Monthly Archives: February 2012

Help My Hallway! – Jackie

29th February 2012

11 Comments

I recently had a lovely request from Jackie for some help with designing/furnishing her entry hall. Actually, she really asked me if she should hang a mirror on the wall opposite the stairs but if you know me, you know I just can’t help myself on these design Q’s !  As you can see, it is a long narrow hall at her front door with stairs leading up to the main floor and another doorway at the end leading to her studio.

Step 1 – Paint some woodwork!

Well, the first thing I’m going to suggest Jackie is that you paint the bannister cap and the woodwork that surround it on the stairs the same color white as your other trim work. I know, I can hear your Mister screaming “paint the wood??!!!” but don’t worry, they all do that!  While the bannister woodwork matches your stair treads perfectly, in this instance it is dividing the whole space (which DOES include the stairwell to the opposite wall) in half instead of blending it all in and effectively doubling the entry area by erasing that line. In a larger entryway, this woodwork would work [whew, say that a few times..."the wood work would work if the wood work worked"...you get the idea!], but in this case you need to use a few visual tricks to widen the area. And you can console the Mister by pointing out how much more your stairs themselves will be enhanced by being the star woodwork in the room. He can also take comfort that I did not suggest you paint or wallpaper the whole space :) .

Take a look at this picture and how the dimensions of this entryway are about the same as yours, but with the white woodwork on the bannister and trim it appears wider and more open.

[Note, however, that I would not use this type of setup (picture rail and hooks) for you as I believe you need more light and effective storage in your hallway and those coat hooks NEVER look that neat in person...trust me, I had hooks and they are always a dumping ground for people who do not want to hang their things in closets...ahem, male people mostly!]

Step 2 – Create Storage and Visually Break Up the Space

Next, you mentioned that you used to have a table at the end of the hallway. Some people like to do this, or even place a large ceiling to floor mirror on that end wall, but in this instance I would try to de-emphasize the length of the hall by placing something midway along the wall running opposite and parallel to the stairs to effectively break up the long visual line that exists now. I love console tables to create this effect! They are stylish; yet, they remain practical by allowing you somewhere to store keys, a purse, other things in baskets beneath it, etc. And rather than one large mirror above the table, I love what Anthropologie has done with this Collected Memories mirror…a look easily copied by visiting the thrift stores and garage sales and creating your own arrangement instead of paying them $695 US! I love that you will get more light reflected into the space without having the effect of looking like you have two sets of stairs, something I fear one large mirror would do. Plus, this arrangement still allows you somewhere to do a last check on your hair and makeup before you head out the door!

That particular console table is just about the perfect size for your situation as well (15 3/4″ deep and nearly 4 feet long). From what I can tell by your picture (guessing that your tiles are 12″ X 12″), your hall looks to be about 39″ wide from baseboard to baseboard. With those dimensions, you would still have enough room to get by a narrow table as you go down the hall (note that your cute little puppy’s bed is taking up nearly 2 feet and you still manage to get by that). If you keep the size/depth in mind (aim for between 12-16″ max depth-preferrably staying closer to the 12″ and a length of up to 4′) I’m sure you could do a little creative shopping and find something similar in those same great thrift stores or garage sales I mentioned earlier. You could even find a piece and paint it out in the trim color or a shade creamier (I like the shade creamier for an ever so slight contrast). Here’s a variation on that theme:

I’d place the table mid way along that wall opposite the stairs, perhaps nudging it closer to the end near the bottom of the stairwell and on top of the table I’d add two tall skinny table lamps with tiny shades. [I see you have an outlet along that wall you can run an extension cord to.] The above photo shows a good scale you could use as a guide for the lamps as well.

Step 3 – Create seating and shine

On either side of the console table, I’d position little bungalow-drum type stools so that you have somewhere to sit down and pull your boots on. I love the idea of these being shiny to juxtapose a painted wood table and a natural flooring material that I’m going to suggest in a minute. It’s the Urban side of my UCS style…

I LOVE the one lying on its side or it’s deeper amber version in the middle standing up! These stools are from Orange Skin but I’m sure if you keep your eyes peeled at Home Sense or other home discount stores you will find something similar!

