A Little HomeGoods Shopping

I thought I'd share some fun finds on a recent HG shopping trip last week.



 

A nice textured burlap/linen type fabric bench, for $99.



 

 

Some great chalkboards with a shabby chic paint treatment.

 

 

A cute lamp and shade for a girl's bedroom.

A cute boho-inspired quilt that would be cute in a girl's room as well. I love the colors on this one.

Too bad I already purchased the bedding for my #3 girl's room already.

 

 

And who couldn't use a woven monkey? Actually, call me bananas but I think this would be sort of cute in a girl's room too.

 

So, I came away with a few good finds that I'll share later. I forgot to take photos of them. Figures.

Have you found any good treasures at HomeGoods lately? Will you be rushing out to find the monkey?



Feeling Legit...

Feeling legit... well, not really. Not quite yet anyways. I still need to finish my Sheffield course, and get my business license to feel really legit. But I'm getting closer.
I got these cards a little prematurely because thank goodness, Jen from At Home in the Northwest, clued me in that I will need them next week when we go to the Design Camp in Seattle, for passing around.
I am so happy with how they turned out! They sort of tie in with my blog, which I was trying to go for.
I got them from Flair Designery. They were so kind and so accommodating to me, since I needed them fast. Thank you so much, Maggie and Abby! I really do love them.

In other news, this is what I will be working on this weekend.

Yup, painting again! Sorry green walls, MISSION: PAINT IT ALL WHITE is taking you down!
I hope to show you more pictures next week, but boy this is one color that I will be happily be painting over. This is one of my "what was I thinking" moments for sure.

Have a great weekend!

New Sofas

I am so excited to get my new sofa and loveseat for my family room. I ordered the Pottery Barn Comfort Slipcovered.

Pottery Barn

I chose the washed linen/cotton slipcovers in stone. I always longed for a white sofa but with 2 kids at home that like to eat on the sofas (bad habit) and a dog, I know I'd be washing them all the time. So, I went a little darker with the stone. I think it'll still have that light feeling but hopefully will not show every little spill. I love the texture of the washed linen/cotton, and I am crossing my fingers that it holds up well over time and with washings.
They won't arrive until June though! Ugh,  I am very impatient when it comes to this stuff. I want it now.
Does anyone have experience with this sofa or the washed linen/cotton slipcovers?

A Look Behind the Curtains with Melaine Thompson @ My Sweet Savannah

Today, I'd like to introduce you to another local blogger to me, Melaine Thompson from My Sweet Savannah.
I have been a stalker follower of Melaine's for sometime now. I so envy her beautiful home on the lake. Her home just speaks comfort. She does her styling and decor with such ease, and everything is just beautiful.
If you have not checked out her blog, please do! She comes up with the most amazing DIY projects, that just blows me away. If her home, and creativity don't drive you to feel super inferior just wait for her soon to be released blog about fitness and health. This girl has some guns (biceps, I'm talking about) and the tiniest waist. Dang girl, it's hard not to hate you. But you can't hate her, because she is so sweet and gracious.
Anyway, enough brown nosing. Ha ha.

Here is Melaine's take on interior design.

Where are you based? I live near Seattle Washington.

How did you get into interior design? I've always been into interiors ever since I was little. Things really took off for me after we purchased our first home.



Melaine's cute dining table



Her chalk wall where she stenciled from using this source.



Washing dishes would be so much more easier with a lake view like that!

 

I love her little coffee bar area here.

 

How long have you been doing it? Around 12 years.

When and why did you start your blog? I started my blog about 6-7 years ago as a place to showcase my hand painted furniture and signs to clients.

Do you have any interior design education/ degree? Nope, I do not, self taught :)

How would you define your style? Traditional with a cottage/vintage twist. I like mixing old and new.

What is your favorite room to design and why? I'd say kids rooms. Kids rooms are just plain FUN! And, they are the easiest to please!



Melaine's son's and daughter's rooms

What is your favorite paint color to use? It used to be Ben Moore Teepee Brown, but I am drawn more to grey's now. Dark Grey in particular. Seal by Martha Stewart is a good one. I LOVE Ralph Lauren Oatmeal, it's a warm off white, a good neutral.

