Progress! Our Den Makeover....

We are nearing completion on our den makeover.  Tom installed the beams and coated the walls and ceiling in our favorite limestone plaster...

The photos really don't do the plaster justice..... the variations of color add such texture and depth  to the space.

The chandelier and portrait were antique store finds.

I am also making over a pair of danish lounge chairs that I plan to use in the den.  I painted the wood in several layers of gray and white and plan to have them reupholstered in an oatmeal colored linen and canvas.

 
The chairs were a craigslist find I bought a year ago.  I'm crazy about the art deco details and
can't wait to see them covered in the linen and canvas.

We're moving on to the bathroom makeover project we started.....will post about the progress soon!
Have a great week!

A Sneak Peak at our Guest Studio Renovation

We're making great progress inside our cozy little guest studio so I thought I would give you a sneak peak of a few of the highlights

Even Coachie is excited to sneak a peak!

When we visited Vintage Timberworks to buy wood for our garage door makeover, we also

picked out some barnwood for a few other projects. 

Tom loves working with wood, so when I decided to go with a french country design in the guest studio, he wanted to add a few extra special touches. 


This is one....

He made a closet door from the timbers.  The barnwood timbers are oak and after a light sanding with my orbital sander (the only power tool I know how to use!) the beauty of the oak really came through. 

I applied a light coat of wax after sanding to help restore lustre and shine. I love the richness of the oak grain.

Another special touch....

Gray board ceiling timbers and limestone plaster walls

And some beautiful French Brocante!

We are taking a few days off from renovating, but this project is really coming along!

The Beautiful Patina of 80 year old Grape Stake Fencing

A cottage or European farmhouse look would not be complete without some type of rustic fencing.
When thinking about fencing for our home, we loved the thought of using old recycled grape stakes to add instant patina and charm.


We loved the looks below....

The bench built into this fence was quite clever!

 

Most grape stakes today are made of cedar and will gray over time as in many of the photos above, but we really loved the slightly darker patina of the old redwood grape stake for our home. Redwood grape stakes are no longer made but are often recycled and resold.  

Tom went searching and found a raisin farmer that was changing out his 80 year old grape stakes for a more popular metal stake to use in his vineyards. 

 

Two truck and trailer loads later.....we had stacks of them! 

We love the color and texture. Many of the old stakes are in 4 or 5 foot lengths only, so in areas where we wanted a taller fence or gate, Tom had to get a little creative with his design.



 He cut, stacked and nailed them together to create taller fencing.....

and a few gates.

The design is so unique!

The patina of the garden elements add just the right pop of color against brown/gray of the grape stakes.  Both copper elements are original to our home and used to grace the prior owners garden gates in our back garden.




Our courtyard fencing was made using the 4 foot lengths.

We also used the stakes to create an arbor at the front entry.  Our wisteria vines have lots of nooks and crannies to grow around.

We are very happy with the look.  A combination of sustainable and beautiful!

 By the way, we have made great progress in our guest studio renovation and are almost ready to reveal, so stay tuned!

Take care,

Casanova Style...A Little Slice of European Heaven

I was introduced to the "Casanova Style" 25 years ago when a friend of mine suggested we get together and meet for lunch.  It left a lasting impression.  Casanova simply encompasses all the things I find beautiful and charming and it's European ambiance has been a constant source of inspiration.

Casanova is a restaurant and local landmark in Carmel by The Sea and I'm delighted to show you around one of my favorite places on the Monterey peninsula.

The design is a blend of the founders family farm house in Belgium and the original character of the old residence that it once was.

Its European charm beckons anyone strolling by to go inside for a closer look

The intoxicating scent of locally grown lavender on the path to the front door. It smells as beautiful as it looks.

And whether you dine on the porch

the outside garden

the fountain courtyard

or one of their charming dining rooms, its sure to make a lasting impression.

Great attention was given to every detail.   Even their serving stations are beautiful!

The garden elements add to the overall ambiance

This wrought iron gate sent me searching for something similar for our guest studio's private patio. I found an iron screen from France that will add the perfect European touch.



Two of my favorite things to order....

a latte.... I love that they serve it in a latte bowl.  So European isn't it?

and a dessert called "Chocolate Nougatine".  Chocolate lovers.... this is divine!!

They even have "Van Gogh's Table",  the table at which Vincent Van Gogh ate his daily meals while boarding at the Auberge Ravoux in Auvers Sur-Oise, France on display in it's own little nook. 

Casanova is the perfect place for lunching with girlfriends or a romantic dinner.  If you are ever visiting our beautiful area, you simply must go and experience it's charm.

More restaurant information here

 I hope you enjoyed my introduction to Casanova, our little slice of European heaven here on the Monterey peninsula.

Take care,