sabbespot

Tie Breaker

2012-01-31T18:14:00.000-05:00

I met a client after working hours this evening. The sweet people over at Longleaf Lumber stayed open later than usual so that we could make a final selection for flooring that we have been back and forth on for months. The question was, skip plane or no skip plane. Because it was after working hours, it was also after babysitter hours, so I had my little guy with me. He was over being in the sling so I sat him down on the ground. He crawled right over to the skip planed section and held up the carrara sample to show us how well the two went together. We were sold.

Best news...Sabbe Interior Design does not bill for employees under the age of one.

Forever

2012-01-23T22:31:00.002-05:00

If we decided to built a house today I would probably go nuts. Too many decisions! I try to peer pressure my clients into being decisive people (they pay me to be peer pressured:) But when I think about living somewhere for a long time...or forever...I freak out. Keep in mind, we have moved 4 times in 3 years. But I would struggle with "what will I like forever??" So I have started to make a little mental list of things I know I will like forever, for when forever comes. At the top of that list: wall planking, chesterfield sofa, wingback chairs.

In the ever changing world of blogs and pinterest, what do you think you will love forever?
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p.s. email me to claim your prize if you gave to Donor's Choice. Thanks!

Lighten Up Lady

2012-01-20T15:12:00.001-05:00

I have to tell myself that sometimes because I get busy and then I get crazy. But then I sit in the floor and play with my baby and the world is simple again.

Speaking of lights, how about these barn electrics!?

I love me some good lighting! More from this project to come.

Have a nice weekend!

Short Ones, Fat Ones, Skinny Ones Too

2012-01-18T20:09:00.001-05:00

Our bedroom needs a makeover. Step 1: make this headboard.

sources for bedding

Hingham, MA {South Shore}

2012-01-17T21:46:00.000-05:00

A short commuter rail ride away from Boston is a cute little suburb called Hingham.

Last weekend we took a trip.

Mr. Sabbe loves him some suburbia.

ohhh upper class suburbia...

We love our New England day trips.

We love New England {period}

Design Out of Reach

2012-01-12T11:20:00.002-05:00

There was post yesterday on Apartment Therapy that feature a home tour entitled Sarah's Supremely Stylish West Village Home. Unlike most AT post, I found myself reading the text. The home owner, Sarah, made a comment about Design Within Reach not so much being within reach and it made me laugh because it's so true.

Don't tell him I told you so, but Mr. Sabbe and I have been watching a lot of Gossip Girl lately. When we burned through Friday Night Lights in record time we had to find another show on Netflix instant, and whether or not you are into teenage drama, you have to admit, the lifestyle of the Upper East side is fascinating. I have done a little bit of work in New York and therefore have spent a lot of time in some very nice, comfortable homes...a far cry from the scary rat holes my friends moved into after college. And somewhere between the rat hole and the Upper East side I got the notion that we Sabbes could move to New York if we wanted, and live wherever we wanted, and it would be beautiful and cozy and I would be Lily van der Woodsen (minus all the husbands and sub-par parenting) and so on and so on. Then one day I had the realization that just like Design Within Reach for many people, a 3 bedroom, with a kitchen and dining room, on the Upper East Side is most definitely never going to be within our reach.

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And I'm totally ok with that because I am equally fascinated with this couple in Maine who lives beautifully on $20,000/year. But honestly, my chances of getting Mr. Sabbe to go off the grid and start whittling furniture are about as good as getting him to drop a cool 6 mill on the apartment above.

Houzz Feature

2012-01-11T08:23:00.000-05:00

The sweet people at Houzz.com did a feature article on the apartment I designed in Manhattan. It posted this morning, go check it out.

Thanks Vanessa!

Let's Play {inside}

2012-01-10T10:49:00.004-05:00

I read somewhere that there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes. That being said, I tried to go running this morning with my stroller and my tennis shoes were sliding all over the place. Runners and bikers share the same path on the esplanade. After a pretty professional looking biker bit it about 5 feet away from us, I decided it was time to go home.

My little guy is moving all over the place now. He was labeled at the church nursery this week as a dare devil, music to every mama's ears. So I have been putting a lot of thought lately into how I can keep him entertained indoors, for those days when it's just not possible to get outside. Otherwise he is going to find his own means of entertainment and that usually entails pulling up on something non-sturdy or chewing on an electrical cord.

Here are some very designer friendly playhouses I found. This first one looks like it would be fun to replicate out of cardboard boxes and white paint.

Basically every architect/parent friend of mine is simultaneously swooning over this one...

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I am a long time fan of Homemade by Jill. Years ago she made a tablecloth playhouse for her little Oscar that I saved in my "one day" folder. Unfortunately, now that I have a baby, I have a pedestal table. Once you drape a table cloth over it, there is really no room to play.

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These tepees that have been popping up everywhere are adorable, this entire room is adorable.

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Ready Made Magazine had a tutorial for this pup tent. The photograph makes my heart happy.

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And here is another great tutorial. This one is high on my list because it looks like it could be folded and stored, always a plus with apartment living.

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Question: do babies really like playing in these? Ikea has some really inexpensive ones but I was not sure if it would be a "one time, I'm over it" deal or if he would really like it. Thoughts?

Am I going overboard on the indoor play land? I think it's hilarious because I am the same person who 10 months ago swore I would not have baby stuff all over my house. I think I do a pretty good job of keeping it contained and putting it away for company, but honestly, baby toys all over my house also makes my heart happy. The mama in me definitely out weighs the designer.

New Years Resolutions

2012-01-06T15:07:00.010-05:00

I usually do not make them, but this year I did. I won't bore you with my list, which is not nearly as entertaining as Amber's. But one thing that you will not find on my list: Spend more time on the computer. Which is kind of hilarious because I got a new laptop for Christmas, but that's mainly so Remi can play in the safety of fort kid while I try to get a little work done here and there. I'm usually feeling better, healthier, more productive, etc. the less I am on the computer. You know, instead of blogging about things, doing things. My friend Susan made a comment last Fall that really stuck with me. She said "remember when people used to bake a cake, just to bake a cake, and not to blog about baking a cake." And trust me, she was totally preaching to the choir. Don't get me wrong. I love me some blogs, but I am putting myself on a time limit this year, because I think if one of my friends hears me start one more conversation with "you know, I saw on this blog yesterday....." they might throw something at me.

Portlandia recently made it's way to Netflix instant streaming. We have been watching it a bit. Sometimes it's funny, sometimes it's like a bad SNL skit. But the very first episode had this scene entitled "Technology Loop" that is hilarious. Here's to avoiding the technology loop this year!

And then, in the name of accountability, if I do spiral out of control, send me this...

me before internet, and facebook, and twitter, and iphones, and pinterest, and blogs

and flat irons....although I do think I owned a pager.

bahahahahaha

Happy New Year!

A Merry Christmas Bloopers Reel

2011-12-23T11:08:00.010-05:00

We randomly watched an old America's Funniest Home Videos Christmas Special this week. Mr. Sabbe and I both grew up watching that show and 20 years later, it's still funny. We got the rest of our holiday photos in this week and I thought about sharing more of my favorites. Then we scrolled through and looked at some of the outtakes, and they are hilarious, at least to us. So in the spirit of America's Funniest Home Videos and getting a good laugh out of someone else's awkward moments...I present The Sabbe Family 2011 Christmas Photo Bloopers, narrated by yours truly.

Mr. Sabbe getting his camera face confused with his "make baby laugh" face.

Not sure how I thought putting Remi's foot in my mouth, as he dangled upside down, would be a classic Christmas card pic.

Another "it seemed cute in our heads" shot. If you knew my husband, you would see how very nervous he is with this whole kissing the wife with baby on the shoulders situation.

There were a lot of these...

"look at the camera Remi"

"look at the camera Remi", now using my discipline face, still no results

Mr. Sabbe's turn..."look at the camera buddy" while I'm wondering how many people are judging me for putting my kid on the ground in Fenway.

This one is just a hilarious because it's the beginning of a stint where Mr. Sabbe's hair goes a little wild on the right side...and it's confusing as to whether we are holding Remi or about to tackle him to the ground. I personally think my artistic touch of looking off into space really ties it all together.

He finally started to fight back.

And to wrap it all up...

We still can't believe this one didn't make the final cut:) You can almost hear the urrrrr sound coming out of my sweet husband's mouth as Remi thinks... are these two for real??

Wishing everyone a very happy holiday season! See you next year!

Organization

2011-12-20T12:55:00.000-05:00

I typically do not make New Year's resolutions.

But this year I have a blaring need for one...to be more organized!

Seriously, the path I am currently on, my kid will for sure be the one who gets forgotten at soccer practice.

Any of you seasoned experts have any good tips?

