I have been busy on the blog this week, sadly though, not working on anything you have been able to see like new posts.
Instead I have been working on doing background and technical stuff that is needed behind the blog along with a total redesign for my site.
If you are an email subscriber, then you may remember me mentioning that I am nearing the end of the blog redesign process. So many things to consider and implement. It is getting close and I think you are going to like the new format, design and navigation.
As I get closer to getting the new design launched, I need to stay focused on getting it completed, so instead of a new project style post for you today, I thought I would share a few things that I am planning, happened to me or I read about this week.
One of the home decorating projects that I am planning on doing this spring is getting the hardwood floors in the kitchen and living room refinished.
I like the herringbone pattern of the hardwood, just not the orange color. I would like it to blend in with the brown brick floor in the foyer I posted about last month.
I want it to be darker with a matter finish. I love the look of this wood plank floor in the Southern Living Idea House I toured two years ago. I would like the finish for my floor to have a more rough hewn finish with low sheen.
Ed and I won’t be DIY’ing this, but are having a flooring company/contractor do it. He is going to come next week, sand some of the floor and apply a few different finishes for me to consider.
Speaking of Ed… I didn’t mention it in my last email, but there is another reason that I haven’t been able to get any projects done this week. Ed has needed my assistance… he had a total knee replacement on his right knee. He is home now and on the mend.
Since he is in good physical shape and leads an active life, he hasn’t had any problems beyond pain and feeling groggy from the pain meds. He has been up walking with assistance and hours after surgery was on his laptop working. Like, me he works online, but his passion isn’t decorating and creative living, but for the prevention of blindness through technology to help people who are blind navigate the world. His website is called, The Blind Guide.
He had one request when he got home yesterday and that was for some comfort food. I made his favorite cake into muffins. They are so good!
You know I love candles… now I know what I can do with all the stubs. Love ideas like these.
Have you heard about the secondary impact of the popularity of Marie Kondo and her decluttering method, KonMari? Thrift stores in certain cities are limiting when and how much they will accept due to the mass amount of donations that have been coming in since the first of the year when everyone started watching her show on Netflix. If you enjoy shopping at thrift stores to find treasure… Run don’t walk to your nearest one while they are stock full of new donations.
I know a lot of cool decorating tricks, but this one was new to me.
I needed a new hand soap pump bottle for the powder room. I found this glass Hobnail pump bottle of hand wash at TJMaxx. I wanted to buy two more to give to my sisters, but they only had one. I searched on their website, but it wasn’t listed. I did find a similar one, here and here.
I’m a BIG believer of this. and this!
Give a kiss… I make these every year, they are a cute and colorful way to give a candy Kiss to your friends and family on Valentine’s Day.
If you don’t like Kisses, then something small and sparkly (rings and earrings) will fit in the boxes as well. :-)
If you like to give handmade Valentines, I have many DIY Valentine ideas in my archives. Ideas and inspiration for Valentine gift giving, Free printables to help make wrapping a Valentine gift easy, and even what to serve for Valentine’s Day breakfast.
Carole Larsen says
Diane, I also have shiny wood floors through out my lower level, so country kitchen, living room, all the hallways, sunroom and even in the guest bathroom. So it would be a huge undertaking to replace it all especially since it is still in good condition. Also, moving all the furniture and accessories to get the job done – WOW. What a big decision to make especially since I just want the floors to look darker and have a matte finish just like you. I guess tomorrow I will think about it again.
I can’t wait to see your new website.
Please give Ed my best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Shannon @ Skip to My Life says
I have fallen prey to the KonMari craze but didn’t think abt checking out resale. Great idea!!
Judy says
Best wishes to Ed for a smooth recovery!
Diane Henkler says
Thanks Judy – I will tell him. :-)
Sunnybk Wardrobes says
Wow ! Amazing kitchens with hardwood floors. Thanks for sharing these kitchens. Keep sharing modern designs of home furniture.
barbara says
thank u for sharing! I noticed something!
