Gift Guide: For the Home

Something that can make your home even happier is the best. And gifting something for the home can feel so warm and thoughtful. So from the amateur decorator to the professional party thrower, here are some ideas. 

1. There is no girl that does not covet an antique rug right now. One for her kitchen would be SO good / 2. Hand stamped crocks that can hold everything from flowers to crayons / 3. A welcome mat that will make her smile / 4. Because she is a girl that loves a cocktail, this / 5. A beautiful piece of art or even a photograph is beyond thoughtful / 6. A glass cloche to hold her necklaces / 7. Print off a favorite photo and place in this pretty thin gold frame / 8. THESE SHEETS are the best. Such a upgrade and obviously useful / 9. A charger that is also a cute planter for a bedside table / 10. Pretty wine glasses because duh 

Other gift guides to check out: 

Girl on the Go

$25 and Under

Let's Get Cozy

For the Cook 

2016 Gift Guides

xo

Erin 

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 

Bathroom Renovation: Wet Room

Hi there. So I was away for awhile, got some sun, avoided reality, and am now back and settling back into it. Posting has been spotty, but this warmer weather and sunny days always motivates me to write more. So here is to hoping. 

A huge project on my mind right now is one that will hopefully be happening this Summer (let the permit gods bless us with a fast turnaround). We are doing a few small additions to the house, one of which will expand our master bath. I have been pouring over images for inspiration and ideas and working through sketches with the architect. One idea that came up was a wet room. Or really a huge shower with a small tub in it. I maybe use our current tub 3 times a year, maybe. So a tub is not a huge priority, but we still need one. The idea of a wet room seems like a good space saver for our particular floor plan. Here are some ideas: 

source unknown 

via: Dyna Contracting

via: David Coleman / Architecture

via: Shirley Meisels

via: Chris Pardo Design - Elemental Architecture

via: Nest Architectural Design, Inc.

via: Jane Kim Design

via: Jody Brettkelly

via: Glass Doctor

What do you think??? 

Our layout would be a steam shower with glass with the tub towards the back, two shower heads on each side. And don't even get started on tile and finishes, plenty of narrowing down to do before I start sharing. One step at a time. 

xo

Erin 

Simply Decked Halls

Though I never really go ALL out with the decorations, I do like things to be festive around here. This year though everything feels better when it is simpler. 

The tree has only plastic ornaments that will not break. Kind of a bummer in the looks department, but this way the kids can decorate and undecorate the tree to their hearts content with no breakage. Which is really fun to watch. 

Then there are the mantels. Usually done up in garland and lights and this year I was just not feeling that. A more modern aesthetic and clean look was what I craved, so just a couple wreaths and twinkle lights surrounded by the usual suspects. 

Loved making this guy into Rudolph. 

And no, I do not have those fun, matching family stockings. But I love the ones we have.  

And outside, just enough lighting to make the house look merry. 

Of course there are some out on the column. But just like the blogs name, the imperfectness of the entire holiday is what makes it real and not a fantasy. 

I know my tastes in design will change on a constant basis, so it is fun to switch it up each year. Next year there could be a light show and tinsel on every surface. Who knows? 

And in other big big news. Baby girl had her first day of school this week and she rocked it. 

xo

Erin 

Not Just for Tweens

I have been having some busy days around here and soaking up this summer with the kids. Mary turns one at the end of the month and I am savoring every last second with her before she is no longer truly a baby. 

I did have time this morning to put together this fun bedroom after I was looking around for some accessories online. Who knew that PB Teen had such style? The site is of course chock full of preppy teenager options, but there is some seriously fantastic pieces that would work for grown ups, too. Bonus is that the prices reflect more for a kids room, so your budget goes a lot further. 