Giving + Sewing = Awesome {Memphis, listen up}

2011-12-19T15:50:00.004-05:00

A couple of weeks ago my sweet friend Annelise introduced me to a program called Donors Choice and gave me the opportunity to select an organization to support with a $25 gift card. I did a little looking around and it did not take me long to decide on the Sew-ing Eagles. HELLO! I wish I would have known about this class when I was still in Memphis!! Here is what the teacher, Ms. Mott, writes:

My Students: Help! The "Sewing" Eagles need supplies! With limited school and household funds in our community this donation will truly be appreciated and allow us to learn basic sewing skills!
My 7th and 8th grade Teen Living students are a little rough around the edges but, they are eager to learn and they are hard workers. Most of my students come from single parent homes. Our school is not only a source of knowledge, but an outlet of exposure and opportunity. Our sewing projects will be evidence of their time in my class and most important, a sign of an accomplishment of a skill they learned and can take with them in the future.
My Project: Teen Living is not only a "home economics class, it is a class about life. What I teach in Teen Living helps students with personal life events but academic as well. By obtaining these sewing supplies my students will be able to complete their sewing unit. In sewing we learn about textiles, how to take care of our clothing, and clothing construction. Actually having the opportunity to sew helps to bring the lesson to life and have evidence of what we learned. The students can say "I did this in Teen Living". This lesson also hits on following instructions, reading, and measuring, skills students have to use daily. Having the opportunity to end this unit with the sewing project helps them in my class, but all classes.
Most of the students at my school did not make a proficient score on our state's standardized test. This means they aren't retaining what they need to learn. This will impact their future! The administration at my school hopes to use classes such as Teen Living to aid in test score gains through integrated instruction (ex. teaching fractions - measuring for a cake), exposure, and incentive. Studies show well-rounded students in well-rounded programs do better in school. Help our eagles soar.

HERE is a link to the materials list.

First of all, Ms. Mott sounds awesome, probably the Gregg Breinberg of Home Ec. Second, Memphians!, we know all of the less than great stories that come out about the public school system in the area. This is an opportunity to be a part of a good story. I was sick last week and let y'all miss the giveaway Annelise hosted for another $25 gift card to Donors Choice....SO....to make up for that, everyone who visits Donors Choice and leaves a donation for the Sew-ing Eagles will be entered in a drawing for this pillow sham, made out of one of my favorite Thomas Paul prints.

Your name will automatically appear on the website, No donation is too small!

I will pick a name from the list when the time limit expires on the project. Thanks!!

Ziggurat, Ziggurat, Ziggurat

2011-12-16T09:53:00.000-05:00

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Yesterday I stepped back and realized that Schumacher's Ziggurat is showing up in several of my project piles. It works in modern spaces just as well as traditional spaces and my projects are an even split of both. I used it for the project below in chartreuse, but my new love is the navy colorway. Do you know what a ziggurat is? I thought it was just a fun name for a pattern with zig-zagging shapes. Nope, it goes back to the bible. I can now check my "learn something new" box off for the day. Have a great weekend!

Oh Keep on Moving, Keep on Moving on a Fast Train

2011-12-09T10:29:00.002-05:00

We took some family photos with our friend Bella on Monday. Although Mr. Sabbes eyes have been artistically excluded by the photographer (everyone has been feeling sorry for him on FB) I love this one.

More Recent Work {charlestown}

2011-12-08T11:10:00.001-05:00

These are some very low quality iphone pics. But I installed a few things for a project I have in Charlestown this morning and wanted to share. I am in love with the drapery. in love

I hope to get back soon for some real pics.

Recent Work {new york}

2011-12-07T22:48:00.001-05:00

I finally got around to editing a few photos from my project in Tribeca. It's only the living and dining rooms and a couple of terrace shots. Visit my website to see more. I hope to have the entire project loaded before I leave for Christmas. Fingers crossed!

Mr. and Mrs. Clause Silhouette Pillows {a tutorial}

2011-12-06T13:05:00.002-05:00

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery right?

I pinned Toby Fairley's Saint Nick pillows last week because I thought they were adorable. I am a really big fan of holiday decor that is well integrated into your existing decor. Unfortunately, this Christmas, Tobi's pillows are not in the Sabbe family budget. So I decided to get out the ole' freezer paper and give it a DIY go. I added a Mrs. Clause and I'm really excited about how they turned out.

I found some free clip art online and used Illustrator to create these templates.

I made two envelope pillow cases. I did buttons on the back of mine, but for a super easy, button free tutorial see here. Tip: if you do decide to do buttons, wait to add the buttons until after you have stenciled. I ended up having to cut my buttons off and then sew them back on...bad planning.

Here are all the supplies you need (plus an iron) I use Jacquard Textile colors for my paint.

This color is 106 True Red.

I am not the first person to do a freezer paper stencil, but here is a refresher. Trace the silhouettes onto the freezer paper, glossy side down, and then cut them out of the center of the sheet.

Iron the pieces onto the pillow case, make sure all the edges are smooth and flat. Place a magazine inside the pillow case (the paint will leak through) and paint. I then removed the freezer paper and used a small artist brush for touch ups.

Let it dry overnight and ta-da....

I was too lazy to do the knife edge with an accent color, like my inspiration, but I like the buffalo plaid peeking out on the backside.

And because I already had the fabric and buttons, the total cost of this project was $3 (the fabric paint)

It really was such an easy project!

My Second Born: Re-Upholstered Wingback Chairs {before and after}

2011-12-02T11:43:00.004-05:00

I guess they are actually my second and third born. It started almost a year ago with a pair of these. $35 on craig's list.

I knew I wanted to use them as dining chairs, so I wood glued little stilt blocks onto the bottom and drug it around to make sure they were going to stay before I put any effort into re-upholstering. Wood glue works.

I started pulling them apart the week we moved into our new apartment. Sounded a lot more fun than unpacking.

I injured myself a couple of times.

And after much more labor than it took to have Remi, the twins were born.

They're fraternal, not quite identical, with differences only their mother would know.

They are not perfect, but just like my first born, I love them like they are.

Our apartment is very corporate housing-esk. So I wanted to use a crazy, bold pattern to liven it up. Being a first upholstery attempt, I also wanted to use the cheapest fabric possible. I have about a 60% DIY project success rate and I did not have high hopes for this one. I found this outdoor fabric for $35/chair. We have already spilled spaghetti sauce on it, which cleaned up nicely. And surprising everyone, especially myself, I finished the chairs.

Blow it Up

2011-11-22T09:54:00.002-05:00

When I was in college we had to get up in front of our peers and professors ever so often and endure a "jury." Juries were rarely fun, and regardless of whether I thought my project at the time was good or bad, I always had a mini heart attack. I recall on one occasion getting really beat up for something being proportionally wrong. Trying to get good feedback before I returned to my studio to make adjustments, I asked, "so you are saying I should just blow it up?" The very dry humored panel replied, "well it's not that bad, baha ha ha ha ha." Tired, nervous, and cracked out on diet coke and Starbucks, I did not laugh.

Obviously I meant "enlarge" by the phrase "blow it up." And something I am loving enlarged these days is photography. Not just enlarged, jumbo.

And my favorite

Only Jordan Ferney could make a baby in a closet this endearing.

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The Perfect Pork Tenderloin

2011-11-15T11:02:00.000-05:00

I'm no chef, but this is fool proof. I happened upon a "how to" somewhere a couple of months ago and I have yet to disappoint.

Preheat your oven to 500 degrees.

Place a pork tenderloin in a glass baking dish, drizzle with olive oil. Season to your liking. Sometimes I do just salt and pepper, last night I created a "kitchen sink pork tenderloin" which included every spice in my cabinet that I thought sounded good.

Cook for 15 minutes and then turn off the oven. Do not open the door. Leave in the over for another hour. That's it! To be safe, stick a meat thermometer in and make sure it is at least 145 degrees. Slice and get ready to be complimented on your amazing cooking skills.

I think the only thing that might not make this fool proof is the age of your oven. We have a pretty new oven. My last apartment had an oven from 1975. I could see that being a problem.

Mr. Sabbe suggested I should wage a Christmas cook off with my brother-in-law. I said sure. Kyle would be slaving away on some Food Network recipe while I painted my nails...and I would win. You reading this Kyle Sabbe?

Deal Alert {Chevron Rug}

2011-11-10T09:09:00.001-05:00

I told you guys several months ago that I bought a budget chevron rug for our living room. Well, I did, but it got sent back because I sent it to my old address. Sometimes I am very organized like that. I was sad for a minute, then I saw that Britt bought the same one and shared that basically you get what you pay for. I know this, but sometimes when something has the letters S-A-L-E next to it, I get excited and forget.

Today I decided to take another look and found this 100% wool one.

I got the 5 x7 and with the 50% coupon code the grand total came to $115.

That is cheaper than Ikea AND I don't have to drive to Ikea!

The only down side with wool is my baby will be covered in it until I vacuum it 100 times. But he has a wool rug in his nursery that has finally quit shedding.

