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March 25, 2023

The Week Highlights and Family-Friendly Movie Recommendations

This week’s highlights.

  • good to know
  • FAQs
  • exclusive sneak peek and info
  • the friday five and weekend sales

Good to Know

We had our drapes installed back in September of 2022.  It didn’t turn out how we wanted so I didn’t share on my IG. The revision was recently installed and it’s perfectly beautiful and functional.  Head to my IG to see the two reels you may have missed of both installs with some tips.

FAQs

Q: What would you recommend for privacy solution for your windows? 

A: I’d add roman shades or do the double rods.  See my Pinterest board for ideas.

Q: Link to your marble top pedestal table?

A: It’s a vintage find but I linked options here.

Exclusive Sneak Peek & Info

Your family-friendly movie suggestions that were kid approved (note I have not reviewed any of these and only listing what was shared with me – please check ratings and view ahead of time to ensure it’s appropriate for your children):

* asterisk represents more than one people recommended

  • Turbo
  • Luck
  • Ratatouille
  • Puss in Boots
  • Sing and Sing 2*
  • Encanto*
  • Luca*
  • Paddington Bear 1 and 2
  • Babe
  • Lyle Lyle Crocodile*
  • Shiloh
  • How to Train Your Dragon
  • Matilda
  • Raya and the Last Dragon
  • Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous
  • Strange World*
  • The Little Giants
  • Casper
  • Yes Day
  • Moana*
  • Ponyo
  • The Secret World of Arrietty
  • Peabody and Mr. Sherman
  • Biggest Little Farm
  • National Treasure
  • Greatest Showman
  • Where the Red Fern Grows
  • Dolphin Tale
  • The Muppets
  • Hotel Transylvania
  • The Croods
  • Secret Life of Pets
  • 101 Dalmatian
  • Finding Dory
  • The Bad Guys
  • Petter Rabbit
  • Inside Out*
  • Air Bud
  • Princess Bride
  • Megamind
  • Parent Trap
  • Wall-E
  • Despicable Me
  • Trolls 1 and 2
  • Mighty Ducks
  • Sandlot
  • Vivo
  • James and the Giant Peach
  • Nanny McPhee and Nanny McPhee Returns
  • The Bee Movie*
  • Home
  • Over the Moon
  • Boss Baby
  • The Incredibles
  • Toy Story
  • Up
  • The Magician’s Elephant
  • Miyazaki Films, Studio Ghibli – Japanese Animations

Friday Five and Weekend Sales

click on the photo to shop

Weekend Sales

25% off Select Hearth & Hand with Magnolia

20% Select Luggage, Travel and Backpacks

 

Have a great weekend friends!

Sweetest Regards, Patti
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community
March 17, 2023

The Friday Five & Weekly Highlights

I’m trying something different and putting this week’s highlights into a blog post.

  1. I want to have a place where people can refer to after my IG stories expire
  2. I get a ton of DMs throughout the week and can share the FAQs here
  3. Provide exclusive weekly content for you on the blog with sneak peeks, first to know and exciting news.

Friday Five

click photo to shop the Friday Five

Good to Know

I did a try on with Faherty today and Brian joined in! I love this family brand because of their effortless style, good vibes and great quality. My code: PATTICAKE20 will get you 20% off your order for the next 72 hours only! Click on photos to directly shop the outfits.

Spring and summer outfit with Faherty. Love this blouse color for the warmer weather. My code: PATTI20 will get you 20% off your Faherty order for the next 72 hrs! blouse, jeans, sandals #springoutfit #LTKFind #LTKstyletip #LTKsalealertBrian picked this outfit for Charleston from Faherty. The past decade had long baggy shorts for men so I’m liking this more fitted, tailored style. This sweater is a basic essential + very comfortable - comes in several colors. My code: PATTI20 will get you 20% off your Faherty order for the next 72 hrs! men’s shorts, men’s sweater #springoutfit #mensfashion #LTKFind #LTKstyletip #LTKsalealert

FAQs

ootd. love this blouse top. comfy but looks like i put in some effort 😉. save this post and keep an out for my code with Faherty this week. #blouse #jeans #LTKFind #LTKsalealert

Q: What’s the plant in your bedroom in front of the mirror?

