DIY Coffee Table

Our DIY weekend was a complete success, and after only two days of working (primarily on Justin's part) we have a brand new coffee table! Check this gorgeous thing out.<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 640px;"><div style="position: relative;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/diy_coffee_table/set?.embedder=2675664&.svc=copypaste&id=90624306" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="DIY Coffee Table" border="0" height="427" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/hCWN6gzrE5MRSqf66LZ5bw/cid/90624306/id/NivpvLjKSqayb92AomCC3Q/size/c640x427.jpg" title="DIY Coffee Table" width="640" /></a></div></div><br />If you remember <a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2013/07/diy-weekend-projects_19.html" target="_blank">my post from Friday</a>, I was torn between three very similar designs of coffee tables, and <a href="http://www.cymax.com/Zuo-Civic-Center-Square-Coffee-Table-in-Distressed-Natural-98122.htm" target="_blank">this</a> is the one that I chose. <br /><br />With the <a href="http://www.cymax.com/Zuo-Civic-Center-Square-Coffee-Table-in-Distressed-Natural-98122.htm" target="_blank">Zuo 'designer' version</a> of this table priced at $480 regular ($367 on sale), I'm pretty happy with the $75 in supplies that this cost us!<br /><br />The overall building of the coffee table was left up to none-other-than Justin. I shared the photo inspiration & the dimensions with him, helped him pick out the wood at Home Depot and told him I'd take care of all the painting and staining. And he went about his way.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/9347998672/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_1090 by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1090" height="428" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7320/9347998672_4714accd16_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/9347976220/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_1092 by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1092" height="427" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3828/9347976220_ab0143732a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/9345206519/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_1096 by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1096" height="428" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5495/9345206519_1cf94d6dd3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />We started with the legs.<br /><br />We bought 30 feet of 2" x 2" in Poplar. At Home Depot, they had them pre-cut in shorter pieces, so we were able to transport them home much easier.<br /><br />After cutting all the 2" x 2"s to size, Justin laid out the sides, glued and clamped them in place - using a nail gun to secure all the pieces in place. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/9345205541/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_1098 by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1098" height="427" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3758/9345205541_c8b390020f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Justin continued with all the legs, then secured them the same way (glue, clamp, nail) and put a squaring block (those triangle things in the corners) for added support & help to ensure that the legs are all "square" with each other. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/9347991714/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_1105 by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1105" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7353/9347991714_7b5cb516e5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />After filling all of the nail holes with filler, letting them dry, then sanding it down smooth, it was then my turn to take the legs and make them pretty.<br /><br />I chose to spray paint them with metallic spray paint to give the illusion of looking like metal (way cheaper & easier for us than using real metal). I used Rust-oleum Semi Gloss Protective Enamel in grey for the first coat. Then <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rust-Oleum-7214830-Hammered-Finish-12-Ounce/dp/B000ZZ1Q0S/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1374538985&sr=8-2&keywords=rustoleum+hammered+gray" target="_blank">Rust-Oleum Hammered</a> in dark grey for the final two coats. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/9347994940/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_1099 by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1099" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7457/9347994940_db41a1413e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />In the meantime, Justin worked on the top slab of wood, which I didn't get a good picture of it on it's own. This square piece of wood was made out of about 10 individual 1" x 4"s, also of Poplar. We had these pieces of wood laying around the garage, so they cost us $0!<br /><br />Justin laid them all out so he avoided the larger knots in the wood, glued them together and clamped them overnight to make sure it was a strong hold.<br /><br />The next morning, he cut the slab down to fit flush with the base using a circular saw, then sanded it down to be smooth.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/9345199947/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_1108 by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1108" height="428" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3709/9345199947_2f2495c3a0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Then it was my turn again, to do a couple coats of stain (I chose <a href="http://www.tools2parts.com/Varathane-211755-p/3571-2462.htm?gclid=CMvFrMusxLgCFUxgMgod7lwAPw&click=1006" target="_blank">Natural colored wood stain by Varathane</a>) and a coat of polyurethane (I chose a <a href="http://hardwaredistributors.com/minwax-poly-spry-satin.html?gclid=CLyS_7SsxLgCFTFgMgodyXQAPA" target="_blank">Clear Satin fast-drying poly spray from Minwax</a>). After I was done staining and a couple hours of dry time, Justin secured the top & bottom with some screws - secured from the bottom so we don't need to cover screw holes. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/9347982918/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_1131 by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1131" height="428" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7425/9347982918_aa03bf1912_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/9345191675/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_1133 by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1133" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7403/9345191675_0d609dccfa_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />So after just two days of building, sanding, staining and painting, look at this beautiful final product! We have yet to sand it down and do one more coat of stain & poly, but it's almost ready to be used.<br /><br />I couldn't wait to show it off!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/9345190819/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_1135 by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1135" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5473/9345190819_78e72d59a3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/9347978204/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_1142 by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1142" height="906" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2853/9347978204_03859e87b5_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />So what do you think? A little elbow grease and a weekend later, we have a fancy coffee table for $300 less than we could have bought it for! 

