Our Festive Fourth | Decorating Our Wagon for the Kiddie Parade

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yvFsURh_dgJgxivi8aNpfVGIjc7S8siOCBW5Gxy_Wr4MrucLkteHWtdjLtX1yLg8764NEGPwWEDrzPgd9TO0r9v_RP_xMi67pZMPj4LuqT4fP9BDMMWOwJGChOYgoNpK8xBQqCw6jOA/s1600/IMG_9658.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yvFsURh_dgJgxivi8aNpfVGIjc7S8siOCBW5Gxy_Wr4MrucLkteHWtdjLtX1yLg8764NEGPwWEDrzPgd9TO0r9v_RP_xMi67pZMPj4LuqT4fP9BDMMWOwJGChOYgoNpK8xBQqCw6jOA/s640/IMG_9658.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pre-Kiddie Parade Posing </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWu37mIP02tMj2JV0oVoRWbWp7BjaDvwYNKtdWMa0Gi8exw-nd9nYcbjr1KnUVVGsqQEa4U6iq73UDQC-lWTAm4UWqTwLC-UIvv1UwYJM06DhadClRti16msmfL7IvkKiTVub2G14buSU/s1600/IMG_9585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWu37mIP02tMj2JV0oVoRWbWp7BjaDvwYNKtdWMa0Gi8exw-nd9nYcbjr1KnUVVGsqQEa4U6iq73UDQC-lWTAm4UWqTwLC-UIvv1UwYJM06DhadClRti16msmfL7IvkKiTVub2G14buSU/s400/IMG_9585.jpg" width="311" /></a>When we moved to Fairway (the first time, 5 years ago before our adventures in New England), I loved watching the 4th of July Bike & Trike Parade from our back yard.  I thought it was so quintessential "charming town" - one of the reasons I love this area.  When it was time to move back from Concord, Ma. I knew I wanted to buy <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-before-house-tour-be-kind-dont.html">another house in Fairway</a> - I couldn't wait for Emma to grow up on these old tree lined streets of charming cottage-type homes.  </div><br />One of our couple friends from college (who also did a stint in New England - Maine, to be exact) also picked Fairway as their new home just this year... and they have a daughter one month older than Emma.  They joined us as wagon buddies for the parade and for a donut decorating breakfast before.   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPMVZwroHPUgMxkDBYkgYMTlNOiFJywLH70RDOBt0sdNRQ-hsEGg7Ad7oTCDm9qEURbd7YI1DyCxV2qXKNVEygSHSnVu3khRWeBpAjH7MR1gOFrKYICsUjYfVkJvMT5jKLLne5MgeooRQ/s1600/IMG_9589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPMVZwroHPUgMxkDBYkgYMTlNOiFJywLH70RDOBt0sdNRQ-hsEGg7Ad7oTCDm9qEURbd7YI1DyCxV2qXKNVEygSHSnVu3khRWeBpAjH7MR1gOFrKYICsUjYfVkJvMT5jKLLne5MgeooRQ/s640/IMG_9589.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Fluffy Fresh Donuts - best in KC so far... We've been doing a Saturday morning donut tour the last couple of weeks. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgNXholjsVHDb1zIfr8rkDEEXcrS2HHGm4CtiiEMS4XsTWrcFXq46yQcGya2rnOEyUKav1no99c8Hmr9s5sSRL6ZOJR2ZovarpZ2F1bH_qt-UrDOWRCiulAlhYlgaUuVLyUUcUAD5Buo/s1600/IMG_9593.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgNXholjsVHDb1zIfr8rkDEEXcrS2HHGm4CtiiEMS4XsTWrcFXq46yQcGya2rnOEyUKav1no99c8Hmr9s5sSRL6ZOJR2ZovarpZ2F1bH_qt-UrDOWRCiulAlhYlgaUuVLyUUcUAD5Buo/s640/IMG_9593.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />Wagon decorating supplies = festive brunch decor<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYVfZoEEg9QDZwZ_MH2vYUBXLqCEVk5ScFI7AmuJFGI5u4OeNZVCMWRE1UghNal8f5-a4ZNvKYAQzfV1xt0Ngi6Q2_rI92qFwDjkFrjw12W6bkVK4gyiqmZnNoOUE3kmKYrkEiPksoiM/s1600/IMG_9591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYVfZoEEg9QDZwZ_MH2vYUBXLqCEVk5ScFI7AmuJFGI5u4OeNZVCMWRE1UghNal8f5-a4ZNvKYAQzfV1xt0Ngi6Q2_rI92qFwDjkFrjw12W6bkVK4gyiqmZnNoOUE3kmKYrkEiPksoiM/s640/IMG_9591.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Patriotic themed fruit, of course.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BHmeItGurZ9Ib3KWagg61cKBHqbAPeBBHI7qum0p5ze-ZnYG5vakHKdDhm0ljtsA4g-ZHukAmc0m39cR3hjkQjkQuyf-6Ny0-pRFRDeQcruC_KaVxVY3w9ycQ4SiU8_oSU2U-uV1WBU/s1600/IMG_9595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BHmeItGurZ9Ib3KWagg61cKBHqbAPeBBHI7qum0p5ze-ZnYG5vakHKdDhm0ljtsA4g-ZHukAmc0m39cR3hjkQjkQuyf-6Ny0-pRFRDeQcruC_KaVxVY3w9ycQ4SiU8_oSU2U-uV1WBU/s640/IMG_9595.