A: It’s called Rio Dipladenia.  Easy to care for but currently out of season.  I bought for $3 at the store last summer. They bloom so beautifully!

Q: Link for the flush mount in our bedroom?

A: Bedroom sources can be found here. Including the flush mount.

Q: What do you use to create your mood boards for the bedroom?

A: Adobe InDesign.  I’ve been using this program since college and was required when I was a product designer. If I didn’t know InDesign, I’d try Canva.

Q: Did you size up for the Askov Finlayson Parka?

A: No.  I typically wear size XXS or XS. My parka is XS + fits perfectly.  Reminder, their end of season sale is happening right now. $200 off – click here to shop!

Q: Where did you get your accent chairs in your living room?

A: Interior Define.  Love them! However, they recently sold off to another company after some financial & shipping issues so please do your research!

Exclusive Sneak Peek & Info

I know you’re wondering which bed did we decide on??? Drumroll…The Caldwell Camel Brown Oak Wood Upholstered Storage Queen Bed by Jake Arnold!

Side note. It’s always an experience sharing any project on Instagram. I get all kinds of unsolicited opinions lol. I don’t mind people sharing as long as they’re respectful and you all do such a great job of this! I’ve gotten some funny comments saying the beds remind them of a tombstone, French toast, loaf of bread to…a bum! Kindness and humor are always welcome here but I won’t put up with rude or mean comments which I rarely encounter (I ignore them and move on). If you want to share projects publicly, just remember to be strong in your stance. Not everyone will like or agree with your choices and that’s okay! Take it with a grain of salt.

Have a great weekend friends!

Sweetest Regards, Patti
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design
March 13, 2023

Adding Classic Design Elements to Our Ensuite Bedroom

Looking for inspiration to adding classic design elements to your ensuite bedroom? I’m sharing my design boards in this post.

I feel like the ensuite bedroom is always last on everyone’s list. It is for us at least, from a design standpoint. When we moved in, we stripped the old peeling wallpaper, painted the walls, refinished the wood floor and called it a day.  That’s actually a lot of work! It wasn’t until we renovated the ensuite bathroom that the design elements for our bedroom came into play. Before I share my style boards for adding classic design elements to our ensuite bedroom, let’s take a walk down memory lane.

See our bedroom sources here

Tour the girls’ shared bedroom

Tour Jack’s bedroom

2011 Picture of our bedroom from the listing

I fell in love with this main bedroom instantly! The sleeping porch was such a cool room off the bedroom and even with small closets, we could see all of its potential.

2012 Stripped old peeling wallpaper

We did all of the work ourselves stripping the old wallpaper from the ensuite bedroom. Every night after getting home from work, we’d have dinner and start working on the house. Usually staying up until 1:00am to make as much progress as we could. We painted all of the walls and trim and it stayed untouched until almost 10 years later.

2022 During our our ensuite bathroom renovation, added wardrobe built-ins and repainted

Wardrobe built-ins were added on each side to expand our closet foot print. It also added a classic design element. Last, the walls were painted a creamy color in Benjamin Moore Cloud Cover.

What’s next?

This year, we plan to add drapes with Euro pleats and a French return rod, which will really dress up this room and make it look more classic. I can’t wait to share that with you next week!

Then, the design magic is more with the room furnishings and decor.  Here are the boards for the ensuite bedroom design.  The only difference is the bed frame. Which style do you like best?

Ensuite bedroom design: option 1

Some of these products, we’ve already installed or ordered and some we still need to hunt down.

Ensuite bedroom design: option 2

This was the first option until the Jake Arnold x Crate and Barrel collection launched a few weeks ago! I fell in love with the bed frame in the first design board.  However, I’m concerned that it may limit my bedding selections.  While this bed frame, would allow for more bedding color choices. We were so close to ordering a similar design from Interior Define, several months ago. But we paused after hearing rumors that the company was having financial and shipping issues.