DIY Coffee Table

Our DIY weekend was a complete success, and after only two days of working (primarily on Justin's part) we have a brand new coffee table...

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pillow obsessions

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTH_bPo50VWVT_P9MiYcFtQdC73fo3GVod4AD7aR2HvesYzLU-IFI20ULeq6g88WTs7TWevy4hWSJcH0G5lezlZEB8d4kMDqXiKqDX7kxc9iasB1__RijtoimAQ3LqaZtNo3kGPhu9AE/s1600/etsy_pillows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTH_bPo50VWVT_P9MiYcFtQdC73fo3GVod4AD7aR2HvesYzLU-IFI20ULeq6g88WTs7TWevy4hWSJcH0G5lezlZEB8d4kMDqXiKqDX7kxc9iasB1__RijtoimAQ3LqaZtNo3kGPhu9AE/s1600/etsy_pillows.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://prf.hn/click/camref:11l3pT/destination:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F104354770%2Fblack-and-natural-linen-patchwork-x%3Fref%3Dcol_view%26atr_uid%3D5058067" target="_blank">1</a>  /  <a href="http://prf.hn/click/camref:11l3pT/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F97421067%2Fkelly-wearstler-bengal-bazaar-pillow%3Fref%3Dshop_home_active" target="_blank">2</a>  /  <span id="goog_879565290"></span><a href="http://prf.hn/click/camref:11l3pT/destination:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F117727777%2Fpeter-dunham-fig-leaf-on-natural%3Fref%3Dcol_view%26atr_uid%3D5058067" target="_blank">3</a>  <span id="goog_879565291"></span>/  <a href="http://prf.hn/click/camref:11l3pT/destination:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F86781723%2Fpoetical-grey-barbara-barry-19x19%3Fref%3Dcol_view%26atr_uid%3D5058067" target="_blank">4</a>  /  <a href="http://prf.hn/click/camref:11l3pT/destination:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F122261790%2Ftrellis-geometric-designer-pillow-18%3Fref%3Dcol_view%26atr_uid%3D5058067" target="_blank">5</a>  /  <a href="http://prf.hn/click/camref:11l3pT/destination:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F150673209%2Fgrey-and-white-chevron-pillow%3Fref%3Dcol_view%26atr_uid%3D5058067" target="_blank">6</a>  /  <a href="http://prf.hn/click/camref:11l3pT/destination:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F151744181%2Fchristopher-farr-cloth-pillow-cover-in%3Fref%3Dcol_view%26atr_uid%3D5058067" target="_blank">7</a>  /  <a href="http://prf.hn/click/camref:11l3pT/destination:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F156482280%2Fsale-lumbar-alan-campbell-zig-zag-115-x%3Fref%3Dcol_view%26atr_uid%3D5058067" target="_blank">8</a>  /  <a href="http://prf.hn/click/camref:11l3pT/destination:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F130472966%2Flilac-velvet-17x17-pillow-cover%3Fref%3Dcol_view%26atr_uid%3D5058067" target="_blank">9</a>  /  <a href="http://prf.hn/click/camref:11l3pT/destination:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fca%2Flisting%2F92713548%2Fla-fiorentina-david-hicks-bark-ivory%3Fref%3Dcol_view%26atr_uid%3D5058067" target="_blank">10</a></div><br />There are some changes happening over here with regards to decorating. I've grown tired of the old decor and over the last few months I've been removing certain things like pillows and art, and switching it out for new. It's the groundwork for how I designed our house - major things like couches, carpets and drapes are relatively safe and neutral. But elements like pillows and art that are easily and inexpensively interchangeable, are where I get my colour. I'm not in a financial position to redecorate my house (carpets, paint, drapes, new couch colour) whenever I feel like switching things up (which isn't <i>that </i>often) but this way of decorating suits my fleeting obsessions with certain colours.<br /><br />I've taken away all of the pillows on the kitchen bench, and also, in our living room. So I'm now on the hunt for new pillows. Etsy is my go to place for pillows because you can often find ridiculously awesome fabrics that I couldn't afford a single yard of, in pillow form on this site. So here are some of my top picks for potential candidates for the house. I'll show more examples of changes in the house soon, I've just been delinquent in taking actual "photos".<br /><br /><i>Ps., <a href="http://prf.hn/click/camref:11l3pT/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fshop%2FAurelia6311%3Fsection_id%3D12458904" target="_blank">Aurelia is having a CRAZY sale on some pillow covers. </a></i>

