Saturday, July 31, 2010

Vacation to Lake Tahoe

Good morning!

This last weekend we had the pleasure of going to California with our family. I had never been to CA so spending the day in San Francisco was something I had always wanted to do. What I never realized is how absolutely beautiful Lake Tahoe is. We rented a boat our second day there and headed out on the lake. Amazing!

My brother, sister in law, niece arrive today from Ohio so I'll leave you with a few pictures as I run around finishing a few last minute things before we head to the airport.






Have a great day!

Emily


Friday, July 30, 2010

Fun Summer Decor


Happy Friday!

There are so many things I love about summer.....going to the beach, wearing shorts and flip flops, traveling, the list goes on and on. Here are a few home decor items that are summery and that I think add a fun touch to any home!






I linked my pink satin chair up to Frugal Friday at the Shabby Nest. Check out the other great projects for the week!

Have a great day!

Emily

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Man Room

Good morning!

Today is Jacob's birthday! In honor of my wonderful loving husband I thought I would do a post about something he can't wait for. One of the top things on his list when we move into a house is his very own man room. His requirements are: a pool table, a bar, comfy seating and a flat screen TV.

The overall feel he likes is a dark but sophisticated space. Here are a few images I have started saving as inspiration.







A few other ideas I have taken pictures of on my phone from a gorgeous hotel in Texas are:

I would love to do even a faux tin ceiling
I think this a simple affordable option but I think I would add a ledge so people can have a place to set a drink.
I would love, love, love to have a brick wall in the man room!

I can't wait to create a special space for Jacob one day. He is my best friend, my confidant, the person that gets me like no one else does, and the person I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with. I am truly blessed to call him my husband. Happy Birthday, Jacob!!

Emily

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Decorating with Plants

Good morning!
One thing that I have always encompassed the decor of my own home is plants. I love plants and have been blessed with a green thumb. I know that I get it from my mom and my aunts who in turn got it from my grandma. I grew up weeding flower beds in the summer and planting flowers in the spring then come fall digging up bulbs and cutting off dead foliage.

It should be no surprise that even in college I had an ivy plant or two in my room. Now I have 5 indoor plants and about 6 out on our patio. There is something about adding greenery to a room that not only adds texture but it warrants a casual homey feel.

Here are a few rooms that I love that include plants:


Sometimes to fill a corner or an awkward space a plant is just what you need
I love the look of a cluster of plants

Or perhaps just one small one
Plants can compliment modern decor and still look sleek

A great way to bring the outdoors in

An orchid is so glamorous
PS-Homegoods sells very real looking fake orchids for $30-40
I love the dimension the plant adds to this vignette

Just like there are several ways you can incorporate plants into your home, there are several containers to choose from to compliment your decor. One being just planting them in pots, you could choose a sleek pot like the one pictured for a clean, fresh look. Or a galvanized pot for a more French country look as well as a wicker basket pot to bring in a coastal feel. The possibilities are endless.
Another idea is keeping plants in glass bottles. I love the breezy look this creates!
One plant I want to use in our home is succulents. They are small enough to fit in any room and to me are very charming. I love the idea of finding unique items at the thrift store and planting a small succulent in it like in the picture.
Do you have houseplants? What is your favorite?

Emily

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Inspiring Blogger: Grace Happens

Good morning all!

Jacob and I spent the weekend in San Francisco and Lake Tahoe with family. Wow. I had never been to CA and I must say it is a truly beautiful part of the country.

I'm rested up and back into blogging. I haven't done an Inspiring Blogger post in a while so I'm due. I thought today I would feature Grace Happens, if you haven't checked out her blog do so now. (I'll wait). Grace has a passion for interior design and it clearly shows in the renovations to their beach home on the west coast.

Here is a tour of Grace's home including a few before and after photos:

Kitchen Before
After
I love the mix of old and new

Dining Room

Harper's room

I love how cheerful and well put together the room is, yet it's still very functional

Bathroom Before

Bathroom After
I am in love with this understated capiz shell inspired tile for any room
Close up of the monogrammed lamp shades... genius!

Master Bedroom

Please pick your jaw up off the floor. I told you she was amazing!! Now, if that doesn't inspire you, I don't know what will. If you would like to have a piece of Grace in your own home head to her Etsy store to pick up a beautiful table runner or pillow.



Again, amazing!! I hope you have enjoyed my tour of Grace Happens and that you all have a great day!


Emily




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