happy thanksgiving!


I hope today you are all having the most wonderful day spent with family or friends. We will be spending the day with my folks and sisters an hour north of here. I hope I do not eat too much, like I seem to do every year. Most importantly though I am simply thankful. I believe we all should be thankful everyday, but today is a great day to express it. I am thankful for my Jesus, my family, my hubby, and my beautiful children. I am thankful that I have been able to be raised in America, the land of opportunity and freedom. I am thankful we always have food to eat and a home to live in. I am thankful for my hubby's photography business to be taking off like it has. I am thankful he has a wonderful and secure first job during this time of unsettled economy. I am thankful that my mother has truly beaten the dreaded cancer for 3 years now, my sister is on her way to recovery, I have the most amazing friends, and did I mention my hubby and children. Also, I am thankful to you for sharing in my love of design and coming to visit my little blog.


What are you most thankful for today?

project: kitchen


This kitchen was some what of an inspiration for the following kitchen redesign. I love the dark cabinets, the shelving, and the simplicity of it all. If you can remember I earlier posted on how my friends kitchen will be opening up to their dining and living rooms. Creating a large entertaining area, in their once smaller spaces. Currently there is a door way to the hall and a door way to the dining area, the walls in between will be taken down and a n L-shaped island will be added in it's place. I know this would be where pics of their home would be helpful. Anyway, I would love to see all the lower and island cabinets painted Link Gray by Sherwin Williams (it's a green/deep gray). I would then love for all the top cabinets to be gone and two shelves put in there place painted the same color. I know this too may not be realistic, so how about the upper cabinets being painted a lighter shade possibly Sensible Hue or Aloof Gray also by Sherwin Williams.

I know the counter top came out small, but I do hope you get the idea. I think a white with gray would work great and lighten up the space a bit while still tying in the cabinet color.
They want all stainless steel appliances and I think this range hood would be amazing. Oh, and if you did go with the shelving dear friends that would leave more money for some great appliances.
I have always loved the look of this faucet. I would lose the soap dispenser though. Okay, I will have to admit that I have had this faucet in the last two homes hubby and I have owned, purchased off of eBay for dramatically less.



This is where you either love it or hate it. I of course love it! The handles for the drawers and the knobs for the cabinets in antique brass would pop off ever so nicely off the dark cabinets. That little pendent would hang over the kitchen sink. I have a feeling I have lost you, so a oil-rubbed bronze handles and knobs would be nice too, but I still do like that pendent.

As for where the appliance currently stand I would leave it. That would keep costs down, but I would add a dishwasher on the left side of your sink if one will fit. I am sorry and I should have measured first. That would leave the island completely open and can be used as a buffet when entertaining. Also you could consider making a regular rectangle of an island instead of the L-shape. It would make the kitchen appear to be larger, just a thought. Oh I almost forgot, a slate gray floor would be ever so pretty, I mean masculine, oh whatever.

This brings this home project to an end. If they decide to go with any of my ideas I will definitely post before and after pics. I know the kitchen won't be for awhile, but they do want to start with the rest of the home, so I guess we will have to wait and see. Either way I am sure that I will be helping with some of the labor. They are really great friends. Luckily for me I have another friend who needs help with their home, so I will be starting that soon too. Maybe this time I will refer to them as Mr. and Mrs. F.

project: bath

My friend wants to get rid of all the blue fixtures in the bath. Including and not limiting it to the tub, sink, and toilet. The friend and I also discussed how she loves the idea of a full tile bath room. I love the idea and love the idea of using all white subway tile, but I am also realistic and know that for it to look good it needs to always be clean. This may not be my friends strongest attribute, so I propose a colored tile. The first is a clear glass tile that is just stunning. The second is a ceramic tile that is also stunning. Both would make the bathroom extra special. As for expense this may get high and in order to cut costs I would go with the following idea...



get rid of the tub all together. Yes, I said it and what would take it's place would be a full luxury standing room only shower. Okay, maybe you could add a seat if you would like. The cheapest route would be to add one of those pre-made ones, but my favorite idea would be to add a clear, frameless, glass door and tile the whole tub with the above tiles and paint the rest of the room white in satin so it would be easy to keep clean.



Yes, those are jets!

I am loving this sink and stand combo. The dimensions are small, but still with storage which makes it great for your bath.



Isn't this faucet so pretty?


This light hanging over a simple mirror would bring the look together nicely.

