Category: shiplap

Cozy Cottages: Light or Dark?

Cozy Cottages

Just the word cottages makes one think of being curled up by the fire with a great book, or of lazy mornings at the beach front. How do you prefer your cozy cottages – in light or dark? Beach breeze coming through an open window or thick wool blankets and crackling bacon?

Light Cottages

Light cottages often feature rustic charms like white walls, often shiplap, and bare time-worn floors. Window treatments are kept to a minimal to let as much light in as possible.

Nothing in a cottage like this screams “new.” Woods have an aged patina and everything is full of character and charm.

images above via Southern Living

Dark Cottages

Snow and wind outside your door? If you are in a dark cottage that won’t bother you. Layers of warmth in the means of blankets, deep cushioned armchairs, and firelight abound.

In dark cottages walls are usually painted in moody blues or grays.

Lots of wood tones.

Heavier upholstery and textiles are also a mainstay of dark cottages.

images above via Apartment Therapy

image above via Tumblr

So – which way do you lean? Light cottage or dark cottage?

Craving more cottage eye candy? Check out a past post featuring beautiful cottages and little escapes.

February 10, 2020
Beautiful Interiors (and great tips!) from Fixer Upper’s Joanna Gaines

I guess I’m a bit late getting on the Fixer Upper bandwagon, especially considering they will no longer be doing the show *tear* after season 4. Even if you don’t always love their projects, Joanna Gaines is undoubtedly wildly creative and talented, and I love the little tidbits of design wisdom and inspiration I get from her.

Joanna keeps you guessing by always using unexpected materials in her renovations. Glass tile and wood counter tops? A great solution for keeping a space warm but also clean and simple.

Updating antiques is simpler than you think. I mean, these doors MAKE this room! And with all the furniture restoration products and tutorials out there now, learning how is simple.

Joanna is also a big fan of mixing metals. What really attracts my eye is the brass mixed with the wood beams. It keeps the space from being too slick, but also too rustic.

Gray works in every space. I couldn’t agree more! Joanna uses gray a lot because it creates a calm and neutral backdrop, allowing your furnishings and decor to shine.

That teal rug with those aged leather chesterfields is to-die-for.

Use shiplap. Yup, if you’re a Fixer Upper fan you are very familiar with pine panelling called shiplap. Joanna swears by it.

Read all of Joanna Gaines decor advice and see more at Domino.

May 13, 2019
Modern Rustic Inspiration

Growing up on a farm, I feel at home in a rustic interior. That being said, I also like interiors that are uncluttered and have very clean lines. One doesn’t easily find a straight line in nature, so in my eyes blending straight, clean lines with natural organic elements is an art form. Here are some interiors that I think perfectly blend modern with rustic.

Yes. Dark hardwood floors. Tons of natural light. Textured wide wood plank ceilings. Sliding barn doors. YES.

via Pinterest via Tidbits and Twine

I think this is Meg Ryan’s kitchen. Love all of the white and wooden beams.
via DecorPad

You can also successfully incorporate bright colors in a neutral palette. I’d personally use the brights as accents or pops of color.
via Home Adore

Man oh man. I’d be getting dirty A LOT just to spend more time in this bathroom. Pepple tile on the floor, copper tub, wide wood plank walls, exposed brick….!!
via Pinterest via BlogLovin

This bedroom is styled to the hilt but I’m a sucker for a pretty bed. The headboard brings in texture and an organic sensibility, while the window casings and moldings create a tailored look.

via Pinterest via HomeEdit

Are my stables just outside to the right? That’s what I’d expect if this were my foyer. Exposed wood beams, stone floors, a mirrored wall..that amazing neutral and monochrome oriental rug!!
via DecorPad

Tired of the same old wainscoting and paint and wallpaper? Consider shiplap or wood plank walls for a unique and rustic look. The straight diagonals, verticals, and horizontals keep this hall and staircase crisp and clean.
via Pinterest via Decoist

April 22, 2019
Cozy Cottages: Light or Dark?

