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

Fun Job Titles for Kids

Ever notice how jobs are more exciting when we give them a fancy title?  I decided to test this theory on my 6 year old son.  Would he be more excited to do his chores and if so, would this work for my husband as well? Just kidding.  Bean was very excited about his new "jobs" and has been doing great .  Here are a few examples to get you started.

Keeper of the Car
     Makes sure inside of car is kept clean, everything is removed from car when trip is over, and seatbelts are on.
Communications Director
     Brings in the mail and sorts it.  Puts outgoing mail in mailbox.
Plant Manager
     Waters the plants and brings in fresh flowers when in season.
Drink Specialist
     Helps make juice, fills water bottles, and restocks drinks in fridge.
Garbage Collector
      Reminds others to throw away their trash, picks up scrap paper from the floor, and alerts Mom when a garbage can is full.

A Room for Three

I just had to share this project with you guys!  I have been working on a bedroom for three wonderful little girls.  A new (actually very old) house and another baby on the way made it a good time to make some changes.  A slanted ceiling made it impossible to use the bunk beds  from the last house. The painted wood floor was a kinda orange-kinda brownish color that the girls called "ucky".  Mom wanted a room that could grow with the girls.  Here was my inspiration.

The room is long and narrow which makes it perfect for three little beds in a row.  White walls and a floor painted white will lighten up the room.  Mom already had a Jenny Lind style bed in a dark brown finish that she was happy to paint white.  We found two more at Target for a great price.  Two dressers placed between the beds act like nightstands but with more storage.  White dressers and shelves blend into the walls and will make the room feel larger.  A floral fabric by Jessica Jones will be used to make new duvet covers for the girls.  Here's the design board.

Hive shelves from CB2, tomato parker play chair and Gumball lamp from Land of Nod, Hemnes dresser, Malin blanket and Knodd bin from IKEA, Illustrations from Majali at Etsy

Industrial Farmhouse Style

My sister and I used to play "architects" when we were little.  We would spend hours drawing up floor plans for our dream houses.  My dream house has changed over the years.  My husband and I have been talking about building a new home and I am leaning towards a modern farmhouse with some industrial elements.  Characteristics of a modern farmhouse are lots of natural light, rooms are more open to each other, lots of grey and white, salvaged materials, distressed wood, and vintage mixed with new.  They tend to have a casual, lived-in feel to them.  Here are a few inspirational photos.

Via House & Home
Bold color and a large sink make this bath kid-friendly.

Via Alicia B. Designs
Beadboard and stainless steel pair perfectly in this kitchen. 

Via Houzz
I would say this is a "modern" farmhouse kitchen.

Via House & Home
Industrial lighting and chairs look right at home with the weathered table.

Source Unknown
Typical farmhouse except for the unique column and large windows.

Mint Green in the Home

Have you been seeing a lot of mint green lately?  I like it for a summer dress or cardigan, but I probably wouldn't choose it for my home.  It kind of reminds me of my great-grandmother's home, complete with doilies and a candy dish with little mints in it.  These rooms are beautiful, though.  Take a look.

Porterhouse Designs

House Beautiful

Paola Navone

Alexandra Ray

So...how've you been?

Happy Monday morning!  After a crazy couple weeks, I am back and ready to get things back to normal around here.  So what have I been up to?  Well, we had spring break and my birthday.  I am not a year older...just a year wiser.  My baby turned 6 months old.  I can't believe he is that old already!  We also have been working hard on some house projects.  We got the garden planted, shelves built and varnished for our living room, and painted the dining room.  Yesterday we celebrated Easter with my husband's family.  The kids enjoyed a wonderful Easter egg hunt on the farm.  Six hundred eggs were hidden for the twelve grandchildren.  I hope you have been enjoying your spring!

The Chesterfield Sofa

I have been seeing so many photos of the chesterfield sofa lately.  It is one of my favorites and looks just as good in a traditional room as it does in a contemporary space.  Here are a few of my favorites.

This is a "watching Saturday morning cartoons" kind of sofa.

Source Unknown

Via Casa Sugar
Good friends, wine, and this sofa = a great night

This sofa is almost too pretty to sit on!
Via Remodelista