Open House

More HD Buttercup

2012-02-02T05:57:00.000-08:00

HD Buttercup is definately a store that appeals to guys as well. Not too many furniture stores has magic like that.

A favorite topic of mine

2012-02-01T06:49:00.000-08:00

Real Estate photos can often give you a laugh. Hooked on Houses blog has a few here for you.

Sister Ex- Los Angeles

2012-01-31T07:49:00.000-08:00

The other half of the Open House team is busy in L.A. We have rules though....she must send me inspiring photographs while I continue to keep our business running along. Here are photos from a favorite shopping haunt or ours. HD Buttercup in the beautiful Helms Bakery building. Photos from our last shopping trip here.

I have noticed Pottery Barn coming on strong with all the oversized baskets as well.

The starburst mirror is an ongoing trend.

Staging

2012-01-30T07:52:00.000-08:00

Not bad for a home we had only 8 hours to stage. We think it turned out cute-my camera doesn't quite capture all of the charm.

Had to figure out how to fit a couch in this tiny room. The sectional works well as it has a hip look that appeals to a first time home buyer and plenty of room for seating. The chair had to be tiny because it sits in front of a closet.

We liked out "smooth jazz" master bedroom. It has a nice Zen feel to it.

It's always fun to do a teen bedroom. Never mind that we could not fit the box spring down the stairs-an all too common staging hurtle. We used 2 mattresses downstairs and 2 box springs up.

The basement was cutely painted with high ceilings but unfinished. We ignored that and created a usable TV room and office.

Put a screen in front of the furnace and water heater and hung a TV. It definitely paints the picture of its potential until the homeowner can finish it off.

Another fun listing by Julie Polkinghorn for Windermere Real Estate.

Books

2012-01-29T08:58:00.000-08:00

Finished Just Kids by Patti Smith. I had my expectations low. Sometimes when a book gets so much hype I feel like a loser if I did not enjoy the read. It was a nice departure from my usual reading and I did enjoy it. At the same time, I was glad when it was finished.

Art

2012-01-25T10:53:00.000-08:00

Loving the work of artist Susan Rockford.

Saw her work in Coastal Living and had to go look for more....

My Studio

2012-01-23T06:04:00.000-08:00

Just a few shots of the vignettes in my studio. I have had some snow days to reorganize my studio, catch up on paperwork and get ready for a busy week ahead.

I purchased a mirror and repurposed it here.

Asian flower plaque is from ZGallerie.

Reading

2012-01-21T08:11:00.000-08:00

I loved this book! A different look at the ravages of World War II in France. Imagine what they found in Hitler's Eagles Nest....

"To be a Frenchman means to fight for your country and its wine."

Claude Terrail

Stop

2012-01-19T10:10:00.000-08:00

Most everything has shut down. My sweet salon is closed due to our week of winter weather. The kids are home and we are doing nothing but games, homework and TV. Our routine has stopped and it's good.

I wish

2012-01-18T14:21:00.000-08:00

Our first touch of winter. School was cancelled and yet the streets are clear outside of my home. However, my brother sent us this photo from his home an hour away. Somewhere school should be canceled-just not in the city...

Morning Beauty

2012-01-17T09:36:00.000-08:00

Dropping my daughter off early has it's rewards. Here she has snapped a 7am photo from the 3rd floor of her school.

Stick with Love

2012-01-16T09:46:00.000-08:00

" I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear". Martin Luther King Jr.

Amanda Cross

Staging Bellevue

2012-01-13T05:45:00.000-08:00

We are becoming more familiar with this Bellevue neighborhood as we stage here more and more. Breathtaking views, a big open sky and not too far from the world of everything else.

Me thinks that is a view of the Newcastle Golf Club. As a matter of fact I will be lunching there soon but I would much rather be golfing there. Especially in this weather.

Now for this wonderful simple home....

The chairs and slipcovered couch are from Crate & Barrel. Kind of a splurge for a couple of stager girls but these pieces never sit in our warehouse.

Table accessories are from the ZGallerie.

