Happy Saturday, friends!
It’s time for the weekend post with Kim and Elizabeth, our weekly roundup of inspirations and goings on. Today I’m sharing a few things I’m eyeing and buying for the new house, including a couple of pieces from the Serena & Lily sale.
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Creekside Folly Mood Board – Eye for Pretty
The Creekside Folly is rolling along faster than expected. There’s been an abrupt shift from the hurry-up-and-wait phase to the we-need-it-yesterday phase. Last week I careened from one meeting to the next including plumbing fixture placement, cabinet design, and an overall design meeting to hash out final details. I had to put on make-up five days in a row; unheard of since the days I had a proper job.
After eight months crammed into the pied-à-terre with two dogs and a cat, and most of our things in storage, I’ve been a little down in the dumps. Being able to walk through the framed house while scrolling through Ashley’s design renderings has been a real mood booster and it’s impossible to contain my excitement. Speaking of Ashley’s design renderings, can you believe that’s a rendering (not a photo) on the mood board above?!
In other fabulous news, our architect, Joseph, has stayed involved with the building process and is so helpful addressing issues on the fly, while attending to exterior design details that I would never have thought of … until it was too late. We’re fortunate to have a great team.
Our Amazing Design Team
- Architect – Joseph Gorney & Assoc.
- General Contractor – R&J Construction
- Interior Designer – Ashley White, Eye for Pretty
Today I’m excited to share a few of the things I’m eyeing and buying for the new house.
French Farmhouse Table
A few weeks ago I ordered a French farmhouse oak dining table from Sonoma Country Antiques. I’ve been eyeing this table for years, but our last two houses called for round tables so I’ve had to bide my time.
Of course the Folly’s dining space has its limitations and I ordered a custom 6′ table to fit the space perfectly. I made the tough decision to forgo integrated table extensions. There was lots of hand wringing over this, but our space isn’t large enough to accommodate an extended table. I thought it might be possible to turn the table diagonally in the room for the couple of times a year we host larger gatherings, but it’s became painfully clear this will not work. It’s ok. We’ll have a larger table outside, and we have a portable banquet table that can be deployed inside if need be.
But back to my fabulous dream dining table. The table is made in England with a lead time of about six months. It should arrive just in time for our mid-June completion date.
Antique Welsh Housekeepers Cupboard
This antique cupboard (1860s) is also at Sonoma County Antiques. I’m considering it for our primary bedroom.
Now that the house is framed, I’ve confirmed it will fit into our space. But until I decide on a bed and night tables I’m holding off and hoping it will still be there when I’m ready to pull the trigger.
Antique Leather Top Writing Desk
Jim found this leather topped antique French writing table on Chairish. It’s something I’d been searching for without success. I was looking for something petite, with a leather top. Brown leather. For some reason an awful lot of antique writing desks have green leather tops.
We kept an eye on it for a while, and Jim went in with an offer which was accepted. I love Chairish, but shipping furniture across the country is not an insignificant additional cost. Nonetheless, the desk arrived and I love it.
Wool Area Rug
I’m eyeing these two area rugs for Jim’s downstairs cigar – non-smoking – den. Don’t ask.
The paint color for Jim’s cigar smoking, non-smoking den will be Farrow & Ball’s Oval Room Blue (same as Snowberry’s front door and library) so I thought about buying the same, colorful Oakmont Rug in Snowberry’s library. Why reinvent the wheel? But the palette for the new house is a little more neutral and I think these other options are more in keeping with the new design plan. Or maybe something else will strike our fancy. What do you think?
Rattan Bar Cart
I’ve had my eye on Serena & Lily’s South Seas Rattan Bar Cart for the covered patio off the living room. I’m leaning toward the darker earth stain.
Teak Rockers
Speaking of the covered patio, I’ve had these teak rockers on my wish list since niece Shelby and I saw (and sat in) them a couple of years ago at William Sonoma in … Sonoma.
Jim, my proofreader, just commented that he thinks the natural rattan bar cart works better with the light teak.
Magnifying Mirror
This wall mounted magnifying mirror is the first thing I bought for the Folly. My priorities are crystal clear. What’s important to know about this mirror is that it’s 10x magnification which is not easy to find. As I learned the hard way when we moved to the pied-à-terre, at this point in my life 10x is essential. I can’t get my mascara on without it.
