Gaugin + a Slight Change in Plans

Perhaps an ambitious move--taking 4 kids to an acclaimed art exhibition; but Rachel and I were determined to do something interesting and adventurous on this rainy, Seattle afternoon.  After all, it isn't everyday that a good friend pays a visit!   A little jaunt through the galleries (even with a double stroller), sounded like bliss.  I imagined the kids, enamored with people-watching and bright colors, would be as quiet as little mouses.

Ha!

Not five minutes into our jaunt, the museum attendant asked us politely to take our disruptive children to the sitting room next to the exit.  Not about to waste our $23 entrance fee (yikes!), we tag teamed while our little ones bounced, danced, pushed and climbed from chair to chair with a box of raisins.  Looking back, we should have charged admission...we were, in fact, our own petite circus :)

Aaah, but we survived and have some sweet, little pictures as a result.

p.s. did I mention these two are birthday buddies?  90210 baby.

Strawberries with Crème Fraîche and Brown Sugar

Now this is my kind of "before and after"!  I'm getting pretty excited about all the strawberries popping up at the grocery store this week...can it be?  Is sunshine and warmth in my neck of the woods really around the corner?  Apparently in strawberry-growing-country it's already there and for that I am grateful; I need a taste of summer just a teensy bit early. I'm already dreaming of the rich, luscious Shuksan strawberries that will dot the Washington countryside come July.  They make the most amazing freezer jam! 

But until then, what better way to enjoy strawberries than with homemade crème fraîche and brown sugar?For me, the enjoyment not only lies in the way the flavors and textures meld so perfectly together, but in the memories the dessert conjures up.  When I was little, our family dipped strawberries in sour cream and then a bowl of brown sugar; I'll never forget how good that first bite tasted.  I have to say though, that upgrading to creme fraiche is a good move here.  It's one of the easiest, most delicious treats you'll ever make.  Promise.

images by me

Organize a Closet + Feel True Happiness

You must know that I'm not kidding when I say that...wink, wink :)

There is something extremely satisfying about de-cluttering, cleaning and organizing a messy closet.   For me, it was the hall closet that seemed to weigh me down the most--it was a hodge podge of board games, wellies, inspiration binders, craft supplies and a bunch of other stuff on the tippity top shelf that I can't see all too well (I'm vertically-challenged).  Until now, I always tossed random things in that closet and quickly shut the door (before it could fall out!).  The saying, "out of sight, out of mind" crossed my mind more than a few times, but I'm convinced the adage doesn't apply to closets :)

Whenever I passed that closet I couldn't help but think about what I knew was behind that door--all the muck.  As strange as it may sound, excess and disorganization gives of bad energy and can weigh us down emotionally too (plus, it's just nice to be aware of what you have on hand already as to avoid future, unnecessary purchases).  Keeping only what you really need/love brings a feeling of tranquility and confidence--a feeling that translates into all aspects of our lives.  I'm curious if any of you have felt the same?

image 1 - by Karl Anderson for IKEA  /  dust pan images via Alice Supply Co. 

Styling Ideas for Family Pictures

I am loving these recent images from Australia-based Seed Heritage--they are the perfect inspiration for styling that next family photo...

Links to Love + Happy Weekend!

A few links to take you into the weekend...
 
These dipped wooden spoons are crazy beautiful.  I don't consider myself super crafty, but I'm ready to get my diy game on now (via two ellie).

For Downton Abbey fans (I've only seen one episode but I can see why y'all are crazy about it!). Thanks Catherine!

Oh my goodness, is Easter really just a couple weeks away?  Time for a little reminder about my favorite children's book for Easter--a great read, even if it isn't April.

Did you hear?  Australia-based child photographer extraordinaire Barb of Jinky Art is paying it forward and offering a free session and prints (a $2000 value) to a handful of folks this year in select cities.  Such a cool idea...you can read more about it here. 

