Friday, November 20, 2009

A Saturday Story and Fab Fabrics

I love Saturday morning, in bed, with my laptop. Well, I love every morning in bed with my laptop- but there's something extra special about a Saturday morning. Maybe it stems back to being a kid, and the feelings that go along with knowing that you don't have to do anything but play on this day. Maybe it goes back to being a college student, and the feelings that go along with knowing you can sleep in on this day. Maybe it goes back to being a twenty-something, and the feelings that go along with knowing you have the day off today. Or maybe it has something to do with being a thirty-something, and the feelings that go along with knowing that you can spend part of this day at a flea market or yard "saling", or taking pictures, or watching college football, or dreaming up plans for the future- none of which I thought about too much when I was a kid, a college student or a twenty-something. In my thirties, weekdays seem to be more "go, go, go" than ever- but on Saturday, I think it's important to reserve the right to slow down and soak up some good ol' fashioned life.

It's just after 6:30 a.m. right now, and the sun hasn't quite poked it's head up over the horizon, so the way the room is lit (or should I say not lit) is perfect for laptop viewing.

Max is securely nestled under three layers of blankets between Kevin and I, and we're all sharing one side of our king-sized mattress. There are three pillows on the bed, and about six on the floor. I guess we must get a little violent in the middle of the night. :-) I keep a fan on, to drown out any noise that could potentially wake me up, but I can still hear Kevin breathing. The sound is as comforting as the feeling of Max's little paws twitching against my leg right now. He must be running in his dream. :-)

Last night, right before we went to bed, Kevin uploaded a few photos of some of the fabrics I chose to use in the master bedroom we're re-doing for the homeowner in Virginia Beach. It's been quite a challenge balancing designing, shopping, and researching for the segments we're doing while working on everything that needs to be done around here. (blogging, design consultations, cleaning, emailing, juggling bills, finishing my e-book, keeping an eye on Kevin's progress in our guest bathroom, etc.) I have a whole new respect for those folks on "Extreme Home Makeover", and all the other shows that cram 30 days of work into a few days.
(Maybe this experience will determine whether or not I try out for Design Star again.(?) Kevin still thinks the experience would be too rough.) :-)


Here is a sneak peek at some of the fabrics I've decided to use in the homeowners room:



There will be a few others as well, but I had them shipped directly to the homeowner, so I won't be able to photograph those until we're there.
One is this solid-color, ink blue, pick-stitch quilt:



It was on clearance at PotteryBarn.com, so I was able to scoop it up for $49.99. (It was originally $179.99) It, and it's fantastic price, was really the inspiration behind the creation of the palette I'm using in the room. That's all it takes really- one piece that you absolutely love, and you're destined to create a room you love too!

The dark blue ticking stripe fabric (second from the bottom) will be seen in the form of a duvet and a couple of pillow shams. I was able to get them on eBay for a great price.
The floral (bottom), it's coordinating stripe (top), and the dark blue & khaki "grid" (second from the top) fabrics all came from a local cloth barn, and they were all very inexpensive because I found them in the "remnants" section.



I purchased a couple of "Kristine" pillow covers, like the one on the top of this stack, from a seller on eBay...



My plan is to use them on the window seat I designed into the room- which, by the way, will have a seat cushion covered in the khaki/blue striped fabric.

I purchased the rope trim to use on a blue/khaki grid-patterned lumbar pillow and on the edge of the window seat cushion...



The homeowners live in a coastal town, and one of their favorite places to vacation is Gloucester, MA...


Photo by Heather, the homeowner


...so they expressed interest in having me design a bedroom that had a slightly nautical feel. Among other things, I think using a little bit of the rope trim will add the touch of seaside charm they're after. I would have LOVED to have found some braided jute trim, but this was the closest thing I could find. (If anyone knows where I can get some- I'd love it if you'd drop me a line at LaylaPalmer@aol.com!)

I'm having my sweet seamstress, Teresa, make many of the items and we'll pick them all up from her in Atlanta when we drive through on our way to Virginia Beach.