In order to get by I bought this countertop magnifying mirror for the pied-à-terre. It’s only 5x magnification which is totally inadequate but I’m making do.
Bamboo Flatware
I think I already mentioned buying 8-place settings of bamboo flatware last summer. It’s something I’ve wanted for a very long time.
It’s currently in storage waiting for our move into the Folly. I can’t wait to use it but there is a downside I hadn’t considered. It’s not dishwasher friendly. Hmmmm … that was a miscalculation. Given the hand wash-only situation, it will not become – as planned – my everyday flatware. But if you come for dinner I’ll get it out for sure. My everyday stainless flatware is bamboo-esque.
Bevolo Exterior Lighting
As you can see from Ashely’s mood board at the beginning of this dispatch, we’ve chosen Bevolo exterior lighting fixtures. They may look familiar because we used – and loved – them at Snowberry.
After yesterday’s design meeting we realized that there’s an opportunity for a pendant light in the tiny entry vestibule. There are several compatible pendant options from the Williamsburg and French Quarter series. At Snowberry we used Williamsburg fixtures on the house and a French Quarter lantern for the lamppost.
Westwood Sofa
I consider myself somewhat of a sofa connoisseur. This is due to extensive experience. In other words, I’ve bought a lot of sofas. Ahem … I’ve bought a lot of bad sofas. Bad in terms of comfort, hence my motto, life’s too short for an uncomfortable couch. Words to live by.
My current criteria for a comfortable sofa includes …
- A deep seat. I want to lounge, not perch.
- A sturdy arm of mid-height and adequate thickness, so I can prop myself up against it, with a pillow, to spend the afternoon reading.
- A bench cushion. I’ve had it with slouching between cushions.
And, of course, a sofa must pass the sit and lounge test. I would never (again) buy a sofa, or chair, I haven’t tried out. And, it must look good. Obvi.
Pottery Barn makes very comfortable sofas IMHO. And at a reasonable price point. Not bargain basement to be sure, but reasonable compared to some other popular brands I won’t name.
That’s a long preamble to … I’ve got my eye on Pottery Barn’s Westwood Chaise Sectional, but need to confirm it comes in a bench cushion option. And that it will fit in the living room. Stay tuned.
Odds & Socks ~
Did I already mention Serena & Lily’s winter sale … until January 21st. During last summer’s sale I shared my favorite Serena & Lily pieces from Snowberry.
If you missed this morning’s episode of Donkey King you can see it (and past episodes) here. Ron King, Oscar’s Place co-founder and CEO, was featured on CBS This Morning earlier in the week. I’m so happy the series is getting both local and national attention. Each week Oscar’s Place Instagram account gives an update on the donkey or donkey’s featured in the current episode.
Sweaters! Brands, Styles and Styling … Kim (here) and Cindy (here) are talking about all things sweaters in their Signature Style series.
A couple of housekeeping items ~
- Last week I changed email providers. My apologies if this caused any disruption to your Weekend Meandering delivery. If my email didn’t arrive per usual, check your junk, spam and promotions folders. If you find it there – quelle horreur – you can drag and drop it into your inbox. Depending on your email provider you may be prompted to confirm I’m friend, not foe, and will be delivered to your inbox directly in the future. If you need help, or would like me to confirm your subscription or resubscribe you … please leave me a comment below or email at [email protected].
- I changed the blog’s font size and color in an effort to make my posts easier on the eyes. For those of you who’ve reached out to me about readability, I hope you’ll find it an improvement.
Current Favorites ~
And that’s what I have for you today. Last week we toured a stunning maximalist NYC apartment, talked about a cozy, striped sweater and at-home manicure set, and rounded up the best books you read last year … if you missed it, catch up here.
Let’s see what’s inspiring Kim and Elizabeth.
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When I ordered my white sectional I also ordered extra seat cushion covers. That way if an awful spill happens I have a replacement.
Nothing disastrous has happened but I’m ready if it does.
Sandy, that’s such a great idea! xo
Good morning Juliet,
I am so excited to hear that the Folly is moving along now, soon you will be sipping a spritzer on the porch.
All of your selections are beautiful! I love the dining table and the chest, and kudos to Jim on the leather top desk. Everything is going to look amazing.