 

Sweetest Regards, Patti
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Lifestyle
March 7, 2023

February Favorites

The most loved items from February.

 

Products:

  1. Ventura hat
  2. Linen white pants
  3. Heirloom Rooms book by Erin Napier
  4. Linen blend brown pillow cover
  5. Rattan wood cabinet
  6. Green swimsuit top
  7. Green swimsuit bottom
  8. Suncatcher leave-in conditioner
  9. R+Co pomade for hair flyaways
  10. Yogalicious fleece lined leggings (read the full line up & reviews of  fleece lined leggings here)
  11. Battery operated picture lights
  12. Wool/jute rug
  13. Custom drapery with pleats
  14. Faux hydrangeas
  15. Scalloped swimsuit top
  16. Scalloped swimsuit bottom
Sweetest Regards, Patti
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Fashion
February 15, 2023

Fleece-Lined Leggings & Tights for Cold Weather Wardrobe

Looking for the perfect affordable fleece-lined leggings and tights to add to your cold weather winter wardrobe? I’ve tested and reviewed 7 pairs of leggings and tights lined with fleece to share with you.

 

When it comes to winter here in Minnesota, you have to be prepared for extreme cold weather and snow. After living here for over 10 years, I’m learning to be smarter about dressing for the cold and making the most of it! I set out to find the best affordable fleece-lined leggings and tights and breaking it down to share with you. Fleece-lined leggings and tights are perfect for everyday wear and since cold weather doesn’t end until May here, you’ll find me in these until then. Let’s dive into it – get ready to cue the Pinterest winter wardrobe inspiration and just outfit ideas in general to help you tolerate the cold while still looking effortlessly cute!

The lineup:

– Yogalicious lux leggings
– Willit leggings
– 90 degrees leggings
– Roma story tights in nude color
– Chrleisure tights/leggings
– A new day fleece lined leggings
– A New Day ribbed  tights

The breakdown:

 

Yogalicious Lux Fleece Leggings

*Update: may be sold out.  Check this link for their new design without pockets

Target is a great place for affordable stylish home items to comfy clothing. These leggings fit right into that expectation. With an AMAZING price of $19.99, a huge color selection, and an almost perfect fit – you cannot go wrong with this!

Price: $19.99

Reviews: 5 stars out of 9 reviews

Color Selections: Khaki, Black, Blue, Deep Gray, Greige, Navy Blue, Purple, White, Red

Size Range: X-Small to 3x-Large

Material Breakdown: Polyester & Spandex; Very Soft

Fit Description: High Rise; Perfectly Snugged and comfortable in waist

Status: Keep

 

Willit Women's Fleece Lined Leggings Water Resistant Thermal Winter Pants Hiking Yoga Running Tights High Waisted

Willit Fleece Lined Leggings

With almost a perfect 5 star rating from 1,197 individuals, these fleece lined leggings (and water resistant!) really grabbed my attention. While the price was affordable, I found the fit to be a mixed review. The waist was good in terms of holding in my mid section, but the knees were saggy. They were buttery soft, but the crotch area was loose fitting. The overall cut wasn’t great for me and while my legs were comfortable, the top band not being seamless made it uncomfortable.

Price: $30.99

Reviews: 4.5 stars out of 1,197 reviews

Color Selections: Khaki, Black, Blue, Deep Gray, Greige, Navy Blue, Purple, White Red

Size Range: X-Small to 3x-Large

Material Breakdown: Polyester & Spandex; Soft

Fit Description: High Rise; Saggy in knees & crotch

Status: Return

 

90 Degrees Fleece Lined Leggings

With a strong look comparison to the previous two sets, I was intrigued to see how this one would compare. At first, the fit appeared to be good and held in my mid section nicely. However, the top band wasn’t seamless and so uncomfortable! But the biggest bummer was that the material was kind of scratchy feeling and not soft.