Oh, I would be sure to add a white toilet, but I believe that needs to be a personal choice. As for the flooring I would go with a lighter tile, whether gray or beige.

project: office

The office in my friends home currently has a door to their carport, eventually they want to add on a master suite by enclosing the carport. This means the office will become a walk through. The walls are wood paneling, not the fake stuff, but real beautiful wood paneling. Her hubby hates it, but I really want him to reconsider and keep it, at least for awhile. The wood is dark, but not super dark so it doesn't really close in the space. The armoire from the living room will probably make it's way in and also a slipper chair that has a simple red and brown leaf pattern. In the room there are built in book shelves. Placing the chair next shelves would make a cozy reading nook.


I would like to see a white drum table right next to the chair. I know this will not be hard to find locally. I did see two on clearance at Home Goods awhile back for only $16 each, I am still kicking myself for letting that one go.

This desk...


or this desk...


in white would be nice. The first is much cheaper and extends for more working space. As for the second, I have always just wanted it, the lines are so clean and simple.

I really like this drum pendant light hung right in the middle of the room. Sorry for the small photo, I could not get it to load any larger.

For a quirky touch I would definitely want some fake antlers up. With the wood paneling it would just be so much fun and of course manly.

Dear friend: all the above would just be the starting points and personal items can be added to make it his. So, I am begging you, please keep the paneling. Not painting it would save you money and time, wouldn't that be lovely.

project: hall


I would love to see this or similar mirror hanging at the end of their hall. The hallway is a decent size for their home, but is quite dark. A mirror like this would easily reflect the light and make the space more welcoming. Again the wall would be painted the same color. I would also love to see all the trim and interior doors painted a few shades darker than the color they choose. Currently there is the fake wood paneling lining the lower half of the wall. The easiest option would be to paint it out the same color as the trim. I know it would look quite lovely. There is enough room for a narrow console table, but for now I recommend keeping the hall clear.

photo shoot

Last night we went out with very little daylight left to snag the family Christmas card photo. We have been booked solid with shoots, so we wanted to jump at the chance when we finally had a night off. We did end up with a few winners, but it took a few attempts to get there. Here's our first few tries. By the way, no camera tricks here, my hubby is 6'6 and I am 5'3 on a good day.



The hubby is much better holding the camera, see here.

project: guest room

Currently in my lovely friend's guest room is a dresser, end table, and full size bed all in dark wood. The lines are great and have a classic feel. Their family live out of town so they want a special space for family and friends that come to visit. My friend's look is very anthropologie home. I thought I would go all out in this room and give her that feel.


I would love to see this wallpaper hanging on the wall behind the bed. I would then paint the walls that same creamy color.


Any one of these pillows would be so pretty upon a white duvet cover with blue sheets.



I could whip this fabric into lovely curtains.


They currently have a mirror over the dresser. I would like to see the frame painted yellow. A few personal items and candlesticks in that orange or green would round out the room and make it ready for guests. As a side note my friend did mention painting that furniture. It does not need it, but it would look pretty in a medium gray tone. It really would depend on the amount of extra work the hubby is willing to do.

This weekend I will be working on kitchen, bath, and office ideas. We also have a few photo shoots, so we'll be busy. I hope you have a relaxing and great weekend!

project: dining room

Currently in my sweet friends home is a large, square, wooden pub style table and 8 chairs in the dining area. Eventually this space will be opened up to the kitchen, but for now it is some what of a separate area with a door to the kitchen and a large opening connecting it to the living room. There is not too much to be done in this room except add some style and character. The room will be painted the same color as the rest of the main areas. I recommend the same white curtains and shades to keep the flow smooth throughout. I am also thinking it may be fun to add a band of green length wise to spruce them up a bit. Now for the new additions...


Say hello to the new chandelier. Isn't she lovely. I love how the smoke color makes the piece slightly less feminine. This will definitely be the statement piece. This beats the current ceiling fan for sure.
As you look through the large opening from the living room there is one center window and wall space on either side. I would like to hang two of these shelves on each side. On them I would display a few things they love and lean a pic or two from their recent photo shoot. Be sure to check it out, they look beyond amazing!


This is not exactly a necessity, but recovering the dining chairs in this would be superb. The plaid would add a bit of masculine flavor to the chandelier. A toned down dose of whimsy would you say? This would also be an easy change, as tastes do change with time.

