DOING IT WHITE

I'm currently loving indoor fireplaces decked in pretty, white stone and filled to the brim with firewood. There is nothing like a crisp, clean focal point accented with natural elements and bold colors. Here are some of my favorite fireplaces right now -

 via

 Where can I find a similar, gorgeous fireplace screen like this one!? I'm obsessed! 

Patrick Lonn via desire to inspire

all other sources via my pinterest board

CHIC IN BARBOUR

Now that fall is approaching and a chill is starting to settle in the air, I have been admiring all of the new fall fashion line's. I can't help but be drawn to any JCrew or Madewell email, so when these popped into my inbox, I was immediately captured --

Barbour jackets!? I first saw Barbour as a hunting accessory on my husband a few years ago and didn't really think twice about it becoming a trend. They aren't anything fancy, adorned with sequins, or a fabulous new fall color, they are simple, classic, staple outerwear pieces that are now being sold by the hottest stores. These jackets are on the pricier side, but they are investment pieces that you will own forever and will never go out of style. You can catch style icons like Olivia Palmero, Kate Middleton, and even Princess Diana sporting Barbour. Here are some of stylish examples of Barbour:

Here is JCrew's selection of Barbour:

Barbour Hawkstone Parka

Barbour Beadnell Jacket

Barbour Liberty-Lined Beadnell Jacket

And here is some of Madewell's Barbour styles:

Barbour International Heritage Jacket

Barbour international Heritage Moto Jacket

And my personal favorite ...

The Barbour International Classic Bedale Jacket

See more people sporting Barbour here. What do you think? Would you invest? 

WHAT TO DO?

The hallway leading to our master bedroom has been naked since we moved in to Melrose. I didn't really know how I wanted to tackle this narrow space so I left it 'b' for a while. I eventually decided to hang these oversized, square West Elm frames with photos from our wedding day while still contemplating what to do with the walls. Here is what we are working with:

Please excuse the boob light - I tried to replace it but the former owners installed lights that had to be adhered to the ceiling - eek! I will have to get an electrician to come in and remove the mounted casing. I only hung the frames on one side since you really only see the left wall as you are rounding the corner to enter the hallway. If I was an art collector, or antique scavenger, I would have loved to create a huge gallery wall, but I don't have the resources right now. Maybe later!

I know I have mentioned painting the hallway a bold color and doing some sort of unique chair rail, but now I think I have shifted towards wallpapering above a chair rail. With it being a small area, I think a fun wallpaper would really be unexpected and not too costly (as compared to doing a full room). Here are some inspiring examples I have been admiring:

I have been drooling over Oh Joy's! line of wallpaper for Hygge West and would love to use one of her gold gilded designs. These stylish rooms are really convincing! 

 Who doesn't love some crazy splatter paint!? This bathroom was featured in Lonny Mag and uses wallpaper from Hinson and Company. 

 This wallpaper is way cool and reminds me of Allyson Reynold's beautiful and intriguing moth paintings. I think this would be a gorgeous touch!

 Wow, this chic wallpaper reminds me of my favorite floral fabric I posted about. 

traditional trellis design ...

This ombre, vintage horse print is classic and super cute!

Or may be I should just paint some gingham walls like I mentioned in my previous post!? Do you have any wallpaper suggestions? Please share! I'm not too familiar with any brands or prices so these inspiration images may be way above my budget! A girl can dream though!

GINGHAM LOVE

One trend I know you all have been seeing a lot of lately is the classic pattern of gingham. I think it is a fresh new take on the oh-so-loved striped walls. Whether it is a fabric, wallpaper, or paint - I think it is a great way to spice up a room. In this neutral combination below, Southern Living did a DIY tutorial on how to achieve this look. What do you think?

