Haus Proud

A Peek Inside Haus Proud HQ

2011-08-18T15:38:00.000-07:00

Last week when I was staging I realized the only thing that would work in this one nook was a mirror that was back at Haus Proud headquarters. I dragged my client back to see if there was anything we wanted to pilfer from the shop. She took a good long look around and said "boy, I would love to organize all this stuff". Not exactly the image I was hoping to portray. But to be fair, I usually conduct my business online. Anyway, it spurred a cleaning jag. I've only tackled a small corner, but thought I would share some photos.

I have always wondered how other vintage sellers keep their merchandise and would love a peek into their worlds. Figured I would be brave and share mine. You can see more pics here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/57321574@N08/sets/72157627465391720/

And, yes, most of the stuff is not yet listed! If anyone wants to come and babysit the girls, I will get right on listing new items in the shop.

Haus Proud Does Haus Staging

2011-07-25T08:01:00.000-07:00

About a month ago I got a call from a friend of mine, Lauren. She was just at a mutual friends house and loved the styling I had done for her. She is a realtor and was looking to have a house staged for a client. She already had a lot of the bigger pieces, but needed small stuff to fill in. Since I could probably fill several small houses with the amount of stuff I have floating around here, I said yes! Combining my first love of interior design with great vintage goodness with a splash of real estate? Yeah, kinda up my alley. It was a crazy long day, but the results were well worth it.

It certainly didn't hurt that the homeowners did a fantastic remodel. I am wild about that blue painted concrete floor!

Why I Love Vintage

2011-06-25T07:45:00.000-07:00

A quick peek in my house would tell you that I love vintage. I would say that close to 80% of the furniture in my home is 50-100 years old. I realized long ago, that besides character, vintage furniture represents a wonderful bargain. Many of the items from yesteryear were made by different standards than the stuff today. It was built to last. Not to say that there aren't high end furniture manufacturers out there today. I can't tell you how many times I have drooled over the pieces in the Baker showroom. But I can't afford Baker. At least not new. A few years ago I picked up a 1950's table from their New World collection for $50 at the thrift store. It is one of the most beautiful pieces of furniture I have ever seen. The wood grain, the construction, the hardware, the detailing... exquisite. I have found that buying vintage has afforded me quality furniture on a shoestring budget. Viva la vintage!

I've Got the Bug

2011-04-12T09:52:00.000-07:00

And no, I am not referring to the case of strep throat running rampant in my house (though I have that too). I've got the vintage trailer bug. If you read my last post, you know I purchased a late 50's Traveleze trailer. Well, in true "Alex" fashion, I bought another trailer, two days later. Yes, two trailers in the span of three days. That's how I roll.

In my defense, I realized once I got the Traveleze home that she needed more work than I was able to give her with the two little ones being so, well, little. I bought a mid sixties BeeLine that needs much less work and am eagerly awaiting her arrival tomorrow.

Okay, but here is where I get really sick. I spent all morning scouring Craigslist for vintage trailers. No joke. I even found two I am pretty sure I can not possibly live without.

I have been bitten by the vintage trailer bug for which there is no cure. And so I will remain happily afflicted.

An Epic Journey or My Trip to La Puente

2011-04-07T09:17:00.000-07:00

So for the last year or so I have been lusting after vintage travel trailers. I've been out to see a few but they were always out of my budget, or needed so much work that I panicked and couldn't take the plunge.

Yesterday I found an ad on Craigslist with pictures of a derelict trailer. It didn't even say what kind it was, just that it was old. And it was priced to sell! I ran out to our pool house / Ryan's office and asked where La Puente was. The office assistant announced that it was near West Covina, to which Ryan replied, "oh cool. But where is West Covina?". Yeah, my sentiments exactly. Turns out, it's about 40 minutes away and they had someone else coming to look at the trailer at 3:30 so I had better get on the road if I wanted to beat out the competition.

You ever get outside of LA and feel like you have traveled much, much further? Life seemed very different out there. First I had to go and pick up the mom of the person selling the trailer so that she could show me how to get to the house where the trailer was located. Her perfume and mascara were both liberally applied but she was kind. We drove over to the lawn where the trailer is parked, where her son had been living for two years. IN the trailer. She said he was finally going to rent a room since it had been a little small in the trailer. Moving up in the world!

