A Classic Kitchen

I found this kitchen while browsing BHG a while back and just keep going back to it as an inspiration piece because it's so classic, clean, and pretty.  Here are my favorite parts of it:

White marble backsplash - classic subway tiles that will never ever go out of style.

Old cabinets made new again - painted a fresh white and dressed with contemporary hardware, these refurbished cabinets probably allowed for splurges else-where.

Dark gray counters - I can't tell if they're quartz, concrete, or another composite material, but the color is perfect and the solid-surface means low-maintenance and durability.

Old farmhouse sink - I'm not certain if it's the large basin or the nostalgia behind it, but I adore these sinks.

Wall-mounted faucet - the perfect fit for the sink, they look shiny and new but still original to the sink.  Mounted to the wall, the faucet stands out as a focal point of the room.

Re-purposed radiator screens - placed in the cabinets below the sink, the silver geometric screen material serves as the perfect accent to the kitchen.

Roman Shades - a bright accent fabric livens up the space and allows for a few punchy accent colors, but the streamlined shape keeps things classically refined.

Simple ceiling-mount light fixture - vintage, demure, and sweet, it doesn't scream for attention but adds to the clean crispness of the room.

Do you love this kitchen as much as I do?  What is your favorite part?  Do share!

New Living Room/Office Reveal!

Well, I thought it was about time to share a few rooms of our new house with y'all.  I'm happy to report that we're unpacked, rearranged, and semi-decorated.  While I have several future projects up my sleeve, it's looking lived-in and loved so it's worth a share.

So...today you get to see our living room/office combo - we did this because it was such a HUGE room and needed a little division in purpose.  Here is the stark before shot (looking in from the entry-way):

See what I mean about needing to define space?  It's wonderfully vast, which is a mega-challenge without expensive area rugs to do the space-defining job.

Here is a much more colorful (but still white-walled) after shot - we'll break it down some more with detailed photos in a moment...

If you don't already know - I LOVE color - so it's definitely there.  I was hoping to venture out of my "red" obsession a bit, but after I went through all my things I realized I have a lot of red because I love it and there is no sense in purging it from my decor.  (not to mention, a new color scheme would cost much more...)  I added quite a bit more yellow, my all-time favorite color, because it makes me happy and looks so fab with my new gray sofa.

For the office space, we brought in an old IKEA rug, my refinished mirror {see the paint job here}, our old desk that sat in the garage of our last house, a bookshelf, and our transformed floor lamp {see transformation here}.  The rug is crazy colorful, but it truly makes the space.  Without it, it's just a desk pushed up against a wall.

I think all the color is fun and inspiring.  It definitely gets the creative juices flowing, which is good in this line of work. :)  And, honestly, the white walls are sort of nice as they ground all the bright colors.

For the living room area, I brought in our oversized clock and repainted wall-hangings that we didn't use in the last house.  I needed large-scaled items to hang on the wall, so they would absorb some of the space on the massive white walls.  Most everything else we had in our old living room {see photo here}.

 (ok, the "moo cow" bouncee thing is new...but not really "furniture" per say)

Oh, I did get two new items to add to the space - the lovely Rubber Tree {see detailed post here} and my gorgeous Pier1 rattan/wood accent chair that I found on clearance yesterday...check her out below at left.

Isn't she a nice (yellow!) addition to the room?  It was tough to find a chair with the same scale and lines as our upholstered accent chair - there aren't many comfy, armless, low chairs out there.  Now they're the perfect pair, huh???

Here is a closer shot of my wall art - it's big, it's graphic, it's red, it's bold - I love it!  And, the rubber tree is so perfect for that corner.

So there you have it...now for future projects:

1) I'd still like to find a window covering solution for this room.  I'm not certain if I should do a valance, a cornice, drapes...any suggestions?  The room is super tall so drapes would cost a fortune.  And, I definitely don't want to block any light coming in my lovely big window.

2) I'd also like to eventually find an area rug for the living space, but for some reason picking out area rugs scares me.  I love pattern but since a rug is so big, I'm afraid a pattern would totally overwhelm the already colorful space.  Oh, and did I mention that they're SUPER EXPENSIVE.  It's like a major investment so I'm taking it slow...I'm going to have to completely adore it.

Other than the window treatments and area rug, I think this living room/office combo is just about done.  At least for now...

Thanks for checking it out.  I'd love to hear your opinions and suggestions, so please do leave a note!

Fall Fashion Preview: Autumn-Hued Accessories

Fall is in the air...ALREADY!  For example, I ran in to an Eddie Bauer store last week (in a tank top and shorts, might I add) and they were selling full-on jackets, sweaters, and blazers.  It made me sweat a little just to see them...  When I walked back outside I continued to sweat, but that's because it was 95 degrees and humid outside.  Bottomline, unless you live in Antarctica, you have a little bit of time to scout your Autumn-appropriate wardrobe.  Sarcasm aside, I do love Fall fashion!  I'm not certain if it's the earthy skin-flattering tones or the joy of getting my boots out of storage that make me love it so much...it's simply my favorite time of year for fashion.  Anyone else agree?!?

