Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Want It Wednesday {Master Bedroom Inspiration Board & Fabric Love}

I can not get Robert Allen's Neo Toile in Coral out of my mind. After the frigid winter and unseasonably cool spring, I am craving the vibrant colors of summer: teal, coral and aqua. I'm not quite certain in what manner, but I have added this "must have" fabric to my master bedroom inspiration board.



I think the lively colors lend a youthful feel to a rather formal print. And I love the appearance of the print hanging as drapery panels, although I'm not sure I could handle that much color in a bedroom drape.


After a day filled with 3 littles and their continual messes, I for one need a clutter free & neutral space in which to unwind. That said, a little pop of pattern & color helps pretty it all up. How about you, do you like your bedroom to be soothing and peaceful  or do you crave a space that emits energy and bold colors? 

Monday, May 26, 2014

Manor Monday {Happy Memorial Day}

In honor of all those who have bravely given their lives for our freedom, the B house is decked out in star and stripes.








Hope you all have a wonderful holiday. We have nothing major planned and that is just fine with me!

Friday, May 23, 2014

Family Friday {Baseball Buddy}

Last week the rain held off and Peanut was able to play his very first game of baseball. His excitement was contagious and despite the cold temps, he has an absolute blast out on the field.


Hubby is assistant coach for Peanut's team and having Dad by his side meant the world to our little man. Even though Peanut didn't quite understand the strategy behind the game, he hustled and wasn't afraid to get in on the action.





Who knows if baseball will be Peanut's passion, but it sure if great fun to watch your child develop and master new talents. I'm just waiting for the weather to cooperate and make these games a little more tolerable.




Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Want It Wednesday {Drapery Dilemma: Cast Your Vote!}

Monday's post I shared with you all the progress in the Living Room. I was happy to leave well enough alone until I saw this fabric posted on Instagram by Amanda over at Dixie Delights.


Could it be that this fabric is the prefect combination of aqua, green, blue & brown to tie in all the colors in both the living and dining room!?! I quickly ordered a sample and I am pleased to report the answer is an overwhelming YES! As an added bonus, the large scale print adds both softness and personality to the space.

Drapery for this room has always baffled me. Mainly, do I opt for floor to ceiling panels (image 1) or hang the drapes between the palladian and transom windows (image 2)?



When I consulted a designer for our first set of drapes (which I have since relocated to the office) she hung them under the palladian windows (similar to photo 2).  It is mainly an issue of taste and one I keep going back and forth on. So I'm asking you all, which way would you hang these drapes: image 1 or  image 2. I can't wait to hear all your design advice and opinions. Thanks in advance everyone!!!

Monday, May 19, 2014

Manor Monday {Living Room Switch Up}


Out of all the rooms in the house, the living room has been the biggest conundrum. I adore the large floor to ceiling windows and natural sunlight that fills this room sun up to sun down. But other than that, the rest of the room is a practice in learning to "love what you've got".  


That said, I did some furniture rearrangement a while back and I've taken to the new look. First I relocated YiaYia's childhood secretary from between the front windows, to the wall that use to house our piano (which I moved to the family room last fall). Flanking the secretary are our old dining room host and hostess chairs. In the far corner I set up a tiny bar cart/ vignette. 

Across the room the couch remained in the same spot,but I added a brown shade to the brass lamp on the end table to help carry the color across the room.


Finally, I hung the DIY art from the family room on the formerly blank wall behind the tufted reading chair. Using accessories from around the house or in storage I complied a small vignette on the duncan phyfe table to balance out the bar cart across the room.  


The room is far from finished, but the changes feel like a step in the right direction as I decide exactly how I want to transform this space. How about you all, any suggestions for taking what you've got and turning it into something you love? I'll be back Wednesday with my mood board for the room and along with a plea for some design assistance.


Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Want It Wednesday {Espalier Vines}

I've been logging in quite a few hours outdoors between our new garden & spring cleaning.  I  tend to pass the time by letting my mind dream up new designs for the space I'm working on. Sort of a bad habit, as it only leads to more work needing to be done and the vicious cycling continuing. Nonetheless, I've been stewing over landscaping ideas for the awhile now and here's what I'm loving, espalier vines.



I've always been drawn to the classic design of vines trained in geometric patterns along walls, fences, and houses. So it comes as no surprise that I am plotting a way to add some espalier to my life. From the research I've done, these designs are often high maintenance and require quite a bit of attention. At this point in my life my TLC slots have no vacancies so I'll just have to fill this inspiration away for another day.


sources:1&2 3 4

The former owner of our house was very much into the Prairie style: tall grasses & natural wildflowers. Slowly, we are working on changing that and someday I'll have my espalier vines. How about you? What's your garden style? Tailored & crisp? Maybe you're whimsical and cottage? 

Monday, May 12, 2014

Manor Monday {Coming Soon}

Hope you all had a lovely weekend and spent time with the special Mothers, Aunts, and Grandmothers in your life.
I've made some exciting changes around here, but the days have been too short and the to do list too long that I've yet to photograph any of them. So for now I leave you with the promise of details to come. XOXO