Pastel Sitting Room

I have a handful of moodboards sitting in the wings, waiting to be shared. Only problem is I've forgotten to ask permission from my clients. Oops, need to get on that, don't I?

This one's free to share though. It was created for a client who has one of those spaces that seems great when you're buying the house, but once you move in you're suddenly struck with, "Hummm, what do I do in this area?"

Let's take a look at the plan...

Sitting rooms are often set off of master bedroom suites and scream for a cozy, inviting setting. This board creates a soft atmosphere that invites you to cuddle up in the buttery leather chair and read a book. Swing one of the poufs over, kick up your legs and stare at that beautiful abstract...go ahead, that's exactly what the room calls for!

Signal Flag Art (Austin steal)

Not too long ago I pinned these images off Williams-Sonoma. I thought they'd be an easy DIY project someday for an office or boy's room. I love how graphic and masculine they are.

Available here.

Then, just a few weeks after pinning them, I was shopping at our local Antique Mall and look what I ran across! They look exactly the same, but the middle one is amazing and not even available at Williams-Sonoma. 

And, the best part? They were $200 less than the ones at Williams-Sonoma. So, if you live in Austin and need a unique piece to finish off your room...run, don't walk, to Austin Antique Mall. Better yet, if you live in Austin, go buy them and let me design your room around them! Win/win, my friend. 

Enjoy your weekend. We'll be celebrating a special someone's 90th birthday! So blessed to have influences of that generation in our lives still.

Wanted...your opinion!

Let me introduce you to my cute friend, Rachel. When she woke up last Friday morning, she had no idea what I would be roping her into later that day....buying and hauling cinderblocks. Who needs CrossFit when you have a friend like me?!

Rachel has a massive outdoor project underway and I knew she'd share my adoration for these mid-century modern beauties I ran across on Craigslist. Funny thing is that neither of us had/have an exact idea of what we were going to do with them but just knew they were too good to pass up.

A close-up so you can appreciate the goodness...dirt, cobwebs and all.

Initially, I saw them and thought, "Those would make a killer bench!" I figured it was silly to buy too many since I don't even know where I'll be living 2 months from now. I even talked myself into passing on the find but then I just couldn't get them out of my mind. Hence, my hurried call to Rachel saying, "Quick, I've found something cool. You need them too. We have to hurry if we're going to be home before the kids get out of school!" She took one look at the CL listing and next thing ya know, she's in my car and we're off. Gotta love spontaneity.

The general idea of a bench. I'm thinking a live edge wood top would be stunning.

But, wait! I remembered we had a glass top in storage. What if...

we used them for a coffee table?!

To paint or not to paint? That is the question.

We could go crazy with the design and do something funky. Too busy?

Ummm...so many possibilities! Rachel's thinking console table for her brand new outdoor living area.  I'm on the fence until we find a house, but I'm really curious to know your thoughts. What would you do? What color would you paint? Or, would you leave the blocks as is? Bench? Table? Any other crazy cool ideas?!

Spill it...

House hunting with Senior Citizens???

Just a quick update on our house hunting adventures. I wish there were lots to tell, but there's not. John's in Dallas today and running by the two houses below. They're outside of Dallas. We're trying to factor in if a commute is worth it or not.

We got kind of excited when we saw this listing. Just enough funk to catch my attention.

Lots of windows always get my vote.

I feel like this house could lend itself to a contemporary look fairly easily. Besides, look out the window...TREES!

Think this homeowner is a fan of brown?

And now you see exactly why we like this house!!!

But, wait, there's more. Mr. Google view shows what appears to be nursing home just beyond the trees. Humm, is that my view in the winter? Guess we wouldn't have to worry about the noise though. ;)

This house needs far less updating...

It looks like a single story...

But I see stairs. Where did those come from?

If you stretch it, one might even say it has lake views. Pretty sure I like trees better. What do you think?

Slim pickins', friends.

Random Act of Kindness #66

We had such a fun time Friday evening! These cutie patooties came over to play with us thanks to a RAK Bryn and her sweet friend offered their teacher...a free night of babysitting.

Bryn made a precious card informing their teacher that she'd be RAK'd and told her to make plans for Friday night because childcare was covered. Her teacher called me to arrange the details and was so excited! We also snuck in another little surprise Friday morning when Bryn gave her teacher a gift card to her favorite restaurant. Nothing better than showing a little appreciation to those who spend so much time with our kids every day!

I'm not sure who had more fun, Bryn and her friend or their teachers' girls. It was a win/win RAK.

Okay, friends, you know what to do...go out and be kind!

Half Off...

Look what's half off at One Kings Lane...LuLu DK prints! 

They're still pricey, even at 1/2 off, but they're soooo pretty. Have you been hanging onto birthday/Christmas money just waiting for the perfect splurge? (does anyone else do that?) Well, here's your splurge! Act quick though, because this sale only lasts 2 more days.

I couldn't resist making up a board to show you how great these are grouped together. They'd be perfect in a breakfast area, entry, sunroom...anywhere.

Let me know if you make the splurge so I can do a happy dance with ya!

