Tag: interior design

MY FAVORITE INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS THAT FEATURE NEUTRAL DECOR

 

Decorating a home is a very personal task. The reasons why people choose to use certain colors over others has a lot to do with the inhabitants personalities and the mood that they want their home to embody. Basic COLOR THEORY tells us how the use of colors can aide in creating the desired effect. I have previously posted about how I believe there are three main ways that people use color in their homes.

 

ONE: Neutrals Prevail

TWO: Pops of Color

THREE: Color Explosion

 

I first explored interiors that feature the  COLOR EXPLOSION school of thought. I listed my three favorite Instagram accounts that display this decorating style well. Today I want to swing the pendulum in the opposite direction and offer up my three favorite Instagram accounts that have the Neutral touch.

 

@farmhouseonboone

With a strict color palette of white, cream, grey, black and brown, Lisa has pulled together a lovely home that has a calming and peaceful feel. Her Instagram feed gives off the same vibes. Peace.

 

 

 

 

@bluebarnandcottage

Loren’s ability to pull neutral textures together makes her interiors stand out above the rest. The visual interest that the curated variety of surfaces and materials create, mean that the spaces she designs – though minimal in color – are not stark or boring.

 

 

 

 

 

@thecultivatedhome

I am drawn to the casual, carefree, neutral style that Tammy has created in her home. Looking through her feed makes me feel like I could just pull up a chair and relax. The colors that she does incorporate into her spaces are muted and calming, making them perfect accents to a neutral palette.

 

 

 

 

If a neutrally decorated home is the look you are after, I hope that you will take some time to visit these accounts to see even more inspiration! Besides Instagram, each is linked to a blog that is just as impressive!

THE 8 MOST IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF BATHROOM DESIGN

They aren’t glamorous. In fact, they are quite possibly the most forgotten – while at the same time, most useful – room in the house. The bathroom.

Every house needs one; But when it comes to design, homeowners tend to spend very little time contemplating what makes a bathroom perform to the best of it’s ability. Whether you are planning a brand new bathroom or are wanting to spruce up one that is existing – these eight aspects are the ones you should focus on first.



1. LOCATION

The common Real Estate motto should echo when deciding where to place a bathroom: location, location, location. Generally speaking, bathrooms are places where people want privacy. With that being said – the first guideline of positioning a bathroom is that it should not be directly adjacent, or open into, to a very public space in your home – such as the living room.

Secondly, there should be a bathroom accessible to everyone who uses the home – from those who live in it, to the guests that visit. If the only bathroom on the main level is the master bath, for example, your guests will have to travel through your master bedroom to access it. Consider a powder room or larger hall bathroom that is easily found.

Bathrooms are also in prime position near bedrooms on other levels of a home. Searching for one in the middle of the night, when needed, can be a dangerous adventure.

 

2. FIXTURES NEEDED

The next major aspect to consider is in regards to the function of the bathroom itself – by indicating which fixtures the room will require. The most common fixtures include the toilet, sink, shower, and bathtub; But custom fixtures, such as a bidet, may also be requested.

The bathroom count of a home relies more on the number and types of fixtures that each one has than the square footage allocated. Generally, a bathroom is considered a ‘half bath‘ or ‘powder room’ if it contains two fixtures: A sink and a toilet.

A ‘three quarter bathroom‘ will contain these basic fixtures plus a shower; and a ‘full bathroom‘ contains all four fixtures: sink, toilet, shower, and bath-tub. (The bath-tub/ shower can be a combo unit).

 

3. SIZE

There is definitely a comfort factor when it comes to bathroom size. There needs to be enough space so that each fixture can be accessed and used properly. However, an overly large room can create an uncomfortable atmosphere.The user may feel awkward when using a too large room.

Think carefully about how much space is needed to comfortably use each fixture in the bathroom. You may be surprised to learn that the room can be much smaller than you initially thought!

As you can see from this graphic, the bathroom on the left is quite cramped. The bathroom on the right, containing the same three fixtures, is too large – with a large amount of wasted space in the center.

 

4. VIEWS INTO ROOM

Although the door is typically closed when a bathroom is in use, there are also plenty of times during the day when the door will be left open. Be thinking about what you will be able to see through that open door. Surely it is more pleasing to have a view of the sink, rather than the toilet, for example.

When determining sight lines into a space, take a string or pencil mark and draw straight lines from each fixture to the other side of the door. If these lines pass through a wall (or the door), the view to that particular fixture is private. If the line has no obstruction, the fixture is in view.