Here are some super cute accessories I've recently pinned on Pinterest, which should help us all get in the Fall fashion spirit - or at least help prepare us for the cooler days ahead.  (Yippee!)

1. Zara Tote Bag with Pocket ($49) - Zara // 2. Clarks Artisan Neeve Ella Boots ($260) - Eddie Bauer // 3. Reade Street Tote ($198) - IIIBeCa // 4. Ikat Saturation Loop ($38) - Anthropologie // 5. Military Style Blazer ($50) - Mango // 6. Schoolboy Blazer in Wool Flannel ($198) - J.Crew // 7. Sperry Seaborn Wedge Slip-On Shoes ($130) - Eddie Bauer // 8. Mitchell Bag ($398) - Dooney&Bourke // 9. Chooka Top Solid Wellies ($75) - Eddie Bauer

The saturated colors make me want to frolic in a huge pile of autumn leaves (as long as I'm not the one raking them...).  Are you feeling the rich textures, cozy fabrics, and saturated hues?  What are your favorite Fall fashion items?  This year for me it's my tall brown suede boots and dark teal skinny jeans.  With summer temperatures like we have in Boston, it could be months before I get to debut them.  Oh well, til' then I guess I'll make the most of my brightly-colored Summer digs!

Rubber Tree Trumps Fiddle Leaf Fig...

True confessions.  I'm a Rubber Tree convert.  Last week I gushed over how much I adore the Fiddle Leaf Fig tree {read here}.  And, I do still love them....but, I went to the nursery last week and was struck by the beauty and fullness of the Rubber Tree so I opted to buy that for our living room instead.  The Fiddle Leaf is somewhat sculptural but admittedly a little scant on "leaf count" when compared to a lush rubber plant. (at least for the size of tree I could afford wanted)

Here is a good comparison...based on the two trees I saw.

See how there are a lot more leaves and a thicker trunk on the rubber tree?  My goal was to fill a substantial amount of visual space in our large living room so the rubber tree won out.  Keep in mind - there are some gorgeously full (and expensive) Fiddle Leaf Figs out there.  Just not in the plans for our budget savvy living room.

So here's how my relatively easy tree planting experience played out...

First, I found a great inspiration basket at Home Goods to hold my "green-thumb experiment".

Next, I purchased the rubber tree, a pot, a liner, and some potting soil at the nursery.

Then, I transplanted her into the larger pot and gave her a drink.

Finally, put her in the basket and moved her into the living room.

She's a bute, huh?  I like how it fills the corner and draws the eye up a bit to take up some visual space on the top half of the room.  You'll see what I mean about filling the visual space soon.  I'm saving the whole-room reveal just a little longer - until I get a chance to take some good pictures.

What do you think?  Do you like my pick?  I'll be taking bets on how long I can keep her lush, green...and alive.

Wookie Cookies

Hope everyone is having a great week thus far.  My "Monday" post is officially overdue as I scheduled it incorrectly (sorry about that!), so here it goes...

Over this past weekend, we enjoyed some time with our first official visitors to Boston - some dear friends from Baltimore. One of the highlights was going to China Town for some real Dim Sum. So fun and delicious!  I also got to take my husband to Melting Pot for his 30th birthday.  Fondue is such a great way to sit back, relax, and take time to enjoy each other's company. 
Oh, and I finally did make cookies for Weldon's birthday.  Promise fulfilled...here is the recipe for the ever-famous Star Wars Cookbook Wookie Cookies (mentioned in this post):

Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup milk chocolate chips

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

2. Combine "dry mix" ingredients in large bowl - flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.  Stir well.

3. Combine "wet mix" in another large bowl - butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.  Mix well, then add eggs and vanilla.  Mix again until smooth.

4. Slowly add prepared "dry mix" to the "wet mix", mixing until combined into the perfect cookie dough consistency.

5. Stir in the chocolate chips, until mixed throughout.  Using a cookie scoop or small spoon, place dough 2" apart on cookie sheets.

6. Bake for 13 minutes or until they're golden brown on top.

7. Remove from oven, let sit a minute, then spatula off onto cooling rack.

Finally, enjoy warm with some cold milk!

Let us know what you think of them.  See if you enjoy the cinnamon and extra chocolate chips as much as we do!

Happy 30th to my Husband! And, Two Cupcake Ideas...

I must admit, I have yet to bake anything for my dear husband's birthday, which happens to be TODAY (Aug 3)!  Since it is his big 3-0, I need to make something special.  His likely dessert request would be Wookie Cookies - yes, it's a recipe we got from dear friends who own the surely-best-selling Star Wars Cookbook.  They are very special chocolate chip cookies because they have cinnamon and two types of chocolate chips in them.  Plus, the recipe name has the word "Wookie" in it.  Who wouldn't love them? (I'll take pics and post the recipe next week...)

In commemoration of this special day, I thought I'd share two fun cupcake decorating ideas with you that you can simply do with some store-bought cake mix, frosting, and food coloring.  Let's be honest - how many of us actually make our own cake mixes on a regular birthday basis?