See you Monday!  Wish me lucky making that darn cake again :)

image by Jinky Art - used with permission

Sour Cherry Oatmeal Cookies with Pistachios

Like all my baking experiments, it began with a simple craving.  I needed a pocket-sized treat that incorporated the dried, tart cherries I've become addicted to over the past few months (side note: I learned something new about 30-somethingi-self in the past 3 years...I love, love, love cherries).  Self discovery as an adult: it happens. 

Anyway, the cookie needed a bit of crunch and pistachios seemed a natural companion to the sour cherries.  I sealed the deal with a little cardamom and 5 batches later I now have a delicious, new recipe to share with you.  You can find my recipe for Sour Cherry Oatmeal Cookies with Pistachios over at Cafe Zupas this week.  Consider it your excuse to fill that cookie jar (wait...does anyone use one of those?). 

images by me

Fallen Fruit

Amidst the hustle and bustle of city living, do you ever crave a fresh peach?  apple?  orange?  anything off a live tree? Well, let me introduce you to Fallen Fruit--an organization that maps out trees available for public consumption (and occasionally host noctural tours and public jam-making sessions too).  I love the concept of sharing fruit that would otherwise go to waste--so generous and so resourceful!

My heart started beating faster as I scanned all of the available public fruit maps...`come on, there's got to be one in Seattle!', I thought.  Alas, there are none here (although the 1st urban forest is in the making...); however, those of you who live in the LA-area, Salt Lake City and New Mexico are in luck.  You've got to peek at these fallen fruit neighborhood maps and go pick yourself some homegrown goodness before it goes to waste!  Those of you who call Austria, Sweden, Colombia and Mexico home can also take advantage of urban resourcefulness at its finest--there are maps for locales in your countries as well.  In the meantime, I'm adding "search out fallen fruit" to my SLC-to-do-list (my husband has family there so we occasionally visit) and hopefully live vicariously through those of you who do seek out this free-to-the-public fruit!

image by Aran Goyoaga of Cannelle et Vanille - used with permission

The proposed forest will be planted with hundreds of varieties of edible plants, herbs, berry bushes (such as honeyberries, mulberries and lingonberries) and fruit trees, including apple, persimmon, pear, plum

Source: Planetsave (http://s.tt/15Qlg)

The proposed forest will be planted with hundreds of varieties of edible plants, herbs, berry bushes (such as honeyberries, mulberries and lingonberries) and fruit trees, including apple, persimmon, pear, plum

Source: Planetsave (http://s.tt/15Qlg)

The proposed forest will be planted with hundreds of varieties of edible plants, herbs, berry bushes (such as honeyberries, mulberries and lingonberries) and fruit trees, including apple, persimmon, pear, plum

Source: Planetsave (http://s.tt/15Qlg)

The Look for Less: Horse Photographs

A couple of years ago, Elle Decor ran an article about a family who renovated an old farmhouse in New York state (the specific url is no longer active...sorry!).  I blogged about it at the time, as it is sophisticated yet cozy country living at its finest!  I have never been able to forget the stunning, framed Roberto Dutesco photograph that is the backdrop for this lovely room.  I'm not sure why this image of wild horses resonated with me so--I've only ridden a horse a handful of times in my life; but, it's undeniably one of the few interiors that still linger in my mind.

If you ever wanted to replicate this look on a tight budget, here are several other options to consider. Lots of links below...just click on "read more" to see them.

Snippets

How was your weekend?  I spent Saturday morning making my creme fraiche chocolate bundt cake for an auction at my children's school.  First, I hit two different grocerty stores to pick up ingredients (wanted specific brands of things and the best price on each), then made the cake, decorated it and finally placed it on a nice serving tray ready for bidding.

And then I found out the auction is NEXT Saturday.

Boy, sometimes you try to be so organized only to be humbled by your own disorganization :) Funny how that works!  I decided to grab a stack of paper plates and started filling them with slabs of cake and ganache for the neighbors.  I think they like it when I make mistakes like this.

