August 28, 2016

The Search for the Perfect Sofa

August 28, 2016/ Ashley Palmer

When we quit our jobs and bought a vintage furniture shop, we knew our lives were going to get weird. As in, a lot less stability and money, but a lot more fun and flexibility. Plus, we soon realized there were strange perks that came with this small business life. One of the perks is getting to wear workout clothes as often as we want. Another (more relevant) one is getting to swap out the furniture in our homes on a whim. This perk is perfect for me as I am a self-admitted chronic re-arranger.

August 07, 2016

Risks and Rewards of Bold Wall Colors: Palmer's Green Nook

August 07, 2016/ Ashley Palmer

I'm not afraid of color. In our first home, we had a bright red dining room, and I loved it. I loved it not only because it took four coats to get it that red, but because it was beautiful.

That said, when we moved into our new home I felt the need to switch it up a bit and try my hand at neutrals.

After painting the living/dining area a very light gray (almost white), I turned my attention to the breakfast nook. The nook is part of the kitchen, but also connects to the living/dining area through doors and a large pass-through. Thus, the nook paint color would affect the entire space. What to do, what to do.

July 03, 2016

Easy Kitchen Update: Removing Palmer's Dated Upper Cabinet Doors

July 03, 2016/ Ashley Palmer

I love many things about our 1953 ranch home, but the kitchen isn't one of them. Aside from a couple appliances and the faucet, this room hasn't changed since Elvis topped the charts. I know it could be way worse, but c'mon. Look at that vent hood.

Although my husband and I have been toying with the idea of renovating this space, we haven't quite committed. In the meantime, we've began to make small improvements like removing the giant spotlight that used to hang above the sink and selecting new hardware for the cabinets.

June 12, 2016

Chronic Home Rearranger

June 12, 2016/ Ashley Daly

I bet many of you are like me: a chronic re-arranger. Or maybe you are, but don't yet realize it. Read on.

You know how it feels so good to take down your holiday decorations? Yeah, I know that feeling big time. After they are all packed away in boxes in the attic, I usually just sit and happily stare at my naked home for a while. I've missed you; you look so beautiful and different, I think.

April 25, 2016

Holding On & Moving On: Rustic Modern Dining Room

April 25, 2016/ Retro Den Vintage Home Store and Design

Our move last year gave me the motivation and inspiration to go for a more rustic modern look in our home. My excitement to start anew is evidenced by the fact that the living room in the new house looks nothing like my previous living room. It's a completely new space. However, upon reflection, the dining room is a different story.

To my surprise, my new dining room is like the rustic modern sister of the old one. When I took a step back, I realized this familial resemblance is because I both held on and moved on when it came to the dining room. Specifically, I held on to core elements and moved on with the rest.