Xtra Large Bolster Pillow

Life has been crazy lately and will only get crazier. I went to Utah for my brother's graduation last weekend, I took on a last minute job (more of that to come), my hubs is graduating from business school, we are getting ready to move/store our stuff for the summer, which means I need to pack enough things for us to survive for the summer, spring cleaning, the list goes on. In any case, the sun is shining and spring is in full bloom! I have been LOVING the extra long bolster pillows as of late. They look amazing on a bed.....especially if you don't like having a ton of extra throw pillows but want to add another pattern or texture. They also look great on a love seat. In any case, I love 'em.

Any of you own a bolster? If so, what's the pattern like and where did you put it?

Freshen up for Spring

It seems like the temperature around the country is heating up....and Spring is well on its way! In case you haven't already freshened up your home to reflect the sunny weather, it's not too late! ..and it doesn't need to cost a dime!

We are getting ready to pack and move, however I swapped out a few simple items for other items I had in either other rooms, or in storage from past 'design phases'.

A simple swap is switching out your black and brown frames for white or colored ones.


Adding a cute and colorful, solid or patterned bowl is just the punch of color you might need.


Flowers instantly freshen up a room...fresh or faux.


I had some pillows from years past and dug them out to add some color....I'm still looking for my sky blue pillow tho...


I hope these ideas helped. Like I said, it doesn't need to be anything major, but a few simple changes can really freshen up a room!

Country Living

I was perusing the latest issue of Country Living and took note of a few things I LOVED. Growing up in the suburbs of DC....Potomac, MD to be exact....we had a forest and river in our backyard and were a stone's throw away to farm country. I would say I was a country girl, but I do think I have some country in me. I love antiquing, I love barns, I love porches, I love farmhouse sinks, I love reclaimed wood, I love the simple decorating of a country home, I love ticking stripe fabric, I love a good cobbler.... the list goes on.

In any case, here are a few of my favorites from the mag.

They had a feature on an Ohio Farmhouse, "the compound" is what friends and family call it.

Guest house....when can I move in?!?


Originally a sugar house, this wisteria-covered beauty is home to candlelit dinner parties.


Garden


I am in LOVE with this bedroom!!!!






A few "Country" recommendations.....

Visiting the Lancaster Central Market....oldest farmers market in the country. If I know anything about Pennsylvania, I know the Amish make some pretty incredible desserts, pretzels, breads and jams. Definitely on my bucket list when we move back East.


Fishs Eddy in NYC....great spot for new and vintage unique kitchen items.



So make some fresh lemonade and look for your nearest true antique hunting spot. Hope you enjoyed it!

NEW SERIES! Reader Home Tour

Since all of you readers have such fabulous style, I wanted to add a new series called READER HOME TOUR. I love home tours in general, and sometimes you can get great inspiration from just seeing what someone else has done- professional or not.


This weeks home tour is a reader and dear friend, Kjerstin. I asked Kjerstin to give us a photo tour and say a few things about her home and style. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!!


I would say my design style is a modern take on traditional. I like things simple and clean but also classic, for the most part. I am also a big fan of neutrals with pops of color here and there.
FAMILY ROOM


I do a lot of DIY projects, it keeps me busy and I enjoy doing it. I also believe in mixing low-end with high-end, as far as retail. Mostly budget-friendly shopping.
CLOSET-TURNED-SEWING-SPACE



My favorite room is probably the kitchen. I'm not really sure why, maybe because I love that it is always sunny and bright. I love the big windows that let the natural light flood in and my bright white cupboards. I also love displaying my fun little things from the Anthro kitchen section, my fav.
KITCHEN




We are finally re-doing our Master bedroom, it's been the last on our list and has been looking rather sad. I love sleeping, so I think it might just become my new favorite room!...hopefully soon!


Dining Area



Kjerstin creatively turned an akward under-the-stairs storage closet into a playroom for her 2 sons! Such clever use of space!


POWDER ROOM


NURSERY




OLDER SON'S ROOM




A big THANK YOU to Kjerstin for sharing her beautiful home with us! I hope you all enjoyed!

Restoration for Small Spaces

I just got Restoration Hardwares new fall catalog....and they are now coming out with a whole new line for small spaces..."Big Style, Small Spaces"! Not everyone, let's face it....lots of people...can't comfortably fit Restoration furniture in their home. But I love their whole look and this is a perfect 'scaled down' solution!!

Up All Night

Sometimes it is a little fun to stray from the typical design post. Do any of you readers watch "Up All Night"? It is one of those shows that has gotten funnier and funnier. Perhaps it is because it mimics a similar stage of life that we are in right now, but I find Maya Rudolf, Christina Applegate, and Will Arnett to be really funny!



There is nothing better than relaxing at the end of the day with a yummy treat and something to laugh at. Other funny shows....."New Girl", "Happy Endings", and sometimes "Are You There, Chelsea?"

What funny shows are you watching?

Bathroom Furniture?

If you are lucky enough to have a large enough bathroom to have extra furniture, what would you have or would you at all? Admittedly, I remember watching an episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians (probably TMI) and noticed they had like a full lounge area in the bathroom. It struck me as completely odd. But then I thought, it might be kind of nice to keep your spouse company when one is getting ready. It's kind of like a TV above the tub....I've sort of come around to the idea after my Dad installed one in their master bath and saw how much he loved it (well I don't cringe at the idea, although I wouldn't put one in my home).

From a design standpoint, I'm all about filling an empty space with something interesting or beautiful, whether it's a piece of furniture, art, chair, or other object. I just don't know about an entire sofa or chaise lounge.

So are you a "Please sit and stay a while?" or "Get the job done" kind of bathroom?