Pretty white chair is also from the ZGallarie and the console from Far Fetched Imports

Great pillow, huh? I think Sister Ex got them at Pottery Barn or Crate and Barrel.

We love this wonderful chair from Palecek at the Seattle Design Center

Jackpot...Books

2012-01-12T06:02:00.000-08:00

Picked up the Dove Grey Parsons console I have been wanting. Photos of that to come once my family room is complete. Along with the console we were given a car full of amazing books. This is the entire back of the husband's Navigator. All for free!

Glamorous Shopping Day

2012-01-11T07:34:00.000-08:00

Once in awhile we have success at Ikea. Boy, talk about a "diy" shopping experience-yuck.

We have had a dolly in the warehouse for years and literally have never used it...until today. Wow, where has she been for the last 6 years. She works great. And what a happy worker it creates!

2012 Organization Inspiration

2012-01-10T06:04:00.000-08:00

If they can do it so can I!

all images: martha

On my nightstand

2012-01-09T07:04:00.000-08:00

I have a stack of books in a cue on my nightstand for 2012:

Wine & War by Don & Petie Kladstrup

Letters from Pemberely by Jane Dawkins

Cleopatra by Stacy Schiff

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

An Irish Country Girl by Patrick Taylor

Just Kids by Patti Smith

Moving Slowly into 2012

2012-01-07T09:26:00.000-08:00

This Middle Sister has not taken any time to reflect on 2011 and set goals for 2012. December had some big highs and big lows. Had to deal with the sad loss of a fearless college friend. I think of him daily... Santa Barbara sister made a suprise holiday visit to Seattle which was big fun and relief. She is inspiring, and funny. Our sister talks are rich with reflections, ideas, family and more. Now I am looking at 2012.... I have a piece of paper in front of me beginning to fill up with ideas. The flood gates are opening...

My crappy camera is out again and seeking beauty where I can find it.

West Lake Union-Seattle

New Beginnings

2012-01-05T21:07:00.000-08:00

image: art.com

Wishing you all a prosperous, organized, happy, eventful and loving 2012.

I always love new beginning!

Back to the Basics

2011-12-29T09:20:00.000-08:00

Turning away from the fine food and drink and heading back to a simple life.

All images found here

Tired.....

2011-12-26T12:45:00.000-08:00

Be back after a nap....

Gifts

2011-12-23T10:43:00.000-08:00

image: pokadotcottage

image: scrapbooklady

image: cinderellaproject

image: countryliving

Christmas in Paris

2011-12-21T09:19:00.000-08:00

Last night in my dream, I spoke to my Junior High School french teacher, explaining (in french) why I did not show up for his class on the 2nd day of school. France is heavy on my mind.

Welcome Christmas

2011-12-20T10:21:00.000-08:00

image

image: domestic adventure

image: Martha Stewart

image: houzz

Christmas Creations

2011-12-16T07:07:00.000-08:00

My friend J and I went foraging for branches, cones, twigs and berries for our holiday creations. Here are the results.

I used an old tarnished coffee pot for my vessel.

J used a narrow orchid container. We weighed it down with rocks inside. My sweet cats keep attacking the birds so I have to make it sturdy.

Another vintage vessel from my Grandma.

J used a pretty glass container.

Details

2011-12-15T08:55:00.001-08:00

It Takes a Village

2011-12-13T06:37:00.000-08:00

My village does not photograph very well from afar. When our day begins it is the first thing I turn on. So pretty in a dark kitchen.

Look closely and you can see the Spice Girls in the village (underdressed for this wintry scene).

More Christmas

2011-12-12T09:11:00.000-08:00

Just like decorating and staging most things improve with layers. I added some greens-it made a big visual difference.

The pretty little vase came from my friend J. She is a fan of One Kings Lane where it was discovered.

Ready for Christmas!!

Blue White & Pink

2011-12-09T06:09:00.000-08:00

Still tweaking here and there but this is the beginning....

I think I need some greenery on the mantle to soften it a bit and perhaps a sprig in the vase next to the deer.

