Interior Design - Heidi's Home Tours - Tanya's Venice Beach House

I have had an idea brewing in my head for awhile now. The idea of doing photo home tours of my friends homes. I know we all love to look at amazing homes in magazines...homes that have been styled by professional designers...homes we could never afford. But, I thought we would also enjoy looking at homes of women just like ourselves. Women, who can't afford professional designers and still manage to make their home look amazing with creative "Do It Yourself" projects and eclectic thrift store finds coupled with department store purchases. And, let's not forget the treasures picked up from travels abroad or things saved from times in our life we want to remember.
I thought it would be nice to see how people make it work in small spaces, with children...we ALL know how challenging that can be, whether we are experiencing it now, or in a past life!
So, my first tour is going to be my beautiful friend, Tanya's home. She and I have known each other for over 25 years. We love each other, fight like sisters - with no need to make up afterwards - we know we still feel the love! We have been through good times and bad together and even though we are very different, we somehow still find a way to be the best of friends. I hope all of you have a friend like that!
Tanya's home is a small, two bedroom, beach bungalow located in Venice Beach, California, which I visited about a month ago. The home was built in the 1920's, has original hardwood floors, great built ins, and tons of quaint details that homes today often lack.
I'm so excited to share all the photos with you! Enjoy! (And, P.S. This post isn't quite finished...so check back for a few more photos and many more comments!)

Let's start in the living room.

I love the way Tanya has utilized all of her space. Notice the big brown wardrobe against the back wall? Well, you'd never guess, but it houses all of Tanya's amazing clothing, which she showcases on her blog November Grey.


Inside view(Sorry, photo is a bit blurry):

You would never even have known it, would you? Stylish, beautiful, and very utilitarian at the same time.


And, look at this chair? Chic, right? It is a hand me down from Tanya's mother, who found it via thrift. What a lucky find! That is the original upholstery, no less.




The couch. Notice, the antler lamp to the left. It was spray painted white and glued to the lamp post.



The painting hanging above the couch was painted by Tanya herself. What a great way to cover a large space. If you can't afford to buy an original work of art - make your own! This is a perfect idea, if you have some sort of artistic ability. If you are a little challenged in this area...ask a friend to help! (Good thing Tanya is my friend!)



The painting near the front door was a work by a local artist and Tanya...they painted it together.



The view from the living room looking into the dining room.



Look at the fun built ins this house has! I wish builder's today put more priority into the little details of homes. Is that leaded glass on the buffet built in?

Also, notice how Tanya used shelves high on her kitchen and laundry room walls to store things. I love all her neatly, organized boxes. Not only do they look cool, but they are a great way to stay organized.






I really feel the beauty of old homes is in the details. I mean, just look at how beautiful these door handles are! All the doors have the original hardware, or replaced hardware that was salvaged from places of the same era. Some have been painted over throughout the years, but I bet underneath it all they still have that fantastic bronze finish.




The Kitchen.

This sign was a wedding gift from Tanya's mother - a personalized sign that is a work of art! The stove looks original - what a cool look!






The bathroom.

I love the high shelves! Such a great way to create storage space where there otherwise seems to be none.






This piece was created by Tanya's husband, Rick's, grandmother in the 1970's. What a great way to keep her memory alive!




The bedroom.



















Tanya described this photo so well, that I'm just going to quote her.
"These two objects perfectly embody the marriage of our lifestyle together. The hubs, a once wondering hippie who trekked through Europe back-pack style, climbed mountain tops to "find himself" and collected a series of Buddha's along the way... And me, ever the romantic and vintage collector, stumbled upon this antique baby carriage from France on a ritualistic thrift shop and smile every time I see these two pieces together on our dresser top."




A painting of Tanya and Rick, hanging in their bedroom. Fabulous!







I actually didn't get any photos of Tanya's entire bedroom, since the bed was stripped for washing when I was taking photos. So, Tanya, kindly took these photos and sent them to me.



Don't you just love her darling pillowcases! So, unique!






And, lying on Tanya's bed was her current read!



The Details.

Tanya's little girl has a habit of picking flowers for her Mommy while she is on walk with Daddy. So, Tanya puts them in the kitchen window in glasses that belonged to her Mother in Law. So, sweet!




This mirror was a yard sale find that had traveled between Tanya's mother and sisters and finally found it's way to her. It was originally olive green and she painted it white. She loves the contrast with her Tiffany blue walls.



Another quote from Tanya, "This salvaged, vintage hutch was a purchase many, many years ago. It has seen me through my single years as a wardrobe for lacy underthings, with roommates as a storage space for cheap wine glasses (and even cheaper wine), and currently as a bookshelf for my most cherished reads."



