It’s the Little Things
February 1, 2010 | 30 Comments
Hi, everyone, how was your weekend? Mine was busy, busy, busy. Last week, I strained my back so I had to rest it and got very little done around the house. I was determined to make up for it this weekend, having forgotten that Ikea + Home Depot in the same weekend = one grumpy husband. He got it over it though because that allowed us to get a bunch of little things done which makes us both happy.
The first thing is we installed temporary shades on all the windows upstairs so we’re not living like exhibitionists anymore(!) We’re planning on getting custom shades at some point (we did this in our last house and it was so worth it) but in the meantime, we needed something other than newsprint and scotch tape!
(Before and After)
We went to Home Depot to get some basic roller shades but found these temporary shades from Redi Shade. I am so clueless I had no idea there were such things on the market! They’re brilliant because you don’t need screws or brackets. They’re peel and stick! And they’re only $4! (I swear I am not being paid for this. I was just so happy to find them that I had to publicize it in case anyone else was in the same boat – and as clueless – as I was.) Now I won’t lose my mind while I wait for the custom shades!
Second, I got the huz to remove the light in the eat-in kitchen. It’s a fine light (it’s heavy as hell and I’ve seen some similar ones around here priced pretty high) but it was just overwhelming in the space and it completely clashed with our table and chairs.
As you know, I’ve been looking for lights but I’m having the hardest time making any decisions. I don’t want to just buy something just to make do but I couldn’t take looking at this light anymore. So, out it went and it opened up the room so much more. I can’t tell you how happy it makes me – even if there’s a hole in the ceiling. I’d rather look at that!
We also lined all the drawers and shelves in the kitchen, moved a couple of wall sconces, replaced all the burned out bulbs . . . like I said, lots of little things. And I finally found my memory card reader so I can start uploading all the photos I’ve been taking around here. So life after moving is slowly getting better, one little thing at a time!
Happy February, everyone! Can you believe it’s already February?!
(Photos: From the Right Bank)
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- Today's Crush: Patterned Window Shades
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February 1st, 2010 @ 10:12 am
Happy February to you too! I really like the dining area without that chandelier…will you be replacing it or leaving it as is? How are you liking Atlanta so far?
Lindsey Lou!´s last post ..Luxury Bathing….
February 1st, 2010 @ 10:28 am
Happy February Ally! I’m glad things are starting to look up. I have to tell you, I’m crazy for the horizontal woodwork in your breakfast area, so pretty. I’d do my entire house in this look if I could.
Check out Smith and Noble for some good, well priced window options. We ordered bamboo shades for our basement from them and the quality and service are really top notch. And no, I’m not getting paid to say that! ;0)
nkp´s last post ..Pure, Raw Talent
February 1st, 2010 @ 10:35 am
Definite improvement without the light! Looks like you have a wonderful view – can’t wait to see more photos!!! Happy Monday!
Donna´s last post ..Counting my blessings…
February 1st, 2010 @ 10:40 am
Happy Feb, Sweets!
What you’re not going for the Tuscan McMansion look in the breakfast nook? I’m terribly disappointed.
Raina´s last post ..Moving house, evolving styles
February 1st, 2010 @ 10:43 am
I do believe there are some lighting showrooms in the ADAC on Peachtree Hills Avenue in Buckhead, if you haven’t gone there already. Not for nothing, but I believe it would be a decent place to start…
Lindsey Lou!´s last post ..Luxury Bathing….
February 1st, 2010 @ 10:44 am
So smart to take down the light! I find it hard to visualize what should be somewhere when something that shouldn’t is taking over a space!
Great light coming into the space in the last image…Janell
February 1st, 2010 @ 10:54 am
How cool are those shades? The breakfast area really did open up by removing the light fixture – good call!
Nate @ Laurelstreet´s last post ..A little less than perfect…
February 1st, 2010 @ 10:55 am
Lindsey: I’m liking Atlanta quite a bit! Everyone’s been so nice and I love how design-obsessed it is!
nkp: The entire kitchen and keeping room have that woodwork. At first, I thought it was too country but it’s also kind of Cape Cod beach house and I do like that.
Raina: I was calling it Knights of the Round Table but Tuscan McMansion is better!
February 1st, 2010 @ 11:59 am
Knights of the Round Table is pretty dang funny!
Sorry to hear about your back — stick to the little things for a while longer and try to relax (easier said than done in a new house, I know).
erin@designcrisis´s last post ..Sectional Seduction
February 1st, 2010 @ 12:19 pm
Ahhhhh. Now your gorge table and chairs can breathe. I wondered who bought those shades…now I know. LOVE the light pouring in that room!
linda@LimeintheCoconut´s last post ..Dayum chair-1…me-0.
February 1st, 2010 @ 12:23 pm
I love redi-shades! We had to get some while we waited for our blinds to arrive (it was awful sleeping in a room with no shades!). Love that they don’t require any nails or screws.