 



 

5. PROPER VENTILATION

While a window can provide a natural and cost effective form of ventilation – it is not always possible to position one in the bathroom. In those situations, a vent fan is a definite must. In fact, it would be a smart idea to include a vent fan even if the room does have a window. Not only will it allow you to contain unpleasant smells and eliminate them quickly, it will also help with to avoid moisture accumulation – which can cause mold if not dealt with properly.

 

6. POSITION OF THE FIXTURES

The shape and size of the bathroom will help you determine the placement of each fixture. If you are starting from scratch, locating the plumbing along one wall can help reduce the cost of installation.

As discussed in topic #4, consider the more private fixtures, such as the toilet and shower, to be out of view when the door is opened.

 

7. LIGHTING & COLOR

Lighting is absolutely essential for bathrooms, especially near the sink/ vanity. Natural daylight is desirable, as is soft overhead lighting. Avoid fixtures that cast shadows on your face.

As mentioned in this post, the colors used in a bathroom can affect mood. If you want to create a peaceful and calm atmosphere, consider blues or greens. Yellow is a good option if you want your bathroom to invigorate you.

 



 

8. SHARING

Though bathrooms are typically a private space, there are times when two or more people will need to use it at the same time. If that is going to be the case for your family – whether it will be a husband + wife, or siblings using the bathroom at the same time – be thinking about ways that will allow the space to remain private and shared at the same time.

One common solution that designers have adopted is called the ‘Jack and Jill’ bathroom. In this layout, the bathroom is accessed from two entry points (many times, two bedrooms). The sinks are in a public zone of the overall bathroom, and can be accessed at any time, but the toilet and shower/bathtub are positioned behind another door.

Another popular layout option is to give the toilet it’s own ‘closet’ within the overall bathroom – allowing it to be used in privacy, while keeping the rest of the room open.

 

Of course, there are many more decisions that will need to be made when designing your bathroom. Likely the fun ones – such as choosing flooring and accessories – are more exciting; But if you take the time to consider the eight important groundwork aspects outlined here, your bathroom will be functional and serve the occupants of your home well.

 

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MY FAVORITE INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS THAT FEATURE COLOR

I recently added a post about color theory – and how the shades of color you use in your home can affect the mood of the spaces. Since that post went live, I have been particularly aware of how different homeowners and designers use colors. Photo above by theartwerks.  Instagram is my favorite place to look for new inspiration; And I have come to realize that there seems to be three main schools of thought in regards to decorating with color:

 

ONE: Neutrals Prevail

TWO: Pops of Color

THREE: Color Explosion

 

I thought it might be fun to share a few of the Instagram Accounts that feature the use of color in each of these school’s of thought. Today, I will start with the ‘Color Explosion’ accounts that caught my eye.

 

@sararaak

Nobody does color quite like Sara. I love the cheerfulness of her feed and how she is unafraid to use color and pattern in each and every room of her home!

 

 

 

 

 

@blueberrylivingco

Fun and floral. That is the way I would describe the Instagram feed of Ju De Paula. She uses the tagline ‘feel the joy’ – and it is certainly possible while looking at how she decorates her space!

 

 

 

 

 

@katepearcevintage

The deep, rusty hues in Kate’s squares are bold yet sophisticated. Her home puts out a retro and ultra comfortable vibe, and color plays a major role in that.

 

 

 

I hope you get a chance to visit the links to these fabulous accounts. They truly are inspiring! Be watching for future posts that focus on the other two main ways homeowners and designers tend to use color.

 

 

HOW ROOM COLOR CAN AFFECT MOOD

Imagine your favorite color. What about that specific shade makes it stand out in your mind? Have you ever thought about how it makes you feel?

Though preferences vary – science has taught us that colors evoke similar feelings in the majority of people. How then, do the colors you choose to use in the rooms of your home affect your mood?

 

Generally speaking, all colors stem from the three main PRIMARY COLORS – Red, Blue, and Yellow.

They are further divided into three main categories: Warm, Cool, and Neutral.

 

WARM COLORS: Located on one side of the color wheel – Reds, Yellows, and Oranges – these shades evoke feelings of warmth because they remind us of things such as fire and the sun.

COOL COLORS: Located on the opposite side of the color wheel – Blues, Greens, and Purples – evoke cool feelings because they remind us of grass and water.

NEUTRAL COLORS: The standard neutrals – White, Gray, Black, and Brown- are considered ‘non-colors’. In reality there are wide varieties of neutral hues, with a range of warm or cool undertones. Black and brown are considered to lean toward the warm side, while white and gray tend toward cool.

 



 

WARM COLORS IN YOUR HOME

Warm colors are stimulating and fun. In your home, warm colors work well in the public and social rooms of the house such as the living room, dining room and kitchen.