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">A little flag twirling fun.  And now you know how our family room looks most of the time!  The kitchen runeth over.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSGrGxbkruRTDyZ5Q667MpBJlcZD9q1D8kj_xd1-1O9MkXuh8wrO-XvWhHfEm7rgj6iVenpkevaOtybfSRsUxMegbenTZ4jp0MBu6SyZKmUJA5-OzgxLCuYMguXNgD3oRYqxuNQDZqyg/s1600/IMG_9592.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSGrGxbkruRTDyZ5Q667MpBJlcZD9q1D8kj_xd1-1O9MkXuh8wrO-XvWhHfEm7rgj6iVenpkevaOtybfSRsUxMegbenTZ4jp0MBu6SyZKmUJA5-OzgxLCuYMguXNgD3oRYqxuNQDZqyg/s640/IMG_9592.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br /> Handmade star wands for the girls made by our wagon buddies.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEgnVFh4jvBikhMF2Nw8hi5EiaunQAvDxo4ZeMN6wxvw4e3G-8CdLdoa-QR3yqwkAaIM3iXxXy-5XQDB5DbCsilWOnJIwFUw0DUmLrxftaq5dTfY3W87spxuTTAKMy3nmGFfQ1rnPOZM/s1600/IMG_9602.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEgnVFh4jvBikhMF2Nw8hi5EiaunQAvDxo4ZeMN6wxvw4e3G-8CdLdoa-QR3yqwkAaIM3iXxXy-5XQDB5DbCsilWOnJIwFUw0DUmLrxftaq5dTfY3W87spxuTTAKMy3nmGFfQ1rnPOZM/s640/IMG_9602.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The chariot awaits.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpTDkovY0dq6EESq511h4Oy_DdAktB921uJx59aeF-0LLZpFtCRBEs_btTWudnfDNpqGlJCBHE8DAIFGrZeBH5T3jkVWh0VWFSM_ezJQntQckFPQV3yeIpZsULfLOVrf3pCQ1dW_-glE/s1600/IMG_9630.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpTDkovY0dq6EESq511h4Oy_DdAktB921uJx59aeF-0LLZpFtCRBEs_btTWudnfDNpqGlJCBHE8DAIFGrZeBH5T3jkVWh0VWFSM_ezJQntQckFPQV3yeIpZsULfLOVrf3pCQ1dW_-glE/s640/IMG_9630.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">So much fun!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7q6-kqEIUXHat33lFeolZ3NytN_8gX-g_yv3V0yPhlhzExvJpkWzuU6sZM2o5Of9jOqdDdZahKTxMvy5CBC0FcTMF34fnaoPrWkrzy7vg4TWriDTqrKyUUWyXLX7-4Gt0C3P0XLNUCl4/s1600/IMG_9637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7q6-kqEIUXHat33lFeolZ3NytN_8gX-g_yv3V0yPhlhzExvJpkWzuU6sZM2o5Of9jOqdDdZahKTxMvy5CBC0FcTMF34fnaoPrWkrzy7vg4TWriDTqrKyUUWyXLX7-4Gt0C3P0XLNUCl4/s640/IMG_9637.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Heading down to the parade route.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91-CRVMLt4QMCep2_eo-jFoM9zfb9Ndkk6iMvciQqhWc8bbU6XDdfYT_UhK8Y9olLgLywV-dmtFPtMW5VCbejP9iHVCo6RT6kxZtIQk4Gswfa8kVkYB3F94UpvNyyRdkmbzep-t0QJ4A/s1600/IMG_9652.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91-CRVMLt4QMCep2_eo-jFoM9zfb9Ndkk6iMvciQqhWc8bbU6XDdfYT_UhK8Y9olLgLywV-dmtFPtMW5VCbejP9iHVCo6RT6kxZtIQk4Gswfa8kVkYB3F94UpvNyyRdkmbzep-t0QJ4A/s640/IMG_9652.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I love how festively dressed everyone is! </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzjQRB_JfycH5W_tprZHYHBT70HwayjtDbS_gK_hTaFQrd56i3W42MWr1Yf4c036le3wODi9n-IMm4oi0qFuOi_CT3v4dn8xw8ZkD_AxTi4kAClpq7-cPYWLER7cyb2SpU5mcyabFvQs/s1600/IMG_9647.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzjQRB_JfycH5W_tprZHYHBT70HwayjtDbS_gK_hTaFQrd56i3W42MWr1Yf4c036le3wODi9n-IMm4oi0qFuOi_CT3v4dn8xw8ZkD_AxTi4kAClpq7-cPYWLER7cyb2SpU5mcyabFvQs/s640/IMG_9647.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />The girls didn't last long in the wagon...  In fact, we brought up the tail of the parade with some running. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nbzk4JuyyZrq-q6wwhtU7zP9RlKoMIo0OZV9kzysY2E08uH58NTW-SX_KNKh-ZzYjNp90VriLGvcfHDlQPilp6gUZbPev7pPc-AlMY2MVzp_nZqv7VqbsLtzpS3EddlMu_9l7L-1AS8/s1600/IMG_9646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nbzk4JuyyZrq-q6wwhtU7zP9RlKoMIo0OZV9kzysY2E08uH58NTW-SX_KNKh-ZzYjNp90VriLGvcfHDlQPilp6gUZbPev7pPc-AlMY2MVzp_nZqv7VqbsLtzpS3EddlMu_9l7L-1AS8/s640/IMG_9646.