After a short drive, we arrived and I got a glimpse of the trailer from the outside and fell in love with the front bank of windows and aluminum siding. Inside was a different story, with very little charm remaining. The formerly pink stove had been painted black, cabinet drawers were missing, as was the dinette. The bathroom seems to sag a little in the back and the birch veneer has been painted and is curling up in many spots. One cabinet front had a hole in it and "mom" told me her son must have punched it in recently and that he had anger issues. Right on cue, "son" or "guero" as mom called him arrived "home". I could see where he got the nickname as he was about five shades lighter than mom! We did some negotiating and settled on a price.

I gave them 2/3 of the payment and agreed that they would get the rest when I took possession.

I instantly worried that I would never see them or that money again.

Panic settled it. WHAT HAD I JUST DONE? Was I out of my mind? I just bought a rolling pile of dog poop! And speaking of rolling? How was I supposed to roll it back to my house? I called the hubby for reassurance and was met with more worry. Where was it going to go? He was not pleased as I had hoped he would be.

We decided that they would try to find someone to tow it over for an additional charge and that I would see about outfitting my car with a tow hitch in case we couldn't find anyone.

So here I am. Slightly less panicked as I scoured tons of blogs of people that had done this before me. Slightly more panicked as I realize that this is the 24 foot model and it is way bigger than I had realized. Still unsure of how I am going to get it home. Not certain that it will even be there when I go back to get it. What have I done?

Funny

2010-11-12T21:50:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time, I held down a rather corporate, 9-5 kinda job. I was really good at it but I wasn't happy. I would fantasize about getting pregnant so I could realize my dream of being a stay at home mom. I was determined to keep popping them out to secure my place at home forever.

And then it happened. The work vacay I had been dreaming of! I was pregnant! I worked until two weeks before my due date / Christmas. (Yes, I was due on Christmas. Lamest due date ever.) Boom, kid born, let's get to vacation time. And I loved it. It was everything I had hoped it would be.

I have always been a thrift store / estate sale / garage sale / vintage shopper. Adelaide would accompany me on my many trips to the local thrift stores. I would often find amazing things and would limit myself for fear of becoming a hoarder. One day there was a desk for sale. It was beautiful. Finished on both sides with little shelves for display on the back side. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. It wouldn't work for my office, but I didn't care. It was coming home with me. I cleaned it up and sold it on Craigslist the next day. I made a little bit of pocket money on my find and the girl who bought it from me was ecstatic about her new desk. Haus Proud was born. My sister turned me on to Etsy and I knew it was a fit. I started listing stuff and sold a tea set in the first half hour as a shop.

Things have come a long way from that first desk. I even popped out another kid! I was thinking about how hectic my life is and wishing I had more time to devote to Haus Proud (and my poor, neglected blog), and it dawned on me. I now have a job that I love. I love it so much that I try to fit in time to work in my already overstuffed days. I photograph during nap time and try to list new items after the kids go to sleep. As always, I drag the kids on shopping excursions. It's been tough to balance it all, but so worth it. Go figure.

Haus Proud and Anthropologie on the Same Wavelength

2010-08-18T13:13:00.000-07:00

If you follow my shop, you may have noticed these fabulous chairs that I listed. Seems that Anthropologie was smitten by the same fabric. Check out their new chair! You know the saying, "Great Minds..."

Etsy LA Meet Up

2010-07-24T09:15:00.001-07:00

Etsy hosted a poolside meet up at the Figueroa Hotel in downtown last night. I had been looking forward to it all week. I was kind of nervous about walking into a place where I didn't know anyone, but the Etsy admin immediately welcomed me and set my mind at ease. What was I worried about? From all the Etsy encounters I have had in the past did I really think the people at the meet up wouldn't be just as awesome??? They totally were. I fell instantly in love with all the Etsy staff. Christina was so easy to chat with and super interesting (if you ever come visit again I would love to take you estate sale-ing!), Morgan gave me my most interesting bit of rugby trivia, Randy was the adorable guy in glasses that became even more adorable when he admitted to playing Dance Dance Revolution in the arcades and I have a full on girl crush on Vanessa (you have the prettiest eyes!). And the Etsy sellers were every bit as nice. I put together a quick sampling from their shops. I love that everyone is so different. Hoping to make it to the Renegade Craft Fair today to see some of their stuff in person.

