Home Decor | House of Earnest

Category: Home Decor

May 22, 2013

Lost in Kitchen Dreams

So, it’s probably no surprise that I do my fair share of web browsing with the blog, and I am consistently drawn to kitchens. It doesn’t matter what my original online intent was, I end up seeking out the kitchen of my dreams and getting all wrapped up in how I’ll execute said non-existent kitchen. Many of you will remember that just a few years ago we renovated our little kitchen from an 80′s rental to something a little more chic and bright. Still, four years later, I find myself seeking out ideas for my next kitchen.

Which is where this story takes a turn for the worst. I found a site called Magnet Kitchens and pretty much got swept into a dark hole of designing my own totally custom space with appliances, drawer dividers, the list could go on. This site was a serious derailer whilst at work, but dreaming of such an exclusive range of fitted kitchens – and how to create my own masterpiece got me thinking of all the things I want in a kitchen. I am a sucker for really needing to see my options laid out there in front of me, so I think that is why I was so intrigued (ps if you’re in the UK, check it out!)

From navy cabinets to farmhouse sinks, I could get lost in this world. What rooms are you always drawn to? Any dreaming you’d like to share?

photo credit: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

*this post was sponsored by Magnet Kitchens, but all dreams and schemes are my own, clearly.

6 Comments

May 9, 2013

A Space to Create

in Home Decor with 10 Comments

So, I maybe mentioned a little blurp on twitter a few weeks ago about a few meetings that Matt and I had to work on a new venture that we’re exploring. It’s still so preliminary, but we’re to the point where we need some space to get some serious work done.

Although I LOVE my home office, the desk is small and there is very little storage. We need something that works for the both of us and has enough opportunity for organization for this new secret adventure (it won’t be secret for too long! We’ll let you guys know soon!).

Storage is key here as we’ll have a fair amount of samples, swatches, papers, and whatnot that comes along with such an endeavor. We currently have just a small bookshelf – not nearly enough to help keep us organized. You know how much I love the library look – I even modeled by bedroom after a similar look!

But back to the office – a big desk with enough room for two of us to have computers and space to create is so important. I love the dual desk which doubles as a work table.

Here’s the thing, though. Being a part of our home, I want it to still be incorporated in the decor – to be warm, cozy, and approachable. So to strike to perfect mix of efficiency, organization, and homey-ness, that is the challenge.

I found an awesome site that does lots of beautiful, bespoke, made to measure home study furniture, but they’re only in the UK, so those of you in England – you’ve got a resource! For me here in the US, I’ll keep looking for something to help me get the look I’m going for.

So, I don’t want to be such a jerk and give you so many cliff hangers about our next steps, but the idea is just a little too young to bust out. Soon though…Soon!

What are your thoughts? Do you have a home office? How does it work for you?

photo credit 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

10 Comments

May 1, 2013

Introducing our patio

in Home Decor, Outdoor with 17 Comments

We ate our first al fresco dinner last night on our new patio and I am so excited finally to share it with you guys today! It was meant to be an old world, natural, organic feel which will only improve with wear and the increase of foliage once our plants get going.

These photos are just a sneak peek, but you can head on over to the Patio Style Challenge on The Home Depot’s site today to catch the FULL BEFORE & AFTER. Let me know what you think!

How do you think it compares to the feeling of my inspiration?

17 Comments

April 29, 2013

Minted Master Bedroom Art

in Home Decor, our home with 8 Comments

After updating our bedroom sconces a couple of weeks ago, I was on the lookout for some art to go above the headboard. With the shelves on both sides and small space of the wall, I didn’t want anything to big or busy.

I usually think of Minted for paper party goods and invitations, but I realized that the same community of designers that create the invites make art too. I found something simple and unique by graphic designer Annie Clark and featured it in a frame that has a large matting for a little more white space.

I knew I wanted my bedroom to have a curated library look, but still be airy and calming. I think I’m getting closer!

If you get a chance, look at all of the amazing art on Minted… It was pretty hard for me to make a decision, there were so many great runner ups!

8 Comments

April 24, 2013

Artfully Serene

in Home Decor with 14 Comments

It’s not really often that I feel as blown away by an artist as I did when I found out about the stunning art by Hillary Butler. Her landscape abstract paintings are so soft and pretty, capturing the feeling of moving color, which isn’t what I usually think about when I think about abstract art. Hillary’s talent is evident in how she acheives such bright, fresh color in a mellow serene way. I just love her pieces.

Hillary has a love of interior design as well which is what drives some of her on-trend colors, styles, and what gave her the idea for a new (completely awesome) tool. You can actually email her a photo of your home and she’ll photoshop the art into your space so you can see what it looks like before you buy it. I think that people are often overwhelmed by abstract art and have a hard time envisioning it in their homes, so this is a wonderful tool.

I am so excited to introduce her work to you and she is so excited also to meet you guys! For House of Earnest readers only, she is offering a complimentary 12 x 12 painting for any purchase over $250 until May 12th. We’re thinking that this could be a great opportunity for Mother’s day! Buy a beautiful painting for your mom (over $250) and get a 12 x 12 for yourself! It’s perfect! Just enter HOUSE250 at check out.

I hope you’ll hop over to her shop. I’m considering two different paintings at the moment and would love to see which ones you guys love. Let me know!

14 Comments

April 22, 2013

Media Shelving Update

in Home Decor, our home with 5 Comments

In our living room, we had initially created a console out of pallets for our media components and although I loved the idea, after switching to a new receiver and new electronics, they didn’t fit into the openings in the homemade console. I’ve been on the hunt for something that was unique and had some height to it. Everything else in the living room sits lower and creating contrast in height and leading the eye up was my goal.

