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Post by mich64 on Mar 7, 2012 17:14:21 GMT
Thank you very much Bixa! I am so pleased you like the result. I have new drapes being hemmed for the patio door that is by the credenza, you can see the empty rod there? They are a solid mauve/purple color to help bring out the mauve in the carpet and you cannot see them in these photos but there is a mauve flower in each of those pictures.
With the remaining fabric from the drapes I ordered (I ordered them long with this in mind), my sister is making a valance for the window in the kitchen which is beside those three pictures I purchased in Paris last September and framed. When they are up and I get a large plant for beside the credenza, I will be done and will add those pictures. I just have to wait for a warm day to go to the nursery to find the perfect plant.
Cheers! Mich
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Post by mich64 on Mar 12, 2012 0:44:20 GMT
The drapes are ready! I will be picking them up tomorrow and will have to buy a new rod for the valance for the window in the kitchen. Will post the photos soon...
Cheers!
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Post by mich64 on Apr 18, 2012 21:13:27 GMT
My sister hemmed my drapes that I ordered and with the remainder made a tiny valance for over the kitchen window. I was happy to have some co-ordinating draperies for once. It seems that drapes were always something I would never spend much energy or money on. This were not costly but the important thing was the color, exactly what I wanted. Something really interesting and exciting happened to me today... Jeb was laying on one of the beds in the upstairs bedroom looking up towards the driveway and started barking. Barking in a way that I know means there is someone there. So I took a look and seen an older couple and a middle aged man. They were taking pictures of the younger man towards the lake. I went outside and said hello and they apologized and said they just wanted to have a picture of their son taken at his first home! They were the family that built our home! I immediately invited them down and we made introductions and discussed the history of their build and then I showed them around. The were a lovely couple and they were so happy to see inside. I told them my husband would love to speak to them about the build and they left their name and phone number and promised to call and return with copies of photos of the build. What a wonderful experience. I will do another thread if they actually bring the pictures. Cheers!
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Post by bixaorellana on Apr 18, 2012 22:16:20 GMT
Oh Mich ~~ two fun & exciting things!
First, I love your curtains. I'm a big fan of that giant grommet style, not only for the look, but for the easy of opening & closing. The new window treatments certainly frame your fabulous view beautifully.
And the meeting with the original home owners/builders! I'm SO glad that they're such nice people. And lucky them, to have you see them & so graciously invite them in.
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Post by mich64 on Apr 18, 2012 22:36:25 GMT
Thank you for the compliment on the drapes Bixa. I too like the grommet style and they are quite easy to fuss over.
Meeting the previous owners was amazing! My husband is eager to meet them and see the photos. I hope they do make contact with us again.
Cheers!
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Post by mich64 on Apr 18, 2012 23:47:55 GMT
Actually, previous, was incorrect, I should have chosen the word original. They built the frame, roof and windows of the home before having been transferred to British Columbia. They did camp on the property for a few years before they could begin building and had some fun stories about that. After them, there were 4 other owners before us, lawyers and doctors who slowly added improved the interior but only used it as their summer homes and had another home in the city. Cheers!
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Post by bjd on Apr 19, 2012 7:11:30 GMT
Mich, both you and the previous owners were lucky that you are both friendly.
A few years ago I was wandering around a neighbourhood I used to live in Toronto with a friend who had lived next door. At one point we stopped to look at the houses we had lived in while in high school. There was a woman sitting on the veranda of my friend's house. When she looked at us, he explained that he had lived in that house for 20 years. She said, "Oh", and went back to reading her magazine.
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Post by lagatta on Oct 13, 2012 23:29:44 GMT
Mich, I only read the first page of this story - I was away for a while (across the pond) and lost the drift.
That work is lovely - I wish I had or had had such a handy spouse. I had one once, but he returned to his home village in northern Lac St-Jean. I went up there for a winter but I'm such a diehard urbanite that, despite our affection and mutual admiration and respect, it simply was not to be. I'm kind of sad about this old love as he became more and more solitary as time went on - before me he'd had several other girlfriends, not a solitary type at all, though he did like his own company, and the forest. I don't think he ever had another serious relationship. And he was the one who left, not dramatically or after any kind of fight or falling-out, just to travel and work on the land. He was from a family of 13 children (two of my mum's sisters had families like that: one 14, the other, 12). The brother closest to him, Denis, was killed tragically while working on his car.
No other fellow I've lived with has been handy; they've all been useless intellectual types like me. And I have a background in fine arts so I'm better at painting, decorating and basic repairs than any of them...
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Post by htmb on Oct 14, 2012 0:39:06 GMT
Oh, Lagatta, that's very sad, both for you and for him. I'm so happy you brought up this thread though. There's so much to see on past AnyPort threads that there are many I just haven't come to since exploring here for the past few months. I had no idea this wonderful thread existed. Now I need to go look for Mark's. Mich, this was such a fascinating project and I am so happy you documented it. Your space was so enhanced by the fabulous work done by you and your talented men. How wonderfully well it all turned out! I've participated in the major remodeling of two different homes, twice each, and the demolition of a house and building of a completely new home. It takes a lot of skill to do it right and I admire people who can work with their hands and complete such beautiful spaces. The cabinetry created by your brother in-law is exceptional. I also love your view of the lake and am wondering its size. I lived on a very large lake for many years. It was a wonderful place to be. The wind and weather were constantly affecting the lake and changing the view. I absolutely loved it there.