Update: Just so you know my dear friend loved the living room ideas. The hubby of course mentioned budget and I assure him I am on it. I love finding great deals and I am not one to shy away from many flea mall trips and yard sales to balance out the higher ticket items like the lamp. Unfortunately the armoire is part of a set that is in their bedroom so when they do add on the master suite one day they would like it to go back into the room. I am sure though a simple small replacement can easily be found and the armoire can easily be shifted into the office. She also wants to add another fun chair for extra seating. I am sure we can work it in somewhere.

project: living room

I thought I would start this series of blog posts with the living room of my friends home simply because it is the first room you see when you walk in the door. They currently have a sofa and love seat in brown leather, a darker wood tv armoire, and that is about it. She wants people to feel at home when they come in the door, wants a touch of whimsy and glam, but not too much because of the hubby, and really just wants something that suits them and their two dogs. Not too much for me to go on, but here's a go.

I will start with the paint color that will go throughout the main living areas. I wanted to keep it light since the home in small and the furniture is so dark. I also love the idea of painting wall and ceilings the same color. I still haven't held these up in their home, so it may change. These are the three options thus far...
1. snowbound (very white)
2. natural choice (slightly more beige)
3. incredible white (slightly more gray)
all by Sherwin Williams.

They hope to buy a flat panel tv, but until then I recommend painting their existing armoire white to visually open up the space more and add that glam factor. Theirs look very similar to this one only half the size.

I too would add the pottery above. I would use not only white, but possibly blues, greens, and orange. I am sure with enough Home Good trips this can be done on the cheap. She also shares my love for birds. I think this piece would ad the whimsy she's looking for.
The room does not have any over head lighting so lamps are a must. I love the green to add a pop of color and the arc will give the illusion of over head lighting without taking up space as multiple table lamps would. (I would put this on the left side closest to the dining area allowing it hang over the sofa.)

lamps found via cb2

The coffee table needs to be incredibly narrow to keep the flow smooth when they have guests. First I liked the idea of a glass top simply because it will not look heavy in the room. So far I have not been able to find one narrow enough. I then thought of a long bench. I found this one at pottery barn, but one could be easily made or even found at a flea mall for a cheaper option.


I would also recommend having white curtains like these hung with dark rods. I would hang them high to add visual height. This would also balance out the white armoire on the opposite wall. I would also add simple roller shades to the windows to keep some privacy without having to leave the curtains shut continually. It is also simple to mount them upside down and leave the top part of the windows exposed if they feel they would want privacy all time. I have done it here in my home.


So far I know it seems like a lot of white, but the accessories will bring in the color and dark furniture + dark floors need some lighting up. They also currently have two large pieces of art that have trees and color. Hanging side by side over the love seat would be lovely. Another end table, hopefully a thrift find, to go on the left of the love seat with the lamp that currently in the guest room, with a new shade of course, would round it out.

My dear friend I hope you like the angle I am going for. Let me know if I am heading in the right direction before I continue with the other rooms. If not I will try again and you will have to give me more to go on.

(This makes me sad go here.)

a new project

As I mentioned yesterday, I was going to help a friend pick out paint colors for their new home. Well, their home is an older, tiny cottage that will eventually need more than paint. They are planning to open the kitchen up to the living/dining area, redo the kitchen, redo the bath, and still have tons of other basic updating to do. As we got to talking and trying to figure out my sweet friends style, she had the idea of me just coming up with ideas that may suit them as a couple. We went to some local stores to see what she gravitated to and she loved a bit a glam, but at the same time still loves their new and existing brown leather couches and dark wood dinner table. I believe it will be easy and fun to combine the two styles and help give them a grown up space that they will love. Anyway, what I m trying to get to, is that I will be tackling each of their rooms individually with blog posts and hopefully it will help them figure out exactly what they want. I do love a good challenge. Here is just a teaser...a ceiling fan just does not work in a dining area, but I believe this would.


Also, I would love for you to stop by The Red Otter. The lovely Julia has a series of self portraits done by other blogger's and today it's me! I am very excited and feel very privileged to have been able to participate. Julia has amazing taste and her blog is just stunning. Did I happen to mention that I am excited?

go say hello...


to me on Simply Grove and The Newlywed Diaries today. Kirsten from Simply Grove was sweet enough to diagnose my style. It's super easy, just send her five images of rooms that represent what you love in home design. Her diagnoses fit me to a tee. I was also on The Newlywed Diaries on Friday. She and her hubby are currently renovating their home and have great style. Today I am off to help a dear friend pick colors for their new home. Very fun indeed. I hope you have a wonderful Monday.

have a great weekend...

