Reader Design: Erin's Fresh Space

We're off to Pittsburgh today, mutts! A great, interesting East Coast city that's especially great (or so I hear) during football season. Erin's fresh and ecletic home, though, is perfect in any season. 

This place is chalk full of unique and interesting finds. The closet home I've seen like Erin's is an Airbnb I stayed in in London earlier this year that had artwork of actual human skulls...  you know your home is different and interesting when you're on THAT level. Erin's design inclinations may be due to her inherent taste, her attraction to rare things, and perhaps, something as simple as geography.

“Well, I was born and raised in South Carolina, and I spent 6 years in Manhattan on the Upper East Side, so I like to think my style is combination of those regional elements— the laid-back, classic comfort of the south sprinkled with the refined glam of New York City. ”

You'll probably quickly note that Erin's home doesn't have many traces of trendiness; she does a great job of staying true to her tastes, using trendy elements sparingly. 

“There are definitely trends that I have gone ga-ga over, and it is hard to refrain sometimes. I fell prey to a chevron duvet a few years ago, which still makes me cringe a little looking back! It’s one of the oldest design mantras in the book, but I think the key is using in moderation, and keeping the super trendy things limited to throw pillows or artwork, items that can be easily (and inexpensively) changed out later if you decide you are tired of it or the trend has passed. ”

Reeling yourself in and only keeping trendy elements to ones that are easy to swap out later is truly easier said than done, but Erin, you make it look easy - and the trends Erin does select, like over-saturated rugs and a pedestal table, still look timeless and functional. In addition to being unique, Erin values comfort just as much.

“You know when you see pictures of beautiful rooms that stop you in your tracks and think - “Wow, that is so stunning! But I don’t feel like I could sit on any of that furniture!” I want it to feel the exact opposite of that. ”

Every choice in Erin's home seems to just invite you in - either physically, saying 'take a seat,' or emotionally, inviting you to ask a question or dive deeper into the story. 

In the bedroom, one of Erin's favorite pieces is the framed art above the bed, which is actually a vintage Hermes scarf. 

“I love the nautical theme & pastel colors (I grew up sailing). I based my entire NYC studio design around it when I lived there, and later our master bedroom when I got married. Luckily my husband isn’t too picky about the pink! ”

Erin, your home is special indeed. Thanks for the tour! Follow Erin along on Instagram at @mediumalistdesign.

See you next week!

Reader Design: Courtney's Sentimental Spot

You're probably wondering why I'm calling today's stunning Tulsa, Oklahoma feature 'sentimental.' After all, we probably all have some sentimental attachment to our homes. How could we not, after pouring bits of ourselves - our time, our money, our souls - into them. 

But today's home is seriously sentimental. It's literally the place where Courtney met her husband Jordan. 

That's right. They met here. In this room, in fact - the living room. 

From Courtney:

“My husband, Jordan, renovated our home with his sister and brother-in-law before we met. They bought the home at an auction on the front porch and uncovered the original hardwoods, gutted the kitchen, replaced all the windows, and added central air. He had two roommates at the time, and I had a mutual friend with one of Jordan’s roommates. We were hanging out in the living room one day and Jordan came home. We briefly met and a few weeks later he asked me on a date! Less than a year later, we were married and I moved into the original place we met. ”

An incredible story, right? Not to get too sappy, but I think it's clear that this place has been built with and around love since the beginning, with it's original woodwork, comfy and cozy layout, and carefully selected decor.

Courtney describes her home as "a little beachy, a little modern, a little Southern, and nothing too perfect" - it's just an accurate representation of life, a place that makes you feel calm without false pretense or expectations. 

“I’ve always had the desire to cultivate a peaceful home, a place where there is a sense of rest and a place where others are invited to come in, unload their burdens and enjoy a place of peace. It’s more than creating a pretty space; I enjoy creating a space for others to feel comfortable in.”

The 1930's bungalow has plenty of idiosyncrasies, and despite her inclination for all things modern, Courtney tries to stay true to the roots of the home. She selected simple, period-appropriate dining chairs, paired with vintage rugs throughout the living space. A comfy couch accented with real cotton textiles. 

