Every Home Needs One Of These

Good Morning!

I love to entertain.  Nothing makes me happier when my house is filled with people enjoying themselves and having a good time.

One of the things I truly believe is that every home should have a bar station or a bar (serving) cart.  I have been working with several clients that love to host and this really makes people feel welcome and want to stay awhile.

(Elle Decor)

(House Beautiful)

Traditional Kitchen design by Boston Kitchen And Bath Venegas and Company

Now if you can't do a built in perhaps a bar cart would work..

Eclectic Dining Room design by 
 Modern Entry design

 or bar cabinet

Source: crateandbarrel.com via Bill on Pinterest

These are great even for those who don't like to drink.  You can serve tea or refreshing drinks and non-alcoholic beverages.  

The glistening of the glass bottles and some bite sized foods will cause people to relax and enjoy themselves.

Would you consider having one in your home?

BTW..

It was 63 degrees here yesterday and today we practically have a blizzard.  What is seriously going on with this weather?

Just Faux It

Good Afternoon!

With the cool weather permanently set in I have gone gaga over faux fur.

(Free People)

Just looking at it makes you feel warm.

Let's translate that into your interiors...after all we want our company to feel cozy when they come in from a cold day.

(via)

simply put a throw on a sofa

Fur on your chairs..

 

(via)

 

(via)

 

 (Bluetramontana)

On your bed..

(Everything Fabulous)

(Bijou and Boheme)

and in my home..on my wicker chairs and

got another one ordered for the foot of my bed..can't wait.

Stay warm and have a great week : )

Cozy Bedroom

Good Morning!

This morning when I woke up I felt that noticeable chill in the air and snuggled deeper into my blankets.  Yes, fall is here and it got me thinking about cozy, warm bedrooms.

via

Mike & Honey Home

Elle Decor

Atlanta Homes

Warm colors, wood, and fur..what else do you need : )

Here's a sneak peek into my bedroom and oh, how I love the color..

You can tell which side of the bed we sleep on..lol

BTW..

Picking the blogging back up again was on vacation for the past 2 weeks and loved every minute of it : )

Hope your mornings are toasty warm.

Room Of The Day

Good Afternoon!

When I saw this space I knew I just had to share it.

(Elle Decor )

What a way to bring the outside in.  All the furniture is different but it's all using similar materials.  Your eye is not distracted from the beautiful mural.  If I ever get another home..high ceilings is a must so I can do something dramatic like this.

What do you think?  Do you find murals a great feature in a home or not something you want to commit to?

BTW..

My family comes down this weekend.  So very excited to see them : )

Also, the Byron Forest Preserve is coming along great.  Huge progress is being made.  Here's a little sneaky peek.

Branding Your Space

Hello!

Lately I have been getting a lot of questions about how to pull a room together.  Some people think that everything has to match exactly or all pieces need to come from a set..

(image)

grant it..they all have their place.

However, it's nice to see a space that has the look of being collected over time.  I like to call it "Branding Your Space"

Your home is uniquely.. YOU and should speak that when someone walks through the door.  

Here are some homes that have character..

They have something to say..

 (image)

 The furniture does not come from the same set.  However, the space is cohesive by using color.

 (image)

 (image)

 

(image)

 So, don't be afraid to scour garage sales, thrift stores and the like.  Your steps to a designer room is right at your fingertips : )

Dreaming of Something Cool

Happy Monday!

It is going to be a scorcher here in the midwest with temperatures in the Chicago area around 107 degrees and might I add the humidity.  My poor hair is definitely going to suffer : (

All of this got me thinking about something cool...

Elle Decor

Just looking at it brings relief. 

Here are some more places that will help remedy on this steamy day.

Elle Decor

Bali

Scenografic Pools

Doesn't that make you just say, "AAAHHH."

Wishing you all a "dip in the cool" this week.

Community Undertaking

I am so happy it's Friday!  Are you all looking forward to Memorial Day Weekend?  I know I am.  

I have been really busy the last several months and all for a great cause.  I have been asked to be a part of the design team for Rockford Sharefest.  It's a once a year event where Heartland Community Church, volunteers and businesses from all over our city come together to renovate certain schools.  It's our way of giving back : )

Check this video out..

(to listen to the video please press pause for the music in side bar)

I had to come up with design inspiration for a teachers lounge at one of the schools and here is my inspiration

Inspiration from..Design Sponge, Elle Decor, HGTV Dream Home, Natuzzi, Design Within Reach, Angelo Surmelis (Rate My Space)

I met several days ago with the other ladies (not all of them) to go over the plans for the teachers lounge which we are in (in this picture below) but also to finalize everything else for that school.

These guys are genius carpenters.  Thank God for Becky helping us get all the measurements right.

Everyone has been a joy to work with.  I can't wait to show all of you what has been accomplished : )

BTW... Have a great Memorial Day weekend.  Say thank you to our men and women in uniform if you come across them.

The song "Discover Life " was written by my husband for Rockford Sharefest .. hope you enjoy.