Price: $29.99

Reviews: 4 stars out of 20 reviews

Color Selections: Black, Pavement, Poseidon, Evening Blue, Purple, Rhubarb

Size Range:X-Small to 2x-Large

Material Breakdown: Polyester & Spandex; Not Soft

Fit Description: High Rise; Not Comfortable

Status: Return

 

Roma Story Fleece Tights

I wanted nude colored tights to wear under my dresses and was excited to try this because the description says warm and thick. These look like classic tights and are high-waisted. Unfortunately, the cut was not great (loose around the ankles) and the fit was uncomfortable.

Price: $24.95 (currently on sale for $16.99)

Reviews: 4 stars out of 12,565 reviews

Color Selections: Black, Brown, Khaki, Purple, Wine Red

Size Range: Small-Medium

Material Breakdown: Polyester Blend; Semi Soft

Fit Description: High-Rise; Not Comfortable

Status: Return

 

Chrleisure Fleece Lined Tights / Leggings

I wanted warm black tights that I could wear under a dress or an oversized sweater that didn’t look like athleisure wear. These were super comfortable and in general fit well but there isn’t a tag and they look exactly the same from both sides. Which meant it was difficult to determine the front from the back. Although this one had a strong perfume smell, I really liked that they could be worn as leggings or pulled down to cover my heels to act more like tights.

Price: $16.95

Reviews: 4.5 stars out of 13,294 reviews

Color Selections: Black, Gray, Beige, Translucent, Red, Brown

Size Range: X-Small / Small or Medium / Large

Material Breakdown: Polyester & Spandex; Very Soft

Fit Description: High-Rise; Pretty Comfortable

Status: Keep

 

A New Day Fleece Lined Leggings

Sometimes you just want a pair of leggings that will never be for a workout. These are that perfect pair for everyday casual wear. The overall fit was seamless and at a good price. My only negative was that the fleece was not as soft.

Price: $18.00

Reviews: 4 stars out of 116 reviews

Color Selections: Heather Gray, Brown, Charcoal, Burgundy, Olive, Navy

Size Range: S/M, L/XL, 1X, 2X

Material Breakdown: Cotton, Polyster & Spandex; Pretty Soft

Fit Description: High-Rise Cut & Ankle Length; Good Fit

Status: Keep

 

A New Day Ribbed Fleece Tights

This was another option for nude colored tights. Since the other pair didn’t work out, I was hoping these would do the trick. It had a nod to a vintage look with a chic feel. They were a good fit, holding my midsection in nicely. The fleece lining was nice and soft. The ankle area was not loose like the other pair. For the price, this was a great option! I love that I can wear dresses in the winter with these on!

Price: $12.00

Reviews: 4 stars out of 18 reviews

Color Selections: Black or Oatmeal

Size Range: S/M, M/L, L/XL

Material Breakdown: Ribbed Fabric; Super Soft

Fit Description: High-Rise and Opaque; Good Fit

Status: Keep

 

Now that I’ve reviewed all seven pairs of fleece lined leggings and tights…drumroll…

Overall Winner: Yogalicious lux leggings

*Update: may be sold out.  Check this link for their new design without pockets

These are perfect for a winter date night or to spend time in our renovated basement when it’s all completed!

Reader Favorites: Athleta Tight  (Rainier; Polartec)

You shared your favorite fleece lined leggings and tights in my Instergram poll and the Athleta Tight was the clear favorite! They have the Rainier with the brushed soft interior and Polartec specifically for cold weather climates. They’re more of a splurge than those I reviewed but could be worth checking out!

Image number 1 showing, Rainier Tight  Image number 1 showing, Altitude Stash Tight in Polartec&#174 Power Stretch&#174

 

Browse All

Sweetest Regards, Patti
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community
February 6, 2023

A New Year, A New Website Look

Who is Patticake Wagner? Patticake Wagner emerged publicly in 2015 on Instagram sharing glimpses of motherhood and our home. In 2019, I launched my blog after leaving my Sr. Product Designer role and wrote my first post ever which you can read here. It was a new chapter after 13 years in the industry. I left something that was comfortable to pursue the unknown. The decision was rooted in craving more time with my children so I felt it was the right move. They are my everything.