I'm used to working with no money, and buying things one by one over an extended period of time. This time, I've had an opportunity to work with a budget, but I'm up against a very strict time line of one shop day, and one work day. It's a totally different experience, but I find it equally as fulfilling.
(I feel compelled to mention that I think I had an out-of-body experience being able to actually spend money at PotteryBarn.com for once- thank you Heather and CBN) :-)
My goal is to stretch the budget as wisely as possible so that Heather and her husband are surrounded by a room that will inspire them to seize every one of their days. If I can do that, life will be good. :-)

Happy Weekend!
Layla

PS...Guest bathroom update coming soon!

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35 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sunday mornings are kind of our Saturday mornings. We go to church on Saturday night so Sunday morning is reserved for sleeping in, reading the paper on the sunporch with a big steamy mug of chai tea and chatting with my favorite person, my hubby.
I love what you've chosen so far for the makeover, and I wouldn't actually mind BEING in that photo that your client took right now! Hope you have a good weekend...
pk @ Room Remix

The Old Painted Cottage said...

I too love my Saturday mornings. Rising early and making plans to seize the day. I always put way more on my list than I can accomplish, but at 5 am as the world lies in wait, it seems like you have all the time in the world.

Completely loving the fabrics and rope trim you chose. Can't wait to see more.

oxox
Jennifer

wendy said...

I can't wait to see your finished VA Beach makeover! I'm sure its going to be fabulous.

My husband and I purchased that same ink blue pickstitch quilt from PB about a month ago on clearance & absolutely love it. We use it in our master bedroom and have our walls in there painted your "barely blue" custom kitchen color. :) Thanks for all the inspiration!

Cottage Dreamers said...

Even the Design Star winners take a pretty good beating from time to time on the show so I can understand how Kevin feels about you doing...but that would be an amazing "notch in your belt!" I also LOVE blue ticking. I just wish it didn't cost so much! I'm looking forward to the finished room, as usual!

Jennifer said...

love love love! those fabrics....aaahhh. Do you mind sharing where you bought that jute blue and tan trim. So cute!!! Can't wait to see the show.

Lettered Cottage said...

Hi PlaidJenn!

I bought both the dark blue & khaki grid-patterned fabric and the khaki-colored rope trim at Claudia's Cloth Barn, here in Prattville, Alabama.

:-)
Layla

Lettered Cottage said...

Hi Cottage Dreamer!

Look on eBay for blue and white ticking- they've always got lots of it there, and it's much less than it is at the fabric store. I've even considered cutting up an inexpensive blue and white ticking duvet to use as yardage for some pillow covers and a window treatment I need. It's all about thinking outside that pesky box!

Layla
:-)

Beth@The Stories of A to Z said...

Layla,
Love what you have planned so far. Here is a jute trim link http://www.mjtrim.com/Catalog/Category/87.aspx?refArea=Top There's also a 15% off coupon code: mjpartnernov . I've also purchased jute braid trim at my Joann.

Blessings,
Beth

Anonymous said...

Miss Heather is one blessed lady to have you on her side! I love what you have picked out so far and cant wait to see how you put it all together....it's gonna be good.... enjoy your Saturday~

Lauren1964 said...

This is very exciting! Do you know yet when the 700 Club segment will actually air? Do you think you will be able to post it on your blog? You did much better than me today. I slept in until 11:30. But then I'm single and I can get away with it.

Lauren

Sandy said...

Your client will love the bedroom you design for her. I, too, have been "playing" with my laptop all morning. I have learned how to enlarge my photos on my blog so I went back and enlarged all of them. All I've done all morning is make the bed and put the dishes away from the dishwasher. I still have to put groceries away from yesterday. It's a beautiful day here and I'm having fun reading blogs and posting on mine. Have a nice day Layla and Kevin!

Teacup Lane (Sandy)

Lettered Cottage said...

Hey Lauren!

Our first segment will air LIVE the morning of Tuesday, December 8th. I'm not sure when the second one will air, but I will be sure to post the date and time as soon as we know something.

Layla
:-)

Paula said...

So exciting. I love the blue inspired palette. I can't wait to see your show.

carolyn said...

