CURRENTLY COVETING: FINISHING TOUCHES

I used to hate when someone would say just live in the house, see how you use it. I think I just really didn't like the idea of living in what I saw as an unfinished house. But, through the process of this renovation, and being forced to live in a house that was less than finished in the early days has really changed my ideas on this concept.

I'm finding that all of those decorative pieces, extra pillows, pieces of art, etc that I'm now have a difficult time finding a place for, were probably pieces I bought just to get a place decorated, not things I truly loved, or lived with. 

This process is, and will continue to be slow, and curated - its proving to be a method that produces a much more desirable end result. As we are getting to a point where we really are beginning to live in this house - here are a few items at the top of my wish list...

beach prints: thom filicia / pillows: caitlin wilson textiles / herringbone throws: serena and lily / ceramic trays: c.wonder / lacquer boxes: plantation / leopard pillow: arianna belle

I loooovvveee these lacquer boxes. Perfect for adding a little bit of polish to any tablescape.

The bedrooms are shaping up to be super cozy, which is exactly what I wanted. But- more pillows are definitely needed. The CWD pillows above add a little color and design without being over the top, and keep in line with the monochromatic color palettes in the rooms.

Its no secret that I've wanted to add an oversized beach print to my home for a long time, see here,  but the Thom Filicia blurred prints have always stuck in my mind. The fact that they are lacking a certain bluntness that beach prints often give is calming and attractive.

I live in Minnesota, I've got plenty of faux fur throws laying around, and despite the near 40 degree temps today,  I still chose this picture - but the fact of the matter is, I think we need a couple more throws at home. The Serena and Lily herringbone throws pictured above are perfect for any time of year, and still achieve adding a little dimension and extra comfort to a space.

photo credits [1, 2, 3, 4]

WHITEWASHED

A few days ago I saw this gorgeous monochromatic photo display. Not only do I love the whitewashed beach illustrations in the frames... I love the ivory-cream mattings paired with the bright white frames against the white wall...

But then today I saw this similar but oh-so-different take on the same color palette...

I love the visual interest that these frames all in the same color family create without being too apparent.

What do you think? Too monochromatic for you, or just the right amount of diversion from white?

I LIKE THEM LEANED

When I told Marc that I was planning to lean our new super tall bathroom mirrors against the wall instead of hanging them, he looked at me with that "You can't be serious" look.  I am in fact - completely serious. I've seen leaning photos, art, and mirrors in unexpected places lately, and I like the easy and relaxed feel.

Are you more of a hang them up right away, or let them linger leaned against something for a while and maybe let them stay kind of person?

OUR BIG PROJECT

Rarely do I get very personal on this blog, but I think might give you some insights as to where I've been these past few weeks...

Now that this project is finally in its final stages [we moved in January 1!], I am excited to share some of the first stages of the project that M and I have worked tirelessly on since just a few weeks after we got married...

Its been a labor of love aka blood, sweat, and tears and without my husbands complete dedication to being onsite everyday, this house simply wouldn't have become our home. 

In early November, we bought this house built in 1922 [not updated since 1968], and began the demolition the very next day. Stripping about 60% of the house down to the studs. Our biggest projects were the kitchen, as well as the bathrooms. 

This is where we started, where we were headed, and hopefully soon after many, many hours of painting and decorating , I will get to show you pictures of the finished product...

The outdated and closed in kitchen transformed into an open and inviting white with carrera marble kitchen...

The powder room adjoining the kitchen which was barely 3 feet wide, [the toilet is sitting in what was the old doorway] was pushed out 1 more foot so that there was a legal amount of space to move around...

Because the only full bathroom in the house is next to the master bedroom, we really wanted to create more of a master bathroom. By pushing through a smallish closet that was between the bathroom and bedroom, we were able to create enough space for 2 vanities, a walk-in glass shower, and small toilet space...

Next week on Tuesday I'll share more about this project. If you have any questions, or need some advice on a renovation, shoot me an email!

PRETTY. GIRLY.

Life moves pretty fast - if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you might miss it. Those words characterize the last 6 months of my life perfectly... but really, these last 6 weeks have flown by in what seems like a matter of hours. So much has happened and I'm excited to share the latest project I have tackled, but - its going to have to wait one more day...

So, in the mean time. I'm going to share this girly, feminine, and super lovely home designed by portuguese designer Ana Antunes. I've had this first picture on my inspiration board on Pinterest for a while, and I seem to return to it for some inspiration quite often hint, hint. 

When I saw the entire place, I fell in love all over again. Its just pretty. And comfortable. And totally girly...