Hello! My name is Amy Beth Cupp Dragoo. Believe it or not, my initials are ABCD! For the last 3 years, I have written a blog called ABCD Design. I just want to thank Erika for inviting me hold down the fort on the beautiful Blu Label Bungalow while she is enjoying some time on vacation. I’m not sure how many of you know me from the ABCD Design sketchbook, but for the last 11 years I have called New York City my home. About a year ago, we sold our apartment in the heart of Soho. At that time, everything we owned went into storage while we waited for our next step to present itself.
Back in early May, we decided to keep roots on the East Coast. The Mr. and I are renting an itsy-bitsy apartment in the City and just recently purchased a home in the hills of Connecticut. We’re going to try to enjoy the best of both worlds. The Country House is going to be our primary residence, but we’re keeping the little rental for nights where we work late, or have early morning obligations in NYC.
I can’t wait to liberate all my belongings from storage, but first… we’re doing a country house renovation! For this post, Erika asked me to pick a room in our house and share my interior design inspiration for it.
I know this might seem crazy, but the Laundry/Kitchen Pantry is the room I am most excited about. It’s a little spot in the house – but for me, it packs a big punch. Never in my entire adult life have I had the luxury of dedicating an entire room to the act of storage or laundry! City apartments just are NOT built that way. One would be lucky if there is a closet dedicated to it, otherwise you have to schlep it to the laundry room in the basement, or worse yet, down the street. (Which is NO FUN in the dead of winter!)
In the new house we have three large, built-in shelves that are going to provide ample storage. I love the lighting in the room – it’s quite industrial. The question is: How can I make it my own without blowing the budget?
The house is Shaker style, but has contemporary and ultra modern elements that I would like to preserve. My aesthetic is transitional and I have an appreciation for vintage, industrial antiques and even a little bit of country flair. I always refer to my husband as Mr. DWR. (Enough said!) Together, the house we selected suits us to a T.
I have long been a fan of Cole and Son wallpaper. Malabar (From The Contemporary Collection) is my favorite pattern. I purchased three rolls of it on a trip to London a few years ago and never found a place for it in the Soho apartment. Good thing I didn’t – I think I might line the back of the shelves in our new laundry room with it. Besides storing extra food and kitchen items in the laundry/kitchen pantry room, I also hope to use the shelves over the washer and dryer to store my vast collection of cook books.
So what do you think, am I on the right track to a dreamy laundry/kitchen pantry room? Fingers crossed, (once the renovation is complete) perhaps Erika will have me back in the Fall to show you the finished product?! {ABSOLUTELY… xoErika}
June 29, 2010 at 12:09 pm
It sounds like it's going to be heavenly ! Can't wait to see it finished.
June 29, 2010 at 1:00 pm
This is such fun! Amy authors such a fantastic blog doesn't she?! It's lovely that you have hosted her on your great blog today, Erika! That opened shelved pantry is a true delight, it reminds me of Nora Walker's pantry in Brothers and Sisters. I.E. American country style done SO right. xo
June 29, 2010 at 1:03 pm
Oh I am loving colour coding books on a bookshelf…did mine a few weeks ago..and still love it ever time I walk past…cant wait to see how yours turn out..I too like my cookbooks close on hand ; ) x
June 29, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Aw you guys have me blushing already and the post has only been live for an hour! ; )
Erika, thanks so much for having me at the BluLabel Bungalow! You're such a dear to ask me to sit in while you're away.
xoxABCD
June 29, 2010 at 1:49 pm
Amy is very talented! I can't wait to see what she puts together in the "new" home! I've seen her ideas for the kitchen and I swear they are right on point!
Can't wait to see the pantry once it's finished!
June 29, 2010 at 4:23 pm
Amy, you are on the most magnificent track!
thanks for this post, Erika!
June 29, 2010 at 4:45 pm
can't wait to see what you do with the new place! Nice inspiration.
June 29, 2010 at 5:03 pm
I love the first pic of the living room…where is the rug from? Its gorgeous.
June 29, 2010 at 5:36 pm
Nice ideas and nice inspirational photos–loved the one with all of the jars so neatly arranged!
Ps. I grew up in CT
June 29, 2010 at 5:58 pm
Erika, I just hopped over from twitter via Amy, you have a lovely blog!
Amy,what an exciting adventure you have ahead of you! Can't wait to watch it unfold!
June 29, 2010 at 9:01 pm
Pigeon – it's an Oushak carpet. I bought mine in NYC's wholesale carpet district on Madison Avenue in the high 20's lower 30's.
I am sure however that you could google oushak carpets and find one that way.
Out of all woven carpets, the patterns on Oushaks make me so delighted ~ I am happy that you like it too!
xx
Thanks to everyone who has commented today!
June 30, 2010 at 1:35 am
That living room is giving me so much inspiration for my own! I LOVE the gallery wall, and the color/texture combos are fab!
June 30, 2010 at 12:34 pm
You are going to have the best time decorating this home. Your enthusiasm and your excitement about your new country place is contagious. I have open shelving in my laundry room too which I now want to go and completely rework! I'm enjoying being on this ride with you. Can't wait to see some finished spaces.
June 30, 2010 at 5:17 pm
@Niki.Mac I am glad that I could inspire your own design! : )
Sally, your sweetness is contagious! Thanks for coming by Erika's blog and commenting.
xxABCD
July 1, 2010 at 5:15 pm
How pretty is the space. I think that all spaces should be both functional and beautiful. I will check often for the finished product—great start!
July 1, 2010 at 5:46 pm
Can't wait to see the finished product. Check out Full House blog's laundry room. She is fabulous!
http://vivafullhouse.blogspot.com/2010/06/happy-fathers-day.html