Courtney is continuing to let their home guide her as it will. 

“I spend a lot of time at home, so I am always tweaking something! Nothing is perfect if you look closely and I have so many unfinished projects that are on my “to-do” list. Most everything has a DIY touch to it because you learn to get creative when you’re newlyweds. Our home is always evolving, and we have so many projects we are saving up for, but we still love where it is now.”

And here's some sage advice to close us out: 

“The best advice I’ve been given is to enjoy your home before it is where you want it to be. This advice has taught me that creating a peaceful home is more than a space that reflects your style and Pinterest board, it is opening your home for others and focusing on the relationships that are built there. The style will come with time. ”

Courtney, thank you for letting us in for a tour today! You have a stunning home, and we can't wait to see where it takes you. Follow Courtney along on Instagram @alwaysrooney to share in the journey.

Till next time,

Reader Design: Jo's California-meets-Canada Home

Today we're off to a location in Ontario, Canada that has seriously the best name: East Gwillimbury. How fun is that?? Don't you wish you lived there? Jo is showing us around her California-meets-Canada spot, which is a perfect mixed bag of boho, modern rustic, and traditional design elements.

Jo's home brings the Cali elements we've come to love - natural wood, white walls, leather, and pottery - to our neighbor to the north. The home doesn't feel like a replication though; it has a clear sense of family and individuality. 

“I want someone to walk into our home and know who lives here right off the bat. I love that we have a mix of big-box + thrifted + antique pieces which gives our home that curated vibe. I love adding unexpected items on selves and mixing textiles so there is always something interesting to discover.
”

While the home doesn't have the open concept that we've come to know and love, the spaces still feel cohesive. That hasn't, however, come without difficulties. 

“We are constantly trying to come up with layout ideas and seating arrangements. I tend to go for the side that is visually pleasing (and Instagram friendly!) while my boyfriend is very practical and wants the space to have maximum use.

I’ve also tried to keep trends at an arms-length, because if you get caught up in everything that’s being thrown at you, you will always be in a state of flux trying to hit on the next thing. My boyfriend recently told me I need to design slow – meaning I really need to take the time to think things through until we make the best decision, which usually means going with more permanent ideas/concepts vs. fast trends. ”

Jo and her boyfriend navigate any differences they may have by bringing in meaningful pieces, like the harvest table in the dining room that came from her boyfriend's grandparent's farm.

In the office, Jo has gone way above and beyond with her shelf styling skills. Her favorite element is the old slingshot sitting on the shelves. 

“We were at an antique tool show and I bought this off of the cutest old man in history – complete with suspenders and all – for $1. While it was missing the actual sling, I just threw some wood beads on a string and set it up. It has the original paint chipping off but looking at it makes me happy + it’s a great random addition to a shelf. ”

Both the master and guest bedrooms are stunning rooms, full of vintage pieces, fresh textiles, and white and bright hues. Even the leather headboard was a vintage find from a local buy-and-sell.

Jo is clearly an absolute expert on thrifting and vintage shopping, so today, we'll close with her tips. 

“1. Go often and don’t get discouraged. I usually go to three different thrift stores 2-3 times a week. Sometimes I buy nothing at all or come away with a seriously amazing find. Persistence is key, especially when you are spending hours hunting and coming away with nothing. Once you find an amazing item you realize its totally worth it.
2. Go with your gut. I never have a plan when I’m at thrift stores. I usually just hunt and if I get that lurch in my stomach when my eyes hit an item, it goes in my cart. Even if it isn’t totally my style, I’ll pass it over to some of my friends.
3. Always buy the vintage books, the pottery, and anything that makes you happy. Whether it’s on trend or not, if you love it you will most likely find a spot for it in your home so snatch it up.”

Jo, thank you so much for showing us around. We seriously love your home, and I think I speak for all us mutts when I say that I'd love for you to visit my city to teach me your thrifting ways.

Follow Jo along on Instagram at @jmwearing for more; seriously, do it. 

See you in September!