Go get one! And if someone says "I am so over chevron" (because people are so quickly into and then over things in this fast paced blog world) let's just tell them we are so over them:)

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep

2011-11-08T20:58:00.000-05:00

My little man is teething in a major way, so this mama is a little short on sleep this week. He has a twin bed in his nursery that I have been crashing on the past few nights to save myself the walk across the apartment. Oh how I wish I could get 8 uninterrupted hours in this heavenly beds tonight...

Speaking of heavenly beds, we recently bought the Westin version made by Simmons and it.is. amazing. We are pretty frugal, so it hurt a bit when we slid the card. But it was worth every penny, they say we all spend 1/3 of our lives sleeping.

I also recently purchased two little louis chairs for Remi, thanks to a craig's list heads up from my sweet friend Christine. I plan on reupholstering them. Look how excited he is...

I told my husband yesterday that I try to memorize his face, but it is so hard because it changes everyday. Sweet boy, I cannot believe you are about to be grinning at me with 4 new top teeth.

Baby Art {for real this time}

2011-11-03T19:16:00.000-04:00

So, no, my baby doesn't really want an expensive painting for his birthday (although his mama might).

I think what he really needs is a few of these furry babies on his wall.

They are so cute, it makes my heart hurt.

visit Sharon Montrose's Print Shop

via Danielle Oakley Interiors

Amanda Talley

2011-11-01T10:51:00.000-04:00

I have a new client who has a giant Amanda Talley painting in her living room.

Her best friend gave it to her for her son's 1st birthday.

Announcement: Remi turns one on April 3rd:)

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T14:52:00.000-04:00

Home Again, Home Again Jiggity Jig

2011-10-25T18:35:00.003-04:00

I just returned from a whirlwind, 5 day trip to New York. While there I finished and photographed a project I have been working on since I was pregnant and met with a new client. My best friend Erin, who also went to design school, met us there to help out with everything. Us? Oh yes, I brought my 6 month old.

If you recall, I took an architectural photography class last spring with the intent of photographing my own work over the past year and to save a little $$ (In New York that would be $$$$).

It will take me a while to edit everything, but here is a shot I took one evening from the balcony. Can I please live here one day? The building in the middle with the purple lights is the Empire State Building.

Mad Plaid

2011-10-18T13:14:00.003-04:00

My sorority in college had an annual date party called Mad Plaid. If you would have told me ten years ago I would want to use plaid for interiors, modern interiors at that, I would have probably called you crazy.

plaid mosaic tiles! love. and bless that installer

I've been keeping a pretty crazy schedule these days, but this looked like DIY I could actually handle.

Also, Wally World, can you please get this back in stock STAT. I will buy 20 for that price.

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Topsfield Fair {America's Oldest Agricultural Fair}

2011-10-10T23:56:00.003-04:00

This past Saturday we took a drive to Topsfield, MA to go to the fair.

Remi was not impressed with Lil Sebastian. Probably because he's not from Pawnee.

Check out this jumbo pumpkin, I love the expression I caught on that guy's face.

And bless this one's heart. I get exhausted sometimes just feeding one little piggy.

No wonder she doesn't care that there are flies on her butt.

Speaking of piggies. I come to fairs for pretty much one thing...

I'm also a big fan of the rides. Mr. Sabbe, not so much. As a former engineer, he thinks too much about it.

Not me, I woke up Saturday and announced, "I want to go upside down today."

Mr. Sabbe prefers to focus his energies on more manly pursuits.

I love fairs.

Recent Work {a custom dining table}

2011-10-06T20:20:00.001-04:00

I designed this table for a client I have mentioned who recently bought an apartment in the South End. It was delivered yesterday and I'm pretty excited about it. If you remember, they have a very small floor plan and it is going to comfortably seat 6! I share their love for entertaining, so I'm pretty excited about that as well.

A close second to the table are the lights we are having installed.

Two of these...

And three of these...

I can't wait to see this one come together!

Something Blue

2011-10-05T22:01:00.000-04:00

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Design Assistant

2011-10-04T09:40:00.002-04:00

My friend at Schumacher told me that the design center loves when designers bring two things, dogs and babies. So when this guy was feeling a little under the weather yesterday I decided to show him the ropes.

I do believe I got my samples faster on account of those cute cheeks:)

Just Call Me a Golden Girl

2011-10-01T10:49:00.006-04:00

Yesterday morning I did a little picking. Among other things, I scored two brass lamps for $14 that I was pretty proud of. When I came home I took the lamp off of my nightstand and replaced it with the new. That's it, no new additions.

When Mr. Sabbe came home last night I informed him, because it's very hard for the average non-blogger to keep up, that brass was back. I showed him my nightstand and said "what do you think, cool right? kind of hipster, like nobody knows brass is cool but us". I continued because I could tell he wasn't getting it "you know, we're so with it that the average person is going to think it's terrible, but we'll know it's cool".

He just looked at me and said "Stephanie, I think it's fine, but that little set up you've got going on, on your side, looks 100% nursing home". I looked and laughed out loud, because he was 100% right...

I turned 30 on Thursday and apparently woke up a grandma.
Can't you imagine me right next to this set up in my Craftmatic bed, head full of velcro curlers? I can.

p.s. Thanks for all of your sweet emails and comments about my little blog fiasco. I love blog friends. I am not going to quit blogging, I'm just overwhelmed with work and motherhood right now and do not see myself finding time in the near future to restore any of the old posts. But that is the intention.

Also, I would LOVE to revamp the ole' blog to make it better looking than it was before. If anyone would be interested in exchanging some interior design help for a little graphic design help please email me. I am decent in Photoshop, and could probably do the overall graphics I have in mind myself, but I am in desperate need of some layout (code tweaking) assistance.

Life is Good

2011-09-28T17:40:00.000-04:00

A photographer from the Boston Globe snapped this photo of my little family at the Life is Good Festival last weekend. My blog, as we know it, may be a goner. But I've still got the main characters and that makes me happy.

Oh My Word! heeeeelp

2011-09-27T20:45:00.003-04:00

I think something terrible has happened. I just looked at the Google+ deal last night for the first time. It had made a folder in my profile with all the images from my blog. I thought that was weird so I clicked to delete the folder. Now every single image on my blog is gone!

Ya'll! This is terrible! Please say it is fixable. My blog is my favorite scrapbook ever. I might cry.

Any techy people out there that can help???

p.s. I feel like the images have to be out there somewhere because they still show up in the linkwithin deal.
help. help. help

I Guess Everything IS Better in Texas {diagonal stripes continued}

2011-09-26T10:13:00.005-04:00

This weekend I did a little internet perusing to see if I could track down that diagonally striped fabric from the last post. I have yet to locate the larger scale, but I did find this little pattern via the Best Little Fabric Store in Texas. They do not put scales on their photos, but I'm thinking this is on the small to medium side.

And then I got a little more creative with my searching and found diagonally striped fabric tape in this cute little Etsy shop, that also happens to come out of the state of Texas.

She also sells black and white twine, which if you think about it, is a teensy tiny diagonal stripe.

Another thought I had was if you wanted to do add a diagonal stripe as a trim down one side of a curtain panel, kind of like this...

You could cut strips out of a couple yards of chevron patterned fabric and fold them in half. It would create such nice detail to have the stripe going one way on the side of the panel and then on the back side, have it go the opposite way.

But speaking of Texas, anyone else want to be Tami Taylor when they grow up? or at least harness some of her wise parenting skills? Mr. Sabbe and I have been burning through some Friday Night Lights via Netflixs. We never watched the show when it was on tv, but now we are obsessed. A couple of weeks ago I heard him tell our baby "Clear Eyes, Full Hearts...CAN sleep through the night"

He totally wants to be Coach Eric Taylor.

Texas Forever

{insert Tim Riggins' southern, with a dash of Canadian (mainly when he says the word college), accent}

Dear Diagonally Striped Curtains...

2011-09-22T17:06:00.000-04:00

...I want to marry you.

that is all.

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Art Aspirations

2011-09-19T09:32:00.000-04:00

I recently purchased a huge canvas from a local art store. I am not a painter, but if I can find the time, I would really love to take a class at the BCAE this fall, just for fun. I've always told Mr. Sabbe that one day, when we have more money for the non-essentials, I would like to start a real art collection.

Yesterday afternoon I spent a little time looking around on Etsy and came across the work of Jennifer Shears. Her landscapes are just breathtaking.

I think landscape paintings like these are so timeless, something that would always go my ever evolving decor. Jennifer was born near the Adirondack Mountains. Mr. Sabbe and I spent some time there last summer, it is very easy to see the influence on her work.

Starting at $130, these pieces are also quite a steal. I may be able to start my fine art collection sooner than later. Don't you just love Etsy?

Product Review: Easy Canvas

2011-09-13T10:21:00.001-04:00

I have had a couple clients in the past have their photographs printed on canvas, but it is something I myself have never done. So when Easy Canvas contacted me about doing a product review I was pretty excited. Their website is very user friendly. Uploading my image took seconds. Overall the process was super easy.The only hard part was selecting a photo. I am currently up to a billion of this little guy.