New home inspiration

We may not have a new place to call home just yet, that's not stopping me from gathering inspiration and dream planning. If you want to follow along, my Dallas pinterest board holds all the treasures.

Available at onefortythree.

Perhaps I'm drawn to this because I'm still waiting on my "lightbulb moment." Or, maybe it's simply because it's plain, brass and awesome!

{via Holtwood Hipster}

I'm still loving gallery walls, but in the next house, I'm having an all white vision. Wonder if I could pull it off?

{via Style At Home}

Many of the homes we're looking at are much smaller than our existing one. The above shelving option is so smart and such a great use of space. Don't have enough room for a big piece of furniture?...floating shelves are your answer.

My daily roller coaster of emotions continues concerning our move. I'm fortunate to have a husband who can stomach my ups, downs and loops. He forwarded me his daily devotion this morning and it is perfect. Love it when God speaks straight to my heart, at just the right time. I'm passing on these wonderful words just in case there's someone else out there in need of a little encouragement.

TRUST ME, and don't be afraid. Many things feel out of control

Your routines are not running smoothly. You tend to feel more secure when your life is predictable.

Let Me lead you to the rock that is higher than you and your circumstances.

Take refuge in the shelter of My wings, 

where you are absolutely secure.

When you are shaken out of your comfortable routines, grip My hand tightly and look for growth opportunities. Instead of bemoaning the loss of your comfort,

accept the challenge of something new.

I lead you on from glory to glory, making you fit for My kingdom.

Say yes to the ways I work in your life. Trust Me, and don't be afraid.

"Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, God, is my strength and my song, he has become my salvation." Isaiah 12:2

"From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in your wings." Psalm 61: 2-4

Inexpensive curtain options

Happy Friday, friends! We're due to hit the 80's today and it feels like spring is here to stay. Wondering if the cold snap earlier this week was our last for the season? I kinda like how unpredictable the weather is this time of year. Keeps us on our toes.

Another thing I like about spring is walking through some of my favorite stores and looking at their spring lines. These textiles were begging to have their picture taken while I was strolling through Urban Outfitters. Aren't the prints fantastic?!

  

  

Available at Urban Outfitters.

UO is a store I like to keep in my back pocket. They're always good for that quirky little piece that instantly becomes a conversation piece.

Hope you all have a relaxing weekend!

Michael Cross Abstracts

If there's one thing Dallas has over Austin, it's definitely design resources. I was poking around yesterday while waiting on our realtor. When I crossed the street and gazed in these windows my heart went pitter patter. I practically ran through the doors to soak up the gorgeous pieces of art hanging in this gallery.

Michael Cross Gallery

The artist, Michael, was in the gallery so I had the pleasure of chatting with him a bit. Hearing an artist describe their pieces is pure pleasure.

If you've been reading for long, you know I'm a HUGE fan of oversized art. Michael's collection of large pieces made my heart sing.  Check this one out...

Wednesday A.M.

It's 8 feet long and 3 1/2  feet tall! Honestly, this image does not do it justice. It's even more stunning in person.

Stanfield's Farm

This one is over 5 feet tall. Michael also makes custom frames for his pieces. Talent oozing out of his pores, friends. He previously worked as an engineer. Isn't it fascinating that someone in such a detail-oriented career could let himself go and create abstract art? Love that!

July 16, 2009 #1

If smaller pieces are more your speed, he also offers "little" art. These are 4.5" x 4.5".

 

June 19, 2009 #1

June 13, 2009

A grouping of these pieces would make quite the statement. The texture, the colors peeking through...fascinating!

Next time I'm in town, I'd love to stop back by Michael's gallery and snap a few shots. Honestly, his pieces are gorgeous and the above images just barely touch on it.

If you're not fortunate enough to stop by his Gallery in Dallas, you can purchase his art through Fine Art America. He offers many great options like prints on acrylic and metal,  greeting cards, and of course, originals.

If you're local, stop by and say hi. His gallery is located in Mockingbird Station. 5307 E. Mockingbird Lane, Suite #107. 

I'm so looking forward to a future client who's looking for fine art. Michael will definitely be at the top of my list. I dropped the hint to John that one of Michael's pieces would be welcomed in our new home (if we ever find one)!  

Somebody shoot me, please!

The housing market in Texas is C.R.A.Z.Y!!!! John and I drove up to Dallas with high hopes of seeing some great houses yesterday. We had our eye on 6 to be exact. Guess how many we looked at?

Go ahead...guess. 

Zero. Yes, that's a big fat goose egg. Zip. Zilch. Nada.

Every single one went pending before we made it to town. Wow!

Here's a little peek at homes that other people are now the proud owners' of...

Nice remodel. I went ahead and drove by it since I didn't have anything else to do. I made myself feel better when I shamelessly looked through the windows and saw teeny tiny bedrooms.

Interesting bathrooms in this house. Nothing else had been updated though.

This house had herringbone floors in almost every room. Amazing when done in small quantities, but I was curious to see what I thought about having them in all the bedrooms too? Just from the pictures it seemed a little overwhelming. Trying to make myself feel better here...can ya tell?

