BASEMENT/LAUNDRY MAKEOVER

I guess with my nesting and spring cleaning in the air, the hubs and I have been in full force organizing around the house (my idea, not his). I love for things to be orderly and organized - I believe everything should have a "place". Sometimes that item may not always live in its place, but I like to know it belongs somewhere in Melrose. Otherwise, it is outta there! I try to eliminate all clutter and get rid of any knick knack random items that don't serve a purpose. That is just me. And I definitely try to donate all those items - I'm sure somebody sees them as serving a purpose! 

Well, the main organization project has been in the basement. Living in an older house, we do not have much closet storage space. Luckily, we have a handy, unfinished basement for the overflow. It mostly consists of cinder blocks, concrete floors, plywood walls, and dust. In a dream world, I would love to finish off the space and design a combination of these photos -

But that is not going to happen! It may one day be a rough play room, but until then it just serves as our laundry room, tool shed, and storage space. I have been able to organize it enough to have a work space for my craft and design projects, so that is nice. In the next week or two, we are hanging a peg board above the work table so Brandon can have somewhere to hang his tools. I hate having a work bench covered in tools so you can't use it! Here are some basement photos that I found and have been referring to while this project takes place - 

 I love plastic bins. And I love for them all to match. Call me crazy. I buy the same color/brand and store all our extra linens, party supplies, christmas decorations, seasonal decorations, and anything else we have a collection of in these. I also have pretty labels for them!

 I don't think I'll take our peg board as far as monogramming it, but this is super cute.

 This would be an ideal laundry area for our basement, but we just don't have the time, patience, or bank account to make it work. Although, hanging the curtains to disguise the cinder block walls are not a bad idea. 

Floor to ceiling peg board walls would be awesome. I like how everything is able to be hung so there is no clutter on the floor. 

What is your spring cleaning routine? Do you get excited over organizing a cluttered space, or do you dread it? I'm sure I'll be back at it this weekend getting ready for Baby Owens! So much to do, so little time! 

CENTERPIECE INSPIRATION

Ever since I added the new rug to Melrose's dining room, I have been brainstorming on new centerpieces for our farm table. I did have a sort of country chic runner, but now it does not match so I'm looking for something different. Something unique and colorful to tie in the moroccan rug. I gathered together my favorite inspiration images and my options:

1. Glass vase with long, twiggy stems -- I love the simplicity of this option and the versatility. I think my favorite arrangement are the pure greenery ones, especially the eucalyptus bundle.

Here are some recycled glass vase options that I think could achieve this look:

 viva terra clear recycled balloon vases $69

viva terra citrine recycled balloon vase $79

 pier 1 recycled glass vase (the site says out of stock, but I bet you could find one in stores)

2. Floral arrangement - Ever since I saw this instagram from Moth Design, I have been obsessed with her sea urchin vase (as well as her tory burch flats!).

It kind of reminds me of these beautiful floral arrangements in saturated pumpkins. I thought about attempting this idea, but then I worried about the pumpkin deteriorating. I think the sea urchin vase is a great option and could be played up in the fall and then used year around as a centerpiece. 

I started thinking of what plants in my garden I could use as well as purchasing some dried pieces to add in. Etsy and Terrain have some beautiful and unique dried options. And of course, a few fresh cut blooms are necessary as well! I mocked up an example to see what it could possibly look like:

left -- a true arrangement found on pinterest; right -- my photoshopped collage

3. Candles - With a rectangle table, I think you need either substantial candles or enough to spread out to make a statement on the table. A few cluttered in the middle won't produce a big enough interest. 

(this picture is a little overkill but I like the variety of candelabra's)

I am really smitten with this iron candelabra from Terrain. The welded detail and intricate details are exquisite!  I think it could easily fill a rectangle dining table without being too overbearing. I like to be able to clearly see my guests sitting across from me. Some bright orange or royal blue tapers could be amazing in this. 

So, those are my current options I keep toying with. What do you think? Do you have a favorite? 

WOOD YOU SIT OR STAND?

While thumbing through some of my favorite kitchen photos, I started to notice a trend in a lot of them -- rustic farmhouse tables as islands or dining in the kitchen. My dream house is an open floor plan from the kitchen, to the dining area, to the den where you can easily socialize with all your company. Everyone tends to congregate in the kitchen, and while I am happy with Melrose's current kitchen, it just doesn't provide room for gathering while cooking at the same time. I think a vintage, farmhouse table within an open kitchen is just the solution! I am really loving these beautiful, spacious kitchens with well made cabinetry, granite countertops, and striking lighting that have all been paired with a rustic, unique table. Whether it is used as island for extra space while cooking, or housing a few bar stools while sitting and watching the cook, I love the use of a farmhouse table in a modern kitchen. Here are some of my favorite examples:

 I love this simple, airy rustic table. It's size and tone is a great compliment to the clean, streamline design of this kitchen. Anything chunkier or darker could seem too heavy for this space.

This table doesn't appear to be rustic farmhouse, but it's shape and carved legs lend the idea that it is an antique. Even if it doesn't appear old, a nice, aged shape can be a nice contrast in a modern space. I'd take the glossy black and white marble pair any day!

An island + a farmhouse table, yes please. Of course you have to have ample room to house both of these pieces, and this kitchen is perfect for it.

Kirsten Buckingham's kitchen via Amber Interiors

The love seat and table make this space super cozy and inviting.

 Sage Design via The Zhush

Maybe one of my favorite kitchens of all time - I love the mis matched seating and clean backsplash and cabinetry in contrast with the dark, ebony stained floor.

A unique positioning of a table at the foot of the island. You save room by not having chairs on all sides and the flow of the kitchen is consistent.

 This designer used a counter height wooden table for working or gathering. A lot of different materials are happening in this kitchen, so the simple, streamline design of this wooden table is perfect.

Another versatile, wooden table at counter height. Again, the mint green is the main attraction here so a simple antique was the way to go.

via

all other sources via

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

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!