Home Tour Part 1

(of course my wreath fell for this pic)

After about 9 months of building, we finally moved into our home and it has now been about 2 years here.  With each passing month, we are filling this house with memories that will last a lifetime- just as I imagined! (welcoming Rowyn to our family, family dinners, endless pool parties out back, etc.)  This labor of love is finally truly becoming our HOME- in every sense of the word.
My talented design sister, Jessica Marhoefer, had a photographer visit the house to capture a few of the design details, and this house will never be so clean again so thought I better blog it!

PART 1: Main living space-  I wanted an open, airy feel.  A clean, simple design that was classic and timeless.  I added shiplap to a few main walls to prevent toddler finger marks and scuffs.

 I was originally against a tv above the fireplace.  Now having it there... it does make the most sense.  I had to have a gallery wall, because I love displaying family pictures.  The large cabinets on either side of the built-ins are great for toy storage.

Butler's Pantry that leads into the formal dining room.  Many homes now don't have formal dining spaces.  I really wanted one- I had the idea of having family dinners and holidays spent there.  I will say in nearly 2 years this table has not been sat at yet... soooo I might rethink that if I were to ever do this building thing again.  But I sure do love the pretty wallpaper in there- still need curtains.

 That is just a little peak at the main living space of our home.  The first floor also has a mudroom, play room, my husband's office and my office- I'll share those next!

If you have any questions on the source of anything you see- just ask, I'd be happy guide you in the right direction.

As I finish posting these pictures and look around, I realize I need to CLEAN!!!

Emersyn's Big Girl Room

I feel like it was yesterday that I posted Emersyn's nursery reveal... pause for a tear.

(find her nursery post here) 

I loved her nursery at our old home.  I originally designed that room so that it didn't have to do a whole lot to make it a 'big girl' room.  I thought the color scheme and decor would transition perfectly when it was time to switch a crib to a bed.  Well fast forward three years and that perfectly designed nursery is now some other lucky little girl's room.  I truly hope she loves it!

So of course at the new house, I have yet another blank canvas to create Emersyn's new room.  Like always, I went to Pinterest for inspiration.  Here are a few of my favorites from my Eme's Big Girl Room Board.

I want her room to be sweet and girly but also fun and whimsical.  I also really want to use as much from her nursery as possible.  With that in mind, I plan to stick with the navy, coral/blush, and mint color scheme.  Her last room had sea foam colored walls but Eme has asked for a 'pink' room, so I am working hard to find the perfect shade of pink.

Here is my design plan so far:

I was immediately sold when I found this Pillowfort comforter from Target.  Not only was the price amazing, but the colors were PERFECT!  It has a great balance of coral, blush, and mint with a navy background.  I feel like finding this comforter really helped me envision the whole room!  I am slowly piecing items together, and I can't wait to share more details as her official 'big girl' room comes together.

Friday Favorite- Tile Inspirations

I love tile!!! Let me just get that statement out of the way.  There is seriously so many beautiful tile selections for both flooring and back splashes.  When this selection meeting rolled around I was a bit nervous because I was so worried that all my hopes of beautiful tile would be shot with the simple phrase "over budget"- which I have been hearing a lot throughout this process!  However, much to my surprise, this was the easiest meeting of all.  I learned that because there are so many tile choices, you really can find amazing looking tile for just about any budget.

Here are some of my original inspiration pics from my Pinterest board.

I am so thrilled that some of my original tile selections will be the actual tile in my new house!!  We really stuck with classic selections throughout the home such as marble subway, linen 12x24 tiles, white hexagon, and penny tiles.  I was pushed out of my comfort zone for the small powder bath- but I am excited to see how it turns out. (for a little look check out my sister's design blog at Jessica Stout Design).
On an exciting note: the house is getting closer and closer to being FINISHED!!!!  Excited to share some actual photos from our home soon!!!

Friday Favorite- Kitchen Inspiration

When thinking of our new home, the kitchen is one area that I had a very specific idea in my head.  I love that kitchens are the heart of a home and where everyone seems to gather.  In our floor plan, the kitchen is very open to an eat in kitchen area and the main living space.  I want our kitchen to be light and airy, clean and classic.  Here are some of my favorite inspiration pics from my Pinterest Board: For the Home

Items from my inspiration that have made the cut include white cabinets with a few glass details, grey cabinets on the island and in butler's pantry, marble subway tile back splash, and a few other touches I'm pretty excited about.  Can not wait until we get to the point where items I have selected actually start going into the home!  

There's nothing like a kitchen that makes you feel at home, comfortable, and possibly makes cooking a little more enjoyable.