Staging

2011-12-08T06:01:00.000-08:00

Despite all of my posts regarding Christmas we have been staging away. I have not replaced my camera and getting used to my new iphone and its fancy pants camera is not moving along.

Listing by Cathy Millan for Windermere Real Estate.

Decorations

2011-12-06T17:38:00.000-08:00

Sister Ex gave me this sweet Santa for my birthday. He is my favorite decoration this year. I worked him into my holiday center piece.

Take Me Away...Please

2011-12-01T21:54:00.000-08:00

When I am feeling exhausted and want to temporarily slip out of my life I go here looking for properties in Italy.

Lucca is a great spot.

or a simple place in Padua

the top 2 rooms here would suit me fine...

and look, a place to park!

Stopped Me in My Tracks

2011-11-30T07:27:00.000-08:00

I would love love love to have this mermaid topping my tree. How over-the-top cool is that?! And today's post was supposed to highlight more traditional trees.

image: coastal living (i think)

image: coastal living (for sure)

Mantles for the Holiday

2011-11-29T06:15:00.000-08:00

This nontraditional Middle Sister is attracted to the silver and the blues. Working on my mantle right now.

image:canadian house and home

image: country living

image: martha stewart

image: armonia decors

Very tempting

2011-11-27T08:28:00.000-08:00

I loved the year we bought a flocked tree but what a mess after the season. Almost ventured out on black Friday to purchase an artificial white tree. Almost...

image:southern living

Go Cougs!

2011-11-26T10:47:00.000-08:00

Wishing for a big Apple Cup win today.

Thankful for this Scottish Lad

2011-11-24T12:09:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe it has been 20 years since we walked down the aisle that cold November day.

2011-11-23T07:43:00.000-08:00

image: hgtv

2011-11-22T07:41:00.000-08:00

Can't Wait to Decorate

2011-11-21T07:07:00.000-08:00

image: house and home mag

Cheese Plate

2011-11-18T08:52:00.000-08:00

My birthday (week) has been glorious! Celebrating out of town for the weekend, lunching with friends the rest of the week. Mmmmm.... what an amazing time it's been. Celebrated at the Barking Frog in Woodinville, stopped by Molbacks for some holiday inspiration and opened a wonderful and creative gift from my friend J. A basket with cheese, olives and crackers. She knows... a special birthday thing I like that is (for some reason) too decedant for me to order out but once a year.

Barking Frog

image from: ezra pound cake

Molbaks

Ceramic Animals

2011-11-17T14:16:00.000-08:00

Thrilled to finally be purchasing my ceramic deer head. I first saw this beauty 3 years ago in Portland and have been thinking about it ever since. Lucky they are even still available. Found at Z Gallerie.

Created by Cody Foster and Co.

My sweet friend Kamie would choose this pretty little dear.

Too soon?

2011-11-16T05:48:00.000-08:00

Went to pick up our wine at Icicle Ridge Winery just outside of Leavenworth and found a wonderful party going on. Decorations are up and they are ready.

Parson's Desk Project

2011-11-15T07:40:00.000-08:00

Time to grow up my daughter's room. (It needs to look like a teen room I guess.) Purchased this Parson's Mirrored Desk/Vanity from West Elm (finally here in Seattle) for her 15th birthday. She loved the suprise.

Doesn't this teen look like she belongs with a cute mirrored vanity?

Who doesn't love Owls?

2011-11-13T19:06:00.000-08:00

A cute display for fall...

Birthday Gift

2011-11-12T09:22:00.000-08:00

Out late last night walking back to our condo in Leavenworth and was gifted with this beautiful moon.

I had to pull over...

2011-11-11T10:26:00.000-08:00

Out early this morning on Veterans Day and was moved by the vision at the cemetary. How sad, how proud, how beautiful...

The Perks

2011-11-10T06:26:00.000-08:00

Sister Ex and I advise home owners on how to prepare their homes for the market. We are often offered beds, books and furniture that is unwanted. Sometimes we score big.
Like this:

a shiny lacquer Parsons console table in a pretty dove grey. I loved this piece the minute I saw it. Didn't want to go too overboard at the time but I could not get it out of my mind.