 

RED

Red is a very intense color, and tends to liven a room. Because of it’s intense hue, it is the perfect color to use when looking to add interest and excitement to a space. The eye will naturally be drawn to it, and even a small pop of red will raise a room’s energy level. It has been said that red stimulates conversation and increases appetites – making it a popular choice for living and dining rooms.

 

YELLOW

Yellow is considered a happy color. It can make people feel energetic and cheerful, and yet large amounts of the brighter shades of yellow may evoke feelings of anxiety, frustration, and even anger. The softer yellows are a better bet for whole room coverage, as they tend to be easier on the eyes and reflect light well. Rooms that can benefit from uplifting yellow hues include entry spaces, kitchens, and bathrooms.

 

 

ORANGE

Orange is a highly energetic color that represents happiness and innovation. Though it has a reputation of being overwhelming, the more subtle shades (such as apricot and terracotta) have become more popular in modern day interior design. Color experts warn that the brighter the shade of orange you use, the less you need.

 



 

COOL COLORS IN YOUR HOME

Cool colors tend to be calming. They evoke feelings of restfulness and peace – and therefore are wonderful choices for private rooms where concentration and quietness are important, such as bedrooms, offices and bathrooms.

 

 

BLUE

Blue is considered relaxing and serene. It has been said to bring down blood pressure and slow respiration – making it a popular choice for bedrooms and bathrooms, especially in the softer shades.  Dark blue may evoke feelings of contemplation and in large amounts, even sadness.

 

 

GREEN

Green is considered the most restful color for the eye, as it combines the refreshing quality of blue and the cheerfulness of yellow. When used as the main color for decorating, it is said to relieve stress and help people relax. Because of it’s overall pleasant feel, green is suited for almost any room in the house.

 

PURPLE

Purple is associated with luxury and creativity. Though rarely used as the main color in decor schemes, it does lend itself well as an accent or secondary color, by adding depth. Darker hues of purple – such as eggplant – can make a space feel rich and sophisticated, while lighter versions – such as lavender or lilac – can bring a restful quality to a space.

 



 

NEUTRAL COLORS IN YOUR HOME

The neutral shades are considered the building blocks in a decorator’s tool kit. Because of their flexibility they are useful as either the base/main color for a room, or a grounding accent color. When decorating, it is recommended that 80% of a room is composed of neutral colors, and 20% of the remaining space filled with strong accent colors – pulled from either the warm or cool tones of the color wheel.

 

 

WHITE

Because of it’s light reflecting abilities, White is considered airy, peaceful, and clean. Designers often use white to make roomss feel more spacious, or as a blank slate to build upon. Be careful not to whitewash everything though – too much white in one space can make it feel stark, cold and bland.

 

GRAY

Gray is considered the most unresponsive color – emotionless, neutral, and safe. Lighter shades of gray will feel cool and serene – with just a bit more warmth than white. Darker shades of gray can feel solid and steady. In any shade, this color blends well with others – allowing them to take center stage.

 

BLACK

Black is a ‘grounding’ color. It can be used as an accent to virtually any other color. In fact, some experts in the color field argue that a bit of black should be incorporated in every room to ground the color scheme. But remember, a little bit of black can go a long way!

 

BROWN

Brown is an earthy color that invites you to reconnect to your roots and embrace nature. It is a reliable color that makes you feel safe and warm. Brown is a popular choice as an accent color, primarily in the use of wood furnishings and cabinetry.

 

COMPLEMENTARY COLORS

When determining which colors will look best together in a space, you can find some great clues by going back to the basic color wheel. Colors that are opposite each other on the wheel are thought to work together well. Blue and Orange, for example, are considered complementary colors.

 

I find the theory of color fascinating! Do you agree with the scientific studies? Does your favorite color evoke the same feelings written in this post? I would love to know if the colors you favor tend to make their way into your home decor – comment below!

And feel free to visit my Pinterest page – for boards showcasing Hues of Home!

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A FARMHOUSE SINK FOR OUR COTTAGE

They say that the kitchen is the heart of the home; And a beautiful kitchen is high on the priority list of many homeowners. I am in agreement with these sentiments. After all, if my family is going to be spending a lot of time in one room, it should function well AND look nice.

The kitchen for Arrow Hill Cottage will have a classic look, with clean materials and tons of natural light. But I have to say, in all honesty, the feature I am most excited about is the kitchen sink.

 



 

Time for a little story:

About eight years ago, when my husband Craig’s family was helping his grandparents clean out their farmhouse (the very one we are living in at the moment), I spotted a cast iron sink laying in the weeds on their property – ready to be hauled away by a scrap metal collector who was paying by the pound. I am pretty sure I let out an audible shriek, then quietly and as calmly as possible, asked Craig to please find out more about it.

