Reader Design: Kelly's Transitional Bungalow

We're headed to the Midwest today, checking out Kelly's Iowa City, Iowa 1940's bungalow. Get it while it's hot, friends, because Kelly, her husband, and their two precious pups are actually moving to Virginia soon! 

This rental brings the charm, and Kelly has carefully and lovingly filled it with meaningful pieces from all different phases of life. It blends trends and aesthetics in a way that feels effortless - and it must have been effortless to actually do, since Kelly didn't have a particular style in mind when decorating! In fact, she had to 'phone to friend' to pinpoint her style. 

“I believe every style has it’s own unique beauty and I tend to love them all. I asked a friend how she’d describe our current residence and loved her answer: ‘playful transitional, with a splash of casual glamour/ Hollywood Regency, and some southern charm peppered in.’ Sounds about right to me!”

You can feel hints of Kelly's Texas upbringing and time in California for college throughout the home - with the cowhide in the dining room or the midcentury media stand. I have to say though... my favorite pieces are more New England in style. I just adore those nautical framed prints in the living room. Kelly, your in-laws are seriously on-trend - what a great gift! 

Another meaningful piece is prominently featured in the bedroom.

“In our bedroom, the white buffet brings back so many memories. My husband and I found it while we were living in California at a thrift store. It was sponge painted in blue gold and, needless to say, quite a sight. Together we painted it white, replaced the drawer pulls, and stained the wood top. I definitely think it’s one of our ‘forever’ pieces, for not only the look but for the nostalgia as well!”

This rental sure is a great find, and Kelly, I'm sure you'll miss it (but mostly this adorable screened-in porch) when you move! You managed to create the warm, comfortable, and welcoming home you set out to make, with exactly the right amount of glam. Hats off, Kelly. 

Thank you for letting us in! And you must let us know when you're settled in my home state - we'll invite ourselves over for a virtual visit. 

Follow the fun along with Kelly on Instagram @pearlpappashome. 

Reader Design: Tatiana's Bright Space

Can you all believe that it is already August!? Back to school commercials started this week, and I just cannot believe that the summer is coming to an end. I haven't even seen the beach yet!

But alas, that's the reality. So while we can, we are bringing some color into your lives. Today, we're visiting Tatiana in Ottawa, Ontario.

Tatiana keeps this home for her family of four interesting by never being "done" with decorating; after all, that wouldn't be any fun, would it? She describes her style as modern classic with vintage and colorful twists. 

“While I do incorporate pieces from big box stores, I am an avid vintage treasure and flea-market hunter. There is nothing more satisfying than finding an interesting vintage piece, putting it in the right context, and making it shine.
The overarching goal is to make my home feel bright and happy. ”

All that color is definitely representative of bright, sunshiney summer and helps make those Canadian winters just a little easier. 

In Tatiana's home, two things are the stars: her abstract art collection and her textiles. Her favorite pieces are prominently featured in the living room and are complicated perfectly by the neutral simplicity of the kitchen. 

“My favorite pieces in my living room are the large mid-century abstract painting by Sinai Waxman that currently sits above the sofa and the Persian rug. With two children at home, the rug works beautifully! Both pieces have a rich palette and provide an invitation to play with different color schemes in the space.”

The winner in the bedroom is the orange headboard. There's something about orange tones that is just so comforting and welcoming. It's not for everyone, but it works for Tatiana. And that's a good thing, because Tatiana and her husband custom-made this for their space! 

“For a long time I was looking for a vibrant headboard, but all I could find was upholstered in neutral fabrics. Left to my own devices, my husband and I constructed this nice looking headboard out of a piece of plywood and covered it in juicy orange velvet. ”

What a fun home this would be to shop in - to change the art around, move things to new places, and shift pieces until your heart's content. Tatiana, thank you for letting us in today. 

Follow Tatiana along on Instagram @tatiana.wojtan.studio. 

Reader Design: Lauren's New Build Nest

Lauren's home may only be 18 months old, but it's filled with a sense of warmth and character that can only be attributed to Lauren's eye for design. The home was built on Napoleon, Indiana soil that grew corn and beans for harvest, and those same down-to-earth roots can be felt throughout this home. 

From Lauren:

“I love to create and recently found this passion for interior design through creating our spaces here in this new home. My husband and I both grew up here in Indiana, so even though there are many different style running throughout our home, we try to keep the bones of our home as the farmhouse we intended it to be, making this house our home!”

This home is where Lauren and her husband are raising their three boys, so this home is playing the most important role there is. The oldest just moved into his own room - there are exciting things happening in this household!

Her favorite piece is in the dining room: the geometric Ikea statement rug. Lauren has moved it around her home a few times before finding the perfect spot! 

Lauren describes her style as 'farmhouse eclectic,' with a heavy emphasis on wood, black, and white. It's modern, with bohemian elements, 

“I always try to create calm and peaceful spaces in our home. It’s important to me to have spaces for everyone and give my boys places they can thrive in.”

She doesn't get caught up in fads, like shiplap (despite her love and admiration of Joanna Gaines), and feels confident sticking to what she knows. As you should, Lauren... as you should. 

That said, if you put something with stripes in front of her - ANYTHING with stripes - she'll probably bring it home. Vases, textiles, rugs... you name it. It's one pattern Lauren can't get enough of, but thank goodness that stripes are totally timeless. 

(Take a look at that dining room rug again. Stripes, of course)

This is a gorgeous family home that's ready and able to grow an awesome family inside it's walls. Lauren, hats off to a job well done. Thank you for showing us around!

Follow Lauren along on Instagram @laurenraes for more!

See you next week,