Another plus of living in a 1920's era home is the hard wood flooring. I love how warm, and weathered it looks. Perfect.






I am in love with these last two photos. Not sure why, but they seem to speak to me. Look at the great details of this door! I mean, really, do homes that are built today have this much character? I think, not.




The lady, herself: Tanya. Thank you, Tanya for letting us take a peek into your home and your life!

Historic Homes Tour - Ogden, Utah

Ogden is not a city you think of when you think of amazing architecture. Although, Ogden was one of the great boom towns created by the the railroad, with many wealthy citizens, the city had gone into decline in the recent past. And, news reports of crime seem to override any opinion to the contrary.
The current Mayor has been working hard to change the negative opinions of Ogden and trying to attract more community minded residents, who want to bring Ogden back to the wonderful city it once was.
Ogden has always had a special place in my heart since it is the town where my Great grandparents, grandparents, and parents grew up. I have fond childhood memories of Ogden, and have been sadden by the obvious decline of the city.
I have always enjoyed the beautiful homes that Ogden has to offer. I really feel Ogden's architecture is a lesser known gem worth spotlight. And, because of Ogden's reputation the homes can be purchased for so much less than other towns in Utah...same quality homes, thousands of dollars less.
Many people have taken advantages of these lower prices and incentives offered by the city, and bought homes that they have been tirelessly renovating. Because, of these efforts, Ogden is beginning to change. And, I believe that in the future years Ogden will be one of the best places to live in the state of Utah.
On a recent trip to the city for a photo shoot, I decided to take some photos of some of my favorite homes. I hadn't intended to share them with anyone...just for me..for inspiration, and so, therefore used my simple point and shoot camera. So, please excuse the lesser quality of photos. But, I believe you can still see the beauty and diversity of the architecture in Ogden. Victorian, Craftsman, Prairie style homes...you name it, Ogden has it! And, keep in mind...these photos were taken on just a few select streets in Ogden. There are so many more and I plan to showcase others in the future, so keep checking back!
I hope you find some inspiration here!

Things to do in Salt Lake City, Utah - Belgian Waffles and Frites

Ok. For starters, let it be known that I am not a "breakfast person." Not really, anyway. And, growing up I hated pancakes. Waffles were okay, but nothing spectacular.
That being said, I have changed my ways.
I mentioned the Belgium, gem of a place called Bruges Waffles and Frites in my last post, having been treated to its yummy treats by a good friend after shooting her photos a few weekends ago. (I have even taken friends there since then.) And, I promised a post on it. So here is the down low.
The place is so small that you might not even take notice of it, in fact, I'm pretty sure I'm guilty of doing exactly that. I know I have been nearby many times before and never noticed it, because it's basically next to the parking lot of another of my favorites, Tony Caputos(very authentic Italian sandwiches, in case you were wondering).
Although, the place is small and the placement of the building makes me think that sometime ago it was actually a parking garage ticket taker booth, the food is amazing!
They have a simple menu: Belgian Frites/Fries (three HUGE sizes), Gaufre Waffles with many toppings to choose from, The Machine Gun Sandwich(will explain later),and last time my friend got some sort of soup, but I don't remember what it was. Basically, that is it.



The frites are delicious and super filling. If you pair them with a waffle - you have a meal. Seriously. The waffles tasted more like a desert or a treat to me, and were super rich, so eat them AFTER the frites. And, the Machine Gun Sandwich is a meal for two, or so I've heard. It's a sausage sandwich served on a baguette roll, fries on top drenched in one of Bruges famous frite sauces. They have TONS of different types of dipping sauces for the frites. View all menu choices here on their website.
Cost: Expect to pay $5.00 plus for a waffle depending on how many toppings you want.
The frites start around $3.00 and go up to $8.00. Share them with a friend. The medium is PLENTY for two.
DONT, expect to get a seat inside the building. There is a small bar/table with about four or five seats, but good luck finding an open seat. Outside there are cute little patio tables and chairs, but those can fill up fast, too.
And, as we heard one worker say(in a thick accent) to a couple of guys waiting (an extra long time)for their food,"It isn't McDonalds, but at least you got your food!" It was hilarious!
DO expect to have a very good meal! The owner Pierre Vandamme, is very funny, so expect entertainment, too. The perfect "date" place for something different and a bit of an adventure! So, the next time you are looking for an eclectic, yummy, treat try:

Bruges Waffles and Frites
336 West Broadway
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
(801) 363-4444
www.brugeswaffles.com

Disclosure: No, they are not paying me for this post! And, NO, I have never been to Belgium, so I don't know if they are really authentic or not...I just know they are super, super yummy!