After consoling myself with a wedge of chocolate decadence, I enjoyed some afternoon rays coming through the windows and looked around my space.  I thought about how much I appreciate the little things here and there.  Life doesn't have to be fancy in order to find enjoyment and satisfaction with one's environment.  We can always find pieces or things that evoke a mood, a memory or that simply uplift us on days when life feels anything but efficient, organized, fun, or glamorous.  I hope you'll humor me as I make this record and attempt to document the small things that offer up daily doses of inspiration--things for which I am truly grateful.

Things like...bowls of fruit (or in this case, a trifle dish full of bananas!) or a tiny painting...

...or the plant that I've somehow managed to keep alive (and its pot, which I love)...and the toy I found on the back of the couch.  #lifewithkids

Books lined up in a row...

I also love this little air plant from West Elm (glass "vase" too)...and of course the ranoculus from the other day.  Such a pretty flower.

Last, the solitary piece of plastic food I found on the window sill in the living room...I hate to be redundant, but I do love finding things like this around my home.  Evidence that the toys have expanded outside the playroom boundaries :)  I know that someday, I'll be wishing for more moments like these; so until then I'll enjoy 'em when I can.  

Pregnancy in Pictures

When pregnant with my last child, my husband sent me a link to this site and said, "hey, let's do this tomorrow after church!" (the logical day for such a photo shoot as it was the only day I donned anything but leggings or sweats).  However, all the complications surrounding the HG I was experiencing more or less squelched that idea and alas, they were never taken.  Although let's be honest, our version wouldn't have been nearly as cute!  But, thank heavens for those pregnancy photos I asked Justin to take a little later on, because although one doesn't feel photogenic when pregnant, it's such an important stage in life and should be documented at some point, in some way.

Besides the great series "Walking for Two" on Pacing the Panic Room (above image), I've also enjoyed viewing these other series and ideas other bloggers have put forth.  Check out Ali's (of Ali Loves Curtis) photo collage of the different stages of her pregnancy.  I love how she included a picture of her holding her baby there at the end.  Given the fact that there is one blank spot at the end, I'm guessing the babe arrived a wee bit early :)

We cannot forget this clever series appropriately entitled Project Baby (photographed by Emily Kunz).  I love Miranda's enthusiasm throughout it all and the way she writes to her future child.  No doubt he will feel immense love for all the time and effort she put into this...well, someday anyway.  Maybe in 20 years? :)  I just noticed she now sells the t-shirts in her shop for those who want to create a similar series during their own pregnancy. 

Another great series from Pacing the Panic Room, this time the blog author features his own wife!  Totally fun and personal.  I might add she has a killer pregnancy body...I never, ever, ever looked like that, but I know people who do!  All y'all are lucky. 

And last, but not least, this original idea from Carolee Beckham totally made me smile.  She documented the different stages of her pregnancy by comparing her unborn child to a different fruit or vegetable--typically one that correlated in weight. Super clever.  Would've never thought of it on my own! 

If you have any other ideas you've seen (or done yourself!), please share!

Light + Airy Beach House

Summer is just close enough that I can actually allow myself to start thinking about this beautiful, sunshine-filled season.  I am of the opinion that there is no better place in the world than here in the Seattle area during the summer.  It's heaven being surrounded by plentiful produce, water, lakes, boats and berry farms.  And while no beach houses are on the horizon, I love to think about the possibilities anyway.  This Savannah-based beach house is simply stunning and many of the design ideas reflected in these images could easily transfer over to dwellings not touching the sand.

Sometimes beach houses can be too kitschy for my taste, but not this one. It's gorgeous, well-edited, full of bright light, and sophisticated enough for adults, but warm and cozy enough for children.  And of course, I cannot write this post without commenting on the Tolix stools.  Truly what is so great about them is that they are stylish, sturdy, "designer" {if you care about that stuff}, but not precious.  You don't have to worry about sticky hands or spills--all that comes off with a wipe!  My Tolix chairs look the same as the did when I purchased them 5 years ago and I never regret the investment (p.s. if you live in SLC, this is how I obtained mine at a discount; not sure if this is still the case, but it was a few years ago).