Vintage Enameled Unicorn Metal Decorative Plate

Beveled Bottom Circular Bowl

Lumberjack Saw Earrings

Embroidered His and Hers Glasses- 2 Towel Set

Cyclone- Coney Island

Squid Linens - chartreuse yellow - set of two

LAS SANDIAS - ORIGINAL PAINTING (8 x 10 inches)

Reversible Fabric Coasters set of 4

Feeling Blue?

2010-07-14T09:25:00.000-07:00

Well, I would have said no if you asked me before I went to the flea market. But after coming home and gathering the daily purchases into one place, the verdict seems pretty undeniable. I am feeling blue right now! And I mean really feeling it. It seems to be my color du jour. Here is some proof and a quick preview of some items that will be hitting the shop pretty soon!

Guess Who's Back?

2010-07-08T15:25:00.000-07:00

That's right. Haus Proud is officially back after maternity leave. Took a little longer than anticipated to get back into the groove of things, but grooving again I am. Making my way through an entire showroom worth of stuff. Washing, drying, photographing, measuring and listing each item sure takes some time. And doing it while holding a newborn takes even longer! But rest assured, it's coming.

Haus Proud's Newest Addition

2010-05-11T10:02:00.000-07:00

Haus Proud is thrilled to announce it's newest addition to the family, Eloise, born 4/28 at 10:30 pm. 7 lbs, 2 oz of loveliness. Big sister Adelaide is pretty happy about the whole thing.

Coming Soon to the Shop

2010-02-26T16:49:00.000-08:00

Yes, yes it was a good day indeed! Cathrinholm loveliness, Fred Press and some fab mid century wood. All coming soon to the shop...

Blenko Glass

2010-02-13T08:47:00.000-08:00

Ever since the PBS series on Blenko glass I have been hooked. It was shortly after that I bought my husband a Blenko crackle vase for Christmas. It wasn't the prettiest one out there, but it fit my 20 something, shoestring budget. And it had a shiny Blenko sticker still attached so I knew I wasn't being taken.

I've since picked up a few pieces here and there, mostly at estate sales. But, the pictures I came across the other day make me want to take up seriously collecting. These are some of the most beautiful displays I have ever seen. Best of all, the newsletter even provides tips to create beautiful displays.

Whether you choose to display in groupings, soldiers or stand-alones is one area to consider. The other? Color! Single or Multi? And how many? Here are a few of my favorites.

Check out the wonderful newsletter and website, Glasshouse.

Haus Proud Goes into Depression

2010-02-12T08:04:00.000-08:00

Okay, gloomy title, I know. But this has been a really rough week for me. I had to put my kitty of fourteen years down on Monday. I have struggled every day since then with that decision. Even though the vets said his condition wouldn't get better, you can't help but think maybe he would have had some more good days if I brought him back home. The only thing that has brought me solace is having buried him in the garden. Every time I look out the window I say hi to him.

Truthfully, I think I can label it depression since I have been completely unable to focus on work. I have mountains of stuff to sort, photograph and list in the shop and can't seem to bring myself to do any of it. I just mope. Until now. I finally found the motivation I needed last night when I decided to donate 10% of all proceeds from the next two weeks to Fix Nation. They are an organization that does free spay/neuter and vaccinations for feral cats. Considering the colony that lives in my neighborhood, I have taken many a kitten to them and will be taking the big kitties (aka the breeders) in to see them after this next litter is born. I see mama kitty waddling across my property every day. We are both feeling very pregnant right now.

So, in memory of my handsome, wonderful Ferris, I will be donating 10% of all proceeds from my Etsy site to Fix Nation. Starts Feb. 14th and goes through Feb 28th!

Dandelions Make Me Think of Ursula

2010-02-06T08:36:00.000-08:00

I went down to the fabric district yesterday and found a roll of the most beautiful linen with little dandelions embroidered on it. It made me think of my sister, Ursula. I was trying to find a picture of it on line to show her, but couldn't. However, I did find all this other wonderful stuff. This one is for you Ursie!

