Where The Wild Things Are Inspired Bedroom

Yesterday I walked into our upstairs bathroom and noticed that something was different.  It took me a second to realize that all of the trim was finished.  It has been almost five years since we started remodeling the bathroom so you can understand my surprise.  The hubby also finished installing the trim in the back entry  (a project started in 2006) and he put up the stair railing for the new basement stairs. I don't know what has gotten into him, but I fully plan on taking advantage of his sudden urge to work on the house.  I just so happen to have a new project for us.  Ollie is going to need a "big boy" room soon and I am thinking about giving it a "Where the Wild Things are" look.  I love the idea of having clouds hang from a star-covered ceiling and a crown hanging from his bed post.  A tree stump stool and a bookshelf that looks like a branch will fit right in.  The wall color is the same as the background of the inspiration board and his bed will be painted the bronze color.  I am thinking about adding a tent with twinkle lights if there is enough space in the room.  I can't wait to get started!

Squirreling Away

Squirrel Nutcracker

Years ago my husband got a squirrel nutcracker for Christmas.  He loved the thing and proudly displayed it in our first apartment and our first home.  I was never a big fan of  the thing, probably because of my fear of being attacked by a squirrel.  I always felt like the little guy was waiting for me to turn my back and then he would pounce.  He also did not fit in with my holiday decor.  That is why when we moved to our current home, he "accidently" got boxed up with items going to my in-law's house.  I thought he was out of our lives forever until one day I walked into the kitchen and there he was.  He had found his way home.  I needed to step up my game.  I decided to take him to my brother's house for Thanksgiving and discreetly hide him in their holiday decorations.  I figured he would be much happier there.  Unfortunately, I switched diaper bags at the last minute and left him behind.  The squirrel wins again!  Yesterday I happened to be browsing through the Anthropologie website and guess what I saw.  You got it!  Could it be that my husband was right  all along? Is this little nutcracker really a gem?  I have my doubts, but I did put it out on display.  Who am I to argue with Anthropologie?

Road Trip with Kids Survival Guide

I can not believe all of the gizmos and gadgets on new cars.  They seem to have everything I could possibly want or need except for one thing.  A partition that moves up and down between the front and back seats.  You know, like in limos.  That way I could put up the partition when the kids are fighting...or whining...or crying.  Can you imagine how peaceful car trips would be?  Until then I am going to have to rely on a few of my own tricks.  Here are a few things we are packing for our holiday road trips.

1. Snacks and water bottles
2. Portable DVD player or handheld video game
3. Kids music along with headphones for the kids
4. Road trip bingo
5. License plate game
6. Clipboard with coloring pages and hidden picture sheets
7. Would you rather game
8. Hourly surprises like new crayons or an I spy book
9. Mad libs
10. Dramamine, plastic bags and extra outfits (just in case)

Equestrian Bedroom

Here is an inspiration board for a horse-loving tween bedroom.  I love the neutral colors and different textures of this room.  I also love the gold accents!  It is sophisticated and yet still perfect for "horsing around".  Hee hee...Sorry.

Back Entry Inspiration Board

I don't know if I have mentioned this before, but we have the world's creepiest basement.  I mean we used to have the world's creepiest basement.  My hubby has been hard at work taking down walls, moving pipes, hanging drywall, etc.  Now we have a totally cool rec room for the kiddos!  However, our back entry and stairs leading to the basement look super old and dreary compared to the new basement.  Doesn't that always happen?  I figure painting the walls and trim white, adding a white tin ceiling and painting the doors a charcoal gray will brighten things up and give the feeling of a modern farmhouse.  Here's my inspiration board.

Things To Teach Your Teen

I know so many parents who are taking their kids to college this week and they all seem to have the same concern.  Are their kids prepared for this next step in life?  Here is a list of some life skills I plan on teaching my teens someday. 

-How to cook the basics
-Grocery Shop
-Sew on a button
-Use a fire extinguisher and how to put out a kitchen fire
-Do laundry
-Perform CPR and basic first aid
-Balance a checkbook
-Use an ATM
-How to create a budget and stick to it
-Self defense
-How to save money
-Basics about circuit breakers and water shut off valves
-Internet and social media safety
-How to fix a running toilet
-How to navigate public transportation
-How to change a tire
-How to pump gas
-How to check the oil and washer fluid
-How to check the air in tires
-What to do if they are in a car accident

Future World Traveler Room for Less

Happy Tuesday morning!  Here is a less expensive version of my last post just like I promised.  Enjoy!

West Elm Hand Blocked Lola Quilt
IKEA Kristaller Chandelier
World Map Pillow from Etsy
World Market Tribal Carved Wood Accent Table
West Elm Wola Nani Pencils Cups
West Elm Kite Kilim Floor Pouf
Cb2 Passport Rug
How to build a hanging bed tutorial
West Elm Pintuck duvet cover

A Room For a Future World Traveler...or not

A long time ago when I was in high school, I couldn't wait to "grow up" and travel the world.  I was getting out of Wisconsin and was going to study architecture in Italy and then take some time to volunteer in Africa before marrying a doctor/rock star from Australia who happened to have a large inheritance that he set aside just for traveling to exotic places.  If teenage Kristin found out that none of those things came true, she would probably climb into bed and stay there for a few days.  So let's make it a really cool bed in a really cool room and let's make it fit for a world traveler.  At least teenage Kristin can dream about exotic places and hunky Australians, right?