The print arrived in less than a week and gave me the motivation I needed to do something about this very sad wall.

I did the mirror wrapped edge. I think it was the perfect little something to complete my collage.

I love that little face.

Visit Easy Canvas for your own personal art ideas.

Our Halfway House

2011-09-08T11:07:00.005-04:00

I've come to terms with the fact that my house is pretty much in a constant state of halfway finished projects. My poor husband. My poor baby. Here is what we have on the docket these days, the projects narrating for themselves.

Remember my chairs? I made a white slipcover for one and then they discontinued the fabric. Then I decided I was too lazy to constantly wash slipcovers anyway. So I bought some outdoor fabric, ripped my hands apart stripping the chair, and here is where we are today...

Can you believe the one thing that is holding me up is staples? Only available online...annoying. Sourcing all of the componets has been the toughest obstacle. I could not fathom renting an air compressor and staple gun for $100 for a day when I could own both for $150. So I am now the proud owner of this...

My husband jokes that I need to start a tool renting business in our building. Who lives in a high rise and owns an air compressor and pneumatic staple gun? This girl.

Remember my swagged Ikea chandelier? Well I decided I hated that too. So I made this contraption.

The main fixture is West Elm, but the shade is made of two giant, oval embroidery hoops and a piece of strathmore paper. Best part? It covers the swag and allows the fixture, as a whole, to be centered over the table. yay!

And lastly, remember my new tv stand? Not 100% finished, but it does currently hold the tv.

I decided I liked it better sans doors. So I had to sand down some imperfections on the green, thus the discoloration on the bottom. I still need to touch that up. And this pretty little number is on it's way to adorn the drawer, which I'm pretty pumped about.

And that is the current state of projects in the Sabbe household. To think we joked that I would have nothing to do since we were moving into a practically brand new space....ha, ha, ha. Like Jenny said, it's a sickness.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

2011-09-06T10:05:00.000-04:00

I have been a bad blogger lately. I know. On top of two new projects, I have been focusing a lot of my energy on getting my little guy on a schedule, and then spending most of the weekends messing it up. There is just so much fun stuff to do in New England in the summer! Last weekend we took him to his first Soxs game. We live literally next door to the stadium so we were able to make this little adventure happen between nap times. Due to the approaching hurricane, it was a pretty overcast day. But we got second row seats, so we were not complaining.

Craig's List Dominator

2011-09-01T09:47:00.000-04:00

I wanted the title to be Craig's List Killer, but then I thought that might be terribly inappropriate. Point being, I have been finding some great stuff on Craig's List the past couple of weeks. I started a board in my Pinterest account just to keep track.

Dear Pinterest, you have made my job easier in so many ways. I love you.

People's junk in New England is the best junk ever. Remember Wayne's? I miss that store. With the baby, I have not been able to make it to Brewster this summer. I am working on a project with a lot of industrial/ reclaimed cues, so most of these reflect my train of thought on that project.

Vintage School Chair $35

Vintage File Cabinet- $125

Reclaimed Wood Tray - $150

Mirror- $75

Desk $50

Vintage School Desk $40

If you do live in New England and love buying stuff on CL, you must follow Crocodile Tears. She really finds some good stuff....and shares!

Tiny Art Made by Tiny Hands

2011-08-26T09:47:00.002-04:00

A friend and new client of mine sent me this image today and I thought it was the most absolutely adorable idea.

Created by designer Jan Eleni, it's a collage of dozens of little drawings made by tiny little hands. Design Mom noted that she plans on having one created every year for each of her children. I think I'll do the same.

Graphically, it kind of reminds me of the sticker walls that are making their way

all over the blogesphere this week.

In regard to things, I am not a terribly sentimental person. Because we've moved so often in our marriage, we tend to keep things pretty light. We have one little shoe box we labeled "memories" and if it doesn't fit, we usually don't keep it. But I'm sure once our little man starts making works of art for his mama and daddy, we will miraculously become the sentimental pack rats we said we would never be. The collage art is a great idea for those who can't bear to throw things away. Just yesterday I was cleaning out the 0-3 month clothes from his closet (because he can already wear 6-9 months) and I had a hard time parting with anything, even white onesies with big yellow poop stains all over the back. What have I become??

In other news, Rems discovered grass this week. I cannot believe in a week I am going to have a 5 month old. Where is the slow down button?

This is How We Roll {Pun Intended}

2011-08-25T11:17:00.003-04:00

Behold, my new workshop space..

So this is where I will be making stuff happen for the next 3 years. It's the only non-carpeted space in the new apartment, besides the bathrooms. And a little known fact...normally I cringe at laminate hardwood flooring, but for a workshop floor it just happens to be great. We had it in our old house, in the kitchen. With a little magic eraser action, everything comes up.

So yesterday, while Mr. Sabbe grilled us up some steaks... on a grill pan (ah, city living) I thought it would be a good idea to be all in the way with my latest diy undertaking. I have a sweet husband. He tolerates me saying things like "if you hit this furniture with that refrigerator door I am going to kill you." (joking of course, he's too cute to kill) Because it's normal to be painting 4' long dressers, while someone else is trying to cook, in a 8 x 8 kitchen, right?

I'm not 100% finished, but remember the before...

And here is where I am. I know, not quite breathtaking...yet.

But is it not so amazing what a difference a coat of paint can make?

This time around I researched painting tips. Centsational Girl has written an excellent post that anyone interested in painting a piece of furniture should read. The biggest ah-ha moment for me was her suggestion to buy this...

It works. They have it at Home Depot. But be warned, no one there had any idea what I was talking about and it was not with the paint thinners, like you would think. Another tip, add cautiously. I think I went a little heavy and ended up having to do a coat or two more because of it...BUT, no roller or brush marks!

Then I also remembered a post Jenny wrote on painting furniture. I use latex now that I have a baby and no outdoor space to paint. Oil based paints are much, much tougher, but they will make you high. So I needed a way to toughen up this piece because we are sitting a 40" tv on it and I would like it not to have tv stand marks on the top when we move in 3 years. So I followed her instructions and added two coats of this...

The great thing is, the Floetrol takes the sheen out of your paint (it tells you this on the label). So my semi-gloss was not so glossy, but the the wipe-on poly added that gloss back. Problem solved.

I'm going to paint the inside the same color as our last living room, because I have some left over.

Cute architecture, I miss you.

But did you catch the cabinets and counters in our new space?

Ugly, 4' wide kitchen, I do not miss you.

So that is that. Seen any good hardware lately? I haven't really started looking, but I want something fun.

I'm thinking brass. I recently discovered chicken wire comes in brass, get excited.

Fall Fashion Wish List

2011-08-23T20:05:00.000-04:00

My friend Lauren came up from NYC to stay with us a couple of weekends ago. She was telling me that she recently invited a friend over to help her clean out her closet. It's a friend she really trusts, in the fashion department, who was also not afraid to tell her the harsh truth about needing to part with things she thought she "might still need." Sometimes I feel like I have a rotation of about 4 things I really like to wear and the rest is just a bunch of "might still needs." If I were adding some new everyday pieces to my wardrobe this Fall, which according to our CFO, on account of our recent new mattress purchases (worth every penny), is probably not going to happen. But if it were, here are some things I would pick...

And I was in Target the other day and tried on these, they were much cuter in real life.

Target- $24.99

And I also kind of liked this...kind of

Target- $19.99

And just to keep this a well rounded list, I want these too:)

You know the old saying, "those who can't, blog about it"....just kidding, I made that saying up.

Decor8 and Lunch with Holly Becker

2011-08-21T22:38:00.001-04:00

This weekend I attended a book signing with Holly Becker of Decor8 and got my very own signed copy of the highly coveted Decorate.

Thanks to the #1 organizer, Julianne, a handful of us got to join her for lunch after the signing. Holly is the one with the yellow flower. The #1 trouble maker and I are over in the back corner with sweet Kate.

photo

Holly is so, so nice. She even pretended to remember blogging about this, when I was all like "hey, do you remember this diy thing I did that was on decor8" Which is the equivalent to asking Arriana Huffington if she remembers that time she wrote about Paris Hilton. Some people turn into dorks around celebrities...me, famous bloggers.

So go buy the book, it's great. And if she's in your town, go say hi.

So Good I Almost Didn't Share {A Thrift Store}

2011-08-18T10:02:00.004-04:00

A couple of weeks ago I discovered that one of Mr. Sabbe's guy friends from the hospital, who lives in Beacon Hill, drives an enormous pick up truck. If you are familiar with Beacon Hill, you know pick up truck drivers are rare. It's hard to park a Mini Cooper in Beacon Hill, much less a pick up truck. But within about 5 minutes of this discovery, Mr. Sabbe's crazy, junk store loving wife calls to see if she can borrow this truck for a day. My mom was in town, free baby sitter, so it was perfect. I made the biggest used stuff voyage of my life.

