Fabulous Feature Friday {HGTV Dream Home 2015}

Every year about this time I get giddy to see what HGTV has accomplished with their new Dream Home. This year they did not disappoint. Their new home is settled in the quaint location of Martha's Vineyard. I have never been, but after seeing this home and the small town charm, I think it is safe to say that it will be on my travel list from now on.

A beautiful Cape Cod with lots of outdoor space! Is there anything more classic than a Cape Cod style home?

A wonderful little entry leading into the great room. Most Cape Cod layouts are separated into individual rooms. I love how they took the original design and made it into more of a modern feel with classic touches.

Light and airy with so many textures using wood, metal and different types of fabric.

Always a good idea to paint the back of shelves. It helps make your decor items pop and gives another element to the room design. 

Living, Dining Room & Kitchen all designed with an open concept in mind. Perfect for entertaining!

The trend of two different types of counter-tops still stands as a fabulous idea to not only add different textures to a space, but to cut down on ones budget as well! Classic subway tile and bead board nod to the original Cape Code style. I could cook in here....how about you?

One of the guest rooms with vibrant orange and blue accents. I have been loving this color combination for a while. This room also has access to the outdoors with its own separate patio and lounging area. Sign me up!

Oh the master bathroom...I don't think I would ever leave! Loving the arched ceiling with accent color and those drapes! Would have never thought of adding heavy drapes to a bathroom, but it works and adds much luxury.

Another fabulous Master bedroom which has been tied with the master bath using the same color palette....and look at those drapes! I love the soft wood tones and the idea of turning an oval mirror on it's side for something unexpected.

This outside space makes me wish it was spring! And do you see that wooden box like thing over on the side of the home?.....

Yes...it's an outdoor shower! What a great idea when living close to the water. Ahhh..dreaming.

If you haven't seen the full tour of the home you can click HERE or tune in for a complete guided tour at 1pm today on HGTV!

To win this gorgeous home as well as $250,000 CASH & a GMC Acadia Login Here and enter twice a day till 2/17/15! I think I'm going to win....I can feel it! hehe

Have a Fabulous Friday and a relaxing weekend!

Inspired By Art {Cozy Rustic Dining Room}

I have always been interested in different forms of art as well as photography. As soon as I see an inspiring piece I am always tempted to design a room with that artwork in mind. I am never drawn to just one form of art. I have landscapes, abstract, impressionism and mixed media all framed around my house somewhere.

I recently came across this site called Invaluable. What a great source for design inspiration! Invaluable is the largest online auction marketplace with an amazing selection of fine art and paintings. I could spend days just browsing their site. Some bidding starts as low as $17 all the way up in the thousands. It just depends on what you are looking for.

Since the cold weather has been streaming in around the country, I was inspired by this abstract piece to design a cozy rustic dining room.

Unfortunately, the piece is no longer available for auction. Some lucky duck has it hanging in their home right now. But, I really loved the earth tones in this painting and used them to create an organic space.

The green tones were brought out by the plants and cozy throw. Mixing the different metals, woods and textures helped the space feel more collected and relaxed because everything isn't so matchy matchy.

What do you think about this dining room? Could you kick off your shoes at the end of the day and cozy up with a glass of wine?



**This is not a sponsored post. I just love sharing new finds with all of you. All thoughts and ideas are mine and only mine!**

Kitchen Chairs {Look for Less}

Kitchen and dining room chairs can be so expensive! Have you noticed that?

I have always had a crush on Serena and Lily. I could take home anything from that store and make it work in my home. The only problem....the price. I found these adorable kitchen chairs a while back and thought they would be perfect to add some color in a space. I like the clean lines and no frills. They come in 10 different colorways.

I was searching Target for some decor ideas the other day and came across almost the exact chair! Is Target amazing or what?

If you look really close you will notice a few minor differences, but the price can't be beat. 

I mean...Two chairs for less than the price of one! Sign me Up!

What look have you found for less lately? Do Share!

Laboring Away Blog Hop {Good-bye Summer..Hello Fall Tablescape}

I hope you all are having a fabulous long weekend. Can you believe that summer is coming to an end? It always seems bittersweet to me. I love summer, but am usually very ready for fall to come. The cooler weather brings color, football, texture, warmth and naps on the couch!

Today, I am honored to be a part of a fun blog hop featuring these amazing ladies:

Each of us are sharing a DIY that we have currently tackled. Make sure to hop on over to each blog for a special DIY as well as lots of inspiration...you won't be disappointed! Sarah from 702 Park Project, Mary from Lemon Grove Blog and Brittany from Brittany French. Some talented ladies!

*********************************************************************************
Today I am sharing a "So Long Summer, Hello Fall" Tablescape. Since I am a HUGE fan of mexican food, I decided to create a sort of nacho bar theme. And the real reason...I have been dying to use my plates and bowls from Mexico!

