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Best of 2011

Where did 2011 go and why is 2012 already flying by?!?  Who decided it is January 4th already?

Many new readers have recently begun following Dans le Townhouse via email, google friend, etc., and I wanted to say “hello”.  For new and old friends alike, here is a list of my 11 favorite posts and projects from my 2011 archives (click on the title to see the full post):

Framed Bakelite Brooches

As with many of our projects around the townhouse I’d been itching to do this for years but never found the right materials (in this case, two perfectly sized & inexpensive vintage frames) or time (that’s a perennial problem).  Recently I found the frames, made the time and produced these:

Artful Expedit Hack

One of my best ideas because these swinging doors made from abstract paintings are easy to install, practical and hide clutter (yay).  Plus, in a tiny home, I always welcome a new and exciting place to hang art (I’m running out of wall space).

Welded Desk

A project Handy Hubby & I recently knocked off our mile long to-do list.  I still need to fuss with this corner some more but we’re just so giddy to have the desk completed!

Felted Wool Billy Buttons

An oldie but a goodie.  My felted wool Billy Buttons still look this cute and haven’t gotten dusty.  Many blog friends tried this project with great success.

Chalkboard Knife Block

After I chickened out of using chalkboard paint on my DIY magnetic board, I used the paint to dress up a really worn out knife block.  A weird idea but I love the result.


Beaded Christmas Spider

Even though I don’t celebrate Christmas, I make and sell these one-of-a-kind ornaments and loved sharing the how-to with blog readers.

Living Room Sofa Swap

Our old, peeling sofa from The Brick drove us insane, so when we spotted this beauty in the classifieds we pounced on it.

Guest Half Bath Artwork & Accessories

The long overdue decorating of a bathroom we renovated in 2009.  We only added simple touches but it took us ages to do (mostly because I was paralyzed by indecision – it seems a blank slate was too much of a responsibility). 

Master Bedroom Bedding Upgrade

I waited months for my back-ordered bedding but the white, textured bedding was worth the wait because it lets the welded headboard I designed pop.  My talented Mom sewed silk accent pillows and then I painted huge abstracts to add more colour.

DIY Bathroom Artwork

Artwork makes the space!  A blank wall frustrated me until I decided a pop of yellow was just what the room needed.

 

 

Silhouette Wall

 

This change was monumental because I’d been collecting vintage silhouettes for years and had never hung them up.

 

 

 

BONUS ROUND

 

Mom’s Pick: New Guest Room Chair

 

Sometimes it pays to call in the pros.  Knowing this vintage teak chair would be tricky to tackle, I had it professionally upholstered after agonizing over fabric swatches for days.  The end result is a gorgeously upholstered chair we can treasure forever (and be confident it won’t unravel).

 

 

With a basement update looming & thousands of ideas yet to be realized, I hope my 2012 list is even better! 

Thanks to everyone for following along.  I treasure each and every comment and appreciate that you take the time to stop by and see what’s new in the townhouse.

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11 Comments

  1. Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication
    January 4, 2012 / 4:01 pm

    Oooh! I love your mom's pick of the chair. That cool minty green fabric is gorgeous!

  2. Tanya from Dans le Townhouse
    January 4, 2012 / 4:33 pm

    Thanks Ashley! The picture isn't the best, but it has these randomly drawn squiggle flowers in turquoise on top of the green.

  3. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
    January 4, 2012 / 8:07 pm

    so many awesome projects! i am saving this in my reader so i can come back tonight and really look at them! 🙂 i didn't start following til the end of the year, so i have some catching up to do.

  4. Carol@TheDesignPages
    January 4, 2012 / 9:58 pm

    It must give you a great sense of accomplishment to put it down this way. You are one very talented lady and I look forward to 2012 in the Townhouse.

  5. Sudha
    January 4, 2012 / 10:18 pm

    it was a lovely year indeed…i am glad i could feature your lovely townhome on DE :)…happy new year Tanya

  6. mistergandme
    January 5, 2012 / 12:04 am

    As a new Dans le Townhouse reader, I LOVE your year in review! My favorites are the bedroom update and DIY bathroom artwork. You have a gorgeous blog 🙂

  7. Carrie @ Hazardous Design
    January 5, 2012 / 12:31 am

    Great projects and beautiful home! I will be checking out those little Billy buttons!

  8. modern jane
    January 5, 2012 / 1:06 am

    All awesome projects! Looking forward to seeing what you have in store for this year!

  9. Inspire Me Heather
    January 5, 2012 / 2:29 pm

    Your projects are beautiful – all of them! You've got great style and I'm happy to follow your blog now!

  10. Tamsyn
    January 6, 2012 / 4:27 am

    I'm so glad I found your blog this year Tanya. Everything you do is gorgeous!!

  11. Michelle @ Ten June
    January 6, 2012 / 3:10 pm

    That welded desk is SO fabulous. Like, I really want one!!! Looks like something right out of West Elm! Also, love that gorgeous abstract art in the bathroom, how did I miss that?! So beautiful- you're pretty talented, friend!

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