Perennial Moment by Papermoth

Dandelion Puff Paperweight

Dandelion Clocks Wallpaper by Sanderson

Dandelions in Daylight by CraftMadness

Dandelion One designed by Angie Lewin

Little Dandelion Wish Necklace by LuluBugJewelry

Etsy Front Page 1/27/10 HausProud

2010-02-03T16:06:00.001-08:00

Etsy Front Page 1/27/10 HausProud
Originally uploaded by Etsy Front Pagers

OK, I know it is so one week ago, but my Etsy Treasury made it to the front page. Tiny dream come true! Also happy to say that most of the sellers items sold!

Oh Where, Oh Where has Haus Proud Gone?

2010-02-02T07:58:00.000-08:00

Has the mountain of shop stuff on her front porch collapsed, trapping her underneath? Not yet.
Has she gone into preterm labor? Oh, doesn't she wish she skip the next 11 weeks!
Has she taken full time to cleaning up animal messes around the house? Well, sort of.
Has she been up to fabulous shopping trips where she finds even more amazing shop items? A little bit.
Has the enclosed porch transformation completely consumed her every waking moment? Ding, ding, ding, ding. Winner!

Yes, the enclosed porch turned Haus Proud showroom project has begun. And taken over my life. This might be one of the harder project I have ever taken on in my house because of the budget. To call it shoestring would be an understatement. I have taken to raiding my daughters piggy bank to scrape together enough money for paint and posting crazy barters on Craigslist. I mean, I still look pretty good for 7 months pregnant ;)

So why is it so hard? I am having to scrape the barrel for every penny pinching idea I can come up with to try and get this room done. And I am pretty darn pregnant, so much of the physical labor and chemical use is out. The plan today? Go pick up some low VOC paint and con the three year old into helping. I have one corner of the room cleared out and the plan is to start there and then move the rest of the stuff to that side of the room when it dries. UNLESS a painter from Craigslist replies to my barter offer!

There is a serious chance for disaster here. If it all works out as planned I will be awesomely proud of my design prowess. If not, well then I blame the budget.

Haus Proud on Mad Men!

2010-01-26T09:02:00.000-08:00

That's right folks! The lovely and talented Amy Wells, set designer for Mad Men came into the antique mall a few months back and bought up some of Haus Proud's lovelies for the set! What did she buy? Vintage pillows like they were going out of style and this amazing set...

It is a set of two nightstands and a matching vanity. Oh so Hollywood Regency fabulous! I hear Betty will be remodeling the Draper household this coming season. I will be sure to keep my eye out for this set and all the other little goodies from Haus Proud and pass along any screen shots I find!

And Amy, if you are reading this, we weren't able to locate the Yo Yo Man videos but we will keep looking. :)

The Pantry Moth Explosion

2010-01-25T07:51:00.000-08:00

One day I came into my kitchen to find little moths everywhere. On the ceilings, the cupboards, flying around overhead. A quick trip to google quickly labeled them as pantry moths and they were nesting in my food. EEEEEEEEW.

We have a hutch in our kitchen that I used to keep our snacks on and it looks like that was where they started. I quickly decided not to have our food out in the open anymore. A serious cleaning of the kitchen from top to bottom was therapeutic as well productive. I also chucked any open food and pored over the sealed bags as well. Yes, the can get inside a sealed bag! Again, eeeeeeeew.

Turns out the hutch that I used to keep my Baked Cheese Crunchies on makes for a pretty nice display shelf. I ditched the food and replaced it with some of my favorite kitchen items (and a few I snagged from the shop! See if you can spot them...). I am still on the hunt for a vintage hutch that is the right size to fit there, but for now the one from Costs Plus has served us pretty well. I can't tell you how much of a difference it made in the kitchen. I never realized how junkie the shelves looked packed with food until it was gone and replaced with sparkling glass and mid century baking dishes. My food will stay hidden behind the pantry door from here on out.

Overstock.com Seating Gems

2010-01-21T18:37:00.000-08:00

I'm cheap. There, I said it. Two weeks ago I stood in the thrift store holding a pair of Liz Lange maternity pants in my size and almost left them there because of the $4.99 price tag. And I have nothing in my house to cover my bottom half! My mom finally told me to knock it off. ( Though truthfully, I have a serious dislike for maternity clothes. $180 for a pair of jeans that I can only wear for a couple months and don't even look that good on me anyway? No thanks.) I have trouble paying full price for anything though. Even on our "splurge" items for our bathroom remodel, I waited till they went on sale AND I had a coupon. Which might be why I love Overstock.com. First of all, they show you the retail price and how much you are saving right there on the site. And shipping is only $2.95 no matter what you buy. Seriously, we ordered a rug for a client and it shipped for $2.95! Here are a few of my current favorite seating options from their site.