All of the bright colors still remind me of summer, but the added texture with the napkin ring and place mat overlay bring in a bit of fall. The green place mat is actually a napkin draped over the side of the table. The little overlay was made on my Silhouette and I love how it adds another layered element. Can you believe that those navy and white striped napkins are actually paper napkins from target? Yep! The sunflowers also say summer, but the burnt red color says fall.

I am loving the mix of both seasons. How about you? Are you sad to see summer go or are you excited for the season ahead?

Don't forget to stop by and see what these lovely ladies have created.... Sarah, Mary & Brittany

Fabulous Feature Friday {Life on Virginia Street}

I am very excited to share today's Friday Feature. Sarah writes the blog Life on Virginia Street. I had the pleasure of meeting her at the Haven Conference last week and she is seriously the sweetest person ever. Not to mention quite talented at decorating her home. Wait till you see her office! Definitely one of my favorites. Oh and the laundry room...don't get me started. I wish I had a laundry "room"!

Enjoy the tour.....

Thank you Sarah for sharing your lovely home with all of us!  I can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve next!

To see more photos go HERE. To see her previous homes: Home Tour 1, Home Tour 2

What did you love most about Sarah's home?

Have a wonderful weekend friends!

Dining room {Before} & A New Plan

Do you ever sit in one room of your home and then gaze over to the other side of the house and realize it needs a little something? The Hubs always knows when my mind is whirling with ideas because he says my eyeballs move from place to place! I am sure he is thinking "uh oh, there goes more money"! HA!

Well a few weeks ago I was sipping some coffee in the living room and looking into our dining room. I absolutely love our coffered ceiling, the gallery wall and vintage settee, but I knew it needed a little punch and a definite update.

View from entryway

My mother-in law helped me make the red silk drapes when we first moved in 6 years ago. I have really loved the punch of color, but I feel that my design for this space is going a little more on the relaxed side. Besides, the intense NC sun has also created little tears in the fabric. It is time for a change!

View from living room

The walls in this room have never been painted. They are still the original builder beige/yellow that I detest. It has worked for now, but it is time for something without yellow undertones. 

The dining room table was built by my grandfather. I love the history behind it. It has three more leaves that create quite a large table for entertaining. It will stay for now, but I want to add two wing-backed chairs to the ends. The side chairs are from target long ago and still serve their purpose. So they will stay as well. 

Oh how I wish I could recover the settee with an updated fabric, but for now I am just going to add a fun pillow that will give it a pop. The color of the settee fabric blends into the wall color, so want to lighten the walls and really show off her curves.

Here is a little plan that will incorporate items I already have and add just a few touches that won't break the bank!

I want to add these West Elm curtains for more of a relaxed playful feel to the space. The settee will get a fun pillow in this fabric. My fiddle leaf fig will get a new decorative basket. And if you read about my Home Decor Wish List last week, you know that I am crushing on these affordable winged-back chairs from World Market. I want to also give them a playful twist by adding a fabric to the back. I am thinking this fabric would be fun.
I am still debating on the rug. I may just leave the hardwoods without a rug for now. The floor is much easier to clean without a rug underneath the table. But I do love this one.
I am also thinking about changing out some of the Paris pictures with photographs I have taken when traveling to Italy & Greece. It would give a bit more color to the walls.

So..that is the plan people! The curtains came in the mail this past week and I just need to raise the curtain rod so I can hang them. I have painted two walls in Shoji White by Sherwin Williams. The paint isn't really white white. It has a bit of a gray undertone to it. It really has a cozy feel when paired with the dark coffered ceiling.

I hope to be able to share a little progress with you all very soon!

What projects are you all working on at home? Do share!

Fabulous Feature Friday {Lauren Leiss Interiors}

Happy Friday! You made it my friends! I hope you have something exciting going on over the weekend. Like I talked about on Wednesday, I will be sprucing up my front porch for spring. I can't wait to add a little color and texture to my boring porch. Stay tuned....

I am so excited about today's Feature Friday! I have been following Lauren Liess for a few years now. She has recently opened up her own interior design shop in the D.C. area and has a fabulous textile line. She started off as a blogger and grew her business from there. I am so happy to introduce you to her!

She creates livable spaces with history and texture. Lauren's home has been featured in many decor magazines and you will see why. To follow her design journey hop on over to Lauren's Blog. Enjoy the tour!

Source

Source

Source

One of my absolute favorite spaces in her home is Lauren's secret garden. It is right off her master bedroom. This is where she enjoys her morning coffee or evening shower. How amazing is this?

Source

Source

Her home has such a great feel to it. It is comfortable, livable and stylish. The second you walk in it feels like home. And...I love the open floor plan.

Source

Source

The mix of Industrial, modern and antique is the prefect combination. She mixes these styles with ease.

Source

Source

How great is this study/loft area? The wooden shelves are actually made from Ikea butcher block to cut down on cost. Genius! I love the texture those shelves bring into the room. Lauren's family must love to read and who wouldn't want to spend time in this comfortable space?!

Source

Could you live here? Yeah...me too! To see more of her amazing home, follow along Here. {Please be sure to pin from her site as well. Source under pictures will take you to exact page.}

Happy Weekend Lovelies!!