What a TEASER!!! LOL, can't wait to see.

tina

"Parma, FYI Paris is back on the wall!"

:)

Now you've got me waiting with bated breath for photos. I'm very excited for you and your happiness about it all is so contagious. Please get those photos out!

You know we cannot be patient. You should not have told us until you had photos in hand. We are worse than restless children but proof-positive we like sharing in your happiness. ;-)

GOOD for you! :)

I know but I couldn't wait!

shoot! was hoping you had photos.

Congratulations on being almost done! I, too, was hoping for pictures, though (hint, hint).

Ttodd, the funny thing is that your pics always look finished to me. Maybe it's because they are vignettes of this or that...that is kind of what I see in my mind's eye. Anyway, it is great to hear that you are reaping the benefit of all the years of work and consideration.

That it will work in the next house is pretty amazing. I was able to do a little of that between FL and MA. It is nice to drag stuff along and still have it sing. Seems like a way to live in your dream house, before you even get there! Maybe it will make the waiting easier...

Guess I should have paid attention to "Pics soon". Well, I can wait. Goodness knows, I'm usually the last person to post pix after whining for help. (Me whining, not you)

Interesting about the CL armoire:
"I did get it and I'm in love w/ it. It has made all of the difference in the world to my mental state of thinking that this room would never be complete (or more so that I would never be fully happy & done)."
One of the best tips I could give anyone to completely get a room on it's way to being the cool space you hope for, is to find that one thing that sets the stage/provides the color scheme/sparks the imagination.....to get everything else coming together. I found a $20 rusted wrought iron garden candelabra last week through CL. I had 35 seconds where I considered NOT buying it because I don't have a place to hang it. (Right now, it's hanging from a small stump where I pruned a branch off my 15' high oleanders) But once it came home, my back patio started coming together. I am NOT a tablescape or accessories artist like many of you here, but it's starting to look really cool out back!

Ttodd, I always love what you do. Your color choices, your furniture, your lamps and stuff always strike a chord with me. I will be watching to see this transformation. No pressure. Just velcro your digital camera to your hand and walk around your house a little......

Red

Thank you Red and Amy!

My 1st forewarning: If you don't like monochromatic color schemes you probably won't dig my decorating!

2nd forewarning: I was really disappointed once I started taking pics. I should know by now that you should take pics FIRST, review them and then tweak your stage, er, home! Anyone, that's just not in my time frame today. Personally as I was uploading the pics I thought that they looked rather drab and boring. Maybe it's all of the rain, day after day here and I can't use my favorite slow speed, no flash setting that makes pics look so soft, or maybe it's because the room is so freaking small that there is no way that I can get one whole something in one picture!

Anyway, here they are:

My favorite place to sit. The chair was a $79.99 steal from when Bombay closed and I worked there (the matching one is directly opposite and was sold to me for $1!). I brought the pedestal table up from the basement on Sunday (also another Bombay closing buy). What a difference it makes!

My Paris prints back on the wall. The table is high (an old radio cabinet that we'd love to restore and get working again someday). I have 2 shorter ones in the basement to experiment w/ after one is fixed.

Our too small coffee table (I miss my massive circular banana leaf one but due to space limitations and 3 kids this works for now). Eventually I will begin looking for 4 large industrial wheels so that DH or my dad can build a base for it and raise it up.

Opposite side of LR. (this is where our TV used to be on top of an old bureau and the radio cabinet). This entire wall is blank and I think that I'd like to do a gallery wall of 4 square oversized black and whites all close-ups of the 3 kids and 1 of DH & me. IKEA has 23" square gallery frames w/ big white mats that I think will fit nicely on this wall and fill it up.

The armoire. This is where our sofa used to be. This wall is a work in progress and the room is too small for me to get the entire wall and armoire in one shot. Underneath we have all of our quilts and pillows for the kids to sprawl out on the floor. Working on toy storage. On one side of the armoire I'm going to try out a medium sized camel back steamer trunk that I have in the attic for some storage and or some baskets w/ lids on the other side. Not sure how I'm going to go w/ this. They are allowed to keep a small amt. of toys in the LR. Thinking out loud: I could also put the quilts in the coffee table trunk and get some square baskets to slip into the bottom of the armoire for toy storage. Yes - that's it! To keep the space open on that wall I am thinking about these sconces (link below) on either side maybe w/ black toile shades. I have 3 chandeliers in similar style packed away in the attic.

I think that's about it at this time.

Please tell me what you think of the 4 pictures I'm considering doing for that blank wall above the chair. Not sure which way to go regarding the frame. Black frame, white frame or gallery wood frame.

I'm adding more black and white fabric prints like toiles and mini checks instead of the blues that are currently in there.

Back sofa cushions are on the 'To Do' list to re-stuff. Once I get a new sofa I am thinking creamish matalesse or denim slip covers. Or just have some made for this sofa.

Once the kids are older I will get a better rug. Maybe sisal or something? Not sure. I do want something cushy on my feet though but I want the overall decor style to be an elegant AND rustic European Farmhouse type look. Any rug suggestions or insights?

