Boxwood Clippings

It has been insanely sunny outside these last few days, and now all of a sudden I want everything yellow. In high school yellow was my favorite color,  and this summer I am thinking we may have to re-visit my hue of choice in 1999.  So bright and cheery…

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Here’s to a bright and cheery spring and summer :)

For those of you who live in a small space you probably understand when I say that the kitchen can be one of the most challenging areas. No pantry, no cupboards, no space! Forget about Costco’s bulk items or food storage, there is barely room for cereal!

I have used every square inch and have pretty much mastered our little kitchen over the last 2.5 years. I thought I’d share a few of my tips today…

Ask any professional organizer their number one tip in organization. Answer: De-clutter! It doesn’t matter how big your house is, if you have too much stuff the space will be cluttered and non-functional. I am a big fan of getting rid of things you don’t use.

However, I kind of have a thing for pretty kitchenware, and although I don’t need five cake stands, I like to mix it up and use a different stand every time I make a cake. It’s the same theory as wearing the same dress every Sunday…who wants to do that? The same rule that applies in my closet also goes in my kitchen. If I’m using it I’ll make room, if not then out it goes.

The only space available for cake stands and ‘occasional’ items was right on top of the upper cabinets. Ideally I would like this to be empty, but I guess my ‘need’ for cake stands meant our kitchen was going for more of a ‘country’ feel. At first I was reluctant, but I put up a strand of rope lights which creates a nice glow at night. I’ve actually quite enjoyed looking at my pretty dishes when they’re not in use.

The space next to the fridge is a dark, deep corner. It is impossible to use as a work area as the space is simply too tight. I decided to add this cube lamp to brighten the corner and line the countertop with my bulk baking supplies that were overcrowding cabinet space. I also placed the kitchenaid at the edge of the counter. This set up allows for perfect access for baking, as everything I need is within an arm’s reach (smaller baking supplies now have plenty of room in the cupboard directly above this corner).

I also hang my pans right above the sink, again freeing precious cupboard space. I love not having to struggle in a cupboard finding the right pan. Oh, and check out my famous Dualit, which of course deserves counter space.

I now at least have a few cupboards for cereal and a little food. It’s been pretty great set up. I might even be a little sad when we leave this little space someday, just not for too long!

We have the fever again of being totally excited at the possibility of winning the HGTV 2012 Green Home. The whole house is stunning but I am totally smitten with the exterior:

white + stonework + boxwoods = stunning!

 As always, I am loving these more traditional elements with the modern railings, and crisp architectural lines.

Just like the dream home, you can enter twice daily for your chance to win this stunner until June 1st!

Yesterday I got a Pottery Barn Kids catalog in the mail, and was pleasantly surprised to see they’ve mixed things in the nursery department.

They now offer a great variety of mix and match sheets, bumpers, and crib skirts so you can create your own look, instead of just buying a ‘matchy matchy’ prepackaged set.

The new line is much more clean and modern. It reminds me a lot of West Elms style.

THIS fun new design tool on their website helps you visualize your perfect match. But beware it’s a little addicting. :)

If you’re in the market for baby, be sure to pop over for a little inspiration, and to catch a few introductory discounts.

Spring is in the air, it feels so good! I am ready to put away my fur blankets and pillows and usher in some bright color into the apartment.  Green is my color of choice and as it’s St Patrick’s Day this week it felt appropriate to share some inspiration.

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Hello little green teacup and freshly cut greens! Adding just a few accessories can really look so beautiful.

This next living room is spring perfection. Breezy, white slipcovered couches accented with a punch of green. The lightweight curtains make the room feel so airy, and that subtle print on them is so great. I’m saying a big yes to green and white!

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Oh my trellis print! The imperfect lines are so ideal to bring a modern pattern into a country space.

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This space wants to brings out Martha in me: organized, sterile and fresh. Everything a perfect pantry should be :)

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I think I could sit at this desk in this next space for hours. Green and neutrals make such a fresh and inviting statement.

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Maybe adding some green in the house will not only add a little life to our neutral home , but possibly a little luck in my life too, as HGTV did NOT knock on my door yesterday..boo! I’ll keep you updated as I add some green around the place.

How will you be changing things up for spring?

I am DYING over grasscloth walls, I need them in every single room of my house…

KITCHEN: The neutral grasscloth walls really help tie in the wooden chairs and counter top.  Really adds warmth to all that white and steel on the cabinet wall.

