Friday Crush

Design by Mallory Mathison Glenn

I know this room is seeing the rounds on the Internet, but this particular shot of it really spoke to me. An ongoing exercise I have been doing for at least a year is to save images that nail the vibe I want in the new house. Not necessarily spaces that I want to emulate, or that have a certain fabric or piece of furniture I like, but spaces that holistically have a look that I often find hard to describe.

Like this example. I'm not planning on recreating any particular element, but the overall look is on my radar. Traditional. With wonderful use of color. And the color doesn't overwhelm, but elevates. Obviously there is always some Chinoiserie. Color palettes are usually pretty tailored, with room for a small complimentary color to make an appearance. All the layers - pattern, color, texture. 

As I share inspiration, I think you'll see a definite pattern emerge. Hope you have a great weekend. See you next week!

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Friday Crush

Source?

Did I tell you #3 is a boy? I think I left out that detail...but he is! And I love this darling space for a sweet boy. You know I'm into a good alcove bed and the shades of brown with little instances of color are just adorable. And quite practical with so much storage.

Was hoping for a weekend at the pool, but it looks like rain will be our companion here in Virginia. Hope the sun is shining where you are. See you next week!

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AO House Tour: Primary-Colored Playroom

I am thrilled to share these pictures with you today. Because I have been sitting on them for almost TWO YEARS.

If you remember my house tour from 2013 (!), I showed you what we did with one side of our basement - we turned it into a family room/baby playroom.

Well, we had a whole other side of our basement that we could still renovate. As Ana Claire outgrew the baby side (and Mac took it over) we realized Zone 2 of the basement would function very well as a "big kid" playroom.

So back in 2015, we did this to it (excuse the darkness but the space has no windows):

All photography by Crystal Downs

The before photos are absolutely nothing thrilling, but nice for effect:

We did hire a contractor to do some of the drywall work so it would actually get done before Ana Claire turned 16. But Carter Shuffler did put lots of elbow grease into it laying floors, doing baseboard and other general updates.

That little nook-turned-playhouse was my first experience with removable wallpaper - here is the link to the one I bought. It was a snap to install...and I have yet to know if it comes off easily but it has been a great addition to the space!

The signs we hung above each station were a DIY with help from my very talented friend Melissa Brody. I got the wooden signs from eBay, painted them with craft paint in various hues, and then let Melissa go to town on them with some paint pens. They are pretty much my favorite accessory in the space and will be awesome keepsakes in the future.

Let me tell you that this space functions BEAUTIFULLY for us. Perfect for when friends are over and a great place for the kids (both now that Mac is 2.5) to spend time during their day.

And even though we've had the space now for almost two years, it remains pretty much unchanged. We added a small table for art projects and that's about it.

Let me know in the comments if you are interested in any sources and I will try to dig them up!

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Friday Crush

Photo by David A. Land, Design by Andrew Howard

Spring is trying to make its debut, so I'll help usher it in with this adorable bedroom. I paused at the spring green + marigold combo, because my mind never goes to a full citrus palette. But it really works here. And I love my favorite Leontine Linens in yellow. So very pretty. Bonus points for the shade hanger and wallpaper hanger who nailed lining up that pattern to create a seamless look. #teamwork

Speaking of teamwork, my favorite teammate is having a birthday today. Carter Shuffler is the best - friend, husband, father...you name it, he's the best at it. I am so very lucky. We will be celebrating him this weekend. Hope you have a great one...see you next week!

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Quadrille Macao Nursery by Madre

Photo by Molly Winters

Very happy to make the acquaintance of the Madre Instagram account. And this nursery. It showcases one of my all-time, all-time favorite fabrics - Macao from Quadrille. Set atop spotted wallpaper and peachy-pink baseboard (and I'll assume molding?) this nursery is incredibly fantastic. I'm also in love with the lavender trim on that crib bumper. 🙌

Meanwhile, the designing women at Madre have some charming design chops...those in Dallas may want to inquire.

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Sweet Bow Bathroom

Let's tumble down the internet rabbit hole.

The talented Sally Roche (née Steponkus), pinned this sweet bathroom:

Designed by Andrew Howard - son of Phoebe Howard - and featured in House Beautiful and the blog House of Turquoise.  So many favorites there.

This sweet space immediately made me remember a Baker fabric I blogged about long ago...

And though it's a fabric, not wallpaper, let's forget that for this exercise...wouldn't the same concept for the space above look incredibly lovely for a little boy using these bow ties? A bold red vanity...swap out the sconces for something more angular...use a masculine monogram.

I just loved the thought of it all as I internet tumbled.

