Thursday, December 18, 2014

an entertaining armoire and other stuff


 Hi everybody!
Hope you all are enjoying the holiday season!


We are having friends over tomorrow for a casual supper and I thought I would share the transformation of our old armoire that was lugged up to the mountains by the movers. It was used in our Ohio house in the living room/man cave to house the television that my husband watched sports on. 


It would have been nice to use it again in the same way but it did not suit the space next to the rustic hearth so the television is now exposed which is fine because in a cottage with one main living area, compromises have to be made. We decided to convert the armoire to a bar instead. (We have had 3 golden retrievers and have three watercolors. The wall needed color so I placed them two of them  here. They were scattered around our old house.)


It was an easy transformation as the shelves were in the perfect position. I lined them with grasscloth wallpaper.  I covered the big hole on the middle shelf that houses the glasses with a wicker flask. It had been drilled for all the cords. I attached little push stick-on lights for illumination. The wine racks are from Ikea.


I tried a mirror first but the space needed color and life. So I placed an old needlepoint I did many years ago on the back, using a push pin to hang it with. I first put it in our kitchen but moved it here after unpacking some watercolors that suited the small kitchen.


Here is the super simple table setting for tomorrow's dinner, nothing fancy. Did not even iron the linen napkins. I actually love to iron napkins but these look great natural.

The amaryllis I planted a few weeks ago has been gorgey. The narcissus are taking their time. Usually the other way around. 



We are finally feeding the birds.  Fearful of the bears in the warm weather, we had not put put out the feeders although plenty of people up here do. We bring it in at night. So wonderful to see them flitting around. So far, nuthatches, chickadees and tufted titmouses. Not sure if we will keep it up in the summer. After having dogs, several bird feeders, pond fish and frogs in our Ohio house, we are excited to finally be sharing space with living creatures! The feeder hangs off the little side grilling deck.


It has been warm enough for porch living. Amazing in December for us snowbirds! With the vinyl blinds rolled down, it is very warm and toasty. 


We enjoyed a warm winter hike in town a few days ago. Discovered this cool barn


and Lindenwood Lake, part of the Highlands Biological Station and Nature Center.




We were in Atlanta visiting friends last weekend and checked out the Cezanne and the Modern at the High Museum.  It is the collection of Rose and Henry Pearlman. Several pieces of an artist I was not familiar with were included, as well as other artists. We loved the all the work of Chaim Soutine, this one was my favorite...


I love the huge plate installation in the lobby of the High by Molly Hatch. It is gorgeous! She hand painted over 400 plates to create a beautiful mosaic.


She describes it here. 


That's all for now. 

Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah everyone!
Cindy

7 comments:

  1. Oh wow! This is gorgeous, Cindy! I can't wait to look at this again when I'm on my iPad. What a clever transformation. Your house is just beautiful. I love how much it relates to your surroundings. And I love your watercolors! I've been thinking I need some type of artwork of Barbie. Haha I sort of want a garden statue...but I think that would really propel me even further into crazy dog person territory :) hope your dinner party goes well! I'm sure it will.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Your house is so beautiful and the armoire is just perfect set up as a bar! Your guests are going to feel so welcomed!
    Cheers! - Shelley

    ReplyDelete
  3. Your armoire is beautiful, Cindy. So big! It serves perfectly as a bar. I love the way you've styled it. Thanks for sharing the photos of the barn and lake -- such a pretty area to live in. Also thanks for showing us that gorgeous plate mosaic. I can only imagine how much prettier it is in person. I love the High Museum -- was there many years ago.
    Claudia

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a fabulous idea for your armoire, Cindy! It's beautiful and so functional, you're going to love it as a bar! The artwork of your pups have to be such treasures, it makes me think we need one! I've seen the mosaic before, I'm blown away by that incredible vision and talent!! Enjoy your dinner with friends, wish it were me! :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love the Lillet in the bar!
    I've heard so much about Molly Hatch but never actually went to her site. Wow! I am a follower now; and want to go to the High to see this exhibit. Thanks for the introduction Cindy...

    ReplyDelete
  6. That is such a beautiful statement piece - big, showy and gorgeous! Love the paneled doors and dentil molding. Makes the perfect bar. Merry Christmas! I'm just waiting for my family to arrive :) Jingle, Jingle!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Happy New Year from Traverse City! We are having a blizzard right now. I love your site always lifts my spirits. You always have great pics it's a beautiful place you live in. Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete

I would love to hear from you!