Sun Porch Planning

We are still in the early stages of a possible renovation. Which is exciting and stressful. But mostly exciting. One thing our house has been screaming for since we moved in was a screened in porch. Another family space that we can use to chill and eat, but can also be designed for year round use. And while we have not even started, I of course am already plotting out design ideas. Our home is traditional and set in a rustic setting, so I would like to combine those aspects along with a nod to my favorite coastal style. For the living space, something like this would be nice...

Lantern: Gabby Decor / Chairs: Serena & Lily / Rug: Shades of Light / Coffee Table: West Elm  (Or this one) / Sofa: West Elm / Brass side table: West Elm  / White side table: West Elm /  Framed Sailing Photo: Serena & Lily / Abstract Painting: Serena & Lily

The walls will most likely be white and floors a wood tile (radiant heat), so I like the mix of neutrals and navy. A little brass helps warm it up a bit and that big lantern is such a great statement. 

For dining I want to go a little more rustic/farm house. But add in a fun rug to keep it interesting. 

 Reclaimed Dining Table: West Elm / White chairs: Serena & Lily / Rug: Serena & Lily

My hope is to do a built in bench on one side, but those details are not quite there. Hopefully things will be underway soon so I can share fun design ideas on here and instagram. Are we snap chatting now too? If so, I can add that in for you. ha

Anyone else add on a porch recently? Would love to hear ideas, things to do, things not to do! 

xo

Erin 

Interior Inspiration: Summer House Santa Monica

Last weekend I had the pleasure of going to Summer House Santa Monica for the first time. Though the name makes it seem like I ventured away from Chicago, this spot is actually located in Lincoln Park. The name of this restaurant totally does it justice. Once you walk in you immediately feel the tranquil, coastal California vibe. Light and bright with a lovely outdoor patio and flanked by a white planked bar that makes you feel like you are saddled up by the beach. The best part is that (and perfect for when you want to feel like you escaped in the middle of winter) there is sky lighted courtyard that makes you feel like you are dining al fresco. Shades totally required. The food was also delicious and light. 

Being in this atmosphere made me crave that California feeling. Even though I grew up in Chicago, my family and my heart really is in sunny So Cal. It inspired me to put together some interior ideas to bring this fresh and coastal feeling home. 

1. Brass Urchins $45 / 2. Tortoise Mirror $250 / 3. John Robshaw window panels $125 / 4. Moonshine Vase $45 / 5. Burmese Blue Vase $62 / 6. reclaimed pine console table $550 / 7. Serena & Lily Stool $295 / 8. Furbish rug, various sizes / 9. Lulu & Georgia table lamp $219 / 10. West Elm Down Sofa $1299 / 11. Furbish lumbar pillow $88 / 12. Pedestal Table $399 / 13. West Elm striped chairs $850 / 14. West Elm Terrarium $29 / 15. Serena & Lily Side Table $495

xo Erin 

Bringing the Outside In

The spaces that end up most inspiring to me are those that actually look like they can be lived in. They are more casual and have an eclectic mix of patterns and textures that is easier to recreate than something that looks formal and totally "done." One material that I love in spaces is rattan and bamboo. It almost feels like these pieces are meant for the patio, but look fantastic in a living room or kitchen. Plus, it gives off that whole beach-y, relaxed vibe that makes your space look inviting and comfortable. 

I LOVE this living room. Totally eclectic and fun. 

These chairs make a fun statement and bring warmth to the room. 

Again, eclectic. Makes you feel like you can put it together with some things you already have. 

I have been eyeing these Ikea chairs for awhile. Look how great they look with a cushion and colorful pillow. 

Chairs are so insanely expensive, so the rattan options can give you some seating options that do not feel like they will break you. 

1. Pier One $299

2. Byholma from Ikea $94

3. Serena & Lilly $450 (Just for fun, but I kind of want one)

4. Stella from Home Decorators $299

5. Pottery Barn $179

6. Storsele from Ikea $119

7. Pier One $159

8. Almsta from Ikea $99

9. Furbish $795 (pricey, but look comfy)

xo

Erin 

Executing the Pin

How many rooms have I pinned on Pinterest? Somewhere around 4,158? And while I exaggerate, it seems hard to hone in on those rooms that you could actually apply to your own space. 

So from time to time I will actually take some of those very popular rooms on Pinterest and put them together for all us non-designer, non-millionaires. 

Let's start with this cozy space. I pinned this because of the white walls, which I am hoping to incorporate more of in my house, and the use of neutrals with a few pops of color. 

image via BHG

Black, white, wood, blue, yellow, espresso. This room is actually a lot more eclectic than I thought at first glance because it does such a good job of only using neutrals plus two other colors. It also has a coastal feel, while also throwing in some tribal/ethnic influence. Which makes it even easier to execute with things you might already have on hand. 

Wouldn't it be cozy and fun? It also feels comfortable. Like you could have friends for drinks, but your three year old could run around and play as well. 

1. Lulu & Georgia $231 / 2. Ikea $199 / 3. Pottery Barn $199 each / 4. World Market $119 / 5. Ballard $1500 / 6. Lulu & Georgia $53 each / 7. West Elm $199 each / 8. West Elm price varies by size / 9. Ballard $799 each 10. Jonathan Adler $175

xo

Erin