Pottery Barn is now selling this fantastic bar that was inspired by an antique work bench. The description claims the authentic look comes from "saw marks, grooves and peg holes that suggest years of use".

I've had this authentic work bench in my house for years. It was pulled out of an old barn in Escalon. I love the two vices that are mounted on the table. Sometimes I stick my favorite book or a sign in the metal vice...it makes a really great display.

The table is in front of a large closet I use to store my out of season clothing. I hung my collection of plates around the edge of the closet. Most of the plates are from my grandmother who brought them over from Germany.

My mother-in-law bought me this beautiful tea set for Christmas. The tray and brass candle sticks were both ebay finds.

The bookshelves hold lots of my favorite things...wedding pictures, little keepsakes from trips, my husbands silver baby cup and picture albums.

I love this little painting from Italy. I even have a little piece of the Berlin Wall on top of a stack of my favorite books.

A Berkeley Gem

I found a fantastic home consignment store just blocks away from my office. Urban Home Consignment carries an eclectic mix of vintage and new furnishings, as well as home accessories. Original art, fine rugs, and local crafts are also on display in their beautiful showroom, a refurbished building that is over 100 years old.

This beautiful antique french dresser is a real show stopper. It would look beautiful in a bedroom or in a hallway to store linens.

I loved this little side table. It's painted a softest green color...so perfect for spring!

A great little leather chair...perfect for a bedroom or as an office chair.

I think this would make a great bar. I can see a big tray with all the fixings for a martini on top...so swanky!

Color me happy!

Happy spring everyone!

My garden is in full spring bloom.

Let's eat!

We entertain a lot at the Keane household. Our tiny dining table was not cutting it...we could barely fit 6 people! I spotted a fantastic vintage Duncan Phyfe table and chairs at my favorite store - The Green Pea.

The table had already been painted black but the chairs needed some work.

Here is what the chairs looked like when I picked them up.

I painted them black and reupholstered the seats in a fantastic blue velvet.

The host/hostess chairs are from Pier 1...they're so comfy!

I think the table and new chairs look really great with the rest of the furniture in the room.

The turquoise guest room

Finished another room at my mom's house. I didn't take any before pictures but it looked identical to my old room from the previous post.

The bright turquoise paint really lived the room up.

I bought the side tables at the Salvation Army for $25! They're not old...maybe from the early 90's. I spray painted a dark leather brown over the old oak.

My mom has had this old desk forever. I think it makes a pretty cute vanity. All it needs now is a cute tufted stool or bench.

This area of the room still needs some work. The window is getting replaced next week. Like the other room, bamboo blinds will cover the window and the window seat will be sprayed white.

24 hour, $300 bedroom makeover

My mom challenged me to update her guest room (my old room) with a budget of $300. I took on the challenge and I think it turned out pretty great. I spent the last 24 hours painting, hanging pictures and fluffing pillows.

Here's a picture of the before. The only thing we kept was the four poster bed.

Here's a picture of the after.

We used a fantastic blue grey color for the walls. There are still a few things that need to happen for the room to be complete... bamboo shades have been ordered for the window and the oak window seat will be sprayed white.

I raided my grandparents house for the side tables. They are part of a set from the 60's. I sprayed them white and added new hardware (not pictured) - I think they look fresh and cute.

I also recycled some old artwork I found under the bed.

I found the quilt that's hung over the bed in bathroom cabinet. My grandmother made it when I was a baby. I think it adds a little whimsy to the room.

The inexpensive frames were dressed up with Pottery Barn napkins to add color.


What do you think?

My first day...

I am obsessed with all things design. I poor over House Beautiful and Elle Decor every month. I read tons design blogs daily looking for new and fun ideas. I've lived in my remodeled 1920's Tutor House for 2 years now but I'm still not done. My house is always changing. I love the way a new pillow can make a room completely different. I pride myself on finding unique and special things to add. My approach is to buy what you absolutely love and make it work in your home. Luckily, this approach has worked so far. I'm also helping my mother completely remodel her Spanish style home. It will be a long process but we've already started. I completed one guest bedroom last week and will tackle another one today. Pictures will be posted shortly...