Cozy Cottages

Just the word cottages makes one think of being curled up by the fire with a great book, or of lazy mornings at the beach front. How do you prefer your cozy cottages – in light or dark? Beach breeze coming through an open window or thick wool blankets and crackling bacon?

Light Cottages

Light cottages often feature rustic charms like white walls, often shiplap, and bare time-worn floors. Window treatments are kept to a minimal to let as much light in as possible.

Nothing in a cottage like this screams “new.” Woods have an aged patina and everything is full of character and charm.

images above via Southern Living

Dark Cottages

Snow and wind outside your door? If you are in a dark cottage that won’t bother you. Layers of warmth in the means of blankets, deep cushioned armchairs, and firelight abound.

In dark cottages walls are usually painted in moody blues or grays.

Lots of wood tones.

Heavier upholstery and textiles are also a mainstay of dark cottages.

images above via Apartment Therapy

image above via Tumblr

So – which way do you lean? Light cottage or dark cottage?

Craving more cottage eye candy? Check out a past post featuring beautiful cottages and little escapes.

December 20, 2018
5 Things That Might Cost You This Winter

As the temperature gets colder, more and more people rely on energy and electricity to keep their homes nice and warm. But are you being energy – and money – efficient when it comes to heating your home? Here are a few things that might be costing you major money without you even knowing it.

via Pinterest via Style at Home

Window And Door Insulation

Your windows and doors may actually be costing you a lot more than you expect. Heat escapes through any cracks in the entry points to your home, rendering your heating system less efficient and causing you to spend more money for less heat. There are insulating window treatments that you can try out to conserve heat and energy. You can also apply hard plastic to your windows during winter months to help keep the heat in, or caulk the perimeters to ensure that no obvious gaps are letting cold air in. Doors should be checked to make sure they fit their frames properly. Otherwise, you’ll be losing heat that way, too.

via Pinterest via ?

Temperature Regulation

Many people leave their heat running all day, regardless of whether or not they’re actually home. This is a costly move with little for you to gain. Instead of doing that, try turning the heat down when you’re away from home or while you sleep at night. You can even invest in a thermostat controller, which allows you to change the temperature whether you’re at home or away from it.

You could also try lowering the thermostat by a few degrees even when you are home. Chances are you won’t notice the difference, but it could make a big impact on your heating bill.

via Pinterest via One Kings Lane

Poorly Maintained Fireplace

Your home doesn’t necessarily need to rely on the heat from a fireplace for it to cost you money. If you don’t block it off properly in the winter, it acts just like an open door or window would, siphoning the hot air from your house and costing you extra in heating costs.

If you do use your fireplace, then you won’t be getting the most out of it if it’s poorly maintained. Moreover, you could actually be putting yourself at risk for a house fire if the ventilation isn’t good enough or if the fireplace itself isn’t cleaned. Make sure to have yearly maintenance performed on your fireplace at minimum to ensure it’s running as it should be.

via Pinterest via?

Hot Water Heater

Your water heater’s default temperature setting rests at a very hot 140 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you could save some money by dropping it just 20 degrees so it rests at 120 degrees Fahrenheit instead. In the same way that you likely won’t notice a difference if you lower your thermostat by a few degrees, you probably won’t be bothered by water that’s still warm enough to take a cozy shower in.

via Pinterest via Between Naps on the Porch

Broken, Damaged Or Old Furnace

Your furnace doesn’t have an indefinite expiry date, and an old one will begin to have issues. Old furnaces or ones that are showing wear and tear may become obvious when your bill begins to hike. It can also begin to make noises that you aren’t used to. Finally, damages can actually appear in the forms of cracks or other blemishes to the furnace itself. You can check your furnace for these signs if you believe that your furnace may be contributing to your heat loss or climbing bill costs. If you notice any, chances are pretty good that you’ll need some repairs or even a furnace replacement.

If you’re interested in seeing less of your heat and money fly out the window this winter, give these tips a try. You’ll be surprised to see how much money just a few changes can save you.