pillow obsessions

1   /   2   /   3    /   4   /   5   /   6   /   7   /   8   /   9   /   10 There are some changes happening over here with regards to decor...

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The DIY'ers

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/8492982155/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="The DIY'ers by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="The DIY'ers" height="200" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8096/8492982155_c22507aecc_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />Happy Monday, and welcome to The DIY'ers!<br /><br />I hope you all had a great weekend. Justin & I build ourselves a gorgeous coffee table which I'll be sharing on the blog tomorrow, so be sure to check back!<br /><br />Last week we had some great link ups (like always!) and I wanted to share my three favorites.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/9344233056/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="bedroom-curtains-4 by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="bedroom-curtains-4" height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3743/9344233056_aeb4cc47ac.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://likeasaturday.com/2013/07/15/new-bedroom-curtains-for-only-32-smackeroos/#comments" target="_blank">Like a Saturday</a> shared her beautiful bedroom & some great new curtains on the cheap! </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/9344232608/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="MyLove2Create, The Snack Crate by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="MyLove2Create, The Snack Crate" height="500" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7290/9344232608_76fc890da5.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mylove2create.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-snack-crateand-my-broken-hand.html" target="_blank">My Love 2 Create</a> showed off this cute Snack Crate DIY. </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/9341447637/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="LampInOffice-300x277 by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="LampInOffice-300x277" height="277" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2820/9341447637_53efe40f7c.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bohemianjunktion.com/2013/06/17/creatively-light-your-world/" target="_blank">Bohemian Junktion </a>shared a DIY lamp shade</td></tr></tbody></table>And now it's your turn! <br /><a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20DIY%27ers" target="_blank" title="TheDIYers"><img alt="The DIY'ers" height="100" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8096/8492982155_c22507aecc_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /><div style="font-weight: bold;"></div><textarea cols="18" name="Grab My Button" readonly="readonly" rows="3"><a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20DIY%27ers" target="_blank" title="Running on Happiness"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8096/8492982155_c22507aecc_t.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="The DIY'ers" /></a> />

The Rules? They're simple!

1. Take a picture of your DIY and link it up below. 
2. Text link back to Home Coming or pick up The DIY'ers button from the left sidebar and include it in your post so others can get involved in The DIY'ers.
3. Become a follower of Home Coming. I'd love to have you! 

The DIY'ers

Happy Monday, and welcome to The DIY'ers! I hope you all had a great weekend. Justin & I build ourselves a gorgeous coffee table whi...

