Restaurant remodel update

I'm still pluggin' away with the restaurant remodel. It's been quite a challenge working on this project long distance. Fortunately, we've only had one 'Holy smokes you have to get here NOW!' moment.

I've begged the trades to send me progress pictures along the way. Here's what they've sent:

I designed a 3-dimensional wall treatment. (Can you say signature item?) We'll put a neon light on the right side to finish out this fun focal wall. Can't wait to show you all the end result. Who am I kidding?... I can't wait to see the end result!

Bathrooms are tiled and currently waiting for the concrete floors to be stained, vessel sinks, mirrors and lights. 

  

We opted to use a tile that looks like linen. It has great texture but sadly doesn't show in this picture at all. The contractor looked at me like I was crazy when I told him we were using light grout with dark tile. Slowly but surely I plan to turn him into a believer!

This picture is mid-installation but shows lots of goodies if you look around...planked wall to the right, brick wall in the background and stacked stone up front. Our carpenter is working on a box that'll top off the half wall and give the illusion of the divider panels going from floor to ceiling.

The shiplap paneling is carried over into the waiting area and is painted light beige, almost white.

It's exciting to see things finally coming together as the sawdust begins to settle. Lighting is up next. I've ordered some great chandeliers from etsy that are due to arrive this week.

God's been working in amazing ways when it comes to the art we hope to use. Meetings are still in the works but as soon as the details are solid I'll share what's up my sleeve!

Guest Bedroom Reveal (Before/After)

I'm loving the simplicity of our new guest room. My goal was to simplify and undecorate. I wanted a space that was calming for guests but not sterile. Ready to see the results?!

John made the headboard. I know you're not surprised, because we all know by now that John has mad skills. 

I typically do the finishing work on our projects, i.e. sanding, caulking, painting, etc, but I got out super easy on this one. We didn't finish any of it! Raw, natural and minimal.

We used select pine as the main pieces and primed MDF for the surround. The lighting in this shot makes it look a tad more yellow than it actually is. The below shots are a better representation of the true color.

Love how the bit of gold on the Ikea sconces tie in the gilded gold mirror from Wisteria.

I picked up the Snake Plant at Home Depot and it's supposed to be really hard to kill. I've had it for about 4 months now and so far so good. If you have a black thumb, this is a keeper!

I decided to nix throw pillows on the bed for several reasons. One, I didn't want to cover up John's hard work. And, two, guests don't have to worry about fussing with a ton of pillows. This frees up their time to visit more with us!

So, after 15 months of living in this house, here's the slow progression of this room:

Right after moving in. Pretty much a catch all space.

Finally got around to getting rid of the things I knew wouldn't work with my new vision and also got rid of the yellow paint color. New paint, Seashell by Benjamin Moore.

After:

Plain and simple.

Shed Before and After (and the dirty in between)

We've been staring at an unsightly shed right out our front door for over a year now. Seems odd to have a shed in your front yard, right? Our house's orientation is flipped since there's a pond on the front of our property. Anyway, the view from our master bedroom window, as well as, front door was the shed that the inspector we hired prior to moving in, said "should be condemned." I'm happy to say we didn't listen to him and now have something functional and somewhat pretty! 

This picture helps you understand why the inspector was leaning towards demo...

I wasn't too thrilled about painting this entire building with a roller so when HomeRight offered to send me their big daddy paint sprayer, I said, "Yes, please!" See him in the bottom left up there? Yep, that's the Power-Flo Pro 2800 getting ready to rumble. I started by trimming the shed by hand so the overspray wouldn't get on the shingles.

And, that's where the fun stopped. Screeeeech! I spent the next 4 or 5 hours reading directions, watching youtube tutorials and calling the HomeRight help line. This, my friends, is what things looked like when I started crying  threw in the towel...

Whomp! Whomp!

You MUST be wearing the paint by the end of the day to call it a successful one!

I knew there was a huge chance the problem was an operator error instead of a defective machine so I decided to wait for John's help before I deemed this product a heap of junk. The people at HomeRight were very patient with me and even offered to send me a new sprayer if I thought there was something wrong with it. 

Well, I'm very embarrassed to say that I'm an idiot who can't follow directions my husband is a genius and had this sucker working in 2 seconds flat! Literally, 30 minutes later the entire shed was covered and the angels started singing. Pretty sure that's God's sense of humor while letting me know, "You need him, Dana!"

We started small with the shed but up next, we're going to tackle the detached garage...

So thankful we'll be using our Power-Flo Pro 2800 instead of pure arm power. That sure does make this job a lot less daunting. You can bet I'll be sure John's available to read the instructions. ha!

*not a sponsored post

The People of High Point Market 2014

Everything is pretty at High Point, even the food...

I was able to feast on this delicious dish as I listened to Candace Olson dish on where she finds inspiration for her numerous product lines. She is very witty and very tall! It takes a confident woman to wear high heels when you're already 6' tall. You go girl!

Candace Olson

Here I am feeling blurry and small. ha!