2011-11-09T06:16:00.000-08:00

Redesigning my family room and I am in the market for something to set our TV on and at the same time house all of the games.

2011-11-08T07:52:00.000-08:00

On to planning and decorating for Thanksgiving. This motivates me to host this year just to create a fresh new look.

{Dwell Mag}

Staging-Mercer Island

2011-11-07T09:12:00.000-08:00

A beautiful home....

We tried to create an office in an unfinished part of the house. It turned out cute.

Dreamy Fall Picnic

2011-11-03T21:29:00.000-07:00

This is my kind of tail gate gathering. Is this how it used to be done? Sigh....

{image: countryliving}

New Addition

2011-11-01T16:58:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting this table for 2 years. Finally we get it!

West Elm's bistro table.

Shopping

2011-10-30T10:29:00.000-07:00

Sister Ex has been doing some fun shopping for us:

She purchased the chair above that you can see in the photo below. We love the nature inspired look but can't go all out with it when we stage.

Halloween Decor

2011-10-27T08:45:00.000-07:00

This cute creation is by our one and only Danielle...

Girls at Work

2011-10-26T06:53:00.000-07:00

I love these photos of the girls working away....

Happy Birthday Sister Extraordinare!

2011-10-25T10:39:00.000-07:00

Cheers to your birthday, lounging poolside, fun girlfriends, sunshine & Vegas.

Happy Birthday!

Get Ready for Scary Week

2011-10-24T07:31:00.000-07:00

Mother's Dinner Party

2011-10-22T11:17:00.000-07:00

It is often a challenge to find creative gifts for our parents so Sister Ex and I offered our entertaining services. We helped our Mother put together a dinner party and what fun it was to plan and execute.

A rough outline of our menu:

The beginnings of our place cards with the supplies and classes found here.

The beginning of the tablescape

Cute bowls for the Cheddar Granny Smith Apple Soup

Prosciutto-Wrapped Grilled Shrimp with a Kalamata Aioli

Herbed Goat Cheese Endive Boats with Slivered Beets and Snipped Chives

Pear and Gorgonzola Bruschetta

The kitchen staff enjoyed wine from our favorite Washington Spa- Cave B.

Mother took some time away from the guests to teach Sister Ex and I how to prepare the Risotto.

The ingredients were premeasured just like a cooking show.

The bar wench..

A Creamy Lemon Custard Tart from Macrina Bakery

And of course the guests!

Staging

2011-10-21T08:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our warehouse....

Gathering inspiration for a room...

Sister Ex uses the ipad for inspiration...

Before...

After....

Staging-Ravenna Neighborhood

2011-10-20T05:54:00.000-07:00

Once again my Dad has come to the rescue and loaned me his camera. I was panicked looking out over the tree tops from my studio window and thinking that I don't have a camera to capture the beautiful fall colors. Now I do...however temporary. Now I can photograph our stagings from our point of view. All is good in my world and I am happy.

This listing is by Leslie Ota for Windermere Real Estate.

Staging-Magnolia Neighborhood

2011-10-17T05:42:00.000-07:00

If I had not lost my camera I could have shown you some of the features I love about this house and the staging. At any rate, you will see that it is an amazing home.

This listing can be found here.

Staging-Whidbey Island/Langley

2011-10-14T08:04:00.000-07:00

Had the unique opportunity to stage on Whidbey Island which turned out to be quite fun. Ended our first evening at a wonderful bistro in town. I am beginning to fall hard for this Island.

Fall...

2011-10-12T08:47:00.000-07:00

Without my camera I have no staging photos to share and we have done some wonderful projects. Boo hoo

Get inspired with these fall photos:

{image: campingearth}

{image: Nancy Chambers}

{image:preparedpicnic}

Working from Home...in style

2011-10-10T06:10:00.000-07:00

Always up for reinventing my studio. Love working from home as well... I get to today!