Turns out that it was the farmhouse’s original 1920’s kitchen sink that was removed (and tossed outside) in the late 60’s, when the room was remodeled to a more modern style.

It didn’t take too much begging for his grandparents to agree that we could save it from the pile. Craig though, needed a bit more convincing. Mostly because the thing was a beast, and hauling things around is low on his list of favorite things to do. He loves me though, and eventually gave in to my desire. We had absolutely no place to store the relic of a sink, and so we asked Craig’s parents if we could keep it in one of the sheds on their property until we built our house. And that is exactly where it has been ever since.

Craig was there last weekend, and I asked him to get a few measurements for me so that I could fine tune the kitchen design a bit more. He took pictures of the sink – in all her muddy, rusty glory – and seeing them made me fall in love all over again.

 

We will need to look into getting it refinished – probably at a body shop – but even with that expense I believe we are sitting on a great deal. I saw a very similar model on Etsy selling for $1,800! Another sink, on Ebay is listed for close to $1,000. Even reproduction models are over $700!

There are a couple of challenges that this farmhouse/apron sink will present. One is finding wall mounted faucet hardware. They aren’t quite as common as the counter mounted variety.

I like the look of this bronze faucet from Wayfair.

 

I have a feeling that lever handles might be a bit easier to operate though – so this option from American Standard might do the trick.



 

This one with a pull out spray faucet would be very functional – but I’m afraid it might not quite be in the budget. Maybe I can find something similar for less when the time comes to make a decision.

 

Another challenge will be determining how to lay the counter material. This sink style was originally designed to be a free standing unit. It probably had matching legs at some point. Kitchen design & style has changed quite a bit since the 20’s.

I am still pretty set on using a quartz counter-top material. I love the clean look. The sink will will either need to be set a bit lower than the counter height, so that the counter material can overlap the edges – to ensure that no water slips onto the cabinet below – similar to this:

 

OR possibly more likely, because of it’s integral back-splash, we will need to set the sink up higher and butt the counter-top material into the sides, like this:

 

The final design challenge that I can foresee, and perhaps the largest, is the placement of the sink itself. Because it is a single bowl sink, the placement of the faucet will be further to the right (and not in the center of the overall unit. There will be three large windows on the wall where the sink will be located, and I am unsure if I want the entire sink to be centered on the middle window (and hence, the faucet offset), or the faucet / sink basin portion centered on the middle window. Maybe you can all help me out.  Tell me which you prefer!

 

SINK UNIT CENTERED ON MIDDLE WINDOW

 

 

 

 

FAUCET CENTERED ON MIDDLE WINDOW

 

 

I should note that the dishwasher will likely have a cabinet panel front, so that it blends with the rest of the cabinetry. I feel like it seems to have more space on the right of the sink. Thoughts? Maybe I should take another look at the window placement and series?

Please comment below or via social media. Would love some help!

 

TRENDING IN HOME DESIGN & DECOR: INTERIOR WALL CLADDING

While historically it may have been implemented for it’s ease of installation, cost effectiveness and as a durable finish, interior wall cladding is becoming a popular design choice with modern day homeowners as they seek for something other than standard drywall.

Cladding is available in a variety of styles and materials, each with it’s own aesthetic. Read about the most popular styles, the common materials used to create them, and a few important installation tips.

 



 

CLADDING  VARIATIONS

There are many cladding options available for today’s homeowner. I have compiled a list of what I consider to be the five most popular varieties, complete with a sketch of what each application looks like in cross section and a photo of the actual material used in a space.

BOARD + BATTEN

image source

Made with a series of boards overlaid with strips of 1x materials over the seams/joints. Plywood can be used in lieu of boards, for a more simple application. Some DIYers prefer to add the 1x strips directly to the wall at a chair rail height, and use paint to achieve the look of paneling.

 

BEADBOARD

image source

When factory produced mill-work became available in the Victorian Era, beadboard was a popular choice to clad the walls (and ceilings) of utility spaces such as bathrooms and pantries. These strips of wood are milled with joints that fit together to form one continuous wall covering.

 

SHIPLAP

Photo by Bekah Russom on Unsplash

Made popular by Chip and Joanna, Shiplap is a decorative cladding treatment where horizontally laid boards interlock. An optional ‘nickel gap’ milled on the top edge of the boards creates a shadow line that highlights the individual boards. The lines of this cladding style are clean and simple, making this a popular choice for traditional and modern homes alike.

