BACKYARD PROJECT: before

Melrose's backyard project has just kicked off and before I show you updates along the way, I wanted to share some before pictures and our final inspiration for the makeover. I know I have posted several inspiration posts over the past year, but I have finally narrowed it down. Here is what I am aiming for:

Now that you know what I have slated for design, here are some pictures of our current backyard so you can put it all together. It will all make sense now!

This picture is taken from standing at the back door off of the kitchen. I am standing on a tiny platform with stairs leading down to the yard (you can see it in other pictures). See all that gravel? Apparently the previous owners used to pull through the side gate (on right) and park back here. We do not use it for parking so all this gravel is being removed and sod is being laid. Can you say bocee ball court?

Same view, but from standing on ground level. Those two existing patios are screaming for some company. The arbor with confederate jasmine will be covering the large, stone patio and the fireplace will sit on the small, concrete pad. I am planning on having a dining set on the left side and a "lounger" on the right side in front of the fireplace.

Standing at the back of the stone patio facing what will be the fireplace. The fireplace should conceal a lot of the neighbor's yard and chain link fence. And, we are planting tea olives along the rest of the fence to create privacy. We are replacing all the current grass with new sod so it will look consistent and hopefully grow in the bare spots. Brandon loves to work in the yard so he is going to have a lot to keep him busy!

There are two large flower beds that we have not done a single thing with since moving in. We just left them 'b' since they needed the soil tilled up and new top soil laid. Too much for me to do! The landscapers are re-aligning the stone walls, making them even along the width of the yard, fixing the stairs, and planting a variety of evergreens and perennials. I decided to plant gardenias along the back for their greenery and lovely smell, then peonies for the cut flowers, and alternating lamb's ear and hostas in the front. I'm excited to finally see some life back here! And between the gardenias, confederate jasmine, and tea olives - the back yard should smell amazing!

Well, that is it! What do you think? I will share an update post asap! And if you follow me on instagram, you have probably all ready seen a sneak peek of the fireplace. We have had a few days of bad weather lately so it has set the project back a day or two, but it is all ready looking great - I can't wait to share the progress with you!

KITCHEN HARDWARE: gold

I would absolutely love to modify a few things in Melrose's kitchen - lift the cabinets to the ceiling, add an open shelf, change the backsplash to subway tile, Carrara marble for the counters, add a range hood for the stove, and the list could go on! But, while our kitchen may not be my personal design taste, it is in great shape and I'm actually pretty happy with it, for the time being. 


One easy solution to give our tiny Homewood cottage a face lift, would be to replace the cabinet hardware. I would love to update it with some fancy gold knobs and pulls ... you all know I have a love affair with all things gold.  I have not accomplished this yet - I can't seem to find pulls wide enough! - but I have definitely had it on my mind. Here are some fabulous inspiration of photos of kitchens sporting gold hardware.

the mix of black and white cabinetry here is delicious

 again, black and white combo

 and black and white paired with gold

 I love these campaign inspired pulls

 perfection

 a fireplace in my kitchen? yes, please!

 can't get enough of that subway tile, open shelving, and gold accents

 love this overall look

all sources on my pinterest board 

 What's your choice and source for hardware?

HANDWRITTEN ART

Melrose has an open, narrow wall before the hallway that is dying for a large piece of art. Ideally, I would love a chest for this space for extra storage, or a bench below a piece of art, but anything with depth would protrude into the doorway. Large pieces or original art can be so pricy, so I have been brainstorming a budget friendly idea for this space. I am really thinking about using my calligraphy and painting a large canvas with a special quote. 


Basically the only expense would be the canvas and paint. And, I actually like a lot of the stark white examples, so I would just need black paint and a thick brush. Here are some inspiration images that have sparked this idea.

handwritten quote by alanna cavanagh via the marion house book

alisa burke

via

nate berkus' home via kristen kerr

I quickly (the messier the better!) sketched out my quote and this is my plan:

"May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home. May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam. May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures. may all life's passing seasons bring the best to you and yours!"
AN OLD IRISH BLESSING

NEW JAMS

I hope everyone has had a wonderful week and is excited for the weekend. I know I am. I will be enjoying a nice weekend at the beach, but I wanted to leave ya'll with some new favorite music that I am currently obsessed with.


First off, is Of Monsters and Men. Their debut album, My Head is an Animal, was released in Iceland September of 2011 and has slowly made its way into the states. Laurel-Dawn at Abode Love and I bought this cd a few months ago and we can NOT stop listening to it on repeat. Buy this album today - you won't regret it!

Next, between rotations of Of Monsters and Men is John Mayer's new cd, Born and Raised. I actually discovered this new cd through a fellow blogger and can't wait for the upcoming release in a few weeks. You can listen to the entire cd for free on itunes. I love John's folksy sound and it is perfect for a summer day ... I can just picture myself in a convertible, top down, cruisin' some back roads with this blaring. It is my favorite cd of his by far!

Have a great weekend!

k.dee jewels

New necklaces going out this week! If you are interested in one please contact Dana Humphreville. You can view our sizes and pricing here. 

 coral and turquoise small necklaces

white large necklace - perfect for dressing up a simple tee