Before and After: Beach house update

Hi loves! Its about time we revisit the beach house before and after post and follow up with all those details I promised. Its been so long, I also have a few changes and additions to share with you too (shocker, changes).  

But first, a tiny confession. When I wrote the above, I spoke like I was the hired help when actually this little gem belongs to Mike, Jack, Sophia and ME. Surprise! A gift from God. Just over a year old and already a lifetime of memories. So before I start getting all weepy, let's get on with it! 

Here is the latest in the main room...

(How you all like my watermark? Hmm, not so sure, yet, another step. I figure if you want to hijack my stuff, have at it. Your karma, not mine). 

Low down:
PAIR OF DINING CHAIRS: LEE
CUSTOM SLIPCOVERS IN ALL WEATHER WHITE FROM LEWIS AND SHERON
HIDE RUG, WICKER TRUNK, WHITE LINEN DRAPES, SOFA: IKEA
BARSTOOLS AND PHARMACY FLOOR LAMP: TARGET
MARTINI TABLE: VAGABOND VINTAGE (No longer avail but I'll try to find u one similar).
SALON CHAIR: RESTORATION HARDWARE
BURLAP TABLE COVER: BALLARD DESIGNS
CERAMIC GARDEN STOOL: HOMEGOODS
FLOORS: PEACOCK PAVERS
CHEETAH AND LUMBAR PILLOWS: CUSTOM J.SCHOENBERGER DESIGN

Moving into the main entryway, here is the link to the Moravian star lights (a lot of you asked!). I love em too. So much I may do them again in the unit upstairs. Yep, got another fixer upper directly above but it will be at least a year before we get started. More on those ideas later.

The linen panels, concealing the twin bunks, are from Ikea.
The black mirror was mine for years. After I was finished rolling paint on the bedroom shelf, I ran it over the mirror haphazardly until it started to look like driftwood. I like.

What the hallway use to look like. Yikes.

Oh the chippy shelf. I love you. She use to sit in my dining room until taking up residence seaside.

I found her at Lakewood 400 Antiques Show from some friends of mine. The shell prints are way old, from the original Lakewood (let's all take a moment for one of the best monthly antique shows to ever live in Atlanta) and I had them framed with nice wide mats. I like wide mats. I opt for them often. The majority of the glassware and baskets are from Ikea. Oversized seashells from Kohls and Potterybarn. Galvanized "No.16" from Tracery Interiors. Driftwood, a souvenir from the beaches of Lake Michigan. Big love.  

The family seashell collection. We started a new jar for Seagrove Beach ;-))))

I hung my Husbands Grandfather's old wooden oar on the wall from Torch Lake. He loves it! Also attempted to jazz up my $14.99 Walmart mirror with rope. I failed twice and just about glued my fingers together. Still waiting on the perfect find with texture and crust. Someday I might hang some big ship light pendants over the island. Just in case, I had the two cans above wired separately. 

The shelves were custom but the brackets came from Home Depot for less than ten bucks a piece. The subway tile is from Home Depot also. The countertops are Silestone in Toffee. The closest thing I could find that looks like concrete but can hold up to renters. This little beauty is for rent all year long. And such a deal when you think about the sound of the ocean, the view of the ocean, the thirty steps to the ocean and that its pretty tricked out on the inside ;-) 

New plantation shutters were installed.

This driftwood came from around the corner at Tracery Interiors and the rocks are from the banks of Torch Lake, where our family cottage sits.

Never tire of looking at that rough hewn cedar planked ceiling or smelling it. My guy did a bang up job on the white wash, I do believe. A gift. 

Moving on down the hall to the bedroom, I just wasn't feeling it; the mirrors, the dresser, it needed some pizzazz (did you know the word pizzazz was said to have been originated by Diana Vreeland? A distant relative perhaps? ;-)). 

I took the mirrors, which were the old closet doors, and leaned them up on either side of the rot box television here and affixed them to the wall like so. You can catch a tiny glimpse of one, top left corner. Much better! 

I had a vintage dresser, nice lines but kind of bulky, in the bedroom and I replaced it with two $95 consoles from Jcpenney. The thought was buy them for the bases and run old reclaimed gray wood across the top adhering the two bases into one long piece. Which I will do someday. But for now they sit side by side and I'm feelin it. Of course I'll have to do something about all those cords. When will this all be wireless and we can move it anywhere in the house, no problem? I'm ready! 

