Living Room Update - DIY Cornice Box

The long-awaited cornice box is up in our living room!  This was a really fun project that I believe totally changed the look of the space.  We have lots of stark white walls with relatively high ceilings so we needed a little weight up top, so to speak...and for us, the cornice box was the answer.

Here are the step-by-step DIY instructions for those of you who may want to add a cornice to your window.  Or, simply keep this in your file for a future cornice box project.  Cornices are a very versatile window feature as you can always change the fabric on them for a new look!

Materials:
- Measuring Tape
- Circular Saw
- One sheet of Plywood
- One 2"x4"
- One 1"x1" - we used a square poplar wood spindle like someone might use for a staircase
- Several 2" wood screws, and
- Electric Drill/Driver

- Two metal shelf brackets - ours looked like this...

- Batting to cover entire cornice
- Fabric to cover entire cornice, make sure to know your measurements when looking for fabric because you want one continuous piece of fabric
- Staple gun
- Staples

Instructions:
1. Measure out the width of your window in order to determine how wide you want the cornice to be.  Plan on it being at least several inches wider than the window frame, and if you plan on putting curtain panels under the cornice, make the cornice even wider so you don't block your window.

(Here are the dimensions of our cornice - prior to adding the batting and fabric, which puffs it up a bit.)

2. Trim your plywood to size using the measurements from above.  You'll cut a total of  3 pieces of plywood: one large piece the desired length and width of cornice for the "front", and two smaller pieces cut to the same width as the front and desired depth of the cornice for the "sides".  Make sure to allow enough depth for easy installation (and a potential curtain rod)...keep in mind, you have to get up under the cornice with a hand-held driver to attach it to the wall.

(My fine male model did the dirty work while I took pics...)

3. Trim your 2"x4" into two pieces to fit the depth of your short "sides" of plywood.   Attach to plywood with at least two screws, going through the plywood first.  (You will eventually screw the shelf brackets into the 2"x4" pieces when you attach the cornice to the wall.)  Repeat for other side.

4. Trim your 1"x1" into two pieces that will help serve as supports when the pieces of plywood are attached to create the cornice.  Ours were approx. 8" long.  Attach to short pieces of plywood with at least 2 screws - make sure to leave enough space between the 2"x4" and 1"x1" so it doesn't impeded your getting a driver between them when you install the cornice on the wall.  Repeat for other side, but make sure the 1"x1" is on the opposite edge (see below).

           (this will go on right interior side of cornice)          (this will go on left interior side of cornice)

5. Now attach the long front of the cornice to the short side pieces with several long screws.  Using a driver, screw from the outside face of plywood into the 2"x4" and 1"x1" on each side piece.

The photo below shows how the brackets will eventually attach to the cornice frame...but DO NOT attach them yet.

6. Now that your cornice frame is built, it's time to add the batting.  Wrap the batting evenly around the front of the frame, stapling it every few inches along the back side of the cornice.  It doesn't have to look pretty, just even. (Don't get any batting under the 2"x4" where the bracket will sit.)

7.  Now place the fabric where you want it, wrap it tightly around the frame, and staple along the back side every few inches.  Make sure to pull the fabric taut while you staple so the end result will look tight.  I recommend starting in the middle of the cornice along the top edge and working across to each side, then do the bottom edge.  Finish up with the side edges, pulling tightly so there is no bunching of fabric laterally across the front.

Take special care with the corners, folding them over neatly and stapling well.  This is especially important across the bottom edge, as it will be visible once the cornice is hung.  There shouldn't be any loose fabric hanging from the back, so staple it all down well or trim the excess fabric at the end.

8.  You made it through the cornice creation!  Now it's time to mount your two brackets on the wall.  Try to find a stud or use wall anchors.  Attach the brackets with your driver, using all the screws that came with the brackets.

9. Finally, place the cornice up on the brackets (2"x4"s of the cornice should be securely resting on the brackets) and attach the cornice to the mounted brackets with screws.

10. You're DONE!  Now step back and enjoy your masterpiece...

(Note: If you're placing curtains across your window under the cornice, make sure to install the curtain rod hardware before you hang the cornice.)