Layla- I simply cannot stand the wait to see what you do in Heather's room. She must by DYING!

Did you make it to any flea markets or yard sales? I always have the best intentions but my comfy bed wins out more often than not.

Keep us posted on things-

Honorablyfallen said...

I love everything you are using for the VA beach makeover It is VERY VA beach!!! so feel confident! good luck and safe trip! -Sarahlynn

Teresa said...

You say the sweetest things! I can hardly wait to get my hands on those fabrics!

See you in Atlanta!

Aura said...

What's better than someone giving you their money to spend?! I'd love it.
I thought you'd have with drawls form the music ;) http://www.playlist.com/playlist/15604672779 Here's a link to it! Just bookmark that page and you can go to it whenever you want.

s as in tset said...

Everything looks wonderful! I look forward to seeing it when it's completed.

s as in tset said...

Just saw you on "this week's idea books" on houzz.com :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Layla,
Don't concern yourself with trying to get onto the Design Star show. I'm sure there are lots of other people who would agree with me - you're already there!

Can't wait to see the 'afters' of your current projects.

It's great to see you two working side by side!

Sharon@Sharon at Home said...

Blue and white and cream are always a fresh scheme. Fabrics are lovely.

Anonymous said...

Layla,
I totally agree with the comment Vivian De Winter made, YOU ARE A WINNER ALREADY. Why anyone would want to go through the stress of a reality show is alien to me. You seem to live such a happy, content and "full-filling life!!! I love the patterns and colors of the materials you have chosen. Looking forward to seeing the finished product :-D
Happy Saturday, Sue (from the cold north, Canada) Love that photo of Heather's

Roeshel said...

Weekends are my favorite too. It's easier to stop to take a breath and just relax and sometimes work on catching up - but without the pressure. Heather is never going to want to leave that room. The fabrics and trim are beautiful.

Have a great weekend.
Roeshel

Wendy said...

Even with four little ones, Saturdays are my lazy mornings. But once I roll out of bed, it's pure bedlam. ha!

Lovin' the palette you're using for your client. Lovely fabrics!

Unknown said...

Love the fabrics! Can't wait to see the finished product.

Aprons Gone Wild said...

Hi Layla,
I would absolutely, positootly, love get my hands on a quilt like that, especially at that price! Sooooo jealous. The ticking stripe is perfect. You can use it a lot and it never looks overdone.
Eager to see your newly remodeled guest bathroom. We are always knee deep in renovating something or other in our old house (circa 1724) so I know what you're going through. The dust!! The dust!!!
Take care. Always enjoy your blog.
Joanne

Aprons Gone Wild said...

P.S.
Can't wait to see what Teresa does with those fabrics. She is amazing.

Anonymous said...

I love what you are doing with the house in VA Beach. So nice for a coastal town, without being too "beachy". I can't wait to see the finished rooms (if the client is willing to share).
Kim
www.vintagepretties.typepad.com

Hopeful Housewife said...

I love the fabrics that you chose! I am slowly turning my bedroom in to a seaside chic retreat. (It will never happen in this apartment, but when I have a home hopefully I will have most of the bones ready) I really hope you post the finshed pictures. Looking forward to more bathroom fun!

Mom Palmer said...

Hi Layla and Kevin!

Love,
Mom

Mommabelle said...

I love fabrics! I could easily spend the day in the fabric warehouses in Atlanta.
Love seeing your ideas!

Sandy said...

My gosh you are designing the room I want. The fabric, colors fabulous.

Kate Riley said...

I love Saturdays too. Your fabric choices are TDF. Can't wait for the big reveal - that tile is YUMMY.

Kristi~The Slipcover Girl said...

Layla,
I have been searching hi and low for that chair webbing with the black. I've only been able to find the red...could you possible tell me where you found it? pinkandpolkadot(at)gmail.com

Gabrielle Mader said...

I just shot you an email but I see another commenter left you a link. The room looks perfect and your client is going to be over the moon!! can't wait to see it and your guest bath. I wish we had time to sleep in...we are usual up and at the soccer field by 8 am. But I did sleep in today until 8:30...i am naughty. it felt good.