Land of Nod Top Tier Chandelier
Anthropologie Lille Sham
West Elm Carved Wood Side Table
Anthropologie Rosette Bedding
Serena & Lily White Moroccan Leather Pouf
West Elm Wola Nani Pencils Cups
Land of Nod Faculty Mixer Map Throw Pillow
Anthropologie Barnwood Hanging Bed
Cb2 Passport Rug

Have no fear if you are on a tighter budget!  I will be posting a less expensive version soon!

Nightstand Styling

I have been in such an organizing mood lately!  Nightstands are an area I tend to overlook.  I am usually so tuckered out by bedtime, I am asleep before I even have a chance to get rid of all the legos and pacifiers hiding in the sheets.  That is why my nightstand is currently a rubbermaid bin of maternity clothes waiting to be taken to the basement. (And yes my baby is 9 mos. old now) Anyway, here are some images I am hoping will inspire me to get my act together.

Via belle maison

Via Ariannabelle

Via Arianabelle

Via bits of breezy

Playroom Decor From Unexpected Stores

Gypsy Chandelier

Boy is it hot! Are you feeling it, too?  The children around here have had to abandon the scorching hot swings and slides and playing in the sandbox is pretty gross if you're sticky with sweat.  This means a lot more kids are hanging out inside.  In an air-conditioned playroom, perhaps?  Here are some bright-colored accessories to perk up a play space.  The best part is that you don't have to shop at any children's stores to get them.

Schoolhouse Electric Clock

Clementine Mayan Dhurrie Rug

Sandusky Lee Book Truck

A Modern Farmhouse

I just had to start out this week with a wonderful, remodeled farmhouse.  The photos are beautiful and scream comfort and relaxation.  What a great place to spend time with friends and family.  Well, the ones you really like anyway.  Check out the whole story about the Belk farm over here.

It's Hip to be Stairs

Yesterday was the last day of Kindergarten for my little guy!  I can't believe that in three months he will be one of the "big" kids.  I know that this is the first day of summer vacation, but I am totally excited about getting the new school supplies.  Yes, I am a total geek.  I love the smell of new erasers, sharpening the pencils for the first time and I love the perfection of a folder that has never been opened.  So last night as I resisted the urge to run out and buy supplies, I started thinking about how cool it would be to turn our attic into a craft/study room.  This is where the stairs come into the picture.  We have a super cool staircase leading to the attic and I happen to think it just needs to be "jazzed" up a bit.  I wonder if I could get my husband to go along with any of these ideas?

Via Decor 8

Via Pride of Place

Via Making It Lovely

Via In Alfie's Room

Via In Alfie's Room

Cozy in the country

Holy-Moley!  School is almost out, it has been wicked hot lately, and road construction seems to be popping up everywhere.  Must be time for SUMMER!  Can you tell that I am just a tad excited?  Here are a few things I wanted to share with you!

I would have loved to wear these when I was a child!
I might have to get these glasses for my kitchen.
Have you seen these crazy stuffed animals yet?
Another cake that is calling for me.

Barn Doors

What a day!  I was up a good portion of the night with a baby who obviously wanted to play toys and watch King of the Hill reruns.  Then my husband woke me up at the crack of dawn to ask me where the number was for poison control.  That'll get you out of bed in a hurry!  No worries, everyone survived.  To top it all off, that baby I mentioned earlier decided to start crawling.  So far I've only lost him once and all I had to do was follow the path of destruction.  Anyway, today's post is all about barn doors.  I can't believe I haven't posted on this topic before.  I love the look of barn doors in the home.  Here are some great examples.

The bright color adds a lot of visual interest to this small space.
Via housetweaking

This is a great way to add the option of more privacy to an open space.
Via Houzz

Looks right at home in this Modern boys room
Via Houzz

Contemporary Girl's Room

Here is a wonderful bedroom designed by Philpotts Interiors.  The paneled white walls and sliding barn door would blend in well with my modern farmhouse some day.  Check it out!

Kitchen Inspiration

Six years ago, my husband said we could remodel the kitchen in five years.  We were all set to do a complete remodel when we bought the house, but decided to only make necessary changes and live in the house for a while to see what worked and what didn't.  We refinished the floor, added a dishwasher, replaced the sink and did a diy tile countertop.  The cabinets are from the 1950's and are in rough shape.  Even worse is the fact that we have outgrown the kitchen.  Too many people and an inefficient layout is an accident waiting to happen.  I am trying to decide whether to remove the wall between the dining room and kitchen.  The downside to this would be losing the original swinging door to the kitchen which also hides a messy kitchen when we have unexpected guests.  Decisions, decisions.  Here are a few images that I'm using as inspiration.  Have a great weekend!

Via Atlanta Homes Magazine

Via House Beautiful

Via Architectural Digest

Via Kitchen Lab

Via Elle Decor

Source Unknown

Via Decorpad

Via Design Sponge

Neon for the Home

Via Design*Sponge

Are you a lover or a hater of neon?  I was not a big fan of neon until recently.  It reminded me of plastic jelly shoes and spandex being worn by people who were not on their way to workout, but I am loving it in the smaller doses we are seeing this spring.  Neon clawfoot tub, yes.  Big man in neon bike shorts, no.

Via The Stir

Via Elle Decor

A Modern Twist to Cabin Decor

My parents are currently redecorating their master bedroom in a "Northwoods" style.  They have been talking about doing this for the last 25 years and finally made it a priority.  They got rid of their "first apartment" bedroom furniture and replaced it with some beautiful pine pieces.  They also installed a laminate wood floor and freshened up the painted walls.  All that is left is some new bedding and a few accessories.  Here are some of my favorites.

  

Ryder rocking chair from west elm

Woolrich Williamsport bedding

"The Woods" wallpaper

Woolrich moose pillow