All in the details…

May 16, 2013 Leave a Comment

Courtyard Pool

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Continuing with this week’s travel theme, I couldn’t help but chat about the fun, energetic poolside image above. While our own rented courtyard pool for the week isn’t quite as glamorous as this one, I wanted (nay, NEEDED) to spend a little time imagining the possibilities.

Let’s talk details…

1…I know our next house will never include such a decadent outdoor eating area, but that doesn’t mean that this girl can’t dream! Potted palms, a dining table that seats 10 and cushioned corners for reading in the shade make this the be-all and end-all of outdoor living.

2…I’ve never been well-versed in architecture, but thanks to being an avid reader and subscriber to Dwell magazine, I DO know how dramatic an extensive overhang can be. This one is a great example, with its dark stained boards and massive industrial windows underneath. The shade there on that upper deck must be hugely tempting come afternoon. Plus, can we please take a moment to admire the gorgeous curvy white detailing on the railings?

3…Who knew glass blocks would come back into style?? This patio is flanked on either side by what looks like twin glass feature walls. I can only imagine how gorgeous the lower INDOOR living area is with the natural light shining through the frosted surface of the glass.

What are your favorite details?

For past “All in the details” features, click here. 

Filed Under: Exteriors, Features, Inspired Tagged With: , , ,

The Options: Beach or Mountains

May 14, 2013 8 Comments

Beach or Mountains

Option 1: Style Me Pretty | Option 2: Taylor McCutchan Photography

In honor of our family vacation this week, I’m shying away from home stuff JUST for a little bit. And since I know we all have our own opinion when it comes to a vacation destination, I want to know…Are you a beach bum when you have the opportunity to get away? Or are you more interested in a mountain retreat?

Option 1: I’m pretty picky myself when it comes to beach vacations. I can’t stand over-commercialized places like Myrtle beach (a biggie around these east coast parts), preferring a more secluded and relaxed vibe. But there’s also the idea of a super glamorous exotic vacation to somewhere like Punta Cana or Mexico. Even if I had all the money in the world though, I still think I’d choose our current location in South Carolina.

Option 2: If John were to vote in today’s post, I’m pretty sure he’d choose the mountains. While his excuse for not joining us this year was a lack of vacation time available at work, I have a secret theory that a beach vacation just doesn’t interest him much. He’d rather take off for a long weekend away in the mountains – a cabin, a fishing pole and a campfire are all he needs to have a good time. And I can definitely wrap my head around that notion…

I’m torn!

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All in the details…

May 9, 2013 Leave a Comment

Home Depot Patio

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I’ve recently become an avid fan of the Home Depot blog, The Apron – Specifically obsessing over their outdoor Style Challenge series. I think the series has come to a close, but feel free to click that link to see all of the posts in one place. Essentially, the idea is that The Home Depot contacted a number of bloggers throughout the community and asked them to review different collections from their outdoor furniture lines. While I really enjoyed the reviews (and am now hard core coveting new patio furniture), My favorite part was getting to know some new voices in the blogging industry. There is so much talent out there – I wish I had 8 hours in the day JUST to read blogs.

But anyway, let’s talk details about this particular outdoor Style Challenge space…

1…As I’ve mentioned before, I have quite a black thumb when it comes to gardening. Flowers almost NEVER take up residence at our house, at least not for long. Plain greenery is far more likely to stick around just because of its hardy nature in general, but there’s nothing very fun about greenery. And yet…One tip I’ve snagged from this space is the idea of color blocked gardening containers. I can have my color AND my live plants too by parking them in pretty neon striped pots like the ones shown here. Adding this to my (growing) list of things to do this season!

2…I recently wrote an article for Central Virginia Home Magazine (for the summer issue, out soon) all about indoor/outdoor fabrics, and ever since finishing up my research I’ve been obsessed with the idea. Modern weather resistant fabrics and rugs have come SUCH a long way, featuring tons of gorgeous, vibrant color and pattern. You can hardly tell the difference between patio pillows and living room pillows anymore – Sort of like these colorful beauties shown under the sunshine. Makes me wish, yet again, that we had a patio to speak of…

3…5 years ago, you would totally think that this punchy pink rug was pulled from the living room just for styling the photograph, only to be pulled to safety as soon as they got the shot – But that’s not the case anymore. This beautiful rug is likely one of the new polypropelene blends. UV resistant, bleach resistant and water resistant, these accessories can survive a hurricane – And look GREAT doing it.

What are your favorite details?

For past “All in the details” features, click here. 