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Blogging on DesignTrade

<a href="http://www.ingasempe.fr/" target="_blank">Inga Sempé</a>, la plus scandinave des designers français? Pour le savoir, faites un tour sur <a href="http://www.designtradeblog.dk/inga-sempe-scandinavian-design-a-la-francaise/" target="_blank">DesignTrade blog</a>, car c'est là où je blog aujourd'hui! Ah oui, il y avait aussi une petite présentation d'Anna G. la semaine dernière, vous la trouverez <a href="http://www.designtradeblog.dk/bloggers-universe-anna-gustafsson/" target="_blank">ici</a>.<br /><br /><i><a href="http://www.ingasempe.fr/" target="_blank">Inga Sempé</a>, the most Scandinavian of French designers? Hop over to the <a href="http://www.designtradeblog.dk/inga-sempe-scandinavian-design-a-la-francaise/" target="_blank">DesignTrade blog</a> to find out, because that's where I'm blogging today! </i><i>And oh, there was also a short presentation of Anna G. last week, you'll find it <a href="http://www.designtradeblog.dk/bloggers-universe-anna-gustafsson/" target="_blank">here</a>.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrqJY-JhEurWNKddvhUDWYzFHU5llxbBdtAt2ngI630AW3OlWgY1BVcGzKmVNrsmHAqGFbNVaz9mS1sg2TdDXp3pTmKRsO4wvowRQ2CRuQ8c67KSA9q8wlUn7Qb09RuEViEEnXRA5mVI/s1600/PHOTO1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrqJY-JhEurWNKddvhUDWYzFHU5llxbBdtAt2ngI630AW3OlWgY1BVcGzKmVNrsmHAqGFbNVaz9mS1sg2TdDXp3pTmKRsO4wvowRQ2CRuQ8c67KSA9q8wlUn7Qb09RuEViEEnXRA5mVI/s1600/PHOTO1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Inga Sempé et sa lampe w103 pour Wästberg / </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Inga Sempé and her lamp w103 for Wästberg</i></div><br />Tout l'été, vous trouverez sur le <a href="http://www.designtradeblog.dk/" target="_blank">DesignTrade blog</a> des articles écrits par <a href="http://lamaisondannag.blogspot.fr/search/label/blogtour%20copenhagen" target="_blank">le même groupe de bloggers européens qui avait participé au blog tour à Copenhague</a> début juin. Et au <a href="http://www.designtrade.dk/" target="_blank">salon DesignTrade </a>qui aura lieu à Copenhague du 28 au 30 août, vous nous retrouverez tous dans la Bloggers Zone que nous allons mettre en place au salon!<br /><br /><i>All summer you will find articles on the <a href="http://www.designtradeblog.dk/" target="_blank">DesignTrade blog</a> written by <a href="http://lamaisondannag.blogspot.fr/search/label/blogtour%20copenhagen" target="_blank">the same group of European bloggers that participated in the </a></i><i><a href="http://lamaisondannag.blogspot.fr/search/label/blogtour%20copenhagen" target="_blank">Copenhagen blog tour</a> early June. And at the <a href="http://www.designtrade.dk/" target="_blank">DesignTrade fair</a> that will take place in Copenhagen on Aug 28-30, you will find us all in the Bloggers Zone that we will be setting up at the fair!</i>

Blogging on DesignTrade

Inga Sempé , la plus scandinave des designers français? Pour le savoir, faites un tour sur DesignTrade blog , car c'est là où je blog au...