Averill´s last post ..The Bathroom That Blogging Built
February 1st, 2010 @ 1:25 pm
those redi-shades are the first thing i recommend to anyone needing privacy but not ready to commit to a pricier, custom window treatment option. also, since you’re such an online shopper, check out http://www.lightinguniverse.com for great comparison shopping on light fixtures.
kristina´s last post ..interior design: amy lau.
February 1st, 2010 @ 1:57 pm
I’m so glad you found your camera cord. I can’t wait to see more pictures.
Love how the nook looks with the light fixture down. It’s so open and beautiful!
Good luck with everything this week
Caitlin @ Sacramento Street´s last post ..10 Things That Make Me Happy: Ill Seen, Ill Said
February 1st, 2010 @ 3:38 pm
Oh – I hope you’re recovered. Take it easy on yourself!
I’ve been looking into blinds for my windows too. I think I’ll splurge on some custom ones, but I always have to psych myself up to make a purchase that’s more pragmatic than pretty.
I know you probably want to rush to make progress on the house, but make sure you’re relaxing in between too. The move alone was so huge, you need your down time!
Jane Flanagan´s last post ..10 things that make me happy
February 1st, 2010 @ 4:02 pm
Wish I knew about the temporary blinds 3 months ago when we moved into our new home. We did the blankets on the windows for about a week and now I paid way too much for “pretend” plantation shutters until I can get what I want.
Oh well….
Great instincts on removing the lighting fixture.
It looks great.
February 1st, 2010 @ 4:25 pm
erin and Jane F: I’m doing my best to take it easy. I know it’s for the best but man, it’s hard!
kristina: Thanks for the suggestion – I’ll check it out!
Debra: That’s too bad. That’s just what we were about to do so I’m hoping this post will help some others out.
February 1st, 2010 @ 4:47 pm
Hope your back is feeling better. Love how the missing light opens up the place!
And had no clue about those shades… good to know!
Blueprint Bliss´s last post ..Neptune Classics
February 1st, 2010 @ 5:28 pm
Smith and Noble does have good shades but don’t forget to check out your local Home Depot. They are reasonably priced too.
Redi Shades rock! When I moved into my house in 2004, there were no window coverings at all. I am ashamed at how long I left them up…
Good call on the chandy. Perhaps something that’s really open, airy and light?
February 1st, 2010 @ 5:34 pm
http://www.lightinguniverse.com/large-pendants/world-imports-4115-55-hilden-4-light-large-pendant-aged-bronze_g380048.html
Something kinda like this maybe.
February 1st, 2010 @ 6:28 pm
Mustang Sally: I like them so much, I’d be happy to leave them up indefinitely!
February 1st, 2010 @ 6:53 pm
Love your table and chairs! Definitely looks better without the light.
-FringeGirl
February 1st, 2010 @ 6:56 pm
Lovely breakfast nook with sunshine! Great start to the week.
February 1st, 2010 @ 11:33 pm
your breakfast nook is gorgeous! and, I agree it’s the little things that make a huge difference! a year later, I’m finally getting shelves lined, etc, and it’s the best feeling!
February 1st, 2010 @ 11:38 pm
Ally, I’m not sure if it’s just the photograph, but I love the nook with the light removed. The windows are amazing. I sure wish I’d known about the blinds…we lived with garbage bags taped over our windows for months!
Devon Pritchard´s last post ..What’s Not to Love…
February 1st, 2010 @ 11:53 pm
it’s coming together! i love being apart of this reno and remodeling journey of yours.
February 2nd, 2010 @ 12:21 am
Sounds like you’re really starting to settle in.
Great decision on the light. I think it was too big.
Good luck!
February 2nd, 2010 @ 7:19 am
go ally! progress feels so good.
jen jafarzadeh´s last post ..broken english
February 2nd, 2010 @ 8:02 am
Happy February to you too!! I just LOVE those French windows, I don’t blame you if you want to find just the right lamp for that gorgeous corner!
Elisa´s last post ..Inspiration Boards: February
February 2nd, 2010 @ 8:58 am
You guys are making lots of progress. The difference in the kitchen without that heavy fixture is amazing! That eat-in space is just fantastic, with the horizontal paneling and those giant french doors and windows. Redi-shades are quite handy, I’ve used them in almost every one of our houses when we first moved in. One word of caution – if you’re using them in the hot summer months, don’t leave them up for more than a month or two because the sticky adhesive can bake onto the paint and will pull the paint off of your trim or worse, paper remnants stick to your trim and you have to sand smooth and repaint. We learned that the hard way!
Marsi @ The Cottage Cheese´s last post ..Snow!
February 3rd, 2010 @ 8:11 am
What an improvement in the kitchen nook – I love it! And I love all that glass and the horizontal slats on the walls. What a beautiful spot to sit and chill before the day really begins.
xo,
-maria
vintage simple´s last post ..Seven Things