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My House

All Things Home

the slow evolution

I’m sure you would agree that our society as a whole suffers from “instant-itis”. We want it all now, fast, and simple. And the expectation for a room makeover has been altered ever since Trading Spaces. A room can be completely (debatably) finished from top to bottom in 2 days. And, while some transformations can be quick, like changing the wall color, truly finishing a room is typically a slow evolution. It’s a scavenger hunt; a journey of discovery. It’s taken me a long time to embrace that, because I like things to be finished! But I have learned over the years that working on a room is something that can be (and is perhaps best when) savored like a good cup of dark hot chocolate. You might take some big swigs right in the beginning out of eagerness, but the cup is finally drained in slow sips. My kitchen

November 8, 2017 39 Comments

Living Room

living room updates

As I shared yesterday, I worked on cleaning out the dining room and that turned into polishing up some other areas in the house that have been unfinished. One of those spots was the wall with the pine hutch in the living room… I hung my small collection of German stag antlers on either side of it and also moved the antique high chair next to it. That corner seemed a little empty, but I was at a loss as to what to put there that wouldn’t block the return. The high chair seems to work and ties in nicely with the dark wood backings for the antlers. I also rearranged the ironstone inside the cabinet, since it was looking pretty picked over as I’ve plucked pieces to use in other parts of the house. I really like antlers paired with the pine hutch, because it has a very European

October 31, 2017 61 Comments

My House

stairway gallery wall

When we first move in, we all made a big push to get things unboxed and put away. (Or at least put in a spot that made some amount of sense.) But, as the weeks have gone by, I admit I’ve slowed down a bit. There is still plenty that needs to be sorted, organized. There are still some unopened boxes and items stacked in out of the way places. And as we’re working to settle into a rhythm, it’s easy to overlook the piles and put things off until later…especially when there is stuff to do that is more fun! But, I got a bee in my bonnet on Friday and decided it was time to tackle the piles in the dining room… It was almost all decor that was homeless and family photos waiting to be hung. So, I started to sort through it, moving some decor pieces

October 30, 2017 41 Comments

All Things Home

art studio organization

This art studio is totally different from my last one. It’s about a 20th of the size, maybe even smaller than that. It doesn’t have storage closets, rolling dividing walls, or many zones for different tasks. This studio is designed specifically for small-scale creative endeavors and photography. No shipping, no office work, no big sewing or furniture projects. Even small-scale creative endeavors require lots of gear, though so art studio organization is vital! I am still figuring out how to maximize the space I do have, but this is what’s working for me so far… The large, antique hardware store cabinet is the focal point, statement piece, and most of my storage rolled into one. It’s perfectly sized for art supplies – everything from tubes of paints and brushes to canvas and papers. (For those who missed it, I found the cabinet on Craigslist. It came out of an old

October 26, 2017 No Comments

Art

studio organization

This studio is totally different from my last one. It’s about a 20th of the size, maybe even smaller than that. It doesn’t have storage closets, rolling dividing walls, or many zones for different tasks. This studio is designed specifically for small-scale creative endeavors and photography. No shipping, no office work, no big sewing or furniture projects. Even small-scale creative endeavors require lots of gear, though! I am still figuring out how to maximize the space I do have, but this is what’s working for me so far… The large, antique hardware store cabinet is the focal point, statement piece, and most of my storage rolled into one. It’s perfectly sized for art supplies – everything from tubes of paints and brushes to canvas and papers. (For those who missed it, I found the cabinet on Craigslist. It came out of an old hardware store in Maryland.) Someone asked and

October 25, 2017 34 Comments

Kitchen

kitchen layers & textures

Since we’ve been talking a lot about the kitchen and adjoining eating area, I thought I would share a bit more about the direction I’m heading. Right now, it’s all a little one-note, but that’s intentional. When possible, I like to start with a foundation for a room that’s classic and will have longevity for me. Longevity doesn’t necessarily mean neutral, but in the case of the kitchen, I kept the foundation of the room neutral. Now it’s time to start adding in more layers and colors and also refining what is already there. I already shared the fabrics I’m brining into the space and I’m planning on using the large scale check on the French dining chairs. They really are lovely as is, but, as you can imagine, the seats are prone to stains and they aren’t going to look lovely for long! So, I’m going to make skirts

October 25, 2017 57 Comments

Kitchen

Living Room & Kitchen Fabrics

I will say, I am very optimistic when it comes to my to-do list! I already have a bolt of fabric hanging out in the master bedroom, ready to be made into curtains and pillows, as well as a French daybed that needs miles of custom double-welting sewn. not to mention the pillows for that. But, I still ordered fabric for curtains, pillows, and upholstery for the family room! I think, once I make up my mind about something like fabric, I want to buy the materials, so they are at the ready when I’m in the mood to sew and/or upholster, which isn’t a daily occurrence. So, here are the fabrics I decided on… I know. Blue and white is a shocker! Here’s the deal. I have loved blue and white for the better part of two decades, so I’m sticking with it. I’ll stray from that color palette

October 23, 2017 43 Comments

Furniture Makeovers

the “factory table” update

Since I’ve had a few people ask, I thought I would give an update on the “factory table” I purchased off of craigslist and stripped down several weeks ago. Well, I had plans to paint and finish it right away, but with cold weather looming, I felt it was more urgent to paint the kitchen cabinets. I needed to be able to spray the doors outside, whereas the table can be painted inside in any sort of weather. I was also able to just throw a tablecloth over it and out of sight out of mind. Right? It is still unfinished under there, though, so it’s on my to-do list. A small part of my procrastination, other than working on other things, is that I’m not 100% sure how I want to bring the furniture, fabrics, and everything together in this room. It really needs some fabric and so much

October 17, 2017 42 Comments

I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.

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My House

the slow evolution

living room updates

stairway gallery wall

art studio organization

studio organization

kitchen layers & textures

Living Room & Kitchen Fabrics

the “factory table” update

next art sale

May 20th, 2026 at 1pm EST

Now Available for Preorder

Move Slow & Make Things

From the Studio

Artful pieces for your home and everyday life.

From the Studio and Home

Shop the Feed

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