 

V-GROOVE

Photo by Hutomo Abrianto on Unsplash

This cladding was most popularly used in Colonial-era homes and is created by boards that are milled with chamfered (or right angle cut) edges on both sides, which form a ‘v’ when the boards are combined. V-groove cladding is readily available in a variety of wood and synthetic materials.

 

PLANKS

image source

Generally, this cladding technique is created by applying salvaged boards of various sizes and colors onto a wall in a collage format. Reclaimed barn wood and shipping palettes are common materials utilized. DIYers love this cladding style for feature walls – to give their spaces a rustic and handmade look.

 

POPULAR MATERIALS

These cladding options are typically available in three different materials: wood/plywood, salvaged wood, and MDF. Your decision to choose one material over another may be based on a variety of factors including ease of installation/finishing, the size of your project budget, and the space you will be using the cladding in.

 

WOOD / PLYWOOD

image source

A wide variety of wood species are utilized to create the cladding material, from budget friendly pine to stunning cedar and redwood. Because wood expands and contracts over time, it important that space is left between boards during installation. Wood is very durable, but can be heavier than other material choices. Plywood sheets with grooves cut to create the appearance of planking are lightweight, easy to install, and very budget friendly.

 

SALVAGED WOOD

image source

This material can be gathered from a variety of sources – from old barns to factory floors – and has rustic charm and character. You will want to be sure that salvaged wood has been properly cleaned and dried – to avoid pesky, unwanted insects from being ushered into your space.

Companies such as Plank + Mill offer a salvaged wood product that has been cleaned, kiln dried, and planed thin before being applied to and adhesive backing. These ‘peel and stick’ products are ready to be installed directly on your walls with ease.

 

MDF

image source

Medium density fibreboard is becoming a more popular material choice as natural resources become scarce. It is made up of approximately 80% wood fibre material, and a mixture of glue, water, and wax.

This material can be quite budget friendly and is available in a wide variety of sizes and even 4’x8′ sheet applications. It’s downfall is that it can not be used where moisture is a possibility, as it acts like a sponge to soak up water – eventually swelling and crumbling apart. Though there are some companies who offer a water resistant MDF material, it is not readily available.

 

TIPS FOR INSTALLATION

DIRECTION MATTERS

Generally speaking, vertically laid material will give the illusion of height – while horizontal boards make small spaces seem larger. Keep that in mind when making selections for your space.

 

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Add character, not clutter. When determining what style of cladding to use be mindful that multiple styles may not look great together. A vertical beadboard wall will clash with a horizontal shiplap wall nearby, for example. Experts caution that while one style per space is encouraged, a maximum of two styles should be used in each space. A maximum of three styles throughout the entire house is also recommended.

 

START LEVEL

When installing cladding in plank form, it is vitally important that the first board/plank installed in plumb and level.  You may want to have an extra pair of eyes and hands available to help guide that first piece into place. Failing to take the extra time upfront can cause big problems during the rest of the process.

 

 



MY THOUGHTS ON THIS HOME DESIGN TREND

I am a texture lover, and interior wall cladding adds a depth that plastering or basic paint is not able to accomplish. The bonus of this trend is that it is fairly DIY friendly, and forgiving. Part of the charm of interior cladding is that it reminds us of older, historic homes – where perfection is not expected.

The exterior of our cottage will feature both standard lap siding and board + batten applications. I imagine we will also use a few accent spots of cladding on the interior, as a way to tie the inside and outside of the house together as a cohesive design.

 

 

SPRING DECORATING IDEAS: DESIGN INSPIRATION FROM INSTAGRAM

The calendar says that Spring has officially begun. The weather, however, is painting an entirely different picture. My area of the country is expected to experience record breaking snowfall this coming weekend – we’re talking FEET of snow. I don’t like that idea. Not even a little bit.

As a way to distract my mind, I took to Instagram to find the signs of Spring via home decor. I just love all the creativity I found, and I have to admit that looking at all the Spring pictures did the trick. Now, if I could just walk into one of these scenes over the next couple of weeks and not have to live the reality – that would be great!

Enjoy the decorating inspiration, friends!

 

@tracey_hiebert

Bunnies! And vintage suitcases! And chippy paint! So many lovely things in one little corner – and the textures are the icing on the decor’ cake!

 

 

@thelesliestyle

Have you ever seen a more ‘springy’ room? I’m pretty sure I haven’t! You guys seriously have to check out Leslie’s IG feed and blog. This house is pure magic – every square inch of it. The transformation of this room in particular was enough to make me a follower!

 

 

@grayapplemarket

The trellis pattern of these rustic window frames remind me of garden gates. They are for sale, and I can guarantee that if I lived closer I would be visiting the shop and taking a few of these beauties home with me!