Pool...oh yeah, we did promise one of those, didn't we?!

Yesterday wasn't a complete bust though. I visited/toured a few schools and got a great feeling about both. I have to stay focused on the positives because they're few and far between. I also found a house that had a "coming soon" sign in the yard. I stalked called the listing agent. She didn't return my call. I had my realtor stalk call the listing agent. She returned his. Humph! She said at least 10 people have asked to see it already but she's not letting anyone view it until it's "show ready" on Wednesday. I'm returning home today, people!!

My realtor called her back and shared our tragically sad story of traveling all this way and not being able to see a single house. He begged and pleaded...it worked! Heading to see it in around lunchtime. But, I just looked at the satellite image and noticed train tracks one street over. 

Somebody shoot me, please! ;)

Guess who I met?

I  had a super fun design night last night as I wrangled my girlfriend into going to Loft's party and guess who we met?...Christiane Lemieux! Christiane is the founder and creative director of DwellStudio. Love her design philosophy.

Get your own book here.

On our way to the party we stumbled upon a new store that opened this week in Austin, Arhaus. So sad I'm moving because I'm pretty sure I could make lots of clients happy with the incredible finds in this store. Oh my! It was eye candy all over the place. The displays were fantastic!

Calling all DIY friends...this NEEDS to be your next project. You know the kilim blankets that are popping up everywhere these days? Snag one and make a chandelier! If you have even the most basic of sewing skills, this project is totally doable. A few embroidery hoops and a light kit then you're set.

I hope you can get past the blurry pics and get the idea. Kilim blankets have various patterns throughout so the inside of the light is different from the outside. Love it!  I scored one of these beauties at Tuesday Morning. Check it out here.

This would be so cute in a nursery or child's room. Soft and casual.

Well, I'm off to sleep in a zoo tonight. Think I'm kidding?...I'm not! Bryn's Girl Scout troop thinks it's super fun to sleep in odd places where thousands of people walk and get things dirty. We've had the pleasure of sleeping on the ground at Sea World and tonight we get to experience the zoo. Not enough detergent to get my blankets clean after these adventures! ha!

Happy weekend, friends.

Life/House Hunting Update

I run out of necessity. If my world is turned upside down, I can quickly refocus by going for a run. Sometimes I'm physically exhausted and the absolute last thing I want to do is take that first step out the door, but every single time I do, it's worth it. When I'm really wrestling with something, I'm super focused and it's head down. This is literally my view...

But holy smokes, if I lift my head this is what I see...

Is anyone catching the symbolism here? Sometimes I get so bogged down with life that all I can see is the ugly. But, the second I decide to turn my focus upward, i.e. to God, the view is suddenly much more attractive.

I'm currently bogged down with the ugly. Life seems very overwhelming. We're moving to a place we're not overly excited about. My kids remind me daily that they "don't want to move." And, finding a house right now is like finding a needle in a haystack. Whew!

Before you start feeling sorry for me, let me tell you that there are certainly blessings going on around here. That's why I can easily pray this prayer... 

We listed our house and received a contract from the first person who looked at it. Good news, right?! If you've ever sold a house you know it's not officially sold until the papers are signed and keys are exchanged. In fact, I received a call yesterday that gave me a mild heart attack. The buyer needs an extension due to funding purposes. Yes, that's one more week of turning potential buyers away and praying my buyer's bank approves his loan.

Other good news and displays of God's awesomeness...John called me after a day of working in Dallas in his new position and said, "I feel fulfilled!" This, my friends, is reason enough for us to make this move. I have no doubt that God created John for this role and to hear him verbalize a feeling of contentment and happiness is amazing.

So, God clearly knows I can only handle so much stress, i.e. not a lot. He took the selling part off my plate early but the buying part remains unanswered. Hence, this prayer...

Sometimes my prayers get wordy. It's like I think God needs all my explanations/justifications. But, really, all I need to do is ask him for his help. I "hit the wall" emotionally last Saturday and had several hours in the car alone as I drove to meet John in San Antonio for the concert. A good cry was in order and I did it no shame. Well, there was a little bit of shame when I showed up to the concert with a red nose and blotchy face. Why, oh why, couldn't I have been made to be a "pretty" cryer?

In between sets, a speaker offered a short lesson. Guess what the theme was?...Reset and Recharge. Um, yes. God? Are you trying to tell me something? Hence, my next prayer...

Plain and simple. I trust you, God. My world is whirling right now. Decisions about what area of town to live in, what school is right for the kids, should we entertain private school? Why am I so picky when it comes to finding a house? Is it too much to expect to like the house we're going to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on? These are all questions that I struggle with as my head is down and I'm staring at the dirt. But, if I lift my head up towards heaven and stare at the "unknown big picture," I have faith and trust that God has these minute little details already worked out and it's my job to trust in His plan.

And, one last thing..."Hey God, you know that silly lesson in patience you're trying to teach me? Well, I'm good now. The patience boxed is checked and I'm ready to move on!"