Hello Lovely

Just when the dust seemed to be settling
at the fixer upper, we decided to stir up more
for a few projects in the homestretch...
so all sorts of exciting details to dish about!



We tried a chandelier in this part of the kitchen
to cozy it up, but it was a big fat fail, so it's history!

If you have followed Hello Lovely for awhile,
you will know I am very very patient
when it comes to adding finishing touches
since I like to take my sweet time
and let the decor evolve.


Just outside the front door, a burning bush is letting go.



Our table is too big for this kitchen,
but we've had it forever so I am taking
my time retiring it...it's not right
in the dining room either
so not sure how I will proceed.


I LOVE MY COUNTERTOPS!

They are LG Viatera quartz in a color called
Minuet, which is a clean crisp white with
light grey veining that strikes a balance.
It's not too subtle, nor too strong.



I plan to give this window seat a proper tuffet soon.


And maybe open shelves will go where the mirror is.


We need more texture and cozyfactor,
and I am toying with the idea of reclaimed brick
for the patio door wall and around the window
seat window...remember this post with
tons of inspiration?

We have never tiled with brick
so this could be an adventure!
(and should it be painted white?)



so beautiful.



I love my sink and am so happy Brooke Giannetti
chose it for Patina Farm and revealed the source.


When I look at the marble tile, it's impossible
to not think of my Bella Luna, who pitterpattered
over each and every tile before they were installed.


If you saw my teaser post about wood plank doors,
then you know I got serious about replacing
our hollow core Colonist 6-panel ones which
have driven me nuts (they squeak, they don't fit,
and none of them match).


Below is the knotty alder door I decided on!
It's a two-panel, unfinished door with v-grooves
from Pacific Entries, and they're going to be
an incredible upgrade for this place!

I am even excited about the new door hinges
which will be oil rubbed bronze.


via

We've been experimenting with finishes for the wood,
and desiring a slightly ashy, less orange hue, I first
played with a light grey stain called "sunbleached."
However, it had an inconsistent, streaky effect and an eerie
'hey, aren't you that pink-y white-wash from 1992?'
vibe...so it may be we will seal them and go au natural.

I'll be sharing much more about the door adventure soon.


With all the white, I am hoping the warmth of
natural knotty alder will bring harmony.


I love being surrounded by so many trees on the property,
and maybe it's just because I'm frugal
but I think branches are as beautiful
as a fancy bouquet.




Have you seen this cordless beauty?
It's a Dyson V8 Absolute Cord-Free Vacuum,
and it is making the chore of vacuuming upholstery,
windows, and stairs a heck of a lot easier...
AND
I may actually detail my car regularly now!



The look of the master bedroom will improve
when the new doors are installed, and we
have another DIY project in mind to add
architectural interest to the wall the bed is on.


While I don't want an overly rustic effect, I like
the idea of covering the wall with reclaimed wood
since there are so many imperfections we
would like to forget about.


I will keep you posted, but here are some samples
of reclaimed wood options from Stikwood.


So many gorgeous finishes for adding texture,
and for folks like me who want a lovely
option that won't require a nail gun...
yes, Stikwood, yes, please.


So many "firsts" for us in this cottage makeover...
including a plan for plantation shutters
in the master bath.
(By the way, our shower floor has gone viral
on Pinterest after This Old House pinned it
to their classic tile treatment board!
Like 12,000 views in no time and
thousands of re-pins...who knew?)


I have always loved plantation shutters, and they
make perfect sense in here to replace
the temporary privacy film.

We want to control privacy but also allow
the western light
to flood the space with rays.


I like the look of wider louvers and
found a company called Riverwood Shutters
to create custom plantation shutters
we will install ourselves.
I can't wait to see how they transform that space!


An idea I have for this courtyard entrance is:



but it may have to wait until Spring.


We cannot keep up with fallen leaves,
but it's hard to complain since these trees
add so much beauty and clean air to our lives.



 a glimpse of a fun fall photo shoot





Linking with these lovely bloggers.