Live Edge Plant Stand || Furniture Flip Bucket List ||

Guys.  I've finished the second item on my 2017 Furniture Flip Bucket List.  And she has something she wants to say...

Hey.

I've been wanting to do a live edge piece for a while but had no idea where to get my hands on a slab.  Then, while picking through a salvage yard with my partner-in-crime Chelsea, I found a beautiful little piece of raw sycamore.

I stripped off the splintering bark and sanded the whole slab down until the edges and surface where as smooth as a baby's bottom. 

I added a tri-pod of black metal hairpin legs that make it the perfect height to rest under a window so all your plant kiddo's can get their vitamin D.

She a delicate little thing that's too dainty for coffee table or foot-of-the-bed bench.  But she's happy to host some growing greens.

Live Edge Plant Stand
Now Available for Sale
33.5"L x 11"D (at widest point) x 18.5"H
$95

If you are interested in this piece or a custom order like it, please contact me at cate@stylemutthome.com.

Two down, five to go.  Catch up on the 2017 Furniture Flip Bucket List.

Reader Design: Kristin's Cali Cool Home

I don't know about you, but I am SO ready for Spring. I know I'm a couple weeks past Groundhog Day, but boy do I wish the outcome had been different. I need to trade in my huge parka for a light jacket, my boots for some sandals, and I long for the day when I don't need to add bronzer to look healthy. All I can say is thank goodness I now see the light when I leave my good ole day job. 

That light and hint of summer are two of the reasons for my envy of Kristin's Venice Beach, CA home. 

Kristin's family home is mid-century, bohemian, bright, and kid-friendly. It's everything that is right with California style! And that style is the result of some pretty great influences.

One of those? Kristin's mom and her partner.  

“They travel to craft fairs and galleries and very carefully hand pick art and pottery. They both have an excellent eye and have taught me the importance of collecting special pieces (furniture, too) over time.”

Another? The physical surroundings in which she's chosen to raise her family. 

“Venice has gorgeous diverse architecture. It is so inspiring! I love the modern beachy bohemian design trending here and it has definitely influenced my style.”

It still takes a heckuva internal compass to get the blending of all those influences right. And for Kristin, that compass is her family. Above all, her space feels like it's made for a family. For movie nights, games, making a mess - all without, as Kristin says, "freaking out."

And with a family, everything has to be built to last.

“I love picking furniture that is simple, modern and classic made to last for a very long time. The grey couch in our family room, for example, is a couch I’ve had for 15 years! And then, as trends come and go, I can keep up with them with accessories. Accessories can be sourced for so much cheaper! For example, my bohemian basket wall in my dining room cost $30 total because I found the baskets at antique and thrift stores. ”

Some of those trends that Kristin just nails are her bright white kitchen (Kristin would like to thank her friend Hannah, @repeatworld, for her valuable input), which is the perfect clean and beautiful family gathering place; the indigo and mudcloth pillows, lovingly placed both for their cuddling abilities and for impromptu photo ops; and the graffiti art that pays homage to none other than Venice Beach itself. 

Kristin, your home represents everything we love about style mutts. It's functional, fun, and most importantly, a reflection of you. Thanks for showing us around! Follow Kristin along on Instagram @ksdion. 

See you next week, mutts! 

Kesslyr's Artistic Flat

Mutts: Allow me to introduce you to Kesslyr. She not only has an incredibly unique name (as a 'McKenna,' which went from unique to fairly mainstream in the world for 4-year-old girls, I'm very jealous) but is also a wonderfully unique and inspiring artist - check out her website which has its soft launch TODAY! 

        Images source: Kesslyr's Pinterest

And her home in Brooklyn, New York is the perfect backdrop to showcase her work! 

Here's an important piece of information for you all to keep in mind as you read this post. Kesslyr and her husband moved in to this space in June. Of this year. I'm not telling you that to make you feel bad - but WOW! 

Now, over to the artist herself: 

“For us, we start firstly with bringing life into a room; in our case, this means plant life. Then we add a few pieces of necessary furniture, then sit back and let that soak in. Its easy for a space to get cluttered, so we take our time in choosing the mood of the room. The older we get, the fewer things we like to share in our spaces. So simplicity is key. ”

I know most of our Mutts have cultivated impressive green thumbs recently, but ladies & gentleman, Kesslyr's skills in this area should be taken seriously. Very seriously. 

“Our Brooklyn home is pretty small, and [I would describe our style as] simple & modern with an eclectic touch.

Throughout our home, we have tons of locally crafted pieces from our own art to pottery. One of our favorite spots is our office nook. Super cosy little nook with frosted windows that give off warm light throughout the day. The clash of stainless steel from the mirror and brass from the sconce is a unique contrast. ”

Green Thumb Badge EARNED, Kesslyr. 

Now, if I had you all guess where Kesslyr and her husband got married, do you think you could do it? I'll give you some hints: the natural plant life, the mid-century influences, the welcoming 'stay a while' vibe. Anyone guessing Palm Springs? GOOD! 

“We are constantly evolving as people and with that, so does our taste level. We are loving the feeling of modernity but not overtly sterile. We want our home to feel warm and still have character. Some modern homes can feel like museums and make you feel like you cant disturb anything or even sit on the couch. Which is the opposite of what we are going for.”

After only three months in this home, it feels so loved - and that is no small feat. 

“Its about collecting those quality in pieces that are timeless; lamps, mirrors and art seem to be what draw us in. Its a small collection that builds slowly and methodically and will be enjoyed for years to come. ”

Kesslyr, thank you for letting us in! And Mutts, show Kesslyr some love and follow her along on Instagram for more design and art inspiration! Now, everyone, go enjoy your weekends!