P.S. In case you missed it, I wanted to shout out to a DIY I published over on the Le Papier Studio blog. It’s a tutorial for watercolored DIY Silhouette Mother’s Day cards - If you’re running low on time and ideas, this could be the perfect solution!

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The Options: Pallet or Container

May 7, 2013 4 Comments

Pallet or Container

Option 1: Etsy | Option 2: Martha Stewart

So, confession time. I have such a black thumb (and disregard for gardening in general) that I didn’t even fix the toppled topiary planter on our front stoop before BHG came to visit.

Yeah. I need help.

I wish that I had the time and energy for gardening, but it’s just one of those things that keeps getting pushed to the back burner. But for those of you who do know a thing or two about keeping greenery green, today’s feature is for you.

Option 1: I adore this repurposed pallet planter. The pop of green from the herbs plays so nicely with the rustic aged wood of the pallets. If I had the itch to get gardening, this project would be at the top of my list.

Option 2: But then there’s the simple idea of terra-cotta pots and a Sharpie marker. It certainly doesn’t get much easier than that, and it really looks so quaint and cottage-y. Now I want to add this project to my fantasy gardening to-do list!

Is it just me or would the two be really cute together…? Cast your vote!

P.S. I’m over on GalTime today with a fun DIY placecard holder tutorial, perfect for summertime party planning. Enjoy! 

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Filed Under: DIY Projects, Exteriors, Features, Inspired Tagged With: , , ,

All in the details…

May 2, 2013 4 Comments

YHL Guest Bath

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Bathrooms are kind of fickle rooms to style and design, don’t you think? Too much, and it looks like you’re trying too hard to distract from the fact that it’s a bathroom. But too little, and it looks like a public facility at a rest stop. To get it juuuuuust right takes a little finesse and more than a little trial and error. This little space, a la Young House Love, hits the nail on the head – wouldn’t you agree? (P.S. Is anyone else dumbfounded that they sprung a move on us?? Go them…)

Let’s talk details…

1…Probably my favorite thing about this space styling wise, is the little monogramed turkish towel. I love the stripes, I love the fringe, I love the big graphic letter – That one magical piece brings the whole room together for me. Is there a different piece that brings it together for you?

2…When it comes to styling a bathroom, you don’t have too many options to play with. You can get fun towels (see point #1), you can play with the art, you can add rugs and maybe a curtain or two and, finally, you can add nice soap. Since the soap is going to be a star player in the functionality of your bathroom, give it a little more thought than just tossing whatever is cheapest into your cart at the grocery store. These savvy homeowners chose a yellow liquid soap to match the vintage tile, and the label itself is a little cleaner and more interesting than your average store brand bottle. Heck, even the black pump plays nicely with the other black and gray accents in the space! It’s the little things…

3…Speaking of that vintage tile, I love how the industrial 50′s sink helps to give the space an intentionally mid-century vibe. If you can’t (or don’t want to) change out the big pieces in your own inhereted bathroom, don’t fight them. In my opinion, you can make just about anything work as long as you find a way to make it feel intentional with colors and textures.

What are your favorite details?

For past “All in the details” features, click here. 

Filed Under: DIY Projects, Features, Inspired, Interiors Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

The Options: Deck or Entry

April 30, 2013 2 Comments

Deck or Entry

Option 1: The Porch Company | Option 2: Better Homes and Gardens

It’s times like these, when the weather is starting to warm up and the grass is ESPECIALLY green, that I long for a yard. Our little townhouse has only a small patch of grass out front, so small that even a birdbath would look badly proportionate, and a tiny back deck with no greenery to speak of. So this will be yet another spring season where I live vicariously through inspiration images like the ones above…

Option 1: Ever since starting work as a professional blogger and website designer (WOOHOO!) for a local exterior renovation/construction company, I’ve been losing myself in outdoor-focused blogs. This one in particular based out of Tennessee is such a great resource for beautiful porch renovations. The idea of creating a covered oasis that’s still immersed in the elements is such a fantastic way to add value to your home – and your life!

Option 2: That said, the entryway of a home has MAJOR influence on the sell-ability (and personality) of a home. This one, with its bold color, modern lines and approachable greenery seems like a great use of budget. I can’t help but lean a little more towards a well executed entry, mostly because I want my guests and neighbors to feel as welcome as I do in our hypothetical future home. Curb appeal is everything, right?? Or is it…

Cast your vote!

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All in the details…

April 25, 2013 2 Comments

lake cottage bedroom

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That headboard! Seriously, need I say more? I’ve always loved brass bed frames - The curvy details, the antique cottage feel and that tell tale gold sheen. But this redo of the same look in a shiny red finish is too tempting to ignore.

