dear lillie house tour

I'm so excited to share this amazing house. It belongs to Jennifer from Dear Lillie. Her style is so classic, beautiful, and consistent throughout her home. I really love that, it makes every room seem like it belongs in the same house. She uses neutrals almost exclusively, making it really easy to switch out seasonal accents and change things up in little ways.

Let's begin in the living room... 

Jennifer made the beautiful script pillows and the skirted ottoman. It was a typical yucky pleather ottoman before, and now it is beautiful and fits in perfectly. The sofa faces the window and the mirrored dresser (LOVE) from the first picture.

Here is the living room all gussied up for Valentine's Day. I love the little pops of pink and otherwise neutral holiday decor. I think it keeps it from getting to girly or cheesy or out of place.

Jennifer recently completed this beautiful nursery for her soon-to-arrive second daughter. She took some cues from the Jones Design Company nursery, but totally made it her own. I bet it will be nice to have such a calm, beautiful space to be in when the baby is up at all hours!

Soon-to-be big sister, Lillie, got a new room of her own as well. What little girl wouldn't just die over this room? Any room with a crystal chandelier is good in my book. I love the silhouette and rick-rack pillows (which Jennifer made).  The little space created by the curtains framing the window seat is like a little secret hideaway.

This is their master bedroom--the left is how it looks normally and the right is dressed up for Christmas. I love the dark charcoal paint... I bet it makes the Mister feel much more at home in an otherwise pretty feminine space. Perfect balance.

And finally, the little nook that had me at hello. Is it weird to love a bathroom vanity area so much? What I wouldn't give for that mirror. It is perfect. I love the addition of a lamp--it makes it feel more like a special get-ready space.

For more of Jennifer's home and creations, visit Dear Lillie.

vintage china

I found these beautiful little china pieces at the thrift store this weekend. I'm not entirely sure what I am going to do with them, but they were just too pretty to pass up! I fear I've just started a collection... which is being displayed in my office on top of a Harry Potter book :)

Here is a great way to show off a little mismatched china collection, from Emily at Nest Nesting Nested.
I love how she used the big, open frame to define the arrangement.

Design Idols: Rachel Ashwell

 When I was about 14, I discovered HGTV and design shows. I loved watching Trading Spaces and the British design program Homefront, but the show that really defined my style was Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic.

For years, I loved watching Rachel's show to see her flea market finds and the soft, romantic interiors she designed. A marriage of British country style with a laid-back, California attitude.

Elements that define Shabby Chic include WHITE, chipping paint, soft colors, linen, gold accents, crystal, ruffles, and flowers. So well-loved and comfortable and clean.

 lonny

 I admire both designers who have a defined style and also designers who work in many styles... Rachel is definitely one of the former. The woman knows what she likes. She is Shabby Chic. 

From Rachel, I've learned:

When in doubt, paint it white.

Whites, chairs, and china don't have to match. Nothing has to match.

"Be without, rather than making a wrong quick choice." -RA

 

sf girl by bay

Did you know Rachel has a blog? She doesn't post often, but when she does, it's fun for me to see a glimpse into the mind and process of one of my design idols.

Photos from Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture unless otherwise noted.

Shabby Chic for Michaels

I'm such a sucker for girly Shabby Chic. The new "Treasures" line of little accessories at Michael's is so sweet. I especially love the hangers--perfect for a little girl's room.