Step 4 – Add some warmth on the floor

For your flooring, I know from experience that those tiles are slippery when wet (and cold in bare feet) so I would add a runner, but nothing with pattern to draw your eye down the hall. I love plain old sisal’s for this purpose, and not many people know this, but Pottery Barn will custom make one for your hall. I’d use about 2/3 of the dimension of the length of the hall and go with 2-3 feet wide, binding it in a neutral tape that blends with the sisal. This link shows you the options from Pottery Barn, but for you I would choose Pyrite with a Bark Brown border. Also note, this is one area that I would NOT try to save on…their custom option should run you about $300 (I’m guessing 3′ X 9′ would work for you) and you will get the exact fit and quality that’s required, something that searching for a deal might take years and/or never happen. Spring for this and save on the other areas, I say.

Step 5 – Change the light and you’ll change the mood

Last, I’d change that light fixture and add something with a little more pizzaz. I like this open bird-cage design available through HomeDepot . In addition, I’d buy and install a dimmer switch on that light’s control so that in the evening you could have it on lower setting, with the two table lamps also on (note: you can also buy dimmer extension cords to do dim the lamps too) and it will create a beautiful warm glow in this lower hall when guests arrive during evenings you entertain.

If this doesn’t suit your fancy, I’d opt to try and find something in a dark metal finish that does not have shades (remember you will have shades on the table lamps) and is no longer than about 22″ so that it doesn’t encroach too far down from the ceiling. What is nice about a piece hanging into the space a little deeper than your current fixture is that you will see more of it as you descend the stairs. [I changed all the lights in my house that looked like yours to a more vibrant hanging fixture.]

Step 6 – Wrap it up Suzie!

OK, that’s about all I have for now Jackie. I’d love to know if you decide to follow this direction, and if so would you please send me pictures so I can post a follow-up for the readers? Also, if any of you UCSers have other ideas for Jackie we’d love you to leave your suggestions too! After all, two heads (or more) are better than one Suzie!

Happy Hall Days Jackie :)

Love,

Suzie

Guinness Braised Short Ribs with Creamy Goat Cheese-Parmesan Polenta

28th February 2012

4 Comments

Oh how we’ve been busy playing up here in the mountains! So much so that I’m sure you all thought I had forgotten about my blog. Well, I haven’t!!! In fact, I’ve been dreaming up things to cook and share as I’ve been out snowshoeing and snowboarding. I love getting outside and burning up all those calories so that I can come home to a hearty meal that has cooked itself in the slow cooker. A couple of days ago (while out for a little snowshoe frisbee and then as I was falling on my head, butt, and knees trying to regain my balance on my snowboard) this lovely meal was making itself at home:

Guiness Braised Short Ribs with Creamy Goat Cheese-Parmesan Polenta

What I love about this dish is that it only takes about 15 minutes of prep time in the morning, and about another 15-20 minutes when you get home. Here’s what you will need:

For the ribs:

6-8 good quality beef short ribs on the bone

1/2 c. flour

2 tsp. salt and pepper

3-4 Tbsp. olive oil

1 whole head of garlic, separated and peeled

1 large sweet onion, diced fine

1 cup grated carrots

1 large can Guinness or stout beer of your choice

2-3 cups beef stock

1-2 tbsp. corn starch

1/4 c. red wine

For the Polenta :

4 cups water

1 cup polenta

3 Tbsp. butter

1/2 cup goat cheese

1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

1-2 tsp. salt and pepper

To make the ribs simply:

1) Place flour, salt and pepper on a plate and then coat the ribs. Heat oil in pan and add the short ribs, turning on each side until they are nice and golden brown all over. Don’t skimp on the time to brown the ribs as this is what makes a difference between looking like you stood over the stove for hours braising the meat and that mushy looking stuff that usually comes out of a crock pot!