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Perfect form.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrDIqCYkfAiHZHljEvBrpsCWtKKCnbNNrPzUEBSwLEtkxOS-A3F1h6mDOGJb1dqDRgLZQ-AwQhyphenhyphenmqeu2j5kLHldlNoutR7yOWwgq7Ns4AKooo-C-QZAjZ7Ua15_sIIiz6tlf9_1ny94E/s1600/IMG_9657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrDIqCYkfAiHZHljEvBrpsCWtKKCnbNNrPzUEBSwLEtkxOS-A3F1h6mDOGJb1dqDRgLZQ-AwQhyphenhyphenmqeu2j5kLHldlNoutR7yOWwgq7Ns4AKooo-C-QZAjZ7Ua15_sIIiz6tlf9_1ny94E/s640/IMG_9657.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And a good old fashioned Daddy shoulder ride.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3bASPB9AXmgM2Z7KL9Lh5lw-NP7TtFm0aqoLi3rvDkqS5Z43QhyphenhyphenQBolijrhvjuPNEJPf_CAVTkSnd229G97yVCe_1Cjxq9s0T_F6j7KJMLtWtcx2xRNl5RbdM3GeNtaWMOjmx72nwNs/s1600/IMG_9668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3bASPB9AXmgM2Z7KL9Lh5lw-NP7TtFm0aqoLi3rvDkqS5Z43QhyphenhyphenQBolijrhvjuPNEJPf_CAVTkSnd229G97yVCe_1Cjxq9s0T_F6j7KJMLtWtcx2xRNl5RbdM3GeNtaWMOjmx72nwNs/s640/IMG_9668.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />After the parade, we hopped in the car to head across the state to visit my sister for the rest of the weekend.  We made a stop half way at our alma mater... <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSp8NLNk22KOcSkDlQhgK1qTaKfnnnxLVylLCmgRKiH8zQ259Ni-qe2pXbObveOPKMwQnYEMeLPSeo7W0hSNTBF1sJ3Okz2lLAJFQtztyi2FCwfDlW4VNO261Nuc30XlMxh4bjTvyuBY/s1600/IMG_9672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSp8NLNk22KOcSkDlQhgK1qTaKfnnnxLVylLCmgRKiH8zQ259Ni-qe2pXbObveOPKMwQnYEMeLPSeo7W0hSNTBF1sJ3Okz2lLAJFQtztyi2FCwfDlW4VNO261Nuc30XlMxh4bjTvyuBY/s640/IMG_9672.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Mizzou!   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZq9dpCRUuNyPYJ0v49ZWGqZHTm5rizup-IprSjJ8uTAdTAB6gbmxVw038f_xvkEfpSdrGV0q0T8qbYd0Lk03_af-_tBf1TxLpZWcU5vou2EeW3c4d8gZhhxMPdJGKDMVT-Z5dbs6eThA/s1600/IMG_9677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZq9dpCRUuNyPYJ0v49ZWGqZHTm5rizup-IprSjJ8uTAdTAB6gbmxVw038f_xvkEfpSdrGV0q0T8qbYd0Lk03_af-_tBf1TxLpZWcU5vou2EeW3c4d8gZhhxMPdJGKDMVT-Z5dbs6eThA/s640/IMG_9677.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />It was Emma's first of many visits and the perfect spot to let her run after 2 hours in the car. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhDFdves9Fd4gnilzUV8ZRsI6LraJTiHoTtxUFZ8dHlaoP7UA5JefXjOXg53a3s4xtDumGma-_awt7D3AdryNqcOKjN7PXANZD7HhrTYSKu3jH9yKS_Io46nSi0EgLERnTXyZE2-95zw/s1600/IMG_9683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhDFdves9Fd4gnilzUV8ZRsI6LraJTiHoTtxUFZ8dHlaoP7UA5JefXjOXg53a3s4xtDumGma-_awt7D3AdryNqcOKjN7PXANZD7HhrTYSKu3jH9yKS_Io46nSi0EgLERnTXyZE2-95zw/s640/IMG_9683.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />We plan to share these photos with her in 17 years... when she is a freshman!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2dx48G14AeADx5t9bc9KzvUZ4aHBb4Y2ouYa82usYdbnYijDX_p4wcblNWinccnqnd6SDu4kg5DYr6xa6q4ZbcLaLDR3jKaxcyTwDsDOIp7b1l4FCWLH3n7Ok5b3NabhRJRiDhFT5bxQ/s1600/IMG_9699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2dx48G14AeADx5t9bc9KzvUZ4aHBb4Y2ouYa82usYdbnYijDX_p4wcblNWinccnqnd6SDu4kg5DYr6xa6q4ZbcLaLDR3jKaxcyTwDsDOIp7b1l4FCWLH3n7Ok5b3NabhRJRiDhFT5bxQ/s640/IMG_9699.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stay tuned - tomorrow I'll post photos the 4th of July shrimp boil we attended at Jill's house! </div><br />

Our Festive Fourth | Decorating Our Wagon for the Kiddie Parade

Pre-Kiddie Parade Posing  When we moved to Fairway (the first time, 5 years ago before our adventures in New England), I loved watching th...

