Nest and Other Changes in the Bedroom

I cannot fully express how excited I am about my new thermostat. Yes, you read that correctly...I am excited about a thermostat. What can I say...I'm a huge sucker for good design. After wanting one since first seeing it last year, I got a Nest through Reliant's Learn and Conserve Plan. I couldn't bring myself to spend $249 on a thermostat, so when I found out that the electricity plan included a Nest, I happily took the bait.

And I have to tell you, it's everything I dreamed it would be. It looks fantastic on the wall and the interface is so smart and simple. Plus, it can be controlled via cell phone or computer. I've only had it for about a week, so I can't confirm wether or not its presence will make us more efficient energy consumers, but I'm pretty sure it will deliver on that front. And let's be honest here...I do want to conserve energy but I'm mainly obsessed with the aesthetics. The design is so sleek and discreet...a HUGE improvement over the old white plastic one I had. Doesn't it look great?

So you might've noticed that the Nest is mounted on a dark blue wall and you might recall that my bedroom was formerly painted with Restoration Hardware's Slate, which is a warm gray color.

And thus, the thermostat is not the only thing in the bedroom that has gotten a makeover in the past month. One major wall in the room was going to have to be painted because of the bathroom remodel anyways, so my husband and I decided that we were ready for a change and went in a totally different direction in terms of color. He and I both agreed on navy so I color-matched some navy blue wrapping paper by Waste Not Paper that I got at my cousin's stationery store in Houston, Katie & Co. The color looks fantastic with Schumacher's Chiang Mai Dragon, so I'm going to use that fabric to recover a bench that will go at the end of the bed.

I'm pretty pumped about the Nest and the bold wall color. Especially with the new bathroom and freshly refinished and restained hardwood floors, the whole master "suite" feels like a whole different space. We just moved back in and I haven't hung artwork or draperies yet, so for now this little sneak peek is all I can offer. But stay tuned for the big reveal!

Impending Master Bathroom Remodel

Happy New Year everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful break. I had fun seeing family and definitely enjoyed some time away from my cell phone and computer! Back to business now though.

At the Knight house, pool construction continues. For those who don't already know, our old pool had to be removed because it was severely cracked. To add insult to injury, the leaking pool also caused the foundation of our house to move, which resulted in some broken tile and drywall damage in our master bathroom.

I've hated our bathroom since we bought the house and initially, we planned to redo it. As most homeowners can understand, the myriad of expenses that ensue after closing took some of the wind out of our sails and I decided to just paint the bathroom and put the remodel on the back burner until the money hemorrhaging subsided.

Well, the bloodletting has not stopped (in fact, it's at an all-time high thanks to the pool costs), but now the bathroom looks really run-down. So I'm getting bids and planning another major construction project at my own house. Just like with the pool, the expense puts me in a bad mood but the promise of an improved living environment makes me excited. It'll be nice to have our main living area reflect our aesthetic and lifestyle.

In order to maximize the space, we will be knocking down the wall between the rather small bathroom and the rather large walk-in closet. Further, the outdoor covered patio will be enclosed and that square footage will be added to the closet/bathroom space. Besides the additional space, enclosing the patio will allow us to add some much needed windows to the room as well. Here is a rough plan (click to enlarge)...

Since the closet and bathroom will be combined, we will be using wardrobe-style clothing storage. Basically, all clothes will be behind closed doors. From the master bedroom, the entry will have a similar layout to Carrie's closet in the first SATC movie (albeit hers is far more luxurious than ours will be)...

Images via Sex and the City: The Movie

These doors have mosaic mirror trim and they are bananas....

Image via Sex and the City: The Movie

Image via Sex and the City: The Movie

I already have a sink console from Restoration Hardware and aside from the faucets shown (not using those), this image gives an idea of what the vanity area will look like... 

Our house was built in 1948, so I plan to keep the style classic with modern touches. Herringbone Carrara tile will be used on the floors, white subway tile will cover the walls, and the fixtures and fittings will be polished nickel. Also, I finally broke down and bought the Waterworks Gotham towels that I've been coveting for years. 

Most of the fittings for the shower and bath will be from the Waterworks Studio Highgate collection. We haven't decided on the type of shower system yet. The shower floor will be Carrara penny round tile and I'm dying to get a huge soaking tub... 

Double Canopy Chandelier - Format Towel Rack - Cast Iron Soaker Tub

We are also moving our front-loading washer + dryer pair to the new space. The laundry room is currently on the other side of the house and I hate lugging everything over there and back. So, the new closet will have a laundry area with hampers, machines, and a folding area so that our clothes and linens can be used, cleaned, and put away without much hassle. The machines will be enclosed with cabinetry and I'm still tinkering with the hamper situation and folding area. Here are some ideas, although I'll probably hold off on this component until everything else is finished...