This post in consideration with Ray & Son Heating and Air Conditioning

December 22, 2017
Modern Farmhouse tour

Modern Farmhouse

Talk about bright and airy! The overall white walls in this home and amazingly high ceilings say anything but dark old farmhouse. I would have loved to see images of this home prior to the renovation. The house is in New South Wales. The couple fell in love with it’s character and decided to give it a modern coastal feel while paying homage to it’s farmhouse roots. I’ll stop talking and let it speak for itself.

Love this outdoor dining space. The rustic table with the white chairs is dreamy.

Simplicity at it’s best

I love it all! How about you guys?

All image via Adore Home Magazine

December 12, 2017
Ideas for Expanding Your Home

There is nothing quite like having your own home. Your house is your castle and you are free to make whatever changes you see fit. This allows for all sorts of customizations which add value to the house, but mostly make it more livable. Most people will remodel the kitchen or knock down walls, but why stop there? Adding new rooms or additions to the house will help give it a unique charm, expand interior floor space, and offer new customization options. Here are just a few ideas for ways you can expand your home.

First: Consider Your Property Lines

Obviously, when thinking about making an addition to your home, you have to keep the property lines in mind. You do not want to completely obliterate the back yard, and even if that is your goal, taking up too much space can mean no more room to grow in the future. You will want to keep some space between property lines and your home regardless, as this provides room for contractors to work in. Not just builders, but any future contractors you may need to bring in for whatever reason.

Second: Consult with a Professional

When considering an addition to your house, consult with a professional architect. They can take a look at the layout of your existing home and make recommendations to keep your addition aesthetically pleasing while delivering what you are after. Note that we cannot guarantee that everything you want is possible with your existing home, but if it is – a professional will figure it out.

Start from the Back

The most common starting point for additions is to look into the back yard. Patios, pavilions, or a simple entryway in the back can help connect your home to the yard. In fact, depending on how you structure and organize the addition, you may even be able to create the sensation of your home spilling out into the yard. This can be an excellent addition for a kitchen – creating an outdoorsy space to enjoy your meal.

Consider Building Up

This depends on your foundation and local building codes, but other than those there is nothing stopping you from building up. This idea can be especially good if you are running out of room to expand. You have a number of design choices available if you choose to add a second floor to your building. Balconies are popular additions once you have some living areas constructed. It can also be a way to feel on top of the world when working from a home office.

Keep Function in Mind

When making any additions to your house, keep the function of these additions in mind. Having an idea of what you want that you do not have will inform your architectural decisions. Let your mind go wild when thinking of these additions, and only take the time to temper them down when it comes time to plan out the addition.

Do Not Neglect the Basics

When you are planning an addition to the home, it can be easy to forget the basics. Remember that you want any comforts available now to remain available throughout the home. This means remembering the electrical systems, cable systems, and of course climate control. Speak with your service providers to get recommendations about how to make sure these services remain available with any addition to your home. This is especially the case with climate control – consider a mini-split system so you do not have go through the trouble of installing potentially expensive ductwork. Cable lines should be run to the new room if it is closed in, along with electrical outlets. Though obviously, an outdoor room might do better without if it is not water-tight – consult with your local contractors when thinking about your addition to make sure your new room is as comfortable as the rest of the house!

this post in consideration with adamsairconditioning.net

December 8, 2017
Decorating on a Tight Budget? Try these secrets!

Interior design can be very expensive. Even while redecorating a single room, costs always add up quickly. Our mind begins buzzing with questions. Do I want to buy carpeting or should I install hardwood? What paint color should I choose? How much of paint will I need to cover this space? Do I have to buy new furniture? Do I have to get after hour emergency electricians? Not only these questions can make things difficult, the idea of purchasing all such items can be quite overwhelming. This is why to ease your worries, we have developed this post for you. Learn our secrets and easily decorate your house while being on a budget.

via Pop Sugar

via One Kings Lane

Prior Planning

Proper planning is vital for any home improvement project when working on a tight budget. You don’t want yourself in a situation where you find the perfect couch only to find out that you don’t have enough money in your account.

