Category: nursery

  • 5 Things to Ask Yourself Before Moving Somewhere New

    5 Things to Ask Yourself Before Moving Somewhere New

    Up to 14% of the American population moves at least once each year. Some people opt to relocate within their current town while others move to new cities or states. casework dining room via Casework Whether you’re thinking about relocating to enjoy your retirement or have a career opportunity, there are several factors to consider before you decide to move. Reviewing your reasons for moving and considering how a move will affect your family and finances can set you up for making an informed decision. When planning a move that involves large vehicles like RVs, enlisting the help of professional RV transport companies ensures a seamless and secure relocation experience. Ask yourself these 5 important questions that will tell you whether or not you’re ready to relocate.

    1. Why are you moving?

    The reason you’re considering a move may determine whether you decide to relocate. Moving may be mandatory to attend college or accept a promotion. casework living room via Casework Or you may want to live in a warmer climate or relocate for personal reasons, such as needing to care for an ill or elderly parent. It’s also possible that you’re bored in your current location, don’t have access to the recreational activities you enjoy, or miss friends and family who live far away. Moving can be extremely stressful and expensive, which is why it’s crucial to determine how serious you are about moving or if there are other ways to address your needs without relocating.

    2. What relocation resources are available?

    casework bathroom via Casework If you currently live in a remote area, you may have limited access to the resources you need to simplify the moving process.  You may need to transfer your possessions to a storage compartment if there’s a gap between when you need to vacate your current property and have access to your new home. Whether you’re moving across the state or the country, you should utilize the services of professionals who can simplify the process and reduce your stress.  In a seller’s market, homes typically sell for the list price or higher, and there may be multiple bids from potential buyers. You can also determine if the property is a foreclosure or if industry professionals consider the home overpriced. When planning a move that involves large vehicles like RVs, enlisting the help of professional RV transport companies ensures a seamless and secure relocation experience. This information can help you identify suitable properties and how much to offer.

    3. How will moving affect your family?

    casework nursery
    via Casework If you have a family, it’s crucial to consider how relocating will affect them. For example, if your children are in school, they may be frustrated if they need to leave their friends, and it can be disruptive to move during the school year. If you have a child who has been bullied, they may be excited about the opportunity to move away. Your partner may need to look for a new job. Your proximity to their family and friends could also affect how they feel about moving. The emotional and mental well-being of your family may influence your decision. If moving is mandatory, you may be able to help your partner and children adjust with counseling or plan to return to visit friends and family after your move.

    4. What do you know about where you’re moving to?

    Spend some time researching your potential new home. Every place has a distinct culture, which can affect everything from popular local activities to restaurant fare. If you’ve spent most of your life living in a small town, you may be overwhelmed by moving to a large city. Consider the recreational activities you enjoy and determine if you can pursue them in your new location. For example, if you spend every free moment sailing along the coast, you may be frustrated by moving to a central state. It’s a good idea to learn as much as you can about your potential destination to ensure you will be happy there.

    5. Will moving affect your cost of living?

    Your mortgage may increase significantly if you’re moving to a more expensive location, or if you have to refinance when interest rates are higher. This may nullify any potential financial gains if you’re considering a new job or promotion. It’s also important to consider whether you’ll have access to healthcare facilities you use. If you won’t have access to public transit, moving could impact your transportation costs if you need to purchase a vehicle and pay for parking. Your insurance rates will also be affected by your location. It’s a good idea to review your budget to identify potential changes to ensure you can afford your move. 
  • Unique Nursery Designs

    Unique Nursery Designs

    Unique Nursery Designs

    These days it’s tough to find unique nursery designs, I admit even the ones below- while darling, aren’t thinking too far out the box. But I did try and find some that weren’t the typical all white and/or pastel.

    unique nursery designs

    This nursery got bold with a large bright wallpapered accent wall.

    via Project Nursery

    unique nursery designs

    Not crazy about the beach wall but love the warmer wood tones and rug.

    via Instagram

    unique nursery designs

    Love the use of leather for the knobs and shelf brackets.

    via Project Nursery

    unique nursery designs

    Via Table and Hearth

    unique nursery designs

    Never seen an iron canopy crib but it’s so pretty!

    via Holy City Chic

    unique nursery designs

    The use of shiny rose gold is unexpected in this nursery.