I could not agree more about a couch, there are a lot of things to consider and comfort and lounging is key. The PB couch looks like a great place to nap as well. Pippa and Maggie will love it!
Juliet, I am sorry that you are feeling down, it is a challenge to live in a tiny space with all of your animals and non of your stuff. Keep your chin up! The end is in sight.
Have a wonderful weekend friend. xo
Thanks, Elizabeth … I’m keeping my eye on the prize! xo
Love the traditional elements you’ve chosen for a charming house! Glad to see you’re elevating your future home above the generic bleached white oak used everywhere. Can’t wait for additional updates. And thanks for the larger font size.
Debra! I’m glad you like our direction so far … I’m trying to find the right balance between old and new, modern and traditional. Stay tuned! xo
Thank you so much for changing the font. Makes reading your wonderful blog easier for these old eyes.
Agree on the readability! Many thanks:-)
Glad to hear it, Liz! xo
Jenny, I’m glad to hear it! xo
LOVE the larger font size! Thanks so much for considering us older readers!!
Thanks, Sue … so glad it’s an improvement! xo
This is one of your best posts ever – full of amazing creative ideas! Thank you for sharing. What company installed your roof; the pattern is perfect for your house style.
Peyton, thank you … your comment put a huge smile on my face. The roof on the new house? It’s not on yet, and I’m not sure who the subcontractor will be. At Snowberry, the roof looked great but we weren’t very happy with the company. I’ll be sure to post details when we get there … which is not far off. Happy weekend! xo
Love seeing the updates on your new home, June will be here before you know it!
First thing I noticed was the change in font and color on the blog, thanks very much!
Nancy, I’m glad the font change made a difference! xo
Your new home is coming along so well. Ashley is so talented, with your eye and experience Creekside Folley is a masterpiece!Can’t wait for you to start on the backyard and come back into the showroom! Let me know how we can help. Donna (customfireplacefpbbq.com)
Thanks, Donna … we’ve been so busy with the interior we haven’t had time to think about the outside, but turning our attention to that plan soon! xo
LOVE the bamboo bar cart! I think liquor bottles are decorative and so are decanters, so why not basically make them a permanent display that shifts when new bottles come in? Also: keeps the hubs from putting them in the very top cabinet where I cannot reach them. We have no kids at home – there is no need to continue this tradition!
Chris! I know what you mean about the top cabinet. Ha! xo
Thank you for sharing the plans for your new house. It is so much fun to see your choices and the reasons for that choice. I so enjoy your blog and thank you for your time.
Claudette … you’re so kind, thank you! xo
Juliet… you poor girl! Makeup 5 days in a row?! I’d hate that as well. I am astonished to see the rendering of CF I expected it would be beautiful but it’s more than that. You will love it. Design choices are tough especially the ones that cannot be changed easily down the road. Everything so far meets with my approval! I know that will come as a big relief.
Rugs…. I prefer the one on the left but perhaps the more subtle one on the right for a masculine room? You think you are the superior fa queen? In our first BI house I had 4 separate fans in 8 years and in last home 3 in 7 years. And in our current home I have two love seats and I am asking myself if a new one for the sitting room might be better. Hopeless. Enjoy the process!
Karen … 5 days turned into 6. Stop the insanity. I hear you on the sofas … why is it so hard? As for your sitting room … follow your instincts! Ha! Turns out neither of my rug choices worked with the paint color, but I found another option. Stay tuned and Go Seahawks! xo
Juliet the house looks beautiful. Must be so nice to have a great team of people working for you. I wasn’t that lucky. All you chose is perfect and pretty. I know that sectional and love it. The desk was a great find too.
Before you know it, your home will be done and you’ll be busy in it! Sunshine is coming too.
Sending you hugs for a sunny weekend. xo
Thank you too for sharing the sweaters post.
Love following along on the creation of your newest home sweet home!
Susan! Thank you xoxo
Kim! Counting the days until June and trying to maintain sanity. xo
It’s fun to see how your new home is coming along.
Also, I like your new blog format.
