Link Up Your Holiday Home Today

Today's the day to link up your holiday home tour onto Jenny's blog, Evolution of Style.
We'd all love to see your home too.

If you missed any of the other 10 beautiful homes on the tour, here are the links. Just click on the banner.

 

 

 and if you missed mine....

 Thank you all for taking the tour with us! It's been a blast. Now go link up your own, or hop over to Jenny's for more inspiration.

Come back tomorrow for a few details on my decorating for the holidays.

Happy Holidays!

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A Fall House Tour

I have recently been asked to be included in a virtual Christmas House Tour by Jenny and Lisa, and I seriously couldn't have been more flattered and honored to oblige. As this is the first time I've been involved in a showcase/collaboration like this, I quickly went through many emotions as I read the email. "What? Me? Did I read this right? This is so exciting! Oh, wait, so there's going to be lots of people looking at my house! Arghhh.... the pressure!! No, wait calm down... this will be super fun."
Yes, all those thoughts went through my head in mere seconds. Seriously, I am really happy to be included and super excited to be involved. It's getting me in the holiday spirit already and I can't wait to start prepping the house.

So here are the details.

The tour will start off at Jenny's house on her blog on December 9th and then each day after will be another bloggers turn. I am scheduled to show my house last, on December 19th. Since I'm bringing up the rear, I sure hope I don't disappoint. Then on December 20th, YOU get to link up your home in all is festive finery on Jenny's blog too.

I hope you all will check out all these great ladies and their beautiful holiday homes during the 12 days of Christmas and come back here on December 19th to see mine. But I'll be sure to remind you as the days get closer.

As I am mentally, emotionally, physically preparing myself for transitioning my home into a winter wonderland it has occurred to me that I haven't shown you my home with all it's fall garb.

This year as I started decorating for Halloween but I decided to get rid of all my true Halloween décor and stay with more just fall décor that can go from October thru Thanksgiving. I liked it much better this way, plus I can be a little lazy and keep the decorations up a little longer.

I loved using these fun black crows from the dollar store and even used some on my porch.

I really hate showing my fireplace. If you've been reading my blog for awhile you know this fireplace is a thorn in my side. It is on the list for a makeover for sure!

I also realize I haven't showed my before and after shots of my family room and eating area since our little remodel. I still have a few tiny tweaks and I will show them to you soon.

Here's a little peek at our dining room and living room. Again, I am very close to finishing and will show the before and after shots of these rooms with more details soon!
I just loved being able to add new seasonal pillows to this room this year. So fun!

Not sure why this throw is showing a little like purple but it's a dark brown....

Just need to add some curtains to the French doors and I think I am done in here. I'm very happy with how these spaces are turning out.
Did you see the bird prints? They are new from Wisteria, and I absolutely love them!

That's my fall home tour. Hope you enjoyed it!

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A Look Behind the Curtains with Melaine Thompson @ My Sweet Savannah

Today, I'd like to introduce you to another local blogger to me, Melaine Thompson from My Sweet Savannah.
I have been a stalker follower of Melaine's for sometime now. I so envy her beautiful home on the lake. Her home just speaks comfort. She does her styling and decor with such ease, and everything is just beautiful.
If you have not checked out her blog, please do! She comes up with the most amazing DIY projects, that just blows me away. If her home, and creativity don't drive you to feel super inferior just wait for her soon to be released blog about fitness and health. This girl has some guns (biceps, I'm talking about) and the tiniest waist. Dang girl, it's hard not to hate you. But you can't hate her, because she is so sweet and gracious.
Anyway, enough brown nosing. Ha ha.

Here is Melaine's take on interior design.

Where are you based? I live near Seattle Washington.

How did you get into interior design? I've always been into interiors ever since I was little. Things really took off for me after we purchased our first home.



Melaine's cute dining table



Her chalk wall where she stenciled from using this source.



Washing dishes would be so much more easier with a lake view like that!

 

I love her little coffee bar area here.

 

How long have you been doing it? Around 12 years.

When and why did you start your blog? I started my blog about 6-7 years ago as a place to showcase my hand painted furniture and signs to clients.

Do you have any interior design education/ degree? Nope, I do not, self taught :)

How would you define your style? Traditional with a cottage/vintage twist. I like mixing old and new.

What is your favorite room to design and why? I'd say kids rooms. Kids rooms are just plain FUN! And, they are the easiest to please!



Melaine's son's and daughter's rooms

What is your favorite paint color to use? It used to be Ben Moore Teepee Brown, but I am drawn more to grey's now. Dark Grey in particular. Seal by Martha Stewart is a good one. I LOVE Ralph Lauren Oatmeal, it's a warm off white, a good neutral.

What is your favorite local décor shop? I have several, but in Kirkland, Haley's Cottage, and in Snohomish, Joyworks, Ruffles and Rust, and Faded Elegance.

What is your most “go to” online décor shop? I love Ballard Designs for pillows and accessories and I also love Joss and Main. There's some really great deals there.

What room in your own house is your favorite and why? Our living room. It has a lot of light and a big comfy sectional. It has a fireplace and a giant tv. It's a great family gathering spot.

 

 

Who inspires you? The list is long. Currently, Holly Mathis, Jill Hinson, {blogging girls} I love Nate Berkus and Sara Richardson.

Looking back, have you ever had a big design disaster? Or thought, “what was I thinking?” Yes, but do I have to tell? :)

Best advice for someone starting an interior design career? Go with your gut. Try not to follow trends, because trends will change.

Best advice for new bloggers? Keep going and don't give up. It may take a while to get your blog "out there" but just post, post, post.

Best design advice for someone decorating on their own? Buy what you love, no matter what. If you love it, you'll find a spot for it! Don't buy something if it's not LOVE at first sight!

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Thank you so much Melaine for being apart of my series! Your home is gorgeous, and I'm sure it's even better in person. (hint, hint)
We have the same inspirational designers, and I couldn't agree with you more when you say to stay away from trends (unless you love something) and go with your gut. I can't tell you how many times, I let other peoples' voices get in my head and lead me to something I didn't really want, and I have since had to change it or want to change it now.
Please hop on over to Melaine's blog and see more of her house tour and see all her great recipes, entertaining ideas, and diy projects.

*If you'd like to see my other posts in this series please go here, here and here.*

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The Rancic's New LA Home

Though I really enjoy watching Giuliana and Bill because it's fun to see into their fun, playful relationship with one another and to see them finally have their first child, but I am also very drawn to the homes that they occupy.
They recently bought a new home after selling this super cute, all-American white house with white picket fence .
This house is MUCH bigger and grander, but still has the same design feel as their previous home.
Most every room is filled with soft neutral colors, and lots of white. I love it all.
Come take a look:

 

 

 

Love the grasscloth wallpaper!

 

 

 

Great white kitchen with the mix of warm wood tones, and I love the panelled ceiling.

 

And their sweet Edward Duke's room.

 



 

This pool isn't too shabby either.

So, what do you think? Do you love this one more than their previous L.A. home?
Giuliana and Bill worked with designer, Lonni Paul on this home. Lonni was one of the participants in HGTV's Design Star in Season Four.
To see more photos of their home visit stylenetwork.

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