Knock Knock

Oh, the cedar roof that is weathered so beautifully, the stone detail, white pillars, all of the dormers...hello perfection!

 

I am usually not one for turrets...but I will take it.

 

The interior details on the ceiling from the dormers is what I really love about this home. A unique ceiling design can make any square room unique.

 

How fun is this space, I can just imagine little ones running all around and being creative in this area.

One of the best window seats inside a dormer ever, just need a fun cushion and some pillows for a pop of color and it would be perfection. And can I just say *sigh* I love arched casement windows.

 

I would love to incorporate a stair similar to this in our next home, filled with tons of natural light. Notuce the combination of the spindles, quiet unique and something I would 

never be able to talk Rob into.

 

Exteriors of homes done at night are the best, they just invite you in and say 'Welcome Home'

All Images via Houzz

Hope you enjoyed this little tour, I really wish I remembered the architects name & info, it was a late night last night...but when I do find it I will edit the info. Have a great Thursday!! Mel xo

Memories of summer...

While we were down at our cabin in Missouri we were fortunate enough to have the talented and amazing Joanna Kleine from Joanna Kleine Photography visit us. We first met when she came down form St. Louis to photograph our wedding over 5 years ago. We hit it off right away on the phone and I knew that she was someone special that would remain in my life for years to come.

While we have remained in touch over the years we were finally able to pick a time to get together. She photographed us as a family for a 24 hour period and let me tell you, they are images that I will cherish for years to come and I am excited to have them scattered all over our walls! Here are just a few, but head over to her blog HERE to see some more...

Thank you Joanna for spending time with us this summer, you are a jewel and I love you so!! I also really 'like' you...and if anyone wants to 'like' her too HERE is her Facebook fan page. Now lets get ready for some fall weather!! Mel xo

Our Appliances: Check

OK, so I have finalized one aspect of the home besides the floorplan...the appliances. Here is what I ended up with after a lot of searching and some begging.

Fridge: Sub-Zero 48" Built-In

I looked at all of the built-in options. Kitchen Aid, Thermador, Viking, all of them, none compared to the design and space that this one has. I didn't go for the ice & water dispenser since I really don't want to look at it. So one downfall is the ice compartment in the freezer, but I have that covered.

Ice Maker: Kitchen Aid 15"

Remember when I said I have the ice thing covered above...yeah, with this that will be built into our butlers pantry. Since we entertain a lot this is a requirement.

Range Top: Thermador 48" 6 Burner + Griddle

Hello lover, I really have nothing else to say abut this. Well, one thing, I am getting the blue knobs, it is my punch of color and I just think they are more fun than the standard silver ones that come with it.

Venting System: Vent-A-Hood 600 cfm Liner

I am working on my WOW factor with the range hood, it will be something special that you will have to wait and see, but this will be the liner in it...the lighting it gives off is fab and it is so quiet I might even use it!

Wall Ovens: Kitchen Aid 30" Double Wall Oven

We have had Thermador, we have had Wolf, but I still swear by my Kitchen Aid. Best bang for your buck. Great even heating and I am a sucker for the bright blue interior.

Dishwasher: Bosch 800 Series with custom panel

The same dishwasher I have had in our last 3 homes, even in out cabin. There was no questions about this. I did opt for the panel over the steel look, much cleaner in my opinion. AND the hidden controls, if you have children this is a must, it takes the novelty out of playing with the dishwasher.

Microwave & Trim Kit: Panasonic 

To be honest I really wasn't concerned about this appliance since it is going to be built into our pantry cabinetry and hidden from guest view.

There you have it, I can check that off the list! Now I can start the cabinet design, let the fun part begin!! Have a great one. Mel xo

The professional hood

There is something appealing about an oversize stainless steel hood-fan. It commands attention and adds a great focal point to the main area of the kitchen...where all of the magic happens.

Image via Elle Decor

They are art work.

Image via Angie Hranowsky

Industrial looking? Yes. But there is still a softness to it in all of these spaces.

 Image via Mussco Miller

Giving visual stimulation, they can break up a full wall of cabinets that can be boring and bland.

Image via Rangehood.com

What are your thoughts on the pro style range hoods? Love or hate?? Thanks for giving me your feedback once again! Mel xo

Simply Stunning

Image via DecorPad

Happy weekend!! Mel xo

Fridays Favorite - H&M

Fun clothing that is cheap, what is more wonderful than that!?! Little man W needed some new clothes for the fall so off to H&M we went. Great style, decent quality, and a great price point. The little man scored 5 pair of jeans, 6 t-shirts, 3 sweaters, 2 button-up shirts, & a leather jacket for under $250. Let me tell you, he is going to be one stylin' little man at school this year.

Now, could I have gone in and not picked up a few items for myself? No way!! I scored a few fab sweaters for the fall, the perfect pairings with skinny jeans or leggings.

This so soft poncho type sweater, $19.95...I will be running out tomorrow so I can pick it up in the heather gray as well.

The fun sequined tank, it will be perfect with a pair of skinny's and a nicely tailored blazer for a night out on the town. Did I mention it was under $20 as well? BTW, I can't take myself seriously when I take pics of myself, so excuse my poor iphone skills and goofy faces, and 'the pose' 

my niece taught me...

And I think these are my fave, in fact I had to pick it up in the stripes, solid black, and heather gray. As they say, if it aint broke don't fix it, and each one was under $20 as well.

Hope you have some fun plans for the weekend, maybe you can break out a fun new top and celebrate, enjoy!!! Mel xo

Solid slab backsplash

One feature that the hubs and I are considering if we go with a white marble countertop in the kitchen that I discussed HERE is also using the same material as a backsplash, solid slabs to showcase the beauty of the material.

 Image via DecorPad

It works with the marble since is it has just the right amount of movement. Not too much like some granites can, it is a piece of art work just wanting to be admired.

Image via DecorPad

With the simple color pallet you are allowed to take notice of the cabinet details, lighting selection, and overall feel of the kitchen.

Image via HGTV.com

Even with wood it works, it doesn't have to be paired with an all white kitchen like most 

of the images that I found.

Image via Houzz

And this one is my all time favorite kitchens by Brook & Steve at Velvet & Linen. The marble takes centerstage without distracting you too much from the beautiful cabinetry, custom hood, ceiling detail, and dual islands *sigh*.

Image via Velvet & Linen

While the cost will be more I think this is one area where a splurge is appropriate. I, like most people spend most of my time in the kitchen and since it is an open concept plan to the great room I need it to have that jaw dropping wow factor. What are your thoughts, take it or leave it?? Have a fab day! Mel xo

Knock Knock - Oceanfront Kauai Estate

One of our favorite places in the entire world is Hawaii, the food, the people, the endless beaches. It is perfection. While we only lasted 24 hours on Kauai when we went (long story about me being 7 months pregnant and needing McD's) I would be more than happy to call this estate by Sutton Suzuki Architects home. If it were mine I would make my own Egg McMuffin and be content.

All Images via Sutton Suzuki Architects

Now seeing and posting this only makes me more excited to get planing on our yearly trip to the islands...it truly is heaven. Have a wonderful day!! Mel xo