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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by Debbee | Jul 10, 2019 | Home Design, Summer
For the summer months, I’ve updated my kitchen with coastal decor, tableware, and accessories.
A mostly red, white and blue color scheme makes for a seamless transition after more patriotic decorations and dishes in the kitchen from Flag Day through July 4th.
Since none of our family members were going to be in town for the holiday, we invited friends to join us for a Pirate game. Even with seats in the shade, it was hot and oh so humid! A heavy downpour held off until the end of the game, but gave us a good soaking as we walked across the Roberto Clemente Bridge into downtown for dinner. Fortunately, the rain ended and we were treated to a great fireworks show over the Three Rivers.
We weren’t so lucky for the supposed “rain or shine” patriotic music concert by the Pittsburgh Symphony on Saturday night. Even though the storm had already passed, flash flood warnings cancelled the performance. There we were with our lawn chairs, picnic dinner and bottle of wine and no 1812 Overture. Hope the weather was more cooperative during you long holiday weekend?
Heading inside now for calmer seas and not-so-warm summer breezes.
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by Debbee | Jan 29, 2019 | Home Design, Organization
Due to it’s popularity and response, I decided to continue with the second part of my remodeled kitchen tour in back-to-back posts this week.
We started in the eat-in dining area and moved along the side of the kitchen separating the front from the rear of the home.
In Remodeled Kitchen Design & Layout Tour (Part 1), I explained how a half wall with spindles, narrow pantry closet, and peninsula with cabinets hanging from the ceiling had been removed. That created a much more open concept between the kitchen, dining space and family room.
Neutrals of tan and gray, with accents of black, sage green, and clay red, create a soothing color scheme. Italian fruit and Tuscany black rooster decor add interest and personality to the kitchen.
Now, let’s resume the tour in the far corner and outside wall of the remodeled kitchen — next to the large pantry and utility closet.
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by Debbee | Jan 25, 2019 | Home Design, Organization
The most commonly asked question from readers is, “where do you store everything?!” After that, are numerous inquires related to my kitchen design and layout. These are prompted by the glimpses seen when I share tablescapes, place settings at the island, and vignettes on the counters.
So today, I’m launching a multi-part tour of my remodeled kitchen. I hope to address most questions and satisfy those just a little curious.
Many of us are stuck inside during the winter months. That makes it a great time to think about home projects and improvements for the year ahead. I’m hoping a ‘behind the scenes’ tour might provide some inspiration or ideas for changes small to large to your kitchen design, layout and organization.
This three-part series of posts are not meant to compete with luxury, designer showcase kitchens. But, to show how my remodeled kitchen works in real life — through normal use and wear. I’ll open cabinets and drawers; sharing warts and all. And, I’ll offer a few insights, tips, and suggestions.
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