Thanks, Susan … I’m so glad it’s an improvement. I like it too! xo
I love EVERYTHING about FOLLY!! So excited it’s breezing along quickly….you have FABULOUS taste!! Love you!! K
Kymmie … you’re always the sweetest. xoxo
It’s going to be gorgeous! Just like your other beautiful homes! Thanks for taking us along, dear Juliet, and thanks for the larger font! Have a great weekend! xxx
Oh my gosh, it’s the Preppy Empty Nester! xoxo
The house looks wonderful! I’m excited to see what you and Jim add to it! All of your choices that you are sharing are beautiful!
Mary Anne … thank you so much. xo
Love all of your ideas for the “folly”. I love Sonoma Country Antiques and miss stopping in. I cannot get Steve to go North for some reason. I have always loved the Serena and Lily bar cart but have never had a spot for it. When I was still working I always ordered bench cushions. I have no idea why people like those divided options.
Cindy! A bench cushion is everything … I’m late to the party. And, isn’t SCA the best? What’s with Steve? Well … he’s smart, Jim would keep me out of there if he could!!! xo
Love the rendering and the photos of all the pieces you are choosing for Creekside Folly. I just can’t wait to see how it all comes together. Glad Jim found and purchased that fabulous desk. Your new home is going to be a show stopper! I bet the neighbors are happy that you are building on their block!
Thanks, Deanna … our neighbors are not happy, but that’s a story for another day. Thanks for following along, I appreciate your kind words. xoxo
Such progress! And it is so fun to see your lovely front elevation, finally! I love your bamboo and stainless-bamboo flatware, being half-Chinese. I was going to suggest you check out Pilluvyt’s white porcelain bambooesque chargers, which I splurged on a few years ago, but that would be a bit too matchy, perhaps. We are off to Williamsburg, VA (your Bevelo lanterns made me think of this) in February to consider if that will be OUR retirement future… You and Jim are a great team — I don’t think my hubs could cope with proofing my blog, if I had one!
Joan! I know the chargers you’re talking about and they’re fabulous. Have a wonderful trip … are you going to visit Colonial Williamsburg? I’m curious to know if it will be in your long term future. Exciting! xo
LOVE your new home, and everything you are putting in it!! June will be here before you know it!
Meredyth! Thank you … I’m trying to keep my eye on the prize. xo
Hi Juliet,
Thank you again and again for changing your font, my eyes are so happy.
Your Folly is going to be fabulous, EVERYTHING you both have selected is wonderful. You both have outstanding taste.
I can understand how living in a small apartment with your two fur kids is hard on you. Hopefully if you can move in by June that is something to look forward to.
Give yourselves huge pats on the back, and your entire design team for being so good. That is a huge help. Hopefully it has saved some oh my events from happening.
We built our own home in Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona. We were up there every weekend from Scottsdale, AZ doing what your team is doing.
Take care of yourself, sending you a dose of cheer.
Your hubs is a hero for finding such a beautiful desk. That will look beautiful in your folly. He has excellent taste. He married you, a smart dude.
Katherine! I adore you! And I’m delighted the font change made a difference. I like it too! xoxo
I always enjoy your posts, Juliet. It’s fun following the progress on Creekside Folly, too. The PB sofa looks lovely. Have you checked out Room & Board? They have nice furniture, too.
Love the new font!
Cindy! Funny you should mention it, I was just on their website … they have lovely things and they’re a B Corp! xo
I love your house design!!! R & J did several remodels for us and I would use them again and again if we hadn’t moved to Petaluma. They are a joy to work with!
I have a question for you about the Oakmont rug from Serena and Lily. We just purchased it for our family room and now I’m selecting side chairs. I was thinking of going with a dark striated, almost navy velvet. Were you happy with the navy sofas and the Oakmont rug? Unfortunately we have a RH linen sofa in the room which I am not nuts about but it is new so c’est la vie! I have driven by the new build, one of my fav locations in Lafayette. Oh and tell me more about the dining table. I have been looking at a similar designs from Rooms and Gardens in Montecito. Yours is a better price point! Enjoy the building process!!! Sharon
Sharon! I’m so excited to learn you’ve worked with R&J … and several times at that. That’s a wonderful testimonial. They came highly recommended from a good friend and have been wonderful … we feel very fortunate. As for the Oakmont rug, we it them – LOVED IT – with our navy velvet sofas. Truly a perfect match. Your idea of dark blue chairs may be just the thing to ground your room and make you look more kindly on the linen sofa. Let me know! xo
I think your new home will be delightful!! I love the exterior- and I know you will put your special touch on the inside!! ! I too bought that Serena and Lily bar cart- I bought it in the darker color… I have been eyeing it for years and now I’m planning to use it as a side table. I will have to check out Sonoma Country Antiques…looks like a great place!! Looking forward to more pictures!!