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Entry: Dramatic and cozy makes a nice welcome home and an impact when guests arrive.

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DINING ROOM: Love this pale blue grasscloth.  Adds sophistication and calmness…I would never want to leave this room.

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Master:  The grain in this particular grassgloth is amazing.  Makes the room feel like the outdoors.

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STUDY: Oh my, black grasscloth! Masculine and minimalistic.

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BATHROOM: Would really make you feel cozy and warm on a cold February morning.

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Are you as convinced as me? Do any of you have any experience with grasscloth? It looks like hard work to put up, but worth it? Or in reality would my dream of grasscloth really be a nightmare?

Magazine Monday is a new feature on our blog that we’re excited to share. Basically, it’s a summary of our favorite articles, photographs and tidbits from various magazines that inspire and motivate us. So please join us monthly for the wrap up, and let us know if you’d like to contribute, thanks. x

Sarah’s Finds:

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING: Warm Up to Black + White

As you may have guessed interior design articles are almost always our fave. This one I thought, made some great points when it comes to decorating with black and white:

Firstly, it’s so easy…it’s almost fool proof to adopt this pair into your home, you’ll find items in every store and price range.

Secondly, it gives a chic and sophisticated vibe, and can be personalized with prints.

Lastly, to soften the contrast add another neutral like grey. I’d also say, it’s a great backdrop to any ‘pop’ colour of your choice.

(Images by Simon Upton, Amy Vischio and Peter Margonelli.)

Also from this issue; I spotted Burt’s Bee’s new Refreshing Lip Balm…doesn’t this look lovely?

REAL SIMPLE: Slow. Simple. Satisfying.

This article is so deliciously cozy, it just makes me want to snuggle up with a bowl of warm yummines. Slow cooking is something that I’m trying to get more into. I love the ease of knowing what’s for dinner.

Infact, over the last week or two I’ve prepped a couple of meals in one session, frozen, then cooked in my slow cooker …it’s been simple and satisfying just like the article promises :)

(Image by, Marcus Nilsson)

Emily’s Finds:

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL: Mixing Styles

Again with the black and white, our favorite spread in this edition is this lovely black and white kitchen.  This is a great mix of style; country farmhouse, traditional, and modern.  We love the vintage stove with accompanying simple hood, the beautiful farmhouse sink, and the crisp, steel accent that the dishwasher delivers.

Pulling your favorite items from different styles like this is a sure way to find your own unique taste resulting in a room you will love for years.

COUNTRY LIVING:  Basic + Beautiful

Like usual, this month’s Country Living did not disappoint.  This magazine always screams simplicity and urges us to cut back the impulse to accessorize.

These two images are perfect examples of using neutral palates and minimal accessorizes to create beautiful spaces.  Loving the use of a farmhouse sink in the bathroom!

Lastly, we are dying over all things leather this season and couldn’t help notice THIS custom leather luggage tag in Country Living.  What a great present…

Happy Monday Everyone! -Sarah and Emily

The search has been on for years for the perfect slipcovered couch.  It is something that I am always on the look out for, in hopes of finding the perfect one.  A recent shopping trip to Walmart became a whole lot more enjoyable when I turned down a wrong isle to discover Better Homes and Gardens furniture.  Back at home I checked it out online and discovered this:

Better Homes and Gardens Slipcover Couch

It’s description boasts a solid wood frame, a 100% cotton washable slipcover and claims the durability of a piece will last for years. With a price tag of $399 it is hard to ask for anything more!  The look, dimensions and description of the couch reminded me very much of this more popular and pricier piece:

Pottery Barn Basic Slipcover Sofa

The only difference I can see is almost $1,000, as this couch starting price is $1,299.

I love the overall versatility of a slipcovered couch, it can easily transition from a casual room into a more formal one. It can be the staple piece of a beachy monochromatic palate or help create a dramatic and modern look.

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Really the possibilities are endless, I think I just convinced myself! How do you feel about slipcovered sofas?

Lately I have been spying a lot of amazing glass cabinets.  It is common to see a glass cabinet or two in a kitchen, but I am loving this new trend of many glass cabinets, as well as using them throughout the whole house.

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I love the idea of having things clean and organized behind a glass door, so organized and pretty!

Sar and I stopped by World Market yesterday to check out their 50% off Christmas clearance.  Not only did we find great deals on Christmas things, but also discovered most of their furniture was on sale.  This beauty was the show stopper:

The Hayden Dining Banquette priced at only $200!!!!