More images of this lovely beach house in Georgia after the jump (just click "read more" below).  Enjoy the inspiration!

interior design by Joel Snayd of Rethink Design Studio; found via houzz

Comparison

“To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else, means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting.”

 ~E.E Cummings

Yes, I know we've discussed the topic of comparison before (start here if you'd like), but I think it's an important message that needs to be revisited often in a world where we are constantly bombarded with great ideas, inspiration and a knowledge (albeit edited) of what everyone else is doing...all the time.  It's easy to get sucked into the unhealthy mindset of always thinking about others' status updates and then comparing those with our own lives.  Sometimes we find ourselves feeling like less capable, less talented and less interesting people.  This is when it's a good time to take a deep breath and contemplate the beauty of different (Karen talks a lot about this on her blog).  We are all on different paths and experiencing a completely different combination of circumstances.  Why is it so easy to forget that, even as grown adults?

One thing I know to be true is this...no one has it all.  No one does it all.  There is always something being given up, but often we don't see that.  We only see the exciting adventures being shared, the cute outfits, the well dressed children, the financial success, the fabulous and frequent vacations, the pretty websites, the gorgeous apartment, the amazing DIY projects, etc.  What we don't see is so much more reflective of a person's "real" life and those things are typically kept private for good reason.  Most people prefer to keep difficult circumstances, trials, challenges and issues to themselves as they quietly seek to work through them the best they can.  I love the quote, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle" (source). 

I shot images of ranoculus for this post because they are not only gorgeous, little things but they are also layered.  In fact, that is what makes them so beautiful to me, the papery thin layers that together create a flower that many deem the loveliest of them all (I may be one of those people...).  Think of all the layers within yourself that together create the unique person that you are.  There is absolutely no reason to ever think you are anything but beautiful and talented in your own way; regardless of what you may view on websites, blogs or Facebook.  As Joslyn so wisely said at ALT, "there is room for everyone to experience success", i.e. there is no reason to be jealous or to compare.  I wholeheartedly believe Joslyn's words to be true, both online and in real life--the latter being the most important of all. 

{more words on this sensitive issue here, here, here and here}

And with that, I wish you a very happy day!

images by me 

Welcome 41 Orchard from Australia

I'm happy to introduce you to this darling, Australian shop called 41 Orchard. They specialize in eco-friendly wall stickers and decals and as you can see from the above images, they are simply adorable!  I'm particuarly fond of the toadstool--it would've been such a fun addition to E.'s Woodland Fairy Party way back when.  But truly, there is so much to love on the site and you could easily plan an entire nursery, bedroom or playroom around any one of their modern, fresh designs.

Take a peek for yourself and see!  Oh, and they ship all over the world for a very reasonable price (i.e. the same as an order from J.Crew), so don't let geography get in the way :)

Creme Fraiche

A couple of years ago I decided to lessen my dairy intake for a couple of reasons--not a monumental change, but it has made a difference in how I feel.  Now I consciously pick and choose when it comes to consuming cream, cheese, ice cream, milk, butter, etc. (great motivation to share treats with others when I do bake!).  I prefer to save my calories for things like smooth, creamy, tangy-but-not-sour, good-in-just-about-anything crème fraîche (many thanks to the French for inventing it!).  Unlike sour cream, crème fraîche can handle heat without curdling, so it's ideal for making sauces as well as baked goods. The only unfortunate thing about crème fraîche is its availability and price.  Unless you live near a Trader Joes, where it's only $2.99, or in France, where it's even less, then you likely don't have access to it or if you do, it's marked up to a whopping $8 for just 8 ounces.  Ouch.

But oh, I have some delightful news for you...

