While we wanted the front to be clear of any text to highlight the art (more on that in a minute), Chris wrote a little blurb for the back as a short kind-of-summary of our year. And in case you can’t squint your eyes and read the above, but are still interested in what it says–here’s the write up:
In the spirit of reflection, we’d like to share with you a few things we learned this year. It’s a short list, because we kicked 0’12 off with a pretty stocked metaphorical pantry, but these lessons are worth their weight in rhodium and it would be selfish of us not to share.
1. Focus on the big picture. For example: “Hey there’s an ugly half wall there, and it needs to not be there.” Evaluation over. Permits; electrical wiring; portions of the foundation that stick out uncomfortably far, requiring the ugly half wall to be there in the first place; those are all just details. 20 or so exploratory holes drilled in your ceiling are less important than having recessed lighting. There’s a time for asking questions, and a time for pullin’ the trigger. And once you’ve pulled the trigger the time for asking questions is over anyway, so just go with it.
2. Everyone loves free stuff. Unless of course that “free stuff” is a giant eye sore of a dog house. In that case, the only people who like free stuff live 40 miles away and show up in their girlfriend’s Rav4 only to discover you weren’t kidding when you said the dog house was huge.
3. Potty training and potty trained aren’t the same thing.
In a more serious tone, 2012 was a big year for our little family. Lots of trials, lots of adventures, and lots of blessings. We are grateful every day for the people in our lives, past and present, who have inspired us to be better today than we were yesterday. Thank you for your example and we wish you, and yours, a Merry Christmas.
At the bottom of the text, we gave credit for the illustration on the front to our dear friend, the talented, Lance Fry.
Our wood grain Shaker cabinet fronts were designed for busy, high-traffic homes like ours. Clad with durable textured thermofoils, this line is compatible with Sektion, Akurum, Godmorgon, and Besta cabinets from IKEA. It's the perfect, practical way to add the warmth of wood to all the rooms of your home.
We have teamed up with Loloi to create a line of rugs that are as affordable as they are beautiful. This collection houses a great mix of traditional and modern rugs, in cottage-y colorways, as well as vintage-inspired beauties that you’ll want to roll out in every room.
We partnered with Stuga on a line of hardwood floors — The Ingrid is really livable, and the color is very neutral. It doesn’t lean warm or cool, it’s that just right in-between. We have really loved putting it everywhere in our house. It’s the best jumping-off point for design, no matter your interior style. In addition to being beautiful, Ingrid is really durable — we have three kids, and we always have a home construction project going on. Ingrid stands up to it all.
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Looking for our favorite things? A place to shop our home room by room, or just catch up on what Julia's wearing / loving right now? Browse the CLJ shop.
Befores, afters, mood boards, plans, failures, wins. We’ve done a lot of projects, and they’re all here.
We have a long-standing relationship with DIY, and love rolling our sleeves up and making it happen.
Even when you don’t want to rip down a wall, you can make that space in your home better. Right now.
A reader recently asked me if I’m starting to fully embrace traditional style and whether we still consider our house to be a “modern Colonial” and why. It was a really great question and so timely — I had really just been thinking about my approach to this home and how my style has changed […]
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Welcome to our online community where we've posted home, DIY, style, renovations, and family since '09. Renovating our #cljmoderncottage in Idaho and headed for new adventures in Raleigh, NC. #cljfam #cljtransformations
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Get Around
Make yourself right at home
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Hi! I just found your blog after searching the phrase “couch too big for room” or somethng like that. I’m seriously having a problem right this second with a couch that randomly became too big after my hubs had some friends come over for the Oregon Ducks game. Anyhow. I love love love your honest product review. You too are awesome.
awesome christmas cards! i loove that painting of you three.. so cute.