after a long day of hard work.

We just back from a weekend of working hard on our house. I managed to pull up the old tile from the bathroom and kitchen floor. What a pain in the ass. I got blisters on both fingers!

On Sunday, we tackled one of our nastiest jobs yet. We been having a problem with a backed up drain that causes water to back up in the toilet every time we take a shower. We tried the standard issue snake to get the clog out with no luck. Turns out we needed to rent the "Electric Eel" which is a motor powered large snake with a cutting bit. Friends suggested that the clog was due to roots growing into the pipes.

The electric eel proved to work but not without a lot of mess. We pulled up 4 large root systems that resembled small animals. Seriously gross! The situation got ugly once the electric snake started flinging excess poo up from the drain. I had to make a poop gaurd so that we didn't get soaked. (I know doesn't it make you want to throw-up!). We eventually got it all cleaned out and feel pretty good that the problem is solved. I would have never done the job without Greg. It was way so messy and stinky! Thankfully he's tougher then me. See more images on my flickr page.

Kitchen with tiles down

Katy pulling up the tiles

Greg using the standard issue snake

Rental sign for Electric Eel at Home Depot

First big root

Claire Coles Inspiration

I am about to pack up the car and head up to the house in Marblehead for the weekend. We have to tackle a leaky roof and some backed up pipes. The toilet on the first floor backs up with water when we take a shower on the second floor. Joy!

Before we go I thought I would share some wallpaper I saw at ICFF that I'm inspired by. Claire Coles is a UK artist that designs wallpaper, ceramics, and accessories. I've been wanting to pick a wallpaper for our front entry but I just can't decide. I don't know if I have found "the one" quite yet. What if I painted it myself? I did go to school for textile design. I could do it! At least I think I can. I love the colors in Claire's work. Blues, reds, and golden yellows are a great combo. Maybe I could stamp an allover design like Claire's on the walls first. Now I'm thinking! Check out more of Claire's work: clairecolesdesign.co.uk.

Mecox Gardens: Dining Tables

I checked out Mecox Gardens for a little dining room inspiration last night. Mecox is extremely expensive. It's the Hamptons crowd Crate & Barrel. Ok not really. Seriously though most of these tables are anywhere from $2,000-$15,000. It is one stopping shopping for gorgeous antiques, reproductions, and lots of indoor/outdoor pieces.

I found a antique zinc top table in an old domino and thought it might work in the dining room? The zinc has a rustic look but the texture and color bring a little life into the room. I pulled together a few zinc tops and some other shapes that I like above and below. I have to keep looking because these are all way out my price range but are still great inspiration. Check out more: mecoxgardens.com.

Beach Dwelling

I just discovered Beach Dwelling out of Birmingham, Alabama. I love the casual vibe with with a bit of Swedish sensibility. Even better? Everything I clicked on I could actually afford! Well not exactly...if I saved up I could. I love this pearled chandelier ($1,075.) for maybe my bedroom? We are thinking of bumping out the ceiling up through the attic. Might look cool? The wood stool ($295 each) could be an instant buy. I was thinking I could group three together for a little bench at the end of my bed. I've seen tons of these wood stools but this stool has wavy carved stripes that feel so beachy. Check out more: beachdwelling.com.

$1 design finds at dominomag.com

My $1 story for domino launched tonight on their website. Check out 25 great finds under $1 that seriously are not cheap or tacky. I can't believe all the good stuff I actually did find. A tip for shoppers: shop big chain stores clearance section—99 cents stores and dollar stores don't necessarily sell things under a $1. Check out the slide show here.

Assorted colored gift tags, $.40 each, mannysart.com for information

Small bowls, $.85 each, crateandbarrel.com for information

Front Garden

Over the weekend we were up in Marblehead working a few small projects. We finally got majority of the garden dug up. We just need to patch the basement window and add more cobblestones. I can't believe how long that took. I dug down about 2 feet to remove all the roots and add new healthy top soil. The roots were seriously out of control! We put in some cobblestones my Mom brought down from Maine along the border and planted three Endless Summer Hydrangeas.

We were trying to decide if we wanted the cobblestones to be flush or a little bit raised? A neighbor walked by and said they look better vertical and raised up. I hate them that way! They look like teeth.

Eventually we will add in more flowers and bark. We tried to space the hydrangeas as far apart as possible since they get so big. The placement feels strange. I want one under each window but the space doesn't really work out that way. I guess they will grow in? Greg promised to make me window boxes for all the front windows for next Spring. We don't have a yard but we will have plenty of flowers.

Kara Weaves: Striped Bath Towels

I just found these awesome stripe towels from Kara Weaves via Design Sponge. Love! This is the perfect thing for my store. Colorful, beachy, and casual. I just ordered three different colors to check them out. A total great deal for $13 for the white and stripe and $15 for the full color. Check out more here: karaweaves.com.

Sara Elizabeth Block Printers: Whiting Factory

I got a second surprise today. My block print came from Sara Elizabeth Block Printers! Love, love! I ordered "Whiting Factory" (below) in a large panel piece for just $32.50. My sister ordered the lobster print (above) and was able to get it framed for about $300. The lobsters look great in her family room. I am thinking of getting my piece framed in a antique wood frame. I want to order a dozen more. Great gift! Check out more: sarah-elizabeth-shop.com.