Over the years I've experimented with making my own crème fraîche, looking up recipes online here and there, but never found one that mimicked the creme fraiche you find in any French grocery store...until now.  Romina Rasmussen, Kouing Aman extraordinaire and the owner of Les Madeleines, kindly shared her recipe with me and I have to tell you that it's top notch perfection.  Today, I am beyond thrilled to share that very recipe with you and can only imagine the decadence that will be created in your kitchens as a result :)

Romina's recipe for crème fraîche takes less than 5 minutes...five.  It isn't labor intensive, but will require your attention to detail.  You need just two ingredients--buttermilk and heavy cream.  You'll notice she is very specific about the brand of heavy cream used in this recipe.  Romina has experimented with many different brands of heavy cream and found this one to be the best for this recipe.  I have to back her up on this too...I've used several other brands in the past as well (local, organic, etc.) when I've attempted to make crème fraîche and it's never turned out this well.  She really hit the nail on the head with this one (although let's be honest, she always does...hello carrot cake cookies!).

Recipe and suggestions for how to use creme fraiche after the jump.  Simply click "read more" below.

Style Inspiration

Even though fancy labels are out of my league--unless they are found at the Rack, TJMaxx, Marshalls or Ebay--I love looking at high-end clothing for style inspiration (particularly French labels).  Often you can glean an idea or two that can be easily incorporated into your closet without breaking the bank.  Maybe it's a new color, or a different way to wear your belt, or a unique way to layer.  Or maybe it's a style of sleeve you like, an exotic pattern or a pretty way to drape your scarf.  Regardless, it's a fun thing to do if you need to spruce things up a bit in the clothing department without spending any (or little) money.  It's a great way to fall in love {again} with what you already have.  

Here are a few places I love to peek for inspiration...en français:

Vanessa Bruno (site has music fyi) /  Comptoir des Cotonniers  /  Gat Rimon  /  A.P.C. 

Where do you go for style inspiration?  a blog?  a magazine?  Do tell s'il vous plaît.

p.s. did you know that the Marni for H&M hits stores today?  Well, "select" stores so they say.  I'm curious if anyone is going to check it out and if so, what do you think?


image 1 - Comptoir des Cotonniers / image 2 - A.P.C. / image 3 - Vanessa Bruno / image 4 - Sandro / image 5 - Comptoir des Cotonniers

Chores are More Fun in France

Last night I was poking around my computer trying to find a family photo and I stumbled upon this little video I took of my husband last year when we were in Beynac; needless to say I decided to post this instead :))  When I view little snippets like this, that whole experience feels surreal.  In fact, sometimes when all is quiet in the house, the kids are in bed, and Ben and I are still plugging away on work/projects into the night, we marvel at it all.  There is so much love built into those walls!

Anyway, I thought it would be fun to share this clip with you (even though I don't ever like my voice on video), as it captures a "live moment" during Project La Maisonnette.  And since Ben has his power drill out, this might be a good time to share a few interesting notes about tools in France, for those interested in such a topic...here we go:

1.  Random things like tools happen to cost a small fortune in the French countryside.  A tape measure?  $50 USD.   A power drill? $850.  I'm not kidding!  Suffice it to say we don't keep our household scale in our bathroom...nope, it's next to our suitcases.  Because when we head over to take care of business (i.e. home projects), it's all about maximizing that 50 lb. weight limit and filling our suitcases with tools (I'm sure the people scanning our luggage are intrigued!).  In fact, at this point, almost all of our tools are stored there at La Maisonnette and will stay there from hence forth :)

2.  One of the most fascinating aspects of the renovation was watching local artisans use old world methods as they assisted us in bringing vibrancy and life back into that little cottage.  It was like stepping back a few hundred years, I'm not kidding.  Read a medieval book about how they built structures and that's pretty much what they still do today.  It's incredible.  And it lasts!!

p.s. another great video is this time lapse of our friend Scott putting a jack hammer to good use on one of our interior walls (Scott, we love you for this...still).  Our goal was to expose as much stone as possible, but man was it tedious.  I'm glad I wasn't the one doing it!

