Happy Chaletversary!

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On this day in 2003 we became the stewards of the Chalet!

Some old images of the Chalet including one from a local history book.

07-24-2003

We found interesting information on this slim book by William S. B. Dana - understanding the language of a Chalet. We know the sunporch was originally a galerie and it’s been so fun over these many years to embrace the uniqueness of our cozy cottage!

We have two copies of this book .

Over the last 21 years we’ve touched every space in the Chalet. Some more than once. We count ourselves blessed to live in a lovely neighborhood down the street from the park - surrounded by wonderful neighbors.To see more of our journey read:

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

Roll Top Re-Do!

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I know today is Valentines Day friends - I wish you festive greetings of the day. I shared a post last week ♥ What the Heart Wants ♥ filled with all sorts of Valentine’s Day treats. Click the link above if you missed it.

Recently I looked around the Chalet living room and dining room and thought it’s looks good - I’m happy with it. But, in reality something felt off and I couldn’t put my finger on it. Then as things go I saw a friend on Instagram - Mandy Eno talking about organizing and then I had the aha moment. I could finally see it - finally see what was making me feel uncomfortable in the space. It was the Roll-Top desk.

1-23-24

There Was Just So Much Visual Clutter and even when I straighten up the desk- it was still crowded and filled to overflowing with art, books, keepsakes and more. Look at the images from over the years.

My de-cluttering started from the top down. Just like I do when I clean the Chalet. I removed the art, decor and photos from the very top and then moved onto the cubbies and the desk surface. I had so many items tucked behind other pieces. I ended up with a few books, a basket of family photos and a basket of keepsakes. I mean golly friends it was crazy to me how much stuff was crammed into the cubbies.

As we all know the beginning of the year is known as a time for organizing. This felt so good and I’ve learned something about myself as a Designer. I’ve always given the eye a chance to rest in the overall room I’ve designed but now, I understand that I must allow this on furnishings as well.

Before and After

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I’m continuing my path of de-cluttering. I moved onto the Sun Porch because I’ll be honest I still haven’t found homes for every single item I removed from the desk. I plan to move onto my sons room next - seeing what he can let go of both in terms of things and clothing and I will end up in our basement where all the things end up!

I know I will never ever truly be done… keeping clutter at bay is constant.

Merriam-Webster

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

Artful Additions

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Hello Friends over the last year I brought some special pieces of Art into the Chalet. As we step into this new year I wanted to take a moment of reflection and share these talented artists with you.

Claire Tanner: I have the wonderful watercolor of President Lincoln and the sweetest Little Bird. Claire uses unexpected hues in her works and each piece is truly unlike anyone’s I’ve ever seen. Read my feature of Claire here.

Instagram: @clairetannerart and her Website: Claire Tanner Art

Claire Tanner - President Lincoln

Claire Tanner - Little Bird

Paige Ledom: I’ve loved Paige’s unique collage art since first seeing them on Instagram. I already owned a Goldfinch and was thrilled to add The Sailor. Read my feature of Paige here.

Instagram: @theovergrownhome and her Website: The Overgrown Home

Paige Ledom: Sailor Study

Brittany Smith: I have been besotted with Brittany’s gorgeous florals for a long long time and finally made a decision - friends it was hard! I love the colors in Respite IV makes me think of peonies and the field of flowers in Meadow I makes me want to run barefoot. Both these pieces bring me joy.

Instagram: @brittanysmithstudio and her Website: Brittany Smith Studio

Brittany Smith: Respite IV

Brittany Smith: Meadow I

Mel Remmers: Mel has a large varied body of amazing work but, I was always drawn to her nudes. I still need to frame and decide where she’ll live.

Instagram: @melremmers and her Website: Mel Remmers Studio

I encourage you to check these wonderful creatives out and find a piece for your home too!

Til next time be well and I hope you are finding the start of 2024 good.