    Via Project Nursery 

    unique nursery designs

    via Copy Cat Chic

  • Modern curtains: change your home’s look with curtains

    Modern curtains: change your home’s look with curtains

    Modern Curtains

    We all know the impact that window treatments can make in a room.  That being said, you want to make sure the impact is a positive one, and doesn’t take away from the design and aesthetic of your home.  Modern curtains are widely available these days, so finding a solution that beautifully sets off your interior architecture and decor shouldn’t be a problem.  The problem will likely be narrowing down your selection!  With the internet, even high end curtains can be affordable!

    modern curtains
    image via Emily A Clark

    Love color?  Keep your foundations (wall color, etc.) neutral, and use curtains, pillows, artwork, and smaller accessories to add pops of your favorite color.  I love the unexpected use of a green curtain panel in this soft pink bedroom.

    modern curtains
    image via lizmarieblog.com

    More Ideas

    Since I love white interiors and natural elements, I adore floor to ceiling white curtains like these.  They lend a sense of unpretentious elegance.  All of the architectural elements are allowed to take center stage because the curtains aren’t overshadowing them.  The black curtain rods help tie in the dark wood beams on the ceiling.

    modern curtains
    image via highendcurtain.com

    A child’s room or nursery is a place where you can let your hair down a little and really have fun with pattern or color. I absolutely adore these machine embroidered design panels with stars and a cityscape at the base. So cute!

    modern curtains
    image via spaceandshape.com

    You can also make curtains the focal point in a neutral interior if there is a pattern or color palette that you absolutely love but maybe weren’t able to bring in via wallpaper or a rug.  These roman shades really pop and add life to this elegant but otherwise quiet kitchen. Roman shades are a clean and tailored option if you think curtain panels are too fussy for a particular room or window.

    modern curtains
    image via cool-homedecorationsxyz.com

    Not only can you get creative with the actual curtains you select, how you hang them is also an opportunity to get creative.  I never would have thought to install a curtain rod over my front door in order to have added privacy from solicitors or nosy neighbors.  The effect is very grand and unique.

    modern curtains
    image via highendcurtain.com

    How cool are these curtains?  I love the star cut-outs that allow light to come in!  I’m sure kids would especially love these.  I’ve also seen them in black where the cut out is a cityscape.

    *disclosure: this post in partnership with highendcurtain.com

  • Livable interiors from photographer Bethany Lynn Nauert

    Livable interiors from photographer Bethany Lynn Nauert

    Livable Interiors

    It is much easier to find interiors that are beautiful than interiors that are livable and beautiful.  When I found the portfolio of photographer of Bethany Lynn Nauert it was refreshing to see not only beautiful interiors, but livable interiors filled with color, texture, and character.
    Enjoy!

    A living room not set up for TV watching but for conversations.

    Love the gray velvet…

    The whimsical art makes this otherwise formal dining room fun.

     

    Can’t wait to get hardwood throughout my whole house!

     

     

    See more gorgeous photos at Bethany Lynn Nauert.  All photos property of Bethany Lynn Nauert.

  • Modern bohemian interiors

    Modern bohemian interiors

    Bohemian home inspiration

    I hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day weekend.  Here in Maryland we were blessed with beautiful weather!

    The appeal of Bohemian interiors for me is that they look lived in, and don’t rely on being perfect and expensive to look good.  I also love mixing textures and infusing elements inspired by nature into my space.

    via Disc Journal

    Bohemian style also doesn’t have to be cluttered or busy.  When I think “bohemian” I also think “ease,”and this humble but beautiful room says that to me.

    Bohemian baby!  That wallpaper is so cute, but will also grow with baby.
    New Arrivals, Inc.

    I love how cozy this home library/dining room is.  Looks like a place where I could sit for a few hours and read or draw.
    via House and Garden

     If you love bohemian interiors it also doesn’t mean you have to surround yourself in colors, one of my favorite looks is actually monochrome or white with layers of different textures and patterns piled on!

    I’m always impressed by those who can really mix and match pattern!
    via Disc Journal

    A delicious outdoor lounge to spend lazy afternoons.
    via Disc Journal

  • Kids Rooms That Rock!

    Kids Rooms That Rock!

    I’ve always pictured how fun it would be to decorate a kids room. Since the nursery phase doesn’t last long, I’ve been scouring the web to find some pretty awesome kids rooms. Here’s what I found:
    mommo design: 10 ROOMS FOR LITTLE BOYS:
    A campers dream come true with room for a friend!
    for the girl ill have one day:
    Extra space to play is a must have for a busy toddler!
    Floating shelves:
    Room for tea and place to put everything. That is a mom’s dream room too!
    Upgrade your child’s bed panels like this creative parent did using scraps from floral wallpaper. This is just one of the many creative kids room ideas.:
    via brit.co
    A space to hideout and hangout!
    Dream Big With These Imaginative Kids Bedrooms – Design Sticker:
    A room you wouldn’t mind sharing!
    Have you made your kids room a dream come true? What did you do?
  • Nate Berkus: His NYC Greenwich Village Penthouse

    Nate Berkus: His NYC Greenwich Village Penthouse

    Nate Berkus just sold his chic NYC penthouse for $10 Million

    If you stay up to date with home decor news you probably already know that Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent sold their NYC penthouse apartment in Greenwich village recently.  I figured it was therefore a good time to revisit since it’s soon to be packed up and vacated!