Thank you for indulging me today my friends...it was so nice to relive this moment again.  Have a wonderful day!

image of cottage by night by Scott Lunt

Edits Quarterly + an Escape to Florence

If you dream of Italy, like many of us do, peek at this petite teaser.  It's only one minute long and yet evokes sigh after sigh after sigh, thanks to beautiful imagery of one of the most romantic cities in the world.  The wanderlust rising within you is compliments of Ian Coyle, founder of the recently released Edits Quarterly, a well-designed online magazine dedicated to small narratives of film and photography.  It's an inspiring stop for a short burst of creative inspiration and of course, beautiful images and story lines. If you're a nutella et banane crepe fan, you'll also appreciate the short ditty on a Portland creperie too.

p.s. my favorite, authentic crepe recipe can be found here.

Real Life Home - Chelsea's Michigan Farmhouse

Putting together this real life home post was a bit torturous because Chelsea happens to live in what I'd call my dream home...a gorgeous farmhouse built in the 30's (old, but not too old) nestled up against rolling hills.  Think: lots of moldings, exposed beams, brick and hardwood.  Mmm...all of the most endearing features of an old house, yes? 

I first "met" Chelsea when I ordered a few of her darling felt barrettes for my girls and it turned out she was a friend of my sister-in-law Caroline.  Small world!  It's been fun to follow her adventures from Utah to the Caribbean to Michigan, where she hopes to stay put for awhile.  Today I'm excited to share with you some snippets of her home...it's so darling and well-curated.  And I love that her sweet husband took all 3 of their little ones out of the house for the day so she could tidy up and snap pictures for all of us to enjoy and be inspired by--such a "real life" touch.  In fact, I call this the "divide and conquer" approach--something we practice in our home too.  It's seriously what all parents have to do if they want to get anything done :)

Okay, let's start this home tour!  I cannot wait a moment longer...

For those of you just tuning in, this series showcases living spaces decorated by people who are not formally-trained interior designers; people who mix new finds with antiques and secondhand pieces from Craigslist (or the like). People who have figured out, on their own, what looks and feels good in their living space, be it a free-standing home, an apartment, or in one particular case, a tower :)

I chuckled when I saw this first image...apparently she and I share an "interest" in cows and own the exact same high chair (this is the best high chair by the way--modern, clean, lightweight, cheap!).

One of the first things they did when the moved into this new home was paint a chalkboard wall--something they've done before; therefore evoking a sense of familiarity.  In Chelsea's words, "it feels more like us now".

Such a lovely spot for a kid-size table and chairs.  I'm especially fond of the modern print in the window and the banner of "original art" :)  What a cheerful nook!

Chelsea's ever growning collection of white dishes on display in her dining room.  What a clever storage solution...showcasing her favorite pieces on top and then storing the rest inside the armoire.  Love the contrast of dark and light!

Her daughter Tate is not a girly girl (I can relate...my oldest is the same!) so the pink needed to be applied sparingly.  I love the way Chelsea described the decorating process for this room:

"Tate's room was so fun to decorate because of the pitched ceiling. Every kids dream, right? She is not a girly girl though, so even though I wanted it to feel magical and whimsical, I couldn't go too overboard. I knew the gray and white striped bedding would tone down the frill factor a bit, and she'd appreciate that.  Her art collection has taken some time, as I didn't want it just thrown together. I really like to buy pieces that speak to me and remind me of something or someone. The little bottom painting I bought at the Salt Lake City Arts festival a couple years ago, and in tiny pencil it says, "waiting for the party to start". It just reminded me Tate, so full of life. I really love finding neat little prints, paintings, photographs. I have a stash of them that I've yet to find a home for."

This precious vanity has been in the family for decades--grandmother then mother and now Chelsea's daughter, Tate.  Because I do not own anything that's been handed down through my family, I think this is particularly inspiring and love to hear sweet stories like this.  Speaking of sweet, how about that precious teepee?  What a darling hideaway! Also, one thing I've noticed is how cleverly placed the books are--under the vanity, on a chair and propped up in the thick window sills.
 

