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