I finally found something that I liked, and the bonus was that it was only $70 from Ikea. I didn’t expect to find something there that had a more unique look to it, but I found that the basic, cubic look of these metal and glass shelves, dressed up with metallic and neutral accessories made all the difference.

It fits all of the media components perfectly and allows for enough storage for my books and accessories to be displayed. The shelves provide a great mix of modern and vintage casual when mixed with the other pieces in my living room.

I’ve actually been thinking of this little nook in my house the whole time I’ve been traveling and I’m excited to get back home and play with it a little more, adjusting some of the decor and maybe adding a pop of color.

What do you use to corral your electronics? Do you like the change from rustic industrial pallet to the cleaner glass shelves?

5 Comments

April 10, 2013

The Year of Leather

in Home Decor, Random Thoughts with 16 Comments

Today is my third wedding anniversary and the traditional gift for this year is leather. Among all of the very girly wedding and holiday gifts out there, this is certainly the most masculine. I was actually pretty excited to buy a gift for Matty that supported the traditional theme this year and definitely bought one on the items featured above – can you guess which one?

I don’t talk a ton about my personal life or love life, but want to open up a bit and share that Matt, my husband, is my partner. In crime, in love, in every single sense of the word, a partner. Not only does he support me, but he challenges me. He’s my devil’s advocate, my equal, my encouragement, my biggest fan, my best friend. So many people may say the same, but I can’t imagine telling anyone else the extent of the thoughts in my head – except for Matt. I hold nothing back, we explore every subject, and we’re together though it all. We make dinner together each night (even if it’s at 10pm), talk about our days, discuss ideas, aspirations, and reconnect.

In some ways it’s felt like these years have flown by, but in others it’s like I’ve never known life without him. It’s hard to describe, and isn’t that the way it should be? What we have is ours and won’t make sense to another soul.

So today, we’re celebrating each other, our love, and our lives… together in this old farmhouse… one day at a time. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

leather gifts: leather desk set | iphone case | travel satchel | passport cover | flask

16 Comments

April 4, 2013

Beautifully Boxed In

in Home Decor, Outdoor with 10 Comments

I really love window boxes. I would install them on every window in my house if I could but guess what? Matt hates window boxes. I really can’t pinpoint the reason why such a seemingly un-threatening thing like window boxes would set him off, but has some really deep rooted dislike for them. I however cannot get enough. Sure, you can go overboard really quickly, so I found some images of very clean, natural looking varieties. Mostly greens flow out of them, softening an angular facade. I love the idea of using succulents or herbs to just get a hit of color without any clash.

I plan to get one onto my kitchen window that overlooks the new patio. It will be a perfect spot for some herbs which are accessible from the kitchen, but help to beautify the patio and give our otherwise very square and grey exterior a nice little splash of green.

Photo credits 1 | 2 | 3

So, even though it’s one of those little things that may not go over super well, I think I’m going to go for it!

Do you have window boxes? Do you like them? Or, like Matt, do you dislike?

P.S. We’re running a GIVEAWAY right now! Have you entered?

10 Comments

April 2, 2013

The Art of Collecting

in Home Decor, Random Thoughts with 11 Comments

Did you collect things as a child? I can remember really wanting to start a serious collection (of anything) but never quite being passionate enough to stick with it. It was such a normal idea though. Now, I feel that the idea has kind of slipped away as a very antiquated hobby.

Lisa Congdon was an avid collector and even posted a picture each day for a year of her collections. I got to thinking about the fact that subconsciously, I actually have been a collector all of these years. I have a very extensive collection of glassware (almost rivaling another Erin) and am seriously on my way to a (bordering on crazy) vase and vessel collection – which maybe still falls in the glassware category.

All of this to say that maybe the difference between hoarding and being a collector is our treatment of the pieces. Lisa carefully arranged and photographed hers. I keep my glassware lined up and styled on my bar – bringing it out for many a photography session. Our respect and admiration for the pieces is the key here.

Which brings me to ask – Do you collect anything? Do you display it? or have it carefully tucked away?

photo credit: glassware | pillows | porcelain | books

11 Comments

April 1, 2013

Lighting up the Bedroom

in Home Decor with 16 Comments

It’s been awhile since I talked about our bedroom renovations after we were nearly finished last spring, but I had a few loose ends that I’ve still been waiting to tie up – mainly our bedside lighting.

The before featured two bedside lamps that were glass, small, very bright, and just weren’t quite liked by Matty. I had really wanted some brass, swing arm sconces that I’d talked about here, but I just had trouble finding some that I liked with a mount that worked on our wall. Since the wall above our bed is brick covered in drywall (with no studs) something heavy just wouldn’t work. I decided that a very light fixture capable of being hung by command hooks (or something of the like) was in order and went to Ikea to find it.

This is a totally unauthorized use of Command strips, but instead of fixing the sconce brackets to the wall with screws, I used command strips because the wall behind our bed is actually the chimney from the fireplace downstairs. Screwing into the chimney just doesn’t sound like an awesome idea to me, so I figured that using these super sticky strips would do the trick.

I really love the way it looks and best of all, I didn’t have to drill crazy holes into our wall. This would be a great project for those who rent or (like us) those who can’t really drill into the walls because your house is a billion years old!

I love how classic the sconces look above our bed and love that as I sit in bed typing this, these lights are gleaming overhead!

Do you like them? How do you feel about my original plan versus this one?

16 Comments