 

 

@hollyshobby

Tulips are one of the first signs of Spring, and this decor set up has me dreaming of the new life that the season is sure to bring.

 

 

@the_pleaseant_farmhouse

Oh, how I could use a moment on this amazing porch. So in love with all of the greenery. And that swing? Yes please!

 

 

@onethousandoaks

Guess what guys? This beautiful print is available for free on One Thousand Oak’s blog. Click HERE to grab one – I’m going to! Thanks for the little reminder, Jaclyn!

READER SHOWCASE: HEATHER + JEREMY’S HOME

I am so excited about today’s Reader Showcase feature! This series is where I have the opportunity to share the homes and home projects that my readers have tackled. I am constantly amazed at the talent and varied styles that each person has to offer!

I follow Heather on Instagram and am so inspired by her lovely home and how polished, yet casual, her spaces seem to look. She really has a lovely aesthetic.

 

Heather, please tell me a little bit about your home:

We live in a traditional builder grade brick home that is about 20 years old. We purchased it a year and a half ago and have been slowly tackling projects ever since! The house is sited in a small, historic town in Louisiana – nestled in a subdivision. The half acre parcel of land is beautifully landscaped, with a peaceful creek nearby, plenty of trees, and wildlife.

 

What is your personal design style?

My personal design style is a combination of modern and traditional farmhouse. I love to mix the old with new. Joanna Gaines has definitely been a primary source of inspiration. In fact, my husband often calls me ‘Little JoJo’. We live on a pretty tight budget, so the majority of our home decor is thrift-ed or DIYed. My husband and I love going to flea markets, thrift stores, trade shows, and antique stores to look for vintage pieces to add to our home. I think what I love most about vintage decor is that it is ‘one of a kind’. Each piece is unique and has so much character. There may be another item very similar, but it won’t have the same nicks, cracks, patina and history behind it.

 



Explain your favorite remodel projects. What was done to each space?

 

LIVING ROOM

My favorite remodel project has been our living room transformation. My husband and I DIYed everything in this space. When we purchased the home, all of the details were very traditional and dated. The fireplace had black marble with a fluted mantel. There were built-ins on both sides of the fireplace. The walls were painted a tan color, and a ceiling fan hung above the sofa.

The first step in our living room renovation was to tear out the built-ins. Though the storage was good, the materials they were constructed of were very cheap. My original plan was to tear out the built-ins and replace them with furniture pieces; However, once we pulled them out, we realized there were no floors underneath! The oak floors in the room have a honey color stain. Having the floors completely refinished or replaced was not in the budget. I had to come up with something that would cover the areas without flooring, and so we decided to do a built in bench seat on one side of the fireplace and I found a perfectly sized piece of furniture for the other side.

We then installed faux shiplap on the fireplace wall. This was a good option for this wall because it covered all of the sheetrock blemishes where the built-ins were.

 

When we set to work on the fireplace itself, we started by replacing the black marble tiles. I really wanted to add a hearth, and since we had never laid brick before, we felt it was best to contract it out. We learned an important lesson during that process – always get more than one quote! Of the two quotes to lay the hearth, one was 4 times more expensive than the other!

 

The mantel was very decorative with lots of moldings and fluted columns down the side. Again, this was not my style.

fireplace surround before

 

I wanted a simple, rustic look and found an old reclaimed pine board to use as a mantle instead. To finish off the living room space, we replaced the ceiling fan with the Edison Bulb chandelier from World Market. We also added drop cloths as window treatments to soften up the room – another in-expensive and easy DIY project!

fireplace after

FOYER

The foyer was actually the very first project we ever tackled in our house. I think it was a great starter project for us, since it was a small space. It was still a design challenge though, as the room was originally painted with purple and metallic gold stripes!

foyer before: a bold choice!

 

As you can imagine, it would have been incredibly difficult to paint over the bold pattern, and so we decided to cover the walls with something instead. After much research, we ultimately decided to use a faux shiplap in the space. It looks just like the real thing, but it is actually panel boards that are cut with lines every 6 inches.

We painted both the walls and trim in White Dove by Benjamin Moore – which really gave it a fresh look, and even increased it’s perceived size! The space turned out better than we ever expected and completing it gave us the motivation to tackle other, larger home improvement projects.

 



What would you like readers to know about designing and styling a home? Do you have any tips to share?

Most importantly, have fun! Be creative and play around with different styles without being afraid to break the rules to create a style all your own!

