Smoke Detectors & Vaulted Ceilings

So, it happened. I knew it was only a matter of time. The battery of the smoke detector in our bedroom died. And so the chirping began. At 2:00 in the morning. Why does that always happen in the middle of the night--in the room with the vaulted ceilings? Of course, we don't own a ladder, so I had to stand on Jeremy's shoulders. I didn't know what I was doing and accidentally pressed the test button, so that every single alarm in the entire house went off.  I could hardly reach, but I was able to pull out the battery--which we all know does not stop the chirping.  (Remember the Friends episode with Phoebe and the smoke detector?!) Luckily, we had a battery, and  we were able to make the switch. You know, you never know when your high school cheerleading skills are going to come in handy.  And, I'm just sure that Jeremy really appreciated my, "Ready one two's" at two in the morning. But, in spite of the three ring circus in our bedroom last night, I still LOVE vaulted ceilings. Check out these lovelies. 

P.S. Remind me to buy a ladder when we move...

image from NC State News

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[color kreyv]: Charcoal Gray

Holy cow, I'm glad we made it to Wednesday! Both Salem and Stella have been sick with fevers.  They are finally feeling better, but I'll be honest, there's a whole lot of mucus goin' on up in herrr. It's gross.  

Speaking of not gross, how much do we love charcoal gray? I love that it pops against white like black does, but it's not as harsh as black can sometimes be. It's almost black, but it's not.  (That was a super deep statement, wasn't it?!) Hey, let's take what we can get after four days of being with kids in bed watching Barbie ten jillion times in a row, shall we? 

P.S. My favorite charcoal is Urbane Bronze by Sherwin Williams.

image from Domino

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Kitchen Stools

I know that the title of this post is one of my best, yet. But, besides that, and the fact that all three of these kitchens are totally swoon-worthy, let's discuss the stools--after all, that is the title of the post, aaaand we all know how I like to stay on topic. I am currently in the market for barstools. My future stools have to have backs, because Hubs insists they are comfortable, and sometimes, I like to let him think he is making decisions on things I really don't care about. These stools from WE are currently in the running.  I also love these, but I'm pretty sure I'm not willing to put down that much cash for four stools. Stools are ridiculously expensive, are they not? My very favorite, if I could have-anything-and-if-money-wasn't-an-issue choice would be the stools from Luxe Interiors in the second picture. Talk about swoon-worthy--serious love at first sight going on over here.

image from Design Sponge

image from Luxe Interiors + Design

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[kreyv of the day]

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[color kreyv]: Neutral, Neutral, & Neutral

First of all, can we even believe that October is almost over? How did that happen? Christmas is going to be here before we know it.  Yes, I said it. It's true. Know what else is true?  These rooms are to. Die. For. To die for. Yes, to die for twice. You know I love me a neutral palette. The trick is to add lots of textures and various shades and layers of neutrals. Doing these things will ensure that the space is lived in, warm, and homey rather than stark and impersonal--because let's be honest, nobody likes a snobby room.

[color kreyv]: Gray Kitchens

You know I'm a white girl when it comes to kitchens (and...really all the time since I am caucasian--just in case there was any confusion there). A-ny-who...every now and again, I come across a gray kitchen that is so swoon-worthy, that it ALMOST makes me want to change my ways. I mean, really, where do we even start with these beauts? Total. Swoon. 

image from Southern Living

image from Susan Greenleaf

image from Jenna Sue Blog

Ceiling Love

Oh hi.  Remember me? Yes, almost three months later and still trying to get my groove back. I'll find it, right? RIGHT? Please tell me I'll find it! (And don't tell me if I won't, mmmkay?!) Anyway, how absolutely stunning are these ceilings? I would so move into anyone of these houses without even seeing any other rooms, that's how beautiful these are. Ok. I wouldn't really do that, but let's be honest: To. Die. For.

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image from Decor Pad

image from NYC & G

[kreyv of the day]

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Kitchen Islands | Legs for Days

Hi. Remember me? Is anyone still out there? (Crickets, crickets...) Things around here have been cuh-ray-zee. I miss routine. And, of course, sleep. The good news is that Baby S is only waking up a couple of times a night (one of which is 6:00 a.m., which still feels like the middle of the night to me). Don't worry, though, I still find time to think about kitchen islands and legs. Because, well, come on, I'm only human. I discovered the other day that I have pinned the first image at least five times.  I guess I'm a little obsessed. But, really, who wouldn't be?!

image from Rejuvenation

image from New York Times via CocoCozy

image from Better Homes & Gardens

[color kreyv]: Gold Pendants

How fabulous are these gold pendants? I definitely feel the need to say fabulous (I'd even go as far as fab) when describing the lighting in these spaces. I think I kind of need them as soon as I get a house. And a white kitchen. And, of course, space for two or three gold pendants.  I've got goals, people.

image from Dunlin Home

image from Apartment 34

image from Design Sponge

Simple Styling

Remember this post--a how-to on how to create a vignette? In case you forgot, or in case you really don't read this blog and just look at the pictures, here it is again: When creating a vignette, the easiest way to do it is to remember the tall, medium, short, layer, layer, layer rule. If you just look at the pictures, I realize you will miss this again. BUT for everyone else, start your vignettes with three items: one tall, one medium, one short, then add other elements to add depth, character, and texture. Check out the below pics for inspiration and style away!

image from Stylizimo

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image from Savvy Southern Style

Non-White Kitchens--and I Love Them Anyway

My obsession with white kitchens is no secret, but either is this: I can be obsessed with other kitchens, even if they're not white. That's right, I'm an equal opportunity obsessor. Now, if some kind stranger came along today and offered to build me a house (for free, of course), I would choose white. But, in reality (which is such a buzz kill, sometimes), a non-white kitchen wouldn't be a deal breaker for me. I care more about the style and shape of the cupboards than the actual color.  Speaking of dreams and kitchens, I was really hoping that if I spent enough time writing this post that dinner would magically appear. Once again, there goes reality being a total buzz kill.