2) Place diced onion, whole peeled garlic cloves, and grated carrots in bottom of pot then top with the browned ribs. Add the Guinness and beef stock to the pot, adding additional water until they are ALMOST covered (I like to leave a little sticking out so that they stay nice and toasty brown looking on that side). Set the slow cooker to cook on low for 8 hours and get outside to play for a while.

3) When the slow cooker time is up, carefully remove the cooked ribs and place in an ovenproof dish, uncovered, and keep in a 200F degree oven to stay warm. Meanwhile, place the liquid portion from the crock pot into a regular pot and bring to a boil, turning down the heat so that it is at a low boil. Reduce this liquid by half (about 15-20 minutes) then taste for seasoning and adjust by adding additional salt and pepper as necessary.

While the liquid is reducing, to make the polenta:

1) Bring the water to a rolling boil then carefully whisk in the polenta in a slow steady stream to avoid getting any lumps. Turn down the heat to medium and keep whisking while the polenta thickens up. This will take under 5 minutes. Once thickened, prior to it being fully cooked, whisk in the cheeses and butter. Turn off the heat and cover, setting aside until the liquid from the ribs has reduced.

Last step for the ribs:

4) Whisk the cornstarch and the red wine together until smooth, then slowly whisk this into your reduced liquid from the ribs. This adds just a touch of silkiness to the texture of the liquid without turning it into a full-blown gravy.

To serve:

Give the polenta a good whisk again (don’t worry it will still be plenty hot) then mound some in a soup plate or bowl. Place a rib or two on top then carefully ladle a little of that liquid over the top of the rib, being sure to capture some of the veggies with each scoop.

And that’s it!!! Like I said, 15-20 minutes in the morning and that much time again in the evening and you have one heck of a dinner that everyone will be sure you’ve spent all day inside to cook…and we won’t tell them otherwise, will we ;) .

Here’s a peek at what we did while the ribs were cooking:

Hope you get a chance to get outside and play today too!

Love,

Suzie

Save or Slurge? A Beautiful Embellished Skirt and Fringed Vest

12th February 2012

15 Comments

I’ve decided to start a new Save or Splurge column here on UCS…it’s inspired by all those home decor features in the mags that show you a room filled with beautiful, albeit expensive, furnishings and then features the space side by side with a more budget friendly option for the same look. I love it because it demonstrates how spending a ton of money isn’t always necessary to get a similar look.

First up on Save or Splurge?  This beautiful ensemble…

It’s Double D Ranchwear’s Loom-Beaded Short Skirt and Joya Real Vest. Total Splurge? $942 before taxes and shipping. Now, I have coveted this outfit since I first set eyes on their spring lookbook, but I’ve had to take a step back to consider if these are pieces I will cherish forever (and perhaps be buried in!). Given Double D’s unmatched couture-like quality and timeless appeal, I’m sure these pieces would be LOVED ALWAYS and remain in my closet until I DIE. But my conscience (and the Mr’s voice firmly implanted in the back of my head) told me I had to investigate what the budget friendly alternatives were.

A quick peek on Etsy revealed a multitude of options for the vest. I searched for “turquoise fringed vest” and came up with this, but if’ you don’t have to have turquoise there were many beautiful vintage options starting at $25. Ebay also had many similar items to bid on…and many were STUNNING!

Vintage Fringed Vest-Etsy $73

Vintage Fringed Vest on Ebay Starting Bid $49

And the skirt? Well Express delivered up their Embellished Sequined Skirt  in an Aztec print for $59

It’s also available in a Sequined Snakeskin option

Now, I know these outfits aren’t identical… like I said, Double D’s quality isn’t something that budget friendly brands could ever compete with…but if you want the look at an affordable price without looking like you shopped for it at the dollar store,  I wanted to offer up these as an alternative.

So tell me, would you Save (possibly the whole outfit for under $100) or Splurge on the quality pieces to keep forever?

I’d love to know…

Love,

Suzie