Those chairs look great with that table. I had a similar idea in mind to mix my vintage rattan chairs with realllly old vintage table like that HOWEVER that must be staged and not for real life. I had the same problem were the “arms” of the chair will not slide under the apron of the table ….so …while it looks great… it will not be so comfortable for eating at the table. Hmmmmm so much visual inspiration these days….. esp outdoor rooms that have been staged…. and not practical IRL!
Your floors will be beautiful and easier to clean minus all the gouges etc.
barbara says
ooops..typo…. “where the arms” not “were”
Diane Henkler says
Hi Barbara – Good eye – decor sleuth. :-) The table and chairs are in a showhouse, so you could be right on the mark that it is staged and the chairs don’t fit under the table. Looks good, but not comfortable to sit and eat at the table.
Rebecca Platt says
We live in a home that’s at least 112 years old. When we moved in there was a large swath of tile between carpeted areas in the living room. About six years ago we took up the tile, ripped out the carpet and were pleasantly surprised. We found a stone area in front of the fire place that is amazing. The floors were good except for a couple of spots where we needed to have some repairs. But it was too orange?
So we hired someone as well to sand and refinish in a darker color. We also used a matte finish. Absolutely, love it.
Good luck.
Ps we had to leave the house for a few days because of the smell. It was worth it.
Linda L Weeks says
Yes I think everyone wishes Ed a quick recovery! And I can’t wait to see your next posting, but take care of yourself, and Mr. Ed!
Lynn W says
You definitely have a lot on your plate ?
Can’t wait to see the newly refinished floors…the idea house floors are gorgeous and I’m sure yours will be beautiful!
Hoping Ed has good results with his new knee. The difference between my Mother in laws replacements was technology …6 yrs ago for her first and what a difference today. She just had her second knee done at the end of December. Big difference!! Keep walking and do your PT.
Take care of yourself too ?
Pat says
Hi Diane:
You can have your floors sanded and finished in a dark matte finish but you wont get the rough look–that is done in a factory…I also love the look (think the floors are barn boards) and I also like the wide plank.
Having said that your floors will look more modern with a darker stain and I am sure you will love them just the same.
I am excited to see the finished product.
Diane Henkler says
Hi Pat – I realize that I can’t get the rough texture. The flooring in the Southern Living Home is barn wood from a tobacco barn in North Carolina. I just want the floors to look darker and have a matte finish. The flooring guy showed me his portfolio with all the different finishes available. I liked the matte oil where no poly is used. I am looking forward to see how the sample areas will look.
Patricia Burns says
They will look nice in a darker matte finish. I am sure you will be happy with them (Once you get past the mess sanding create)
I cant wait to see the finished product.
Barbara Pilcher says
As busy as you are, you still have time to think of your readers and give, give give! Thank you. And I know your floors will be gorgeous.
What good work Ed does. Hope he continues to heal.
Dee says
I think you will love the darker floors and bring continuity with the brick. Hope Ed continues on the road to recovery. Being active helps.
Loved the 5 minute crafts. I could see using the light bulb trick as finials for curtain rods.
Thanks for your blog, I have learned so much.
Holly says
We have the orange coloured wood floors too. Since I love Scandinavian design, I’d like to sand & lighten our floors to more of a blonde look, but your inspiration photo with the dark floors is just gorgeous. I’ll be interested to see what the process involves. Best wishes for your hubby’s recovery.
Carol says
I got so much from this post! That show house is perfect, I could live in just that room : ) I have 60’s skinny oak floors too and love the darker rustic flooring. The link to the 5 min crafts is great, new, fun ideas. On another note, my family has a genetic condition that causes blindness, retinitis pigmentosis, so a thank you and prayer for your husband for his work for those who struggle with blindness.
1960s girl says
Hello,
I’m glad you’re keeping the herringbone floor, it’s so nice!
I hope Ed gets well soon, but he needs to be careful and to listen to his wife and his doctor!
Can’t wait to see your new Website and to hear about your exciting news!