{images: living etc.}

Lost

2011-10-07T07:38:00.000-07:00

Somewhere in the dark parking lot of Gas Works Park sits my camera. I brought my camera to a 6am Regatta prerace meeting and it was flashlight dark. I am lost without that crappy little point and shoot.

{image: Tyler Westcott}

Pop of Colour

2011-10-06T08:12:00.000-07:00

{images: Living etc.}

Early Bird

2011-10-04T06:45:00.000-07:00

...gets the worm.

When Seattle is rewarded with sunrises like these, I don't complain about 5:30 am mornings. This is worth it!

Staging Bothell

2011-10-03T05:35:00.000-07:00

Wonderful home within a park. No lie, the entire yard is maintained by the Parks Dept. because the home is surrounded by a walking trail, play area and green area. Super cool.

This listing is by Diana Russell for Windermere Real Estate.

Day in the Life of a Stager Girl

2011-09-30T06:44:00.000-07:00

Thought it would be fun to document one of our work days starting with moi! Beginning my day.

The inspiration for the job was based on the vases below. Modern and organic.

Filling the "wardrobes" with all of the pillows and linens. See the greys and tans?

Sometimes our furniture sits on the sidewalk waiting for us to decide whether it stays or goes.

A stop at Kasala for a sectional. Shhh... don't tell anyone about this well kept secret outlet.

Purchased this ever-so-cool lamp. Been wanting one but have not had the right job until now.

At the job site and it is crazy beautiful. What a lucky family that buys this heavenly home.

Sister Ex is overseeing a ton of activity below. Too many workers at the site so it is crazy.

Preparing our sectional. See, isn't it a glamorous job we have?

These girls are actually contemplating....

this.....

Nighty Night

2011-09-29T06:22:00.000-07:00

images: Martha Stewart Living

Staging Laurelhurst

2011-09-28T07:19:00.000-07:00

One very large job that took every ounce of our design, moving, and creative power. It was one that was also the most rewarding upon completion.

This listing is by Cathy Millan for Windermere Real Estate.

Wedgwood Staging

2011-09-26T07:41:00.000-07:00

We had to keep the staging very simple and streamlined in this unique home. I wish I would have photographed the fireplace which had some cool art but I got caught up in the deadline.

This listing is by Marsha Nemitz for Windermere Real Estate.

Happy Birthday Sister Sue

2011-09-25T08:45:00.000-07:00

Just thinking about our times together makes me laugh. From our early sister days sharing clothes, on to our college days, Alaska days and our sisterly excursions-it has all been such a great ride.

Happy Birthday from your Seattle Sisters!!!

We love you tons and tons.

Last Chance Seattle

2011-09-23T06:55:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the weekend and get to the beach for our last bits of sunshine and heat!

image: Coastal Living

More Art Different Fair

2011-09-22T06:15:00.000-07:00

A visit to the Puyallup Fair yeilded tons more inspiration. The following art pieces are done by 9th-12th graders. Incredible-right?

Bellevue Staging

2011-09-21T05:50:00.000-07:00

I am very backed up on posting our staging photos. Now there are so many it is almost over whelming to go back and sort through all the photos.

This property is listed by Dave Janssens for Windermere Real Estate.

The Winners from the Fair

2011-09-16T08:08:00.000-07:00

The student art is my favorite exhibit at the fair. The Evergreen State Fair is small but worthy of a visit. Their art is displayed in glass cases so the photography is not good and the entries are few but very good. All of these are done by 10-16 year olds with dreams of becoming artist still fresh in heads. Love it!

Inspiration at the Fair...I know it seems crazy

2011-09-15T07:48:00.000-07:00

It's Fair season and tons of inspiration to be found. I love the crazy colors coupled and mixed together. There is inspiration to be found in the 4-H exhibits, the beautiful fur coats of the animals, quilts entered into contests, floral arrangements created by 8 year olds, table settings by 10 year olds, art by middle and high schoolers, fruit and vegetable displays by nearby Granges. (What is a Grange?) Once you get past the dirt, the grime, the public restrooms, outdoor sinks, the sticky and fattening food and go deeper into the coolness of it all it can be heaven at the fair.