For my birthday last year, I was surprised with some super cute Addie-and-Daddy-made "M&M" cupcakes:

Such a fun idea!  When I asked "why M&Ms?", my handsome hubby said, "oh, I guess because they're my favorite candy - you like them too, right?".  How I adore that man!


The next cupcake idea was inspired by a painter's palette.  I whipped these up for one of multiple celebrations of our little gal's first birthday.

They ended up more "pastel" than the picture I modeled them after and I used a wooden cutting board instead of a real painter's palette, but they were tasty and adorable all the same.

Do you have any fun cupcake decorating ideas?  We're mega cupcake fans in this household, so do share!

Find Me a Fiddle

A Fiddle Leaf Fig tree, that is.  They're a decorating obsession for designers all over the globe.  I see Fiddle Leaf Figs in shelter magazines all the time, and can't help but love them myself.  I've never really decorated with foliage but I'm totally tempted to find one of these to fill the corner of my living room.  The room is about 9" tall, very white, and bright.  It's a vast space, so I'm trying to think of ways to fill the visual space without taking up tons of literal space.  A tree might just be the ticket!

Why do I love a Fiddle Leaf Fig?  They have a beautiful leaf shape - just like a fiddle!  And, the leaf color is very bright and fresh - a natural way to add more color to a room.  Oh, and because I see them in magazines all the time, I feel like I translate it into my space.  After all, seeing is believing in the design realm!

Here are a few Fiddle Leaf Fig trees featured in some lovely spaces:

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Tall Fiddle Leaf Fig trees can be really expensive, so I'm on the hunt for a smaller one that will grow taller with some (beginner) TLC.  They can be tough to find, but I have a great locally-owned nursery by us that sells them, so I'll be checking them out today.

Have any of you decorated with a Fiddle Leaf Fig?  If so, I'd love to hear what you think of them.  And, if you have any tips on how to care for them, that would be helpful too.  For the rest of us...any one else craving one of these in their space?

Master Bedroom Paint Plans

Ok, I promise - I'm going to ante-up the frequency this week.  :)  I'm officially unpacked, minus the garage (which doesn't really count as my turf, right?).  I have so many ideas swarming inside my head, it's about to pop.  I want to do it all RIGHT NOW, but the budget doesn't meet the will, so we'll spread projects out for a good while.  Like my wise husband says, "We're going to be here for 4 years, so take your time."  I'm not so good at that though...

I visited our local Benjamin Moore paint store this afternoon and picked up a paint deck.  Few people are as excited as I am when I get a paint deck in hand.  To me, it's like a rainbow of inspiration...know what I mean???  I'm new to the Benjamin Moore brand, but I always see it featured and referred by designers/decorators in shelter magazine so I figure it's worth a go.

Here's what I'm thinking for this blank canvas of a master space... (keep in mind, minimal budget and no permanent changes allowed)

My paint plan?  Operation Accent Wall.  My target?  The wall the headboard will sit on - the right wall above.

My key color restraint?  Our bedding - a duvet and shams in the Simone fabric from Pottery Barn.  I bought it a couple years ago and I still think it's classically beautiful.  It was a splurge, so it's worth a re-use in this house.  Here's a swatch of it...

via PotteryBarn

My other restraint?  I'm keeping our bedroom furniture that I put some new knobs on a few months ago for a quick pick-me-up.  This furniture was a major investment we made after we got married, and while it looks a little country with a distressed cream-colored finish, the new knobs freshen it up quite a bit.

I'll use our other relatively-neutral, already existing accessories as much as possible - i.e. sunburst mirror, acrylic lamp bases (new shades though!), an eclectic collection of throw pillows, and my turquoise chinoiserie-style bench.  I'll save those for the future reveal...

Based on the fabric and furniture, here's my accent wall color inspiration story:

Strong start here - an iPhone pic.  From HGTV magazine's Jun/Jul 2012 issue, Benjamin Moore's "Iron Gate (1545)" shade inspired me to use what I call "otter gray" - somewhat gray, somewhat taupe, somewhat purple, and somewhat brown - all combined into the perfectly rich, but neutral shade.

It's beautiful how subtly bold it is and how it makes anything hung on the wall come alive.  Plus, it appears to look great with white furniture/trim.

The most perfect raisin color...warm but not too brown.

 via SmallShop

Again, look how the artwork radiates and how pretty the coral hues look with it...

via BHG

This gorgeous shade (much like the above color) is "Mountain Ridge (1456)" from Benjamin Moore - however, it's not in their current paint deck.  I'm sure they could mix it up for me though...

via HouseBeautiful

This current Benjamin Moore shade - "Smoked Oyster (2109-40)" - is a tad lighter but I believe it will look like the above shade up on a wall.  Plus it has a very north-easterly name...maybe only "Nantucket Fog" would be better.

via BenjaminMoore

What are your thoughts?  Is Smoked Oyster a "go" or "no-go" with the Simone fabric...

While the other walls will remain white, I think the accent wall will make the room more inviting and sophisticated.  Please let me know what your thoughts are.  I'm open to other color recommendations, but need it to be somewhat "neutral".  Thanks for your input and have a happy week!  (BTW...it's so good to be back)