Project Fauxdenza Complete...Almost

This past weekend we finally got around to installing the fauxdenza. It was a pretty straightforward Ikea hack using Akurum cabinet frames and Applad doors. So here are a few work-in-progress pictures. 

Why a work-in-progress you may ask? Can you see the walnut top sticking out way too much over the cabinet? Ikea's web site says Akurum cabinet is 12 7/8" in depth; the thickness of the Applad door is 5/8". When I added them up I got 13.5" which led me to order the 14-inch wide wood top. Big mistake! It turned out that the total depth of the cabinet frame and door only added up to just under 13" or 12 7/8", so now I have over 1" overhang which spoiled the whole clean and modern look I was going for. So we are going to have to find a way to cut that extra 3/4 of an inch. I briefly finished the top with a water-based clear coat, but I am second guessing that decision now so back to the drawing board between dark and clear stains. I am leaning towards dark walnut which will likely look sharper with a long and massive white floating cabinet unit. Thoughts? 

I was all excited about styling it but I guess that has to wait until we fix the top. Patience is a virtue. Btw, it would appear Ikea has removed Akurum and Applad series from their web site to make room for the new Sektion series. Looks like I caught the last train. 

How to Get the Best Deal on Removal Services

Although we are still knee deep in snow today, anxious house hunters have already given Spring real estate market a head start. With the buying and selling of properties comes with moving. Today I would like to welcome a contribution from Cherry, a writer from Media Buzzer, to show us the ins and outs of moving services. 

Image by Westley Collins from Flickr Creative Commons

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Everyone has heard a removal company horror story or two; priceless assets damaged, walls and stairwells shredded up by dollys and work boots, or worse – items never arrive to their intended destination.

It's always a nagging thought in the back of one's mind as they peruse the internet in search of the right removals company; one that is trustworthy, reliable, and careful.

We all know what we want in a removals company, but few can translate their needs into the right questions and considerations when they pick up the phone. If this sounds familiar, then keep reading.

YOU KNOW WHAT YOU WANT

You want your removals company to be on time, properly equipped to handle the task at hand, and to be responsible with your possessions.

Now here's what that looks like on the phone when speaking with a potential removals service, or browsing their website.

QUESTIONS TO ASK REMOVAL COMPANIES

Do you have an office or depot I can pay a visit to?

Although this requires a little effort, it's a real fast way of figuring out which company is for you. You can observe how they work and in what working conditions, the size of their fleet and the sort of equipment they employ, and get a rough idea of what their staff are like.

Well dressed competent employees that can properly estimate your removal and feel reassuring to speak with are often a great indicator for smooth reliable service.

Do you have insurance?

Of course they do, but for how much? Will it cover the estimated value of all of your possessions and the risks they face during transport?

Are you in the BAR?

The British Association of Removers (BAR) is an organisation much like the Better Business Bureau for removers in the UK. They have membership requirements which include:

• Every truck is insured, licensed, and registered
• Deposit protection
• Arbitration and/or free conciliation in the event anything is amiss

Do we have a contract?

A clear and concise contract with plain English details, working agreement, and contact information should be present. This way you know what you're getting, what's covered, and what you're paying all in from the start.

What services are included?

Yes, while you may be quite aware the company is coming to move your home, you may not have hired them to pack your possessions –you may only be covered for having them move items. That's all.

Be sure to see what is included with your agreement; are packing supplies included within the cost, how many staff will be used on moving day, if items are stored overnight what is the security like, are there any extra costs such as gas or storage?

WHAT AFFECTS PRICE?

Now that you know what you expect and how to ask the right questions to find the company you're looking for, it's time to consider what factors affect the pricing of the leading nationwide removals companies in the UK.

How much stuff are you moving?

The higher the volume and/or weight of good shipped could translate into more staff and more rented vehicles.

When are you moving?

Weekend moves are the most common, and removal companies like to cluster home moves into weekends to ensure their staff are busy all week long.

However, mid-week moves are usually much more affordable.

High value antiquities?

You might need a specialist to help you move that grand piano or dinosaur bone exhibit. Don't leave high value items to run-of-the-mill movers – hire a specialist.

LASTLY, BE NICE

Tipping your crew isn't mandatory, but being a hospitable client is a must. Sometimes all it takes is one hungry worker to drop one box marked fragile...

Keep it simple; have beverages like water, juice, coffee or tea at hand, and some high calorie snacks to keep people moving. Yes, you're being nice – but you're also looking out for yourself.

Style A Marble Tulip Side Table

This year I am making an effort to only invest in decor pieces with styles that would stand the test of time. Granted, it's fun and exciting to always introduce something on-trend and of the moment. That makes my design current and relevant. But I found that I ended up parting with the trendy stuff shortly after when I grew tired of seeing them in my house. 