I could stare 

at those floors 

for days. 

Look what the cat dragged in!  If we weren't already family, we are now... 

As you can see, this painted headboard thing is easy pickings. Any scraggly-haired slightly hung over gal can handle it. Just a level, frog tape (the best), dinner plate and a pencil needed. Place the dinner plate against wall so top and bottom lines are at the center of the plate meeting at a right angle and trace your curve. You'll get it. I promise. 

I carefully cut in the corners with a brush and then rolled the rest. Maybe an hour is all it took? And for the life of me I cannot recall the name of the Martha Stewart paint color I used from Home Depot. Shame!

Well whatever it is, I'm digging the color palette with the barn door color, Texas Leather by Benjamin Moore and Ethereal Mood by Sherwin Williams on the floating shelf. All three of the colors can be found in the two pillows that are making a temporary lay over for now but bring it all together. I'm thinking a light blue and white chevron print bolster pillow? One of my mentors Miss Sherry, recently asked, are we tired of chevron yet? Nope! I believe we are witnessing a new traditional fabric in the making. Its such a good mixer, how could you not. But yes, definitely some more pillows needed to spruce up the bed. Ones with some girth and shape that sit up better. Like I tell my kids -sit up! As I sit here slouched over my computer.   

WHITE LINEN BEDDING AND LINEN DRAPES: IKEA
FLOATING SHELF, PILLOWS, BARN DOOR: CUSTOM J.SCHOENBERGER DESIGN
SLIDING BARN DOOR HARDWARE: REAL SLIDING DOORHARDWARE

I hung my new wall art from Urban Outfitters here (wide mat again).  I love it. Feels like I'm looking out a port hole on a ship to a faraway land. You can order the print HERE for $24.99. Highly recommended. 

The room still needs a lot of work in my book. Its tough when you just have a weekend and drive five plus hours to get here. I'm contemplating a modern monogram for the center of the "headboard" maybe? BTS for beside the seaside? I picked up an art deco-esque mirror from Lowes, on clearance,  for over the table since. And darn it, I didn't get a pick of the bamboo folding stool I picked up for $8.99 on clearance at Homegoods, covered in a faux $9.95 throw from Ikea. A new trick in my bag. 

WALL COLOR: KINGSPORT GRAY BENJAMIN MOORE
SCONCE: CIRCA LIGHTING
FIXTURES, TOWEL RING, HOOKS: MARTHA STEWART FOR HOME DEPOT
BOATS AT THE DOCK WATERCOLOR: ELK RAPIDS ART FAIR (my big sis and I both bought one).

Well that's about all I have for you right now my pretties. If you get a chance, go back and check out the before and afters of all these spaces from my original post. Meanwhile, I'll keep plugging away on my little beside the seaside, dream come true, and keep you posted.

All the high school girls are coming down next month for a get-a-way and I can barely stand it, I'm so excited! First time since I moved to Atlanta in 1998. Of course not a lot of work will get done then but there's always tomorrow Scarlett (see I've slightly assimilated in my 14 years). Although Melanie was my favorite character in Gone With The Wind. She made such an impression on me as a young girl watching that movie. Her graciousness when Scarlett, dressed to kill, showed up at her party, after her man no less! I was totally impressed.

Well that's enough out of me for a day. You all enjoy your weekend!!! I'm going to attempt to decorate for Halloween and inspire you all next week with my progress.

Feeling like a big hug today and a kiss,
Jenny from the rock
(you all be good to each other)

Here comes Fall

Its about that time... hot cider, donuts, caramel apples, outdoor fires and Fall fashion. Bring on the boots. Also about that time to start your Halloween decor, if you're into that kind of thing. I'm hoping to spruce up chez Schoenberger this weeknd with a little holiday spook spirit and thought we could use some inspiration to get us going.

First off is a fun mantle inspire photo (black feather boa - nice touch). I'd love to emulate a similar type look but unfortunately the rot box is hanging above mine. I'll do my best. 

The mice will be making a repeat performance this year, considering I just about lost my mind cutting out those tails! If you'd like to join me on the crazy train, the template is HERE. Or if you're lucky to hit a Michaels and all her stuff isn't already sold out, go get you some! I must admit I do love how they look on the stairs and the Jack man has already asked if we'll be putting them up again this year. Your interest made it all worthwhile little man. 

Very intrigued by these black matte pumpkins. Very cool. 

