Simple Design Ideas Archives

Cozy Finds for Our Screened Porch

Aug152019

This post is sponsored by Walmart.

As I’m just starting to think about cooler Fall evenings on our screened porch, I find myself wanting to add a few cozy touches. Plus, little changes always make me feel happier any room in my house–indoor or out. I already had a patterned throw so I threw it over our console table to add some quick, inexpensive pattern. I also found this big woven basket online at Walmart to hold extra pillows and blankets.

It has the feel of an oversized market tote with handles and a cute tassel detail. I think I may order another one for towels or laundry in the boys’ bathroom. I also found the little blue lumbar pillow at Walmart. Lots of texture and detail for just $12.

And one more thing–I added a Carom game board in the corner. We all got hooked on this game when we visited my parents’ house this Summer. Nothing like some fierce competition to make everyone put their screens down (for a few minutes, at least).

You can see more of Walmart’s coastal-inspired home decor here. As always, free shipping on orders over $35 and free returns if it doesn’t work in your space. Need it quicker? Same day, in-store pick up is available on most items.

Would I Choose Open Kitchen Shelving Again?

Aug132019

It’s easy to rave about things around your house when they’re brand new and don’t have the wear and tear of everyday use. I’ve had several people ask me if I’m still happy with our open shelving three years after our kitchen renovation so here’s the quick update. . .

I knew going into our remodel that I loved the look of open shelving and less heavy cabinetry; I just didn’t know how it would translate to everyday use for our family. Fortunately, it’s worked out great for us and I don’t have any regrets about foregoing more closed cabinets.

One reason it works well is that they’re directly behind each of the dishwashers (yes, two). I keep (most of) the dishes we use on a daily basis on these shelves–cereal bowls, white plates, smaller blue and white plates, glasses, coffee mugs, etc. I do think this whole look works best if you keep the dishes simple and limited to one or two colors. I also don’t mind if pieces are not-so-perfectly stacked. (Our not-so-pretty plastic bowls and cups are stored in the deeper bottom drawers.)

I know some were concerned about the dust that would accumulate when we first had them installed. I’ll just say there’s no more dust here than anywhere else in my house (take that for what you will. . . ) and that I’ve never been one to make a decision based on dust potential. Again, because everything is used almost daily (especially on the bottom shelves), it rarely has time to get very dusty.

I’m also happy to report that they’ve stayed up well (thanks to the metal rods that our contractor mounted through them) despite the adjacent door closing/slamming shut 197+ times each day.

Anything else you’d like an update in a future post?

Details to Notice: 2019 Southern Living Idea House

Aug72019

You may have seen several photos floating around of this year’s Southern Living Idea House, but I always think it’s fun to study them and share a few details to notice. We may not all live in a gorgeous white house by the sea, but there are often small things that we can replicate or draw inspiration from for our own homes.

The 2019 idea house was designed by Heather Chadduck–one of my favorites–and is located in Amelia Island, Florida. More details here if you’re lucky enough to visit. All photo credit: Laurey W. Glenn/Southern Living.

No skimping on style in these halls and stairways. This is an area I often overlook, but I love how she repeated statement lighting in the entry/hallway. My first thought would’ve been to choose one statement light and fill in with can lights but this makes such an impact leading from one space to another.
Long hall? Use multiple consoles.
That long brown and white runner has been getting lots of attention online. She had several smaller rugs sewn together. Such a smart idea!
Tassels dress up any door.
I like the idea of using an iron handrail like they did in the back stairwell. Simple, pretty and functional.

She created a (beautiful) gallery wall to balance out the door on the other side of the fireplace. (Love that picture hanging system. Here’s a similar one.)
Not every end table has to go on the “end”. I like how she floated an antique pedestal table in front of the settee.
Fill your fireplace with natural elements during the Summer–or year round, if you use yours as little as we do. . . ;)
I’ll never tire of layered rugs. (Also helps to keep the thinner one in place.)

Well, this backsplash is really something but if you’re looking for a less permanent way to replicate it, a peel and stick mural like this one could be fun.
Everybody needs a dish pantry like this. I do, of course, love the idea of using pretty baskets and jars to hold everyday items. But, truthfully, the best idea I can probably replicate here is to stick my bamboo flatware in a glass jar and call it a day. :)

Do you see a theme here? I’m a fan of the wallpaper on top with painted trim/cabinetry/walls on the bottom.
When wallpaper is the star, you can keep your mirrors simple and small.
Monogrammed hand towels elevate the whole look.
Did you catch that the wallpaper is repeated on the back of the roller shade in the last picture?

Simple beds dressed up in lots of fabric in these bedrooms. This could be a good solution if you have a more traditional bed but want a change. Even if a custom canopy isn’t in the cards, you can soften up a headboard by draping a pretty blanket or piece of fabric over the back.
That bunk room! Love a wallpapered ceiling–and a fun light–in a small space.
A small runner between the bunks adds a nice layer of texture.

I like how a pair of smaller sconces were mounted lower on the brick fireplace as a way to add lighting without worrying about lamps/cords.
A big mirror above a pretty bar cart always makes for a nice porch vignette and opens up the space.
No outdoor rug necessary! Great idea to stain every couple of boards to create a stripe effect on the porch floor.
A swing bed is officially on my “someday/eventually list”. Zzzzzzz.
Painted garage doors are also on my radar.

And, a few more “extra” spaces to envy. . .

See my visit to a past SL Idea House here.