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New Addition to our House | Driving me nuts... I need your help!

<br /><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo" border="0" height="308" src="http://www.jennysteffens.com/Resources/photo.jpeg" style="float: left;" width="320" /> </div><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div>We purchased our new house because it was in our favorite neighborhood, had great curb appeal and enormous potential.  As I've mentioned a thousand times before, we plan on doing a substantial addition to make the home bigger and more open.  We're in the process of meeting with architects and contractors in our area and starting to really think about what we want the addition to look like, feel like and how we want it to function to suit our lives.<br /><br />I'm discovering that there are so many things to consider.  It seems like once I have a good vision of what I want it to look like, I see a photo of another interior and I change my mind completely.  The big debate is whether to do it open and airy (think Barefoot Contessa's barn) or cozy and warm (think wood paneled room, stone fireplace hearth room with big leather chairs).  I'd love to find a way to do both... maybe open floor plan with warm and cozy finishing. <br /><br />I was so amazed at the great ideas offered up last week on recommendations for our bedroom, that I am now seeking your advice on this giant project.  Any tips you have on doing an addition - are there things you wish you would've thought about when you did your house?<br /><br />I've been doing a little sketching on my computer of various layouts.  By the way, this is my test for architects and contractors when we're interviewing them - I show them my sketched ideas.  I want to see how frightened they are by a client that has many ideas and wants to be very, <i>very</i> involved : )<br /><br />Here is what our house looks like now :<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEz5NZ3IgxwgzvmDobIrDCsY-ic-UkxgpwbI-FxqYA1n8NQ22ug90_I3T8X2rFgcVZB8CJpj55BEtJMk4ODaZFXwQbMNTjWZEo0X5pvtr1dBQk8ug8UaMN6Or8Pffv2_CRtDewN9-17AE/s1600/new+house+plan+BLOG+new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEz5NZ3IgxwgzvmDobIrDCsY-ic-UkxgpwbI-FxqYA1n8NQ22ug90_I3T8X2rFgcVZB8CJpj55BEtJMk4ODaZFXwQbMNTjWZEo0X5pvtr1dBQk8ug8UaMN6Or8Pffv2_CRtDewN9-17AE/s640/new+house+plan+BLOG+new.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>If you are new to the blog, you can see photos of our house here : <a href="http://www.jennysteffens.com/housetour.html">http://www.jennysteffens.com/housetour.html </a><br /><br />And here is what my vision (for the moment...) is :  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lLQqJWuCc-5SMbZauGeNc6uz3ideVb9MaNKlcb8LYoI0omIopd4JLaWBd0oW5_kVa894mPn1885b5XPk5sTYs9Bt_jSIK19S_vHC5s7cbM4JBF_lSm0ajLdBESxLY0W4jGKRswUVMOw/s1600/new+house+plan+BLOG+new+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lLQqJWuCc-5SMbZauGeNc6uz3ideVb9MaNKlcb8LYoI0omIopd4JLaWBd0oW5_kVa894mPn1885b5XPk5sTYs9Bt_jSIK19S_vHC5s7cbM4JBF_lSm0ajLdBESxLY0W4jGKRswUVMOw/s640/new+house+plan+BLOG+new+3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As you can see, we'll be refinishing the existing garage space into a guest suite with full bath attached (an idea from our neighbor's home!) and adding an attached 2-car garage.  We'd also like to extend the foyer area by 3-4 feet so the entrance is more open.  We'll add a 12 foot addition and combine the existing dining and kitchen areas into the new part to create one large room with designated areas for kitchen, dining and family/tv.   </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561485121140270610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8gEsHYYMaGKIhyqBhIGNT-v2vDT7ztZXsxAdXxw5_EIAIlLu9Od84O1xC8CDfjyWgCV0ELALdNkKghLyMBl23tSGivWuip2Ty4DZ_HNxBJzVZwmwwjHBfa3mEcshyphenhyphenwfFX5CQ-Z6Or-Jd/s640/IMG_2471.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="637" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(image from <a href="http://fortheloveofahouse.blogspot.com/">ForTheLoveOfAHouse.blogspot.com</a>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm envisioning a center stone fireplace with a table (either long or round - depending on the day/occasion) and french doors on either side opening up the patio.  I love this photo from <a href="http://fortheloveofahouse.blogspot.com/2011/01/kitchen.html">For The Love Of A House</a> - her cozy table in front of the fire has been my main point of inspiration.  You must visit her blog... the entire house is stunning.   She blends light and open with cozy perfectly.  Our kitchen will have very similar finishings (I think) - painted cabinets with marble countertops. However, our room will be quite a bit larger and more open, so I want to be sure I'll be able to create that same cozy factor...?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Notice how her ceiling is normal height.  