The paint we chose- Behr's "Full Moon"

The runner's up:

"Twilight" and "Sterling"

And yes, I am somewhat mortified that two of the three paint names had to do with those vampire books.

I'm getting fairly obsessed with light grey walls with white molding/ceilings/accents.  My idea:

 

Dave has reminded me that I didn't like grey so much when we actually lived in a relatively grey state.  He might have a point.  And if not grey like this picture on the right, then maybe an icy blue like on the left...

I tend to go a bit overboard when it comes to my love of stripes, but in a mostly solids room these drapes could look great.  They're surprising.

I'm a sucker for roman shades.  I really like that these aren't really white, but more of an oatmeal color which adds a nice balance to a really white room.  I like that little flap in front and the black stripe.  It's traditional, but a little jaunty.

These curtains are interesting- bold and graphic without being obnoxious.  The ricarac bring a bit of 50s charm that I like.  This could be great in a certain 50s kitchen.

I'm too lazy to crop this- let's talk about the image on the left.  I'm really liking the bold print on the curtain, how they drape, and how the sheerness doesn't really block out any of the light.  This would be perfect for when the view outside the window isn't amazing but you still have a window- that way the curtains themselves could be the focal point.  

I like the idea of that giant contrast band of the bottom of the drapes.  I wonder if a chair-rail level band would make the room seem less tall...  It's a nice way to bring in color without having a giant swatch of it.

Nautical

Now that we are again moving to a sea town we are excited to brush off the idea of a more industrial nautical theme. Here's how I see it:

A very light gray on the walls, with white ceilings, doors, and accents.

Brass bed frame, lovingly weathered. At the foot is a wooden trunk, filled with blankets...

...and with the HelleDickson nautical flags to hang above the bed.

Something like this:

I am in love with this dresser- the brass pulls and kick at the bottom especially.  I think Dave can make this.

I think if we keep the rest of the room simple and homey it's going to balance out the room and make sure it doesn't look like we live in Disneyland.

 

I tend to not like back splashes in general, but I really like the brick back splash and the archway above going on in this kitchen.  It has kind of a pizzeria thing going.   It's stylish and practical and homey.  And I love a good indoor brick...

This is more of a place marker for an idea more suited for us- the giant, weathered cribbage board.  It would fit really well in a long space like this or over our crazy long couch.

Cheaper alternative to a giant butcher's block:  this cedar island with a slate top.  Technically it's cedar 2x4s reclaimed from a pickles and peppers factory, topped with an antique school chalkboard (which is pretty much nostalgic/green porn).  The little shelf on the bottom, though absolutely wonderful, may pose a problem with children.  I like the idea of a slate top.  It seems only second to white marble for me.  Third actually, because a butcher's block would come first.

This is a place holder for a good idea- instead of dominos I want to make a giant cribbage board to go above our couch.  Would it look good or weird to have a long skinny wall hanging above a long and skinny couch?  Or do we need something tall to balance it out? 

I love these sheets.  I love that right now you can go crazy with sheets and bedspreads- big bold stripes or vibrant colors.  Our sheets and quilt are muted and kind of blah- I want to go wild. 

We've been watching a lot of International House Hunters lately and I keep seeing painted tiles in the kitchens, either on the floor or as a backsplash or in a little nook.  I think they are incredibly charming.  The real trick is balancing out a unique touch like that without getting one of those spaces that makes other people think "Wow... that's unique..."

Amazing kitchen remodel.  I love the colors and the globes and the hand-me-down charm of it.

 

 

 

 

Instructions on installing a yardstick backsplash click here.

Such a beautiful little house.  Love the clapboard, the symmetry, the tiny circle window in the front gable, the white walls and the slate grey roof, the little gabled porch...  It's hard to tell which is the front door, which will bother Dave to no end.  I'm even loving the little railing in front of the yellow door- looks like a church.

Just a simple, charming little house.

Imagine how nice and cool this place will be in the summer.  It's absolutely gorgeous.  Who needs a flat roof for a rooftop garden? 

Long draping curtains of eye popping color in an otherwise neutral room.  A little long for my taste, but beautiful.

I love this metal island/cupboard thing.  I doubt I'll ever find anything like it, but wanted to publicly say, "Yes, I like it!"

This could very well be a fad of this year, but I love these colors together- white, black, and yellow.  And this room is perfect because I often like black, white and _____ (whatever color I happen to love that season) together.  All you have to do is change the comforter cover when you want something new.  This is the kind of room I want to wake up in come morning time.

I think I like my kitchens bright and cheery- to counter how I often feel stressed getting dinner together.  I'd substitute the reds (though they are gorgeous here) with a more calming color like a yellow or blue. 

Loving stripes lately.  And maybe the windows are the place for them- that under sink curtain is definitely not childproof.

My love for the classic black and white checked kitchen floor never seems to abate.  I especially love it with the thick vertical stripes of the cushions and the bright green accent pillows.  Oh, and the giant roman shade in the window.  This is a kitchen I could hang out in.

This is for Dave, who loves himself a rain chain.

Love those doors, so trim and proper.  In this room they lead into a closet.  Why do closet doors have to be so ugly?  No reason at all (other than frugal decorating...).

Such a romantic little reading nook...