When it comes to timeless pieces, shape and form really matters; in my opinion, the simpler and cleaner, the better. I've been in love with this Eero Saarinen tulip side table with marble top for the longest time, and finally decided to splurged for it. It has a 20 inch-diameter tabletop which is a very practical size for a side table. The marble top together with the cast-aluminum base weighs a ton so watch your back as you lift it. The top is a very elegant piece of White Arabesque marble with fainted veins. Here are a few styling options I was playing with. 

Option 1: a book (or a stack of books), a black striped box (from Indigo Chapters), and some flower arrangement. 

Option 2: Han Solo - one singular sculptural object, like this vintage Fenton bowl, details see below. 

Option 3: a black striped box, a brass object (Nate Berkus Feather Box from Target), and flowers. 

I think I have a winner! Love this vignette, don't you? 

Now onto the pink Fenton bowl. I first spotted the bowl here, was immediately obsessed with it, wanted it, needed it. 

It took me a while, but I finally tracked down one that looks similar at MariasFarmhouse on Etsy - the 1940's Fenton double crimped ruffled bowl in this most romantic shade of pale pink.

I actually ended up ordering two bowls because I didn't get it right the first time. The first one was a tad too small with a 7" diameter which disappeared into my living room. I am now using the smaller one as a catch-all bowl in my foyer. 

The Target shutdown news really sent me shopping. I totally went to town on those bloggers' favorites such as this tufted bench with brass legs.

And this Nate Berkus round side table from the 2015 Spring collection. Having second thoughts about the peach-colored tabletop, so I am thinking of sending it back. Any takers? It was sold out at a couple of Target stores I've been to. 

New Art Over Fireplace

Over the years it has been an ongoing debate for me in terms of how to decorate the space over a fireplace. Two popular choices are art and mirror, and I have done both - started out as hanging a painting, then a couple of different mirrors for the longest time, and I am now back to hanging a piece of art. Art, over a fireplace, is a great way to bring the colors and styles of a living room together. And I chose to swap out the mirror for a painting for the exact reason. 

When it comes to art, my mind is not set in stone for a certain period or style. I truly believe beauty is in the eye of the beholder. You would always want to follow your heart, and choose whatever speaks to you. 

I picked up a couple of antique oil paintings from our trip to London last summer. I felt that a late 1800's painting depicting a romantic English landscape scene would be the perfect choice for the fireplace in my living room. I have since been on the hunt for it but to my great disappointment, for the paintings from that era which made their way outside of museum and gallery collections rarely came in large sizes (we are talking about 30x40"). Furthermore, for anything that came remotely close to the right size or aesthetic would cost a fortune. I came across a couple of maybe's and they were in the $60,000-$100,000 ballpark...ahem...that's probably over my price range you think? 

I've seen murals and wallpapers from anewall (a-new-wall) at a few design bloggers', but never thought they would also offer classic reproductions. I ordered the Evening in Italy by Claude Lorrain canvas print in 30x40" for the fireplace. 

Framing was done by Edmond at YM Art. A clean-lined minimalist gilt frame seemed to be a surprising choice for a very classic painting like this, but they totally work together. 

I also ordered a smaller print titled Jean Baptise + His Angels. It's in my foyer for the time being until I can find a better place for it...the joy of puttering around. 

So tell me, what do you have over your fireplace if anything at all? If money were no object, how would you rather style the fireplace?

Fauxdenza Progress and An Award

Basement hallway floating cabinet, or project fauxdenza is well under way. The annoying bulkhead casting shadows on that wall sent me researching for various lighting options including:

• Recessed pot lights: this is a no go because there's no room inside the bulkhead for them.
• Spot lights: doable but most of them can only project light downwards, which means they wouldn't illuminate the wall anyway. 
• Track lighting: will definitely solve the problem but they don't look attractive to me.
• Sconces on the wall: would look great but they also break up the wall and limit the space for me to hang artworks.

I figured table lamps might be the only way to go, if I want to get rid of shadows on that wall. 

So we had our electrician relocate two power outlets such that they will be tucked underneath the floating cabinets and out of sight once the cabinet is installed. This gives us the flexibility of adding a table or floor lamp if we still want to. 

I think a pair of these gold and milk glass lamps would look sensational on the fauxdenza. 

Now onto the award part. Monday morning I woke up to this email in my inbox, a great way to start the week, right? 

Thank you Houzz community for the award! You can view the announcement here and the rest of the Best of Houzz awards. 

I kinda wish they had used a more up-to-date picture of my hallway like this. Sun-filled foyer is my favourite place to be in the afternoon. I would sit on that settee and take my coffee breaks when I work from home. 

In the art department, there's something amazing going on like this. Canvas prints from anewall are being framed by Edmond at YM Art. 

I've just started reading the Yes Please by Amy Poehler, and it's hilarious! Who doesn't love Amy Poehler, and Tina Fey, and Mindy Kaling, right?