Another tip I have is that if you don’t have a ton of money to style your home, start with ‘shopping your space’. You don’t always need new decor – sometimes you just need new combinations in different rooms. Think of ways that you can re-purpose or up-cycle what you already have. If you use your imagination and think outside of the box, you can create some pretty amazing things. I’ve picked up many items from the Dollar Tree that I have transformed into beautiful decor just by getting a little creative.

 

Do you have any remodeling / decorating plans for the future?

We are slowly going room by room making this house into our dream home. So far we’ve completed the foyer, living room, and our oldest son’s bedroom. It’s been a slow process, but my husband and I both enjoy doing it. It gives you such a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment when you are able to complete a project.

The room that I am most looking forward to renovating is my kitchen! While it’s not horrible, it just isn’t the kitchen of my dreams. I can’t wait to add a farmhouse sink, subway tile, quartz counter-tops and all of the other farmhouse elements.

current kitchen: I hope they keep the paver floors!!! 

Other projects that we hope to complete soon include painting the dark red exterior brick of our house to white. I would also love to makeover our master bedroom, and freshen up the laundry room by stenciling the floor tiles, among other things. If only there were more hours in a day!

 

Thank you so much Heather and Jeremy for sharing your wonderful home with us! I encourage all of my readers to subscribe to Heather’s Instagram account HERE so that you can follow along while she and Jeremy continue to remodel and make their house into a home that reflects their personality and style. Heather also has an amazing blog, Beauty for Ashes, where you can find plenty of home design inspiration and instruction. Go check it out! 

 

Now it’s your turn! Have you been adding personal touches on your home? Maybe the entire house isn’t finished, but you are particularly proud of one room – I would love to see, and share with my readers!

If you are a blog subscriber, you are eligible! Simply email photos and a brief description to angela@arrowhillcottage.com for your chance to be featured!

A MINI GUIDE TO INTERIOR DOORS

Each home interior has it’s own personality. When it comes to decorating inside our homes – paint colors, furniture, and throw pillows are usually the first things that come to mind. During a more extensive decor remodel – the floors, walls and ceilings will typically get special attention. But many times an important element is overlooked.

Interior doors.

Choosing the interior doors for your home can be a challenge, but finding a type and style that flows with the rest of your interior can add an extra detail that will really make your home feel pulled together and unified. The great news is that there are many interior door choices available (both for purchase and as DIY endeavors) – and finding the right match for your home should not only be possible, but fun.

I have put together a little guide, complete with inspiring images, to help take the guess work out of your decision making.

 

DOOR OPERATION TYPES

Choose which will work best for the function and space you are trying to serve. Each has it’s own benefits. Listed below are the most popular types available in today’s market.

 

HINGED/CONVENTIONAL SWING

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This door type is the most common used for home interiors. They can be hinged on either the right or left side of the frame, and swing into or out of the room – depending on how you want them to function. These doors are readily available in a large variety of sizes. The most common residential size is a standard 2′-8″ wide by 6′-8″ high.

 

BI-FOLD

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Bi-fold doors are also called folding doors, and are most commonly used for closets in homes. The door, when closed, fills the entire cased opening – but, as the name would suggest, fold in half (outward) when opened. The benefit of the bi-fold door is that you do not need as much space in front of the door to be clear when opening.

 

FRENCH

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A pair of doors that swing either into our out of a room, hinged on the outer edge of the opening. When both doors are open a large opening is created. This door type is very popular to use between rooms – for privacy when needed, or the feeling of an open floor plan when privacy is not a concern. Generally french doors utilize some sort of glass panel configuration.

 

POCKET

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Pocket doors are considered the ultimate space savers. The door travels on rollers that are suspended in an overhead track. When fully open, the door is completely hidden in a cavity created in the adjacent wall. This type of door is becoming more common as the function has improved over the years. Pocket doors have the ability to lock, making them useful in a variety of applications – from closets to bathrooms.

 

BYPASS

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Bypass doors also come in pairs, or in a three door configuration (as shown). They are set on a track that fills the opening, with one door mounted slightly in front of the other – so that when they open they will slide past one another. These doors are almost exclusively used for closet applications. The benefit of this door type is that it does not take up extra floor space with a swing; But, you will only have access to those things behind the door that is open – making them a bit inconvenient.



 

SLIDING BARN

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This type of door has been made very popular recently by the tv show ‘Fixer Upper’. Barn doors hang from a track outside the room/closet that will be accessed. Because of this, the doors themselves need to be wider than the opening – and the track needs to be long enough so that the door can slide completely out of the way. Essentially, the track needs to be at least double the width of the opening you want to access. Be sure that the hardware used to mount and operate the door is high quality – so that you don’t end up with clunky (or squeaky) operation.

 

 

INTERIOR DOOR STYLES

You can find the above door operation types in a variety of styles to match the preferences for your home design. Listed here are the most common styles.