Lets see what else? Not sure - give me your ideas and suggestions please!

Here is a link that might be useful: Sconce

Eeegads....looks fabulous! Pics #2 and #3 are magazine worthy. I love the hydrangeas!

As for frames and mats, I think I'd echo the look of the Paris prints. Not matchy, mind you, but just a suggestion of similarity. To me, because they are on opposite walls and will be viewed simultaneously, I'd want a harmonious style. But, I like that kind of visual order...

You could get a sisal-look rug made for outdoors that would stand up to the kids if you really want a new rug. Maybe wait until the end of the summer when those go on sale... Well, actually everything seems to be on sale now, doesn't it? Mixed blessing of a bad economy.

I love your house!! Everything looks great! Seriously I really like all the stuff in that room. Very cozy and nice. I have yet to achieve that cozy feeling in mine.

I agree about echoing the Paris prints.

Beautiful! I love it all!
Bonnie

I have always loved this room-- though the iteration a year ago is the one I had in my head. I believe the sofa was where the armoire is now. It has great old european charm with fresh clean touches-- it's interesting, inviting and comfortable.

love the hydrangeas and lily of the valley. They aare two of my favorite flowers. I am a little sad to see the round woven coffee table gone. I loved it but I can see that the shape and style wouldnt work as well now with the new arrangement.

I didnt see the thread when you bought this armoire, but they have been showing up on my CL too. I have been tempted to buy one and paint it in a turquoise with a dark wash over it. If you ever tire of the armoire as is, you could paint it in one of your tones of green. I love that it is so adaptable.

Dear ttodd,

First of all I have to admit that I only skimmed through your post and the responses, but wasn't it you who had a gorgeous rattan looking table in front of your couch or do I have you mixed up with someone else? If it was you, what possessed you to move it? LOL

A very pretty, livable and charming room. I especially like the drapes. Is that an Abyssinian cat, by the way? Your room IS rather monochromatic but it's done in such a pleasing way. The wall color is really beautiful. Would you be willing to share what it is?

I love monochromatic and esp. the colors you used! What color's on the wall? You really got a deal on those two chairs from Bombay. Beautiful.

Lovely just lovely. the corner shot with the black and white frames and the table with the petals and teacup. You have a wonderful eye.

I agree, you have an artist's eye. The look & feel of your home is very unique & special. I love what you've done.

Two thumbs up, Ttodd!! Your drapes are drool-worthy! I love your furniture pieces and that trunk. I'm a fan of industrial-sized casters beneath that sort of thing. Be sure to post updates when you get it made. :)

Lovely stylish rooms with your personal touch. Very good job!!!

Like your armoire, like the hydrangeas, lily of the valley and the cup just like one of mine, the color of the walls and adore the kids/kits. What a charming and calming atmosphere you have created. I am going to love the industrial-sized caster wheels, something to elevate and motor-vate around. I think the monochromatic color scheme give it a restfulness that I love. You have the eye of an artist and I so like everything you do but I adore the window treatment.

Absolutely beautiful and I love your colors and drapes!

Thank you everybody! You know I think that so often I felt that my house needed to look more like other people's houses and finally I'm just over it. I know what I like and I don't care if it's not what most people would do. "Unique" - that makes me feel happy - thank you!

Lets see if I can answer some of the questions:

The wall color is BM Baby Turtle. The truest pic representation of the color in our house is pic #3 & the one w/ the kid. I think that in the other pics it comes across dull and cool becaus eof the flash and the dreary day.

Yes that's my Abby Cat! Her name is Autumn. She is my heart and soul. Truly a wonderful breed of cat that I could never live w/o again. She originally came from a shelter and I am her 3rd and final home. There is lady who breeds and rescues them so I'm hooked up for awhile for rescue cats.

Mammie, That was me w/ that big ole' table (spacial planning is not my strong suit!). It will go back into the LR once we move. I love that piece.

The drapes are from JC Penney. I'm waiting for them to be brought back in my needed length. I hope they do - I need 2 more pairs. If not the Waverly Tea Stain is a good match that I could use at the other windows where I need them. I want to rip the fringe off (it's so thin and cheap looking) and replace it w/ black pom-pom fringe. I'd like to raise the curtain rod up to mid-way between the top of the window frame and the ceiling.

Thank you all for your lovely comments - I really appreciate it. Your help has always been an invaluable resource.

Oh, it's just gorgeous!

That's too bad about the fringe. It sure looks nice on your pics. I'm a sucker for fringe and tassels.

The hutch looks great and I like that it adds another wood tone to your room. Paris pictures are back where they belong. :)

Your and Red's BT is what got me excited about doing my office that color. I think that drabbed out paint really lets one get away with much more in the way of accessorizing without fear of everything fighting with each other.

You do such good work and are really an example for the naysayers about "what" you can buy and "where" you shouldn't buy it from, IYKWIM.

Great job as usual!

beautiful, peaceful, warm, elegant, not overly coordinated (as Bart/Magnaverde might say). nice job.