Let’s talk details…

1…Okay, there’s ONE other thing that made me develop a little crush on this room – The nightstand. You knew I’d be drawn to the mid-century silhouette, but I’m also loving the sky blue paint job! It all comes back to that big debate, huh?

2…The third piece that makes this room a slam dunk for me is the painting above the bed. It’s huge! And that wide expanse of green color really adds a nice layer to the room. Don’t you just love how the whole bedroom looks like it was curated from a thrift store or flea market? We could all easily throw together a similar room with a couple hundred bucks and a Saturday morning bouncing from one second hand store (or booth) to the next. Is that a challenge? Take it as you will.

3…Here’s another great example of mixing patterns successfully. Although I’ve heard so many times that mixing small patterns with other small patterns is a “no no,” this collection of linens kicks that rule to the curb. It’s eclectic, colorful and oh so cozy…

What are your favorite details?

For past “All in the details” features, click here. 

Filed Under: Features, Inspired, Interiors Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Options: Painted or Stained

April 23, 2013 6 Comments

Painted or Stained

Option 1: Painted | Options 2: Stained

Growing up in the household of a very talented woodworker makes today’s post a touchy one. The rest of my family would agree that painting wood is the ULTIMATE “no no,” but I just can’t help but allow my devotion to color run a little wild.

Option 1: How. Adorable. Is. That. Mint. Dresser? Like really, folks. I can’t stand painting (if you can believe it based on the incredible amount I use each week), but I am totally planning a big dresser refinish based solely on that photo above. While my parents and sister would balk at the thought, I am of the opinion that old furniture in need of a little sprucing can benefit ten-fold from a nice clean coat of color.

Option 2: That said, there is obviously something really special about an exposed wood grain. That cabinet above screams character, with its irregular stained finish and one-of-a-kind door front pattern. I wouldn’t touch a thing about it.

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All in the details…

April 18, 2013 4 Comments

Pink kitchen

Source | A Beautiful Mess

I guess I’m feeling bold this morning! A hot pink kitchen isn’t usually my cup of tea, but I love that SOMEONE went ahead and did it. You must click through to the original source on this one for more shots of the space. It is truly a show stopper – Maybe even the definition of one. Whether you love it or hate it, I think we can all appreciate the POWER of this room.

Let’s talk details…

1…Thank goodness for white. If this room was ALL color, I’d be running in the opposite direction. But since the color is limited almost entirely to the cabinets, I took a second look and briefly considered the uncharted possibilities. When playing with a bold color, it’s no secret that BALANCE is of the utmost importance. The white countertops, backsplash and appliances seem to gleam next to those fuchsia cabinets.

2…Yeah…I can’t get over that color. All things considered, it’s probably the most neutral pink there is. It’s definitely not neon, and it’s definitely not dark. There’s a lot of gray in this color, which helps it to feel rich rather than overbearing. It just goes to show how important the right SHADE is when choosing a bold color.

3…The other thing I love about this space is the retro vibe. That old style oven is calling my name. Again, you should definitely click through to see the retro-meets-mod stainless steel farmhouse sink.

What are your favorite details?

For past “All in the details” features, click here. 

P.S. Thank you everyone for the sweet birthday wishes yesterday, and for the support on my Better Homes and Gardens shoot (happening tomorrow!!). Love you guys to the moon and back!

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The Options: Black or White

April 16, 2013 2 Comments

Black or White

Option 1: Shelter | Option 2: Lonny

The age-old kitchen cabinet question (“light or dark?”) isn’t quite as limited as it once was. These days we’re seeing anything from lacquered red cabinet doors to blue on top, gray on the bottom. That said, I will always respond well to the classics – Black and white.

Option 1: There’s no denying that black kitchen cabinets command a certain amount of attention. The rich color often has the ability to make standard cabinets look like built-in pieces of furniture, upping the sophistication ante by quite a bit. Whether you go with silver hardware or brass, a black kitchen is going to be a major interior focal point.

Option 2: On the other hand, white kitchens are incredibly sleek and pristine. My mom and I were chatting just the other day about how easily a white kitchen go sterile though. To combat this effect, I’d suggest taking a lesson from the inspiration image above – Open shelving and a contrasting counter top color break up all of that crisp white, plus fresh flowers and fruit make it feel homey and inviting.

P.S. Did you hear my exciting news yesterday?? Click through to find out which major magazine is coming to visit Friday!

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