Henry's Nursery- "The Big Board"- Part 1

Okay as promised nursery details are here.  Let's start with the single item I had the most questions regarding- Henry's Big Board as we call it.

It all started with a simple idea.  I wanted a huge board in Henry's room for pictures, etc. but I wanted something different than cork board.  I am going to have Patrick write about the initial conversations of what I envisioned but this was the very primitive sketch of what I wanted.  

In the beginning I planned on using old reclaimed floor planks from a local company that specializes in those sort of things but when hanging something over a crib, weight quickly becomes an issue.  Originally I wanted this board to be much larger but again, over a crib changes some details.

So after a lot of debate about safety Patrick went to work.  I had also planned on using amazing hardware for the corners but we ran into a lot of issues so in the end we used simple brackets to connect the boards.

 While most of my original ideas were scrapped/edited for one reason or another, one idea did make it all the way through- burlap upholstery tape woven across the back to hold up pictures, etc.  Ordered from an upholstery supplier this part was easy- weave, tighten and staple.

Several of you asked how we attached it to the wall so I included this picture to show the supports behind the board.  These boards (painted to match the wall) are screwed into the studs and the board was attached to these with hanging hardware.  I can tell you that board is not going anywhere, we were very careful about safety over the crib.

 Up after completion.

 I decided to include this too (although it is less than flattering) but it shows another view of the ceiling and light.

Closer view of materials.

Part II- Items on the board coming next.....

 First Image (the one better than the rest) courtesy of Paula of Two Ellie

Monday, Monday...Inspiration

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Quiet Time

In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.  John 1:4

In My Head

In my head I am Martha Stewart...

I am one step ahead, I cook great meals and my drawers all look like this...

 Ooohh, or even this....

But in real life (or as was the case last night) I am one hour late for supper club* and I show up with store bought cookies and wine purchased last minute at Walmart while picking up formula which we are almost out of because I am in fact never one step ahead.  

C'est la vie.....Happy Friday!

*And if you are more like me than Martha I hope you have a group as wonderful as this supper club because they don't mind.

**Also, as many of you have pointed out, those Walmart cookies are actually really good.  I had never had them before but I was pleasantly surprised.

Saintly

I went looking for a dress from All Saints that I could not find, but I did find these two that I wish lived in my closet.

Graphic Panels and A Gallery Wall

Dear West Elm,

Saw these in person and I would like to thank you for making pre-made graphic panels, they look great.  Now, if you could just line your curtains I could start using them.  Lack of lining drives me nuts, rarely can I use an unlined panel.  I want to end on a positive note though.  Your gallery frames in silver/linen are used repeatedly in my repertoire...something I can't say about any other single item.  Example from install this week (complete room shot coming...one of these days):

*Black frames Target

Poufs For Sale

A client of mine has two brand new poufs for sale she purchased from Ones King Lane, Divine Designs is the brand.  Perfect condition. $200 for the pair (they originally retailed for $260 each).  E-mail me @ mstronginteriors@aol.com if interested.

Monday Inspiration

 And because I swear I have seasonal blues I had to add this one.  When I close my eyes this is what I see- warmth, sun and a great blue dress.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Quiet Time

I originally pinned this picture because it made me think of Patrick and me, we are so busy that we have to consciously work to make sure we give each other the time we need.  Then when thinking about what to write today this popped in my head....I am pretty sure it was God reminding me of the same thing with Him.

Speaking of time spent with God....When I was pregnant a friend gave me a daily pregnancy devotional which I loved.  To be honest I had never read a daily devotional before.  I would love to start that again, just a little something to begin or the end the day with.  Any good recommendations?

Picture here.

On You Go

Sometimes weeks just end up being hard, as was the case the last two weeks for us.  Nothing serious, just one thing after another.  As my Mom says....never ask "what next?" In midst of the craziness though I have had many cheerleaders- phone calls checking in, numerous pep talks, others willing to think for me when I couldn't.  So, I wanted to say to you thank you for your words of encouragement.  For picking me up, dusting me off and saying "on you go, don't worry you will make it through".  Sometimes the smallest gestures make a world of difference.

I didn't have a picture for this post but what is a post without a picture?  I have had a lot of people inquiry about Henry.  He is great! A more in depth post about work, juggling, etc. coming soon. Thank you for asking.  In the mean time here a picture taken last week.  Cute little chunk if I do say so myself.

I hope you all have a very relaxing weekend.

Work In Progress- Client Powder Room

This is a quick before and after of an install we did this week.  More to come- like pictures not taken on my phone- and more of the house which is coming along so well.... 

I will try to get better pictures of both, but I will say the faux marble sink left something to be desired.....I can't wait for "real" pictures because this space is so pretty....

Dear Backsplash....

Dear Backsplash,

I want to get to know you better.....maybe even in a powder room or bathroom behind a vanity.

Via Houzz

Office Update

 Almost every week I get a request to see the office now...and every week I think how I really need to work on "finishing" the office.  Well, it turns out the office is just like my house and on the perpetual back burner.  However, when a peer walked into the office the other day and exclaimed, "Now this looks like a working office",  I had to laugh.  Not only because it was a great way to describe the current state, but also because it was a rather good day.....

 Nevertheless, we tidied up a bit....only to be overtaken by deliveries.  This is after we made ourselves a path...

The office will not be finished soon, or maybe ever, but in the near future it will be to suitable point for display.  Until that day though, here is the latest change that I am excited about...pink!  Just a touch of the unexpected in a very masculine space.

More to come....like proving to you that I am actually very organized!

Quiet Time

Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.  Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.  Mother Teresa


A church sign I passed this week said something about your faith being contagious.  I can't remember where I was when I saw this or exactly what it said, but I have been thinking about it ever since....contagious faith.  

Behind The Scenes

Picture taken by client on job site this week.  

That is me in the brown jacket and rolled up jeans...as if that would help in the downpour*.

Recently I mentioned how I remember building jobs by the progression of weather and visualize the family living in the home down the road, always in a different season.  This one is no different.  Even though this was a dreary and rainy day, when I looked at the house all I saw was a family relaxing in the sun at the lake.

*This job is at a lake 2 hours outside of Birmingham and this is the day that worked for all of us....just wanted to put that out there in case you are wondering why we didn't just come back when the weather was better.

Off to Market in Atlanta, have a great rest of the week!

Quick Before and After

 It is not often that I don't see the finished product of a room but with the craziness of last year it happened a few times.  So you can imagine my delight when I opened an e-mail from a client with some before and afters of a kitchen I worked on this past summer.  While the kitchen was cute before at first glance, upon closer look it needed a lot of TLC....

 Here are the afters, I can't wait to see it in person!

Thanks Kate for the pictures!