Hello and happy Friday! I’m so pleased that you’ve visited me here because I owe you a huge apology. You see, I’ve been blogging like a mad woman over at Haus Maus today and then PING! (brain light bulb goes on) I realized how I’ve been neglecting YOU over here on decor8. I’m so sorry! I must confess that today has been just super because the furniture for my lonely, sad little hallway arrived and I am super pleased with it. I also have new dining room chairs and a table, all delivered this week as well. My kitchen is in (at least most of it) and installed, and my large vintage kitchen cabinet will arrive on Sunday. It’s wonderful that our apartment here in Germany is ‘on-schedule’ according to the project I laid out before I flew over. I wanted to have all of the furniture ordered and in place by the end of September and so far, so good. I love when the stars and planets line up for once! It’s such a load of stress off of my back to have our place nearly furnished. We leave the third week of December to return back to the states for the winter but we’ll now have October, November, and most of December to decorate and entertain, enjoy Oktoberfest and all of the outdoor markets, you know LIVE in our space without constantly having to shop for things to fill it with. I’m so extremely happy with how it’s coming along. Here is our hallway, it started off with old wallpaper, a bad vintage chandelier, and brown tile floors. Then the floors were installed and the walls repaired and painted (we didn’t do this part, only specified to contractors what we wanted). This is how it looked 6 weeks ago…
And here is where it stands today. Not finished but getting there… Yay!
And I’m so, so pleased. Our apartment only has a hallway, bath, kitchen, living room/dining room, and one bedroom — it’s 60 square meters so not at all large, but who needs a big apartment in the city anyway? We love our place and though we will eventually buy a 3 bedroom apartment (or house) here, a 1 bedroom is perfectly fine for a family of two. Plus we are only here 3-5 months at a time, how much space is really required?
Here is a list of resources from the hallway in case you are interested…
Bench – Esplanade, Hannover (sorry no website)
Cushions (Purple) – Esplanade, Hannover (sorry no website)
Pillow – Orike Muth
Pendant – IKEA
Mirror and Coat Rack – Car Moebel
Tin boxes – Local imports shop in Hannover, Germany
Bear photo on mirror – “Sylvia” by Wren & Chickadee
Painting on top shelf – Mati Rose (Mati McDonough) via Nahcotta Gallery, Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Straw Tote – Red Chair Antiques, Peterborough, New Hampshire
Plant/Pot – IKEA
Notebook on bench: Bubbo-tubbo.
Now I’m thinking of adding some paint or wallpaper to the walls and perhaps putting a few photos or prints on the left wall… And I may be replacing the pendant with something more decorative (I have this one in mind, or perhaps a lantern), we’ll see… But considering that this room was empty a few hours ago, I’m pleased with the flash decorating job I’ve done here today, ha ha! See what you can accomplish in a short period of time? Just scare the neighbors by drilling holes into the walls, blasting Hed Kandi, and sliding furniture around and viola! You can also have an insta-hallway like mine.
One little feature I love that I didn’t plan: I like that I can make the hallway look more in tune with the seasons by simply removing the bench cushions and adding plants, etc. in the warmer months. It’s a really simple change. Laying all of the cushions across the bench in the Fall/Winter warms up the space and also makes the bench look less summer-y.
I can’t wait now to finish the hallway and move onto the kitchen! It’s fun starting from scratch in a new place… Do you have any home projects that you’d like to tackle this weekend? Tonight is date night (with Tee) and it’s nearly 6pm here so I’m signing off for the weekend… But I’ll meet you make here on Monday. See you soon!
(images from holly becker for decor8)
September 26th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Thanks so much for sharing – it’s been great seeing the evolution and interior of your place! I *love* the tin boxes and really hope that someone has caught on and is selling on etsy/ebay so I can get my hands on them too! Maybe you can start a side business and bring some back with you to the States!
September 26th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Oh, it’s beautiful! The tin boxes are gorgeous, I love the Orike Muth pillow and the purple pillows, and all the accessories work SO well. Oh, and let’s not forget that scarf…do tell where you got that, please??!! Thanks for sharing Holly!