This bench is usually $450 and is only on sale in stores while supplies last.  We love the idea of a soft seat at the dining table to induce long hours of chatting after dinner:

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We also think this little banquette would look great in an entryway or at the foot of a bed:

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Add a few pillows to this guy and you’re set.  This deal is a amazing!!!  I am still in awe at the price and potential of this piece!  What do you guys think of it?

Just when I thought my love of Mr. Buble was maxed out..look what I found:

Love the mix of wooden doors, retro brick fireplace, and modern tile floor.

So very pretty, love the coffee table and symmetry of the room.

Love the chunky island and how much light this space has.

Perfect pairing of clean lined table and traditional fabric chairs.

Slip-covered couch, grasscloth walls

Texture, texture, texture!

Mirrored bedside tables are so elegant (Kimberly, you need these!)

This is why I want to live in California.

Oh, and a pool overlooking the valley!

Well Michael, once again you’ve taken my breath away.

Read more about Michael and Luisana’s home at House & Home.

This week Amazon has slashed their magazine prices.  Lots of my favorites are crazy prices, the only hitch is that they have an auto-renewal after one year, which you can opt out at any time via their magazine subscription manager.  Our mum loves to send a subscription of her current favorite magazines to us as a little present, we think this is a great gift idea for Christmas (wrap up the current issue with a gift notification card inside).  My favorite deals right now:

House Beautiful $5

My heart skips a beat when I find House Beautiful in my mailbox.  Packed with design from cover to cover, even the advertisements are fun to look at.  Favorite feature: kitchen of the month and bathroom of the month, which are always incredible and inspiring.

Country Living $7

Country Living is hands down my favorite magazine right now.  It makes me dream of a cottage in the country and a more organic lifestyle.  Favorite feature: Making a Country Living, which spotlights a entrepreneur company of something simple and beautiful such as luscious soaps and eco-friendly cleaning products.

Elle Decor $5

Glamorous, chic and contemporary.  There is always something in each Elle Decor to take my breath away!

Veranda $5

This magazine has always seemed a little old school and traditional for my taste, but this cover is screaming to me to look inside and buy a subscription.  Do any of you have a current subscription?  How do feel about it?

Prices are available now through December 3rd.  Thanks Amazon, I am very thankful for your magazine sale :)

For the past few years when autumn hits I want everything to be gray.  My house, my clothes, my purses.  I try to ignore this impulse, I really don’t being surrounded in gray will be good for me, especially in the winter when everything outside is dull and gray.  I’m finding it awfully hard to resist when I stumble upon things like this:

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Do you guys ever battle over gray in your house? I am in love with these pictures and am totally torn over the color!  Happy Monday everyone, hope you have a wonderful week!

I love a great Pedestal table, I think I inherited this love from my mother.  I’m actually thinking about all the round tables we’ve ever had,  and I think the phrase “slight obsession” is a better description.  It is a classic piece you know you can buy, put anywhere, and will never go out of date.

Pedestals look great flanking a bed.  Somehow it makes the bedroom feel more formal.  Do any of you like this look too?  I’m hoping to have a pair in my guestroom someday.

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A pedestal accent table looks adorable nestled next to a sofa or chair in a living room.  Side tables right next to where you are sitting makes a cozy little place stow your drink, magazines and remotes (Sarah and I especially love using trays like the one below).

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Isn’t that last pic amazing?!  What a gorgeous pedestal table and slip-covered wing-back chairs!   I am definitely needing a little pedestal next to my wing-back chair.  Hmm, that actually reminds me of something…

I’ve been eyeing this little guy at Target for some time.  For $79 I think  it is a good deal, one problem:  squishing it in one very full living room.

Rumor has it that it’s on sale, 50% off.  I think I may have to give it a try.  How about you?

A few days ago Sar and I visited the lovely Calico Corners fabric store where I found a bolt of clearance check fabric reduced from $39/yard to $1.99!  I am planning on it for some throw cushions for the living room to really cozy things up for the fall, but I was dying to use it immediately.  Sar had the idea of hanging a strip behind our bed.

This piece of fabric cost $4! It goes great with our new fab lamps and creates a statement I like for the fall.

A bold, dramatic rug is one on the quickest ways to instantly update a room.  Chevron rugs are all the rage right now, just look at  how much of an impact they’ve add to these spaces:

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Up until now chevron rugs have only been found at pricey places such as Jonathon Adler, but last week I found them at Urban Outfitters!