1. I love a good pom pom drape and these are black out. $89-$119

2. Pretty chandelier $129

3. Obsessed with this petal abstract painting. Beautiful colors and scale. $149

4. This canopy bed has been pinned to death and there is a reason. It is gorge. $599-$899

5. Pretty scalloped bedding that can be monogrammed is always a good idea. $29-$159

6. This tray side table is a fun alternative to the usual shapes. $98

7. A soft Moroccan Diamond Rug is perfect for a bedroom. $143-$169

8. This navy velvet love seat is the perfect size for in front of a bed. $799

Happy Monday. I hope your week is off to a great start. And I hope to post more this week. Anything you need help with in beauty, design, food, travel, or fashion? I love getting ideas for posts from you. Upcoming wedding, living room refresh, cooking dilemma, happy to help ladies. 

xo

Erin 

San Fran Designer to Know: Katie Raffetto

I have always known that my friend, Katie Raffetto, has been an uber talented designer and her recent spotlight on CasaSugar only confirms it more. Katie has a fresh California aesthetic, mixing traditional with modern so well. You can see her professional portfolio here, but seeing into her own San Fransico home is so much more fun. The full article and these images can be found over on CasaSugar. 

First off, how adorable is she with her bump and toddler, Annie? 

The entry to the apartment is organized and chic. 

Annie's nursery is fun, yet functional. I mean, this rocker? Dying. 

Katie's bedroom is the stuff dreams are made of. That headboard is unreal and mixed with the blue bedding is perfection. 

 The dining room has such a great mix of what you can only think are some of Katie's favorite finds. From antique markets to travels. 

Worship the lantern light fixture and farm house table. 

You can tell that Katie knows how to make a space livable for adults and kids. Chic storage, plenty of space to play on that table (actually 4 ikea tables put together), a comfy space for Mom to hang out with friends too. 

I mean, the cuteness. 

All of Katie's touches work so well together. And I love the appearance of a room full of things that the owner loves. 

xo

Erin 

Knock, Knock

First impressions are everything. And in the case of doormats, necessary since they are your first defense for more mess in the house than there already is. Ours did not survive the winter and is looking really sad. I have been looking around for a replacement and found these fun options. 

1. / 2. / 3. / 4. / 5. / 6. / 7. / 8. / 9. 

If I go with customized one, I think I am leaning towards number 7. But I also love the key design of number 5. I actually might order both, since I need one for the back door too. Makes it a bit easier. 

xo

Erin 

Baby Girl Nursery

I am so excited to share pictures of the finished nursery. Given that I had a boy the first go around, the girliness in me really came out. But, I did not want it to be too sweet and reflect a calming space that was also fun. I combined modern and classic touches so it combined different styles that I love. It came together how I envisioned and now I am excited to actually use it, hopefully soon!  

I love having a twin bed in Tommy's room for extra space for him to hang out, change his clothes, etc. So I kept one for her room as well. 

(Crate & Barrel Twin Bed, Land of Nod duvet, PB Teen rug)

I have always loved the Jenny Lind style crib and the combination of pink, navy and coral. 

(Jenny Lind Crib, Pottery Barn Kids Sheets, Crib Skirt)

I am completely obsessed with the dresser. The antique mirror was a thrift store find that was a steal. 

(Campaign Dresser,  Changing pad, Wallpaper)

My mom preserved many of my outfits as a baby and these rompers are too sweet to hang in the closet. She found some antique hooks to display them and they function well next to the changing table. 

These little prints are from my old room. They still have a note scrolled on the back to the original owner from Grandma. 

I really tried to edit down myself when planning the room. There are so many cute nursery prints and art, but a large gallery wall felt like too much and just one painting I loved felt right. I am trying to get a baby to sleep in this room and not go crazy in it. 

I love the modern prints, chair and soft rug paired with the floor lamp chandalier. 

(Ottoman, Room & Board Glider, Land of Nod throw, Restoration Hardware Lamp, Painting Artist)

It was so fun decorating this space and I hope it inspires you a bit. Now let's do this baby girl! 

xo

Erin 

Nursery Update

How come the weekend has to go by so freaking fast when you are on a trip with your friends? It was so hard to say good bye yesterday and now I am only left with my random giggles throughout the day remembering some of the hilarious moments. I guess it always gets you excited for the next time. 