Here's the cornice by light of day, totally brightening up the room and inviting the eye up through the expanse of space.

What do you think of it?  Do you like the fabric I selected?  Do you think it makes a difference in the room (the "before" is {here})?  I'd love to hear your feedback and please don't hesitate to leave a comment with a question if you need help creating your own.  Happy cornice-boxing!

On the Hunt for a "Curated" Powder Bath

This weekend I'm headed to Brimfield, MA for the Brimfield Antique Show - the nation's largest antiques and collectibles show.  I'm super stoked and a little overwhelmed to say the least.  You see, I have a detailed objective. Often times, that's a good thing - when working with a strict budget and avoiding "stuff I don't need" (but still want...).  At Brimfield, not so much, because the show grounds look like this...

via

How will I ever find exactly what I'm looking for?  The show covers a full MILE of roadway, with thousands of vendors - some with niche items and others with a little bit o' everything.  You can see my dilemma - so little time and soooo much to see.  The best news is that it happens 3 times a year - like clockwork - so I can make my list and be ready for it months in advance.  Thankfully we only live 1.5 hours away - woot!

My detailed objective?  I want our powder bath to look just like this inspiration photo...

via

Isn't it beautifully interesting?  I call it "curated" - a layered look that tells a story.  So, what does that mean to me? Tastefully collected and classically styled, representative of both vintage and modern taste, but not at all kitschy or overdone.  It's very much so a gallery look accented by beautifully rich, blue-ish black walls.  Visually intriguing for guests that might "happen upon" the space when they come over and visit.  You may ask, how am I going to make it happen? Just like this...

On my list for Brimfield this weekend:
Vintage art

Eclectic rug

Industrial letter or signage of some sort

Old medical chart (preferably an old eye chart)

Very small set of antlers (crazy, I know!)

Here is my personalized inspiration board - a design service I offer {here} - that will help me execute my "curated" look (sources with links can be found below):  

1. Vintage Federal-style Convex Mirror ($125) - Etsy // 2. "Bild" Butterfly Poster ($12) - Ikea, and "Virserum" Frame ($30) - Ikea // 3. Mounted Whitetail Antlers (estimated $35) - Etsy // 4. James M. Phillips Seascape Watercolor ($70) - Antique Helper // 5. Porcelain Hurricanes (medium, $29) - West Elm // 6. "Ovraby" Frame ($6), shown with a black and white family photo - Ikea // 7. Sign Letter "A" ($28) - Etsy // 8. PS Clock ($30) - Ikea // 9. Novica Stars on the Horizon Zapotec Rug ($130) - Wayfair // 10. Rustic Farmhouse Wood Milking Stool (similar $45) - Etsy // 11. Kraftware 10" Chrome and Brass Waste Basket ($25) - Sears

I'm on the hunt for vintage items similar to, but likely cheaper than, those shown.  My overall goal is to mix textures (i.e. wood, metal, ceramic) and finishes (i.e.silver, gold, bronze) that transcend time (i.e. contemporary art, industrial pieces, vintage posters, old paintings, family photos).

As this is a process, and not an over-night collection, I've already been on the hunt and checked a few items off my list:
Gold-framed Federal Style Mirror
Old seascape paintings (water color and oil paint versions)
Old painted portrait 
Modern graphic piece of art
Some sort of "bird" painting
Old Black and White Photograph
Modern rendering of my kiddo's portrait
Vintage-Looking Postcard

This is what out powder bath looks like now - a near identical layout to the above inspiration bath:

No gorgeous wood floors, but a rental is a rental and I'm going to work with it!  I'm currently working on paint colors and will likely go with a Benjamin Moore color called Blue Note (2129-30) - see color swatch below, on right.  It's a very dark gray with blue undertones that comes across as a deep navy, just like the background color of my inspiration board above.

Next time you see it, the bathroom will look very different...I promise.

Has anyone visited the Brimfield Antique Show?  Any tips to get me through the wondrous chaos?