 

 

FLAT

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This style of door is also called ‘flush’. Essentially these are doors that have no extra ornamentation, and have a smooth simple finish. They are most commonly used in modern styled homes. They can be made of a solid piece of wood, but more commonly are composed of thinner veneer pieces of wood – which creates a door that is more lightweight.

 

 

SHAKER

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A shaker (or craftsman) style door is composed of a flat center panel and square edge raised panels. These doors have a clean, simple look and are one of the most popular varieties used today.

 

RAISED PANEL

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This type of door is a bit more ornamental in that the panels themselves are created with more detail – sometimes with arched top panels.

 



 

PLANK

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Plank doors are composed of a series of boards, or planks – either in a vertical or horizontal application. They are popular for homes with country styled decor.

 

CROSS BUCK

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When you see this type of door, you will most likely have visions of barns going through your mind. That classic ‘x’ pattern is called a cross buck. These doors are also becoming very popular with homes designed in the ‘farmhouse style’.

 

LOUVERED

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This style features a door that has slats, or louvers. They are a perfect choice for areas that need ventilation but also require a bit of privacy or screening, such as a laundry space or electrical closet. The filtered light that the louvers allow can be a benefit for some design applications.

 

Again, there are so many choices when it comes to interior doors! I hope that this mini-guide can help you determine the differences between the doors, and allow you to choose the perfect version to accent your home!

 

 

 

 

7 CHARMING OLD HOUSE DETAILS MAKING A COMEBACK

Charming old house details, such as intricate woodwork and elaborate staircases, are making a major comeback!

When you think of an old house – you may envision rotting siding, squeaky floor boards, and bats in the attic. While these may very well be a reality, there are plenty of merits that old homes have to offer.

The seven charming old house details I’m about to share may have you rethinking your preconceptions. Who knows – you may decide to incorporate some of them in your home as well.

These seven old house details are finding their place in newly built homes

BUILT IN FURNITURE

These showstopping pieces add dramatic character. Because they are designed and built to fit with the house, in a specific space, they are becoming more and more popular with homeowners as storage pieces and as a custom way to add elegance and charm.

buffet

 

window seat

 

bookcase

 



INTRICATE WOODWORK

It’s true that slow growth timber was more readily available when the houses of yesteryear were being built. Craftsmen showcased their skills on detailed woodwork – from stair railings and wainscoting to window molding. Though it may never return to the intricacies of the Queen Anne Victorian era, an increased level of detail in woodwork is being re-introduced in today’s homes.

built in room dividers are one of the old house details that is making a comeback

craftsman woodwork

 

intricate stairwell woodwork

 

window trim

 

HARDWARE

There has been a huge resurgence in adding smaller vintage details to new homes, to give them an extra dose of character. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is by utilizing decorative hardware, such as door knobs and cabinet pulls. They are generally inexpensive and readily available. Reproductions of these classic styles are also being made.

brass knobs

 

glass knobs

 

cup handle reproduction

 

WOOD FLOORS

Old houses have the best floors. The patina found on aged pine, maple, and oak flooring is hard to match – but even a newer wood floor is a beautiful addition to a modern built home. Wood floors are wonderfully adaptive, lending themselves to be laid in a variety of patterns.

diamond wood floor

 

charming character floors are more popular than ever

herringbone pattern

 

aged pine plank flooring

 

FEATURE FIREPLACES

Before the television became the center of attention, the fireplace was the focal point in most homes. Now, as a way to escape the constant bombardment of electronics, families are opting to gather together in a quiet space more often. In turn, homeowners are opting to give their fireplaces more detail and prominence.

Many new build houses are incorporating feature fireplaces, one of the old house details that is making a comeback

fireplace with shiplap above

 

arts and crafts fireplace

 

primitive fireplace

 



DECORATIVE CEILINGS

Gone are the years of popcorn textured ceilings and flimsy drop ceiling tiles. Homeowners are instead embracing a variety of decorative options, and looking to historic examples for inspiration.

a bright white kitchen with a bead board ceiling is a wonderful example of old house details that are making a comeback

beadboard ceiling

 

coffered ceiling

 

pressed tin ceiling

 

exposed structure

 

COZY NOOKS

Old houses are full of nooks and crannies – just think about grandma’s attic. The cocooning nature of small, set apart spaces is comforting to many homeowners. From built in dining tables to relaxing inglenooks, these interesting and intimate spaces are becoming more and more popular once again.

reading nook

 

inglenook

 

breakfast nook

Which of these seven details is your favorite? Let me know which you would love to try (or have incorporated in your home already) in the comments below.