I took a business class from Designer, Tobi Fairley, with my friend Melissa. This was a jam-packed day with tons of information. My brain was whirling when she stopped talking we wrapped things up. Tobi is one smart, business-savvy person!

Tobi Fairley and Melissa Clark (In Chic Order)

I'm intrigued by how her brain actually works on both sides! She has her MBA, a degree in accounting, a degree in interior design and she's great at all of the above.

Next up, a panel discussion about how blogs and social media are transforming design.

Left to Right: Robert Leleux (editor-in-chief domino magazine); Suzanne & Lauren McGrath (McGrath II Blog); Jenny Komenda (Little Green Notebook); Paloma Contreras (La Dolce Vita); not pictured (Mark Sikes)

I was trilled to meet Jenny in person. Her blog is one of my absolute favorites and I'm continually amazed at her insane ability to DIY anything and everything. She offered a very down-to-earth, refreshing perspective on this crazy world of design we operate in.

What did I learn from all of the above? I stink at networking! I mean, the editor-in-chief of Domino Magazine is right in front of me and I can't think of one single thing I should discuss with him. Ummm, how about "I love you work, would you like to see some of mine?" ;)

I'm not a pushy person by nature (even though my husband would disagree) and I'd much rather meet someone in a relaxed setting rather than a "you're the star" setting. I've never been a fan of autographs so the fact that I walked away with these pictures is huge and proves how badly I needed blog content. But if you're a go-getter then there are endless opportunities to network with the bigwigs!

High Point Market...what's it like?

Fortunately, my previous post was not an accurate representation of my first experience at High Point Market in North Carolina. It truly was an amazing experience that I liken to a designer's version of Disney World!

With over 100 buildings of home decor, it's impossible to even scratch the surface of what's offered. I was thrilled to find many new (to me) vendors and surprised that some are even local. Crazy that I had to travel all the way to North Carolina to find someone who's literally a stones throw away. I'm so excited to start building these relationships and have some special treasures to offer clients through one-of-a-kind art and furniture. 

Above is BoBo Intriguing Objects. This was one of my absolute favorite hits. There are 4 stories of vintage finds and wonderful product. As the goods get gobbled up, a sticker is placed on the sold pieces with the name of the studio where it's due to ship. Can you say I drooled as I saw pieces that are headed to Lauren Liess?!

Here's a little glimpse into the store. I'm considering this pendant for my restaurant project.

The displays in all the showrooms are phenomenal. It's impossible attend without walking away completely inspired.

Speaking of inspiration, my wheels started turning when I came across these calligraphy brushes. I'd love to create an art installation using a mass quantity...great texture and color!

Stay tuned for additional posts full of what's trending, people I met and things I learned. Oh, and I almost forgot, I'm finally on Instagram. Yes, that's one thing attending High Point made very clear to me...it's a must to stay up with social media. Feel free to follow along: danafrielinginteriors.

Lessons learned from the High Point Jerk

I had a complete Julia Roberts/Pretty Woman moment at High Point Market last week that left me all hot and bothered. I met my local sales rep from a hoity toity furniture line (which shall remain nameless because that's what's right, but I really, really feel like calling them out) and the man completely sized me up.

After a few measly minutes of small talk, he went on to tell me they prefer to do business with "high-end designers" and "we don't really serve the hobbyist who's attorney husband just happened to get her a tax ID." (Btw, my husband's not an attorney and he had nothing to do with my tax ID.) His proclamation was met with a blank stare by me since I wasn't quick enough to have a good retort and I was appalled that he was being so blatantly discriminating. He then said he had an appointment but we could look around the showroom if we still wanted to.

I was ready to hightail it out of there but my friend's curiosity had been peaked and she wanted to go in, so in we went. They had pretty things, but the line didn't fit my personal aesthetic so, once again, I was ready to get out of there asap.

It's been 4 days since this event and I still can't shake this man's rude behavior. Instead of letting this fester, I've decided it needs to be turned into something positive. Hence, my takeaway...

Lessons learned from the High Point Jerk

1. It's always important to be nice to others even if they don't appear to bring in a fat paycheck.

2. Don't assume anything about anyone, you may just be cutting your nose to spite your face.

3. A little bit of respect goes a long way.

4. Don't try to make yourself feel better by putting others down.

5. Kindness matters!

So, Mr. High Point friend, let me remind you how Julia Robert's story ends...Do you work on commission?! ;)

Guest bedroom inspiration and purchases

Our guest room is undergoing a very slow makeover. I've managed to sell most of its belongings, paint it white and make a few purchases. Still on the to do list is to build a new headboard. I had a "great idea" floating around in my head but once I priced the materials for my "great idea" it didn't seem so great anymore. Boo!

Plan B involves a headboard along these lines...

{via}

Plan B also involves about half the material of my original plan. My wallet is thanking me already.

I found these cute hangers at Homegoods and liked the decorative element they add to the room when not in use. I've yet to transform the previous owner's wine storage area into an actual closet so in the meantime, this luggage rack from Ikea will do the trick (see it in the mirror?).