Well, what do you think so far? I still have a few elements to figure out and I need to sort through bids and estimates, start hiring people, and ordering materials. I'm not excited about our bedroom/bathroom becoming a construction zone, but at some point it has to be done and I guess it might as well be now (or rather, when the pool deck is finished)!

I'm glad that the Waterworks Studio collection has made its debut in time for me to use it! Isn't it pretty? I'll keep you posted on what I end up buying. In the meantime, you can track my shopping and recon for the project on Pinterest!

Deep-Seated Sofas

One of the many factors to consider when you are choosing a sofa is seat depth. Old-school sofas are relatively shallow (seat depths often range between 20-24") because they were designed for use in formal sitting areas. If you're trying to be prim and proper, it's easier and more comfortable to sit up straight when the sofa back is close by.

Nowadays deeper sofas are a popular choice for less formal spaces like den/family/TV rooms. The extra depth is more conducive to lounging, especially if two people want to lay across the sofa at the same time! Also, a nice deep sofa can make a great extra bed. If sleeping is a major consideration, then focus on styles with a single seat cushion and make sure they're long enough.

Here are a few examples of sofas with deep seats...

Sofa Liljevalch - Svenskt Tenn

Belgian Shelter Arm Slipcovered Sofa - Restoration Hardware

Greyson Sofa - BoBo Intriguing Objects

Piazza Velvet Storm Sofa - CB2

Bliss Sofa - West Elm

The Theodore Sofa - Jayson Home and Garden

Silhouettes Sofa with Dressmaker Skirt - Hickory Chair

Tufted Deep Sofa in Sand Velvet - RoomService

If you're considering a sofa with a deep seat for a casual room in your house, just be sure that there are plenty of other more upright seating options in the area. The addition of a pair of armchairs or a more traditional sofa will not only accommodate guests, it can also keep the room from looking sloppy and overly lax. Choosing a structured sofa style (like the tufted ones above) will also keep the space looking orderly and put-together.

What do you think of deep-seated sofas? Do you have one in your home? Do they annoy you? I really like them but they annoy my husband which is one of the reasons why the one in our den isn't super deep!

The Downfall of Restoration Hardware?

Does anyone else seem to get an enormous Restoration Hardware catalog every week? I get seriously perturbed with retailers who over-send catalogs. RH isn't doing themselves any favors by mailing me their catalog right now anyway...I've been really disappointed with the overall tone of their merchandise lately (or at least how their catalog portrays their goods). Every page has the same muddled color palette and the concept of contrast is completely disregarded. The contrived, "faux antique" card is played over and over again, and frankly the effect is quite vapid.

Luckily, despite their stylistic overhaul, they kept some of their signature classics like their embroidered Italian Sheeting, bath linens, and nice-looking upholstery. I also noticed that their selection of mirrors was impressive (albeit each was pretty pricey). So, I decided to check out the Wall Décor section of their website and browse the items in a context outside of what the catalog provides. Here are the things I saw and liked...

Bistro Antiqued Brass Mirrors

Baroque Weathered Zinc Mirror

Bonaparte Mirror

Weathered Zinc Single Fez Mirror

Vintage London Clock

William Curtis Rolf: Staircase

Antique Planisphere Chart

What's your take on Restoration Hardware's new style? I hate to discredit their whole product offering, because I've always loved RH. Perhaps they just need to hire a new art director for their next catalog.

Chalkboard Paint

I've been itching to paint something with black chalkboard paint for quite sometime now. I think our boring pantry doors might be the lucky winner...

Good Night Black

A looong while ago, I ordered new pulls and knobs for our kitchen cabinets. From Restoration Hardware, I chose the Hanson Knobs and the Gilmore Pulls...both in polished nickel. I need to get out the screwdriver and put these on...hopefully I can get to it on Sunday!

After that happens, I need to get new levers for the pantry doors too....maybe something like this:

I think the polished nickel would look sharp against the black chalkboard paint. Plus, the beauty of this project is that I hate the current pantry doors...they are hollow and ugly, so even if I don't end up liking the chalkboard paint, replacing the doors would be a welcome option.

Do you think painting this pair of doors black is bananas?? I am obsessed with contrast so the idea appeals to me...but it could definitely be a little too extreme!

Sofa Sources and Selection Strategy

Last week, I received the following question from Alison of the fabulous fashion blog, Luella and June: I'm looking to find a great, comfortable, investment-purchase couch. What stores in Dallas or online would you recommend for quality and comfort for the long haul?