If dark and stormy isn't your thing, perhaps a little bling bling...

These guys from Country Living have been on the wish list every year for the last five years it seems. Maybe this will be the year?! Would look really cool flying up the back stairwell. Anywhere really.  Here is the link to the template if you want to give it a go. 

Have always wanted to try this guy, also from Country Living (we learned on Pinterest to simply wipe the frosting with a paper towel to give it this look). Not sure why I didn't last year for my Sophia Sunshine's birthday party (the little devil angel was due on Halloween). If you missed it, you can see it here. A labor of love. Lucky for me she doesn't want a party this year. Thank you Jesus! No seriously. Thank you heaven above. 

Huge fan of white pumpkins, natural or painted, and this spider web design and the big BUG is really fun. 

sweet chenille...you're so cute. 

Martha's witch silhouette is still available on line for those of you with the perfect place...

Metallic pumpkins seem to be all the rage. Love those sticks! 

Hah! This one I'm going to try, if I can get my hands on some mice with minimal errand effort. Anyone spotted them around? 

Here is a DIY skeleton shirt tutorial from my favorite lady...

Or if you're a lazy daisy, like your friend here, and would rather click than snip, order this one from Urban Outfitters in white or black (don't forget the tank top underneath ;-)). I'd be willing to bet the above is pretty fun and easy though and make for a great project with your kiddos or classmates. 

I found this to be hilarious and super cute, kinda like the perfect mate. 

Digging deep in my design vault for this black and white Fall interior that will forever be logged in my mind. I still love it. The big pumpkin in the white ironstone bowl. And I'm totally in love with "COWBOY TAKE ME AWAY" in the reflection of the mirror. Oh please do! 

(Torn from the pages of Country Living years and years ago). 

Lastly, Joni at Cote de Texas gave away a bunch of these gorgeous velvet pumpkins from Love Feast shop HERE. Go enter to win or buy some for yourself. They are so pretty in every hue!

So did you see anything you like? By the way, all of the images were taken from my Pinterest Holiday Spirit board HERE. Click the image and it will take you directly to the site. 

I'll be back with my weekend progress, hopefully soon. Fingers crossed I find some time to start. First stop is pulling out what I have from last year and going on a stick hunt. Dead branches are a great place to start. 

Happy FALL you all!

Jenny from the rock. 

Design in the big D: part deux

Back to the big D for part two of my Labor Day shopping extravaganza. A big hug to Joni of Cote de Texas for putting me in touch with Emily from The Material Girls blog who HOOKED me up with, I'm convinced, the best places to explore.

So we left off leaving Lisa Luby Ryan's Vintage Living shop, sniff, sniff and I made my way to the design district near the riverfront. First stop White Elephant Antiques. OH my. If only I had a uhaul...

Art deco mirror and Murano glass lamp gorgeous.

  

I'll take one of each please. The marble bowl sinks. How pretty would you be in someone's powder room? Those bleached wood shutters, sure, come with me. You can get lost just here alone...

Why I didn't shove you in my suitcase, I'll never know...

killer primitive piece.

Love the old skeleton chart here. Make for great Halloween decor. My blogger friend Lauren at Pure Style Home recently did a very resourceful post on where to find similar type charts in all shapes and sizes HERE. Oversized botanicals? No problem.

I think I liked every single thing this dealer had. I picked up this little wire shelf for $16, now functioning as a soap dish in Jack and Sophia's bathroom.

I loved the perforated tray...

Ahh, couldn't resist ;-)

These were torn from an old calendar. Great vintage prints for a children's space. 

$425 for your beaded highness/heinous? You'd a been my first deposit into the uhaul.

Somehow managed to shove this heavily foxed  mirror into my suitcase and made it back alive...

Its home for now, reflecting light and giving the kitchen backsplash a little bling bling...always felt like I needed a focal point or some piece of architecture back here and this fits the bill...for now.

These three perforated trays (I must have something with circles as of late?). I thought even just lined up vertically in a row as a backdrop atop a case good piece would make a great visual statement.

Totally in love with this hammered demi lune with black granite top. If you had a friend, you both are coming with me in my make believe uhaul.

I've seen a lot of chicken coops repurposed as coffee tables but I can't say I've seen them used on the wall, which I think is a great idea, especially if you had like six or nine of them.

I can honestly say I'll take it all! Maybe not the elephant ear wall art, but everything else, in the uhaul, stat!