Lizas last blog post: Auction Goodies
September 26th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
What a beautiful hallway. I think hallways are some of the more difficult rooms to tackle, especially when it comes to lighting and function. I love your color palette (and the pops of color are delicious!) and that light makes a huge difference.
nicholes last blog post: Try to Resist It
September 26th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
I am loving the purple it is warm and inviting, perfect for a front hallway! The small metal tins are just a nice addition of texture. Go for the lantern, it is the perfect tie in! Congrats it coming together wonderfully, thanks for sharing!
julieanns last blog post: Colors stuck in my mind
September 26th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
love the purple mixed with the pale apple green!
Luphias last blog post: Vintage Friday: Paul and Joe Beaute
September 26th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
your hallway is adorable!!! wow i can’t believe you put all that together in a couple hours! i love the entry furniture, especially in that gray paint! i would really like to get something like for our entry when money allows. its good to hear everything is falling into place for you guys!
this weekend we are rearranging our living room, we just moved about a month ago, and have gotten most of the furniture… but everythings neutral. so this weekend we are rearranging because i don’t like how we have had it set up, then hanging some shelves and hopefully ill find some pieces in COLOR to add to the room. I’d like to do this over time, but i can’t stand that everything is just white, beige, and brown so i need to inject a little color asap!
the problem is i cannot decide which colors to add :( i’m great at helping my friends and family with decorating, but when it comes to my own home i’m a spaz. i change my mind so often, and i like almost every color, that i’m having a hard time deciding what i want- and what i’ll like for a while.
any tips for that holly? (or anyone else?) our sofas are chocolate brown (i thought it would help hid stains) and our furniture is either dark wood or white in the living room.
September 26th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
The hallway looks FANTASTIC!! I love all the details you’ve added; it really makes the place feel welcoming – which is exactly what you want people to feel when they enter your home. I especially love those purple cushions on the bench… what a sweet touch! I can’t wait to see more :)
Meghans last blog post: have a great weekend!
September 26th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Gorgeous! I popped onto haus maus earlier today but didn’t see the bench and cushions. I love the legs on the bench – nice detail.
Dianas last blog post: The Photography Files
September 26th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Super cute! You have inspired me. I live in a loft that has a VERY long hallway that I was completely stumped on what to do with. Narrow bench might just be what’s missing.
Enjoy your date night! : )
Rays last blog post: So I am seriously not usually this negative…I think…
September 26th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
This weekend I have plenty of home projects lined up, fall has officially arrived and so off I go:
-Disassemble all deck furnishings and move into storage shed
-Fall cleaning of guest room
-Paint kitchen (I love the new color and can’t wait to do before/after pictures)
-Fall cleaning of my closet – time to pull out the sweaters and boots and put away the plethora of tank tops
If only I could leave work early today to get started!
Great job on the hallway Holly, as I commented over at Haus Maus, it really looks lovely!
Carries last blog post: master bathroom…
September 26th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Your hallway is so cute!
I only have something like a small lobby. I’ve been wanting to buy the Cutter furniture series from Skagerak Denmark, wich has a lovely stuff for hallways; but they’re too expensive to bring over to Mexico :(
The company I work in sells them, but the price increases 400%, I cannot afford that, so I stick to dreaming and smelling the teak when those things arrive in the store.
I hope I can send pics when I’m done with my little lobby-entrance-onemorestepandyoureoutsidetheappartment, ha!.
September 26th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
P.S. what i loved the most of your hallway: the little tin boxes!
And the little plant makes a beautiful contrast. Brings a little geen in.
September 26th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Holly – what great progress! It looks lovely. The gray/taupe color of the mirror and hall tree is beautiful, and it looks great with the silver accents and colorful stack of books. Can’t wait to see a full “house tour” when you’re all set up!
As for weekend projects – I’m hoping to explore the Georgetown flea market (in DC) and put a final coat of paint on my night-stands, which have been a multi-weekend task.
Keep us posted on your progress.
September 26th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
That’s so awesome that you have Mati’s painting in your hallway!!! I’m actually meeting up with her for dinner tonight. How’s that for synergy?!
September 26th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
It’s funny that so many people (even via email) are asking me about my scarf. They are a dime a dozen here, I mean you can find them everywhere. It’s been this way for several years now. I purchased mine from a farmers’ market that I went to last Wednesday around the corner from my apartment. This wonderful Persian man has the best jewelry and stuff. It was 15- Euro and is huge.
Between the tin boxes and the scarf perhaps I need to open a little Etsy shop! :) Sell all the treasures I find here. If only we had more hours in a single day, huh!?
xo
Holly
September 26th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
oh wow, that mirror is gorgeous!! it all works so well together. as for me, this weekend, no projects, just need our offer approved on a house and THEN the projects begin!! have a great weekend.
