Incorporating a Window into a Headboard

I needed to incorporate this window 

into some sort of headboard for the bed.  

I hated the way a regular headboard blocked the window. 

We like to open and close it without getting out of bed.

I found these two side panel doors in a catalog.  

They were the perfect size. 

I had been looking for vintage doors 

for several years.....to no avail.  

I loved the distressed look and the wrought iron element

The wallpaper is a soft but intricate pattern 

that somewhat mimics the bedding.  

The rest of the room is cream, 

including the ceiling so the entire focus is on this wall.

I painted all of the molding and doors in the room the soft blue green color taken from the wallpaper and bedding.

My Dad made the candle stand for me many years ago. 

I had seen it in a magazine and couldn't afford it....

so he made me one. 

He is a man of many talents 

and can still run rings around me at 82.

 Here he is with my sons....Love You Dad

 

I pulled in other wrought iron elements.  

This piece was found at a yard sale about 5 years ago.  

It had been waiting for just the right home.

The room is serene and cozy....

I'm quite happy with how it turned out.

Ideas For a "Positively Pink" 1st Birthday Party

My Granddaughter's 1st Birthday Party was a Huge Hit!

Her Mom, Nicole, worked overtime to make it perfect.

I was super impressed with her efforts....take a peek.....

The color-coordinated candy, cakes and cookies

were creative, inspiring and endless....

The Display was just as beautiful.

 

Even her diaper was a thing of beauty!

Nicole didn't miss a trick.....planned out to the smallest details.

Happy 1st Birthday to my Beautiful Kylee

I love you and miss you,  Grandma

Turning Your Deck Into A Backyard Room

I have just added a deck to my house and needed some inspiration on how to make it feel like part of the living space. Susi from Arcadian Lighting has generously agreed to be that inspiration.

Today’s guest post is from Susi, a writer for Arcadian Lighting, a must-shop resource for beautiful lighting fixtures. Visit their website and cool blog for more information. Enjoy.

Many people have an underutilized deck that is less than inviting for anything other than grilling.  Turning these decks into outdoor rooms is easier than it may seem. A few tricks, such as using outdoor fabrics and rugs, can turn the backyard deck into a lovely outdoor room.

Pinterest via

Create an outdoor room with a comfortable seating area and accessories. Garden stools, a coffee table and a mirror all impart the feeling of a well styled room.

Better Homes and Gardens via

When creating an outdoor room on the backyard deck, outdoor fabrics are a must. Outdoor fabric has come a long way in the recent years. Select a color palette just as you would for an indoor room.

West Elm via

Think about lighting when designing your outdoor room. An umbrella or sun shade to block the light during the day and lights to dine by at night are key for an outdoor eating area.

Elle Decor via

A rug centers an outdoor room just as it does indoors.  Outdoor rugs, like outdoor fabrics, are available in a multitude of colors, patterns and styles. An outdoor pendant light also helps turn a deck into a room.

My Kotori via

Entertaining is what having an outdoor room is all about.  Providing an array of seating options and side tables with vintage and new finds creates a charming space to entertain as well as having enough lighting fixture around the space.

The Pennington Point via

Create extra seating by building a custom banquette along one side of your deck. You can add storage under the banquette for pillows and cushions.

Miss Design via

A pergola not only provides shade during the day for an outdoor room but creates a place to hang lighting.  String lights, votives, outdoor lanterns and pendant lights can all be suspended from a pergola.

Good Housekeeping via

An outdoor fireplace or fire pit transforms a deck into an outdoor living room. The fireplace or fire pit becomes a nice focal point for the seating area as well as provides warmth on cooler evenings.

For more necessary inspirations on how to use your backyard deck as an outdoor room, check out Arcadian Lighting blog for more tips, ideas and inspirations. They are a one-stop shop that provides the best lighting fixtures from a variety of manufacturers. Make sure to check them out today!

Thanks again Susi....you have given me some great ideas! Linda

Pleasantdale Chateau - A Feast For The Eyes

We had the pleasure of attending a wedding this weekend at the Pleasantdale Chateau, just outside of New York City.

It truly was a feast for the eyes! 

Not only were the grounds simply stunning but the building and the decor were not to be outdone.

Before becoming a wedding destination, it was the former home of Charles Walter Nichols, a renowned industrial leader in the early 1900's.  In 1994 it was acquired by the Knowles Family.  They have kept its elegance and rich history intact, maintaining a farm and apiary on its grounds that provide fresh produce for guests and local restaurants in the area.

It is located on forty acres of mature woodlands, with ponds, fields and charming gardens nestled around rustic structures.

www.pleasantdale.com 

 I am in love with this millstone.....I want one!!!

Now for the inside....

There were many rooms....one more beautiful than the other and the cocktail hour is held in all of them.

  You could just wander from room to room....food was served in just about every one of them

Then, as if this wasn't enough....a large atrium 

with fabulous and exotic plants that led to more rooms

 The decor was everything that I love...

 

...and the grand ballroom, a later addition, 

was just as beautiful

I just can't resist showing you a few more photos

and finally....a little friend we met while on a stroll

Paradise for this Frog....or maybe the Prince?