Lindsey’s “Project Wallpaper: Part II”

As promised, here is my story of Project Wallpaper:  Part II, Master Suite.

There weren’t as many laughs this time around but I love the outcome and the wallpaper!  Serena &Lily had just launched a new line of wall coverings and it was there that I found this bright white and beige herringbone/chevron print. 

It is graphic and organic, exactly what I was looking for in that space.  Bold but subtle enough that it didn’t scream at you in a place of tranquility.

BEFORE: (Ladder already in-place.)

The only difference between this round and the last one was EVERYTHING!  The wallpaper was much thinner, the area to cover was much larger and the most important difference…no mom to help!  So be it, I thought.  I can do this.

I laid out all the tools and prepped the room.  I thought I’d get a good start on it while my husband was still home before leaving me alone with Charli, our daughter, for a Niners game.  Good thing I noticed there was a major shortage of glue.  I ran up to Home Depot and was back in no time.

                                               

Using the last of the old glue, I started strip #1.  I cut the strip, applied the paste and stuck it on the wall only to see bumps everywhere!  After 20 minutes of trying to smooth it out, I decided to rip it down and start over.  After all, I did have 5 rolls for a project that only needed 4 rolls.  Plenty of paper to spare. 

 

After another failed attempt, I decided to switch glue.  It seemed a little stickier and thicker than the last project.  Pouring out the new glue was like night and day and a huge relief. I thought to myself, “I am not this bad, it was the old glue’s fault!”  The third strip was perfection and it only took 1 entire roll to achieve one strip...

 

My husband was now gone and my daughter eagerly wanted to help.  I was now a Nervous Nelly seeing how much more I had to do and thinking I was in over my head…with a 2 year old on my heels.  Quickly, I cut the next strip, applied the new, silky smooth glue and climbed the ladder to press the strip.  I had forgotten to align the pattern before cutting.  I thought, “SERIOUSLY??!!“ Once I aligned it to the pattern on the first strip it was a few inches too short.  Another strip crumbled and in the garbage.  I was now sweating.  How could I be so careless?

Luckily the next 6 strips were flawless and I finished with 1 roll untouched.  The sweat, however, never ceased.  It took me about 9 hours and 3 days worth of energy.  I was spent. 

 AFTER

I wouldn’t say that I’ll never do it again, but perhaps next time I’ll make sure my mom is around to help instead of my 2 year old, bless her heart. J

Project Wallpaper - Part One

Happily I’m introducing you to Lindsey Krystofiak; here is Lindsey’s first entry for the "Designing Mama"  (AKA JL Interior Design) blog: “Project Wallpaper”. XO, Jolene

"Project Wallpaper - Part One"

Starting a wallpaper project (for the first time!) is daunting enough, but throwing in a weekend of potty training on top of it is just silly.  That is exactly what we did.

My mom is visiting from Michigan for a few weeks so I thought I would seize the opportunity and tap into her wallpapering expertise. Together we searched hundreds of wallpapers until we finally decided upon this really interesting tan/gold linen-like paper with an eclectic peacock blue design.  The purchase was made and phase I of “Project Wallpaper” was underway! 

We rolled out the black drop cloth, filled the pan with paste and started cutting the paper. 

The first strip was the trickiest.  We had a soffit to cut around with round corners and a kitchen cabinet to contend with that went all the way to the floor.  The first attempt was a good one but… realizing we ordered way too much paper, we decided we could afford to rip it down and try again.   

The second round was perfect with many thanks to my mom.  She cut the edges like a pro.  The second strip was flawless.  We were cruising along now.  Third strip done!  The fourth strip…oops.  I cut it about an inch too short.  All this extra wallpaper was quickly diminishing.

Quickly recovering from the bellyaches from laughing so hard and frustration of having to cut and glue another strip, we flawlessly finished the remaining three strips.  By flawless, I mean the last strip we did ended perfectly at the bottom.  That was a close one!  Clearly, I was only trying to create less cutting for my mom.

 

All in all, it was 4.5 hours of blood, sweat and laughter.  We are so proud of our accomplishment!  And here's the finished product:

 

Now for phase II of “Project Wallpaper“ in the master suite…

XO, Lindsey

PS.  We had a successful day of potty training too!

Inspiration

Inspiration can be found anywhere. However, when you travel, it seems to jump out from behind every corner and surprise you.

Here are some of my favorite pieces of inspiration from this trip.

Red...prior to this trip I have been guilty of saying, "I hate red". How can anyone hate one color? Well, I'm over that now. Fell in love with the intensity and depth that it brings to any setting. 

Totally cliche but sunsets really are inspiring to me. Nature seems to showcase her best work at dawn and dusk.

The bold use of black as a headboard - simple yet effective. Not sure if you can see it in this picture but there are squares of alternating textures on this headboard - that alternate like black and white squares on a checkerboard moving from flat to glossy finishes.

Notice the red in this swimsuit? So playful and less serious. This swimsuit is a Missoni swimsuit, size 3-4, I think. It was adorable but had to pass on it...just obsessed with the way Missoni prints all work so well together. They energize me anytime I see them.

Here's a wall covering that is fabric stretched over the wall. The purple was perfect for this alcove. The pillows are Kimberly McDonald Home - LOVE!

 Such simplicity in this wall sconce but the way the light seems to delicately emerge from behind the metal and through the slivered openings I found mesmerizing.

Wall of lanterns - was taken in by the organic shapes that were contrasted against the structured layout/placement of the lights.

Our little Hula Girl...reminding me how well pink and green go together - as if I ever forgot. ;-)

Overall, I find myself repeatedly drawn to the simplicity of Hawaiian design. The lines are clean and crisp yet there is warmth to everything. It feels modern without making me feel 'cold' when I view it. 

Marina Home - Before and After

Façade as of September 2012, she was the smallest building on the block.:

Façade as of May 2013, now she's just as tall as her neighbors.:

Back of the building, during the eclipse - May 2012...but first, quick pic of the eclipse to frame what you're seeing on the side of the building.:

Back of the building, as of June-ish 2013:

Ava just couldn't resist dancing away on the new pavers...

Marina Home - Complete Remodel and Addition, Finished!

Since the last post, Lindsey Krystofiak started working with me on the design side and Cathy Boutros as bookkeeper. Having the extra help has made a big difference. Love these ladies. Hoping to add a couple of other talented individuals in the next month or so...

For now, taking a long overdue break in Hawaii, looking at the ocean and doing one of my favorite things: writing.

Here are some follow-up pics of the completed master bathroom from the last post.  Photo credits to the ever so talented Catherine Nguyen.

One Month Out

The final month of a major construction project reminds me of the final month before a wedding: details, details, details. Here's a pic of the tile in the 4th floor master bathroom. The tile was done by Glennon Tile. Their team was so great to work with.

 

Would You Rather?

One is white while the other is grey.
One is wool while the other is cotton.
One is $347 while the other is $89.95.
Which would you rather have?

$347
details: the perfect braided pouf adds layer and texture to any room in the home.
content: 100% Wool
dimensions: 18" x 18" x 12"

Made in India

 $89.95

details: handknit beanbag chair/foot rest knitted graphite pouf.

content: textured cotton weave
dimensions:18"dia.x14"H
Made in India

2013 Pantone Color of the Year: Emerald 17-5641

Loving Pantone's color of the year, announced in Dec.! Looks familiar ;-)

The announcement along with the color, "lively, radiant, lush green that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony".

Also found locally at the Palace of Fine Arts.