This is an excellent question and to be honest, my answer is highly contingent upon budget since the range of price points is wide and retailers tend to have a sweet spot within that range. For example, if the budget is around $1,500...I wouldn't recommend Williams-Sonoma Home. They have impeccable sofas, but none under $2,000 - especially once shipping and tax are accounted for.

With that said, no matter what your budget is, quality construction is key. Sofas usually serve as both a focal point and a workhorse in a living area....so, the best sofas are balanced in form and function. Finding the perfect mix is tough and will probably make you feel like Goldilocks during the search process. The huge range of options can be overwhelming so the key is to come up with a list of parameters to help narrow it down. If you are patient and adhere to your list, the right sofa will be found and you won't need another for a long time.

When formulating the list, you must address:

1. Size - for both your room and the doorways/hallways/staircases it must go through when delivered! If you're unsure about how large the footprint of the sofa should be, get out some masking tape and tape off the ideal area. Be sure to take every measurement in consideration...for instance, when I was choosing our sectional, I wanted the back to be a certain height so that my console table could be used with it. Electronics might be a factor too...i.e. you wouldn't want a super low sofa if your tv is mounted above the fireplace. 
2. Style - assess the available colors, fabrics, and wood finishes...are they what you want and need? Is the overall look one that you'll still love in five years? In this category, go for a timeless, classic style. You can always use funky pillows and throws to bring in color and personality.
3. Function - what is the main way that you'll use the sofa...and be honest with yourself here. If you like to sprawl out and watch TV, make sure it's deep enough to do that without falling off. Do your sofa and coffee table serve as a dining area? Make sure the seat height is on par with the coffee table and choose an easy-to-clean fabric. 

Since most retailers carry pieces from various manufacturers, it's tough to make blanket statements on quality. I think it's important to see, touch, and sit on prospective purchases, however, that exercise is not possible in some cases. Don't forget that returning a sofa isn't exactly like sending something back to Zappos! So, if you're ordering a sofa from an online-only retailer, be sure to get lots of photos (pay attention to details like the seams) and be aware of their return policy and any quality guarantees.

For your viewing pleasure, I've included my favorite styles from the following recommended online retailers. I hope you have some snacks nearby because this might take you a while to go through...I love me some sofas and just couldn't stop. So, sorry about the super exhaustive list! I started with high-end, expensive ones and tried to go down in price from there. I know I'm leaving some great sources out, so please be sure to name your favorites in the comment area. Also, please share any experience you've had (good or bad) with ordering a sofa. Any retailers or manufacturers that we should avoid?

Without further ado, here is my sofa source list!

Hickory Chair makes gorgeous, high quality furniture. Most pieces can be customized...a factor that helps makes the higher cost more palatable. In Dallas, you can order Hickory Chair pieces from Rose Tree on Knox.

Leigh

You can get this armless sectional series made to measure...I am completely infatuated with the Greek key trim!

Silhouettes

Gentry

From Restoration Hardware, I love the Easton and Kensington collections.

The Easton sectional is amazing...though I'm not sure if it warrants the $10k price tag.

Quatrine makes custom slipcovered furniture. It's really expensive but it's probably worth it in the long run!
Contemporary

New Contemporary

Williams-Sonoma Home has beautiful upholstered pieces and their quality is outstanding.

Starting at $3,900 - Hyde Sectional 

Starting at $2,550 - Wilshire Sofa

Although I've never seen any furniture from Layla Grayce, I know they carry premium lines and their customer service was so impressive when I ordered my cloisonne lamp, so I'll happily endorse them!

$2,721 - Lombardy Slipcovered

Jayson Home and Garden has so many fabulous sofas and they are wonderful to work with. I have such a crush on this store.

$2,295 - Rockefeller

$2,195 - Belle

$3,695 - Jordan Sectional

Room and Board has nice-looking stuff, most has a more modern vibe.
$2,199 - Hutton

Reasonably priced selections from Horchow.

$1,629 - Dusk

$1,599 - Snow

$1,829 - Abraso

Stylish and under $2k from High Fashion Home

$1,799 - Dustin

$1,529 - Jacqueline

$1,579 - Chatham

Z Gallerie has luxe looking styles at bargain prices. I've ordered lots of furniture from them and have been thrilled with the quality thus far.
$999 - Pauline

$1,199 - Oscar

Love this casual yet modern number from CB2
$1,199 - Movie Cement Slipcovered

This one from Macy's is so sophisticated and the price is amazing!
$799 - Jacqueline