We’ve moved into a furnished rental while we are
looking for a place to buy in Mammoth, California.
Although we have to live with much of the owner’s
existing furniture, I added some of our own…
and moved some furniture to the beach house
(more on that later).
“Before”
Yes, I DETEST the reddish stained wood. Sigh.
Trying to ignore it.
A lamp that we already had adds some ambience
in the kitchen, especially at night.
This is “before” we put the air conditioning unit and
chest in the guest bedroom.
chest in the guest bedroom.
Look how bad the sofa was…
The owner allowed us to give it away.
This is “after” we added our slipcovered chairs, lamps and Wisteria industrial coffee table.
With the exception of the grey IKEA sofa,
these were things we already owned.
With the exception of the grey IKEA sofa,
these were things we already owned.
This linen pillow is also from West Elm and helps to soften the FIRM sofa bed. At the store, when I tried the mattress out…I thought “not bad” and then I sat on the Ektorp sofa and thought “okay.” BUT stupidly I did not try one with the bed inside (there wasn’t one on the floor that way)! It makes the seat much firmer. Oh well, it’s not that bad.
The “before” of the table and chairs that have to stay…
I am NOT crazy about them…
and the frozen tree art was depressing
I am NOT crazy about them…
and the frozen tree art was depressing
Placemats the color of the stone fireplace are in an attempt to camouflage the table. I still see it 🙁
Next to the fireplace, I placed
our huge wooden bowl and our oversized Pottery Barn clock.
Guess what is in the bowl?
our huge wooden bowl and our oversized Pottery Barn clock.
Guess what is in the bowl?
Memories! Old and new photographs and
invitations to parties we’ve given.
Let’s skip the bedrooms and bathrooms…how much red wood and bad furniture can you handle? But the good thing is this cosy condo is in the Village surrounded by shops and restaurants. There is a gym, pool, hot tubs and gondola to the slopes. Fun!
Speaking of FUN…
Last weekend, there was live music
and wine tasting under the pine trees and stars.
There were lots of great bands and the
headliner this year was
Kenny Loggins.
We were able to meet him after the show…
(he’s in the flannel shirt).
(he’s in the flannel shirt).
We were feelin’ Footloose.
There is a funny photo of me bear hugging Kenny on
Participating in
Party Time @ It’s So Very Cheri
Motivate Me Monday @ Keeping It Simple
Custom Industrial Lighting says
WOW !! What a amazing lighting design and wonderful lamps ! Thanks author for your helpful post and outstanding article. Really I got effective information here about Lighting.
Edison bulb table lamp
arrielle_p says
Everything is gorgeous – your place is so stunning. Everything looks so beautiful and cozy also. It would have nice to visit your place! 🙂
Philippines properties for sale
Jeffery @ union square inn New York says
Spectacular pictures! They have a rustic side to them but you definitely can't resist it's charm.
Nothing less then a luxurious hotel.
Barren @ Chelsea condominiums says
Love the interiors, they just seem to be really amazing and classy, its great to have apartments.
Anonymous says
What type of kitchen would you like to see in this house?
http://www.formvote.com/discuss.php?postid=523065058591320
LA VIE EN ROSE says
You've transformed the place already and made it lovely and homey!! I'm just catching up with your blog and have to read back over some post I missed – I didn't know you were moving! How exciting! Good luck with your house hunting – hope you find the home of your dreams!!
Sharon
xxxx
Chic Coastal Living says
The rental looks great with your stylish touches! I can't wait to see your new home! I love the mountains! XO
Barbara Bussey {The Treasured Home} says
You've done a great job of making this place "home"! I love the idea of photos and party invitations in the bowl to browse through. Great memories! Good luck on finding your new place at Mammoth. This is probably a great time to be buying!
Ann @ The Scrapbooking Housewife says
You did a wonderful job of making it your own and turning it into a home!! 🙂 Love the two chairs and couch!
Holly says
Way to make it your own Mary Ann – our favorite music to play for Sheila at bedtime is the Kenny Loggins "Return to Pooh Corner" CD. It's incredibly soothing and I've given the CD as gifts in the past too to expectant moms.
Nancy says
Hi Mary Ann! This is a great post since so many people are in homes where they can't change things either because it's a rental or they can't afford to. You've shown so many great ideas on how to work with what you have and how to make better – love the new art arrangement in the dining room, and moving that lamp into the kitchen. Such simple ideas that make such a huge difference!
Sounds like you had an amazing time at the Mammoth Festival!!!
Lydia says
You make me want to rent my house out):-
Carrie @ Hazardous Design says
Only you would decorate a temporary rental 🙂
It must have been bad, bad, bad! Love the upgrades you made.
SavannahGranny says
Hey, Use this opportunity to kick back and relax. Dust only when necessary and only your things. LOL! We rented a house for a year while ours was being built. I loved it. That was the most relaxed in years. Enjoy, Blessings, Ginger
l o v e l y t h i n g s says
I agree…your Ikea sofa looks like a million bucks. I love the "Mary Ann" touches. I'm still laughing about the frozen tree art!
xo
annie
The Pink Pagoda says
You've got it looking great! Fantastic job!
Debra says
I think you did a great job making it a little more likable…the difference in the dining area, and yikes that couch. Glad the owner let you say goodbye to that!!