I sure know I will. First off,I want to say thank you for everyone who is so kind to not only comment on my little blog, but give me the sweetest compliments ever! (see the below post) To top things off, I also had the honor to be featured on the fantastic blog of The Newlywed Diaries. How fun is that! Well, I really do hope you all have a wonderful weekend. I will see you again next week.

updates...

I got my haircut! My average is every 6 mths, so needless to say I get very excited when that time comes. I did decide to go with the side swept bangs, but the lovely Morgan of Morgan Ashley gave me the option of an all out bang. I love it personally, it makes me feel a bit sassy. This style will only work in the winter since my hair is curly in places and tends to frizz in the humidity. As for the yellow shoes, they arrived and fit to a tee. They were even cuter in person. Next on my list is makeup. Sephora and Target here I come.


feminine

During the Alabama summers you will find me only wearing dresses. It is how I feel most comfortable. As the weather cools, jeans and sweaters become the norm and dresses become sparse and far between. While I sit and write this, I am wearing a pair of sweats and a tee with a blanket wrapped around me in a home that leans more towards the masculine and I have a strong desire to have some of the femininity brought back into my life.





all photo's via jennifer hagler via the swish and swanky blog

my little one's



My babies make me happy. I love the fact that I get to experience having a boy and a girl. I love how sweet they can be one moment and the next, well, not so sweet. I love seeing their personalities emerge slowly. I love how KJ follows Ellie around constantly and how Ellie tells him when he does a good job. I love how Ellie never stops giving kisses and how KJ gets overly excited when daddy comes home from work. I love how they both love to read. I love hearing Ellie pray and KJ say Amen. I love how Ellie must always carry around elephant and roo and how KJ must always have blankie. I love how excited Ellie gets when I sew her a dress, like the one above. I really do just love them both immensely.

Of course, right now they are sleeping soundly and I am not dwelling on the fighting, the whining, the demanding, or the picking.

Do you have something that your child/husband/significant other/pet does that just makes you so very happy?

i heart their style





Yesterday, I found Nathan Egan via the pink wallpaper blog. I found their design to be stunning, but at the same time very livable. I love the simplicity of the first design. Everything about the second image, especially the photo of the diver, I find to be so perfect. The chandelier in the third is remarkable. That kitchen makes me swoon, from the cabinet doors, the stools, even the topiary I love. This is where I sigh.

my weekend


This weekend my little sister and I had the pleasure of attending the grand opening of Morgan Ashley Studio Salon here in Alabama. She had a spectacular hair and fashion show to show off the trends for the holiday season. I completely spaced it and left my camera at home or I would share. This Thursday I am getting my haircut, I am thinking side swept bangs. Also after viewing this pic I think I may start wearing makeup. I think that face needs a little something more. Any suggestions? Just keep in mind I am a mother of two and getting ready time is to a minimal.

update: thank you facebook for these two pics from the show. The owner of Morgan Ashley is the adorable red head in the second photo. I wish you could see more of the salon, it is gorgeous.


Monday's real estate find

I found this house in our local real estate market. I love the outside of this house, but it did not have any of the interior photos. I decided to take it upon myself and create what I believe this house looks like or atleast what I would hope for it to.

I would imagine this to be the front foyer. I love all the light, french doors, and all those hooks.

photo via aly's beach

I love the light and airiness of this living area. The ample seating would be great for our lifestyle.

photo via mstetson design

This house would look lovely with a kitchen like this. Marble counters, a few glass front cabinets to display all my white dishes and those light fixtures are just divine.

photo via urban grace

This beautiful light fixture would be hanging somewhere in this home I am sure. Well, I hope you enjoyed my version of this home. I think I will have to do a drive by on this home now, bye!

have a great weekend!

I think the Kate Spade ads are beyond brilliant. There use of photography in that lifestyle manner makes me think I could possibly be any of these high style women. Pure genius in my book.




Just in case you don't already know, the first two photo's are from her fall collection and the bottom two are from her spring collection. All photo's via Kate Spade on facebook.

yellow


I found these shoes in the most unexpected place, Newport News. I have been wanting a pair of yellow heels, but didn't want to spend much. I got these for less than $20 including shipping. I hope they are as lovely in person and of course I hope they fit. I have never bought shoes online before, but there's a first time for everything I suppose.