Moving…

I have discovered that I prefer using Twitter and flickr to keeping a blog so all remodeling photos are being uploaded to flickr. Please continue to enjoy updates there.

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/_ken/sets/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/KenSaid

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Dining Room Remodel

I am finally getting around to painting the dining area! There was water damage from the roof (which has since been fixed) and the plasterer has come through and done his magic so now it’s ready to be painted. This project is more of a touch up as I what I actually want to do is have a wall torn out (off to the right in the first photo) and a new smooth ceiling put in, but that’s not in the budget right now. Instead the walls, trim and ceiling will be painted white like the hallway, new lighting installed, and a vintage corner cabinet painted and moved back in. I am very excited about having a dining room once more even if it means that the next project is painting the kitchen. Ugh. I am so dreading that. I despise the kitchen and would love to gut it and put in functional cabinets and countertops but one thing at a time.

Here are a couple of before photos. I’ll post the after hopefully later in the week.

Dining Room Before 1

Dining Room Before 2

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Living Room Remodel Update

The plan was to not post any photos of the remodel until everything was perfect but with winter here things are moving slowly and I decided it was time to tell you guys what is going on, perfect or not. The living room is mostly done, the dining & kitchen not so much. With it being below freezing here in Minnesota painting isn’t really an option. Not only are the exterior walls too cold but we cannot leave the windows open for extended periods of time to exhaust the paint fumes. I feel bad because the kind people at Hirshfield’s gave me a gallon of their Platinum Ceramic paint to try out and I haven’t been able to use it yet. As a die-hard Benjamin Moore fan they want to prove to me that theirs is also an excellent paint. They make it locally. Soon, I hope to use it soon.

I also bought a new wide angle lens which makes interior shots so much easier to capture. I hope to get a chance to use it outdoors in the next couple days. My decorating style is a mixture of Scandinavian and Asian with some old world thrown in. Although the coffee table is kinda disco, so maybe the best way to describe my style is if you like it, buy it because you can make the things you love work together.

My furniture is a mishmash of new purchases, Craigslist, antique and thrift store finds, and one fancy writing desk handed down from my grandmother. You can see that in the right side of the photo above. The walls look dark blue in the cold winter daylight. At night they turn more eggplant. The sofa was chosen first for it’s size (it was the only one that would fit through the tiny hallway) and second for it’s clean lines. The chair was purchased at Dayton’s warehouse (remember them?) years ago and has worn like iron and embraces you like an old friend. There are also five pieces of Ikea in the room which I worry is too much. See if you can find them.

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Composition

A friend and I were talking about how to arrange a couple pieces of artwork on her walls when she asked me what rules I follow when making a composition. I realized that I rarely think about why things work together, I generally go by my gut and what I think looks good. I mean, I don’t even use a tape measure when hanging artwork, I do it all by eye.

I was reflecting on this conversation while drinking coffee in my living room this morning. It got me thinking about why I feel certain areas of the room worked better than others. The photo below is of a completed section of my living room. This area is dominated by a mid-century cabinet that I picked up at a antique fair. When I bought it I thought that the refinishing job was sloppy and had planned on having it restored to the original darker finish that can still be seen inside. It’s kind of grown on me though so we’ll see what, if anything happens to it in the next few years.

Corner of the Living Room

Corner of the Living Room

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Finds – December 29, 2009

As found on Twin Cities Craigslist:

Dyrlund Danish Modern Teak Bar. $350

Dyrlund Danish Modern Teak Bar. $350

Walnut bankers chair. $70

Walnut bankers chair. $70

Mid-century walnut hutch. $220

Mid-century walnut hutch. $220

Pair of Lloyds chrome & vinyl lounge chairs. $250 each.

Pair of Lloyds chrome & vinyl lounge chairs. $250 each.

Vintage WW2 Army footlockers. 3 available. $20 each.

Vintage WW2 Army footlockers. 3 available. $20 each.

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Finds – December 21, 2009

As found on Twin Cities Craigslist.

Vintage Danish Teak Dresser ($280) & Ceramic Lamp ($50)

Vintage Danish Teak Dresser ($280) & Ceramic Lamp ($50)

The ad for the lamp is here.

Vintage Orange & Red Rya Style Rug. $150

Vintage Orange & Red Rya Style Rug. $150

Vintage Sparta Bamboo Ski Poles. Could make nice drapery rods. $20

Vintage Sparta Bamboo Ski Poles. Could make nice drapery rods. $20

Set of 4 Walnut Mid-Century Dining Chairs. $240

Set of 4 Walnut Mid-Century Dining Chairs. $240

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2010 Calendars

Have you picked up a 2010 calendar yet? If you’re like me you forget until January when the choices are down to LOL kittehs and rainbows. Well, not this year! Here is a cool selection for your mod self. Enjoy!

Small desk calendar from 3SistersLove. $20

Small desk calendar from 3SistersLove. $20

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Finds – December 11, 2009

As found on Twin Cities Craigslist.

Vintage Chromcraft Dining Set. $450

Vintage Chromcraft Dining Set. $450

Pair of Howell Lounge Chairs. $250

Pair of Howell Lounge Chairs. $250

BowHaus Pet Bed. $140

BowHaus Pet Bed. $140

Large Vintage Mid-Century Oil Painting. How large? Doesn't say. $75

Large Vintage Mid-Century Oil Painting. How large? Doesn't say. But it's big, BIG I tell you! $75

Vintage Royal Dux Porcelain Owl. $50

Vintage Royal Dux Porcelain Owl. $50

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Christmas Decorating

A friend of mine is extremely talented at organizing artwork and tablescapes. I was able to snap some photos to share as he was getting ready for his annual holiday party. Mark enjoys changing his accessories and artwork with the seasons and is an inspiration to many of us. Please enjoy this small photo essay. Happy Holidays!

Christmas holiday tablescape

Bedroom Holiday Tablescape

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Finds – December 7, 2009

As found on Twin Cites Craigslist.

Bentwood chair by Plycraft
Bentwood chair by Plycraft. $60

Mid-century vinyl daybed sofa
Black vinyl mid-century daybed/sofa. Delivery available. $220

Vintage Chrome Articulating Swing Arm Floor Lamp
Large vintage Chrome Articulating Swing Arm Floor Lamp. $150 OBO

Mid-century Danish dining table
Danish mid-century dining set. Delivery available. $300

Modern orange loveseat
Mod (70s?) orange loveseat. $180

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