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bridal shower weekend

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2NRIHlatREeTrP-5OO8KDrYDXWExiJFRglBjITEaVn8JX1MUSsRS5DO6aWQA780bpFCX961Wx790sYY7a1X1Kc9WOs7O0eqDuA_5gFLRvqxigzsUAhlITCrRnZuT6SgqntY19huYA_A/s1600/IMG_6190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2NRIHlatREeTrP-5OO8KDrYDXWExiJFRglBjITEaVn8JX1MUSsRS5DO6aWQA780bpFCX961Wx790sYY7a1X1Kc9WOs7O0eqDuA_5gFLRvqxigzsUAhlITCrRnZuT6SgqntY19huYA_A/s1600/IMG_6190.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDJC2OU2btWsg-Vo93VZrtK082QlxDuS8Hodi7ClR5tMZHD37An6gnnDP2Xm1UI6vBFW8HEVz7D4-Zbg5TnrW6yjbgT1ygLvVjKIXpD_DpCSJ0WjgUseM-yw35Vi4NfOULlbLN5ZZuRQ/s1600/IMG_6203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDJC2OU2btWsg-Vo93VZrtK082QlxDuS8Hodi7ClR5tMZHD37An6gnnDP2Xm1UI6vBFW8HEVz7D4-Zbg5TnrW6yjbgT1ygLvVjKIXpD_DpCSJ0WjgUseM-yw35Vi4NfOULlbLN5ZZuRQ/s1600/IMG_6203.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqf9qSS8lj2XFEfM7HtOHzZgQXnfeMUhs04idajsz6mcmoaZBaJK3vJ4ILJC4IeC5tKB8GeUNnaZhX9U7kbAxrjPrzaMmyECFOK5J-TLsb0h7OlHnZVoMPs2cP7n6J5YXo6uTN_4EMkA/s1600/IMG_6230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqf9qSS8lj2XFEfM7HtOHzZgQXnfeMUhs04idajsz6mcmoaZBaJK3vJ4ILJC4IeC5tKB8GeUNnaZhX9U7kbAxrjPrzaMmyECFOK5J-TLsb0h7OlHnZVoMPs2cP7n6J5YXo6uTN_4EMkA/s1600/IMG_6230.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-Zg1wFUsGZYPHy-c_-3Y_zcBORYgmpO5Ey68VppiC1G5f9nyb5iYjeeGDN1UWwfH8oZNtojEg9tHk3VK8YxlwGKY0-unzNciB26nVqqVog8u7fcyE3VYUfxQ-ZfKIGV9bmFDEEZTW-o/s1600/IMG_6231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-Zg1wFUsGZYPHy-c_-3Y_zcBORYgmpO5Ey68VppiC1G5f9nyb5iYjeeGDN1UWwfH8oZNtojEg9tHk3VK8YxlwGKY0-unzNciB26nVqqVog8u7fcyE3VYUfxQ-ZfKIGV9bmFDEEZTW-o/s1600/IMG_6231.jpg" /></a></div><br />In a few months <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/08/family-news.html" target="_blank">my younger brother is marrying the <i>loveliest </i>girl - Lindsay.</a> This past weekend we had two bridal showers for the bride to be. Here are some pictures from my Mom's bridal shower. :)<br /><br />I don't talk about personal style much on my blog, but those who know me, know I'm a sucker for jewelry. So I thought I'd post my newest trinket ---a gift from Aubrey - <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/jewelry/necklaces/PRDOVR~95091/95091.jsp" target="_blank">the Flower Lattice Necklace from JCrew</a> - which has I think been discontinued but <a href="http://prf.hn/click/camref:11l3pT/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F152716881%2Fstatement-necklace-beaded-necklace%3Fref%3Dcol_view" target="_blank">you can find similar ones on Etsy </a>should you be interested. Although you can't see the dress, I bought <a href="http://bananarepublic.gapcanada.ca/browse/product.do?vid=2&pid=381166013" target="_blank">this wrap dress from Banana Republic </a>and it is soooo comfy.