Poppytalk via House and Home

Gingham doesn't always have to convey "old", "southern", or "preppy" - I think it can be easily used balance contemporary decor and furniture. I love the above example of a bright, modern color paired with the sleek table and antique chairs. Can't hate the oversized gold pendant lighting either!

 via

I love this bedding by Restoration Hardware. I actually convinced my Mom to use the orchid color for updating her guest bedroom (formerly my childhood bedroom). And it's on major sale! Here is the inspiration board I designed for the room using this bedding. I think it his a classic, traditional design with hints of modern. We are doing a little at a time so I'll try to share the end result!

please forgive my "blocky" fireplace mock up

DINING ROOM RUG

Remember when I posted about completing our bar area in the dining room? Well I love the color and interest the art brings to the room, but I really feel like I need another punch of color. The dining side of the room just seems so bland. So I have been on the search for a unique, one of a kind, fun rug to use under the table. Of course the size is really awkward since there needs to be a walkway from the den to the kitchen and it needs to complement the rest of Melrose. Rugs can be a great statement piece and a very versatile item that you can easily move to other areas of the house. I know a lot of designers refer to them as an excellent starting point for decorating a room. 

Here is what you see from one side of the room ...

And here is the dining room from the view of the den walkway ...(pardon the iphone photo)

See what I mean? It just needs something to make the room seem more intimate and lively. After endless research, I have found a beautiful rug that I believe to be the winner. I understand it is bold and may be too funky for my taste, but I love the colors and originality. I am really drawn to the cobalt blue, sage green and hints of pink throughout the Moroccan rug. What do you think? 

thanks abode love for your awesome photoshop skills

I am also convincing myself to paint the leg's of my farm table a high gloss white to brighten up the room. I think it will be a nice contrast to the rustic table top. So, is it a winner in your mind as well? I'll report back soon on my verdict! 

Thanks for all the sweet comments on Melrose's guest bedroom! I love to read your favorite aspects of the room - gives me new insight! And yes Kristen you are correct - you did spy new twin beds in the other guest bedroom! Progress is slow on that room, but I'll try to share a sneak peek soon.

B&A: guest bedroom

As I said, I have been slowly working on a reveal post for one of Melrose's guest bedrooms and I finally have all my pictures together! It really isn't that special, but I still wanted to show some before and after photos. Maybe you will think it is special! Here is the room when we first moved into Melrose ... very pink-i-licious, right!?

Can you believe I sold that fabulous fan in our yard sale for $15!?

And, here is the new room! Awhile back I hinted at a project using an ikat stencil, well, that project got vetoed once I saw these curtains. I had been eying them for awhile and they eventually went on sale - plus I received an awesome gift card from my SIL so I was sold! I think they really tie in the colors in my painting and the soft mauve on the walls. The antlers are from etsy and believe it or not, they are from Alabama!

I ordered the John Robshaw quilt and shams from One Kings Lane and paired it with a coverlet from Pottery Barn. Again, the gold bedding picks up the yellow tones in the painting above. I found this deep teal bolster pillow at World Market for a perfect accent pillow.

I love this pretty little dried arrangement from floresdelsol. It adds texture to the room, but is neutral enough to not overpower the bold, floral drapes. This etsy shop has a lot of great options and even some bright colors!

I don't even remember where I initially saw these rustic swing arm sconces, but I fell in love with them from the start. I knew they would be perfect for this room because the bedside tables are so small and don't leave much room for table lamps. Hanging them was very tricky, but they haven't fallen off the wall yet! If you are interested in purchasing some, search around on the web because I found a Nashville dealer that shipped them to me for an amazing price!

My revised work area where I create all my the good stuff designs! I love the gold picture light above my inspiration board and I hope to get a brass desk lamp to match. I posted a long time ago about this work area, but it has evolved since seeing other inspiring offices. I promise you, it doesn't stay nearly this tidy!

Some fun pictures of friends and family, calligraphy inspiration, beautiful design pieces, and my most recent project - the backyard design!

I am on the lookout for a rug to add and possibly 2 stools to sit under the large window. I feel like the window seems so empty and needs something, but maybe once I get a rug it will look more "complete". Any suggestions? Please share!