The Dining Room Ceiling

For a long time we've been thinking of doing something interesting in the dining room.  All the paneling on the walls is very cool, but it's all Ivory Tusk, so the only splashes of color and interest are the window treatments and knick-knacks.

One idea I threw out was to cover the ceiling in gold leaf.  I'm not sure exactly where I've seen it before, but I thought it would be interesting and reflect a lot of light throughout the room while still giving it a warm glow.

The artist that did the entry ceiling came back last week and did the dining room as well.

It is a mixture of silver and gold which is really interesting and is much "softer" than a monochrome gold would be.

The room is less stark and now has a much warmer feel to it.  It also feels much cozier, even for a big room.

I had to touch up some of the crown where her tape pulled the paint off, so it's a good thing I saved the old cans.  The paint was all dried up but I was able to get back to the correct store and get them to match the paint exactly.

The Front Entry

There were several projects underway in the run up to the tour.

One that I was not responsible for was the front entry's ceiling.  The heavy lifting was done by an artist.

All I had to do was remove and re-install the light fixture several times.

The first time I forgot that this light is on a 3-way switch.  That meant I shocked myself several times before I figured out why the wires were still hot.

I'm apparently a slow learner.

The Cass Gilbert Experience - Postscript

Saturday's tour went well.  There were about 25 people on the tour.  We received a lot of very nice compliments and feedback.  The group had quite a few questions.  Fortunately no one was able to "stump the band".

One popular question was who our florist was and where the flowers came from.

The answer is SWMBO and the Saint Paul Farmers Market...

Master Bath - Part 11

It's been a busy few weeks so I apologize for not posting.

We installed this chandelier over the weekend.

Yes, there's a chandelier in the master bathroom.

I need say nothing more than...

SWMBO.

Eventually the claw foot tub will be located directly underneath.  Of course, I used a dimmer switch so she can dim the lights and soak.

The chandelier was a "inherited" from her aunt and uncle.  It used to be in their dining room.  After they both passed, none of the cousins had a use for or wanted it, so they gave it to us.  Once we figured out the plan for the "master suite", we knew right where it would end up.

And it looks fabulous even if I say so myself.

The Cass Gilbert Experience

A reminder that a handful of spots are still available for The Cass Gilbert Experience tour this Saturday August 15.  Proceeds go to the MN Historical Society.

In addition to our house, the tour also includes the Pioneer Endicott building.  A very interesting structure designed by Cass Gilbert and home to his Saint Paul office for a period.