<br /><br />I joked that I matched my wrapping to my necklace - I wrapped her gifts in classic white paper, used some of my stock of ribbon, and hot glued on<a href="http://prf.hn/click/camref:11l3pT/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fshop%2Fsimplysassysource%3Fref%3Dseller_info" target="_blank"> some bling from this Etsy shop</a>.<br /><br />My Mom came up with the sweetest idea for the shower - and invited gusts to write some words of wisdom for the couple, and then seal them in an envelope provided. Randomly over the course of their first year of marriage Mom will mail envelopes to my brother and sister in law. Isn't that sweet!? Mom stresses she didn't come up with the idea (she found it online somewhere) but I think it's a lovely thing to do at a shower. I <a href="http://www.pennypaperco.com/" target="_blank">made up a rubber stamp</a>, and went to Target and got blank stationery (For a ridiculously low price) and I stamped the top of each card. Easy as pie.<br /><br />Mom sourced food from a lot of local sources who are ah-ma-zing. <a href="http://www.eatmywords.org/" target="_blank">Eat My Words makes those lovely cupcakes and proceeds go to charity</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEhI8OYPUxO1C3qayx9BKrAi-piOhxY6aGzTXr7s7Dw41miIO_dpZoWNzYUHW7ejAivnaQKDjNrv60YakubI7m5vHhwLZbuW9jH6s7W9NVO-sPowNJGkwK3gup8SkzrCujoZ28ljYG-Y/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEhI8OYPUxO1C3qayx9BKrAi-piOhxY6aGzTXr7s7Dw41miIO_dpZoWNzYUHW7ejAivnaQKDjNrv60YakubI7m5vHhwLZbuW9jH6s7W9NVO-sPowNJGkwK3gup8SkzrCujoZ28ljYG-Y/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Shopping list: (1) Necklace, JCrew (Not in stock) but <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/152716881/statement-necklace-beaded-necklace?ref=col_view&utm_source=PH&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_campaign=CA_BUYER&utm_content=littlehouseblog" target="_blank">a similar necklace is found on Etsy</a> (2)<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/simplysassysource?ref=seller_info&utm_source=PH&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_campaign=CA_BUYER&utm_content=littlehouseblog" target="_blank"> Broach I used for wrapping gifts (I used hot glue to attach it to the gift)</a> (3) "Words of Wisdom" Stamp, <a href="http://www.pennypaperco.com/" target="_blank">The Penny Paper Co. (Available upon request) </a>