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Post by lagatta on Oct 14, 2012 1:51:17 GMT
Is that actually North Bay?
Htmb, I haven't thought about that guy in decades. It is good that this thread made me think of him, for whatever reason. I hope he is ok.
I like the asymmetrical fireplace.
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Post by mich64 on Oct 14, 2012 15:47:03 GMT
Thank you htmb! I am still very pleased with all the work that went into this project. Once the Christmas decorations come out in the shops (maybe they have already!) I am anxious to find some silver Christmas stocking holders to place on my mantle. I have always wanted to hang our stockings by the fire, one of those childhood dreams. I looked for them in the Christmas shops in Belgium but they did not know what I was asking for, perhaps a North American tradition? I will take a picture and post once decorated for the season.
Lagatta I truly understand the difference of urban and rural choices. I do not know how we are going to adjust moving into our condo in town once my husband retires. I am having my doubts and think we may sell that and buy a small house on a large lot in the city. It must have been difficult to realize and accept your differences and to decide to part.
Indeed, it is North Bay Lagatta! Have you ever been?
htmb, the lake is rather large but we live on a bay off of it. By boat you have to go through a set of narrows to get into our bay. We love it because people are unsure of how to get in (very easy once you have come through one time) so it keeps the boat traffic to mostly the people that live around our bay. The bay is called 4 mile due to the fact that it is about 4 miles long and it varies on the distance across. Our place faces the greatest distance across.
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Post by mich64 on Nov 6, 2012 17:38:52 GMT
We just had a friend stop by to look at the new fireplace surround. He has just taken all the brick off his and has come across a few problems so he thought he should come and ask some questions.
It was so great to be able to bring up this thread to show him how it was done and some of the photos helped him make some decisions.
I went through it again and remembered how I was not so excited about decorating for the Christmas season, this year I am! I can not wait to be able to hang our stockings from the mantle.
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Post by cheerypeabrain on May 10, 2022 14:31:26 GMT
We have changed the blinds...went for 50mm 'faux wood' (plastic) slats with strong tapes instead of cords. Dove grey slats with grey tapes. Jeff put them up, involved a lot of very loud drilling and cussing. We just did the front and side windows. Jeff has to make new wooden pelmets to neaten everything off a bit.. bedroom windows..before the curtains went back up They look nice from outside...but my windows are filthy so I'll wait until I've washed them before I take a photo......
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Post by bixaorellana on May 10, 2022 14:58:52 GMT
Love that color and it's interesting how much of a different effect the tapes give vs cords. Ya done good!
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Post by cheerypeabrain on May 10, 2022 16:57:36 GMT
Our house has lots of grey...when Jeff bought a new hardwearing rug for the front room to replace the red silk one (Django ruined it)...he got a grey one That's why there is a turquoise (it's orange on the back) cushion with a big red heart on it...I decided to cheer up the place with brightly coloured accents like this cushion..made it in an afternoon! I plan to replace them all eventually. The throws on the sofa (grey...of course) are to protect the upholstery from the dog..but when I replace them the new ones will NOT be grey
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Post by bixaorellana on May 10, 2022 17:57:29 GMT
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Post by whatagain on May 11, 2022 7:48:15 GMT
It looks very nice.
But it reminds me i must negotiate the price of the blinds that we put inside the glass. They are called 'jalousie' in french, flemish, and strangely enough german.
Once inside, they never need be washed !
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Post by lagatta on May 11, 2022 11:55:04 GMT
I'm lucky not to need blinds or drapes in the front room, intended as a salon but mostly used as a study and home office. There is a very large Norway maple outdoors, which acts against glare and sharp summer heat. Our coop is made up of typical Montréal triplex, and the house across the street is only two storeys. I checked from their balcony; they can't see my interior.
There are also several good-sized houseplants on a table by the window.
Sudden warmth and the new green leaves have just emerged en masse!
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Post by bixaorellana on May 11, 2022 13:14:45 GMT
I love those "sandwiched" blinds!
LaGatta, your home sounds beautiful and what a thrill to have the indoor plants bursting forth.
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Post by mich64 on May 11, 2022 14:50:17 GMT
I really like those blinds Cheery, the tape is quite interesting and I have not seen blinds like that here. Fantastic job! I like grey as well and I think why is that so many colours look good with it allowing pillows, blankets or artwork to be changed out easily.
Lagatta it is wonderful when the plants get a burst from the warmth of the sun after our long winters! Not needing window coverings in your front room would give nice lighting for doing work in your office.
I looked back over the thread and realized I never got the prints I wanted for beside the fireplace but I am going to be back searching again now since I have made a few changes since this remodel.