Read more about me here

Spring of 2019, right before I made the decision to leave my full time career as a Sr. Product Designer

The Unknown

Then 2020 changed us all. I wasn’t able to invest as much time as I needed in the blog and kept chugging along. For almost a year, I was working from home, acting as teacher during distance learning and caring for all three of my kiddos without much help. Brian was required to be in the office every weekday and the unknown lingered over us. Will Brian still have his job? What will happen to our rental business? I just left my comfortable salary, what in the world did I do? Daily anxiety (and breakouts) kicked in but fortunately, I’ve always had the “you’ll figure it out” and “keep on working hard” mindset. That’s what I did. Staying up until 1:00am – 4:00am to get work done, to only get up at 6:30am to do all the mom duties.

back yard garden
2020 Backyard garden project for Home Depot partnership

I Love What I Do

I was thankful for the brand partnerships that came along and took on as many as I could authentically share. Lots of late nights creating content and meeting all of the deliverables by their deadlines. Looking back, I know why I did it but have wondered how on earth I did it?

But when I really think about it, I was able to do it because I love what I do. I love creating beautiful spaces and sharing my ideas, inspiration, projects and tips. And because you continue to read, watch and listen, I know I have the best community. I’m so grateful for you.

The Wagner Family

A New Website Look

After a whirlwind of amazing opportunities in 2021 following a difficult year, I took it easy in 2022 to refocus. My word for that year was “contentment” and it was the quiet that I needed. This year, my word is “confidence” and it felt right to introduce a new website look. I’m excited to finally share it with you!

This new look reflects more of my style and I look forward to connecting with you outside of social media apps. Here you’ll find a full updated home tour with sources, inspiration for designing & curating spaces, DIY tutorials, behind the scenes of our projects and product finds + honest reviews. Ideas that are both attainable and aspirational to keep your creativity flowing as you dream big. My tagline is “Making Home a Little Sweeter” a play on the “cake” of Patticake Wagner.  No matter where you call home, I hope you make it feel as sweet as it can be.

Happy You’re Here

Thanks for stopping in!  Take a look around and stay awhile. To kick off the new website look, I will be choosing one person each week from the newsletter sign up and send over something fun.  This week, I’m *sending someone a $100 gift card to Crate and Barrel. So don’t forget to sign up! Newsletters will be sent once a month. I promise to make them worth your time with exclusive content. I appreciate your support and am happy you’re here!

Disclaimer: Not affiliated with Crate and Barrel. Winners will be emailed + announced the Friday of each week in my Instagram stories.

Sweetest Regards, Patti
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community
November 26, 2022

Small Shop Saturday

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the biggest shopping week. The deals are incredible and they won’t last. In the midst of all the shopping, it’s good to remember to support all the small businesses, too.

I’ve compiled a list of the small shops we’ve supported (or have swoon over their assortment) over the years that I think you will love as well.

Arlee Park: 30% off your entire order

Brooke and Lou: 20% off Sitewide

Jansen Home: 20% off Everything with code HOLIDAY20. Ends 11/28. Where I got my black vases.

Kathy Kuo Home: Up to 35% off. I am are contemplating ordering this counter stool!

Murchison-Hume: Up to 30% off! My favorite countertop cleaner and all-purpose cleaner. Their fig scent is the best!

Olive & Linen: Extra 30% off with code THANKFUL. The best Turkish towels

The Fox Mercantile: 10% off site wide

Twenty Third by Deanne: 20% off Sitewide – love this rug!

Urban Ember: Free shipping on US orders $39+. Love our soap dispensers from here!

APPAREL, ACCESSORIES & SHOES

Askov Finlayson: $100 off The Winter Parka

Faherty: 25% off almost everything on orders $250+

Rothy’s: Black Friday Archive Event. These flats are so cute sale $79; reg $129

Sarah O Jewelry: $50 off orders over $500 (code SAVE50); $150 off orders over $1000 (code SAVE150); $600 off orders over $3000 (code SAVE600)

Sols: Save 20-50% off site wide (Nov 20-Dec 1)

If you’re local to the Twin Cities, make sure to stop by the below shops this weekend:

  • Antique Lofts

  • A Rare Bird Antiques

  • Brooke & Lou

  • Clarabel Vintage

  • Foxwell

  • Gray Lifestyle

  • Oh Baby!

