DREAMING OF SUMMER

Now that the sun is starting to prevail over the overcast clouds and rainy days, I am really getting anxious for summertime. I feel a little guilty all ready pleading for hot, sunny days considering we haven't even experienced a true winter, but I'm a summer girl! I am really working hard on Brandon to get permission to do a little work on our backyard this Spring. I posted last year about how I really want an arbor above our stone patio - and that is still on the list, but I am hoping to also include some landscaping and possibly a stone fireplace! I would love to be able to entertain outside and enjoy a fire on a chilly night.


I have been pinning a lot of outdoor inspiration lately and I am loving the creative ways people are using outdoor pavers and tile. We currently have an area full of pebbles (used to be for parking) that we would love to remove and lay down sod, but I am thinking this would be an awesome alternative. What do you think?

 this whole set up is beautiful ... take me there ... now

 chevron pattern using pavers? I like this idea ... 

 checkerboard style alternating tiles and grass

I really like the idea of having a patterned stone area similar to these and an open area of grass. Maybe I can work this out and convince Brandon how amazing it will be, and worth the investment! So beyond removing all the stone and laying sod + tile, I would love a stone fireplace. Here are some beautiful inspiration photos from my pinterest board. 

this is a cute, quaint area to relax and entertain

 or do you prefer modern and abstract?

 check out the fireplace in the background ... I think this is my favorite photo even though it isn't in full focus. I like the firewood storage on either side and the darker brick.

 now this outdoor kitchen is amazing, a food lovers dream, but not reasonable for us! I am totally digging the arbor with furniture and the fireplace at the foot ... very similar to the layout I want. 

 white washed brick!? ya'll know I love white ...

Do any of ya'll know of a reasonable landscape architect (in the Birmingham area) who does similar projects to these that I can contact? I am hoping to call and get some prices to see what we can do. Wish me luck! (especially in persuading Brandon ...)

all sources via my pinterest board

ALL THAT GLITTERS IS GOLD!

I know that saying isn't perfectly true, but in my mind it is! This time of year everyone is representing in their sparkles and sequins and ready to ring in 2012 in style. Here are some of my current favorite items that are glittery and gold!

zara glitter heels - wouldn't these be perfect for New Years?

 jayson home gold swallow ornament - Our tree is full of birds and I love collecting new ones - especially sparkly ones!

scalloped glitter garland - I would love this hanging from our mantle!

anthropologie sequin swirled pullover

 pottery barn's glitter eiffel tower tree topper

 west elm gold sequin stocking

west elm glittered sphere ornaments

 mod cloth gold-oriented flats - I really wish I wouldn't have waited too late to order these!

 jcrew gold iphone case

And, my favorite - tory burch gold one shoulder top (on sale for $199)

Although glitter is my fav during Christmas ...

I heart this poster :)

MELROSE'S MASTER BEDROOM

I have been gathering inspiration photos for Melrose's master bedroom for awhile now and I wanted to share a few. I picked a dark gray paint color for the walls since the room has a lot of natural light. We have a large window and double doors that lead onto the back porch. Plus, I knew I wanted to accent the room with lots of white, cream, and gold to brighten the room as well. Other than those decisions, I have started from scratch! 


After moving in our current furniture I knew the layout of the room, but I needed decor inspiration. My toughest decision has been deciding on what type of finishes will not clash with the dark gray walls. I knew if all the furniture was dark then the room would look like a black hole. Here are some designer rooms that I have saved to reference while designing this room.

 lots of white with gold frames

 painting with light?

 simple, but sophisticated 

 our walls are similar to this color ... 

 beautifully designed ... 

 white matted photos with coral

 I like this layout a lot 

 I am obsessed with this room - the large photograph, matching fabric on bed and curtains, crisp, white decor, shag rug ... should I go on?

 dark walls with white furniture

 the artwork in this room is fabulous - who knew a white canvas could be so dramatic?

I'll post my layout mock up and inspiration boards next so you can see the correlation between inspiration and reality. Decisions, decisions! What kind of furniture do you pair with your darker rooms?

PUMPKINS GALORE

I love finding new and creative ways to decorate for the holidays - especially decor items that involve gold! Pumpkins are an obvious favorite for ringing in the cooler weather and the warm tones of orange, yellow, and red, so when I saw these takes on the classic pumpkin I had to share. 

 Check out this awesome gold splatter painted pumpkin ... such an easy DIY craft!

I don't have the time or patience to illustrate these detailed ones, but I could handle the puffy paint dotted one! What do you think?

 Mums are another "must have" for fall so combining the classic pumpkin + frilly flower is perfect, and makes for a great alternative vase.

Instead of a vase, hollow out the pumpkin to serve bottled drinks. LOVE this idea!

 More spray painted gold and copper pumpkins! [please notice the chevron pumpkin too!]

all sources on my holiday pinterest board

I am really loving all the uses of the white pumpkins this year! Check back in tomorrow for Melrose's fall decor of pumpkin galore! It isn't as fancy as these images, but never-the-less it gets us in the mood for fall.

DIY BRACELETS

There has been so much chitter chatter on pinterest lately about the stacking bracelet trend (or as some people call it - "an arm party") and I think I am jumping on the bandwagon. The bigger, bolder, chunkier, gold-er :: the better. And, in effort to be financial friendly a lot of people have starting making their own to layer. I created a DIY board to house all of my funky finds in hopes it will inspire me to tackle one.


Dana and I have collected almost all the supplies to make a few DIY jewelry projects, but we are still searching for a few supplies. Here are some of my favorite pinterest DIY jewelry ideas:

Rope & Hex Nut bracelet via truly smitten, or another take on this bracelet could be used with leather or suede (below).

 This chain & rhinestone bracelet is one of my favorites, but it has been difficult finding the right chain. We are on attempt #2 so I will let you know how it turns out! via i-spy-diy

These friendship bracelets are a total throwback to middle school, but I love the updated look with the metallic thread. via honestly wtf

Wrap bracelet - everything fabulous via honestly wtf

braided beaded bracelet via henry happened

I have a few of these on my to-do list and I will share my finished products + where to find supplies if you are interested. Have you made any of these? If so, what is your favorite? 

If you have any other good tutorials, please share! Check out my DIY board for more fun projects.