The Family Tree

Several years ago for Mother's Day, we gave Mom a genealogy fan chart that I purchased from Martha Stewart.  Mom has done countless hours of research and has traced her heritage back many generations.  Later, for her birthday, I commissioned a calligraphy artist to print the names onto the chart and had the chart professionally framed.  Of course there are many more names to add now.  So many that the chart would almost be full.  But Mom has enjoyed it and I love seeing this in her family room.

There are so many great options for displaying genealogy. 

 

 LGN

I thought this was a clever way to display "his" and "hers" side by side and am tempted to do this very thing myself.  You can print your own chart here.

Here is another variation from Martha.

I really like this tree and the bold, graphic punch it gives this space.

If you prefer something a little more modern, this is a fun version from 71 Toes.

Have you created a family tree?  This is definitely going on my ever growing list of things to do.

A Client's Bathroom

A client of mine recently asked for my help with a master bedroom/bathroom update.  She was concerned about the location of the toilet - as in, it is visible from the bedroom and it is very close to the shower.  She considered flipping the toilet and sink, but the expense of moving it alone AND the additional tile work seemed risky.  So we came up with a plan b.

My initial thoughts were to lighten up the space with paint, artwork, and a new vanity.  Here is the plan I created for the room.

The plan is to add beadboard and molding to the bottom portion of the wall.  This will give the room a clean foundation and plenty of space between the tile and new wall color.  I plan to use the same wall color in the bedroom and bathroom tying the two rooms together.  The new 45" vanity will fit nicely in the space leaving a bit of room on each side.  The vanity will be much more functional than the built in that was there.  The new mirror and sconces will replace the wall to wall mirror.  I am hoping the white background of the beadboard and the colorful artwork will draw the attention away from the toilet.

I cannot wait to see this plan come together!

P.S.  My toilet is even closer to the shower ;).

Mom's Garden

Yesterday, client work took me to my home town and of course I made sure that it included a visit with Mom.  Now this might mean we are a complete "snore", but when we get together, it is imperative that we stroll through the garden to check for new blooms/growth.

This blush color is one of my absolute favorite camellias.  I could plan an entire room around this flower.

Flowering quince is one of my favorite cutting flowers.  I love seeing a single branch in a plain glass vase.  Stunning.

Does anyone remember this boxwood wreath from Christmas?  It is just as green now as it was then.  Mom plans to leave it up all year and I love how it looks in her foyer.

I plan to take off the rest of the week to catch up on client projects.  See you next week.

Dark Grout, Nevermind

Thank you so much for the feedback yesterday!  It is nice to hear from so many vintage tile lovers.  I would never consider taking the tile out unless we were completely remodeling the room and changing the layout.  However, I did research some options...

Kim, left a comment suggesting that I look into grout stain.  I did find some helpful videos on you tube and even looked for grout stain at Lowes.  It looks like and easy enough project to take on if you are considering changing up your tile.  As for re-grouting, you must first buy a tool that costs close to $300 to grind the grout 1/8" deep before applying the new grout.  My short attention span and I could never do this and I am not sure that I want to now.

I will be the first to admit that the 80's are probably my least favorite decade for fashion and decor.  The movies and music were kinda fun though.

In response to Camille's comment about the stripe on the tile, here is another shot of our bathroom...

Cottage and Vine

Also, thank you for reminding me how much I love this bathroom...

Habitually Chic

And, I do need this shower curtain don't I?  Target did carry one similar as did Lands End, but they are no longer available.  Darn it.

Dark Grout?

 Cottage and Vine

Our house was built in the 1930's and the original square tile in the bathrooms have never been updated.  Ever.  Black and white in one bathroom and yellow and black in the other.  Not my choice of tiles, but they are in good condition and it seems excessive to rip the tile out for something I want NOW.  And, they are certainly better than some of the Tuscan tile trends that were popular in the 90's.  So, I should probably be thankful for what I have.  Lately I have been drawn to dark grout and wonder if this could be a good way to update the bathrooms while keeping the original charm and style of the house.

Design Sponge

I especially love the warm wood and brass fixtures in this bathroom.

Living Etc.

La Dolce Vita

Architectural Digest

Ace Hotel via Square Tile Graham & Co.

This image really has me wishing our tile was in a brick pattern rather than the traditional pattern.  

So now it is your turn.  Have you ever re-grouted tile or hired someone to do it?  Now for an ever better question, would you take out the old tile and start fresh?  Do tell.

Remember That Masculine Office?

When I mentioned last week that I was working on a masculine office space for someone near and dear to me, a couple of you guessed who the space is for.  My husband recently took a new job allowing him to work from home and we are over the moon excited to have him here!  He filled out one of my client questionnaires because I really do want this to be his space.

In the questionnaire, he stated that he would like for his office to be warm and cozy and to include a gallery wall with family photos.

We sampled a couple of grays that we already had on hand and also tried Sherwin Williams Intellectual Gray.  Intellectual Gray won hands down over the others.

We are also in the early stages of creating a collected gallery wall.  We might replace a few of the images with more current ones and add many more to fill in the wall.  So be prepared to this change a few times.

I have always loved this image from Martha Stewart and will most likely re-work the symmetrical look that we have now with something more like this.

If you are new to my blog, the pillows came from my wonderful sponsor, Fabulous But Frugal where you will find designer pillows for less.  They even take custom orders so be sure to add them to your pillow resource list.

Monday, I ordered this pouf from Joss & Main for my office. It arrived Wednesday - talk about fast - and I am just trying it out here in Rick's office.  Even though I like the quirky vibe it adds to the Queen Ann loveseat, I think I will have to claim this one for myself!

Have a great weekend and as always, thank you for taking the time to stop by Cottage and Vine!

A Stainless Steel Island Bargain

I really love the industrial look of a stainless steel island and have often wondered if we could squeeze one into our kitchen.  I don't think is an option so for now I can dream...

Decor Pad

Apartment Therapy

 Decor Pad

If any of you do have space in your kitchen, you might want to check out this deal on a food prep table at Costco that I saw yesterday.  By the way, Costco is not a Cottage and Vine sponsor.  Of course we would gladly accept payment in the form of Parmesan bagels if they offered ;).  Sorry about the crappy phone picture and the fact that the table is up on a shelf.