First I went south and bought a pop up trundle bed frame for Remi's room for $100. I thought that was a great deal, now this week I see the same one on Craig's List for $50. Don't you hate that? Although we've already had company sleep in it (we bought new mattresses) So that was worth $50. I plan on making an upholstered head and foot board like this....

image

Then I went east and someone's nanny helped me load these in the back of the truck, $50 for two. Campaign furniture, I cannot get enough of you...

They both need a coat of paint and a little polish on the hardware.

Then I headed over to Framingham and picked up this, also $50. It's solid wood.
Hang with me, I have a vision.

We currently have our dvd player and cable box sitting on a bench next to the dresser where we keep our tv. I know as soon as my little man gets mobile, this is not going to work anymore. So I am going to paint this guy, then remove the woven looking wood panels from the doors and replace it with chicken wire, and of course new hardware. My first thought was glass for the doors, but that did not seem super baby friendly either. I found and liked this image...

I'm also really loving an accent interior paint like this

image

But the big find was not the random stuff I gathered, it was the store I found the last piece in. Re-Home Expo, in Framingham. If I did not already have a packed truck I could have gone nuts in this store. Here are a few terrible iphone images.

I think this thing was like $100.

And this piano stool swiveled up and down. If you've been reading, you know, I'm kind of obsessed with stools like that right now.

And this one may just be me, but I could see this guy polished up and looking awesome in an eclectic living room. I can't remember, but I think it was only $50. Brass is back...

image

So ReHome Expo, 49 Mellen St. Framingham, MA 01702. You. are. welcome.

If I go there next time and all the good stuff is gone, I know who to blame.

Remster

2011-08-17T16:27:00.002-04:00

Like a hipster, but way cuter.

We had a play date this morning with my good friend Audra and she happened to mention that her sewing machine has a monogramming function. (cue record scratch) Hello, I already knew she had a Cadillac machine. I used it to make button holes for Remi's coming home outfit. But I didn't know it monogrammed! So while my little man napped this afternoon I borrowed Audra's machine (we're also neighbors) and instead of returning design related emails (sorry if I owe you an email, getting on it now) I wrote on things! So fun!

Hide your scrubs Mr. Sabbe. It' taking all the will power I have to not write "baby daddy" on a pocket and slip it back into the stack:)

Projects I Want to Live In

2011-08-16T13:51:00.001-04:00

I am working on a project right now in the South End that I'm pretty sure I am going to want to live in when we are finished. Don't you love projects like that?

It's a tiny little place, and most of the industrial imagery I've been posting lately has come from things I am sourcing for the project. When I tell people that I'm an interior designer they always ask me what my favorite style is. Honest truth, I do not really have a favorite, nor do I care to "specialize" in one aesthetic. That seems so boring. But my this week favorite is the whole industrial chic deal. I love it.

I'm mostly pumped about how the space planning worked out. I bet if you walked through this space empty you would not think it could fit a six person dining table. but. it. can.....

Like I previously mentioned, the stools swivel down from bar counter height to dining table height. So we're getting a two for one out of those.

This project is in a new building, so my end is mainly decorative. We are doing a custom pot rack I'm pretty pumped about. Pot racks are something I never really thought much about until this project.

Now I think about them all the time. Do you have a pot rack? Does having pots in your face ever bother you? One of my clients is tall (the husband) and the other is short (the wife). She needs to be able to reach the pots (reasonable) he needs to be able to get water without having a pot hit him in his face (also reasonable) It's become and interesting little design study.

Sweet Friends + A Winner

2011-08-10T14:42:00.004-04:00

My friend Ali emailed me today to tell me that my old living room was on the "request and invite" page for Pinterest today. I miss that old cave (no natural light + bars on front windows).

She was also the friend who pointed out to me that Apartment Therapy ran this post a couple of years ago. Don't you love sweet friends who keep their eyes peeled for your random DIYs circulating the internet. I do.

Also, the winner of the Ramsign drawing was....

Susan, who said "I agree with others - the choices are endless!! I think I would choose 32526 - long story, but this represents anniversary dates." Susan, email me to claim your prize.

I loved hearing your all's stories about what numbers you would pick!! It made the giveaway so much more fun. Thanks to all who entered and Ramsign for hosting.

One more thing! Since this is such a random post, I'm going to add to it. Go VOTE for my friend Heather to be on Cakeboss! Her cakes are amazing. Watch her video. I agree, every good reality show needs a southern bell. Heather was in my sorority in college, as was this reality show winner. The ole' Kappa Chapter of Phi Mu makes for some pretty good tv stars.

Edison Bulbs

2011-08-08T09:34:00.001-04:00

We are using some fixtures with Edison bulbs for a project I am working on right now. I think they are so charming.

I also like this modern version from Plumen.

Last week, I picked up the very inexpensive molnig chandelier from Ikea for our new apartment. I added some globe bulbs and I like it. But I think this week I'm going to get some unfrosted, lower voltage bulbs and see if it looks a bit more edison-esk. (because the provided electrical was in an odd place, we had to get a fixture that could swag to fall in the middle of our dining table)

not bad for $40

photos

Typography {A Giveaway}

2011-08-03T11:45:00.000-04:00

I'm still love, love, lovin' a good wall collage.

I think the best ones are composed of the most random pieces.

So I was excited when Ramsign contacted me about hosting a giveaway. I can imagine one of these guys being the perfect addition to a wall collage....

If I were picking for myself I would get a "2001" because that was the number on Mr. Sabbe and I's first house.

Ramsign is offering one sign, your choice of 1 up to 5 digits, in their 5 different styles. This giveaway is open to both US and international readers.

To enter, leave a comment on what number you would pick and why.

Sabbespot followers can enter twice (two comments)

A winner will be randomly chosen next Wednesday, August 10th.

Hey Good Lookin'

2011-08-02T12:48:00.003-04:00

That's my little nugget's favorite song. He's the best lookin' thing I've ever seen.

But this week it also applies to the fabric I chose for the chair.

I'm going to have to feed ya'll this one in tiny pieces. I have a good amount of work-work to do this week, so who knows when I will get around to finishing this one up. But I love the jumbo scale on this fabric. Reminds me of one of my favorite Lonny images, but in my cuullaas (that's my Shelby impression)

Did I mention that it is indoor/outdoor? So my little guy can drool and spit up all day long and it should wipe right off.

Also, go visit Marianne's blog today! She's featuring the ABC's of me! You can check out my hair during the pre-flat iron days and Mr. Sabbe's cheeks pre-running around the hospital days.

AND...

Big day for me... Jennifer over at Rambling Renovators is talking about my new and old loves. I love me some Rambling Renovators. If we lived closer Remi would totally be booking a playdate with this little pumpkin.

Call Me Crazy...My Husband Does

2011-07-29T11:19:00.001-04:00

I am supposed to be unpacking this week. We made it to our new apartment last Saturday, I like it here. But last Monday night, when my husband was on call and my baby was asleep, I got distracted by some upholstery video I happened upon. So I pushed pause on unpacking and started doing this...

He thought I was even more crazy when I showed him how I could potentially need a tetanus shot. Upholstery work is seriously dangerous.

My mom came to town on Tuesday. With a full time baby holder in town, I pulled approximately one billion staples and the chair now looks like this...

5 yards of this is scheduled to arrive today....

If you plan to come visit me any time soon, we may not be unpacked,

but we will have AC and a pretty new chair.

Put a Bird on It

2011-07-25T14:14:00.001-04:00

A good friend of mine sent me this video today with a note that said "reminds of your old house"

busted and busted

Thanks for the laugh Kendi!

S.O.S- Who Makes This Fixture?

2011-07-20T11:11:00.001-04:00

The one over the vanity.

I cannot find it. So I tried to pull a switcheroo and presented this instead. Didn't work.

anyone, anyone?

Rug Rat

2011-07-19T13:38:00.001-04:00

So I've told ya'll how I'm not super pumped about moving into a carpeted apartment. Although every time I lay down 2 blankets and then the baby's little play pad thing in the floor I think...hmmm...maybe carpet is not going to be such a bad thing after all. But regardless, I've been on the hunt for a big, cheap, soft rug to give the place some pizazz. Look at these beauties I found on Overstock. I'm loving the whole Moroccan/Dhurrie trend going on right now.

All for under $200

1. 2 . 3 . 4

And I don't care if the trend is on it's way out (at least in the fast paced world of blogging) I ended up getting this bad boy for almost nothing. This is, again, another temporary housing situation for us and my little nugget currently poops more outside his diaper than inside. So I'm just not ready to buy a nice rug, but I will follow up with a quality report.

My Latest Obsession: Vintage Toledo Stools

2011-07-18T18:15:00.001-04:00

You want to know why they are so awesome?? They can be 20" to sit at a 30" high dining table, then raised to also work at a 36" high kitchen island. I think I'm think I'm starting to specialize in maximizing small city apartments. It's way more fun that just filling up space.