  • Pacifier

  • The Foundry Homegoods

  • Trill at Sunnyside Garden

Happy Shopping and Happy Holidays!

Sweetest Regards,

Patti

Sweetest Regards, Patti
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design
November 23, 2022

Best Black Friday Week Deals and Sales

I don’t normally go out to physically shop Black Friday Deals but I will definitely browse my favorite shops (both big and small and local ones) online. I may stop in to local shops on the weekends, depending on my schedule.

I mostly like to look for Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals and sales for our home but will keep my eyes out for some cute apparel for the whole family, too! I’ve gathered a list of sales you don’t want to miss!

HOME

Afloral: 20% off + Free Shipping with code FRIDAY on orders $75+

Anthropologie: 30% off. Great time for those big ticket items like this amazing Storage Cabinet and also great to stock up on the best smelling Capri Blue Volcano Candle

Arhaus: Lots of items on sale, including most of their lighting like this table lamp (Sale $399; Reg $699) that I’m sure will be in my cart.

Boutique Rugs: Early Black Friday sale 15% off with code BF15; 20% off Top 20 Runners with code RUNNER20

CB2: Cyber Weekend up to 60% + free shipping of orders $99 or more. Great deals on furniture pieces like this stunning marble table (sale $374; Reg $499) that would love amazing in our family room!

Crate & Barrel and Crate & Kids: 30% Sneak Peek. My Leanne Ford black vase is on sale for $39.96 (reg $49.95). So many cute kids items are on sale!

H&M: 30% off for Members. Check out these great bath hand towels if you’re expecting guests + need to restock.

Jansen Home: 20% off Everything with code HOLIDAY20. Ends 11/28. Where I got my black vases.

Kathy Kuo Home: Up to 35% off. I am are contemplating ordering this counter stool!

Lulu & Georgia: Take 25% off

McGee & Co: Up to 30% off site wide (I got my hands on a few holiday items)

Murchison-Hume: 25% off site wide – this is their best sale of the year! My favorite countertop cleaner and all-purpose cleaner. Their fig scent is the best!

Olive & Linen: Extra 30% off with code THANKFUL. The best Turkish towels

Rejuvenation: Holiday weekend sale up to 50% off + free Shipping with code: FREESHIP. Both of our living room mirror and ensuite bathroom mirror are on sale. Our bathroom sconces is on major sale too – 40% off!

Ruggable: 20% off site wide; up to 25% off. Love our washable vintage inspired rug in our laundry room!

Target: So many deals! 40% off boots, outerwear, 30% off sweaters + more. Our handy Bissell upholstery cleaner is on sale for $99.99 reg $133.99

Twenty Third by Deanne: 20% off Sitewide – love this rug!

Urban Ember: Free shipping on US orders $39+. Love our soap dispensers from here!

West Elm: Lots of sales including some great holiday decor like these cute wood trees (sale $24-$96; reg $30-$120)!

World Market: 10% off curbside pickup for members

APPAREL & SHOES

Abercrombie & Fitch: 30% off everything

H&M: 30% off for members. They have really cute kids clothes – grabbed the girls some sweaters and Jack a matching knit set!

Faherty: 25% off almost everything on orders $250+

Macy’s: lots of savings

Madewell: 40% off everything with code OHJOY

Nordstrom: Lots of limited time deals including 33% off the Barefoot Dreams cardigan with excellent reviews!

Rothy’s: Black Friday Archive Event. These flats are so cute sale $79; reg $129

Sols: Save 20-50% off site wide (Nov 20-Dec 1)

Target: These matching family Pajama set are on sale! These adorable Burts Bees kids pajama set are 30% off!

Sweetest Regards, Patti
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design
November 10, 2022

Patticake Wagner Holiday Shop

I used to design seasonal decor and the Holiday/Christmas season was always my favorite! I loved researching and seeing what other retailers were doing. Now that I’m sharing my own holiday decor to my readers and followers, it’s fun to be able to pull together these round ups for you!