What is your favorite local décor shop? I have several, but in Kirkland, Haley's Cottage, and in Snohomish, Joyworks, Ruffles and Rust, and Faded Elegance.

What is your most “go to” online décor shop? I love Ballard Designs for pillows and accessories and I also love Joss and Main. There's some really great deals there.

What room in your own house is your favorite and why? Our living room. It has a lot of light and a big comfy sectional. It has a fireplace and a giant tv. It's a great family gathering spot.

 

 

Who inspires you? The list is long. Currently, Holly Mathis, Jill Hinson, {blogging girls} I love Nate Berkus and Sara Richardson.

Looking back, have you ever had a big design disaster? Or thought, “what was I thinking?” Yes, but do I have to tell? :)

Best advice for someone starting an interior design career? Go with your gut. Try not to follow trends, because trends will change.

Best advice for new bloggers? Keep going and don't give up. It may take a while to get your blog "out there" but just post, post, post.

Best design advice for someone decorating on their own? Buy what you love, no matter what. If you love it, you'll find a spot for it! Don't buy something if it's not LOVE at first sight!

____________________________

Thank you so much Melaine for being apart of my series! Your home is gorgeous, and I'm sure it's even better in person. (hint, hint)
We have the same inspirational designers, and I couldn't agree with you more when you say to stay away from trends (unless you love something) and go with your gut. I can't tell you how many times, I let other peoples' voices get in my head and lead me to something I didn't really want, and I have since had to change it or want to change it now.
Please hop on over to Melaine's blog and see more of her house tour and see all her great recipes, entertaining ideas, and diy projects.

*If you'd like to see my other posts in this series please go here, here and here.*

Amazing Girl Bedroom

Puttering around and wasting time on Pinterest the other day, I came across this AMAZING room for a little girl.
This is done by Mandi of Vintage Revivals for her own daughter Dylan.

Isn't that one of the most creative rooms you've ever seen? That is one lucky girl. I just love those colors!
The dog on the opposite side of the wall, the brown areas are made of cork board! Amazing!
Go here to Mandi's site to see more.

My Dream Nantucket Beach Home

As the sun is finally making it's appearance around here, I am finding myself daydreaming of beach homes again. Who am I kidding? I am always daydreaming about beach homes!

Today, I'd like to share with you how I would decorate my beach home, if I had one in Nantucket.

Here we go!

 

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Of course it would have to be a cedar shingled home, worn down by the beach air, and ocean spray to a beautiful patina of grey or light brown.

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Plenty of zinc & metal lights and decor would be added to the outside.

 

 

A place to hang wet and sandy towels after a day on the beach. 

 

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A white crisp entrance, with hints of blue and a place to hang your sunhat.

 

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The living areas would have white slipcovered furniture, planked walls painted white and some nods to a nautical/"beachy" vibe. Everything would be super casual and you can put your feet up anywhere sort of feel.

 

 

 

A cozy reading nook would be a must have.





 

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The dining area would be casual and filled with light.

 





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The kitchen would white but  have a rustic touch plus filled with vintage finds.

 

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 There would be many bedrooms for guests. All of them would be clean and simple with luxurious mattress and down comforters.

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Again, the bathrooms would be crisp white and simple in design. I like the natural lights and that worn wood mirror.

 

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It would also have a great mudroom, where you can come in and knock off the sand off your shoes and maybe clean up some muddy paws. Also, a good place to store all your beach supplies as you walk in and out the door.

 

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As far as accessories, there would be plenty of baskets around the home. Great for storing flip flops, dog toys, beach toys, extra blankets, firewood, etc.

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I would be stocked up on lots of bedding for my guests. Also, lots of extra blankets for wrapping up with while sitting outside on the deck on cooler evenings.

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Natural elements would be brought inside in the forms of shells, tree branches, tall grasses, flowers, and driftwood.

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Worn, sun bleached furniture and decor would be added.

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I would have tons of blue ticking fabric on pillows, furniture and maybe drapes throughout the home.

(via Pottery Barn)

 

(via Pottery Barn)

 

And there would be lanterns in and outside the home to be lit at night for great ambiance.

 

(found on Pinterest-couldn't find original source)

I'd wear something like this....

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or this, as I strolled through the cute shops in town or shopping for groceries for my clambake.

 

So, who else is dreaming of a Nantucket beach home now?? You're welcome!