My mom lives in Washington DC full time in an amazing 4 story walkup. The charm of her two bedroom, two bath 1920's apartment grabs you right when you walk in the door. The original hard wood floors, huge windows and real fireplace are lovely. She recently hired a decorator who I have to say did an amazing job. (My mom has never painted a wall in her entire life. She has great taste but is not a DIY'er!) Here is a pic of her front room...please note the Christmas Card from the White House on her mantel. She works in the White House Communications Office and is very proud that the Pres himself sent her a personal Christmas Card this year! I'm a little jealous!
Don't you love how they painted the back of the built-ins to go with the furniture! It really makes them POP!
However even with this great apartment in DC she just couldn't resist the amazing mountain ranges, beautiful ocean views and tropical weather of Madison, Wisconsin! (OK, I say things like this but Madison really is a beautiful place, but for none of the reasons I just listed.) The truth is she couldn't stay away from her three granddaughters. Who could blame her...they are adorable! So she has bought a condo in Madison so she can spend as much time here as she wants. Making the parents of the adorable granddaughters very happy!
The condo is brand new. Never lived in. It is a two bedroom space with great light, an open living area and upgraded finishes. Here is the floor plan...
And here is her condo staged for sale...
And it is my new decorating project. Well kind of. I have a huge decorating project on my hands in my own home and my mom is not willing to hand over all control. But we are going to have a great time shopping, creating and painting her new place together! (Correction...I will paint...she will select colors.)
Actually...we have already started. When she was out here last we both fell in love with an antique bedroom vanity. You know, the kind you picture a little girl sitting at going through all her mom's makeup and jewelry. Actually my best friend's mom had one just like it when I was young and I remember doing exactly that. Putting on lipstick. Trying on all her jewelry at once. Spraying ourselves with her expensive perfume. Here it is...
When I look at this I can see my daughter looking at herself in the mirror, playing with all of grandma's beautiful things.
We found it at a resale furniture shop and I managed to bargain a good deal for it. I am planning to re-upholster the seat but otherwise it is in great shape. It will go in her Master Bedroom along with my next project. I plan to make an upholstered headboard once my mom picks out the fabric. I have always wanted to do this and Sherry and John from Young House Love make it look so easy here that I can't wait to try! And even if I screw it up she has to pretend to like it....she is my mom!