Here you’ll find the sources for the foundation of your holiday decoration: tree, garland, wreath, stockings and tree collars/skirts. I’ll continue to add more as Christmas gets close!

Shop the photo

Shop the photo

Shop this photo

Shop this photo

Shop this photo

Sweetest Regards, Patti
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before and after
October 25, 2022

Basement Family Room Mood Board and Wall Molding Design and Layout Ideas

A few years after we moved in, we finished out our basement into a family room from what used to look like a dungeon. It’s a practical family room where we watch movies and it doubles as a playroom. It’s the room where we spend the most time during the cold seasons, so we thought it was about time we add some nice design elements to make it as cozy as can be. I’ve been wanting to add some wall moldings and knew this was the room to try out!

We started planning out the design board a few months back and ordered a few furniture pieces. We’re still undecided on the paint color but most likely won’t be painting the trim and baseboard. But we do need to make a decision on the wall molding design.

There are many ways to lay out wall molding. Here are some ideas.

source via Pinterest. please contact me if you know!
source via Pinterest. please contact me if you know!

source: Alice Grace Interiors

Our basement family room has a ceiling height of 7’ and it’s not a walk out. It’s suggested that for rooms with a shorter ceiling height to install narrow vertical boxes to give an illusion of a taller ceiling. The best way to decide is to use painter’s tape to layout the molding design.

After looking at our walls over and over, we went against the suggestion and decided on the wall molding design with the chair rail! It just looked more special Is it what you would’ve picked?

Follow along on my instagram to see the progress of this family room update! I’ll share our molding pieces and paint color options next!

*Update – the basement family room movie area is done!

  • see the molding design here.
  • read the about the transformation with lots of before and after photos here
  • read and find all room sources of the completed space here

 

Sweetest Regards,

Patti

Sweetest Regards, Patti
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before and after
September 21, 2022

Stucco Farmhouse Rental Property Renovation: Tour Unit 1

Phase 2 of our #stuccofarmhouse rental property renovation began in early April. We renovated the first floor interiors of both units in the duplex and finished out the basement in the cabin unit. Our current tenant in the cabin renewed his lease and was delighted to have a usable basement. The plan was to finish at the end of May and lease out the two duplex units in June but no later than July 1st. It actually took us the entire summer but we got it done at the end of August and move-in ready for our tenants by September!

Read all about this property that we purchased with our good friends, Kjell and Kristin.

Our stucco farmhouse rental property renovation design board

Unit 1 design board: antique brass pendant light | antique brass sconce | brass faucet

We are so happy with how it all turned out! I’m completely smitten by the design and the much more functional new kitchen layout. This blog post will cover the reveal of unit 1 and unit 2 will be revealed next on our rental renovation. Here’s a look back at the before and some photos of the after. All sources listed at the end.

BEFORE OF UNIT 1

pre-renovation living room layout

View entering the unit

PROGRESS OF UNIT 1

The dated linoleum flooring was ripped out to be replaced with new wood floor. You’ll be amazed at how well they were seamlessly woven in with the original!

hardwood floor update

We thought of every possible way to keep the cabinets but soon realized it couldn’t be saved in this rental renovation. They were an odd narrow size making it impossible to integrate appliances like a dishwasher. And while they looked charming in photos, in real life they were in very poor condition and had to be replaced. We gave the vintage sink to Kjell and Kristin’s friends to reuse.

kitchen demo

New wood floor was installed and feathered in with the original oak wood floor, which were sanded down and refinished. They were woven in so well that you wouldn’t even know the new wood floor was not part of the original! We didn’t use a stain and instead did a couple coats of poly. Originally we were going to use water based poly to prevent the yellowing of wood tone over time, but due to their condition, our flooring contractor recommended oil based for the best protection. Rentals turn over frequently so durability to maintain the original wood floor in this renovation was a must!

Our stucco farmhouse rental property renovation - kitchen layout & design reveal; kitchen demo

The wall between the kitchen and living room was removed to create a cased opening allowing more natural light to flow through the main floor. For optimal function, the layout for the kitchen was reconfigured.

cabinet and counter install
honed black granite counters

beautiful black honed granite countertop

Then it was time to install new cream colored cabinets and black honed granite countertops! I love this combo and received affirmations of durability of honed granite from my readers.

