Extra space worth using!

I love natural light in a home and tall ceilings can add to that by making a room feel large and bright. A great way to add some of that in a smaller home is doing a loft conversion. Opening up an attic and using that space can really add a lot to a home.

That extra space could go towards adding more square footage and creating a room in the attic! With a nice sky light window you can open up a small space with gorgeous natural light.



Using the natural shape of the extra space can create some stunning designs. Some people are nervous about truss loft conversions but using a specialist can make this transformation easy with as little disruption as possible.



Some spaces are large enough to convert into an entire loft apartment. Using a wall of windows really makes this space feel more like a getaway than an attic!



Another option would be to just open up the space. This kitchen hardly feels small with the tall ceilings and windows.



This post in partnership with LoftCreations.co.uk

A Crisp White Home That Still Has Historic Charm

This Sag Harbor home caught my eye recently. It's at times a bit rustic for my tastes, but I think the balance of clean and modern, and respecting the homes historic charms - like exposed beams, is perfect.

In love with that rug!

Black floors in white rooms are really starting to grow on me.

The dining room is the only one that sticks out to me a little.  I would love to see a few sleeker elements brought in to counteract with the more rustic ones.

The tiny gray tiles on the floor are so pretty

via Lonny

Escape to a historic garden home in the UK

Right now they are repointing the brick in my apartment building, and the never-ending grinding noise is UNbearable. What I wouldn't do for a little silence!  At least I can virtually escape.  One thing I like to do is do property searches for country chalets, manors, and garden cottages throughout the UK and Europe.  I'm always able to find some charming little (and big) property that looks like it's been plucked right out of Pride & Prejudice.  I just delve into the photos and try to imagine what it'd be like to spend the summer there. I used Savills today, and they have an amazing array of dream properties.

Here are two properties I discovered this afternoon.

The first, Clapton Mill, used to be a Paper Mill, and has STUNNING grounds, and even a room in the home where you can view the waterfall that running under the home.

Dreamy.

Another gem I found is a Georgian property in a secluded village setting...just the description makes me feel a little better!

I'd spend most of my time outside and in this bright studio

I'd take my high tea out in the garden...I don't know how proper that is though...

What do you think of these homes - how long would you like to retreat in them?

*disclosure: this post in partnership with Savills.co.uk

A bright, white, beautiful kitchen

"Simple and white" was homeowner Julie Holloway's mantra for her kitchen renovation, and it's one I hope to have the means to adopt one day as well.  I adore white kitchens, they look so clean and bright!

Check out Julie's gorgeous Atlanta area kitchen (and some more of her gorgeous 70's home)

For some reason I have a lot of trouble finding bar stools I like, especially in a more open layout where they have to work well with the living room furnishings as well.  I think the brushed stainless steel ones look good.  What do you think?

One thing Julie manages that I don't think I could is open shelves instead of cabinets.  It would force me to get matching dish sets, which is good, but it means only I would ever be putting the dishes away, cause my sweetums wouldn't have the patience to stack everything perfectly.  He'd rather wash dishes by hand than unload the dishwasher!

I adore the dining area - everything about it - chandelier, table, mirror, shades....

Here are some shots of the rest of the house.

 At first I thought this was a home office, but now I realize that maybe that mirrored piece isn't a desk...Regardless, love the space.

Oh la la...white and dark wood - how I love thee!

Julie is co-owner (along with Anisa Darnell) of Milk and Honey Home, check it out, you'll love it.  All the images seen here belong to Milk and Honey Home, and some were featured in the Nov. 2011 issue of Better Homes and Gardens.


this post in partnership with Lakeland Furniture

House Tour: Rustic chic in muted tones

Happy Friday Everyone!  I thought you'd enjoy this gorgeous home, which is not only decorated in a modest, but still elegant way, but also has some great architectural bones.

Enjoy!

Not to pick on Lonny Magazine, but is anyone else just a little bit tired of seeing every photo so over-exposed?

Homeowner Estee gives a great design tip:  "I prefer to consider everything in terms of color, texture, and pattern, rather than in terms of period or origin.  If you concentrate on the color of a piece, rather than whether it's Venetian or bohemian, it's much easier to blend different styles into a single room"

Love the white on the walls and headboard with the gray wash of the wood dresser

This is such a sweet room for a little girl, and it will grow with her with just a few simple changes

Nurseries normally don't turn my head, but this one is so serene and calm.

via Lonny Mag