Cream Oval Back Settee

Flynn Mocha Velvet Sofa

Cary Gray Velvet Sofa

Ronnie Wire Base White Chairs

Dark Brown Andalucia Bench

Cream Eclipse Club Chair

A word of caution, read the reviews carefully before purchasing! The reviewers are very forthcoming and you can spot any potential deal breakers before you place an order.

Haus Proud Showroom

2010-01-18T15:58:00.000-08:00

With purchase of the aforementioned shed, the enclosed porch will be freed up to be the future headquarters of Haus Proud! It has it's own entrance and everything. So, it will be my photography studio / showroom. I am so excited to have inherited my very own space even though it comes with lavender walls and green cement floors. I am having to remodel on the super cheap, which might be limited to a dude with a spray gun and some white paint. If I could do it all with a limitless budget it might go something like this...

Cork Floors

Two of These Pendant Lamps

Some Fabulous Wallpaper (but just on one wall!)

Some Gorgeous Sheers to Let in Just the Right Amount of Light

Weekend Browsing On Etsy

2010-01-17T08:21:00.000-08:00

I have an awful, pregnancy-related varicose vein on the back of my leg. TMI? I was just trying to segue into why I spent so much time on the sofa shopping yesterday! The downtime is doctor (well midwife) recommended. Now, she didn't specifically say I should spend my hours browsing Etsy, but I inferred it from her advice to "keep my leg up" when it was hurting. Here are a few of my favorites from my hunting.

Swiss Lamp in White by JillRosenwald

Oh Swiss Lamp! This is an absolutely stunning piece and handmade to boot! My entry NEEDS this lamp.

Nest, Medium Aqua by HeatherPalmer

I have lusted over this bowl for months. It would be the perfect centerpiece on my coffee table (move over giant deer antler!). I love how light and airy it is. It would be a great gift for those "hard to buy for" people on your list.

Vintage Modern Wooden Napkin Holders by TheModShop

These mid century modern "squished" napkin rings are killer. Totally makes me want to iron some cloth napkins and throw a dinner party!

Vintage Art Glass Perfume Bottles by LadyRoseTreasures

Much like my coffee table needs the nest bowl, my bathroom shelves need these art glass bottles. The perfect shot of color! These art glass beauties would be the perfect vessels for less-than-attractively-packaged bubble baths. Heck, they could sit there empty for all I care. I just want them to sit there!

Hand Painted HIPPOPOTAMUS Serving Dish by OldFashionAllies

This hand painted dish is amazing. And a steal! I might have to buy it before I even post this. The detail is phenomenal. I imagine it on permanent display in my kitchen.

Greatest Travel Mugs Ever

2010-01-15T12:24:00.000-08:00

I fell in love with Moma's 'I am Not a Paper Cup' the first time I saw it. It went on my Christmas wish list and I opened each present hoping it was the cup. Might have been the last thing I opened but I finally got it! A year later and it still makes me happy every time I open my cupboard. Here are a few of my favorite ways to bring your drink with you.

Click Here to Visit Moma's Fabulous Cup

Click Here to Visit Amazon's Glass Bottles

Crafty? Make Your Own Wood One with these Plans

Tea Drinker? Brew it on the Go!

Fruit - Nature's Art

2010-01-09T19:20:00.000-08:00

Besides being tasty and good for you, fruit can also serve as a beautiful display in your kitchen. Cheaper than a dozen roses, a dozen lemons in a clear glass container make a bold display. Artichokes in a wooden bowl make for a graphic one. For something a little more romantic, drape grapes over the edge of a bowl. Here is my current vignette on top of my microwave. It changes based on what looks good when we hit the produce aisle.

I suggest using bowls of varying height to create visual interest in your display. I am head over heels for chunky, vintage wooden bowls. Look for pedestal bowls as well shorter ones. Don't be afraid to incorporate different shapes. Milk glass, clear glass and enamel bowls all work well.

