The Bungalow, Part II

We are truly blessed to have the means to set a pretty table and invite our friends to join us for good food and fellowship.  As the harvest season approaches I am mindful that many are not so fortunate.  My daughter has a passion for the work of the Food Bank.  As a singer-songwriter, she has written and recorded a song that is the anthem for the world wide Crop Hunger Walk project.  Her song, "Raise Your Voice" is featured in their video.  I've included a link in the side margin of my blog.  I hope that it will encourage you to support projects in your community that contribute to the effort to overcome hunger. 



Last week, I gave you a peek at the changes that are taking place in my precious daughter, KC's and son-in-love, David's new home...a small bungalow in one of our city's historic preservation neighborhoods.

We started with the dining room which went from...

this...

to this.

This week, I want to give you a peek at the living room.  Although it is still a work in progress, with three chairs to be recovered, there are still some delightful things for you to see.  Come on in and make yourself at home.

Nana's 1920's hand carved couch has to be one of the most comfortable sofa's that I've ever known.  The down filled cushions take a good measure of plumping, but KC never seems to mind.  She has always adored her great-grandmother's couch.  Tip:  We found the Scalamandre cotton velvet on eBay for $10.00 per yard.  I always check out the internet when I'm shopping for fabric.  Fabric houses that would normally be totally out of my budget suddenly become affordable.  The vintage 1920's wedding ring quilt folded on the arm of the sofa and the Persian carpet were also Nana's.  The coffee table is actually an antique "Cook Box."  What is a Cook Box, you ask?  At the turn of the 20th century, household help worked seven days a week.  However, on Sundays, they were able to take an evening for themselves.  The cook box was probably the forerunner of the crock pot.  Once the lid is opened, you will find two round tin built-in containers into which two covered crockery bowls would be placed.  Closed inside the tin configuration is some sort of insulation that would provide heat.  The cook could prepare the family's evening meal earlier in the day and place it in the cook box to keep it warm.  Later in the evening, the family would open the box and serve themselves (heaven forbid) their Sunday dinner.  The cook box was also useful for picnics.  It would be placed in the back of the buckboard wagon and carried to a chosen location...the first tailgate equipment!  Sweet Mr. bought this for a lake house that we had years ago.  I'm thrilled that KC wanted to use it.

David brought the print of Klimt's "The Kiss" to KC as a gift before they were married.  Right now it is camouflaging an ugly old window unit that is scheduled to be removed, now that the house has central heat and air.  The slipper chair was a $35.00 flea market find.  It is awaiting a trip to the upholsterer's along with the two rust colored easy chairs.  The green armoire was a great get...$150.00 on clearance at Hobby Lobby.  I was initially a bit doubtful about its quality, but it has successfully made five moves and is still in great condition.  It's given me a new attitude toward furniture from Hobby Lobby.

The beamed ceiling is one of the most charming features of this little bungalow.  The light fixture is original, and KC chose to keep it.  In the corner you can spy an old barrister's book case that belonged to Nana.  I studied piano on that piano from the time that I was in the second grade until I graduated from the university.  I am thrilled that now KC writes some of  her music while sitting at the keyboard.  Through the doorway, you can catch a glimpse of next week's tour, the kitchen.

That's the tour...take off your shoes and curl up on the sofa; we'll chat for a bit.  Hope to see you next week when we explore the kitchen.  We're looking forward to your visit!

You can check out KC's music at www.kcclifford.com, on iTunes, and on YouTube.  I hope that you'll take a few minutes and give her a listen.  Her latest CD is called "Orchid."

I am linking to Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for her weekly meme, Metamorphosis Monday.  On Sunday evening click the button below to link to all the wonderful bloggers who are participating in Susan's party this week.  Thank you, Susan, for providing this marvelous forum.