bridal shower weekend

In a few months my younger brother is marrying the loveliest girl - Lindsay. This past weekend we had two bridal showers for the bride to b...

Read more »

Popular Decorating Advice You Should Ignore

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/stencilwallBHG_zps1ea88334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/stencilwallBHG_zps1ea88334.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Can you spot the four staging mistakes?</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Interior decor. Home staging. Two different animals.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">That's why you can disregard some of the most oft-heard decorating advice. Here's examples:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Trends. </span></b>"Don't follow trends." Wrong. <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/10/the-trends-that-can-update-your-home.html" target="_blank">Trends</a> will make any home look fresh and appealing. You don’t have to honor every passing trend, but something new and stylish gives life to a room. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Home buyers often tour model homes, which are decorated with trending colors, the newest furniture, and the latest home accessories. Look current. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Colors.</b></span> "Add pops of color." I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of hearing how a dull room can be rescued by “adding a few pops of color!” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">A staged room doesn’t want pops of color. A staged room wants to be seamless and layered. It wants to be interesting but not in-your-face, like a tastefully dressed but approachable woman at a meet and greet. Lose the pops, please. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Style.</span></b> "Buy what you love and it will all work together." It probably won’t. A well designed room is no accident or collection of oddities. A room that buyers are attracted to takes some forethought, even if it was professionally decorated by an expert interior decorator. When it’s time to stage, the décor rules change. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Palette.</span></b> "Look in your closet to determine what colors you should use in your home." Not. Although you might determine your personal color preferences, that’s no guarantee you’ll find the right color scheme for staging a home. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/colorfullivingroomBHG_zpsb62d3463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="396" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/colorfullivingroomBHG_zpsb62d3463.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">You can save all  the fun of splashing color and pattern around <br />once you sell your staged house and move to your next home. </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">White.</span></b> "Paint a closet a fun color. Or Paint a ceiling a fun color." Don’t put stumbling blocks between a buyer and a purchase offer. Most people do not like to paint. They want to buy a home that’s move-in ready. Choose <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2013/03/pastel-colors-good-or-bad-for-staging.html" target="_blank">paints that will have the widest appeal possible,</a> colors that don’t call attention to themselves. Closets and ceilings should be white. Period. Ignore what the frou-frou decorators say.   </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Pattern.</span></b> "Stencil designs on your wall." Step away from the stencils! Stenciling an entire wall is fashionable with DIY decorators and home décor bloggers right now. But a wall of design, no matter how tasteful, is restrictive. What are the chances it will be appropriate for the new owner? Painting over a stenciled wall is more difficult than <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/08/painting-your-home-heres-advice-about.html" target="_blank">painting an ordinary wall </a>because of the raised paint edges and uneven texture left by stenciling. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Stenciling a wall is one of the mistakes in the photo above showing a yellow tree on the wall. The other staging blunders are: colors are too bright, the photos are too small, and the photos show family members.  </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/BHGwallpaperedbedroom_zps2d6d2411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/BHGwallpaperedbedroom_zps2d6d2411.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">It's pretty. But paint is safer. Not every buyer <br />will fall in love with the same wallpaper you  have.  </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Displays. </span></b> "Don’t save your wedding gifts and heirloom possessions for special times. Display and use them." Wrong. I’m saying that you should pack these sentimental and valuable household items away. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There is always the chance that <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/12/are-you-welcoming-thieves-to-your-home.html" target="_blank">something will be stolen </a>from a home on the market. Why take a chance, when you can stage a home with ordinary art and accessories instead of precious belongings or expensive antiques?  </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Wallpaper.</span></b> "Use wallpaper in unexpected places like a powder room, pantry or small foyer." All wrong! Buyers <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/07/how-to-kiss-wallpaper-goodbye.html" target="_blank">do not like to see wallpaper</a>. Chances are they’ll want to change it. Painting is faster, easier, cheaper, smarter. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Bath.</span></b> "Use robe hooks instead of towel bars to save money." Another veto. This tactic looks cheap, even if you are doing it to be stylish. Also, I question that towels dry thoroughly when they hang from a hook. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/BHGkitchenshelves_zpsad809167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/BHGkitchenshelves_zpsad809167.jpg" width="257" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">You have no secrets in a kitchen with<br />shelves like these. All photos BHG. </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Shelves.</span></b> "Replace your upper kitchen cabinets with open shelving." Stupid idea. I can think of a few instances where this approach would work: a minimalist’s kitchen, a small vacation home, or a loft where the owners hardly ever eat in. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Most buyers will want closed storage. Are you sure you want all your dishes on display? Do they look THAT nice? And do you want dust and cooking oils to settle on all your dinnerware and glassware?   </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Trim. </span></b>"Paint your trim a dark or interesting color." Mistake. Spaces look bigger when edged in white, and dark trim closes spaces. Buyers want big. Give them clean, classic white trim. It will go with whatever wall colors new owners want in the future. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Painting trim is time consuming. It looks crappy if you do a poor job, devaluing your property. It’s expensive if you hire painters to paint trim. Keep your trim white. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Lights.</span></b> "Choose lighting that will flatter yourself and guests." Forget this. Choose <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2013/02/lighting-secrets-to-help-sell-your-home_4.html" target="_blank">lighting that will make your rooms look spacious and clean.</a> This is no time to create moody ambiance with subdued lighting. Make it easy for a realtor to illuminate a room without circling the room to turn on lamps, even if it means you put timers on lamps. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">More.</span></b> To get more tips on staging your own home, be sure to download my $5 <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebooks.html" target="_blank">eBook</a>, <i>DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast for Top Dollar</i>. Why make mistakes, when you can do it right and make your home sale go faster and more profitably?  </div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>