I love almost everything that you have going on with the room - the wall color is warm and sophisticated, accessories are charming and well-placed, etc. I don't think that the hutch works especially well, though...something about the light tone of that wood, I guess - seems incongruous with the feel of the rest of the room. I sincerely don't mean to offend - the overall effect of your space, imo, is fantastic!

Gorgeous room! Really warm and wonderful!

Yessssssss .... I must admit that I do agree with the above comment about the light-toned wood of the armoire ..... JUST a thought (I swear!!!) but perhaps if you darkened it somehow .... maybe paint it the same color (or darker?) as the walls? Or rubbed/distressed black?

Just a thought -- and you KNOW that I love your style! :)

Jan (ducking and running for cover ......)

I came back again to look at your pretty room! Wanted to say I really love those Bombay chairs. I do like the new entertainment stand. I like the style and think the hardware really makes it. I think it that were taken away it wouldn't have the same look IMO. (well obviously it wouldn't but you know what I mean! It wouldn't look as good!)

Am I reading right that you got those curtains from JCP? Love them too.

Very pretty and a agree on the cabinet wood. I think it's too country for your other decor. Those chairs are great. I'd love to have one like that for my office sitting area. What I like best is that the cat matches the sofa. That was great planning. LOL

ttodd, it's wonderful! What a beautiful room you've put together. I especially love the curtains with the wall color & those great leather chairs. Plus that trunk with the silver tray on top -- wow.

My thought is that when I introduce some more baskets into the room to store the kids toys it will tie in the lighter tone of the armoire. I def. didn't want something darker otherwise I felt that it would be too matchy - matchy. I felt like I needed to bring down the level of fancy stuff.

DH is going to put rustic beams up in the other house which has much lower ceilings than this one and has a big natural stone fireplace. The other house is much more cottage than this one. The hardware on the armoire matches the rusted iron chandeliers that I already have packed away. My banana leaf cocktail table is also about the same color as the armoire and I think will add another relly nice texture to the room once we're in the other house.

Yes SheeSharee - JCP can you believe it?! And BTW - I wanted to let you know that the other day when I was looking at one of your posts that I am thoroughly enjoying watching your home come together. It's really great to see!

ttodd, everything looks awesome! I was going to mention adding legs to your chest/coffee table, but I like the idea of wheels even better! Great deals too.

WOW !! The room has come together so beautifully. I love the chairs and the pedestal table is great next to it. I especially love the chest w/ lamp and the two prints on the wall. That corner is just perfect. It really looks so calm , and I don't think it is "monochromatic" I think it is sophisticated. c

Gorgeous! I love BM Baby Turtle on your walls (I think it's your room color that I had as an inspiration when I used Baby Turtle in my powder and laundry rooms).

The hutch is very light and more rustic compared to the other pieces in your room, but I understand that you want to mix up the fancier dark pieces. I've been doing the same thing, since I'm naturally drawn to antique pine, mahogany, and tiger oak. I don't think I can pull it off quite as well as you have, unfortunately!

Love the room!!!! Where and when did you get that great looking black based lamp? I really like it.

Well, I know what you mean about the editing, that's the main reason I don't post photos when I get things arranged. Too many pictures needed to edit out the dust on the table, the dog chewing it's foot on the edge of the chair, the bra dropped from the laundry basket on the back of the sofa, the shredded tissue on the rug the dog left when she saw me coming. Way too much editing. And yet...........you still have great stuff, great rooms, and just overall, a way with putting things together.
I love the old radio cabinet, wish I still had the one I left in New Mexico. Your Paris prints remind me (in style) of my New York City prints. The drapes look good, the trunk as coffee table is good and will be amazing with wheels. I would have never thought of that.

Red

How are you doing with getting the armoire arranged in there with baskets? And did you settle on the Waverly Tea Stain fabric or what?

Red

You do such a beautiful job with things, ttodd. Such a lovely home you have.

What a charming room. I love it all. The wall color, the drapes, hydrangeas, black and white prints, cute kitty too:)

Baby Turtle is perfect for your space. Great job!

Red - I haven't gotten anywhere on the baskets scenario yet! In fact - I'm embarassed to admit it but I actually forgot about them. I should probably order my Tea Stain swatch this wk. I think that it will look really nice w/ all of the new colors.

I'm also embarassed to admit that I am repainting the LR in BM Strathmore Manor tom. - already have my gallon and supplies! It's very close to the current BT but more on the brown side. I'm moving the green curtains to the kitchen (which I am painting black - crazy - I know - but you'll see eventually).

I finished painting the office BM Jonesboro Cream yesterday and the center hall BM Porcelain Ivory and the ceiling SW Caviar (black) 2 wknds ago.

Saturday when someone bought the green velvet RH pillow covers out from under me on E-bay, I went to RH and ended up getting a bunch of pillow covers in the Sand and Lava colorways. Looks really, really nice.

I just wish I were able to afford some of the silk curtains in the cream/ sand line because they look so good w/ all of the colors. All of the colors together almost looks like a warm sepia toned picture.

Pics to follow in a few days or so!