Lindsey's Neutral Family Home

Happy Friday, Mutts! I don't know about you all, but this four-day week felt like a six-day week. Holy cow, am I glad that's almost over!

Today, we have a serious treat for all of your neutral lovers. If you haven't seen this neutral obsession splattered all over social media, you must have been living under a rock. Some of it goes too neutral, towards cold or impersonal. But Lindsey gets it right, creating a family home that feels casually curated but also actually feels lived in. What a concept! 

You can see right away that we're dealing with a historic home here. There's something about that history that really gets to me - thinking about all the families that have built their lives here. I love that Lindsey's design honors that past while making it her family's own.
From Lindsey:

Our home was built in 1900, and it sits on an acre lot in the country. Because of the original wood work, including beautiful pocket doors, and my old soul, I think the style of our home would equate to the Midwest. When I look around, I think, ‘yeah, this house just belongs here.’

A fun fact for all of you, and a shameless plug for a company I adore: I found Lindsey and her awesome space via the Letterfolk Co Instagram account. Their letterboards are seriously amazing, and I do not blame Lindsey at all for owning more than one! And, they plan right in to Lindsey's style. 

I think I would best describe my style as midcentury meets farmhouse, with a side of simplicity. I love visually clean spaces and have an obsession over antique pieces. At the end of the day, I want our home to house only meaningful items, to be inviting and free of clutter. I love this quote by William Morris: ‘Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.’

Now, Lindsey is raising two beautiful babies in the Northwestern Ohio country. So next, let's look at the bedroom these kiddos get to grow up in. I wish I could use the written word to adequately describe my envy. Not that my mom didn't do a great job decorating my childhood bedroom (in case you're reading this, Rosemary...) BUT this room screams 'Be a kid! Explore! Play!' Color me jealous... 

In the boys’ (Hayden’s) room, my favorite piece, hands down, is his bed. My husband and my father built it together with their own hands, just for our sweet Hayden. There’s actually many hand made pieces in his room and I think that’s why it’s my favorite room in our house.
I think our styles are always evolving. Since having our two boys, I have had the biggest urge to purge and to simplify. I found myself thinking, why spend time cleaning up after all of these ‘things’ when I could be soaking up this precious time that I won’t get back with our children. It’s played a huge part in finding my style.

I think you'll all agree with me that Lindsey has found her style and is sticking to it. Finally, let's take a look at her master bedroom. 

Now, everyone has their own opinions of color. I almost think about it in the same way that I consider extroverts vs. introverts. People just recharge in different ways - by being alone or with others OR, in this case, by being surrounded with colors or calm neutrals. 

I really wrestled with the decision of leaving the walls white, or giving them a pop of color. Something about the white walls gives me a sense of calm, and as a stay at home mama, this is something that is so important for my overall mentality. The extra sunlight shining through our home and reflecting off the walls is sure to give us all something to smile about throughout our day. Finding what makes you happy is key.

Lindsey, I applaud you. You're an awesome mama, and you've made a home to serve some seriously important purposes - inspiring your babies, encouraging your family's peace, and giving yourself a place to recharge. We tip our hats! 

Follow Lindsey along on her blog, Being Badenhop, or on Instagram for more decor and life inspo. And Mutts, remember, you too can have your home featured - just drop me a line at mckenna@stylemutthome.com

Reader Design: Heather's Preppy & Coastal Abode

Heather, of Pineapples and Pearls, has graciously welcomed us into her new Washington, D.C. apartment. You'll soon find that her home is a perfect mirror to her style: preppy, coastal, and totally welcoming. 

Heather's aesthetic is as sweet as her dimples. This place just invites you to take a seat, have a sip of prosecco, and stay a while.
From Heather: 

I moved into this apartment by myself last month from a much larger apartment that I shared with a roommate. It’s been a fun challenge to make everything work in a 530 sq ft space!
Mixing colors and patterns has never been a fear of mine, so nothing is off limits, though I’ve kept a navy, coral, and turquoise theme running throughout the entire apartment. When the main color palette remains cohesive, it’s no big deal to throw in an animal print chair here or a glitter tray there. I like to think I’ve created a space that’s colorful, bright, just a bit girly, and also comfortable.

... And boy did she nail that animal print! Right now, I think we can all agree that the world of design is obsessed with neutral minimalism. But I completely admire Heather for her ability to just go with it - and make a space that is totally hers. They say that the best compliment is when someone walks into your space and says "this is SO you!" And even though I haven't met Heather in person, I know that she is represented perfectly.

While my style is definitely colorful and modern, I love mixing in older pieces. The trunk in my living room came from my grandmother and is well over 100 years old. The nudes above my desk (with the exception of the blue one, which is from a local DC artist!) were done by my grandfather, who dabbled in every art form you can think of.

And for those StyleMutt loyalists who saw Lejla's post - AGAIN we have the pineapple trend. It's everywhere. I perused my favorite local boutique this past weekend, and was completely tempted by a gold pineapple shaker. I passed on it, but that decision and practice in abstinence haunts me. 

I didn’t want to spend a lot on redecorating and wanted to work with what I already had, while still ending up with something that felt totally different than my previous apartment. I hadn’t set out for a coral and navy room, but I love the way it came together!

Thank you, Heather, for sharing for beautiful space with us! We've loved getting to share your specific 'breed' of style with our mutts! 

Until next time, 

A hearty Thank You!

You're invited!!  We are throwing a little party here on StyleMutt Home.  Nope, we're not poppin' the champagne a tad early on our 6 month birthday, we are celebrating you!

You guys!
THANK YOU!!!

When we sat down on September 19, 2014 for our first official business meeting, (NOT in a hot-tub), we were in a frenzy of excitement. We had high hopes and dreams for StyleMutt Home and couldn't wait to get rollin'. But there's always that little voice of reality that holds those expectations in check and keeps our feet on the ground. We were confident in what StyleMutt Home could be, but had no certainty it would get there in a timely manner, if ever.

And now, nearly 6 months later, we are just blown away by what you have made us! Not only has StyleMutt Home become what we dreamed it to be, it's better than we had imagined because of you! You have overwhelmed us with encouragement  on Instagram, sent us such supportive emails, and most importantly blown us away with your unique input to StyleMutt Home.  

This blog is not about two people; it's grown into this amazing community which we are so grateful for!  Our desire from the beginning was that this be an inspirational, informative DIY and Home Decor resource; a place for others to come and gather ideas, tips and tricks for their own home projects.  We just didn't anticipate how much of a blessing it would be to get to know you all through this cozy spot in the great world wide web!

We've been so showered with your support and encouragement that this post is difficult to write! You have blessed us beyond what our words can express.  So we'll just have to show you how we feel...

Blogging 101: 
Every blog needs it's own cute mascot.

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Check.

 
 

We just wanted to drop by today to tell you how much we so appreciate you all. We'd much rather invite you all over and throw down, but since our guest list would span the globe (!!!), we've got the next best thing: A GIVEAWAY!!! Whoop, whoop! 

Deets on that juicy news will be up tomorrow, so stay tuned!