In case you don’t know already, we have two young children with a home dedicated, for now, to a maintenance-free life. We’ve begun renovating our master bathroom in hopes that it would kick off a series of “decor renewals” to recoup a part of ourselves in our home since they came along.
We have been on the hunt to pin and determine our style. So many interiors have inspired us. From Scandinavian white-floored rooms with pops of colour everywhere, to mid-century modern decor with Eames chairs abound to LA homes right out of the pages of Dwell magazine with the hippest couples, children in tow, hanging out on their designer sofas. We’ve explored the spectrum and have loved every minute of it.
A few have definitely stood out for me and am slowly beginning to find a common bond. It all started with Nyla Free’s home tours blog series from last year’s Dwell on Design and following that, a perusal of Bloesem Blog’s “Let’s get personal” post featuring Emma’s home of The Marion House book. These modern interiors own a more “here and now” feel with such a deep-rooted casualness that lift my spirit and make me yearn to replicate that effect in my own home.
When a room has a lived-in feeling but still maintains its strong and polished composure, I get hooked. I can almost feel what it would be like to be there, taking in its every detail and the feelings that it evokes. Inspiration of this kind satiates my soul. It also allows me to better visualize the final product which in turn makes me dream of the possibilities for our own home.
Images from, saltspoon, the nyla blog, bloesem blog, lori andrews, the marion house book, simply grove
You know we can’t wait to see the completed master bath! I’m so flattered you chose one of my projects. That client has two little ones not even in school yet! Wipeable chairs and a non precious farm table mean that they sit at that table every day.
Comment by Lori Andrews — June 24, 2010 @ 10:39 pm
Great summary. I feel very similar. I like many, many styles. I am always inspired by rooms that make me want to sit & stay for awhile, but that feel collected and composed in a way. Not stuffy at all…just put together & easy to maintain. I don’t dust (tho I should), but when I see odd things in rooms, I always wonder how they’d dust it…those are items I rule out even if they’re wonderful. I guess I’m past the young kid phase, but still in the “2 large dogs who shed year-round phase” and they make dust a bigger issue than it might normally be.
Comment by jan : daisy janie — June 24, 2010 @ 10:49 pm
great post, michelle! i can definitely feel you about the kids + taking back a part of your house. i know that so many people manage to have a beautifully designed, gorgeous home with kids in their house, but i guess i’m just not one of them right now! i love the photos + inspiration you chose. I, too, was so drawn to the marion house book home on bloesem, and love the warm, stylish space. it will come, for us both, i am sure
Comment by lesley — June 24, 2010 @ 10:53 pm
Love your style … cool cat comfortable! Great shots…great colour…great furniture!
Cheers
Sharon
Comment by Sharon Laxon — June 24, 2010 @ 11:03 pm
I’m overjoyed to be featured in such great company and delighted that you are inspired by my home. I truly believe that your home has to be comfortable and lived in. Before we moved into The Marion House we lived in an all white house. (white walls, white floors, white furniture – not an ounce of colour!) Truthfully, it was very hard to live in. I was always concerned about people spilling wine on the sofa or dirt on the walls or dust bunnies in the corners. I can’t imagine living like that with children. I think you should be able to put your feet up on the sofa, let the kids run their sticky hands along the walls and let the shoes pile up at the door. At least while the family is young. There is time when we’re old for the immaculate, minimalist home. Until then, let (well designed) chaos reign!
Comment by Emma — June 24, 2010 @ 11:35 pm
Ooh nice selections. I love all these interiors. I second Emma! But I must admit, decorating and designing your home gets easier once the kids hit 4 or 5. They’re suddenly a bit nicer to things. Slightly. And the baby gates, baby proofing and other ugliness are gone. There’s only one slight glitch in all this: while it’s great that you and hubby are getting to re-acquaint and assess your personal style, your kids suddenly have their own opinion and want their say too! At least, that’s what I’m encountering. Have you involved the kids yet? Let us know!
Comment by ChantaleP — June 24, 2010 @ 11:49 pm
I am so excited to see the changes you make to your own place! I just put white covers on my sofa…already they look marked (looks great, but a nightmare to keep looking great!)
Comment by Will — June 28, 2010 @ 4:34 am
I can totally relate to a need to regain “yourself” after becoming a mother. I’m in the same boat trying to draw a line while creating our family home. Good luck with your renovations. BTW – I MUST find the light fittings from that final picture! They’re awesome.
Comment by Kimma — July 6, 2010 @ 7:43 am