We bought the worst house on the best block

We were not looking to immediately buy a home in North County.  The idea was to rent a property for 1-2 years whilst getting our bearings in suburbia (which we now refer to as just “coastal”).  That all changed when we found the most absolutely, perfect neighborhood for us and our family; I’m talking Norman Rockwell/Pinterest board people that love wine.  I mean, not to completely brag, but our neighbors are ridiculously cool, our kids are all about the same age and pretty much everyone is totally adorable.  My Mother says I get too excited about things and tend to set expectations too high, but we’re 2 years into the best street in ‘merica and so far, so good!  Alas, I did mention we bought the worst house on the block.  It’s a good home with good bones but desperate for a remodel.  We have a whopping one kitchen drawer, nasty bolted on fiberboard cabinets, and horrific laminate flooring that sounds like kittens walking on a chalkboard.  Finally, we are ready to begin remedying our 1970’s starter home.  I’ve drafted all the plans and elevations and have my finishes and appliances ready to order.  We’re ready to rip the roof off this Mutha’!  Prayers for tight deadlines, avoiding unforeseen expensive major things, and most importantly for avoiding a marriage counselor.  Stay tuned!

kids

The gang!
Halloween on the Court

 

Antiquing in Southern California

Perusing the Paris Flea Market at Porte de Clignancourt or even taking a long weekend antiquing in San Francisco may not always be feasible options for feeding your passion for antiques.  While online resources like 1stdibs offer convenience, and many of the same dealers, the downside is you will always pay a premium for the ease of seeking out specific pieces online.  (Curators and Antique Store owners will admit they are slinging the exact same wares online for an escalated price.)  With that in mind, I have highlighted a few good stops throughout Southern California that would make for a lovely day trip.  READ MORE

In with the Old

Growing up on Long Island in a small village steeped in history, with looming Victorians & grand estates tucked so far back through the trees you couldn’t see them, I gained early exposure to the beauty of architecture, art, antiques and collections. However, it was my travels throughout Paris, Vienna, and Florence, that really crystallized my passion.
1905 Gatehouse

 

While 17th & 18th C antiques really excite me, I also appreciate traditional 19th C furniture and happen to also love 20th C Mid-Century Modern and Scandinavian too. Naturally, the older and the more precious, the harder to find, but high quality pieces do not necessarily need to be the most expensive. It’s good to look at every level, not just the fanciest dealers and galleries. It may not always be prudent to drop a down payment on a Federal Style Demi-Lune Table, so it’s sometimes best just to impart the look, but I believe items collected over time speak more to our roots. Antiques tend to move with you wherever you go. They get passed down from generation to generation, as opposed to donated on moving day.READ MORE

Pamela Day Designs - Interior Designer - Kitchen & Bath

A House is Never Finished

I change my own house almost every day. Nothing major obviously, but minor edits. My husband calls it tinkering. Every day he comes home from work and something has been moved around on the shelves, an item has been brought out of storage, disappeared, or simply manifested out of thin air; worse is when there’s something for him to hang or move. I am forever adding and subtracting, always editing. Major pieces like appliances, furniture and fabric remain fairly constant of course, but I’m always on the hunt for something better.
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Pamela Day Designs - Paris & Venice

Paris & Venice

Part I – Honeymoon in Paris
Sent November 25th

After a four hour nap upon arrival in Paris we ventured out to the only museum open at six pm- the Centre Pompidou. Greg insists he didn’t enjoy himself, but I thoroughly enjoyed pondering the subtle complexity of the Rothkos and Du Champs, and I swear he was slightly amused by the blank canvases as high art. Since we were near the Marais district I thought it would be fun to revisit Les Philosophes, the restaurant where I hold fond memories of an epic dinner on my first trip to Paris, with my friend Shaye seven years ago. Sadly, the meal did not live up to the memory. After a hungry 30 minute wait we were sat in a back room (I wasn’t even certain it was the same restaurant). I couldn’t eat the grossly under-cooked meat (medium?!?), but at least Greg enjoyed his entree (and mine). We hopped back on the Metro and navigated to within 2 blocks of our hotel. After an hour we gave up being lost and hopped in a cab. The cabbie laughed at us, as he drove us the two blocks home.READ MORE

Ireland

I’ve been in Dublin since yesterday evening, and took another heavy history tour this morning (I’ll spare the details for next time), and whilst visiting the tourist center this afternoon I decided to step it up a little bit and do a fun little tour of Galway and the Aran Islands with the Shamrockers. I leave my lovely hotel in a dumpy area I’d describe as akin to visiting Manhattan and sleeping in the Bronx tomorrow, returning to Dublin on Friday, and shall update you on my adventures!

XOXOREAD MORE