5′ x 7′ Zig Zag rug for $74!!!

All three colors are so fantastic!  Also, Urban Outiftters has a flat rates shipping fee of only $10, and free shipping on orders over $150.  Hmm, I think I could think of a couple of rooms that need ‘updating’… :)

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I heart lanterns.  Inside, outside, rain or shine, lanterns can be used for any event.  Perfect to add light to pathways and stairs, to create a cozy tabletop or simply to accessorize, you can’t go wrong with a lantern.  Today I spied these lanterns at Shopko…

The largest 18″ lantern was $39.99 and now is only $11.99!  The 14″ $8.99 and the 9″ $6.99.  They are very similar to the Avignon square lanterns at Restoration Hardware.

If you need/want lanterns head on over to Shopko, I’m sure they won’t last long!

I’m sure you all remember THIS house I posted about a couple of weeks ago, if you’re anything like me you haven’t stopped thinking about it!

There are too many details about this house that I love, one of them are the numbers on the front door. They mentioned on THEIR blog that the numbers were from the Home Depot, so I went looking for them.

(photo by hiyapapaya)

I was surprised that ‘the depot’ had something so stylish and so affordable, as the numbers are $5.99 each (see HERE). The font is clean and clear (so important with a house number!), and they have the option of being mounted away from the wall to add a very sleek and modern touch.

I’m wondering if I can find matching letters any where, I’m thinking anything from names above our bed to labeling our doors “laundry”, “loo” etc…Have you guys seen any around?

Yesterday while lunching at Chick fil a with the ladies, Natalie mentioned a house she’d seen that she thought I’d love, and referred me to THIS blog to check it out.

At first glance I presume it was in Cape Cod; crisp white trim, dusty shingles, turquoise accents and even an american flag. It’s hard for me to imagine this house anywhere but by the sea, but alas my eyes deceive me, as I discover it’s actually in Lindon, Utah!

(all images by: Cirsti B. home owner & Jessi Safsten at Hiyapapaya.com)

I’m in love with this house. I’m taken by all the subtle neutrals hues, with just a pop of colour and pattern. It’s so bright, crisp, airy, and such a breath of fresh air in Utah real estate! Well done Hatfield Homes, hopefully we’ll be friends in the future!

To read more about the house: click HERE and HERE.

A friend and loyal reader of ours asked us to solve a design dilemma for her daughter Brittany. Britt moved to NYC a couple of months ago, and while she’s been busy planning and decorating the rest of her apartment, she was at a bit of a loss as to what to do with the kitchen. Having a budget of $100 we came up with this design board.

By adding just a few accessories you can really help spruce up a dull room, and as this is may just a temporary apartment for Britt, we wanted to make sure we were suggesting things that would work in most kitchen spaces, and easily transportable.

THE DETAILS:

No. 1 Lantern: These lanterns have been our fave for years, they make a huge impact and cost only $5 from IKEA. Adding light, always adds warmth.

No.2 Art: We wanted part of the apartment to show off NYC, and what better way than subway stops.

No.3 Plants: Bringing living things into any space adds life, and air. We suggested easy herbs like Rosemary; that look good, smell lovely and spice up any dish. The plant pots are also from IKEA $2.99 each.

No.4 Clocks: We adore the look of clocks, and the more the merrier. We suggested 3 in a row, with time zones of family members in different cities. These are from Target, and cost $3.99 each. (Also seen in our post HERE)

No.5 Jars: These came to mind immediately when I saw Britt’s kitchen, as the counters + drawers are white, while the rest of the cabinets are wood. Not only are they functional but look great too. Currently on clearance at IKEA for $3.99 each

No.6 Baskets: Britts kitchen also has a few open shelves were she keeps food items. All the different packaging of food items can make the place look messy and disorganized, by simply hiding them in baskets you’ve done an instant clean! Baskets $6.99-$12.99 at IKEA.

No. 7 Tea Towels: These are a great way to add a burst of colour and pattern. These are from Dwell at Target, and can only be found in some locations or online $12.99.

No. 8 Photo Frames: As always these are a vessel to add any personal touch. We suggested framing some favorite family recipes or some recent snapshots of the city.

We had so much fun with this project, and hope we successfully helped Britt’s new home feel like home!

Britt, we’d love to see before and after shots if you have time to snap some. x