Ikat Fabric: Uzbeck Alive

I received some gorgeous ikat fabric from Uzbeck Alive today. I ordered three pieces to check out the quality and color of the fabric for possibly use for some pillows. The textile is top quality and really beautiful. I did have a problem with my postman and my fabric got sent back. Uzbeck Alive immediately e-mailed me and resent the fabric absolutely free within just a few days. Great service! How cute is the package it came in (above)? Check out their store here: uzbekalive.com.

Dining Chairs: Classic Shapes

I've been thinking about what I would like our new dining room to look like. The house is so old that I feel like I need to go with an older classic style. I've been eyeing these two styles. Above are antique Windsor chairs that appear August issue of Martha Stewart. I love the simple shape and black finish. I did a quick search and found chairs ranging from $300-$30,000 for individuals and sets. Windsor chairs are classic Americana. Depending on age and set size the price increases.

The chairs below are from my favorite classic kitchen from Domino. I've been dreaming of the blue penny round tiles in my kitchen for days. The rare set of Thonet Bentwood chairs look totally dreamy in the space. There are number of different Bentwood styles but this is truly my favorite. A similar style is available at Conran for $275 each. My search begins now!

Susan Daul: Fraktur Artist

I discovered these pieces this afternoon and fell in love. Folk art artist Susan Daul creates simple framed artworks called Fraktur. Fraktur are a highly artistic and elaborate 18th century and 19th century illuminated folk art drawings created by the Pennsylvania Dutch. "Some of her Fraktur reflect the reworking of a period piece, but most of her designs are original and come from the excitement she feels for this fascinating art form." (traditionalfolkart.com) I love the colors and ornate frames she creates for the pieces. Super fun and whimsical. Prices range for prints from $72-$175 and original paintings will run you from $350-$2500.Check out more from Susan on her website: susandaulfolkart.com.

Wood Farm Tables

I love old wood tables. The table we have my mom actually found for us on the side of the road. The name "Randy" is carved into the center of the table. I was actually searching tonight for dining chairs when I came across these gorgeous farm tables. The tiger maple wood is so pretty. I am sure it looks stunning in real life. The tables range in size from 5 feet-11 feet. Available in Cherry or Tiger Maple wood finishes. Prices range from $1,200-$3,200. Check out the site: greatwindsorchairs.com.

Old Bricks and Cobblestones

My second stop on Friday was at some place that had bricks and cobble stones. I don't even know what to call it. There was nobody there so we were out of luck. My mom told me you can pay the town to take the bricks. The bricks and cobblestones are from old wreck buildings in the town of Portland. You would have no idea this place was here unless someone told you. The bricks are 4 cents each and the cobblestones are $2 each. The bricks are a deal. The cobblestones seem a bit steep. I wanted them to put as a border in my front garden and eventually bordering my driveway. I guess I need to investigate some other sources. The place was interesting though!

ReStore Portland, Maine

We have to buy everything new for the house from sinks to molding. Since neither one of us are millionaires we need to find cost effective resources for the renovation. We don't have the money to just hire an architect and come back in a few months to a gorgeous home. We are excited about doing all the work ourselves. I love the hunting part. You never know what you'll find.

On Friday, I headed up to my mom's house in Portland, Maine to check out some local resources for building materials. We checked out the Restore run by Habitat for Humanity first to see what they had. I saw lots of doors, windows, moldings, sinks, and spare wood. A great resources for anyone working on a renovation. Greg and I really want to use as many recycled materials that seem appropriate not only because it is cost effective but it's just logical to use old buildings supplies for a home. We don't want to add to the waste in landfills and junkyards. I took a few shots of the store so that you could get idea of what you can get at these store. Get more info about Restores in your area: habitat.org/cd/env/restore.aspx

Leaky Bathroom Roof

We got to Marblehead late Thursday night. As we turn down the corner to the house I think both of expected that the house could have burned down. "Someone would have called us, right?" The house was standing to our relief. I ran inside to the second floor bathroom and tried to turn on the overhead light. I pulled the cord once. Nothing. And then a second and third time and I got small sparks. I shouted to Greg to come and check it out. Greg came upstairs and tried and he yelled, "We've got sparks!" I screamed back "No shit, I told you that already." (You can feel the love?)

After a little investigating we realized the light was full of water. Thanks god we didn't get electrocuted! Seems the floor above the bathroom was filled with water because of leaky roof and the water slowly leaked down into the light. Aah the fun! The image above is our leaky bathroom. The image below is a view from outside the house. The second smaller bump out on the back of the house is where all the bathrooms are. The roof at the top is our demon.

Marblehead Weekend: NOOD 2008

We just got back from our second weekend in our new house. We didn't get a whole lot done on the house but we did have fun relaxing. I was recovering from a week of being sick and greg spent the weekend racing in the NOOD: Marblehead (National Offshore One Design). Check out his video of their awesome start on a Sonar named Crusher from Noroton Yacht Club. They just made it in between another boat and the committee boat for a perfect start. I'll share more of our projects we have in the works later this week. Night.

Pulling Up Old Carpet

We ripped out all the old carpet from the third floor last weekend. Thankfully that was the only place that the stinky cat carpet lived. We were hoping that the wide plank wood floors lived underneath the carpet. Unfortunately, all we found was painted stinky cat piss plywood. Yuck. Maybe there are wood floors under the plywood? Check out our brief video of my mom helping pile up the old carpet out on the lawn below.