Our ceilings will be 8ft because that is what they are in the rest of the house and we will be adding rooms above and a basement below... so, I do know that we will not have the grand vaulted ceiling look in our new addition.  I would like to add the beadboard ceiling and beams, though to add some interest and breakup the large room (which will end up being 28ft x 22ft).  Any other ideas are welcome!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are other inspiration photos I've gathered... I'm keeping them in <a href="http://pinterest.com/jennysteffens/house-inspiration/">this Pinterest board</a>.  If you find something you think I'll like, pin it and add the #tag <a href="http://pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=JennysNewAddition">#JennysNewAddition</a>.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Timeless Beauty Calacatta marble tiles installed in a herringbone pattern cover the wall behind this commercial-style range. The timeless backsplash reflects the venous marble countertops, and the soft white and gray colors provide an elegant setting for the warm wooden island and custom-built hearth." class="PinImageImg" data-componenttype="MODAL_PIN" src="http://media-cache-ec7.pinterest.com/550x/1f/c7/8f/1fc78fac0e047eaa3c77a6728b013792.jpg" style="height: 733px; width: 550px;" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">BHG.com</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love this kitchen.  The stained wood island, marble and painted cabinets remind me a lot of <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/03/jills-kitchen-white-marble-stained.html">my sister's kitchen</a> - all of the things I love.   I think the wood adds some of that 'cozy' factor.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Lake View Residence" class="PinImageImg" data-componenttype="MODAL_PIN" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/550x/52/7e/2a/527e2ab0856b0d37f55d8242a1cbbc15.jpg" style="height: 334px; width: 500px;" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;">houzz.com </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Open.  Our seating area would not be nearly this size.  I'm picturing two over-sized loveseats facing each other with a big ottoman in the middle.  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" height="479" id="ctl00_Gallery_SitefinityImage1" src="http://www.phoebehoward.net/Libraries/recent_projects_-_East_Hampton/east_hampton_09.sflb.ashx" style="border-width: 0px;" width="640" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> PhoebeHoward.net </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" height="484" id="ctl00_Gallery_SitefinityImage1" src="http://www.phoebehoward.net/Libraries/recent_projects_-_East_Hampton/east_hampton_10.sflb.ashx" style="border-width: 0px;" width="640" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">PhoebeHoward.net  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">Me, being the symmetrical-all-lined-up nut that I am, loves this kitchen.   </div>Long island, long table.  Perfect clean design, but not cold.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Pretty Storage.." class="PinImageImg" data-componenttype="MODAL_PIN" src="http://media-cache-ec7.pinterest.com/550x/78/af/26/78af260da984c2fdb20c42557ba8271d.jpg" style="height: 479px; width: 500px;" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And then... I love this warmer tone.  Is it too refined?  Do you picture it with a cozy sitting area?  Not sure!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="white kitchen cabinets, mix of open and closed shelves with tile backsplash & white marble countertop" class="PinImageImg" data-componenttype="MODAL_PIN" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/550x/b2/a1/6f/b2a16fdc57a622564cf719038de18c08.jpg" style="height: 585px; width: 450px;" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Love all of the finishings here - I will definitely be keeping my brass pulls for the kitchen.   I shared this photo last year and it is still amongst my favorites... I guess that is the test!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are things I need your help on : </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mudroom?  </div><div style="text-align: center;">Pantry?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Storage ideas?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Desk spot in the kitchen?  Built in?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Layout - should their be more separation?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Please share links and ideas - or links to your own pinterest boards!</div>

New Addition to our House | Driving me nuts... I need your help!

  We purchased our new house because it was in our favorite neighborhood, had great curb appeal and enormous potential.  As I've mentio...

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The New Living Room Design Board | The great rug debate...