Have always loved this style of bamboo furniture in an English traditional or beach house setting.

Great statement piece for your wall...

WHY I didn't buy all the "see the" flashcards below I'll never know! I thought to fill in the blank in pretty colored script with love, world, good, etc. and group them all together in a frame. Ah well. 

Mom has one just like it! 

This zinc-topped desk caught my eye and would work in so many different settings, styles. 

Someone's new kitchen island perhaps? Throw it in the truck! 

no comment...

I could be a good sconce to you.

Time to say goodbye and head down the street to Again and Again. Along my steamy walk, I passed by this exterior: how thoughtful and lovely. For all my hometown Michigan readers, this is your subliminal message/reminder...yes you can paint brick. Banish the brown brick homes that are EVERYWHERE and put on some color.

Killer copper bowl/planter. 

Once inside Again and Again, I had the most pleasant conversation with the sweetest man. I'm ashamed I cannot remember his name. He mapped out my entire next day of shopping and eating. Thank you kind sir! 

Still on my wish list: designing a black and white interior. 

slightly out of focus but fun!

You know as well as I do, these pretties, were sold. ALL THE RAGE.

Check out my backside! I can't resist but to type, baby got back! Total dork...but brings back great memories of college house parties. 

Pick a chair, any chair...

I'll take you.

These cane back bamboo chairs could be really fun in a bright color and exotic print on the seat. 

More great chairs. I'm telling ya this is the place for chairs.

Mid Century Modern is big right now but I get the impression, its really BIG in Dallas. Everything in that style was marked SOLD.

I was reminded of Rue Magazine's Texas issue. If you didn't see this house, YOU MUST check it out. It set me on fire! The mix, editing, texture, such a fun place.

Alrighty, you ready for day two? Only a few pics left.

Saturday, before the game, we ventured over to the Knox and Henderson area near Highland Park. Where our Detroit Lion's quarterback, Matt Stafford, grew up. Go Matty!

First stop 12,000 glorious square feet of Mecox Gardens! Remember this table from the Coast Living Beach House??

I know some crazy DIY talent reading this is thinking what I'm thinking...of course you can!

I know they are everywhere, but I particularly liked the big chunky beads on this guy. 

Hey DIY, this one you can totally handle! Like totally for. sure.

I have to say Mecox was amazing. I don't think I've been in a store that has so much gorgeous inventory so artistically displayed. Whatever your "look", you can find it here.

These three sea urchin like orbs made it back alive. I'm saving them for the next beach house project directly above the last one.  The theme, "organic". Can't wait to share that ride with you all but its going to be awhile, still wiped out from the first.

Speaking of crust and organic, one of these would make a nice coffee table in my vision. Perfect for drinks or sandy feet.

Walking over to Grange Hall, we spotted a precious outdoor dining space.

LOVE this! Copy that.

Seriously? Probably one of the sweetest necklaces to hang. Something so Daisy ala Great Gatsby about it. Grange Hall was way out of my league BUT I did pick up a horn bangle bracelet off the sale table for less than $30. Now that I can handle.

Before popping into Toulouse for lunch, spotted this sign worthy of a photo. I dig fonts, logos and signs if you don't know that about me already. I'm kind of a broken record. Wha Wha Wha.

Right next to it, this beautifully trimmed out garage door for any of my builder friends who may be reading...

Step away from the glasses Jen. 

New line called Shaun's Shades. Every pair sold, a child in need gets an eye exam and free specs. That's what I'm talking about. 

Vintage handbags repurposed on the inside to look brand new!

Walking on over to Nest, came across this very Mrs. Roper like bracelet. I wanted to take her home, but alas, that damn fashion diet prevailed!

One of my bf's new favorite chair obsessions. This one's for you sweet pea! And that's my new office chair in the back ground. Wee wee! Finally get to check that one off the list.

Speaking of chairs, here's my obliging model. She promised to be a good little shopper, not complain and not ask for every single thing. So of course Aunt RoRo and I caved.

(of course she wants one for her bedroom).

Soph made quite a splash that day in her hat...

And that's a wrap on design in the big D. I think its safe to say its LARGE and IN CHARGE.

Cheers you all! I hope your weekend is beautiful and blessed! I'm psyched to be hitting Nashville on Sunday with the Hubs to watch the Lions play the Titans. GO LIONS!

bunches of love,
Jen