Fair Worthy Dahlias

2011-09-14T07:35:00.000-07:00

Attended the local fair and was bowled over by the beautiful winners. It is as if each of the flowers has something to say.

Ravenna Staging

2011-09-12T06:14:00.000-07:00

Still Time Left

2011-09-09T06:34:00.000-07:00

It's super hot here in Seattle and we are loving it. There is still time left to do some outdoor dining and cocktailing.

Thank you Country Living for such lovely moments.

Wedgwood Staging

2011-09-08T06:13:00.000-07:00

Listing by Julie Polkinghorn for Windermere Real Estate

Airstream Glamping

2011-09-06T07:12:00.000-07:00

A shot of my sweet Airstream and our camp set up.

Wallingford Staging

2011-09-05T08:49:00.000-07:00

This cute home is listed by Jay Nemitz for Windermere Real Estate.

Happy Fri Fri

2011-09-02T07:14:00.000-07:00

Enjoy this long, lovely and relaxing weekend. Remember to take time to chill....

Can't Resist

2011-09-01T05:48:00.000-07:00

Sent to me from my sweet sister in Santa Barbara. Love the colours!

2011-08-31T06:14:00.000-07:00

Pearl of China

2011-08-30T06:59:00.000-07:00

Another book I just could not put down. I have hit the summer jackpot of reading. You can find an in depth review of this book here. But the short of it is the story of Pearl S. Buck living in China and told by a childhood friend. She is the author of The Good Earth which was banned in China along with Pearl Buck, who was condemned and taught to be hated during the cultural revolution. A fascinating read.

Sassy Swings

2011-08-29T06:21:00.000-07:00

After seeing this swing at a summer home that Sister Ex was staying I had to find a few more...

image: middle sister

image: country living mag

image: coastal living mag

Drink Up!

2011-08-26T06:16:00.000-07:00

Had the girls over for a gathering in the garden and ice cold Mojitos. Drink up because summer is ending and it's not good. Seattle's summer weather is just starting. Grrr....

Blue

2011-08-25T07:47:00.000-07:00

All interiors by Nate Berkus

Almost French

2011-08-24T08:43:00.000-07:00

Another nice summer read...This memoir is about an Australian falling in love with a Frenchman and living in Paris. I was shocked that french women do not get together and develop relationships with other women. Imagine no book clubs or woman's gatherings. I don't think so. She talks about her struggles of being accepted into friendships and family. This book was eye opening for me. More here .

I would add this to your reading list for certain.

Staging-Leshi

2011-08-23T07:34:00.000-07:00

It's never really fun to stage without the sister...

This job had many stairs to negotiate with all of our bins and furniture and without the sister it is double the work. I do like this cute home with a killer view and the master bedroom is a treat!

Listing by Kim Dales for Windermere Real Estate.

Still not focusing

2011-08-22T07:22:00.000-07:00

Yes we are working but not at the frenzied pace that is more the norm. Can't seem to shift into the next gear. Perhaps that's a good thing right now... My mind is here:

All of the photos above are fabulously photographed by Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn for Coastal Living

This moment was photographed by James R. Salomon for Coastal Living.

Final Days at the Beach

2011-08-19T06:22:00.000-07:00

Took one last walk...

From this chaos:

I created this:

Dagny created this:

Our little base camp:

The Beach

2011-08-18T06:38:00.000-07:00

image: coastal living

Trying to concentrate on our work...but my head is still at the beach.

Fresh Flowers

2011-08-17T08:50:00.000-07:00

Just loving what the garden is putting out this year. Fresh cut flowers...

Lost...

2011-08-16T06:24:00.000-07:00

I am bummed by the loss of my lovely Elsa Peretti designed Tiffany pen. That daughter of mine took it out of my bag and never put it back. She was sickened by the loss so I had to remain calm and pretty much let it go. Prayers to St. Anthony....

It takes me back to my days of a fabric buyer and my travels to NY to visit my vendors. Let it go....I know.

Back to Work

2011-08-15T16:38:00.000-07:00

image: domicile interior design