20 Years!

/

Friends this week marks 20 years of Chalet ownership!

“Chalet: an alpine style of wooden building with a sloping roof and overhanging eaves”
— Wikipedia

While driving with a friend in April 2003 we stumbled upon a For Sale by Owner sign; although technically she was a flip the owner Mrs. Cullen had moved into an apartment. I was familiar with the house having grown up a few blocks away. I rode my bike on this street and trick or treated here; back then we called her “The Red Schoolhouse” because she was painted red and the center chimney looks like and old fashioned bell tower.

july 24, 2003

The Chalet was built on property subdivided from the Leaycraft Estate. Our street was the original drive. There’s a wonderful history of three large estates - Laurelhurst, The Knollwood and The Birkendene that now encompass our local park and the south west area of town. Our neighborhood is filled with quiet streets, unique architecture and the park is down the street.

The Birkendene

We started calling her The Chalet soon after moving in. Built as a vacation home by Austrian craftsmen brought in specifically by the original owner she has 1400 square feet with three bedrooms and one family bath. We have incorporated what originally an outside galerie space into the sunporch and recently carved out space for our son to hang with friends in the basement.

The Chalet 2003 with the huge American Beech Tree

We’ve touched every space in the Chalet.

The Chalet has been immortalized: Borough Building Survey, a Nat Lewis painting and Published in: Caldwell Yesterday and Today.

The Chalet is unique with hand-cut railings, a bunch of french doors and wonky floors… she’s perfectly imperfect to us. We’re blessed.

Til next time friends stay well and I’ll see you over on Instagram.

Counterpose

/

I am forever inspired by friends spaces. I was looking through Sarah’s feed and the thought occurred to me - since we have opposite color stories wouldn’t it be fun to compare them.

Let’s take a look at the elements that make up these spaces.

Sarah’s livingroom

Let’s review Sarah’s livingroom.

The Chalet Livingroom

Let’s review the Chalet livingroom.

  • Our sofa is the Montclair by Crate&Barrel which is discontinued. Purchased in the fall of 2018. The sofa was quickly replaced because of a snafu with the fabric which I was unable to have treated for stain resistance; so we opted for a high performance micro-fiber in Arctic White.

  • My pillows are a mix of store bought and ones I’ve designed. The small needlepoint is Beekman 1802 from Target years ago. The Brown Floral and Light Blue Shibori I sewed myself. The Tiger velvet is from Home Sense. The Navy and White Woven is from Marshalls.

  • The Coffee Table was found at Home Sense.

  • The side table is similar to this Wayfair one.

  • White with blue floral design vase with flowers. This piece was a gift and Little Switzerland no longer carries vases. These are lovely options.

  • The rug is the Baxter Indigo Wool from Crate&Barrel.

  • The vintage lamp was thrifted from The Lafayette Mill Antiques Center.

  • The reversible cotton quilt was located on-line years ago. Here’s are some pretty options.

  • The room’s background is: Benjamin Moore Putnam Ivory

“Counterpose: To place in Opposition, Contrast, or Equilibrium”
— Merriam-Webster

I enjoyed crafting this piece - it was fun locating the components and seeking similar ones to share with you. I highly recommend popping over to Instagram and clicking follow on Sarah’s feed. She and her home are both lovely!

Here are some articles you may enjoy!

Til next time be well friends.

Images: Sarah and Me

September 2022 Reset

/

Hi Friends I don’t know about you but, September is definitely when I reset.

Summer’s lazy days at the Swim Club are over and I love nothing more than fresh office supplies… new pencils, folders and notebooks!

I can’t wait to sit down and start brainstorming ideas and making plans for the rest of the year. I have had this same mindset since I retired from my previous career in September 2016 to start Chaletmomma LLC.

To Do Lists are my jam! I love writing them out for the day, the week and the month. Oh and the wonderful act of checking things off makes me joyful!

My current business lists -

Computer Work:

  • Finalizing the rest of this years Editorial Calendar and looking at the start of 2023 for the Blog.

  • Updates to the Web Site - like the newly introduced Tips page click here.

Client Work:

  • Locking down the styling and design direction for clients.

Business Additions:

  • The Shop is something I’ve dabbled with before - during the height of the pandemic I sold a few things through Facebook and at Garage Sales; but this time around I’m looking to focus on buying in addition to selling.

I always want to be focusing on growth opportunities for the business. I joke I have a podcast and a book in me!!!

I hope you will continue to pop by to check out my Musings and the additions you will find here on the site and on Instagram. Thanks so much for your support! Til next time be well.