The easy part? Buy some delicious fruit! Pineapples, citrus fruits, apples and bananas all pack visual punch, especially when used en mass. Just remember to remove all those little stickers before displaying.

Here are a few bowls that would make great display vessels!

mymilkglassshop

jenny penny vintage

ethanollie

austinmodern

Sneak Peek - Upcoming in my Etsy Shop

2010-01-09T19:13:00.000-08:00

To say I have a backlog of items to list would be an understatement. I am just taking it little by little, starting with these beauties.

Soon to be listed in Haus Proud's Etsy Shop -

The Upstairs Bathroom

2010-01-05T08:16:00.000-08:00

The only word I could use to describe the upstairs bathroom in our house when we first moved in? Frightening. The bathroom alone would have sent most prospective buyers packing. The claw foot tub had been ripped out, leaving a hole in the floor. In that hole? An animal skeleton. Possum or Cat. Still not sure since the skull was missing. Besides that, there was a rusted sink that wouldn't stop running, and at the far end, a toilet that didn't work. The upper part of the walls were covered in creepy black wallpaper and paint, while the lower half sported lavender and black chipped tile. It may have been the bathroom that got our place nicknamed "the Money Pit" by friends and family.

Today? It might be my favorite room in the house. It is now a light and airy, vintage inspired bathroom.

What did this amazing transformation take? Less money than you might think. We did much of the labor ourselves and saved money whenever and wherever possible. We used the money saved to splurge on the items we really wanted.

Here's the full scoop...

We found a replacement for the clawfoot tub through a friend. It needed work though. We had the inside professionally sprayed, painted the outside ourselves and (first of the splurge items) had the feet re-chromed. Another bathroom splurge came in the form of the pipes and shower surround for the tub.

The sink and toilet are from the Kohler Memoirs series. The faucet is from Home Depot, though I plan to replace it when I have money for the Restoration Hardware one I want. Swoon.

The light fixtures, mirror, towel hooks, robe hooks, toilet paper holder and toothbrush holder were all from Restoration Hardware. I really can't say enough about their bathroom fixtures and accessories. In fact, one of the interior designers I worked for installed their fixtures in every bathroom he did!

The paint was Behr from Home Depot and the blinds were custom ordered through my awesome shades guy, to the trade only. The floors? Another great deal. This one from Lumber Liquidators. They have a once a year clearance sale for odd lots and overstocks. Since we only needed 80 square feet, there were small lots left. We ended up with Brazilian Cherry floors for $.99 sq ft! Side note - the sale is popular and we were in line for a good two hours with a list of what was available. By the time we got the front of the line, half of the options were gone. Certainly worth it, but get their early for the best selection.

The rest? Some serious man hours. Especially since it was one of our earlier projects and were still honing our skills. I laboriously stripped all the black paint off of the built-in, window trim and chair rail, while hubby patched walls and installed the bead board panels.

The full breakdown -

Toilet $309.00
Sink $320.00
Tub $200.00
Light Fixtures $400.00
Paint $70.00
Floor $75.00
Floor install $200.00
Mirror $259.00
Hooks $45.00
Towel Ring $39.00
Base Molding $90.00
Beadboard $175.00
Tub Glazing $250.00
Foot Chroming $211.00
Plumbers $1,500.00
Tub pipes $1,300.00
Blinds $80.00
Electrician $200.00
Hardware for Built-In $64.00
Sink Faucet $99.00

$5,886.00

FYI - The national average is $10,000 for a bathroom remodel. Considering we have three (!) bathrooms to replace, that $4,000 savings will certainly come in handy.

Domino Magazine: Gone, but Not Forgotten.

2010-01-03T17:10:00.000-08:00

I can't tell you how crushed I was to learn that my beloved Domino Magazine was closing it's doors. I would delight in checking the mail, waiting for the new issue. And when it arrived I would stare at the cover for hours before finding a few moments to myself to enjoy. Often I would run a bath and bring my Domino with me to my sacred spot, pouring over every page.

I saved every issue and just pulled out December 2005 to look at a kitchen article I remembered. Besides the fabulous kitchen article, I was amazed to see how current and relevant all the interiors still were, four years later.

Here were a few of my all-time favorites.

I was delighted to hear of Lonny Mag, www.lonnymag.com. A rather Domino-esque online magazine. It's not a perfect replacement for me. Possibly because I can't bring my laptop into the tub with me. But enjoyable nonetheless.