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiRstqV6oOg6ElyhuMJnpAkHU7ZKXqgewGXXlSiUTaWpWxsaSWBYyBcIkX0hCIiTpmO1vz3BufX36quiBBXN0cPqNhEx92EfPc5n-V-ZEMYWWkhn0xVJgQ2jupuGbeqVpr-htS8pOIJ0zE/s1600/new+living+room.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiRstqV6oOg6ElyhuMJnpAkHU7ZKXqgewGXXlSiUTaWpWxsaSWBYyBcIkX0hCIiTpmO1vz3BufX36quiBBXN0cPqNhEx92EfPc5n-V-ZEMYWWkhn0xVJgQ2jupuGbeqVpr-htS8pOIJ0zE/s1600/new+living+room.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0UyERN7RgHQLpGYr_pa_JjPQwkiBZCuh9CgukJfM3TLfcxGITVRwBSpMXH5T6eJa2P5_7GX5_ECkLPp84a-x4iL32OVHQkAUYfyIOTaYdkj5OeVFhl6wSNVEGsDEv_Rp4c_4qH9cvruR8/s1600/207236020324024238_wfrnB7CZ_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0UyERN7RgHQLpGYr_pa_JjPQwkiBZCuh9CgukJfM3TLfcxGITVRwBSpMXH5T6eJa2P5_7GX5_ECkLPp84a-x4iL32OVHQkAUYfyIOTaYdkj5OeVFhl6wSNVEGsDEv_Rp4c_4qH9cvruR8/s320/207236020324024238_wfrnB7CZ_f.jpg" width="320" /></a>As I <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/07/we-bought-new-house-and-im-going-crazy.html">mentioned last week</a>, we are in the process of buying a new house.  We don't move in until the end of the month, but I'm making design decisions and purchasing some new furniture in the meantime.  If you're <a href="http://pinterest.com/jennysteffens/pins/">following me on pintrest</a>, you'll recognize the photo on the left as my inspiration for our New Living Room.  </div><br />I've put together the layout above using InDesign to help me with the scale of the room to make sure everything I'm planning will fit nicely.<br /><br />After some long debates (in my head, with Mike and my sister), I've made some firm decisions regarding the new ottoman, wing back chairs and a light fixture.  Things that are still up for debate are the final paint color (I know the hue, just working out the saturation...) and the rug.  Double 'ugh' for the rug.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjap61U0HvZ4dEMSIKn1iPcsWYjwuEKwnWl1WOQgZ5Ma1sUM2tJzmoIOzkbo9ZS5OTysGKihkAn818dBK1rw-tlBaL7FoAqTLknuEO0aGEcrvRAhcP43nAEmDs2g4qGAX7F1yj6lNWq0HPe/s1600/IMG_6767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjap61U0HvZ4dEMSIKn1iPcsWYjwuEKwnWl1WOQgZ5Ma1sUM2tJzmoIOzkbo9ZS5OTysGKihkAn818dBK1rw-tlBaL7FoAqTLknuEO0aGEcrvRAhcP43nAEmDs2g4qGAX7F1yj6lNWq0HPe/s400/IMG_6767.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> We'll be keeping our current sofa (thank goodness for the budget's sake...) that is upholstered in a natural "sand" belgium linen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_fdzmIGR5zxVYY_lQEcgN4VhWoQmSZ6ZbJhVg4cd8mAmxvMZXbYdBEf6g9qJthfLQMK-ZEu0kcdQwPs5ZW0srt-Nnx36-jcl_ApaXWXaCg3T0oO5o7Sm2IDgYDlY4e0IssPnU7iip34a/s1600/fogchair.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_fdzmIGR5zxVYY_lQEcgN4VhWoQmSZ6ZbJhVg4cd8mAmxvMZXbYdBEf6g9qJthfLQMK-ZEu0kcdQwPs5ZW0srt-Nnx36-jcl_ApaXWXaCg3T0oO5o7Sm2IDgYDlY4e0IssPnU7iip34a/s640/fogchair.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DDuushBicQSQedlSVZFnLMZbq-oBtC_uYbw6f9m_Y_LszLqnwFxML25qxDGS76n0F1o08ZCCtPIAIgeCXB41MU74QhJsRUCSohVGuyUknlqHQaLS-PG09SsMKFJNuG0MQSNcRkTW4IHF/s1600/barefootlilacchair.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DDuushBicQSQedlSVZFnLMZbq-oBtC_uYbw6f9m_Y_LszLqnwFxML25qxDGS76n0F1o08ZCCtPIAIgeCXB41MU74QhJsRUCSohVGuyUknlqHQaLS-PG09SsMKFJNuG0MQSNcRkTW4IHF/s320/barefootlilacchair.jpg" width="250" /></a> I've decided to purchase the 2 of the <a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1860495&cm_ps=modal_add_to_cart-_-none-_-other_items_you_may_like&categoryId=cat1910010">Slipcovered Wing Back dining room chairs from Restoration Hardware</a>.  My inspiration for these chairs is from the photo on the left of the Barefoot Contessa's home from House Beautiful.  </div><br />I'm going to have them flanking the fireplace in the Living Room, but will be able to move them to the dining room for special dinners.  The price is a little expensive for dining room chairs, but a steal for a living room chair... so, since I'm going to be using them as both, I'm justifying the expense.  <br /><br />I'm going to have them done in Fog grey linen, as pictured above.  They are a great scale, measuring 25w x 27d x 47h.  Not too too big for our house, but still very comfy.  I also like that the wing back gives it a stately stature, but the slipcover makes it casual.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5UDacTeSRtvC5bLBJPTKLP4fCBYR35ZfindV4UDedBVyumGJYlNKxc6Ar3sQeyu_8LibKcODYkOQ55flxie6ZqeEnu1orvLo9EeU7VuSvgKEChG2BO8rkZUbtcsPaOky4Fx6ymeg8FhOs/s1600/ottoman.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5UDacTeSRtvC5bLBJPTKLP4fCBYR35ZfindV4UDedBVyumGJYlNKxc6Ar3sQeyu_8LibKcODYkOQ55flxie6ZqeEnu1orvLo9EeU7VuSvgKEChG2BO8rkZUbtcsPaOky4Fx6ymeg8FhOs/s640/ottoman.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The ottoman has been another point of debate... what upholstery?  Because I'm doing the grey Fog Linen for the Wing Backs, I've decided (finally...) to have it done to match the sofa in Sand Belgium Linen so I don't add too many fabrics into the room.  I plan to have various throws, interesting drapes and pillows that will add color, dimension and pattern to the room.  I'd rather stick with the basics for the main pieces, then have more fun with things that can be changed easily and often- as I'm known to do it for each season. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKspO4LA5IctVBlmZoki1jphv4Ud4iYqZhijo-QQRiKyutilyodMN0NZg5x7rlOov7YM9BBAMnP8Ler0MlmiBisOns_dkaNV5faM7o-qX0XwCPLfTB5ObsNQEgIQfg8As7SFQVqnBk8GeQ/s1600/light.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKspO4LA5IctVBlmZoki1jphv4Ud4iYqZhijo-QQRiKyutilyodMN0NZg5x7rlOov7YM9BBAMnP8Ler0MlmiBisOns_dkaNV5faM7o-qX0XwCPLfTB5ObsNQEgIQfg8As7SFQVqnBk8GeQ/s400/light.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have always loved brass fixtures and plan to do them throughout the house to match the existing brass doorknobs and hardware.  This one is from Circa Lighting.  Hopefully my budget will allow to have multiples of these... if not, I'll settle for this one in the foyer, and something complimentary for the rest of the house - bedrooms, hallways, etc.   </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNNGHzosEaEsSfKYkHbCvgipV82yeKZeYTl3U1OkiD79UtXahGtzs8vqVXfeZVAhx78tQ2uE8n4TM4_Gq2Fp-pt3ppGDn3nHGpC_vAHB06fs9BVuH5N-7EQVOZs-8m3c2F0Wp0DLm1elt/s1600/paint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNNGHzosEaEsSfKYkHbCvgipV82yeKZeYTl3U1OkiD79UtXahGtzs8vqVXfeZVAhx78tQ2uE8n4TM4_Gq2Fp-pt3ppGDn3nHGpC_vAHB06fs9BVuH5N-7EQVOZs-8m3c2F0Wp0DLm1elt/s200/paint.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXvtPV5XS7UZjGapwiI7qSobM309uO91BnqNn1dIgTgtYwVAjdP46XOsFFbig6GPFhq0_nlWVTUsKdRxPVHiqetYD1wrt7ZHIMpKGn3C1kbnpq4EupYSF8PyE8g0kzx4U8l9fCbufrgFcu/s1600/ash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXvtPV5XS7UZjGapwiI7qSobM309uO91BnqNn1dIgTgtYwVAjdP46XOsFFbig6GPFhq0_nlWVTUsKdRxPVHiqetYD1wrt7ZHIMpKGn3C1kbnpq4EupYSF8PyE8g0kzx4U8l9fCbufrgFcu/s200/ash.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I want the walls in the entire house to be very neutral and light.  I really like Stone and Ash from the Slate collection at Restoration Hardware.  Ash and Stone are not pictured in the swatches on the left, but they are from that collection.  Ash is the swatch to the right.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now onto the rugs...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGk6mfjOvmqVjCgtUrLwLyiWaueO7sOe06m_GXM75374lu6r9W2fi5WcafkeYZfqwtQXdTqf7N43HXN98Wb61jf4k3ucYXrin0dYjz3yGxfckLZTZloL3DWehXehg7LSIie0Pt7gXh8lS/s1600/loverug.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGk6mfjOvmqVjCgtUrLwLyiWaueO7sOe06m_GXM75374lu6r9W2fi5WcafkeYZfqwtQXdTqf7N43HXN98Wb61jf4k3ucYXrin0dYjz3yGxfckLZTZloL3DWehXehg7LSIie0Pt7gXh8lS/s400/loverug.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This rug from Ballard Designs, I love.  I love the colors, I love the pattern, but I don't love the comfort level of the flat weave or the price.  