OAK HOUSE DESIGN CO.

A Hallway Refresh

Sunday, February 18, 2024

I recently decided to update this downstairs hallway...again. And any excuse to get a bit more vertical paneling, sign me up!

Let's look back at where it all started...1988. Well, for me let's make that 2016. I liked the trim and wood floors.

July 2016

I did a bit of work on it back in 2017 adding hooks and art. I wanted hooks to hang coats/etc since we don't have a coat closet.

Sept 2017 | Original Hallway Makeover

However time took it's toll. I stole the prints for the dining room. And a few hooks became loose over the years. Bless it's heart. It served us, but it was time for a change.

Made a list and a basic plan,

And got to work removing baseboards and marking the height of the paneling.

The parts I was most worried about was cutting the boards to fit around the thermostat and the wall outlet. But I was able to use my jigsaw to cut out for the outlet.

And for the thermostat a 1" hole drill bit for the wires to pull thru for the thermostat. I just made sure to take a picture before disconnecting it.

Mistakes were made. As per always.

But she came together. Trim and paint to finish it off.

I am still thinking about adding pegs for coat hooks, maybe changing out the thermostat to a Nest, and I STILL would like a replacement doorbell cover that is a little more updated. But loving this 2nd transformation!

The Garden

The Winter Garden

Thursday, February 15, 2024

Every few weeks or so in the winter, I 'sweep' the lawn of leaves that have blown into it. I thought it looked so lovely on this rainy winter evening that I didn't want to forget it. I'm looking forward to spring, but savoring the beauty this winter has brought to the garden.

I've got a few plants putting out new spring leaves, so it's time to start planning for spring garden chores!

Color Palette , Family Room , home office

Nature's Winter Color Palette

Monday, January 22, 2024

I don't think I have been as obsessed with a cutting since discovering Queen Anne's Lace growing on the side of the road last summer, lol! This is 'Fire Chief' Arborvitae. Welcome to my winter color palette. The paint color on that swatch is Ben Moore Gloucester Sage...just insert all the heart emoji's here.

When I saw this pillow, I realized I already have this palette inside...this plus a green velvet and I'm done. It's from Pottery Barn a few years ago called Shelli Paisley. I've been able to find it over the years via Ebay and Poshmark/Mercari.

My 'cutting' started out in the kitchen the night before, then moved to my office for a day. It inspired me to clean up the two shelves in the photo and declutter the corners of my office and inside the armoire which was collecting a lot of miscellaneous items. Poor third shelf...one day.

When picking up groceries the next day, the color (and price!) of these Anjou pears made me get a few. I'm not even a fan of ~~pairs~~, (i mean pears, though actually it a pair, lol) but these were actually really good. And even better, aren't they pretty?!

But wait there's more, lol! I actually stole that pillow from my family room, but then found this rust colored blanket behind a chair in my living room. I must have put it away over the summer, so that was a happy find. But isn't it the perfect shade of rust that perfectly compliments that olive green and gives all the warm and cozy vibes for these cold, blustery days? Just say yes.

Until inspiration strikes again...

Sources:

If you want a good source for a delicious, affordable green velvet pillow, here's one I've bought repeatedly.

Lamp: Studio McGee Target

Contentment

A 'Few Good Things' This Week

Sunday, January 21, 2024

A few good things that brought me joy this past week:

This shrub in my front yard, 'Fire Chief' Arborvitae, caught my eye because the cold has brought out it's most beautiful shade of rust red. I was trying to get a picture of it with my coat and the wood, because it was the most perfect winter color palette. I took cuttings to have inside and was thinking, "How can I get this palette in my house?" Only to realize, it's pretty much the palette I have already!

*******************************************

I've been getting outside to walk Monday thru Friday for 30-60min because I think the outdoors is good for both my mental and physical health. It's been REALLY cold this week, but when I weigh it against walking on the treadmill the outdoors wins every time, lol! There's something about the crisp air and brilliant sunlight that begs me to come outside and play. Plus, by the time I bundle up with this coat I have, I have yet to not sweat under all the layers.

Speaking of walking, I usually walk my hood, but took it to the park one day last week, and it did not disappoint! It's a county park with your standard trails and a disc golf course. But, if you frame the view right, there are moments where you can imagine that you're tucked away in the English countryside, which makes it look so beautiful even on a cloudy day.

And as I was ending my walk, the sun broke thru and gave the most brilliant cloudscape that I don't think I would have been able to see quite as well if I was at home. What a gift!

***************************************

And finally, I ended last year, and began this year being sick, so last weekend was the first weekend we were able to go do something fun as a family. And I had been wanting to get back to the High Museum on their Second Sunday which is free for the family. So we did!

It was nice to get out on the town, and while I was there I remembered that there was a piece of art that I had been really wanting to see in person. It's a piece by the artist Donald Martiny. I came across him and his work on Instagram a few years ago, and have wished I lived near a gallery that has his work. Well, a while back he posted that a piece was hanging in a building here in Atlanta, and I realized when we were at The High that it was only a five minute walk away. It was amazing! I know absolutely nothing about art, but his work speaks to me. I think because, to me, he takes the purest form of art...the brushstroke, and creates sculpture out of that.

You guys, he creates this BY HAND! And the color striations, the texture, the bubbles that you would see in a dab of paint that had been brushed thru...he gets all of that to show up in this sculpture. And I just love that!

That was my week...I hope that we're all are able to find a 'few good things' in the week to come!

Master Bath , Oak House Reno

1980's Master Bath Reno-Completion

~Post contains affiliate links~

My goodness, it's about time I wrote this post! The reno has been completed for quite a while and put to good use on a daily basis. After imagining the renovation of this space for years, the reality far exceeded my expectations. As a nature lover, the window, natural light, and the view to the trees all create an airy ambience in the space during the day that I couldn't have even imagined. It's almost like the view is now framed and thus appreciated even more. But the inside is so much improved too, as it's been brought forward 35 years! Here's a look at the transformation. It took quite a while to complete, but was so worth the wait. Let's begin with a look back at the original space and plans.