Speaking of mirror, I'm kind of loving this big, round beauty I picked up at Wisteria's warehouse sale. I'm pretty sure warehouse sales are my favorite thing ever! There's something so fun about digging for a bargain and the anticipation of waiting in line to get in. Did I mention I also love the cheap prices that go hand in hand with a good warehouse sale?!

Nate Berkus Cole Stripe Paramount Ebony

Back to that wine storage area that needs to be converted to a closet...it doesn't have doors so I'm thinking this fabric from Nate Berkus' new line would make a great divider.

{via seventy nine ideas}

Here's an idea I wrestled with for a little while. Railroad ties as a platform...hmmm, different and interesting but how does one get that many of these big, heavy objects from point A to point B without renting a trailer? Yeah, that's a problem, but I sure do like the look!

Hopefully, I'll have some progress pictures to share soon. As soon as my carpenter, loving husband and I fine tune the details.

Powerful words

It's been awhile since I've shared a personal post and recently I've felt a nudging to put this message out there. I dismissed the nudging late last week, then I sat down for a little quiet time today and that nudge suddenly felt like a full-blown shove! Okay God, I get it. So, here goes...

My daughter is in 7th grade and honestly, I've witnessed her to be wise beyond her years on more than one occasion. Let me take you through a conversation we had recently:

Me: Hey, I've noticed lots of your friends are wearing makeup now. You don't seem to be interested at all. I'm not saying you should start wearing it, but I'm curious to know your thoughts about why you're so resistant?

Bryn: Yeah, my friends are always begging me to let them "make me over." I don't know, I just don't want to mess with the way God made me. I mean, the man God will have me marry someday is bound to like me the way I am...without makeup.

Me: (Speechless)

Today I ran across this verse in 1 Peter 3: 3-5 (New Living Translation), "Don't be concerned about the outward beauty that depends on fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God."

Um, hello Bryn...could truer words be spoken? She's 12y.o. and fully grasps this verse. I'm 38 y.o. and obviously needed her to teach me a lesson.

Jump back up there and read the last part of that verse, "...the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit..." True beauty, friends, comes from your sweet spirit and willingness to let God shine through you. Make up washes off, God is more like the tattooed version...He's always there!

I'll wrap things up with this quote. It's an interesting thought. Be mindful of how you impress others today.

Is there such thing as too much green?

I resisted the urge to buy indoor plants for awhile since we have big windows and tons of greenery outside. I thought it'd be an overkill of green, but last week I caved and brought home these cuties.

I'm always blown away by the dramatic effect plants have on a room.

It's the little things that make me smile.

Guess what?!

                                            

I'm super excited that our dining room was selected to be in the Room For Color 2014 contest over at Apartment Therapy!

Guess what's on the line? A gift card to Sherwin Williams! And, guess what I'm about to do? Yep, paint the exterior of our house...can you say perfect timing? I don't even think it's a coincidence that the colors I've already selected are from none other than Sherwin Williams, of course. Crazy, right?!

To refresh your memory, here's the fierce competitor...

So, CLICK HERE to find my entry. Scroll down to the favorite box with the little heart and click away my friends.

While you're there, look around at the other entries because my friend, Cassie has a beautiful dining room in the same division. We're competitors but we're friends, so ya know...it's all good!

The enemy's, I mean, Cassie's beautiful room (love you, friend)...

Thanks so much! Now, go VOTE!

How buying a rug saved me thousands of dollars!

Yes, you read the title right...thousands of dollars! You see, the lack of rug in our living room was a huge contributor to the extreme lack of comfort in this space. I was so frustrated with being uncomfortable in our living room that I was ready to pour out thousands of dollars on a new sofa. I thought that'd be the fix, but luckily, before that purchase was made I FINALLY found a rug (I've been on the hunt for over a year!).

Suddenly, the amount of available seating seemed to quadruple! The first evening we shoved the coffee table out of the way and 3 out of 4 of us were laying on the ground. I had forgotten how much we "use" floor space as seating in our family. Without a comfy rug, there was only one spot to lay down so we all fought over who got the 'good' spot.

The rug has a thick pile so I was going to save some pennies and skip out on buying a rug pad. Well, it only took a few days before I realized that was a bad, bad idea! I couldn't keep it in place and if you have a 10 y.o. boy living in your house then you know they don't gingerly sit down on the couch. It's more like a running leap that pushes everything back about 2 feet in the process.

As I looked into rug pad options, I realized that it would not only save my hardwoods but also add a little extra comfort at the same time. Score! I ended up using the Eco-Cushion Organic Rug Pad from RugPadUsa.com.

I was anticipating being able to feel an added amount of comfort underfoot since the the 'cushion' score on this particular pad was a 4 out of 5, but honestly my rug is so thick already that the extra 'cushion' is hardly noticeable. That's okay though because remember that 10 y.o. I mentioned earlier?...he's still able to be his rambunctious self and my rug doesn't budge!

If you're in the market for a rug pad that's eco-friendly and worth your pennies, hop on over and check out RugPadUsa.com. They were gracious enough to offer this pad for me to review. All opinions expressed are my own.