It is still the inspiration for what I'm looking for, though.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCHXDBdiYkjNVdiD3i4JSm0QgTN7larw5XmmHp8wrYmYP9xjMuPIhz_pHSmIlkoGiOTmYOAilg9couQ8BhDH-2qPeBb_zC5NZ378_hVHIMtDpH0Iad-ZXsu6_Cal57E5CJ2PGlI9aNfFz/s1600/ballardrug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCHXDBdiYkjNVdiD3i4JSm0QgTN7larw5XmmHp8wrYmYP9xjMuPIhz_pHSmIlkoGiOTmYOAilg9couQ8BhDH-2qPeBb_zC5NZ378_hVHIMtDpH0Iad-ZXsu6_Cal57E5CJ2PGlI9aNfFz/s400/ballardrug.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is another rug from Ballard.  I also love it - I love the contrasting pops of dark colors.  I think it adds a sophisticated element to an otherwise light and airy rug.  It is only available in a 6x9... so maybe I settle for it in the dining room?  But, I still need a rug for the living room...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqEwDRatH9AbyiwXKRj1ebZFKTG6Fi9DRcrkgQZtGQ3YhKnGL89_nmQnSOFSAO7HA3zXrmzoTiexAV3oURoK1igCSrsB0fUvCWwzKXfIcr3Oprjkp2USNrVW6_92ny2e5RZdcMD8UjPJb/s1600/dashrug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqEwDRatH9AbyiwXKRj1ebZFKTG6Fi9DRcrkgQZtGQ3YhKnGL89_nmQnSOFSAO7HA3zXrmzoTiexAV3oURoK1igCSrsB0fUvCWwzKXfIcr3Oprjkp2USNrVW6_92ny2e5RZdcMD8UjPJb/s640/dashrug.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />This is the rug my sister has in her living room (that I love because I help her pick it out).  I love the colors, but not sure if I want to mimic exactly what Jill's done in her house, just for the sake of copycat syndrome. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivE29AG4xJ4D5uB6qeYAiM9ZYdgqvnickG4Xl7e48l9BsL_rxxUwkEPHQLacCXn55LXCR1hIlqg2OaMndmYgXDUjNhm-z09-JcB-Rl7M8fD_s_SI16EqnIprTaVWg7LMZqIFTqLa0ctuHP/s1600/pbgreyrug.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivE29AG4xJ4D5uB6qeYAiM9ZYdgqvnickG4Xl7e48l9BsL_rxxUwkEPHQLacCXn55LXCR1hIlqg2OaMndmYgXDUjNhm-z09-JcB-Rl7M8fD_s_SI16EqnIprTaVWg7LMZqIFTqLa0ctuHP/s640/pbgreyrug.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />I also like this rug from Pottery Barn.  Jill also has it in her hearth room.  I also helped her pick it out.  I'm wondering why I helped her so much : )  But, the real debate is if I want something as graphic, or if I want a more traditional Persian style... I do love the cleanness that the graphic pattern gives, but I like the classic look of the Persian...  Did I mention double ugh?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIvtG4srvvV08LGtzSLas0QdFs_cB6Bs_ejHIh6kdFEkeh9fcGj2ulCrsQ0DXdPsKUsc6GrGjnDL5IUfmRrjopo7aMD9lUYEn9tbpQ4iq0T6ZvcxrOJBUZ1-Rj-a5j9QuZb91sWPjS2WQ/s1600/artscraftsrug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIvtG4srvvV08LGtzSLas0QdFs_cB6Bs_ejHIh6kdFEkeh9fcGj2ulCrsQ0DXdPsKUsc6GrGjnDL5IUfmRrjopo7aMD9lUYEn9tbpQ4iq0T6ZvcxrOJBUZ1-Rj-a5j9QuZb91sWPjS2WQ/s640/artscraftsrug.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />This rug is from Pottery Barn, also.  I like the colors and the traditional Arts & Crafts block print.  I think it would be a great classic look, but a little modern because of the clean block print.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87mHgrRLjYsTZZldH7jopzz8AIy3Sh_FB4gyi95tQFtAlmnJPse-_ZF1rTrZPEOykO1TRTx_cJCiW4j5bKY4PY-PW6XHSnbX1V8RUYWDBQlIRnqYuaG6svtL3z7LEO5yHeOUm4EhGsPZ6/s1600/multirug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87mHgrRLjYsTZZldH7jopzz8AIy3Sh_FB4gyi95tQFtAlmnJPse-_ZF1rTrZPEOykO1TRTx_cJCiW4j5bKY4PY-PW6XHSnbX1V8RUYWDBQlIRnqYuaG6svtL3z7LEO5yHeOUm4EhGsPZ6/s640/multirug.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />This rug from Pottery Barn struck me as interesting and eclectic.  I think it would add major interest to the living room... maybe a little too much?   <br /><br />Amy I missing any other rugs out there?!  Your help would be appreciated!

The New Living Room Design Board | The great rug debate...

As I mentioned last week , we are in the process of buying a new house.  We don't move in until the end of the month, but I'm making...

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