    The foyer definitely has cool and refreshing mediterranean feel.

    The apartment is prewar, so you get lots of amazing moulding and architectural details.

     Cute family!

     I’m sure you’ve seen their kitchen around the blogosphere.  The glossy black cabinets, amazing windows and herringbone floors are amazing.

    I adore all of the build-in shelving!

                  

    Sweet baby Poppy’s nursery. It certainly looks glamorous!
    via Domino

    Poppy’s play room.  The built-in bench looks like a cozy place to play.

    The master bathroom manages to be glamorous with the stone backsplash and rustic with the hardwood floors.

    Nate’s trademark eclectic and global style runs throughout the apartment.

    OMG this walk in closet.
    via Domino

     What do you think of the apartment?
    All images via Architectural Digest except where otherwise noted.

  • Casual Elegance: Work from the Mandarina Interior Design Studio

    It’s been awhile since I’ve landed on a design portfolio from and interior design studio that I’ve wanted to share.  So, I was excited when I found Mandarina Interior Design Studio.  Yes, the images below show these homes on their best, most tidy days, but they serve as beautiful inspiration.

    LOVE this, and I try to use love sparingly in posts.  Our master bedroom is painted lavender and has an oriental rug in it, and I really like how the reds and blues pair with the lavender.  These walls are more pink but you still get the same effect between the colors.

    Yes, that wallpaper is super cool – but so are the marble tile floors.  Wowza.

    Those curtains and blue wall color with that vintage over-dyed rug?  Genius.  And painting the chairs white helps balance the wood tones of the parquet floors, wood fireplace surround, and traditional wood dining table.  I need to be bolder and start using more jewel tones, I tend to play it safe with pastels.

    I’m envious of those leaded windows.  The modern Suzani upholstered bench cushion and graphic area rug set off the classic moulding and old wood floors.

    Many times I have gotten questions for advise on how to deal with a lot of wood moulding and wainscoting.  Homeowners want to preserve the historic integrity of their home, but also don’t want to feel like they live in a drab outdated home.  This foyer strikes a lovely balance between modern and original by keeping the floors, banisters, and stairs in their traditional wood tones, while painting the wainscoting a fresh white.

    I know it’s very unrealistic, but wow I love how clutter-free this place is!  I hate walking in my front door to a pile of mail, shoes in the doorway, and a laptop bag on the floor.  (I doubt my husband is reading this, but just incase)

    Soothing lavender is a great color for a bedroom.  Surprisingly, my husband suggested it for ours and we both love it.

    Now that I have a baby I’m a sucker for sweet nurseries.  This color is close to the light blue we chose for Leo’s nursery.  The playful pattern of the roman shade is perfect.

    The wallpaper in this nursery is so sweet.  Yellow is such a nice, cheerful color for the little ones.

    What do you think of these interiors by Mandarina Interior Design Studio?

  • Beautiful Simplicity in this Scandinavian-Inspired Minneapolis Home

    You’re going to love this light-filled clean and stylish home. This is a REAL house, in fact – it’s a rental, and at only 1,250 square feet it’s a size most of us can relate to.

    I’ll start off with the foyer since it’s one of my favorite spots.

    I love that wardrobe, which was a craigslist find.
    The twin’s nursery is so sweet, see below

    The narrow wood floor is gorgeous and really fits in with the aesthetic of the home.  The couple are grateful that their landlord has really helped been open-minded when it comes to painting and changing out light fixtures, etc.

    The master bedroom also serves as a home office. Since space is tight, the couple decided to forgo nightstands and lamps by hanging simple but gorgeous bare bulbs.

    The armoire is an Ikea hack!

    The living room showcases the home’s old bones, but also cleverly blends modern furnishings with Craigslist finds.

    The dark gray Turkish Kilim rug helps anchors the space.

    The curved doorway is a great frame to a custom DIY dining room light fixture.
    The wooden chairs are Ikea, metal chairs are Target, and the table is a DIY by David Morse of Stéypå!
    See the entire home and read more at Apartment Therapy.
  • Bright and Beautiful Spaces

    Sometimes we just need a fresh look. Here are a few fresh spaces that are not only bright, but beautiful too! 
    pinterest @sydonce:
    Chic Workspace:
    Nursery:
    We found a local contractor who custom built the bench for the space. I love the drawers on either side that give us a little more storage. Right now we keep our board games in them. We looked on Pinterest for style ideas, and loved when breakfast nooks had a little character. To get that, we added molding all around and added extra slats for more dimension. (Chandelier is from Joss & Main):
    Gorgeous bathroom makeover! Love the marble, white and gold combo.:
    Could your space use a little fresh touch of bright and beautiful too?