Sidenote: Looks like that adorable fabric is maybe discontinued? This colorway is available at the original source.

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Schumacher for Kids

A couple of unrelated points here, best done in list format:

1. I peaced out on the blog last week - took a trip to Cali for work and it was lovely. I drank all the Zinfandel in Sonoma. And had some productive meetings.

2. You are generally winning if your kids get to play in a Schumacher-fabric-laden teepee.

3. I'm on a plum/burgundy clothing kick, so I want that little girl's leggings.

4. The bedroom on the bottom is incredibly legit with its color combination, brass bed, casual canopy, and stained/painted dark ceiling. The simple pillow arrangement is also catching my eye.

5. What I liked most here is the color story. Plum and citrine at the top and then plum and royal blue (peeking out from the blanket) on the bottom. I have seriously been loving plum/orchid for years and images like these keep feeding my addiction.

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Friday Crush

Precious twin girl bedroomness by Richmond-based designer Lizzie Cox of Suellen Gregory Interior Design. The color scheme is perfect and I LOVE the painted-bed-base-upholstered-headboard combo. Sweet, simple, sophisticated.

Fall is around the corner and I'm pretty pumped. How are you feeling about it? I love the fresh start that comes with September. Until then, we'll be at the pool. Have a great weekend - see you next week!

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Catalog Pick: Terrace Bunk Bed

I saw this Terrace Bunk Bed in the Land of Nod catalog:

And immediately thought of this iconic children's space:

The Land of Nod bed is your one-way ticket to creating a similar look and I LOVE it. Although I get the allure of a bunk bed for space and general child merriment, can't say I often think it's chic. But I'm into this.

The bunk bed would also look bananas painted the same color of the wall to create a built-in look.

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Friday Crush

Photo by Pieter Estersohn for Architectural Digest

Pure sunshine from designer Nick Olsen in a child's room. Yellow can be tricky, folks. I have had trouble using it in the past and find that it works well as a bold punctuation, like this bed. Although put together this space is fun and juvenile, the elements are perfectly classic. A+

It's HOT. And I am attempting a theme park run with Ana Claire tomorrow. Pray for me. Hope your weekend is wonderful...see you next week!

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Antiques for Little Ones

Photo by Sandra Michailidis for Architectural Digest

I had the flu last week. Actually, I have no idea if it was the flu but for the sake of putting a name on a knock-me-down illness, let's call it flu.

And this week has been a roller coaster of playing catch up after being in a fog for a week. The upside? I watched an entire season of Fuller House. Which is not really an upside. Because it's terrible. But I watched the entire season, so what does that say about me.

So I'm back with a soothing child's room because I'm craving calm and recovery at the moment. And this is SUCH a great example of how to use antiques/vintage for children. I love the idea of using pieces with history that can grow with a child. This little girl is going to love having that nightstand chest in her grown-up home one day.

I'm pretty tolerant of all things, but I have bad feelings toward most children's furnishings. They don't have staying power. But a room like this will grow and evolve with its mini mistress.

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Friday Crush

Decor and image by Ranger 911

This is genius on so many levels.

1) Vintage dollhouses are gorgeous

2) But you may not want your kid to actually rip one apart play with one

3) And the best place for one is usually the floor, but then no one can see how pretty it is

So why not put one on a wall shelf for all to see and enjoy? And yes, your precious child will likely ask over and over to play with it and you'll let them, but putting it back on the shelf will give it some prominence in their little mind/heart/soul that will hopefully make them think twice about decorating its walls with a black Sharpie.

(Sidenote: Did I tell y'all that Ana Claire took to our WHITE kitchen cabinets with a BLACK sharpie marker several months ago. Like ALL over our lower cabinets. And granite countertop. Let's continue...)

I love how the gorgeous colors of the dollhouse inspire the space here...eBay is a great place to look for dollhouses. I could definitely see myself doing this in our imaginary Mountain House.

Big C and I have an epic weekend ahead...a babysitting double header...adult plans both Friday AND Saturday night. This never happens and I'm pretty excited about it. Hope you have a great weekend! See you next week!

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Touch of Chinoiserie

I like this quirky, sweet space from blog Gus and Lula (remember their nursery??) for a variety of reasons but I'm posting it mostly to make the case for Chinoiserie. Though my beloved style is often over the top, it is also incredibly classic and can be understated.

This room for children is certainly not Chinoiserie in style but that light fixture adds just the right touch of sophistication to elevate the space - makes it feel special. And it also helps to unbalance the otherwise symmetrical, perfect composition...throwing in a completely different style helps the room feel evolved. See more of the space here...

Also, jenny lind beds forever/donkey print/tiger.