Cote de Texas says
wow – you did a great job and that ikea sofa looks like a million dollars!!!! why not get a tablecloth for the table? skirt it? or make slips for the chairs? it would take the edge of the wood color. i cant believe how much different the living room looks! you did a great job. even if i still have no idea what a mammoth is!!! haha.
Bethany [at] Powell Brower Home says
looks just WONDERFUL – great job! i wanna be this cozy 🙂
Jessie says
I love how your freshen and update this rental home. You did a wonderful job making this rental feels cozy and beautiful! The artwork, clock, new sofa and your white chairs are fabulous additions.
P/S: Come by and enter my newest giveaway for a chance to win a copy of "Good Bones, Great Pieces" if you like, Mary Ann.
http://www.mixandchic.com/2012/08/a-product-review-and-giveaway-good.html
Enjoy your day!
Jessie
http://www.mixandchic.com
Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen says
You should pat yourself on the back. You did a fabulous job making this rental look like a home.
Sam
Leslie says
Once you add your personal touches if feels like home! Looks cozy :). We love the mammoth area. Gorgeous country!
diane says
I have spent many a ski weekend in mammoth rentals so it is a good thing you got rid of that couch! You have turned an ugly rental into a cute little home…nicely done!
mwaxter says
Nicely done, I am a definte fan of slipcovers and have them for our family room. Looks like a wonderful home.
Julie Taylor and Danni Greenwalt says
The little changes you made look amazing. The new sofa and chairs really up dated the whole thing. Love the lamp next to the sofa. Cute picture on Facebook….
Whitney Cosgrave says
The mammoth house looks amazing! So do you live there full time and just beach house in summer? Also, I love the photos in the bowl that's a great idea – for some reason I've never thought to do that!
An Eye for Detail says
Couldn't agree with you more re. the red stained furniture and/or counters: ugh indeed! Rentals are tricky. Never quite your taste, and yet what can you do? You are lucky you were able to sell, change, move things! Of course, we will all wait patiently to see what you buy!!
Victoria says
It is amazing what a fresh perspective — and tons of talent — can do for a home. Congratulations and enjoy.
Best…Victoria
Yvonne @ StoneGable says
You can turn a fully furnished rental into a real welcoming and upscale home! I can ignore the red… by looking at all the other great details you added!
Carolyn@Sweet Chaos says
If anyone can make reddish wood look good, it's you 🙂 Love the touches you've added to detract from the negative. But, honestly, how negative can it be when you're in a great location?! Good luck with the search 🙂
Gail says
It's SO much better with your "special" touches, Mary Ann! Very bright and comfy looking. Love your new sofa! I just got new sofas and my hubby thinks they are too hard. I told him….just wait…they will soften up in no time. Great job….and thumbs up on the Kenny Loggins meeting!
Nancy Elizabeth Carey says
Mary Ann it looks great compared to how they had it!! You freshened it up for sure! ARe you moving moving? LIke selling your home? I LOVE your home!! Can't wait to see pics of homes you find! hugs nancy elizabeth
classic • casual • home says
We still have our home in Newport Beach…best of both worlds 🙂
Pam@OurAdventuresInHomeImprovement says
I sure like the chairs more than that couch! I think you made the place look great and love that your location is so perfect.
Cute picture of everyone with Kenny Loggins.
Have a great day.
Pam
NanaDiana says
It looks pretty darned good for a rental and "making do". Hope you find a house soon. xo Diana
The enchanted home says
How fun!! The house looks great, and I am impressed with what you have done, the crisp slipcovers are fabulous looking and its so inviting, warm and cozy!! And look at you and Kenny….still love his songs and he looks great (so do you)! Sounds like a great time Mary Ann:)
cindy says
The house looks so much better with your touches, the lifestyle there sounds wonderful! I just liked your FB page, pic of you and Kenny adorable. Love the fact you are an Ikea and PB fan and share your finds. Love the sofa, chairs, baskets, print, bowl, the cool lamp next to the sofa, well it all looks great!
Lisa at Shine Your Light says
Mary Ann, if anyone can make reddish wood look good it's you!! Enjoy your new (temporary) pad.
Blondie's Journal says
I love how you have made this house a home. I am so looking forward to seeing your new home! It's an exciting time for you, I'm sure!
How lucky you are to have seen Kenny Loggins! I have been a fan since high school. It doesn't look like he has changed much!! Still handsome!
XO,
Jane
Town and Country Mom says
You've definitely improved this place immensely! I can't wait to see your own place, and I appreciate the tip about the Ikea sleepers.
Ron says
Looks like a great "home" to me… great touches!
pam {simple details} says
Music and wine tasting under the stars, I think I could handle the reddish stained wood! 🙂 Your updates are the perfect fix!
Our French Inspired Home says
Even though its temporary its good that you are settling in and making it feel more like "home". That being said, I am sure you are ready for the permanent address! – Tonya
StagerLinda says
Wonderful that you took the time and effort to make the home your own. Moving is difficult. Moving in without your 'stuff' is even harder. The French travel poster is perfect. Love the Target hurricanes and your memory bowl. Kenny Loggins is my era–so I am impressed!
michele says
looks so cozy and comfy!
kenny's december album is my favorite one to play during the holidays. magic.
come visit soon.
michele