End of Summer Trip to Portland, Maine

We made a little jaunt up to Portland, Maine this last week to check the "been to Maine" box and we most certainly will return!  It was a such a relaxing and beautiful place, with a gorgeous coast line of rocky beaches, quaint little light houses, fantastic food, and so many one-of-a-kind boutiques and antique shops!  Portland is truly the perfect get-away spot for an affordable honeymoon, a romantic B&B weekend, or even a laid-back trip with the kids.  Put it on your bucket list for sure, y'all!

Here is a photo montage of just a few of our favorite stops, shops, and eats of the trip:

 Walking toward Crescent Beach State Park

 My own personal little Maine model will be starring in several of these photos... :)

Digging our toes in the sand at Crescent Beach State Park - only $5 per car to get in for the day (military families free!)

Near Two Lights State Park, just off "Two Lights Road" in Cape Elizabeth, there is a pretty slate bluff that has (you guessed it!) two lighthouses, a grand view of the ocean, and a cute little Lobster Shack restaurant.

 Well-tended grounds of the Lobster Shack.

 The sweetest, most quintessential, north-eastern antique shop owned and operated by Per (pronounced "pear").  I wanted to take everything home with me...but came down to just two items.  I'll share them with you soon!

 We had some fantastic Mexican food (of all foods...) in Portland!  El Rayo Taqueria has a large patio to sit outdoors and enjoy some al fresco dining and drinks.  They had a kids' menu too!

 Holy Guacamole...it was super yummy!

 The Margs were amazing.  On of the many joys of eating early with a toddler...you always hit up happy hour!

 And, they even have fun bean bag tosses and kid tables for the wee ones.  (Did I mention that the patio was also (conveniently) contained for those tiny tots that tend to bolt off?

 Walking the streets of "downtown" Portland.  Portland is the largest city in Maine, but it only has a population of 66,000.  No crowds, no traffic - simply divine! (Note: Avoid going when the cruise ships come to town, because we hear it can get really crowded then.)

Ok, so you simply can't visit Maine without having a Lobster Roll.  Because I don't care for seafood - crazy, I know - my husband took one for the team and got a delicious Lobster Melt at Andy's Old Port Pub.  I had a patty melt that was just as delicious!

 The pretty Portland City Hall

Portland's Down East Duck Tour - only 1 hour long - is a great way to see the whole city and get a solid historical overview of the city and state at-large.  It travels on the streets then takes you into the harbor for a quick dip.

The views of Portland's harbor beckon you to sit back and relax.

 This new home-wares boutique - Anniebells - was filled to the brim with pretty white washed furniture, John Derian plates, garden supplies, beautifully textured pottery, and fine linens.  

Doesn't Anniebells make you want to pull up a chair and call it home?!?

 Gorgeous Victorian mansions up on the hill along the Eastern Promenade.  I'm not surprised that George Bush Sr. and Barbara call Maine thier (summer) home.  Sign me up for retirement!

 Going to Portland and seeing all the sailboats, will make you want to infuse some nautical decor into your home...

 The best pizza I've EVER eaten was found here at Otto Pizza.  They have two locations in Portland and two in Cambridge, MA (by us!).  It's a good thing, because it was going to be a long drive to Maine to get pizza!

Very thin crust, a not-too-sweet sauce, and decadent cheeses.  Must try their mushroom, ricotta, and herb pizza - simply delectable!

 The most photographed light house in the continental US, the Portland Head Light, was commissioned by George Washington in 1787.  It's been a beacon of safety (and beauty) since it was completed in 1791.

Portland Head Light sits in a beautiful park immaculately maintained by the town of Cape Elizabeth, which elects to keep the park free for visitors.  There is a fee to go in the museum, which sits in the building that surrounds the light house.

They have great photo spots all over the park!

Now you want to go, huh?  The best part of the year to visit Maine is the late Summer for the fantastic weather, or Fall for the colorful foliage.  Most of the attractions close down for portions of the winter (i.e. Jan-Mar).  Let me know if you have any questions about where to stay or if you want details on the highlights of our trip.