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Red Beds

Design by Natalie Hodgins and Kate Stuart of Sarah Richardson Design

Photo by Stacey Brandford for Country Living

Since having children, red has made its way into my life. I literally NEVER used the color in any decorating whatsoever but it felt like 100% the right choice for the kids' spaces. Ana Claire's nursery got a heavy dose of red with bedskirts, a light fixture, side table, and curtain trim. And Mac's nursery's primary color is shaping up to be red. And I love it.

And I love this room above with it's tailored color palette of red, white and gray. Those twin beds and quilts are bananas. And I love the juxtaposition of the strong color against bright, white walls. It's all so simple but striking.

May your Wednesday be simple and striking as well. Happy hump day!

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French Blue on Fleek

Popped in on a favorite portfolio - that of designer Liz Caan - and fell in love with this whimsical, sophisticated, french blue youngster's bedroom:

Critter print done right, Quadrille wallpaper/fabric (Arbre de Matisse Reverse), buffalo check, contrast welts, Leontine Linens, and the most delicious pop of raspberry. IT'S ALL HERE.

Color can really be your story in a space. I think it's challenging to decorate this way (simple and tailored is always harder for me) but the results can be gorgeous. And this shade of blue is completely on fleek, which is the same thing as on point, for your information.

See more of Liz Caan's wonderful work on her website...

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Friday Crush

Source, anyone?

The stuff that (my) little girl dreams are made of. My love for buffalo check knows no bounds. Truly. And the alcove bed is perfection. And what little girl wouldn't want her own star twinkling above her head - or her own green chair with contrast welt? Two details that really elevate the space - the fabric curtains inside the built-ins (amazing way to hide clutter) and the beadboard accent in the alcove. So much yes here.

I am having trouble recovering from vacation. It's been a crazy week with little sleep and lots to do. I'm hoping this weekend brings some much-needed catch-up time. Hope you have a wonderful weekend! See you next week! (promise...)

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Friday Crush

Photo by Vellum Studios for Tiny Tribe Magazine

A bright, cheerful space for the little ones. Love all the colors in this space by Australian designer Petite Vintage Interiors. The mural is obviously fantastic but I would be happy with just the baskets and that little table arrangement. Adorable.

Another lazy weekend ahead for the Shufflers...hope you have some fun plans as summer starts to ramp up. Have a fantastic weekend...see you next week!

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Friday Crush

Photo by Francesco Lagnese for Traditional Home

Tell me this space was on your radar this week. I saw it pop up a couple of times and each time, my eyes bugged out in a good way. By Tilton Fenwich, I think the color combination is especially arresting. This, THIS, is how you do color and pattern. I can't stop staring.

I'm noticing a pattern of having nothing exciting on the weekends to tell you about. Hope that's not the case on your end...Have a great weekend and see you next week!

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Rainbow Reptile Art

How delightfully wonderful are these rainbow reptiles?! All are from Etsy shop twoems. These would be the cutest starting point for a little boy's room (can you see where my brain is these days?)

And these are just the tip of the iceberg. The shop, run by artist Melanie Mikecz, is FULL of colorful, whimsical art including some geometric pieces that are perfect for us grown-ups. And they are all prints, so very affordable. I love this adorable set for a little boy but there are SO many pieces that I want for our playroom. I love discovering a fantastic Etsy shop!

Check out all of Melanie's pieces here...

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Sweet Vintage Girly Shared Bedroom

I went down the Pinterest rabbit hold the other day (which, let's be honest, happens every day) and during this particular jaunt, I came across THE MOST adorable bedroom makeover to be shared by two little sisters...all thanks to their mama Cami of blog Tidbits.

Cami and her husband had the dilemma of a small, shared space that lacked sweetness and charm for their little ones. So they took matters into their hands and created what I think is a space straight from vintage fairyland and I would like to move in immediately.

That closet!!!

Let me repeat, this room was lovingly created by two parents with their own hands...like down to the beds and bedding. That is just a priceless gift for these little girls and what I think makes the room so incredibly lovely.

Here are some of the pictures during the makeover (that only took a month and half...what?) so you can see the kind of work that went into this:

And, of course, Cami did it all on a budget with thrift store finds and re-purposed items. And doesn't the 10x12 space now look large? This kind of creativity just really inspires me.

Y'all know I like my kid spaces with lots of pagodas and bright colors but this, THIS, is just beautiful as inspiration for Ana Claire's bedroom in that pretend mountain house that we don't own...where I vow that all walls will be white.

Do yourself a solid and visit Cami's blog post about this room with many more pictures of this heartwarming space.

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