September 26th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Love the gray and lilac color combo! Pretty!
September 26th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Yes, an etsy store! Import, Import!!! Darn, I love that scarf. It looks like it could even be a good throw over the arm of a couch or something… Oh well, wear it proudly and happily (especially when you come back to the States). I’m sure it is beautiful on you!
Lizas last blog post: Auction Goodies
September 26th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Liza you are too cute. :) And it’s funny what you said because just last week I had it arranged over the arm of my sofa as a ‘faux’ throw. It’s a very versatile piece. But today it became quite chilly so the throw became my scarf again. he he.
September 26th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
It looks lovely!!! I love the Orike Muth pillow!
simplygroves last blog post: Blissful Images
September 26th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
where did you get that awesome hand bag from?
September 26th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Stephaine,
The bag was purchased in Hannover at a shop called Gisy (http://www.schuhfinder.de) the brand of the bag is Liebeskind Berlin… That’s all I know. It was 200-Euro but worth it, the leather is amazing, the construction is great, I’ll have it for years.
Holly
September 26th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Oh, just beautiful, beautiful, beautiful Holly! I love the grey tones(because as I may have said, I am obsessed with grey these days) and everything looks so cheerful and neat and scrumptious! Thank you for sharing it with us!
xo
Melissa
Melissa de la Fuentes last blog post: Ellie
September 26th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
This is lovely!
Lovesfools last blog post: Little I love you
September 26th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
oh to have the space to have a bench at the door…i think i would probably just drop it there everyday for at least a good twenty minutes and just rest..
lovely…
Goodys last blog post: ok one last..
September 26th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
You certainly don’t need more than that for a family of 2. We’re 2 (we’re a 50% german family, ha!) and our 65 sq meter apartment feels like more than enough. I sometimes dream of a bigger bedroom (we have 2 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, so they take up space) but we’re perfectly fine. And we’d be even better if our hallway looked half as good as yours.
Gracias last blog post: Our Quirks
September 26th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Holly, I have nothing BUT home projects on the agenda this weekend! I had been planning to get a bunch of stuff done in the garden, but it’s going to pour until Monday, so it’s looking like I’ll be indoors instead.
Today I refinished BOTH of my Danish armchairs AND my coffee table! I’ve been putting those tasks off for over a year, and it feels SO GOOD to finally have it done.
Tomorrow we’re going to finish putting beadboard up in our pantry, install new shelving, and paint all of it. On Sunday, I’m going to finish repairing a couple of super-drafty windows in the room we’re hoping to make into our winter bedroom.
HOPEFULLY, we’ll also get a chance to do a little scavenger-hunting, too. :)
Anna @ D16s last blog post: Oh, we need a weekend.
September 26th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
at the moment i am listening to the debate as i tackle the studio layout.
still looking for the artist flow!
kellys last blog post: a thursday and a wedding
September 27th, 2008 at 12:38 am
What a tremendous difference!!! I really like the silver accents you have underneath the bench — it is a spark of unexpected indulgence. You have created a perfect canvas that can change easily with the seasons and holidays, and I love its current incarnation of purple inspiration / obsession :)
Grace@PoeticHomes last blog post: The weekend to create
September 27th, 2008 at 12:59 am
You’ve had this new website up for a while now, but I’m just now discovering all the new features, like quick links and favorite 8… how cool! love it!
Alicias last blog post: things I love: new favorite blogs
September 27th, 2008 at 4:25 am
It looks perfect! Everything looks like it belongs there…
(oh, and thanks for posting again something about decor8ing (with furniture and stuff this time =) )
Hugs!
September 27th, 2008 at 9:08 am
Holly!
It is gorgeous. i absolutely love it :)
September 27th, 2008 at 9:44 am
I think a hallway can be one of the hardest parts of the house to decorate – especially when its small and narrow like your but this is fabulous! Well done!
missmilkis last blog post: Art School Made Me Do This
September 27th, 2008 at 10:20 am
hi holly, i love how your new hallway looks and how nice it was to hear about your german visitors. i know there are many wire picture postcard holders around. I was just browsing this english website called lavender-room.co.uk and came across a magnetic board with a difference as it also comes with frames of various shapes, i think the overall effect is lovely and certainly a fresh idea on a pinboard. here’s the link to the exact page,it comes in 2 sizes beige or black. love kat
http://www.lavender-room.co.uk/shop/customer/product.php?productid=16574&cat=256&page=1
Kats last blog post: To a Friend
September 27th, 2008 at 11:06 am
ahhhh its perfect! i especially like your mirror and coat hanger!
