Painted Wood Floors

Thanksgiving was last week I know ... but I say to all my blog friends, thank you for your friendship and continuing to check in!  A year ago, when I began my blogging adventure I promised design ideas with life "smattered in".  Well, I had no idea that so much life would be smattered in!  

I am finding that life is what makes design fun.  We all have REAL life.  And we all (I think) are just trying to make our homes a little bit prettier and warmer to celebrate our families and loved ones.  Coming in to a home where you feel loved and supported and comfortable ... this has become more and more important to me as I work side by side with my clients to create each unique space.

You all know I am pining away for a Farm House ... with painted floors.  And I love Orange.  Actually, that is a little dramatic ... but I do love the idea and I would love to try it sometime!!

via

This is a Beach House ... in New Jersey ... and seriously, doesn't this make you happy?  I know, it is Christmas time ... and I am unloading the boxes as we speak.  

You have to admit, that room is much prettier than the task at hand!

Hope you are having a wonderful week and feeling the Spirit of Christmas!!

xo,

kim

Quite by Accident ...

I have happened upon inspirations as I am appreciating the Kitchen and celebration of the Family over this holiday season ... this one makes me smile!

Via

Happy Yellow and a Place for Family to gather.

The one change I would make?  The flip flops ... Why not the footprints of your Family?

My one mantra as a Designer ... make things Personal!  Tomorrow is Thanksgiving ... Celebrate your Family and love every minute!!

xo,

kim

In the Thick ... of Life

Blessings come in such random ways ... One day I am meeting my favorite Bunny Williams and Erin Gates ... and the next day ... blogging comes in second place.  I am taking care of my family and closing a chapter of my life in Atlanta.  As you all know, My Mother passed away in August and as an only child I have now taken on the care of my Father.

Last week I spent a precious six days with My Dad in Atlanta taking him to doctors, getting his things together to sell his home, selling his car and preparing for his move to New England.

We are in transition mode ... looking to find a place for him to spend the next chapter of his life.  We will hopefully have him settled in the next month or so ... but until then we are having a family shift.  He has come to live with us.  Rooms have taken over new ownership ... furniture has been moved to make everyone comfortable.  Christopher just turned 16 and now has ownership of the basement.  He is in heaven and we may never see him again!   We even moved the microwave out of it's home in the island up to the countertop to make things easier for My Dad.

via

We are in the Thick of Life ... It is an important time and as this Thanksgiving and Christmas approach I am blessed to have such a wonderful and supportive family.  And a Father that trusts us to take care of him ... and although we have moved him from all that is familiar and comfortable ... he knows we are helping him make this next phase of his life positive and happy.

My kitchen has always been where the kids gather, pancakes are cooked up, and kids hover around and share the drama of their lives.  We are spending even more time here now and I am valuing this like never before.

I hope as the holidays take over these next few weeks you all take a look at the wonderful families you have and appreciate every minute.  Even if we don't live up to our own expectations of making everything PERFECT over the holidays ... it is our family that is number one.  No matter what!

xo

kim

Can you hear me Now?

The Aftermath of No phones, No cable, No internet ... 

We are making the switch.

Today... this is kind of like living through Sandy again ...

 I am hoping it goes more smoothly!!

I am cautiously EYEING the Verizon technician as he moves cables, lines, boxes.  My dogs are not thrilled either!

Wishing you a happy, Day after Election Day!

Be back tomorrow ... The Lord Willing!!!

xo

kim

Texture + Details = Warmth

First and foremost ... thank you all for your kind words and well wishes during Sandy ... we were FINE, but our cable, phones and internet just came on yesterday!!  While I have to say I enjoyed the first few days without them.  The kids and I got outside, we paid more attention to each other and our dogs.  It actually ended up helping us remember what is really most important.  Then, after all the together time ... we were beginning to get a little grumpy!!  So, here we are back in the swing and hoping the few days away made us a little more appreciative of all we have and do what we can to help those who are still suffering through the aftermath.  There are so many who need our help.    

Warmth ... especially on days like the past few where I was looking out into rain and dreariness ... makes me feel better.  Texture can come in many different forms ... and it delivers warmth.

Duralee

Fabric next to brick.

South Shore Decorating

A pretty Traditional Room ... updated and given a WOW with stained wood beams and painted floors.

i suwannee

Even this bookcase delivers texture.  I happen to like that it looks real.  Not staged to be perfectly colored.  It  houses Real Books!

Via

Here on this Art Wall ... the warmth is brought in by the visual texture of Wallpaper.

Via

A brick floor which totally sets off the simple white furnishings.  Although, I probably would throw down a hide rug ... just for a bit more TEXTURE!!

Even in Primarily White Rooms ... Texture amps up the Story.

Via

Via

Now that the clocks are set back and the days are shorter ... I am needing the warmth of my home even more.  Are you warming up your cocoon?

xo

kim