StyleMutt Trend Alert!

You've heard of tiny living.  Many of us have.  It's the new sensation sweeping the nation (and the DIY community) to move into a mobile small-space home to minimize expenses and maximizing experiences.

Now tiny house living is not for everyone.  We get that - we can't all pair down to 200ish sq ft.  But how about 24 sq ft?

In our area of Washington D.C. suburbs, commuting is huge! Many folks spend ample amounts of time in their car, so why not make it a bit...cozier?

This area is probably the most neglected in the home decor department.  Other than those fluffy dice or questionable scented air fresheners that are 5 years past their prime, most cars are stuck with old fast food baggies, fuzzy fruit snacks and lost sippy cups.

But imagine the possibilities with all those square inches of space! It doesn't take much to jump on this trend - you probably have all of these items in your own home!

Less floor space means you don't need a large area rug - just a runner or a bath mat will do.

Accent with art - it doesn't take up much space but has large impact.

And if you're lucky enough to drive a minivan, throw open that trunk door and enjoy the freedom of your indoor-outdoor mobile living space!

Pick some pillows and blankets to really make the place feel homey. (I highly recommend to carry the color scheme by accenting with tail-light red.)

And when you see those break lights a-flashing, it may be time to pull out the old guitar and enjoy a spur of the moment jam-sesh. Around here, you could be stuck for any number of hours for any number of reasons so why not enjoy yourself a little!

As long as you have gas in the tank, you'll always have a portable living room or reading nook.

Or a designer space to just to park.  But just remember - the possibilities are limited and so is your battery!

Until next year, friends...

 
 
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Reader Design: Ruth's Collected Home

My countdown to my United Kingdom trip has initiated. Just three weeks to go! I'm ready for tea, clotted cream, wandering picturesque streets, and... those. accents. 

In anticipation of this jaunt across the pond, we're checking out Ruth's stunning collected home in London, England. 

Ruth found her London flat in an up-and-coming area back in 2013. She fell in love with the amazing bones of the place and was totally energized by the potential of the space. 

As the neighborhood got more & more popular, Ruth was driving her own amazing changes inside too! 

My style is both colourful and eclectic. I take inspiration from everywhere and am always making mental notes of things I like and why they work. If I absolutely had to describe my style, it would be somewhere in the bohemian-modern style, mainly because I see this as a fairly catch-all term. It allows for my love of vintage, my use of colour, my attraction to both patina and the artisan, and the freedom to just fill your home with objects you love and that tell a story about your you and your family.

Her approach to making this home hers was patient and left plenty of room for surprises along the way.

The greatest design lesson I have learnt over the last 10 years is to let things evolve naturally over time. Like most people, I feel the urge to get on and create a home that I will love, but I think moving too fast can send you down a rabbit hole of trends and tear-sheet looks that are wholly contrived or totally unpersonalised.

She fought her initial instinct and didn't rush the magic, which is something that is easier said than done. I don't know about all the rest of you mutts, but my type A planning leaves little flexibility; it's organized, but doesn't exactly feel organic. 

And organic, unique, and fun is exactly what Ruth has achieved. 

We are very much a lived in family home. Nothing ever stays perfect around here for very long, but I think that if you have pieces of vintage in each room this softens the blow of imperfections elsewhere! Often more modern pieces aren’t built to last in the same way that they were in the past; I guess planned obsolescence is a part of our consumerist times, but these old pieces are often much better quality as people tended to invest once in the past. Plus any imperfections add character, right?

The concept of aging definitely applies to home design - but of course, it applies to literally everything else in life as well. Ruth's words are an incredible reminder of the fact that there is truly no correlation between age and value... at least, certainly not a negative one! 

Ruth, you have created such a beautiful family home: one that's carefully loved, but not obsessed over. Thank you for letting us in. And if you have any London tips, you know where to find me :) 

Follow Ruth along on Instagram @design_soda_ruthie for more gorgeousness and wisdom.

Reader Design: Kimmy's Cozy Casa

Kim's home just makes me happy.

There's nothing complicated about it. It doesn't try to be a photo from a magazine (though, Kim hits that mark on more than one occasion.)  It doesn't need constant primping and pruning. It's not high maintenance. 

It just makes me feel happy. 

 
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That's the first sign that this Frisco, Texas home for this family of three + pets is doing its job. Kimberly and her husband Andrew have been partnering up for a total renovation of their home over the past fifteen months. Luckily, they're focused on all the right things: 

My husband and I have found we’re a really great team. This house was a total gut job! We have more projects unfinished than finished, but we’re loving this journey.
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One of the first completed projects was in the living room, where Kim took the plunge and tried out a favorite design trend: dark walls. 

We actually had this can of paint for a long time, because I just couldn’t decide to just go for it. But Andrew called me at work one day and said this is the day, I’m painting the wall! The funny thing is that I had decided to paint an entirely different wall but because of a misunderstanding he painted this wall. And it’s the best design mistake ever! It’s black with just a hint of blue and I love it.
 
 

Another great call by Kim was splurging on this comfy couch in the family room. I've never seen a couch that looks so ready for its family to sink into it as this one. And you know the really awesome thing about this guy? He can handle anything.

It’s upholstered in a Perennial fabric which is an indoor/outdoor fabric that is practically indestructable. I don’t like anything that’s too precious. We really live in this house and with a toddler and our own little zoo I love that I never have to worry when muddy paws (of the furry or human kind) get on our sofa. It was a splurge but well worth it.
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And now - one of my personal favorite spots in Kim's home is her dining area. First of all, is this not one of the best pillow collection you've ever seen? I think we're all quite aware of how popular indigo and mudcloth are these day, so I just adore the unexpected pop of blush. After all, it is one of 2017's biggest beauty trends! But I'm sure Kim knew that all along... 

 
 

Of course, a life full of renovations and projects has to be a challenge (even when mistakes turn out to be blessings!), especially with a youngster in the house! But Kim is making the most of it and drawing some awesome influences. 

My husband and I were both born and raised in Texas so I’d say that has influenced our design aesthetic quite a bit. I have traveled a lot too so I love a global mix. My mom has a wonderful eye for design, and I’m certain that’s where I got my creativity and passion for interior design.
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Kim, we are sending your home some serious love. Can you feel it through the interwebs?! Thank you for showing us around your stunning home. 
Follow Kim along on Instagram @kimmyintx for more!

Happy Spring, Mutts!