Also of interest, a complete collection of Domino Magazines is available on ebay with a Buy It Now price of close to $500!

Check it out here.

Tempting, but I think I'll keep mine...

Kitchen Makeovers - To Ikea or Not to Ikea

2010-01-03T08:42:00.000-08:00

I was talking to a friend and client last night about her kitchen. They decided that this will be the year that they remodel their small (but sweet) vintage kitchen. While I do often try to save good vintage kitchens, and remodel money whenever possible, I think I am with them on this on. How can you argue when someone's kitchen just doesn't work for how they live? They cook a lot, don't have a dishwasher, could only fit a mini fridge in to the tiny opening, have limited counter space, limited cabinet space and are isolated from the rest of the house when they are in there. They need to be able to maximize the space the do have, open the space up to the rest of the house and finally fit a dishwasher into the plan.

My mind immediately went to Ikea. For the type of house the have, a clean lined Ikea kitchen would fit the bill, and budget, perfectly. The trick to Ikea cabinets, like all Ikea furnishings, is to use it sparingly. You want people to be surprised that it's Ikea, not feel like they just stepped into the showroom.

Why did my mind go to Ikea? I have worked in the interior design industry for five years now and been surrounded by designers for many years more than that. While they design high end, custom cabinets for their clients, they install Ikea into their own homes. Need proof? Here are a few of my favorites...

Susie Bauer and Will Zemba used the Ikea Numerar countertops, Akurum cabinet bases (though had MDF fronts made, using the original doors as a template) and the Attest handles. My favorite touch though? The brilliant and economic use of linoleum as a floor and backsplash, made modern by cutting the tiles into a subway shape! Photo from the late, great Domino Magazine.

In this kitchen, interior designer Tori Golub used the Ikea Akurum base cabinets with Abstrakt fronts. The glossy white, lacquer like finish is high style. The two inch slab of corian used on the countertops adds a touch of elegance. The wallpaper on the back wall infuses the space with personality and warmth.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T09:28:00.000-08:00

If you know me, you know that organization is not my strong suit. Not even something I have a moderate grasp on. I try. I really, really try. But the moment I have to work and live it all goes out the window.

But once a year, I feel like I get a fresh start. A mulligan if you will. A time to announce to the world (or at least my friends and family on facebook) that this year will be different. I will be a better me. Organized, tidy, never forgetting to brush my hair and teeth before leaving the house. This will be the year! I think that has been my New Years Resolution every year for the past 5 years. I throw in a few others for good measure (eat healthier, watch less TV, locate and use my cell phone so people can actually get a hold of me) but the overriding theme is that if I could get my life organized, I would be a better me. No more realizing as I am standing at airport security that my license expired OVER two months ago.

So here it is, 2010, and I am once again filled with excitement to start being the better me that I know is in there somewhere... I hope.

But I am heading into this year with a bit of ammo.

1. The shed. Oh, the shed. I love you shed. Let me explain. My beautiful, Craftsman house, was built without a garage. No place to put tools, of which we have collected many for the numerous projects this old house has required, or the leftover materials from them all. No place for paint cans. Chemicals. Suitcases. Ladders. The list goes on (and on, and on). For Christmas my dad, step mom, husband and mother in law went in on a shed for me. BPE! That means Best Present EVER. Thank you all so much. At the moment it sticks out like a sore thumb in the side yard, but I am hoping some paint and well placed landscaping will help in time. But it is a home for all the transient building supplies, materials and tools that clogged my closets for far too long! Seriously, who builds a house without a garage?

2. I am a clipboard junkie. I have random clipboards around the house with half done to-do lists in almost every room. This year I found beautiful clipboards from Target and bought myself three. One for business, one for personal and one for, well, not sure yet, but in design you like things in groups of threes.

3. Pretty file folders. From the Dollar Tree! I like pretty things. And I want to be organized. These just might be the ticket. If it doesn't work out, I'm only out $2.

4. The Apartment Therapy Eight Week Cure (and I managed to con a friend into doing it with me). Great book from a great design blog. At least the first half of the book was good the first time I tried to follow the plan before I totally went off the rails...

