by Debbee | May 13, 2020 | Home Design
Last week, we toured the childhood safari theme bedroom I turned into a sophisticated space for guests. Today, I’ll show you the other half, with more British Colonial style, safari decor.
If you recall, I wandered into the room last week as a respite from mask making. When I went back to figure out why the sewing machine was jamming for the umpteenth time, the bobbin casing fell apart in my hand. Argh!
Unfortunately, that meant I had to venture out to the store where I usually pick up mask materials — contact free. This visit necessitated going inside.
But, the good news is that the new bobbin casing eliminated most of the problems I’ve had using my old sewing machine. More importantly, I was able to finally finish up a batch of masks and mail them off to aunts, uncles and cousins over age 60.
So, put on a virtual pith helmet as we return to the guest bedroom and continue our exploration of its layout and safari decor.
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by Debbee | May 5, 2020 | Home Design
While taking a break from mask making, I found myself sitting on the zebra print upholstered chair in the safari theme bedroom.
As I sat there decompressing (the dang sewing machine jammed again), it occured to me that I had never showed you any of the upstairs rooms.
We still refer to the safari theme bedroom as my youngest son’s — even though he graduated from college and moved to Philly years ago. Now it’s one of two guest bedrooms. We converted the nursery into a home office long ago; which is where I’ve set up my mask making operation.
The bedroom has been decorated in a safari theme for most of the thirty-plus years we’ve lived here. But, it’s evolved over time as our youngest grew up. When he was a toddler, it was decorated with zoo and circus decor in bright primary colors. As he aged, the room’s African safari theme reflected his love of nature and animals.
Today, the British Empire style guest bedroom awaits his next visit home. Something I hope is in the not-so-distant future.
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by Debbee | Feb 21, 2020 | Home Design
Before we leave for our Terrific Telluride, Colorado Ski Vacation, I wanted to share some of the ski lodge theme decor in the downstairs game room.
It was the perfect setting for the recent, Downhill Dinner. And a couple of years ago, I spread out an Apres-Ski Buffet amongst all the ski lodge theme decor.
I meant to take you on a little tour of the basement level game room weeks ago. But, I’ve been busy adjusting to a new weekly schedule that includes; training and volunteering at the animal shelter, taking a beginner’s acrylic painting class, and adding a Pilates reformer session to my fitness routine.
All the activity has been a good distraction, as I continue to miss my Sweet Scottie Dog, and adjust to a new normal without him. Last Saturday was a crazy but joyous day at Animal Friends. Ten dogs were adopted during my shift on the kennel floor!
Of course, I’m really looking forward to our winter vacation and spending an entire week with family! The ski lodge theme decor is a nod to all the wonderful memories made on previous trips. Let me show you around.
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by Debbee | Oct 4, 2019 | Home Design
Everyone loves my over-the-top, monkey decor powder room — or, at least that’s what they all tell me! First-time guests are always taken by surprise by the dramatic, black wallpaper.
It’s still in the mid-eighties to ninety degrees here in now “tropical” Pittsburgh. Sure doesn’t feel at all like fall ya all! I’m skeptical we are going to enjoy any fall foliage display this year.
So, I’ve lacked motivation to bring out fall or Halloween seasonal decor. Temperatures are supposed to break by the weekend. That’s when I’ll send Mr. Buzz up into the attic to haul down decorations. As you may recall from the Not-So-Scary Halloween Decor Home Tour and Shop, Pack and Store Holiday Decorations, Tableware, I have a lot of stuff!
In the meantime, I’ve decided to show you more of the first floor of our home. Actually, it’s at Myrna’s urging; a loyal follower. I’ve been reluctant to post about the monkey decor bathroom, because it’s really difficult to take photographs in such a tight area. Calling it a room “tour” is also stretch — it’s really just standing in one spot and turning around 360 degrees!
Hopefully, you’ll find some inspiration or ideas to go big when decorating a small room.
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by Debbee | Aug 27, 2019 | Home Design, Organization
After Labor Day weekend, I put away the summer decor and tableware in my kitchen.
One of the things I enjoy about the month of September, is having my home in its “normal” state; without any seasonal or holiday decor.
Besides, there’s all of October and November for fall decorating. It’s nice to have a break; before six to seven months in a row of one holiday after another.
Without all the decorations and tableware out, late summer is also a good time for me to do a thorough cleaning of the kitchen cabinets inside and out. Now that I’ve started that process, I thought I’d continue the tour of my pretty, but practical kitchen.
Today’s tour will focus on the kitchen’s nine-foot island bar; and a few other unique cabinetry features and design elements.
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by Debbee | Jul 20, 2019 | Home Design, Summer
With a heat index of 100+ degrees, I spent the morning in the cool of our finished basement working on a few organization projects. Now, I’m back upstairs on the computer, finishing up the rest of my summer coastal decor tour.
So what are you doing to keep cool during this oppressive heatwave?
Eldest son in NYC called this morning with one of his two central AC units not working. He wanted to consult with his dad, the retired engineer, to try to fix it himself.
All I could do was suggest they go see a movie. After a nice lunch out, with free ice cream desserts, Mr. Buzz and I went to see the Avengers movie yesterday. At first, it was so cold in the theater, I shivered even with a lightweight sweater on. But, mid-way through the three-hour movie, it got stuffy and uncomfortably warm. Theater staff were nowhere to be found before, during or after the movie. At least we missed the downpour outside.
So, not so sure my suggestion for a movie is a good one? Being in a packed theater in NYC during a heat wave may not be such a good idea? Fortunately, our son was in Colorado for the Steamboat Springs Hot Air Balloon Festival during Saturday’s huge blackout. He can skip the subway this weekend, but living in a rooftop apartment makes it hard to avoid taking the elevator!
Click your flip flops together and imagine you’re at the beach instead. Having some coastal decor around the house helps. Let’s pick up from where I left off in, Kitchen Coastal Decor for Summer.
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