Just a quick recap of some of the more popular posts on The Urban Orchard from the last year.

10. From December 2011, here is the sourcing post for my unlacquered brass faucet in our kitchen.  It was one of the least expensive parts of the kitchen because it started out lacquered.  It was too large to try to strip myself so I had it professionally done.   If you don’t have a specialty plumbing store in your area, I have read that automotive body shops will do it for a fee.  Here’s a video from Martha about how to remove lacquer from brass fixtures.

Unlacquered Brass Faucet

9. Furniture projects for design clients also kept me busy in 2012 but this table was one of the most popular.  It was an important part of the client’s design plan and had dual functions.

Bachelor Dining Table Before and After:

8. The design for the bachelor’s apartment was a really fun project  and the before and afters are in this post from the spring:

Bachelor Pad Living Room Before and After:

7. Another furniture project that went well was this little bench transformation-

Little Bench Before and After:

6.  Another part of the bachelor pad project was this dining table/desk area.

Bachelor Pad Dining Table/Desk:

5.  The onset of fall had me craving dark rich colors and these are my favorites.

Rich Color For Fall

4. This year had me thinking a lot about design principles and what exactly makes a room great.

The Importance of Contrast in Design:

3. Another post about design its impact on us led to some discussion.

The Future of Design:

2. We did some updates to our master bedroom this fall and it led to big changes.

Master Bedroom Updates:

1.  The number one post this year had to be the before and afters of our kitchen remodel.

Kitchen Before and After:

Thanks so much to all of my readers and all the best to you and yours in the coming year! Happy New Year!

Christmas is really over at our house.  We got all the lights and decorations put away yesterday afternoon and as sad as it is to take it all down and pack it away for another year, it does feel good to have a clean slate.  I get a little anxious when my Christmas decorations are up too long and they definitely have to come down before December 31st.  You know when you drive by that house in February or March that still has a wreath on the door?  I have to look away…

We actually don’t do New Year’s Eve decorations but we are hosting a little shindig for grown ups and kids so I wanted to start preparing the house for that.  Suddenly I see all the projects that need tackling!  I have 5 days–We’ll see what I can actually get done.   That is definitely one of the benefits of expecting guests–it makes me clean up and deal with all the stuff I’ve been putting off.  I’m trying to keep it simple with food and drink but my one secret for a successful party is always having an interesting cocktail for guests to try.  Still deciding on that one this year…

What about you?  Are your Christmas decorations still up?  What are your New Year’s plans?

I feel like it’s taken me a few days to process the horrible events of Friday.  My heart goes out to all the families affected by such senselessness.  I hope we can find a way to put an end to this growing trend in our country.

And I am in no way comparing the two events but adding to our sadness, we also had to put our dear old kitty Figgy to sleep on Saturday.  He was our first baby and we’ll miss him.

Much love,

Lane