Popular Decorating Advice You Should Ignore

Can you spot the four staging mistakes? Interior decor. Home staging. Two different animals. That's why you can disregard some of the mo...

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Style mix

Le design iconique se marie joliment aux meubles de différentes époques dans cet appartement à Malmö. Je prendrais bien cette grande cuisine, chaises Wishbone comprises... En vente <a href="http://www2.bjurfors.se/Bostad/Skane/Malmo/Foreningsgatan-79B/" target="_blank">ici</a>.<br />J'espère que vous passez un bon weekend ensoleillé!<br /><br /><i>Iconic design is blending nicely with pieces from different periods in this flat in Malmö. Wouldn't mind that large kitchen, Wishbone chairs included... For sale <a href="http://www2.bjurfors.se/Bostad/Skane/Malmo/Foreningsgatan-79B/" target="_blank">here</a>.</i><br /><i>I hope you're having a great sunny weekend!</i><br /><br />Via <a href="http://trendenser.se/" target="_blank">Trendenser</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53uZ2EgLdST6bn37z4m5fzq8hWJ9lR-HwkR9wY6TpbbE-u4ymeB97p69e4iCaERU2PqPVmzG5DtaUqcIAm26nI1HiGUr9HaH4x1HGPhwc7iu1wDMayTUwUgIfCej9sOe1K7Kms-EY4gg/s1600/45QIH8MP8JCUM13C_773.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53uZ2EgLdST6bn37z4m5fzq8hWJ9lR-HwkR9wY6TpbbE-u4ymeB97p69e4iCaERU2PqPVmzG5DtaUqcIAm26nI1HiGUr9HaH4x1HGPhwc7iu1wDMayTUwUgIfCej9sOe1K7Kms-EY4gg/s640/45QIH8MP8JCUM13C_773.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElQpqC5FxHjmZQVfMwRI2W7G23ufxsnMkwEqTxVdXqlol9NzIj-1d5bXuLgmGsDfE65criGZl3Tn4fO6zdOYAT0mq-1iWiLpBIz5xuajgxcCLLY5Of6xa4ugiC_SwzU3ELL2tgovtLy8/s1600/45QIH8TGMJCUM14B_773.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElQpqC5FxHjmZQVfMwRI2W7G23ufxsnMkwEqTxVdXqlol9NzIj-1d5bXuLgmGsDfE65criGZl3Tn4fO6zdOYAT0mq-1iWiLpBIz5xuajgxcCLLY5Of6xa4ugiC_SwzU3ELL2tgovtLy8/s640/45QIH8TGMJCUM14B_773.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tVtN3UaCDXiay5vEr54qOmHFdtLcAC1y5StmHKq7zz8WtbZquA3hbtbKcuUJ6kNxMdEIZegtRd9ejx7A-nAXFz7SPtsy55ft_P_ZftrTF6npcbAK-pfNbVZ9s4QsMeOAZPDB07KoNcg/s1600/45QIH7BOEJCUM0UL_773.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tVtN3UaCDXiay5vEr54qOmHFdtLcAC1y5StmHKq7zz8WtbZquA3hbtbKcuUJ6kNxMdEIZegtRd9ejx7A-nAXFz7SPtsy55ft_P_ZftrTF6npcbAK-pfNbVZ9s4QsMeOAZPDB07KoNcg/s640/45QIH7BOEJCUM0UL_773.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ktfTaM7ZYM5WkAMRwKbPPRJGQxJtaDT5ppgVMY88y5Rc4E8nxgDJf7lYqNz6Jw-Sd3t-CRCJl0NoMX_JCBF5gRFq7p-mdoi533aHKv_C4YRo6okMG2ZO8fNezK2Dj3L8uc1FKjMzbFs/s1600/45QIH9JHOJCUM184_773.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ktfTaM7ZYM5WkAMRwKbPPRJGQxJtaDT5ppgVMY88y5Rc4E8nxgDJf7lYqNz6Jw-Sd3t-CRCJl0NoMX_JCBF5gRFq7p-mdoi533aHKv_C4YRo6okMG2ZO8fNezK2Dj3L8uc1FKjMzbFs/s640/45QIH9JHOJCUM184_773.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bHLow9Y8GwbAtqRsPZ3wL5WS6Z5f31tADH9J97rNOjeKFP1IDsHBlX_tXPyayqerzdezrgjZ6yrABoiTMG9XfL3EYTpfEzQ-2UCjT33P_D2nldoak3m182ew0LvTuV7oQceGnEnIpAQ/s1600/45QIH9OOCJCUM192_773.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bHLow9Y8GwbAtqRsPZ3wL5WS6Z5f31tADH9J97rNOjeKFP1IDsHBlX_tXPyayqerzdezrgjZ6yrABoiTMG9XfL3EYTpfEzQ-2UCjT33P_D2nldoak3m182ew0LvTuV7oQceGnEnIpAQ/s640/45QIH9OOCJCUM192_773.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UY6YSVpmmYXFUoN2-vT3dA2emUSjvTYr6mSCy0hJfz4y1eFtxI60w906AgSIj6qoD8a9JWBNhjmGgU2RnS5vMigqQVqwmxGv4bCuaQkHp2uXfUxYSWUCtkTJ86CRJVb7r6IuHjANGpQ/s1600/45QII36JIJCUM29H_773.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UY6YSVpmmYXFUoN2-vT3dA2emUSjvTYr6mSCy0hJfz4y1eFtxI60w906AgSIj6qoD8a9JWBNhjmGgU2RnS5vMigqQVqwmxGv4bCuaQkHp2uXfUxYSWUCtkTJ86CRJVb7r6IuHjANGpQ/s640/45QII36JIJCUM29H_773.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Source <a href="http://www2.bjurfors.se/Bostad/Skane/Malmo/Foreningsgatan-79B/" target="_blank">Bjurfors</a></i></div>

Style mix

Le design iconique se marie joliment aux meubles de différentes époques dans cet appartement à Malmö. Je prendrais bien cette grande cuisine...

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