A little texture can go a long way!

FREE IMAGES

You may hear designers talk about texture as one aspect that really makes or breaks a room. Visual texture, when done correctly, can transform a simple room into a unique eye catching space.

via pinterest

The brick walls, with wood floors, a comfy couch, and a woven rug all give you different textures that combined well together. Each one touches your senses in a different way but when brought together can create a truly unique feel.

via homeadore

Mixing wood, tile, and granite really makes this room feel that nostalgic sense of home with a modern twist of luxury.

via bloodandchampagne

There's something so unique about wood grain and mixing that with painted cabinets, glass, and stone really makes each item stand out!

via younghouselove

Texture doesn't always have to come from major home upgrades. It can be as simple as adding wood to an already great cabinet and pairing it with wicker baskets and a fun rug. 

via miloandmitzy

How do you use texture in your home?

Light Bright Kitchen

FREE IMAGES

Light and bright does not mean you have to do head to toe white! If you are looking for a nice bright kitchen without it being completely whitewashed, here's a little inspiration that can help:

via cotemaison

A light natural wood will never steer you wrong! It goes great with the light and airy feel and looks clean too.

via lizmarieblog

Not into wood? A simple gray or tan can keep your kitchen nice and bright and pair's nicely with white accents for a timeless feel.

via guehnemade

If you are dying for a little color stay on the pale end of things. this light blue is almost white but it's not! Paired with white upper cabinets and a blue back splash make this kitchen feel colorful, light, and airy.

via domainehome

If you have more of an eclectic style you can use a variation of different natural hues that tie together to complete that bright kitchen you desire. 

via lushome

If dark hues are more your style, go big on lighting and natural lighting. Nothing is brighter than the sun! 

Things I Envy

FREE IMAGES

With all the remodeling going on in our house I am envying more spaces than usual! It's so much fun seeing what you had visioned for a room coming true and it makes you want to do so many more projects! If only we could leave the messy part out..

via mechantdesign

Gorgeous brick and wood!

via deavita

Lots of space for dinner parties!

via shelterness

Storage galore!

via southshoredecoratingblog

Large windows!

via okadirect

Outdoor living space.

via domainehome

A place that's muddy puppy paw friendly!

What do you envy the most?

The Best of February

FREE IMAGES

Here is a collection of our best posts in February! Make sure you didn't miss anything:

Subtle or bold colors, which do you prefer?

Bringing in touches of wood.

Black and white inspiration.

Decorating with Roman Blinds.

Some office love!

A personal announcement! We are expecting!

Decorating small spaces!

What was your favorite post in February?

Wood Touches

FREE IMAGES In the winter I seem to struggle to keep the house feeling fresh and warm. Adding a touch of wood in a room is a great way to bring the outdoors in and give it that feel of warmth. Here are some beautiful ways to get you inspired:

via decoracion.facilisimo

via lonny

via shanty-2-chic

via thelearnerobserver

Love this desk!

via little-brick-house

via domainehome

via hgtv

What do you use to warm up your home and bring the outdoors in?

Beautiful Exposed Beams

FREE IMAGES

I love the look of exposed beams, no matter the color or style, it gives great character to a room! Even if the beams aren't original to the room, it can create a stunning space.

via martynlawrencebullard

via thinkdecor

via powellbrower

via abodelove

via madebygirl

What do you think?

How to Incorprate Wood Crates in your Home Decor

FREE IMAGES Wood crates are a timeless item to have in your home and can be used in so many ways I can only touch on a few or this post would be enormous! Here are a few of my favorite ways they have been used to create extra storage and look amazing at the same time.

via yapins

The wood crate coffee table! My favorite part of this specific one is that they added wheels to the bottom to make it mobile. This is a great way to add storage and keep a handy place to set things down on as well.

via eenigwonen

Wood crate bookcases have been a huge hit and I agree. They are a great way to create shelving and there are so many ways you can stack them to create the look you are going for. 

via apartmenttherapy

This is one of the most creative ways I've seen crates used! This island is something I would have never expected but I absolutely love it. The crates are gorgeous.

via pinchofyum

Goodbye are the wicker baskets, in are the crates! This a great storage solutions for blankets pillows, or just the clutter that happens in the living room!

via beneathmyheart

Have open shelving but need a little extra hidden storage? Crates are perfect for that! 

How would you use a crate for storage?

White & Wood

FREE IMAGES Although I have a love for a white crisp room, sometimes too much white can feel bland. So to add on to my love of white and neutrals, here's a great idea to give white rooms a little more character without taking away from the white.

via gravity-gravity

via desiretoinspire

via marleyandlockyer

via mechantdesign

Natural wood really adds some character to the white without taking away from the crisp clean look!

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!

To paint or not to paint? The wood trim conundrum

FREE IMAGES

More than once I have been posed the question of how to make a home look fresh and modern when it is accented - or filled -with wood trim.  These days magazines are full of homes with doors, trims, moulding, banisters, and mantles all in white.  I won't lie, I love white, but I also love original details in a home.  If you just can't bear the thought of painting over the wood trim in your home - put down the paintbrush!  Choose other aspects of the home and decor wisely, and your home can still look modern and fresh, not dowdy.  

Gorgeous.  Notice the modern, crisp lines of the furniture and armchair?  The sleek drapery solution?  The chrome and glass brought in by the coffee table and the lamp?  All of these items counterbalance the dark, heavy feeling of the wood trim.  Fill this room with brocades and velvet drapes in burgundy and hunter greens and you have dowdy and dark.  Use the above picture as inspiration and you have something really charming and unique.

via BHG

Above is an example of using stark contrast to make a room feel modern.  If you have really dark trim, try using creams (cool creams)  and whites in your space and call attention to the trim.  I wouldn't recommend this if you have particularly small rooms, because it's contrast that has more effect on whether a room feels large or small, not whether you paint it dark or light...IMHO.  This all adds up for a really glamorous feel. The glass chandelier adds a modern flair.
Houzz

The above is probably my favorite example.  It's another illustration of mixing modern elements, like the sofa and artwork, and paying homage to the original bones of the home - the fireplace surround and the moulding. The navy and honey color of the wood looks super chic.
via Rue Magazine

Below are three other shots of the same home, a Bed Stuy brownstone.  I think it's gorgeous.

3 above via Ishka Designs

I would shave my head for those doors.  Wouldn't hesitate.

I highly recommend reading this post by Jessica of Decor Adventures  (Also the source of the two images above). She has done a great job making her home look fresh and modern while preserving the integrity of her 114 year old abode.

Another option - if you are a bit bolder, is to go for unconventional colors.  The bright rug and yellow-green chesterfield add enough funkiness to keep the space modern and not stuffy.

via Handmade Home (click the link for another good post on working with your dark trim)