katyelliott.com

A daily design journal about new england life, home decorating resources, and renovating a 257-year-old house in Marblehead, MA.

Travers Fabric & Pierre Frey Wallpaper

Posted on | September 30, 2009 | 3 Comments

product gallery image 27665 enlarge 500x375 Travers Fabric & Pierre Frey Wallpaperproduct gallery image 27666 enlarge 500x375 Travers Fabric & Pierre Frey Wallpaper

I was daydreaming about decorating again tonight. I have a long way to go with my renovation before I can actually buy fancy things. I came across a beautiful piece of Travers fabric above on sale for $35/yard. Pretty, classic, and I love the colors. Then, I thought what if I paired it with one of favorite neutral wallpapers; Pierre Frey’s Erevan? Might be too busy and heavy? Or maybe I could make curtains out the Travers floral and use it in the room I was thinking about painting a light green? Night!

Picture 4 721957 Travers Fabric & Pierre Frey Wallpaper

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Diy: Gourd Lamp

Posted on | September 30, 2009 | 1 Comment

ft oct05msl53 xl1 Diy: Gourd Lamp

Totally intrigued by this diy gourd lamp I found on marthastewart.com this morning. Kinda pretty and interesting. Check out the site for full diy instuctions and video how to: marthastewart.com.

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Apple Cider Donuts & Edible Boston

Posted on | September 29, 2009 | 10 Comments

ebos fallcvr155 Apple Cider Donuts & Edible Boston

ciderdoughnuts Apple Cider Donuts & Edible Boston

I am totally in love with fall cover of edible boston. Fresh apple cider donuts from Russell Orchards in Ipswich, Ma are heavenly. I’ll admit I have eaten a bag of these delicious donuts from Russell on the car ride home. Edible has a fun bread pudding recipe on their site using leftover apple cider donuts. Sounds yum but who ever has any leftover? Maybe I’ll give it a try next week. Get the recipe: ediblecommunities.com/boston.

Related Posts:
Fall 2008: Russell Orchards
Michael Piazza Photographer for edible Boston
Recipe: Homemade Apple Cider Doughnuts

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Red Sprite & Jim Dandy Winterberry Shrubs?

Posted on | September 28, 2009 | 8 Comments

Red Sprite Winterberry Shrub

Red Sprite Winterberry Shrub

My mom picked me some “Red Sprite” and “Jim Dandy” winterberry shrubs for my front garden to replace my hydrangeas. “Jim Dandy” is the male plant. Males are needed to pollinate the females. One male can pollinate at least 6 females but the male plant produces no fruit. When I saw the picture of the plant online it looked more like a holly plant—leaves and berries. But I guess the leaves fall off in early October and your left with just berries. I’m rethinking this whole winterberry idea. Maybe I should get a miniature style holly? Do they even exist? I want something that stays green throughout the winter and sturdy enough for holiday lights. I don’t want just shrubs. Maybe something with a little ornamentation…Any ideas?

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Blanket Stitched Linen Curtains

Posted on | September 28, 2009 | 7 Comments

 Blanket Stitched Linen Curtains

 Blanket Stitched Linen Curtains

The last few weeks we have had some pretty cool nights. I need to get serious about drapes for our windows. Last fall, I wanted gorgeous sumptuous $400+/yard fabric. Reality has struck and I’ve come to realization I can’t buy $2,000 curtains when I don’t have insulation in my walls. My sister gave me the heads up on some linen/cotton blend curtains on sale at Pottery Barn. Linen curtains are pretty timeless. I’m sure I can find another home for them once I can afford my fancy floral favorites.

I found this link from gaboushka.com this morning with blanket stitched linen curtains from France. I could blanket stitch the Pottery Barn version myself. Or maybe add a decorative trim?

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Fall Garden Projects: Transplanting Shrubs

Posted on | September 25, 2009 | 15 Comments

Hydrangeas Late September 2009
hydrangeas moved to side in fall 2009

It’s Fall and we’re getting back to work on the house renovation. We needed a little break. Honestly, it’s really hard after a long day/week of work to spend all your free time hammering and scraping. We spent the summer enjoying the ocean and taking a few trips to Maine. We’re feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle some projects that need to get finished before the cold weather comes.

This morning, I transplanted my hydrangeas to the back side of the house. Fall and Spring are a great time to transplant shrubs and plants. My hydrangeas just haven’t seemed happy in the front garden for months. They had it rough this Spring/Summer with all rain and the slugs going to town on their leaves. I’m going to replace the hydrangeas with Boxwoods. What about Red Sprite Winterberry Shrubs instead? I love that the red berries appear in the fall and last through the winter. Check out more ideas from readers in the comment section above.

Once I finish removing the hydrangeas I want to raise the cobblestones. When Greg and I first put in the cobblestones I thought they would be better flush to the sidewalk. Turns out, I don’t. Leaves and dirt blow into the garden constantly. Having the cobblestones raised a little bit let’s me sweep a cleaner line and keep the garden from getting too gunky.

p.s. this weekend is Marblehead’s Fall Festival. I can’t wait for hot cider and pumpkin sconces from Foodie’s Feast. Find out more: marbleheadchamber.org.

Lace Cap Hydrangea
Cobblestone That Need To Be Raised
Hydrangeas Removed From Front Garden Late September 2009

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Press: Etsy Guest Curator

Posted on | September 23, 2009 | 13 Comments

Etsy Guest Curator Posts

Just a few minutes ago my guest curator post for Etsy launch. Go check it out and buy lots of stuff to support the handmade and vintage community online. Below my picks for creating the look of old New England home. Click over to etsy to find out more and purchase: etsy.com.

etsy picks Press: Etsy Guest Curator

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