Before you begin, find your design inspiration. You can do this by looking at magazines and searching on the internet. Then, break down the project into its components such as furniture, flooring, paint, accessories, and interior décor. You need to browse stores and get a solid idea on the cost of the components. Then check your budget and see what suits you best.

via 38th Street

via Pop SUgar

Repurpose You Possessions

Repurposing old design elements can never be exciting as installing new pieces. But, it can definitely save you a lot of money. All you need is a bit of elbow grease and some good investment in free time, and you can totally transform the outlook of any part of your interior design.

Look around and ponder which items you can repurpose. Think whether you really need all those new kitchen cabinets or just getting them refaced would be a good idea? See whether there are hardwood floors underneath your current carpeting? Think whether you can freshen up your old bedroom suit just by fashioning it a new coat of paint. These are just small things that can really help you in the long run. They can also save you a good amount of money.

via Pop Sugar

via Home Stratosphere

Anchoring room with furniture

Working with a tight budget is always about prioritizing spending. Working with limited resources means you have to spend your money where you will receive the most value for it. In interior design, this means dedicating a major portion of your budget to furniture.

Furniture will likely last for years so it’s good to spend on the quality items. If you already have furniture you can also repaint it or polish it and make it new again. Furniture is not cheap so you will be spending quite some money on it. We advise you to invest wisely.

Furniture draws eyes towards itself. If you are investing in good furniture items, you don’t have to do much decor as it will take care of 80% of your interior décor if done creatively. After this is done, you’ll only have to add minor touches to pull the room together.

*disclosure: this post syndicated by Gordon Powers

September 19, 2017
Cozy Cottages: Light or Dark?

Cozy Cottages

Just the word cottages makes one think of being curled up by the fire with a great book, or of lazy mornings at the beach front. How do you prefer your cozy cottages – in light or dark? Beach breeze coming through an open window or thick wool blankets and crackling bacon?

Light Cottages

Light cottages often feature rustic charms like white walls, often shiplap, and bare time-worn floors. Window treatments are kept to a minimal to let as much light in as possible.

Nothing in a cottage like this screams “new.” Woods have an aged patina and everything is full of character and charm.

images above via Southern Living

Dark Cottages

Snow and wind outside your door? If you are in a dark cottage that won’t bother you. Layers of warmth in the means of blankets, deep cushioned armchairs, and firelight abound.

In dark cottages walls are usually painted in moody blues or grays.

Lots of wood tones.

Heavier upholstery and textiles are also a mainstay of dark cottages.

images above via Apartment Therapy

image above via Tumblr

So – which way do you lean? Light cottage or dark cottage?

Craving more cottage eye candy? Check out a past post featuring beautiful cottages and little escapes.

August 16, 2017
Oriental rugs in modern homes and decor

Oriental rugs in modern decor are something I’ve had my eye on lately. Oriental, or any hand-knotted antique rugs in that case have a way of beautifully grounding and warming up a space, which is why I think they work in modern decor so well, and the contrast makes a great impact.

I’m also listening to an audiobook right now, Blood of Flowers by Anita Amirrezvani, and the descriptions of the rugs inspired me to find some examples to share with you guys.

Day to day, this office space would be too dark for me, but otherwise I love the rustic table and the ornate oriental rug.

via Fresh Design Pedia

The pops of pink in this oriental accent rug look gorgeous with the blue walls.

via Pinterest via Style and Cheek

The patina and wear of an antique rug makes it even more beautiful.

via Pinterst via Design*Sponge

I’m sure I’ve posted this image before but I just had to share it again, it’s so beautiful. I don’t know if I could live with glossy black shiplap, but the effect is dramatic!

via Country Living.

I also really like geometric oriental rugs. If you are into a more casual or rustic look they are a good choice.

via Pinterest via Style by Emily Henderson

January 5, 2017