Hopefully you will be seeing a pair of these in a little South End condo I've been working on.

1 . 2 . 3 . 4.

Figuring It All Out

2011-07-15T11:08:00.000-04:00

Joanna Goddard is doing a series on working mamas, in creative fields, that I think is just great. Since picking back up on a few design projects over the past couple of weeks, a great deal of my energy has been spent on trying to figure out our new routine. I am no where close to having it down. I was telling a friend earlier this week, it's hard when you love what you do for a living. I always thought I would want to be a 100% stay at home mom when the opportunity came along. But now that I'm there, I realize, in some capacity, I want both. I read Tina Fey's Bossypants (hilarious!) a couple of months ago and loved what she had to say on the topic. My first goal has been be to establish days where I work and days that I do not. And the days that I do not, I am screening calls, avoiding emails, and spending all my energy watching my little nugget grow. Because he is growing so, so fast....

11 weeks...on vacation

daddy forgot my lion

I will say, I have some pretty awesome clients. Remi has been on more job sites and through more showrooms in his 14 weeks of life than most intern interior designers. I also understand that I am very blessed to have the option of doing the part time thing.

It's been the best 14, almost 15 weeks of my life!

Etsy Love {Nan Lawson}

2011-07-13T11:24:00.002-04:00

I found Nan Lawson's shop back when I was gathering ideas for Remi's nursery.

She describes her work as cute, quirky, nerdy art. Pretty right on and I love it.

This one gave me a starting point for my little guy's room.

this is one of my favorite sayings....

This one is called "The Hipster Kiss" and could totally be the cartoon

version of two wannabe hipsters I know:)

Reclaimed Hardwood

2011-07-08T11:54:00.001-04:00

Heeeelllo! I don't know about you guys, but the 4th falling on a Monday has really made this a crazy-busy week me, crazy-busy in a good way. I had a productive trip to Ann Sacks with one client this week and then this morning I met another client at my new favorite place, Longleaf Lumber. She recently decided she wanted to use a reclaimed hardwood for her bathroom renovation in lieu of floor tile. After a little internet searching, I found an awesome resource right across the river.

They have tons of options and the best part, they are soooooo friendly and helpful. I think I've told you guys before, and I'm sure many of you can relate, snobby sales people are the worst. If at all possible I try to avoid specifying anything from anyone who has a bad attitude or acts like they do not have time to work with me or my client. Hello, is it your job to sell things or to make people feel uncomfortable and inferior? This was new to me when I started doing residential design. In the commercial, particularly the hospitality world, reps treat you like gold...knowing if they get their product in a 250 key hotel tower, their commission will be gold. I don't care if we are only looking for 20 square feet of something, we should get the same treatment as if it were 2,000, because next time it might be. One day I would love to pull a Pretty Woman on snobby showroom people...ala "big mistake....huuuuuuge mistake."

And Longleaf is no small potatoes. They have an installation in the upstairs portion of the new Starbucks in Harvard Square, if you want to check it out. I was also pleasantly surprised that the products ranged from $5-$11/sf.

Here are some images that motivated her to change paths.

I've blogged about Amy Butler's home (below) and honestly didn't even notice the reclaimed, wide plank on the floor. Probably because I was too focused on the wallpaper. Have I mentioned I love Amy Butler:)

I'm also pretty obsessed with it in a herringbone pattern.

Even though this is 180 degrees different from what we have been working on for the past 5 months, I'm pretty excited about the new direction.

In other news, that might also contribute to me a bad blogger this month, we are officially moving...again! I told Mr. Sabbe that we are turning into small radius gypsies. And speaking of hardwood floors, I need a moment of silence....the new place is carpeted. Sad right? The idea of used carpet, especially with my little nugget eventually crawling around, really gives me the willies. I will tell you more about the positives later. Have a great weekend!

Martha's Vineyard

2011-07-01T09:20:00.001-04:00

Milkman Flashcards {an iPhone app}

2011-06-30T09:29:00.001-04:00

A very talented friend of mine from high school recently designed a flashcard app for the iPhone and I think everyone with kids should go buy it today! There is also an iPad version.

Alan is a graphic designer. We also went to college together, go Vols! Several years ago he and his sweet wife Laura started a business called Milkman Tees, which I think could quite possibly be the cutest baby shower gift idea ever.

The Remster loves his onesie. I'm so excited to see the Milkman business expand digitally.

I cannot believe my little nugget is almost double the weight he was in this picture. We went to the Chihuly exhibit yesterday at the MFA, great for babies by the way, and no one could believe he was not even 3 months old. But I'm not surprised, look at these cheeks.

Anyway, go support my friends! Your little ones will thank you:)

Space Saving for City Dwellers

2011-06-29T11:10:00.002-04:00

Last summer I shared with you a very modern murphy bed that I specified for a project in New York. Well this summer I am working on a similar space here in Boston. One big issue in city apartments is the lack of space for a proper dining table. Yes, you probably don't seat 6 for dinner every night. But every now and then it would be nice to have company over and not require them to hold their plates in their laps on your sofa. But who wants to give up the square footage for all those other days. Well look what Resource Furniture is now offering.

If you had some seating in your living room and around the bar in the kitchen that could double as dining chairs, you would have to purchase zero excess furniture. Pretty smart right?

I would call that being a good steward of the floor plan.

Meg and Martha's Vineyard

2011-06-27T22:59:00.002-04:00

First of all, heaven looks like Martha's Vineyard. It has to. It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. As you can imagine, I took a zillion pictures. I can't wait share, but I have not had time to download yet. The first days back to work after a vacation are always tough aren't they?

One cloudy afternoon we took a $10 boat ride. Our tour guide was a college student working on the island for the summer. He pointed out very important things like Ernie Boch's lamas, the future Gaga estate, and Meg Ryan's beach home. Best $10 I ever spent.

I liked seeing Meg Ryan's home because I recalled the spread Elle Decor did a couple of years ago of the interior, which made me feel like I was in the know, like our college tour guide.

After the tour we had lunch at the Atlantic, which I highly recommend. We were talking rich and famous with our server and he told us Meg Ryan eats there all the time and that she is very nice. Isn't it nice to hear when famous people, who you like because they play nice people in movies, are also nice in real life?

Wall Graphic Love...and other ramblings

2011-06-18T19:32:00.002-04:00

If we move into that white apartment I told ya'll about, I'm totally doing this to one of the walls with some rolls of happy tape. You know I love some apartment friendly, large scale wall graphics. (This is random, but I have used the word ya'll my entire life and I like to blog how I talk. But for some reason when I type it on my blog, Paula Deen flashes in my mind. For those of you who have never heard me talk, I promise I do not sound like Paula Deen and I use the word ya'll far more selectively...I also vote for spelling it ya'll over y'all)

I'm pumped about a week on the beach with my man and my little nugget! We leave in the morning.We all went to our first clam bake today. I feel like the New England summer has finally commenced. Mr. Sabbe dropped a lobster in the swimming pool, not joking. I was the only one who saw, I almost died. FYI, empty lobster bodies do not float. He also got me an iPhone for being married to him for five years:) I can't wait until my fingers learn how to hit the letters I'm actually going for. I had intentions of doing a guest post/while I'm away series, but I didn't save enough time to format everything. If only I could teach this baby how to do his own laundry. So get excited about some great guest posts later! And if I don't get back here, have a great week!

5 Years Ago Today

2011-06-17T09:13:00.000-04:00

We said I do.

Happy Anniversary Mr. Sabbe.

Good Steward of the Floor Plan

2011-06-16T10:08:00.001-04:00

One area of interior design that I feel like I am pretty good at is space planning. In commercial design this is particularly important because clients are typically paying x amount of dollars per square foot to lease a space. I like a good space planning challenge, it's like a puzzle. Since moving to Boston I have found good space planning to be very essential to residential design as well. In a city where parking spots retail for $300,000, you must use every square inch you you acquire wisely.

While working at an architecture firm here in Boston, the boss and I got into a heated debate over space planning. Good space planning was not his top priority, he would say things like we have to leave room for design. I, on the other hand, think that if you are good, you do both. So in my plea for efficiency I proclaimed "we must be good stewards of the floor plan" to which all of my co-workers, including my boss, laughed. I think they were mostly shocked that I cared so much about space planning. And in hindsight, in that particular instance, I probably just wanted my way. But what I said was true, good designers should be good stewards of the floor plan.

Here is a very good example of being a good steward of a floor plan.

Good designers also design in the third dimension.

image

We've Been Making Stuff

2011-06-15T12:06:00.000-04:00

First up... popsicles. We bought these little forms for $1 at Target and have been pretty proud of our creations. This week we did fudgesicles, i.e. we froze chocolate pudding. It was delish.

See my tiny kitchen!? Ahhh, city living.

A couple of weeks ago I made this bag for a friend for her birthday.

I even found some left over little tags from back in the day.

I made a couple of onesie/burp cloth sets for some new mamas at church.

Such an easy/always cute project.

