My new house - living room inspiration!

We've been in our home for over a month now and things are still looking sparse and unfinished. Part of the reason is that I have just been so busy with my freelance web design business, and also because I want to take my time and really get it right. Since we probably spend the most time in the living room, that's the room I've really been thinking about. Here are a few items I have on my wish list.

Cleaner, sleeker lighting.  The lighting in the home is good quality, but it's too Italian country for my tastes.  I've had my eye out for cleaner, more modern options, like this resin and nickel pendant light.

available at  One Kings Lane

We actually never had a coffee table in our apartment, but we have the space and need for one now.  I think wood and iron is a nice combination, though ideally something even simpler than this is what I'd like.

Okay, maybe accessories are at the bottom of my priority list, but these leaf trays are so beautiful. available at Joss & Main

I'm trying to decide if I want a sectional, or a gorgeous leather armchair and ottoman.  This chair looks heavenly!

All items above available at Joss & Main

None of these rooms exactly embody the look I'm going for, but they are close:

via BHG

via House Beautiful

via Pinterest via Crush Cul de sac

via TradHome

Getting neutrals right

A room in neutrals can be a beautiful, restful thing.  Done wrong and your left with an overly vanilla and drab eyesore.

Here are neutrals that have it right:

The black drapery hardware, iron canopy bed, and thick black frame all add just enough contrast to create some depth in the space.

Leopard or other animal patterns are a way to do neutral but still add a lot of interest.

Mixing textures is another surefire way to add dimension to a space that has a lot of color in the same value.

Another example of mixing texture - the sisal, metal console table, iron lamp, and wood chests.  If all of these pieces were in wood, you can imagine how the space might look more drab.

1-3. Country Living, 4-5. Interiors Porn, 6. Lonny

Dreaming of our new home - what is on my inspiration board

Our settlement is getting close!  May 28th and I am getting really excited!  Here is the direction I think I'd like to go in with our space:

You know I'm all about a white kitchen!

That backsplash and that counter...swoon

I've always loved this photo.

My dream dining table and chairs! This is from the Washington School House Hotel.

I'm not always a fan of chalkboard walls, but they're prettier than white boards, and it might be a good way to really keep on top of my project milestones for the week.

1-3, 6 via BHG 4, 5. via Elements of Style 

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

Gathering inspiration for my home office

As some of you know, we just bought a home and I will have my first true home office. Not in the dining room, or the nook of the bedroom, a whole separate room!

Here are some office spaces I really like:

The 4 images below show the office of Apartment 34's Erin Hiemstra

Loving those gold pendants!

This sitting area is great for flipping through magazines, sketching, etc..

via Rue Mag

The office of Maison Luxe, based in Seattle.

Great use of the nook!

via Rue Mag

Quietly stunning: Dining rooms with glowing repose

I've been having a huge dining room crush lately, and I think it's because I don't have one, and it's not likely that our first home will have one either. These dining rooms also reflect the style I've been loving lately - not too shabby, not too chic, but a lovely mix of clean, sensible design with a touch or two of glamor.

This dining room is quiet and peaceful, but the pink sofa adds a little wink.

A sunny spot to eat breakfast is the best!

I want those chairs so bad!!! Anyone know of something similar thats affordable?

The white "leather" bench is actually faux leather vinyl - great for kids (or me!).  This owner recommends Grain de Cuir by Nobillis.


1. via BHG, 2. via Lonny, 3. via Laura Ashley Advertisement, 4. via Interiors Porn, 5. via Lonny, 6. via Southern Living.

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