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image from Still Stars

image from Houzz

Natural & Black Kitchen Obsession

Big. Fat. Sigh. I think it's safe to say that I am obsessive. Not in a creepy single, white female way, but obsessive in the way that I find it hard to pull myself away from a project. For some reason, I've decided that this is the week to schedule nothing, so I can organize every room in my house (and the garage). The bad news is I'm exhausted, the good news is I haven't washed my hair or gotten dressed in days, and I'll tell you, it's not half bad.  I'm not sure if Hubs would agree, but I'm sure he already thinks the house is organized...which it is, but it needs to be organized even more (according to me). I need to get my hands on some of Stella's toys that need to be donated or trashed, and I need to do this alone. I tried having her help me, and I swear to you, every little, crappy stuffed animal, toy from the dentist, and broken slinky happens to be the most important thing that she just can't part with. Trust me, she won't miss them. Why do we spend money on toys, again? (I feel like I should be doing an evil laugh after that. I promise, I won't get rid of anything she truly loves.) 

Anyway, I had to pull myself away from the playroom tonight, before I skip sleep altogether. But, speaking of obsessions, I've broadened my horizons, and I've found a kitchen (other than white) that is pretty much obsession-worthy. It's very different, and the giant white space above the stove needs to continue the black cupboards (IMO), but obsession-worthy regardless, dontcha think?

image from JJ Locations via Desire to Inspire

image from JJ Locations via Desire to Inspire

image from JJ Locations via Desire to Inspire

[color kreyv]: Navy

Hey, you guuyys...did you miss me? I must say, I have been having THE greatest time with my fam and friends. First, there was Disney, which was a-mazing (more on that later); then, we came home to BBQs, pool time, and a side of pedis and brunch with the girls. Of course, with so much fun, there has been a lot bit of neglect on the home front. Seriously, I saw my powder room countertop at eye level today and freaked out at the amount of dust I could see. Don't get me wrong, I didn't freak out enough to actually clean it, but it was a bit disturbing. Ehh, it will have to wait a day. Or two. In the meantime, how amazing is the navy in all of these rooms? I'd definitely rather look at these than my dusty house.

image from Domino

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image from Macy's

[color kreyv]: Pale Mint

Springtime has arrived, and I'm definitely feeling the lighter, brighter colors. Today, I'm digging pale mint. I love the way it adds a pop to a room in a subtle, neutral way. In fact, I'm wearing mint as I type. Don't be too impressed though, I'm still in my workout clothes. I worked out, went grocery shopping, folded some laundry…and that about sums it up. Oh, I forgot. I did go out tonight…to our church to help clean. (Remember when "going out" meant going somewhere exciting, not just literally going out of the house?) Please don't be jealous of my life, not everyone is made to handle a life as fabulous as mine.

image from Petra Bindel via Decorator's Notebook

image from Better Homes & Gardens

image from Porch Light Interiors

[kreyv of the day]

image from Sean Fennessy via The Design Files

My Someday List | Top 3 Items

My someday list is a list of things that I want when we build or buy a home. Someday. I'll be honest, the list is pretty long, but I can definitely narrow down my top three: an awesome four poster bed; a big ol' table (with upholstered chairs which is actually Jeremy's request, so I'll definitely pretend that I don't care about them and make sure it doesn't come out of my decorating budget); and a white kitchen with white subway tile and dark grout. What's on your someday list? 

image from Domaine Home

image from Restoration Hardware

image from Decor Pad

Windows. Lots and Lots of Windows.

Oh, how I love windows…great big, let-the-light-shine-in windows. Aren't these gorg?  Sigh.  An-y-way…how was your weekend? I have to say, I love a long weekend. Let me rephrase: I love a long weekend when Hubs in not working. We watched a movie, saw Disney Princesses and Star Wars characters at the library, went to lunch with friends, went iceskating, had dinner with family, had a game night, and saw Frozen.  And then we had family nap time to recover from all of the fun we had this weekend. Oh my gosh I love my little family. And these windows.

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image from House & Design

[kreyv of the day]

image from Coats Homes

Loves Kitchens, Hates to Cook | White Kitchens

I love, love, love a white kitchen, but it's no secret: cooking is just not my thang. My cute husband asked me if I would like a new cookbook. Haha…silly husband, unless that cookbook comes with a chef, you're stuck with my cooking! (Luckily, said cute husband is not a picky eater. And, to be honest, it's not that I'm a bad cook, I just don't like to do it.) Don't worry, I've once again set a goal to cook more, and I have to say, I'm doing okay. Granted, we are only two weeks into the new year…details, schmeetails. 

image from Rejuvenation

image from Rejuvenation

image from Refined LLC