AFTER OF UNIT 1

We are so excited for our new tenant to enjoy this newly renovated apartment unit! I had so much fun styling it to photograph and imagined how amazing it would be to live here. There is so much satisfaction in giving new life to a tired space.

Our stucco farmhouse rental property renovation - kitchen layout & design reveal; cream cabinet island with honed black granite counters

The new cased opening makes the space so light-filled! We replaced the stove, added a dishwasher and reused the refrigerator. Love the antique brass light fixtures and hardware.

Our stucco farmhouse rental property renovation - kitchen layout & design reveal; cream cabinet island with honed black granite counters

The cream colored cabinets going all the way to the top make the space feel fresh. The black honed granite is a nice balance against the whites.

Our stucco farmhouse rental property renovation - kitchen layout & design reveal; cream cabinet with honed black granite kitchen

When I shared the reel on my IG, I had a few questions regarding not having a hood vent. Since this was the best layout, we had to place the stove in the island. In our experience, this hasn’t been an issue with our tenants. Worst case, the ceiling may have some residue from large amounts of smoke from cooking. If that happens, we’d just paint the ceiling.

Our stucco farmhouse rental property renovation - kitchen layout & design reveal; cream cabinet with honed black granite kitchen
Our stucco farmhouse rental property renovation - kitchen layout & design reveal; cream cabinets and dark counters
Our stucco farmhouse rental property renovation - kitchen layout & design reveal; cream cabinet with honed black granite kitchen
Our stucco farmhouse rental property renovation - kitchen layout & design reveal.

Thanks for following along to the #stuccofarmhouse rental renovation! Stay tuned for the reveal of unit 2. You don’t want to miss it!

Sweetest Regards,

Patti

Sweetest Regards, Patti
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design
September 14, 2022

Cafe Curtain Update and My Favorite Items in our Ensuite Bathroom

Next week, the long awaited cafe curtains will be installed in our ensuite bathroom! I can’t wait to share that with all of you. While there are still minor outstanding items like oh you know a toilet paper holder, I think we call officially share a full reveal next week once the cafe curtains are in!

Related Posts:

Read Our Ensuite Bathroom Design Direction Using Vintage Inspired Green Tile

Read A Walk Down Memory Lane for Our Ensuite Bathroom

cafe curtain rod | 3/4” brass rings

Our curtains are being custom made through a local drapery company. The fabric shown here is not what we’ll be using but they will be 2-finger Euro pleats lined with light filtering fabric. It took me a few tries to find brass curtain rings that were the smaller size. A lot of curtain ring descriptions show the dimensions to describe the curtain rod diameter that the rings will fit around – not the actual ring diameter. I eventually found the perfect ones from Van Dykes Restorers. Living in an older home and renovating our old rental properties, I’ve become very resourceful in sourcing and it feels good to share my sources with you.

3/4” Brass Curtain Rings (inside diameter)

Cafe Curtain Rod

I also did a quick planter swap for our ficus plant because it has outgrown its current one.

Thought I’d share some of my favorite items in our ensuite bathroom that anyone can incorporate if you’re looking to spruce up your own. You can also head to my IG to get some video action of the ensuite bathroom before the cafe curtains are installed!

Product Sources

Framed Artwork

Fluted Concrete Planter in Medium;  Similar Fluted Concrete Planter available for shipping

Faux Ficus Plant (we have a real one bhttps://bit.ly/3DERoYKut if you don’t have windows, a faux is a good option if you have the space)

Amber Glass Soap Pump (we have the brass pump head but it there are several finishes to choose from)

Turkish Bath Towels

Rustic Black Vase (this is another option, too) that you can fill with some Fall Faux Florals)

Mini Marble Round Tray

Brass Oval Tray with Handle

Can’t wait to share the final reveal of the ensuite bathroom with you next week! (Update: You can see the reveal on my Instagram here)

Sweetest Regards,

Patti

Sweetest Regards, Patti
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