WALL 1
Here, we added a closet clad in horizontal planks and featuring a set of antique store-front doors. Now hubby has his own closet and we were able to get rid of an armoire, a cabinet, and a dresser that were holding his clothes beforehand.

WALL 2
We already owned all the furniture in this room except for the canopy bed. Everything else was found over the years at garage sales, estate sales, antique stores, flea markets, discount stores, and even ebay. The white bedding is a combination of TJMaxx finds and Pottery Barn clearance items.

WALL 3My closet was clad in horizontal wood planks. The door treatment consists of a door rescued from a university renovation and a salvaged flat track and trolley from an 1800s barn that was being torn down.

WALL 4
A second school door and track/trolley set is now being used as the door to the master bath.

THE EXTRA TOUCHES
The accessories for this room are kept to a minimum. For me, they evoke a combination of earthy and coastal charm.

STILL WORKING ON…

WALL 4
Wall 4 still needs some help. I moved in this long bench (a $5 garage sale find!) that was out on the back deck. The weathered gray is divine and the length is perfect!! I’d like to frame out that mirror in a special way. And I’d like to hang those two windows somewhere in the room. I don’t want to add to much “stuff” on the walls. I love the clean, serene feeling. I know the big white wall might seem bare, but it is calming at night and refreshing in the morning. It gives my mind a break. Do you know what I mean?

THE CLOSET
I have most of the closet done, but still have some finishing touches. Yes, it is looking much better than the photos below. Plus it is much more organized!! I can’t wait to show you the photos! I still need to figure out a way to hang my hats on that back wall.

WINDOW TREATMENTS
We added these top-down/bottom-up cellular shades to the windows. We have these throughout the house and I love them! I just found some silk drapes in a silver color on clearance. I only have two drapes though. Can I add one to each window?

THANK YOU!
So, that’s the tour of the WhisperWood Cottage master bedroom makeover! Thanks for joining us!! If you have any suggestions on the things we are still working on, please let me know!

•What should we do on that big wall above the bench?
•Any cool ideas for hanging my hats in the closet?
•Should we add the drapes or not?
I look forward to your help! Until then, we’ll be working on that fireplace renovation in the living room…

 

I can just Miss G4 and I cooking together in these:

They have tea towels to coordinate with your apron–now that is HIP.

I talked with Debbie (the MOM part of the team) and she shared with me that she is also working on magnets-so keep a look out for those.  I was able to ask some questions and get to know her a little better.

So Debbie-when did you learn how to sew?

My dear grandmother taught me to sew when I was just a little girl. Though Grandma has been gone for many years, I’m always grateful that she took the time to teach me a skill that has allowed me to take an idea and turn it into a reality. Knowing how to sew, even just the basics, can open up a world of creativity to everyone. I must admit I’ve always been a little crazy for crafting, OK maybe a lot crazy. My friends call me Little Martha. I think that’s a good thing… right?

How did the Hip Hostess come into existance? 

and 

 Is your daughter/business partner your only child?
 I started sewing and designing aprons when my daughter first married 4 years ago. After being showered with domestic gear she was eager to play “Hostess” Because she is all about high fashion and high style she of course,had to have a “Hip” little apron. Hence the name The Hip Hostess. As soon as we came up with the name, we high tailed it to the computer to get dibbs on the domain name. Whew, we got it!

After much experimenting with fabrics, and designs we came up with a look that we felt would appeal to most cooks, both seasoned & novice. The aprons not only had to look fabulous, but had to be user friendly and hold up to everyday use. I’ve always loved rick rack, and it’s been a traditional element of aprons for years. So we decided to we had to have a touch of it on the aprons, but yet have it make a bold statement. Our aprons are designed be worn over & over, not just tucked in a drawer to special occasions. Today cooking is cool and aprons are hot. Women are coming back into the kitchen and loving every minute, tying on a hip little apron is part of the fun. 

My daughter is my biggest cheerleader, marketing rep and of course fashion consultant. Hands down, flat out she made push come to shove and get this business off the ground. I like to say I’m the Hostess part, and she’s the Hip part! Picking out fabrics and designing is a combined effort, having the perspective of both generations is a big help. Do we always agree?…of course not, but somehow we always come to the right decision!

We have 2 children, the darling daughter is the youngest and we have a wonderful son who is older. I might also mention we have the Best Son-in-law in the world. Despite the fact that aprons aren’t quite their thing they haven’t hesitated to spread the word about our hip little aprons and are always ready to help with technical and business issues. We recently moved from a metropolitan area, to a much more rural area along the shore of Lake Michigan.We are truly loving this slower paced enviroment and all the beauty that surrounds us. My husband has been a huge supporter and constant advisor since the very beginning. When you own a business, I think your family’s love and support are key to being successful. It certainly has been for me.

Because we’ve had such a tremendous and positive response to our products, we’re hoping to make our budding little business grow and blossom. We’ve had numerous requests from trendy cooking stores, and upscale boutiques to carry our line, so we are now ready to head down that path and see where it leads us!

What business advice can you give us?

Do what you love & love what you do. Don’t be afraid to transform your passion into a business. The hardest part is taking that first step.

What is on your WANT list? 

What I really want is to spend more time with my son & daughter, since we moved I don’t get to see them as often as I want to. Oh, and I want someone to do my grocery shopping & laundry! That’s not asking too much, is it?

Thank you so much Debbie.  
It is a pleasure working with you and having you as a sponsor of my blog.

(from Debbie) One last thing-I do have to say the absolute best part of our business has been meeting and connecting with so many interesting women. I always say “We have the absolute sweetest customers!” We’ve also discovered that despite this dismal economy,women in business are so truly kind and supportive of each other. It’s one of the perks of women being in business today.

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