And I made some little booties, for our newest little lady friend. I used the trusty ole' bootie pattern.

We're actually hoping she's not just a lady friend.

subtle right?

This was my first attempt at freezer paper stencils.

I decided a heart was more appropriate than a circle.

The biggest lesson learned is, you cannot touch up fabric paint. There were a few spots that did not get paint, so I tried to fill them in. Those spots dried darker than the rest, so I kept on painting. And that's why it looks like this...

I need some sort of crafting sign that says "quit while you're ahead"

And lastly, here's a pic of the Sabbe men chatting it up on Skype. I love technology.

Not really craft related, but we did make him.

Take It to the Ceiling

2011-06-13T09:32:00.002-04:00

I really love, when the budget allows, to take upper cabinets all the way to the ceiling, i.e. eliminating the dust shelf. I am working on a fun little kitchen makeover here in Boston. The existing kitchen already has some great elements, like soapstone countertops, that we are preserving. But among other things, the plan is to add some additional millwork, a new backsplash, new hardware, and new appliances. The goal with the additional millwork will be to extend the existing cabinets to the ceiling. At almost ten feet, I think it's going to be a pretty dramatic addition.

See Anne Turner Carroll's kitchen makeover for a creative and inexpensive way to

get the full height upper cabinet look without going custom.

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Vacation Teaser

2011-06-10T12:31:00.001-04:00

I spent the day yesterday on Martha's Vineyard with a new client. My comment about fixing up vacation rentals actually came back to me. It was a fun, but exhausting day. Now I'm really, really ready to go back next week for vacation!

My new client is also a friend, so she let me bring along my little project manager.

When we got off the ferry in Woods Hole there was a tour bus full of senior citizens that said "Tennessee Tours via Jackson, TN" along the side. Being the crazy lady that I am, I decided I need to hop on that bus and inform them all that I was from Tennessee as well! Turns out, the were from Kentucky and quite frankly looked a little concerned that this crazy lady with a baby strapped to her was welcoming herself on their bus. Lesson learned, don't judge a bus by it's cover.

Have a great weekend!

The Return of the Weird Design Ad: Beach Furniture

2011-06-08T16:24:00.007-04:00

Hey little girls, watch out, 6 muscular fraternity boys are about to kidnap you inside that giant pine cone.

The weirdest part is the "coming home" line at the top.

White Demon Love Song Down the Hall

2011-06-08T15:20:00.002-04:00

Weird title right? It's a song.
I have been posting a lot of white walled spaces lately. I think I'm subconsciously trying to psych myself up for a potential third move in three years. It's not 100% a go, but if it is, the white walls will by staying white.

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Beacon Hill

2011-06-07T09:41:00.002-04:00

This past Sunday the men and I went over to the Beacon Hill Art Walk. We love Beacon Hill. It's one of the many neighborhoods we say we want to live in before we leave Boston. Several months ago we were in the area and I saw John Kerry walking his dogs. In true southern fashion I said "hello, Mr. Kerry", he smiled and said hello back. Then my husband jokingly leaned over and told me that he's not Mr. Kerry he's Senator Kerry.

The best part of the tour was getting to see in people's backyards, which is where a great deal of the art was displayed. My favorite artist of the day was Catherine Nolin. Her paintings reminded me of a mix between Dali and VanGogh. Also they were mostly interiors scenes and I always enjoy a good illustrated perspective.

Catherine has an etsy shop where she sells both originals and very affordable prints. I think this one needs to come and live on my green living room walls.

A Dining Room

2011-06-06T10:00:00.002-04:00

I came across this dining room last week. I really like the dark color of the head chair, the chandelier, and the muted colors in the rug. I'm really, really into that style of rugs these days. I also love the way the arched doorway frames the stairs. It looks like a piece of art. Good architecture!

image: Houzz

p.s. I have won a few giveaways in the past, but if I won this I would freak out. big time.

In the Beginning...

2011-06-03T15:40:00.001-04:00

I love the beginning of projects. Each one is like the start of a new school year.

I recently put together a little "new client" package for my some of my, well, new clients. People pretty much have a general idea of what they want when the come to me, a new kitchen, new living room, better use of space etc. etc. But the number one question I get is, so how does this work, where do we start? So along with a bunch of other info, I included some early phases of some projects I have worked on here in Boston this year to give people an idea of what the beginning might look like.

I have always related design to having a baby...way before I even had a baby. The beginning is like when you find out you are pregnant, so exciting! Those first couple of months are so much fun. Then around the middle, decisions have to be made, might be a tad uncomfortable. Right before it's over, there can be some stressful, sometimes painful moments. But you push, push, push towards that deadline and whaaala, you get your baby. You look at your baby and it's beautiful and you did it! And that's the drug that makes you forget the stress and do it all over again. I love interior design and babies.

I Want to Live Inside This Blog

2011-06-02T12:24:00.000-04:00

So does Remi. This was his face when I showed him the nursery.

White can be so powerful.

Just beautiful. Go see for yourself.

Sunshine Lucy's {Somerville, MA}

2011-06-01T09:48:00.003-04:00

I had a client meeting in Davis Square last week (tears, first time I left my baby). I had my camera in hand, so I decided to swing into Sunshine Lucy's and see what he had in the shop. If you are looking for a few vintage pieces and don't have time to scour the thrift stores (these are not thrift store prices) you should stop by.

It's a fun little place and the owner is super friendly.

Speaking of vintage, check out this awesome sofa that currently resides in my new client's dining room.

amazing right?

Design in a Video

2011-05-28T10:42:00.000-04:00

When I turned on the tv this morning it happened to be on VH1. They were playing music videos and I thought to myself, how retro. I really miss seeing videos on tv. They showed a new video by The Civil Wars, which made me think of my favorite Civil Wars video. I love the house almost as much as I love these two voices together.

Modern on Martha's Vinyard

2011-05-25T09:43:00.001-04:00

As I mentioned, Mr. Sabbe and I have rented a little house on Martha's Vineyard for our vacation this year. While we were scouring rental listings we both agreed that most of the houses, although cute on the outside, look like someone brought left over furniture from four garage sales to furnish the inside. What's up with that? I felt the need to email every single "could be amazing" listing and tell them that I could help get them to amazing, which would equal more bookings...but I didn't.

We did come across this rare, modern house. Unfortunately it did not fall within the 2011 Sabbe budget.

If you happen to be renting this house for the summer and would like to have us over for a glass of wine, we could probably make ourselves available.

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An Afternoon Conversation

2011-05-23T23:43:00.000-04:00

Wish I knew what the lion said.

AirBnB

2011-05-23T13:41:00.003-04:00

Have you heard of it?

We had friends visit from Tennessee this weekend and they stayed in a house in Davis Square for $60/night. In Boston that = super cheap. So Mr. Sabbe and I spent a little time clicking around this weekend, seeing all the crazy, cool places we could go on the cheap. We really, really wanted to go abroad this summer while the baby was still small, but we could not find flights for less than a bazillion dollars in June, so we opted to spend the week in Martha's Vineyard instead. But if flights were not a bazillion dollars, look where we could have stayed for $122 USD/night.

That would be Paris outside that window....for less than a stay at an American Holiday Inn!

I miss you Paris. I recently asked Mr. Sabbe if we could move to Paris for a year, ala Oh Happy Day. He said "no, I do not speak French, I could not work in a hospital." And I said, "oh, whatever, I'm sure you could find a job at some hospital." Then his French co-worker ended my fantasy when he told my husband "no, no one would want you. you don't know the language or the culture" the end.

But the AirBnB options are endless, people even list their sofas, which I think is hilarious.

Anyone want to visit Boston in June? Would you ever consider listing your house or apartment?

Plans to Give You Hope and a Future {a prayer request}

2011-05-22T16:22:00.003-04:00

I have mentioned a few times that we go to a really fantastic church in the inner city of Boston. The church meets in a lower income neighborhood called Roxbury in the auditorium of the Orchard Gardens Pilot School. It is a plant church. For those of you not familiar with plant churches, they are typically established by a small group of people who represent a larger group that has a vision to impact a certain location or demographic. They are funded by larger, more established churches and organizations who share that same vision. Those who lead the establishment of a plant church typically leave their homes, family, and home church, to live in unfamiliar areas and basically lead a very missional lifestyle. And just like farmers, they plant and pray that it will grow.

Have you ever heard a band or maybe read a blog that you have thought, "Oh my goodness, this is so amazing. How are they not the most popular band/blog in the world?" That is what I think every Sunday when I go to church. I am from the south where religion is part of the culture, not saying that is always a good thing. But when churches are planted in the south they grow, at least the ones I have been to grow. But Boston is different. Going to church is not so much a part of everyone's routine. And that in itself is not a bad thing, because the people that do come to church are so incredibly committed and intentional with their faith. We do not have passive participants in our church that sneak in and sneak out on Sundays just to check it off their list. We have Berkley students that represent over 6 different countries on our worship team. We have greeters who also balance the check book and teach in children's church. Our church is a ship and everyone on board is essential to maintaining the path. Our church is intentional. Our church is amazing.

