Our New Living Room

FREE IMAGES As some of you know, we are in the middle of renovations - opening up our kitchen, dining, and living room to be one big space.  Since my dear hubby is installing all of the hardwood himself, things are taking a bit longer than expected.  In the meantime, I've been dreaming up plans for what I want to do with the space.

I really like to mix styles - rustic with regency, feminine and masculine, etc.

1.  We already have our paint, Sherwin Williams "Retiring Blue" from the Harmony line.  Zero VOCs means it's safe for baby.  I cannot wait until the flooring is done and I can see this gorgeous color on our walls!

2. A small sectional.  This one is from West Elm.  While I'd love cream or white, no way that is going to happen in a home with a dog that lives on the couch and a little one on the way.

3. Our coffee table.  We can complements on this EVERY time someone walks in the door.  It's from a local artist Scott Alan Ewine (don't worry he sells on Esty - click here to see all of his work!) The wood all has a story and his prices are reasonable!

4. Yeah, I still love sunburst gold mirrors.  This one is from Joss and Main.

5. A gorgeous leather armchair has been on my wishlist for years.  This one is available on Gilt.

6. Gold and glass regency style side tables - I love how these contrast with the wood coffee table. Available at Gilt.

7.  Soft and pretty throw pillows. West Elm

8. Our gorgeous new flooring, cherry oak.

9. Our rug - it's two-sided so we get double the wear.  I purchased this from Joss and Main.

I can't wait until we can start decorating. What do you think?

Bookshelves aren't just for books!

FREE IMAGES I love finding a creative way to use new things. In this case, using bookshelves for different purposes! Who wouldn't wan't a bookshelf full of shoes!?

via diyncrafts

Want an island but don't have room for the traditional size? Grab a bookcase and a wood top! A skinny island that stores necessities so you won't even have to walk away from it while you are cooking!

via goldenboysandme

Have a wood burning stove? Stack your wood and let it be part of the home decor! 

via apartmenttherapy

Maybe you are an indoor plant person, this next one will fit in your home for sure! 

via pinterest

Mix up your bookshelves and find new uses for them, you might be surprised at what you come up with!

Trending now: Barn Houses to Barn Inspired Details

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Barn Inspiration

I was raised on a farm and knew I wanted a barn wedding before it became the trendiest thing on Pinterest.  I find old barns particularly beautiful, with the old stone and wood.  Below are some gorgeous barn homes, as well as some inspiration for incorporating some barn details into your own home.

via Style Me Pretty

The windows in barn houses are usually fantastic

Love the open concept a lot of barns have

The lush drapes and upholstery offer a nice contrast.

Love the white washed beams with the marble countertops....dying!
6 above via DigsDigs

via DigsDigs

A nice crisp take on barn/farm style furnishings

I love this...I imagine the horses could live just down the hall...

4 above via DigsDigs

Has anyone here ever lived in or visited a barn house?  Could you live in one?

A beautiful New York loft that evokes simple Quaker aesthetics

FREE IMAGES This SoHo loft, spanning an entire New York block, is such a breath of fresh air. It is urban and glamorous, but at the same time peaceful and simple. Enjoy!

first two images via Urban Kaleidoscope the rest via Remodelista

Absolutely gorgeous, swoon-worthy rooms

FREE IMAGES So maybe it's not the best idea to pine after homes I will most likely never own, but A. I can't help it, and B. It keeps me motivated to work harder!

But for now, with our wedding 10 DAYS AWAY, I need a little serenity.  Enjoy!

 

via pinterest

Hranowsky can do no wrong.
via Angie Hranowsky

via pinterest

Pretty close to my dream kitchen, except for the open shelving

via Houzz

Love that this backs up to the woods, and the multiple levels.
via Houzz

via Houzz

via pinterest

Inspiration for incorporating yard sale and flea market finds

FREE IMAGES Since it's the yard sale time of year, I thought I'd show you some inspiring ways to mix in those great flea sale and yard sale finds. It doesn't really matter what style decor you have.

via Angie Hranowsky

via Southern Living

via Ivy and Piper

via indulgy

Here's another example of a what vintage lighting can do adding it with a barn style table and barstools gives it a charming rustic feel. 

via Heart Home

Chic and beautiful lighting

FREE IMAGES I am a sucker for a beautiful lighting fixture but am always very nervous when faced with having to commit to one.  There are so many and most cost a pretty penny, so I'm always worried I will regret a very expensive decision.  So ever since we moved into our new home in June I have been gathering inspiration for when we are ready to change our lighting (which is high on my priority list)  I've decided that to build my confidence, I am going to start with changing out the hallway light fixtures since they will be smaller and less expensive than a chandelier for above our dining room table or a pendant for the master bedroom. Although it might not seem that big of a deal, hallways are one of the most used light fixtures in a home and are often left on, so they shouldn't be neglected.

It's important when changing out something that's going to be around for a while, especially if you have a small budget like us, to think about the style and decor of the rest of your home so that they tie into the design you've already started or will work if you decide to change your flooring, wall color, etc.

via belgianpearls

Something a little more elegant and classy is a much better fit for this space. The mix of modern and historical is great match for the rest of the home decor. If the light fixtures were any more traditional and flashy than these I probably wouldn't like the space as much.

via ruemag

Something more artsy and eccentric stands out in this space but still fits in with the theme of the home. This is a great example of having something that catches your eye but doesn't take away from the space.

via georgiandesign

Mixing and matching may be the best idea for hallways that are connecting multiple rooms. This works well with eclectic styles but if done correctly you can mix and match any type of home decor style. Keeping the light fixtures in the same family or "collection" but in different styles is the best way to achieve this.

via Margot Austin
I'm really loving the look of drum style pendant lights in the hall.  The slim console with a lamp is a nice touch and adds a cozy feel.

via Arcadian Home
Again, really liking the drum style pendants.  If you can manage, space ceiling fixtures about 8 to 10 feet apart in a hallway.

Timeless Inspiration

FREE IMAGES Finding that perfect piece of furniture to fit your space isn't always as easy as it seems. Luckily there are plenty of timeless iconic pieces that have been making statements and creating inspiration over the years.

This chic colorful armchair adds a little hint of playful to a room but keeps the glamour alive! Perfect for small spaces where you are looking for a little more seating but you don't want it to just blend into the wall!

Looking for something a little more rustic and original? This coffee table would definitely be the talk of the room and pull together your room for a finished touch. The gorgeous wood taps into the traditional design but the wheels keep it modern and almost give it an industrial feel!

Going for a rich luxurious look? A desk like this would make anyone feel like a professional! I love the sleek look of the drawers and the rounded edges of the legs. It screams elegance!

If comfort is more you style then sit back and relax in this gorgeous simple armchair. This seat may not steal the scene in your room but it will definitely be a favorite among many! 

All of these pieces have been acclaimed iconic design and will be timeless additions to your home. You  might even consider them a piece of art! Each of these pieces have been found via Infurn who is known for providing great classic pieces of furniture at affordable prices.

California Beach Cottage - White and serene

FREE IMAGES Happy Friday everyone! I will be on vacation next week, so I'm not sure how often I'll be posting. Since I will be at the beach, what's more fitting than a beach cottage house tour?

this kitchen is nice and bright - it might help me wake up in the morning.

The TV is hidden behind this vintage map - how cool is that?

Stunning


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