Name: Clarenda
Location: Cary, North Carolina
I live in a 2000 square foot home with my 2 youngest kids, Amira and Asher, and our dog, Chewie. I guess its a Cape Cod (I should know this, right?). I have filled it with things we love, namely art, books, and things Chewie won't chew on. My biggest challenge has been having champagne tastes on an expired beer budget. Also, finding things that are stylish but can withstand my eight year old ninja/power ranger/batman son and a dog who truly lives up to his name.
I am inspired by the marriage of visual art and music - paintings of Marvin Gaye, Nina Simone, and Billie Holiday are prized possessions. I also love words and am a confessed and proud bibliophile. If I had to classify my style, I guess it would be modern global. Or maybe ethnic contemporary. Or organic bohemian. Heck, I don't know - I just like what I like.
Thanks Clarenda!
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Commercial Flour Sa...
I love her attitude and her words! =)
house tour please!
House tour, please. Also, Chewie probably will chew less destructively as he grows out of puppyhood. My dog improved a lot between 1-1/2 and 2-1/2 years.
Love the blue sofa and the puppy dog! Your description of your son is hilarious. I relate to the dilemma of chosing not only interesting and beautiful pieces, but things my family won't destroy! Would love to see what you have done with the rest of the home.
LOVE the deep royal blue couch with the grey wall and white trim. the blue is bold enough to take the stage, but subtle enough to let other colors pop. love. it. the walls in my newly/continuingly renovated apartment are the same grey, and this give me some great inspiration!!
http://twopeasteenypod.blogspot.com/2011/09/daya-3-4-and-5-painting-painting-floors.html
Yes, house tour! Would love to see more of this! Also, Chewie is incredibly adorable.
I've always wondered - are those woven rockers with the narrow back actually comfortable? Does the skinny keyhole bit dig in your spine or shoulder blades?
Would have loved to see more pics.
I like how the light filters into the room from above. Skylight or sunken room?
HOUSE TOUR! please!
Hello
It's a nice article it will help my research.
Thanks
I couldn't have those vases down so low with my kids running around... especially since I believe those side tables double as seats? Anything on those tables would be "wrong" to my toddler! :)
The reflection on the wall from the mirrored coffee table is really interesting!
Thanks everyone! I am absolutely thrilled to have my house called upon. The funny thing is my living room has evolved since those pictures were taken- I think it looks way better now (shameless plug for a tour). As for hopes of Chewie to stop chewing - I doubt it. He is 21/2 and chewing with as much vigor as ever. Denisegk - the chairs are actually pretty comfortable. Surprisingly. Citigirlsf- neither. My windows are almost floor to ceiling plus the dining room also has great light. Contessab- We have a family room where the kids have full run of the space. There is no tv in the living room and thus, its of no interest to little ones. When little ones do come to visit, vases go bye-bye.
I'm glad to see a North Carolinian like myself on AT :) More tour please!!:)
House tour, please! That Marvin Gaye piece is lovely.
Since Chewie's 2-1/2 and still so energetic, he's what I call a permapuppy. It would be great to see more of how you've decorated for him. I'm still changing my home to make it better for my two high-energy whippets after two years. Mine shed and necessitate frequent floor cleaning, so I have hard flooring throughout to reduce housework. I'd thought one advantage of whippets would be not visiting pet salons, but it turned out to be easier on all of us to take them in for claw trims than doing it myself. Does Chewie go in for fur trims, or do you give him a puppy cut at home?
where did you get that piece in the third picture from? i want it!
@slthomas - a wonderful artist/friend out of Baltimore - Lizzie Spaceship
http://www.facebook.com/lizziespaceship. Tell her I sent ya:)
@mimikota - Thanks! Marvin was done by a fabulous artist (and my BFF) Andre Thompson. http://www.facebook.com/lizziespaceship#!/artbyandre
thanks Clarenda! I'll be putting them on my dream list now. I've liked them because they look so fun and also don't visually block sightlines as much as a regular chair, but I just wasn't sure about the comfort. Now I can tell my husband that I have it, personally, from an owner that they are comfortable. I just might get them!
Oh my Jesus, where did you get that Marvin Gaye painting?! He is my favorite artist. I love that!!
Beautiful home. Would love to see more.
Oh, I see your friend made it. Beautiful!
Love your house, Sistergirl!
Gorgeous lady and artwork. House tour please!