Guest Bedroom #1

It's so easy to just want to kick back and watch the wildlife from the Florida room window all morning. I'm not sure if this is a heron, crane or egret or both or all three. But I do know that I could sit here all day and neglect my painting chores just to watch these wonderful exotic birds prance around my backyard.

Two things I hope to avoid with our new home, any shade of coral and stainless steel appliances. Coral is everywhere and way overdone in the fashion industry and home decor. I have to see it every place I go. Why should I have to see it in my home? Coral is pretty, but enough is enough.

The stainless steel appliances make a kitchen look cold and abrupt. We've had them now in two different homes. I like silver but only on mirrors and then maybe a few little things here and there. Too much steel overpowers the room. I've got my eye on the newer White Ice appliances. I just need to figure out who sells that line. All of that will come later though. We're on Guest Bedroom #1 right now.

Here's our color palette for this room. I'm keeping with the water type colors. We're shooting for a more whimsical, garden cottage feel. 

We love the sea blue/green ceiling so much in the other guest bedroom that we decided to paint this one a nice soft river blue. Mi Miguel removed the popcorn from all the ceilings leaving the effect that looks great for the beach/seaside look we're trying to achieve.

The ceiling is finished with an inch of the darker blue coming down onto the wall. This will keep the white from showing up between the ceiling and the walls. The walls will be a few shades lighter than the ceiling

I found this dandy at a discount store. I'm still working on it but I think it will look great above the mini chandelier that we found.

I put a rouge like coat over it and will rough it up a bit before Mi Miguel installs this mess of a light fixture I've concocted.

The mini chandelier is in three pieces and painted all different colors to match the fabric colors. This masterpiece will either be incredibly beautiful or incredibly hideous.

This morning I painted the lighter blue along the ceiling/wall edge and around all the outlets, sills and doorways. I'll have all the walls painted by the time Mi Miguel gets home today. Then we can hang that chandelier monstrosity. Once that's done, onward to laying the porcelain tile in this room.

 We took some time this past week to become residents of Florida. Every time I walk by the back of my car I see the words Sunshine State and it makes me smile. 

Last evening we went to a Jazz Night at the Kapok Tree. Yes folks, The Kapok Tree is still around and incredibly beautiful. If you find yourself looking for something relaxing to do head on out and listen to some smooth jazz on Wednesday nights. 

Here are more photos. If I weren't already married, I'd have my wedding here. It's like being in a fairy tale.

Mi Miguel and I met on the island of Crete. So you can imagine what it was like for us to walk through the courtyard.

The home we just bought is the first house that I haven't pulled some element of the neoclassical look into the decor. Now I can just go to the Kapok Tree when I need my neoclassical fix.

You have to make a point of visiting this treasure trove when you come to the St.Petersburg/Clearwater area. It's well worth the stop.

I'm a chandelier fanatic. So you can imagine what this room must have done to me when I entered.

I will never have another wedding. But had I known about this place thirty-one years ago, I would've chosen this as my venue to seal the deal with Mi Miguel.  

I'm telling you, this place is crazy beautiful. Should I ever win the lottery, I'll buy this place and do amazing things with it. I'll have to win like a mega kajillion dollars though.

We will be boat shopping soon. We are so confused on what type of boat to get for this area. Do we want a fishing boat? A pontoon? What is the best boat for this area?