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Post by casimira on May 11, 2022 14:51:52 GMT
I'm pleased that this thread is being revived.
I am pouring over designs for our new home. I have always loved home decor books and magazines and now websites dedicated to both new and other tried and true designs.
My husband has a keen eye and good taste in how to arrange furniture etc. All the conventional designs and "rules" about where to place furniture, lighting etc. hold no weight.
I'm hoping that we can agree on the same colors. The exterior painting of the house and shutters has been agreed upon. Interior wise, we shall see. We both lean toward Caribbean hues and shy from dark colors. Light is very important and because our ceilings will be higher than the previous house, we want to take advantage of that in every way possible.
Mich, your photos have been truly inspirational. Thank you for sharing them with us.
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Post by casimira on May 11, 2022 14:58:37 GMT
I really like those blinds Cheery, the tape is quite interesting and I have not seen blinds like that here. Fantastic job! I like grey as well and I think why is that so many colours look good with it allowing pillows, blankets or artwork to be changed out easily. Lagatta it is wonderful when the plants get a burst from the warmth of the sun after our long winters! Not needing window coverings in your front room would give nice lighting for doing work in your office. I looked back over the thread and realized I never got the prints I wanted for beside the fireplace but I am going to be back searching again now since I have made a few changes since this remodel. Mich, you mentioned a desire for some prints a la Van Gogh and Monet. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC has a catalogue online with many prints for sale. The same for The Museum of Modern Art in NYC. I want to replace a Bonnard print that I had from an exhibit of his work and one or the other of these museum venues will have it among others. We lost a lot of original art, irreplaceable I'm afraid.
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Post by mich64 on May 11, 2022 22:20:14 GMT
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC has a catalogue online with many prints for sale. Thank you for mentioning this Casi, I will check on this. I hope you find the print you are looking for.
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Post by kerouac2 on May 13, 2022 16:00:39 GMT
Those blinds are excellent.
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Post by bixaorellana on Jul 29, 2023 23:48:50 GMT
I think we can agree that flower arranging is a part of decorating our homes. The reason for bringing it up is because of something lovely that turned out to also be maddening. Yesterday I received a very large flower arrangement. I was thrilled and very, very touched by it, plus found it extremely pretty. It was in an 11" high glass vase with a 5 1/2" base and mouth, and a "waist" in the middle. It arrived just as I was getting ready to go out, but I called the friend who sent it & sent her whatsapp pictures so she could see it. These are those photos: So what was the problem? When I returned home yesterday evening and again admired the lovely arrangement, I vaguely noted that the water in the vase seemed rather murky for a brand new arrangement, but didn't investigate further. This morning I saw that a beautiful and obviously fresh spray of snapdragon was drooping. Again I thought that was not right for a new arrangement. In attempting to push the stem further into the water I discovered that it was quite short and that the entire arrangement was tightly packed into not very damp florist foam which was wedged into the mouth of the vase. I tried to dig a hole with my finger into the foam and discovered that it was at least partially covered with plastic. Hmmmm. This bothered me until later in the morning when I decided to investigate further. The florist foam had to be clawed out of the vase and there was indeed a piece of cellophane partly covering its bottom part. That was bad enough, but what really ticked me off was discovering how the arrangement had been made and why the water was murky. All of the plant material had been shoved into the foam, admittedly resulting in a very pleasing arrangement. But once the plants and the foam were removed, I found all the bottom parts of the stems tightly bound together and cut completely off from their plants! That bundle was floating free in the water, rotting away. A dear friend had gone to trouble and expense in order to send me something that indeed made me quite happy. I was determined to save the day and not waste all the still fresh flowers and filler plants. Here are the results. Gerbera daisies and lisianthus ~ Alstroemeria and eucalyptus ~ The vase on the left holds bougainvillea and some Salvia leucantha spires from my garden plus some filler material from the arrangement. The right hand vase has the rest of the nice stuff from the original arrangement. You can see it perked up nicely when treated properly.
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Post by htmb on Jul 30, 2023 0:44:07 GMT
They’re beautiful flowers. It’s too bad you had to take them all apart, but it looks like you managed to turn a mangled job into some very pretty arrangements. A belated Happy Birthday to you!
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Post by bixaorellana on Jul 30, 2023 5:09:48 GMT
Thank you on both counts, Htmb! If there is a moral to this little exercise, it is that we can't simply assume that the professionals are doing their jobs right.
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Post by kerouac2 on Jul 30, 2023 5:53:46 GMT
Excellent save, and now you have flowers in several different places. And you have learned which florist not to use when it is your turn to buy an arrangement.
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Post by bjd on Jul 30, 2023 7:02:06 GMT
I agree with the others -- you managed to make several pretty bunches out of one very large one, saving the large one from an early death.
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Post by mich64 on Aug 1, 2023 4:12:17 GMT
Well done Bixa! You certainly made the best out of the situation. The smaller bouquet you made in the blue vase is quite lovely.
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