Recently a couple of the larger churches and organizations that helped support our church have either decreased or decided to move their funds elsewhere. Not because our church isn't awesome, but because they pledged a certain amount for a certain amount of time and that time has expired. It honestly never occurred to me how much money it takes for a church to open it's doors, even a small one like ours. But when people decide to go and plant a church in a poor, under served area OR in an area that has a high volume of college students, congregational offering is not necessarily going to pay the bills. And unfortunately that has left my church consistently in the red over the past couple of months. The people who can give, give, but it's just not enough. If we cannot raise more support in the next month we are going to be forced to quit meeting in the school, which charges $2500/month, and to look for an alternative, less expensive option. And in Boston, that's not so easy.

God has blessed the church before and I know he will continue to do so, even if it means leaving the Roxbury community. But if you could, please pray for financial relief for our church. Pray for a donor, grant, or pledge from a larger church or individual. Pray that my sweet pastor never has to mention his name and pay cut in the same sentence ever again. Pray that someone who is reading this post is sitting on a pot of money just looking for something good to do with it:)

If you would like more information please contact me at stephanie(dot)sabbe(at)gmail(dot)com

Thanks!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Seating for Two...or Two Dozen

2011-05-19T15:59:00.000-04:00

In between feeding, burping, and changing diapers, I am working on a little project for some friends in Memphis this week (hi Kim!) I keep coming back to this image from Trad Home. It feels like such a cozy, intimate space, but it could easily seat a dozen or more people. And the mix of furniture styles with that strong patterned rug is perfect.

Before and After {Annie's Kitchen}

2011-05-18T14:02:00.001-04:00

before
(which compared to my scary city apartment kitchen is amazing)

during

after

I do not remember how I got there, but earlier this week I happened upon Annie and her amazing kitchen renovation. I love, love, love every little detail, especially that brick arched opening. To learn more visit Lovely Things.

A Spanish Hideaway

2011-05-17T09:20:00.000-04:00

perfecto!

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Style Sheets

2011-05-16T14:56:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I use these at the start of a new project.

Sometimes I just look at them because they are pretty.

imagery sources: I could probably dig up a few but I think I need a hall pass, I made these last year.

VOTE for Remi's Room!

2011-05-13T19:19:00.000-04:00

Blogger Friends!! Last time I asked you all to vote for something I won third place! So I come to you again asking for another favor. If you have just a second, hop on over to Ohdeedoh and vote for my little guy's room in the Smaller Cooler Contest. If you are not registered on their site, it only takes one minute.

Remi and I say thanks in advance!!

The Nursery Chapter 9 {a bookshelf}

2011-05-13T18:54:00.000-04:00

If you recall from my original nursery post, there is a huge, ugly pipe that stands in the corner of the baby's room. We have several of these in our apartment. They are covered in insulation wrapping and I hate them. When the baby gets bigger I did not want him to be able to touch the pipe, or eat the insulation, so I thought we should design something to cover it.

Now keep in mind, we do not own this apartment. To say that I do things on a budget, especially built-in things that I will not be able to take with us when we move, is an understatement. So for the shelf, I went to Home Depot and had them cut wood to create the frame size I wanted, along with the little leg pieces at the bottom. I tried to be super resourceful and use a piece of left over wood from my office shelves to cover the pipe area on the back side. In my head it would align with the adjacent wall, in real life, not so much. I forgot that nothing is plumb in an old apartment. So here is the boss trying to make my idea work...

And here he is again, taking the back off, because it did not work out. Some people do construction projects in a garage, maybe on a porch. When you live in the city, projects happens right in the middle of your living room.

So we drove back to Home Depot and had a 4' x 8' sheet of plywood cut to fit the back. Problem solved right? Well not exactly, we ran into a couple more issues. Because we were screwing everything into two adjacent walls that were not even close to being a perfect 90 degrees, some of the shelves looked like this.

Also note the pores in the wood (because it was the cheapest). And the worst, the side where the shelf connected to the side wall looked like this.

I know I could have probably mud and sanded the gaps and pores, but keep in mind, I was 8 months pregnant. If I held my hands over my head for more than 60 seconds my heart would race like I just ran a marathon. But I also really like things to look right. A post Jenny wrote about trimming walls with ribbon came to mind as a possible solution, so I decided to give it a try.

I used the same ribbon I used on the curtains, broke out the ole' glue gun, and problem solved. We cut the panel short on the bottom shelf because there is an electrical outlet there and it was easier than trying to mill around it.

The sweet ladies at church threw me a book shower, so I had plenty of fun things to decorate the shelf with.

So at the end of the day...or several days (this was a longer than intended project)...problem solved!
All for less than $100.

To conclude my nursery series I am going to do a final post with overall photos and enter the room in the Ohdeedoh Smaller Cooler Contest. At 60 sf, I'm pretty sure we qualify. Make sure to stop back by for details on voting!

Sewing Day Two {Shirt to Bubble}

2011-05-10T11:21:00.001-04:00

In my efforts to participate in the Kid's Clothes Challenge I made my guy another little bubble, this time out of an old dress shirt of mine. It never fit well and has pretty much been hanging in my closet for three years.

So I cut up the fabric, pulled off the buttons, and re-used them to make this.

I had the green fabric left over from a previous project. I really wanted it to fit him now, but he was having a somewhat sensitive day yesterday, so I didn't wake him to measure.

Hopefully by the time it actually feels like Spring here, it will fit.

Is he not the cutest little pumpkin ever?

Weekend Sewing {One for the Ladies}

2011-05-09T10:23:00.005-04:00

Remi went to visit his newest friend Noa this weekend. He wore his seersucker pants his mama made him and brought Noa a little something to match, just so when they go on playdates people know they are together:)

If you haven't noticed, he's big on fist pumps.

I signed up for Elsie Marley's Kids Clothes Challenge this week. I needed a little handmade motivation, I work better in groups. Check it out...

Hooray for Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T15:28:00.000-04:00

Brace Yourself

2011-05-06T11:32:00.001-04:00

The title of this post should probably be brace your outdoor furniture. I got an email last week from a client in New York. Apparently two weeks ago a big gust of wind blew through Manhattan, picked up the outdoor canopy bed we specified last summer, and dropped it into the middle of the street below. That would be an 11 story drop! Freak out! Can you imagine!!?? Luckily no one was injured and it did not land on a car or anything, but seriously, can you imagine!? It was vented on top and pretty heavy overall. We actually picked it because we thought it would be the safer option to an umbrella. We are so thankful the only damage was to the daybed, but also a little sad because it was a pretty awesome daybed. We loved it...

And I never even got to photograph it with all of the pretty pillows we had made.

so sad.

For round two we have decided to dimiss any sort of sun protection.

Here are a few options we revived from our work last year.

Using these pieces from IKEA.

For these second two, we would definitely go sans umbrella.

Here is the second option.

Using these pieces from West Elm.

And the third.

using this set.

What's your favorite? I think my client is leaning towards the last.

From now on I will be making sure all outdoor furniture is

100% secured to the surface it was intended to stay on.

Nesting for Newbies

2011-05-05T11:39:00.000-04:00

I had the fun opportunity several months ago to come up with an inexpensive, DIY art project

for the latest issue of Nesting for Newbies.

I thought it would also work well in a nursery, and instead of love, spell out the baby's name.

Big thanks to Nesting for Newbies for inviting me to participate!

A Man Cave From Our Favorite Beet Farmer

2011-05-04T10:59:00.002-04:00

Sometimes it's really hard for me to remember that Rainn Wilson is not really Dwight Schrute. He probably doesn't drive a Firebird, wear black t-shirts with wolves on them, or operate a beet farm in Pennsylvania. But what he does have in real life is a pretty cool man cave.

Although, I was sad to see there was no mega desk.

Anyone else already missing Michael Scott!? We are.
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At Home with Amy Butler

2011-05-03T11:03:00.000-04:00

As I have mentioned several times on this blog, I am a huge Amy Butler fan. I like her story, I like her designs, and after finding this AT post I am in loooooove with her house.

I love that she is proud to wave her cat lady flag, like yours truly. I also spy what I think to be an IKEA hack, this fixture plus a little gold spray paint perhaps? Who does not love a good DIY, especially from someone who can most likely afford to not DIY? And all that mid century furniture, swoon!! If there were a "have dinner with your favorite designer" contest and I won, I would totally pick Amy Butler. Can someone host something like that please?

I Made Him the Boy Bonnet for Easter Church

2011-05-02T16:06:00.000-04:00

He was not a huge fan. His daddy promised him he would not have to wear these types of clothes for long,

although I have been given permission to make another boy bonnet for the Fall. After seeing the original tutorial, Mr. Sabbe approved a second round using an old flannel shirt his grandfather gave him. Hopefully the little Mr. Sabbe will approve as well.