If you don't peek at Craigslist regularly, then you're missing out on some fabulous decorating finds for cheap...case in point right here.  That fabulous pink chair was picked up on C-list and is Chelsea's favorite find to date.

Another "hand-me-down"...the bed has been in their family for even longer than the vanity as it once was Tate's great, great grandmother's when she was a little girl.  Chelsea finds the worn patina endearing and wasn't afraid to gussy it up a bit with modern bedding.  I love the mix of old and new.
  

Art can be a tricky matter due to so many factors (price, size, colors, whether or not it speaks to you, etc.), but Chelsea found a piece that fits in seamlessly with her other pieces and has worked well in all her previous dwellings too.  Chelsea writes, "I've always loved this piece of art, and we've had it for years. It's moody, and I think I'll always respond well to the colors.

And those books...so fun they are saddled up side by side with the pages exposed.  Someone needs to add that to their pinterest board labeled, "ways to display books"!  (p.s. I pinned my first pin last week!  I love having so many images in one tidy place.  But I see how one can become addicted...)

Chelsea picks up almost all her furniture from family, a second-hand store (like the Eames chair above), Homegoods (miss that here in WA--utilize that resource if you live near one!) and Ikea.  She says about these things, "I've learned how to make those things work on a med student's budget. It's funny, the things in my home that mean the most to me, that I would be the most sad to see ruined, we didn't spend a dime on."

I love that.



I always enjoy seeing how different people display their books and other tchotchkes.  Such a simple act, yes, but it takes some time to get it just right.

Chelsea's twin boys also enjoy a beautiful space thanks to their mama's skills and resourcefulness. She writes:

"As soon as we found out we were having boys I knew I wanted the Dwell Draper Stripe rug. I went bold with that, and simple with everything else. You can really see my love for Ikea in this room, and proof that their stuff does last because that tall dresser is 10 years old! The real steal in here is the orange leather drum though, which I'm using now as a side table. I scored that for $1 at a garage sale this fall. I LOVE how bright and happy their room is. It's definitely my favorite room in the house."

Little vignettes from the nursery...love that Sophie la Giraffe ! My little Gray loved gnawing on that as a baby...wait, he is still a baby, right?

I love how the exposed brick fireplace is painted white, along with the walls.  What a beautiful canvas for all the colorful accents Chelsea added to the space.  So calm and cheerful, the perfect combination for a nursery; especially one full of so much energy!  And that rhino...such an ecclectic addition.  I love that it even ccurred to her to add a rhino :)  It's the perfect mascot, yes?

Chelsea, thank you for allowing us to peek inside your home and be inspired by some of your favorite nooks and crannies.  How generous of you to share! 

Feel free to peek at more inspiring spaces in the Real Life Home Series:

Real Life Home No. 15 - Erin's Upcycled Hollywood Glam
Real Life Home No.14 - Nadia's Converted Barn in Vermont

Real Life Home No.13 - Dottie Angel's Mossy Shed

Real Life Home No.12 - Aunt Patty's sophisticated mid-century home
Real Life Home No.11 - Rubyellen of Cakies and her French-inspired flea market finds
Real Life Home No.10 - Julie's coastal home with reclaimed materials
Real Life Home No. 9 - Petra's Tower in downtown Seattle
Real Life Home No. 8 - Kayce's Nashville Home that's both Southern + sweet
Real Life Home No. 7 - Sara's colorful and eclectic Portland Home
Real Life Home No. 6 - Amy's Calming Neutrals in California
Real Life Home No. 5 - Lynne of Sugar City Journal and her whimsical details
Real Life Home No. 4 - Emily's gorgeous whites and woods in Dallas
Real Life Home No. 3 - Kirsten of Simply Grove's clean and textural Idaho home
Real Life Home No. 2 - Maria of Two Peas and a Pod and her white kitchen
Real Life Home No. 1 - My sister Cherilee's eclectic, mid-century home

all images by Chelsea Horsely