-- My Makeshift Mantle: 2011 --

Ugh - it gets dark here so early these days!  It makes it virtually impossible to get a good photo.

Today Michelle at Ten June is hosting Mantle Day for the Bringing Christmas Cheer to the Blogosphere Party.  Unfortunately, we aren't fortunate enough to have a fireplace in our home (its definitely on our must-have list for our next home though) but we like to improvise around here.  We choose to deck out the top of our piano during the holidays instead.

I decided on a silver and white theme for this year and its making me so happy to see it sparkling!

I ended up moving our acrylic JOY letters onto the 'mantle' once I realized that they would fit right in.  For some height on one side I stuck 4 ornament sprays (supposed to be stuck into a bare spot in a Christmas tree) into a basic white water pitcher that matches our china.  I added a couple silver and crystal candlesticks and fancy snowflake ornaments beside to keep it company :)

The other side also has some height going on in the form of a plain clear glass vase that I filled with faux snow.  A little trick that I used was putting another small cylinder container inside the vase that displaces some of the snow so I didn't need to use quite as much.  Also, the smaller globe object is actually a lamp but I needed to turn it off for the picture because it was throwing off the exposure.

The middle of the 'mantle' feature a sparkly wire tree that I got at a local home accessories store.

I think one of my favorite things about this 'mantle' are all the crystal candle holders and tealights.  As soon as we get home for the evening Lucas lights them all and it really makes the living room feel quite cozy!

Make sure to visit Ten June to check out everyone else's mantle!

-- Clark Wood Creations: Hall Table --

One of the very first items that Lucas made was this wall-hanging shelf that we use as a hall table.  I just happened to have the camera out a while ago and the light was perfect so I figured it was time for it to make an appearance.

The hall table/shelf is made of black walnut and it has a danish oil finish that feels super smooth.  With three drawers, its the perfect place for Lucas to drop his assortment of items that need a place to land (wallet, cell phone etc...), mail that needs to be filed and other odd things.  

What I love about it is that even though we have a narrow hallway, we have a place to decorate for the seasons.

When we first installed this shelf I was in love with this wall paper... I'm starting to tire of it now but I still love the way the dark wood plays off the black and white of the wall paper.

-- Design Disagreements --

Do you and your significant other agree on elements of the design / look of your home?

Except for paint colors, it is extremely rare for Lucas and I to wholeheartedly agree with each other regarding choices for our home.  Its true that we almost always find a compromise that we can both be happy with, but its always a struggle going back and forth trying to figure it out.

Case in point - this spring Lucas is planning on building an outdoor chair (maybe even two if we can agree on a design).  The major reason why he is building one is because he is part of an online group of woodworkers who do projects together that are led by The Wood Whisperer.  Basically this guy uploads very detailed instructional videos that are designed to teach woodworkers to improve their skill.  Great idea right?  Sure, except Marc, the Wood Whisperer makes the designs and they are never - never even close - to satisfying my design aesthetic.

See here are some pics of outdoor chairs that I like.  They typically feature a low, deep seat, wide arms, narrow slats for the seat and back and most usually a comfy seat cushion...

 But here is the design that Lucas is planning on making...

from The Wood Whisperer

Its a take on an adirondack chair, but I just don't like it.  It doesn't look comfortable and considering the cost of building something like this, I don't really feel like having an expensive outdoor chair that we both don't love...

How you do and roommate/significant other/husband handle these design disagreements?

Any suggestions on ways to please us both in the outdoor chair department?

-- Master Bedroom Mood Board --

I posted a little while back about the pillows that I made for our master bedroom.  They've turned out quite nicely in my opinion, but sadly, 3 nice pillows does not make a nice bedroom.  

This fall we upgraded from our super basic queen size bed to a super comfy king size and we haven't looked back since.  However, its definitely been a wake-up call because we've needed to change out almost everything in the room.  We had obviously expected needing to switch out the sheets and pillows, but it really never occurred to me that even our bedside tables would need changed to accommodate the big bed.

So its a work in progress... and most of it is in our imaginations :)  I have found it helpful to get some ideas together in the form of a mood board...  What do you think?

Right now the plan is for Lucas to make a new bed frame and headboard and we have some ideas up our sleeves about how to dress it up.  He will also make a couple bedside tables to complement the bed frame.  We are thinking something like the ones pictured below except in a wood that matches the bed.

I've also already purchased the lamps - they are not exactly like the ones in the mood board but the scale and shape is similar... the only difference is that the shades are a turquoise/cobalt blue like the middle throw pillow on the bed.  

The jury is still very much out with respect to the art on the headboard wall.  I kind of like the idea of the pictures behind the lamp, but I'm also considering going with something curvy (oval/circle) centred over the headboard.

Does anyone have any opinions?  suggestions? advice?