Reader Design: Amy's Bright Bungalow

This post-Memorial Day weather has been quite bipolar recently, from gray to humid and hot. Thank goodness we have Amy's always-consistent, bright, and refreshing 1920's craftsman home to spotlight this week!

 
 

Amy and her husband bought their home in the up-and-coming Washington, D.C. neighborhood of Brookland just over two years ago, and they quickly went to work to bring it authentically to life. 

From Amy:

When I first started the decorating process, I knew I wanted to embrace the home’s cozy vibe that I feel every time I walk in the front door. I have always been drawn to color and textures, and I practiced very little restraint when picking out some of the more eclectic pieces. My husband often jokes that I am the queen of tchotchkes, and I’m OK embracing that title.

Inspired by the bohemian and natural elements mastered by Justina Blakeney of The Jungalow, Amy set out on a mission to adopt a 'try and see' mindset. That approach allowed Amy to have the freedom to experiment and just see what worked. More often than not, she ended up with something seriously cool and intriguing, like pairing competing patterns or textiles or putting plants in seemingly odd places. 

Plants, though, can warm up any space and studies have shown that they boost mood and are good for the air quality so I think I can safely justify this obsession.

Keeping all those plants company in the dining room is a piece that solved many of Amy's art commitment issues - that gorgeous Juniper Briggs original.

One of the biggest decorating obstacles I have is committing to artwork for the walls so I framed a lot of our travel pictures. They always start a conversation when we have guests over and they evoke my favorite memories when I look at them. That being said, I finally purchased a beautiful print from the lovely and local artist Juniper Briggs. It was the one piece that really finished off my dining room, and I tortured myself for months trying to decide on which one of her pieces to buy.

And finally, we come to Amy's favorite room in the house: her bedroom (and 'dog's palace').

It is hands down my favorite room in the house. Almost all of the objects including planters, the brass mobile above the bed, and the light fixture are handmade. I love supporting artists, and I can spend hours scouring Etsy for that one unique item that I know I will treasure for years to come.

Amy, you have quite the comfy home! Thank you for sharing it with us today - and for those who want more, follow Amy along on Instagram @lilyslovelies.

See you next week,

For the Love of Color

It's no secret I love ALL THE COLORS!  I use them every chance I get - in my decor, paint colors, clothing choices... I just can't help myself.  And I know I'm not the only one ;)

In fact I have found a tribe of ladies who feel the same way about ROYGBIV.  It is my great pleasure to have teamed up with Blue I StyleCopper Dot Interiors, Domicile37, Mila Jest CafePMQ for Two, and Semigloss Design on a special new Instagram hashtag.  It's an open invitation to all who love color like we do and incorporate the a bold color pallet in your home decor or DIY projects (and hey - don't forget black and white are colors too).  Simply tag #MyBoldHues on instagram and peruse the hashtag to meet your fellow color-loving tribe members.  And in celebration, your hosts will give a special shout out to some of our favorites the last Wednesday of every month.  

So without further ado, please give it up for my inaugural round up of #MyBoldHues favorites: 

We all know I can't help but love a pup pic, but @modernpups had me at this yellow-friendly gallery wall!

With the healthy surge of feminism going around, I couldn't help but stop at this roaring blush and it's sassy emerald green friend.  This color combo has historical been labeled as "girly" but this pic tagged by @sophierobinsoninteriors has me like - and is that a bad thing?

@Kaliochic please invite me to whatever inevitably fabulous soiree you are planning here.  I promise I won't even eat the food, just sit in the presence of this colorFULL tablescape and be sure to only drool on my own shirt.  

And who wouldn't want to stay here in this heavenly saturated green airbnb by @contendandcompany?  What a DREAM!  And what a place to do some dreamin' I might add.

Thank you to all who have been tagging your photos and have joined this new little IG community!  We hope this will continue to be a place to inspire and find inspiration!

And be sure to check out my co-host for their features:
Blue I Style
Copper Dot Interiors
Domicile37
Mila Jest Cafe
PMQ for Two
Semigloss Design

Reader Design: Erin's Fresh Family Home

I'm so excited today to be featuring Erin, who has a stunning family home in Raleigh, NC. Now, I remember when Erin's home popped up on Instagram a couple of months ago. At the time, I remember thinking to myself "wow - I've uncovered a seriously hidden talent. We have to share this!" Of course now, Erin's home has captured the hearts and eyes of many - and for good reason!

Erin's home is many things - bright, happy, homey, welcoming... and the perfect representation of "style mutt-hood." I'm coining that phrase now. 

I love all different types of styles, but I’m most drawn to classic mid-century modern pieces, clean and simple lines, and I love the Scandinavian aesthetic as well. I live in a more traditional home, so it has been a bit of a challenge mixing all the styles together to work in the house. I’m still working and revising (always), but overall, I just love what I love.

What Erin loves feels new while still feeling totally nostalgic. And I don't mean new as in "just purchased" or "this month's West Elm 'it piece.'" I mean it feels new - interesting, different, nuanced in a way we haven't seen, but still familiar. Am I making sense? Stay with me...

I can only guess that it is because of where Erin draws her inspiration. It's not Pinterest boards - though I will never detract from the inspiration a curated Pinterest board can bring.

It's her own inner compass. 

I think I found my style in my 20’s (vintage dresses galore), which more or less found its way into my home. Over the years, my style has evolved into more of casual look as I have two kids and work from home. I still love to dress up (if only some of those dresses still fit!) and have vintage in my home, but I like to mix it with newer pieces. I want my home to certainly have character and soul, but also I don’t want to be living in a time capsule.
 
 

In her office, those vintage elements are clear.

I love my vintage teal chairs in my office. They were a total impulse purchase many years ago in our old home and I still love them to this day.

And why fix what ain't broke, right? Erin, please keep on doin' you and stockpiling that stunning art, finding those perfect vintage rugs, and buying all the vintage furniture - chairs in particular. 

What a home! Thank you for letting us in, Erin. It's a delight. Follow Erin along on Instagram for more and stay tuned for her soon-to-arrive site!

Until we meet again (next week, don't worry!),