Martha! You endorse the darker finish? That’s all I need to hear … the decision is made. And you’re right, it can double as a side table. A versatile piece I know I won’t regret. Happy weekend! xo
Hi Juliet — I am enjoying the vicarious design process for Creekside Folly. (You must keep that name!) The rendering is absolutely charming. And I love every single piece you have chosen so far. It is going to be fabulous, my friend! Keep the updates coming!
Molly! This means so much to me coming from you. Can I talk you into a California vacation so I can lure you over to advise on styling?! The name is here to stay … this project is the true definition of folly. Ha! xoxo
Happy New Year Juliet! The rendering of your soon to be new home is beautiful! You have some lovely choices already selected and I look forward to following along with your journey. I had the same Zadro lighted mirror and loved it until I got very tired with the plug in version. When we remodeled the primary bathroom I insisted that the makeup mirror be hardwired, so that meant a different mirror. Hope your mood stays uplifted as we need mood lifters during gray January. Btw, just finished reading The Correspondent, and it was so good! Happy weekend. Xx Karen
Karen! I agree about the mirror … we’ve used it with batteries. I gave up on finding a wired mirror … with 10x magnification. The plumbing fixture store found one … and it’s over $2000. Seriously. At that point I threw in the towel … batteries it is. Glad you enjoyed The Correspondent. It will probably be turned into a movie and I’ve been thinking about casting. xoxo
p.s. Remember that the teak rockers will change color with age and get darker. (That is assuming they are unfinished and you are allowing them to weather naturally.) The lighter bar cart color could look a little “raw” compared to the teak then.
That’s an excellent point and it confirmed my decision (and persuaded Jim). Thank you!!! xo
Hi Juliet,
Your home is going to be so beautiful just love all your decisions!! Gorgeousness everywhere!:)
Have a wonderful week!
Francesca! Thank you!!! xoxo
Well most of my comments have already been said by others, so I will just say that I love your choices, I like the OG rug, I LOVE the rendering of the house, I adore the lighting, (we live an hour from Colonial Williamsburg), I agree on the sofa situation (if you can find it, Wesley Hall makes wonderful upholstery)…you have to sit in it!! I think we went to that antique shop when we were out there, and what the h&(;$ is wrong with the neighbors????
There… I said it all anyway…
Gray! Nice to hear from you! xo
Juliet! So exciting to see and hear about all the progress on your home! June will be here before you know it!
Xx
Thank, Annie! xo
I really like your blog changes, all of them, looks great. Thanks
Thanks, Barbara! xo
Hi Juliet
I haven’t. Been around much lately, but it looks like you are building a new home. Yeah exciting.
Is this going to be yours or a rental. It’s beautiful which ever you choose.
Hello Jessica! Yes, we’re building a new home. It’s downtown where we can walk everywhere, including onto the bike trail where we walk the dogs. It was tough to let Snowberry go, but location, location, location. Hope you’re well! xo
I LOVE it all!!!! I am so happy for you Juliet !! The waiting will be so worth it- Obvi! LOL
xo,
Deb
Deb! Thank you … Happy New Year! xo
Juliet,
Great choices❣️ The Folley is going to be beautiful!
You used the same outdoor lights as our Coastal Cottage in Florida. And we are currently enjoying the S&L bar cart in our foyer.
Oh I do love that we’re on the same design wavelength!
Rosemary! We certainly are … and I love that. Happy weekend! xo
On the hunt for comfortable couch myself! I like your idea of a bench seat. I’ve done leather the last 4 decades for durability. But recently saw a PB outdoor couch that had outdoor fabric with washable upholstery. Thinking that might be a possibility?
Cristi – any outdoor or performance fabric usually cleans up very well. Also slip covers allow for cleaning. I also look for a little darker color and texture that is more forgiving. Explore it … the pros at Pottery Barn are so helpful. xo