I have made some actually progress on the nursery design and have ordered a few things. I feel like once the room is painted next month and the wallpaper goes up, I will be able to figure a little more out. For now, most of the big stuff is done. 

I ordered a custom campaign dresser from The Papaya Tree on Etsy. I decided a dresser/changer is something I am going to get use out of forever and splurged. The photo above is just an example and the coral color next to it is similar to what it will be painted. It will have a glossy, lacquered finish and will be such a great pop in the room. 

The wallpaper I got on an insane discount from this site. It is a York wall covering, but they no longer make it in this color. I am going to just paper one wall and paint the rest of the room white. 

The crib was also on sale at Wayfair. Just a classic Jenny Lind with its charming spindles. Hopefully the quality is good. 

I have been eyeing this chandelier lamp at Restoration Hardware Baby & Child for awhile. Today it went on sale and I went for it. The room does not have any overhead lighting, so floor lamps will be all the lighting for the entire room. It is so girlie and classic, so a good mix with the modern pieces. 

I already own this glider from Room & Board. It lives in Tommy's room, but I am going to steal it for baby girl and get him something else. Gliders can be so pricey and he could care less about rocking now. I worship this glider and it was worth every penny. It is large and comfortable, even for Dad, and the fabric cleans really well. 

Things are coming along! Bedding for the crib and the twin bed we have in the room is next, along with a rug. I found this soft one for such a great price, but need to see it in person. 

xo

Erin 

Decorating the Nursery...

Though it seems like a long way off that this baby girl will be here, in decorating terms it really is not that much time. I have already been obsessing over ideas and have come up with two concepts. Since it is fun to share and hear your feedback, it was time to post them and see what you think. I could change my mind any second on what I want this room to look like, but these two ideas are what is sticking in my head right now. Each room has one room of wallpaper, which I am super excited to try out in the house. 

A more modern nursery, with girlie touches....

dresser, wallpaper, floral monogram prints, crib, bedding, glider, rug, pouf

And then a more traditional super-girlie room in pinks and mint...

dresser, wallpaper, crib, bedding, glider, table, pouf, Degas print, rug

Any thoughts? The items themselves are not the final products I would probably use, but a good starting point. I would love to know which you liked better or if you have any suggestions. 

xo

Erin 

Ellen Goes Country

I want to thank everyone for the crazy love I got yesterday after telling you my big news. I am already diving into nursery decorating at an alarming pace. So I thought taking a break to look at some much more grown up design would be better. 

Ellen (yes, the one and only) recently moved to sprawling 26 acre ranch outside LA with her Aussie, Portia. This insane place includes horse barns, a barn just for art (#richpeopleproblems), and a half dozen guest houses. How sweet is that? You can always host the family reunion and holidays, but everyone gets their own pad. You just need to come up with a gazillion dollars to land that kind of luxury. No big deal. 

As someone who lives in horse country (sans horses, Ellen has them naturally), I love to see how the country look can be elevated into something modern. I am constantly trying to shy away from the traditional aesthetic of our house and make it more contemporary, but these make me feel like that is not really necessary. 

High beams and an industrial lantern

You will notice that natural wood, black, rich leather and white are really the only colors and textures. 

Beams again in this bedroom. Do they ever get old? Love the crispness of all the white. 

Gray brick fireplace, heaven. 

Wait, there is blue. Love the minimalist painting above the fireplace. Cozy chair, too. 

This room shows how to use some of that equestrian tack and art in a modern way. Pretty masculine room, actually. 

I love this room, although would do something besides that ring. Maybe a giant photo? Oh, and yes I would love to curl up next to that window with an Hermes blanket. Thanks, Ellen. 

This is a really fun and dare I say easy to build (I know nothing about building) gazebo. 

The idea of a giant picnic style table to have giant meals with friends and family at gets me so excited. I wish we did not have bugs in IL, because I swear I would entertain way more with this set up. 

Ellen likes to move around, but apparently Portia is in her dream house since she is a horse person. I love how they move from place to place making it so chic. but if this was my latest, I would think about staying here a bit longer. After I added a few pops of color. 

xo

Erin