Reader Design: Ashley's Adorable Abode

Friends. It's Friday!! Can I be honest? This week dragged. It was a serious struggle, and all I'm craving is a night in without my computer or phone. I need to unplug - and yes, I realize the irony of that statement coming from someone who just returned from a week-long California vacation. 

So, we're going back to California and checking out Ashley's gorgeous home - which, given an exciting turn of events, is soon to be on the market after Ashley and her family found a perfect plot of land on which to build! 

Her home is a gorgeous blend of rustic, modern, traditional, and eclectic. 

“I think my style is unique because I am so eclectic. I love mixing blacks and blues together. I throw florals in with about every mix, and while I am very eclectic, I think everything flows well and it doesn’t feel harsh. I am constantly inspired by different aesthetics, places I travel to, and by people I admire. ”

Ashley's design philosophy also harkens back to the humble beginnings of StyleMutt Home, when Chelsea put her all into Craigslist hunting and furniture refinishing (don't worry, that's still a critical component of SMH!). 

“I’m a bargain shopper at my core, a lover of garage sales and Craigslist, and am always searching for that hidden treasure. I have a passion for “recreating” pieces. I love hunting for the pieces that people can’t see beyond what is just sitting in from them... but I see the potential. ”

And seeing that potential has allowed Ashley to create a home that is carefully crafted, but so comfortable. Can you all just imagine a quiet Friday night in here, cuddled on the couch? Raise your hands. If you can't see it, mine is touching the sky. 

The kitchen was largely renovated, but Ashley strategically decided to leave one thing as-is: the butcher block island. For someone who doesn't tend to follow trends, Ashely saw this as a way to incorporate trends on a whim. The island isn't always green; Ashley treats it as an accent piece and paints it all the time!  

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There is one thing trends are really good for, though, and that's exposing us (or rather, inundating us, as it may feels sometimes) with new ideas. Trends make it easy to identify what we like and what we don't like. Of course, the flip side of the coin is that once we find something we love that way, it may ultimately fall out of favor. 

For Ashley, the trend she fell in love with was the gallery wall concept. We've seen a lot but Ashley's is particularly because of what it centers around: her family. 

“I love my gallery walls. Especially the one of the family. It brings me joy seeing the kids faces up in our family room. It was such a pain to hang, since it was the first one I ever did, and I made a lot of mistakes. But those suckers are in and not moving; in fact, I used earthquake glue to keep them in place!”

Best of luck to the new owners on getting those earthquake glue marks off the walls!! I jest. But seriously, Ashley, you will most definitely have to call us in the future to check out your new home. Congratulations!

Follow Ashley along on Instagram @arrowsandbow for more!
And be sure to follow along with Cate, Chelsea, and I through our design busy season - we're just getting started!

Reader Design: Jan's Eclectic Quarters

And just like that, my week of California vacation has come and gone. I know it was hard getting through last Friday without a Reader Design tour to gawk at, but at least you had Chelsea's home update to keep you company! Did you miss it? Check it out here. 

Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming... with Jan's Eclectic Quarters!

Jan and her family live in Upper Arlington, OH in their stunningly decorated home. Fun fact: my boyfriend is also from this adorable area just outside Columbus, so I can vouch for its family-orientation and charm. Those qualities have absolutely carried over to the styling of Jan's family home. 
From Jan:

“I am not able to describe my style simply perhaps because it is not simple. I would describe my style as modern, colorful, crisp, comfortable, and kid-friendly with touches of bohemian. All those words don’t seem like they would mesh, but that is exactly what our home has become. I’ve created this style based around feelings. I adore a space that is well thought-out and styled but comfortable to be in. I want my family and guests to feel this in my home. ”
 
 

She creates that comfort using rich textiles, white space to ensure the colors she uses are really seen and add to the space, and meaningful pieces. 

“In my living room, I could not live without either my live-edge coffee table or geometric rug. I love the meaning behind my coffee table, as my father-in-law made it for us, and the warm feeling it brings to the space. And the multi-colored geometric rug just encompasses my style to a tee!”

Let's break down this space in Jan's kitchen. It almost perfectly illustrates the meshing of all those styles Jan mentioned - bohemian, modern, crisp - and even some she didn't - traditional, Scandinavian, rustic. I am a total sucker for beadboard paneling. I will have it someday, somewhere, somehow; and I just love the way Jan uses it to anchor the dining nook. Paired with the light fixture (quick aside, how refreshing to see something other than brass!!), it's the perfect spot for the kids to tackle homework or to enjoy dinner together. 

Clearly, Jan is quite the style mutt; but just because you're a mutt doesn't mean your design identity changes on a whim! No, Jan definitely knows who she is and what she likes.

“I do get a lot of inspiration from trends but will find myself always asking these questions: ‘Will I love this in 5 years?’ and ‘Does this fit my style?’

I try to look at all design inspiration as an option, but I have learned what to weed out based on what works and does not work with my style. A trend that I have fallen for in the last year is greenery. I am a new plant lover and appreciate the life, texture, and color plants add to our home.”

Jan, we think you're navigating this crazy, inspo-ridden world of design we all love like a champ. What a beautiful home to raise your family in! Follow Jan along on Instagram @spicysaltysweethome and her blog, and while you're at it, check out her awesome photographer @loribaskinphotography.

See you next week!