Tasneems last blog post: Bills Food – Azreen Style
September 27th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
This looks really nice. I love the purple textiles.
Regards,
Karin
Ellas Inspirations last blog post: F?r det lov att vara en Dalah?st?
September 27th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
I love the large mirror — a great scale, and useful, too! Also the silver boxes and the colour palette. Greys and berry tones — lovely!
September 27th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
I love it all. I must have those silver boxes…if anyone comes across anything simililar on-line, please post a link.
September 27th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Your apartment is looking so wonderful. Don’t you want to jet down to Munich and redecorate my apartment too :)
Stephanies last blog post: sarah ahearn : artists who blog
September 27th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
I love the mirror and coat rack; the shade of grey is lovely!
There’s always a never-ending list of home projects to tackle, but since I enjoy them, I can’t imagine it being any other way! Even if I accomplished all the tasks on my list, there would certainly be new ones waiting to be added :)
Courtneys last blog post: Sew Lovely
September 27th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
What a great combination, Holly !!!
I couldnt imagine that gray and purple it looks so good !!! And the little colourfull details :pilows from orike muth and coushion, the tin boxes, the little paint, of course the georgeous scarf, and a little detail on your beautyfull bag, your keyhanger( sorry, i didnt know the right name in english!!!) is from luzia pimpenella isnt ?
The best of all: few hours decorating and great results !!!
Ohh i also would like to finish my home project so we could start decorating, but:
*i have to finish panting the doors (almost 12 and 2 is already finish!!)
* the floorborder of all rooms
*at last the hallway and some wall of others rooms
And then i can beginn with decoration the best part of all. And i have so many ideas and i cant wait anymore to put all them in practice, but i have to e patience !!!
Go ahead holly and have more pleasure and fun !!!!
bests
mangarosa berlin
September 27th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
I love the painted wood colors. Can’t wait to see if you do add wallpaper or paint! I finished cleaning my oldest son’s room as he left for university. Now, I just have to paint. Ug.
September 27th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
I LOVE those tin boxes and the purple cushions!!!! Lovely Holly!
September 28th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
I just love the gray painted furniture. Especially the hall tree….at least that’s what my Mother always called racks like the one you have closest to your door!
Jennis last blog post: Mini Magnets and Prints
September 28th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Ooh, the hallway looks lovely! I adore how organised it is. Can’t wait till we have our own place and can decorate to our hearts’ content.
Andreas last blog post: Daylight savings
September 28th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
The coat rack store is KILLING ME. I’m in love with everything there. Why is there nothing like that here in the states?
September 29th, 2008 at 8:28 am
Looks absolutely gorgeous!
Arctidas last blog post: Front page, baby!
September 29th, 2008 at 8:43 am
I had BIG plans for this weekend. Unfortunately, with no hubby home and three kids under four I didn’t get very far. Of course, that could also have had to do with the THREE trips to Babies R Us trying to find the right sized/configured gate.
The plan is to block off one entire end of our mostly-finished basement and turn it into toy-land so that the other end can be craft-land and the Mom and the kids can happily co-exist down there all winter long. Now if only I knew where the battery for the power-drill was I could install that gate and move on with the project! Where’s that hubby when I need him?
Nancys last blog post: Crazy, Peaceful Sunday
September 29th, 2008 at 11:39 am
our downtown loft is about the same size as yours (we also love living here) – it’s great to see this kind of design/organizing for small spaces… thanks! :)
September 29th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
So fabulous. I love the gray and purple combinations. I wish my house had a hall to decorate so fabulously. It just goes from room to room. My weekend project was a garage sale. I had to clean out the house so that I can start redecorating and renovating our home, and it never hurts to make some money in the process.
Heidis last blog post: these are a few of my FAVORITE THINGS
September 29th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
looks fab. I love the colors you used.
tracy ks last blog post: what does this city have to offer me?
September 30th, 2008 at 7:59 am
I’m just painting my flat and you give us lot of good ideas !!
Thank you for the adresses too !
zazas last blog post: Allergiques aux chats s’abstenir!