A "tornado" of changes around the house

 The tornado on Monday may have not passed around Baltimore, but the change-bug was pretty alive and kicking in MY Maison.
I had a room, that Mr. Y and I called: the reading room. Is on the second floor, just out from one of our guest rooms, that soon will become our son's big boy room.
The issue we faced was called Siberia cold temperatures during the winter months. We tried everything:  extra heaters, besides the radiators, curtains, winterized the windows, etc. nothing worked!
The last resource was to change the old single panel windows to the modern comfort.
We can see a bit of the difference between the original windows found in the first floor, and the final work being done by our amazing contractor Bob.
Our plan is to transform it into the kids playroom. Today was raining cats and dogs, and while cleaning it up, I really wish it could be my own playroom: books, a nice cashmere throw and tea!

 OUTSIDE:

INSIDE: 

:

Karl Springer, a great designer and a mirror

One of the many things I have learned when pursuing antiques and valuables is look into the back of the items, the quality of the materials used, and the finishings.
When I came into a junk store and found a mirror heavy as a rock, beautiful lines, parchment, mid-century lines I knew I had hit the thrifty mother load!
I came home, did some internet research, et voilá! I was in the possession  of an original Karl Springer octagonal mirror.
Karl Springer was "THE" designer of royals and celebrities. Those that loved his work include the Duke & Duchess of Windsor, Frank Sinatra, Doris Duke, Jackie & Aristotle Onassis, Joni Mitchell and many others with good taste!
Mr. Y was never found of the mirror, and in a marriage ones needs to choose battles, so I have decided to consign to the amazing Baltimorean mid-century dealer Orions Objects.

My mirror that had a special place in my family room, and some amazing Springer's pieces found and sold at 1stDibs:

Photo credits:   Photos of individual pieces from 1st Dibs.

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Two chairs and an almost tornado

I was welcomed into Baltimore with a tornado alert. Grey skies, wind and rain (this one very welcomed, as my poor neglected garden is fifty shades of brown...).

My first aid kit was to gather some of the chair projects I have on my DIY list.

I got both chairs for $20 at David's. I have a few yards of lovely Kaufman leopard print bought at DeBois, and a lovely green velvet bought at Calico Corner Outlet in Lancaster, PA.

Now my question is the color to paint the chair legs: black or white?

Velvet in the bottom, and leopard print on the top:

The leopard print:

F&F: Fashion Fridays

Dreaming about Fall days:

Source: Brioni Women F/W 2012

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Ca$hmere: a shameless addiction!

Hello, I am a cashmere addict, and I am proud of being it!
I am thrilled that my second pregnancy falls again during the winter months. I am not a sun flower for sure. And even being aware that is quite tough to dress a bump with heavy coats during the very cold days of mid winter in Baltimore, I prefer those days than the very humid and hot days of mid summer!
During my first pregnancy, I hit the sales racks for a bigger sizer than the one I regularly wear. I scouted through my favorite consignment stores (hello there, Redeux and Vogue revisited, both in Roland Park) and found cashmere leggings, shawls, sweaters to my hearts content.
Browsing today through J.Crew website and what did I find? Cashmere for baby...
Is quite difficult to pay the same price of a normal/adult sweater for a small baby one that will only wear for a couple of days/weeks. But its irresistible, isn't?

COLLECTION CASHMERE BABY SWEATER IN SAILOR STRIPE

COLLECTION CASHMERE BABY SWEATER IN ANCHOR

COLLECTION BABY CASHMERE BLANKET IN ANCHOR

Mid week decor cravings

I really consider that the entry hall, entrance of a house, is like a teasing for what you will find in the other spaces.

Some inspiration:

Source: Google

Before & After: The Brutal(ist) change

I have mentioned previously that one my furniture enablers/feeders is the amazing, and fast growing famous, store in Hampden, called David's on the Avenue.
It all started when I rented my tiny apartment, with the best Mount Vernon Place view, I just needed few and small pieces, to receive friends for a drink before going out to the many fantastic restaurants of the area.
At that time I was constantly traveling to Africa, and my roots were pretty loose until my husband, that time still fiancé, and I bought our first house at the Cross Keys Village, and I went from one bedroom to three bedrooms. Fast forward another couple of years and we had seven bedrooms in our hands to fill with more furniture.

When I moved to Roland Park, some furniture was just too small for some spaces, but with a good vision and a coat of paint (I used Gloss White by Rustoleum), and you immediately change that piece!
The original dingy, brown sofa table on the first picture. For a while I had the 2nd photo set up, but the lamps were just too small.
It's located in the landing area of the second floor, between the master bedroom and the nursery.

BEFORE:

MIDWAY:

AFTER:

This brutalist Zodiac mirror is by Original Finesse, a company started in the 60's by two brothers in law. The company was closed in the late 70's. I have two other pieces from them, and is always a piece of conversation as one was bought at David's and the other one through ebay.
You can find two of these mirrors on 1stDibs here.
I paid around $200 for the piece, and I think it was one of the most expensive pieces I got there!