5. A resolute resolution that this year will be THE year!

Now I head off into 2010. You might not even recognize me next time you see me because I will be so much, well, better. And my hair and teeth might be brushed.

Unidentified Mid Century Objects

2009-11-14T11:39:00.001-08:00

In my travels I have come across many beautiful things. A quick trip to e-bay or google will usually solve the mystery as to who made it and when. But as of recent, I have come up short on two. The first, a phenomenal brass coffee carafe with a teak lid and handle. It is stamped on the bottom with a W and a T in a circle and says Made Italy. Normally I would just be thrilled with finding such a cool piece of mid century serving ware, but some guy in line behind me looked at the mark and told me he thought it might be really valuable. So now I have to know!

The other piece is just adorable. It is a mid century Gustavsberg style ceramic horse. Looks like a cross between a Stig Lindberg and a Lisa Larson piece. And the most curious bit? The riders head is on backwards! His legs and body are facing one way and his face the other! Is it valuable? Maybe? A knock off? Quite possibly? Vintage? I think so... I am counting on the ebay mid century discussion board for some clues.

In the meantime, they are beautiful pieces that I am enjoying having around the house.

Can You Say Suitcase Fetish?

2009-07-10T08:17:00.000-07:00

It would seem that I have a suitcase addiction. Until I find an SA meeting in my area, I will continue on with the suitcase hoarding. It's not that bad, really. I do share my love with my fellow Etsy-ers! Coming soon to Haus Proud on Etsy.

Pyrex Sneak Peek

2009-06-19T18:48:00.001-07:00

Still to list, Pyrex in every size shape and pattern! Here are just a few...

Sneak Peek at the Great List A Thon 2009

2009-06-15T09:24:00.000-07:00

OK, I seem to have found myself completely backlogged on listing new items in my Etsy store! And not just a little bit. I have half a dozen lamps, three or four sets of dishes, trays up the yin yang, an extensive Pyrex collection and a million and one random, fantastic things to list! Here is a preview of some of the things that will be making their way into the shop this week.

I have enlisted help and we are working like gangbusters to get everything washed, dried, photographed, weighed, measures and listed (phew!).

I Love Lamp

2009-06-13T08:43:00.000-07:00

I have had my eye on this amazing mid century orange lamp at the thrift store and it goes half off today! Only problem? I can only imagine what kind of nightmare that store is when they half all the prices. As it is you can barely get past the people and furniture. And they said people line up early for Saturday sales! Agh, what to do. Guess I have to figure out just how bad I want it.

My Sister Said My Blog was a BUST

2009-06-12T19:31:00.001-07:00

And she is right. But I am bound to rectify this situation! This will henceforth be a blog of awesomeness!

On a fun note, I went to an estate sale today and bought half the estate. They kept thanking me. All I could say was, no, thank you. They provided me with some seriously fun plastic housewares, some great glass bottles and a bunch of clocks (6 to be exact).

My drying rack is a smorgasbord of really cool stuff!

They said that everything will be deeply discounted if it is still there tomorrow at noon. Guess I know what I am doing tomorrow afternoon...

In other news, the second spot in the Sherman Oaks Antique Mall is 90% there. Half of it is my moms clothes, shoes and purses and my furnishings and decor occupy the other half.

The Great Dilemma

2009-03-04T16:10:00.000-08:00

After three years of complaining about our dishes we decided it was time for a change! Being an avid vintage shopper, I was on the hunt for something mid century and a little fun. In one day I found not one, but two (!) sets! Each one comes with a few missing pieces (but also a few extra goodies) and some imperfections.

They were both well priced (about 1/8 what you would pay for a new service for 8!) and just cute as can be! So how could I decide? Ahhh yes, buy them both and decide later. Besides, I get to list the "losing" set for my fellow Etsyians.

So friends and family, I ask you, which should I keep?

FYI, the blue leaf pattern is Noritake and the yellow one is Franciscan.

So, Why Blog?

2009-02-26T17:21:00.000-08:00

It's not like I have all this extra time that I am just looking to fill up. So why start a blog? And why now?

Good question. I'm not sure I quite know the answer. But I know that I want to share things. I want to share some of the wonderful tips and advice I have received over the years. I want to share the wonderful world of remodeling an older home. I want to depart wise advice upon you all. OK, so there is a good chance that won't happen. But if I am lucky, I just might get some from you!