2013 decorating projects

The list of projects to do around this house has never been short, and it's not looking like 2013 will be any different. Some of the items on the list are boring, like patch and repair drywall on our kitchen ceiling or replace a broken tile in our bathroom, but others are a bit more fun. The fun jobs, generally far less essential, top my priority list which explains whey the kitchen ceiling has been needing repair for three years. The fact is, there's just always something more fun to do.

About a year and a half ago I was given this Bergere chair from my grandparents house after my grandfather died. It's in serious need of repair, but it's been in our living room ever since. The colour looks terrible with our other furniture and the upholstery tacks are sticking out making it the least toddler-friendly chair ever. 2013 is the year this chair is getting fixed.

 I was going to attempt to do this job myself. I wrote about it here, in fact. But I've since decided that I'm going to splurge on some Schumacher fabric and I really don't want to run the risk of ruining the fabric or making a mess of the job. Besides, the chair frame needs repair and I'd like the whole thing sanded down to reveal what I hope to be a darker natural finish, so it seems that this chair is destined for a refinisher and upholsterer.

 

I realize this is a bit of a teaser post given I have lots of 'before' shots and really no 'afters', but I'm wondering what you guys think about the Chiang Mai on this little chair? I'm pretty obsessed with this fabric, and have been for a while, so I think it's time I commit to it. I was thinking of using it for a roman blind on the tall narrow window in the dining room, too. What do you guys think?

Tell me, what are some of your 2013 decorating plans? Do you have anything you've been itching to do but have been putting off? I'd love to hear.

January birthdays

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and did lots of resting and feasting with family and friends.

Now that January is in full swing and everyone has had a chance to make and, if you're like me, break your New Year's resolutions, it's time at our house when we start talking about the next family celebration. My birthday! Yippee!

Are any of you January babies? I am. Born on the 15th. If you are too, then perhaps you'll agree that, short of being born between December 21 - 31, it's probably the worst time of the year to make your grand entrance into the world. I know lots of guys who dream of having boys in January so that their sons are the biggest on their hockey teams (we're Canadian...this is what our boys think about), but otherwise, it's just a bad time of year. Here's why:

People are officially tired of planning anything, leaving their house, preparing for and cleaning up after big meals, shopping for gifts and spending money. Also, people have resolved to not drink, eat only healthy food, get more sleep and replace nights out with mornings in Yoga. All the qualifiers of a good party are pretty much destroyed come January 1st. February babies seem immune to this problem because as we all know, the resolutions that lead people to behave as I've listed above never last past the first month of the year - thank goodness for the sake of people born in any other month.

As a way of adding cheer to this gloomy situation, I have decided that the perfect antidote is to add colour to my living room. I will do so by asking for the following colourful book series from Indigo from my loved ones (those that are willing to shop at this time of year). Indigo is a Canadian book seller and this amazingly colourful series is exclusive to them, but I hear they ship worldwide for all you non-Canucks. Gorgeous, no? There are 30 in total and I've narrowed my list down to 10. Please don't judge me for the fact that I am basing my choices on colour alone. Yes, I am fully judging the book by the cover!

Aren't they gorgeous? Do you have a spot in your home where these would add a lovely burst of colour? I imagine we could all use a little jolt at this time of year, even if your birthday isn't quickly approaching!