Guest Room Styling with Serena & Lily

It's been busy in such a good way!! I just got back from an unbelievable trip to High Point Market, which is the world's largest to-the-trade furniture/ home decor show. The scope and magnitude are impossible to describe, but let's just say my brain exploded. Multiple times. (See the highlights here). I am also on Week 4 of 6 with the One Room Challenge over at Laura Design Co., and as if all that wasn't wonderful enough, my mom came to sneak in a quick visit from California!

Our guest room has been quite neglected, and I've been wanting to spruce it up for a while now. Mom's visit happened to coincide with Serena & Lily reaching out to see if they could send me a product to review. (Apparently somehow they were tipped off to the fact that I stalk their website on a near daily basis). One of the options was the Lanai Mirror- which seriously- I have been eyeing for MONTHS, and maybe even years, so I knew it would be a great fit for the guest room dresser immediately. In case you're curious, I went with the larger of the two sizes.

If you're not familiar with Serena & Lily, they are one of my top 3 favorite retailers. Their style is classic, preppy and a little bit coastal. Seriously, the last time I saw one of their ads in a magazine, I tore it out and carried it around with me for a week. This is what a nerd I am.

The mirror was here in no time and was just as gorgeous in real life as it was in their catalog (and my dreams). The fates even converged so that our magnolia tree popped, giving me fresh branches to style with! Ready to see it?

This room was long ago a nursery, but I painted it this deep navy (Naval by Sherwin Williams, one of our favorite go-to Navy blues), knowing that it would transition seamlessly into a guest room. I have a floral duvet cover (from RH over a decade ago) that I've always loved and am designing the room around. Now that this dresser is styled, of course, it makes me want to finish the room!

The rest of the room is pretty close...we just need a headboard (tough choices anyone?), a little more art, and some styling and we'll be there. But a huge thanks goes to Serena & Lily for the lovely mirror and a good start on finally finishing this room!



This post was sponsored by Serena & Lily, for which I am very grateful, in the form of product for review. As always, I would only recommend brands on this blog that I would share with my best friends at our weekly playdate. 

Schoolhouse Style

Elements of schoolhouse style have been popular for at least the last half decade, from the boys rooms of RH, to the best of minimalist farmhouses. Traditional trademarks include the iconic acorn shaped pendant, plenty of glossy shiplap, distressed wood furniture, and industrial metals. 

The trick to getting it right today is to pick and choose a few key pieces, and avoid going bananas so that your place doesn't end up looking like, er, a schoolhouse. Here's how to incorporate the style, and keep it fresh and updated for 2016. 

First up, for frame of reference, is an actual historic schoolhouse. Let's break down the elements and take a closer look at what to bring home (and what to leave in your locker).

Bring it Home:

1. PORTRAITS

Check out George- he's even dipped! Adding a portrait or two is a great way to bring character and personality to your space. Cool designers would probably choose an original vintage over a poster of GDub, since that's, like, obviously fake and ridiculous right? But I would totally do it. First of all, I have a weird obsession with presidential history, but more legitimately, it's cheeky. I actually came this close to buying a portrait of him riding a dinosaur at Renegade. Ah, craft fair regrets. Expert tip we can all agree on though: It's a good idea to test the waters on an inexpensive piece at first, to make sure you're cool with the eyes following you to your bathroom in the middle of the night.

Via Avery Street Design Blog.

Via Unison Workspaces

2. PLANKS

As the #shiplap trend continues to mow down any opposition in its path, the more planks right now the better. Floors, walls, ceiling, skinny, fat or short, it's all fair game. And it's my opinion that architecture is king. If you have ugly baseboards and drywall-meeting-drywall, no amount of mid-century foraging is going to make up the difference. Likewise, a room with outstanding architectural features hardly needs anything in it to be stunning. If you're torn about where to spend the money, start with the bones of the house.

Via Laura Design Co. 

Via deVOL

3. STACKS OF BOOKS

Somehow the design world has us convinced that minimalists are also book hoarders. While this can't possibly be true, the stylists have SO perfected the art of the sloppy stack that even the most staunch spartan is clamoring to pile unread 'zines against those white walls.

Via Kinfolk Home

Via Residence Magazine

4. THE POT-BELLY STOVE

Believe it or not, this hallmark of early Americana is making a comeback in a huge way. I see them all. the. time. lately in the most hipster of homes. And why not? Nothing says cozy like a giant oven in the middle of your room.

Via Planete-Deco

Via The Design Files

Via Remodelista

Via TrendLand (header image as well)

5. KEEP IT MINIMAL

For a myriad of reasons, minimalism is more than a current trend; It's a surging movement. The roots and spirit of utilitarian style are clearly seen in these early 20th century buildings. More often than not, they're all white. They boast simple shapes, time-worn materials, hand crafted furniture, and zero excess. Keep these tenets in mind, and make sure white space is a part of your design plan.

Via Design*Sponge

Via Dust-Jacket Attic

A few more tips? Think black, white & tan. Grab a schoolhouse clock. Upgrade to fantastic door hardware. And remember, cognac leather + tufting is always a good thing.

Doorknob  |  George  |  Pendant  |  Sink  |  Leather Chair  |  Fireplace  |  

Stool  |  Clock  |  Book  |  Watering Can  |  Buffalo Check Chair 

Now there are a few more obvious nods to the ol' schoolhouse that I would caution you to use sparingly. Since this trend has been around a while, the goal is to keep it fresh. So, while any one of these things can still be perfectly fine and wonderful, putting two or more in the same room can put you in that "bananas" zone we discussed earlier. And obviously, bananas have no business in the American educational system. So leave these in your locker:

Maps

American Flags

Chalkboards

Lanterns

Globes

Um, Lockers

What do you think? Can this trend stick around for a bit longer and still feel fresh? Or is it time for us to graduate?

New Year's Wish List

Happy New Year!

I realize it's completely wrong to make a wish list AFTER Christmas, when you just got a bunch of stuff, but I can't help it. I, like pretty much everyone in the free world, read Marie Kondo's book over the holidays, which ended in a colossal purge-fest.

A few pretties that survived the cut...

My closet has about 12 pieces of clothing left, and although that is exactly the amount I actually love and wear, it did become obvious that some key pieces are needed to round out my wardrobe. Hence, the wish list process began. And, well, you know how it is when you get on the internet....you end up needing all the things.

Luckily, I still remember my blogger password, so I can come here and brain dump all those things and feel better. I'm sorry if it makes YOU want all the things!

1. Stem Bend Earrings.

2. Buffalo Check Pillow. (This will in no way clothe me. But it could temporarily abate my raging need to clad my whole house in buffalo check wallpaper, so that would be a good thing).

3. J.Crew Ava Ballet Flats. PSA, on super sale right now!

4. Michael Kors perfume. This stuff smells sooo good.

5. Vintage Factory Chair, because rabbit holing at Rejuvenation is dangerous, dangerous business.

6. & 9. Puffer Coat & Sorel Boots. Because it's. freaking. cold. here.

7. Julia Kostreva Planner.

8. Tulle Midi Skirt. Obviously there is no need in my life for this skirt. Except that I neeeeeeeeeeed it.

10. West Slope Faucet. As I've already mentioned, Rejuvenation is dangerous.

11. Swivel Chair. (My obsession with West Elm chairs continues).

12. RRL Blackwash Skinny Jean. Is anyone else soooooo tired of cheap jeans?! I'm over it. And since my kids are ALMOST past the age where I live on my knees cleaning up Duplo and changing diapers and being ridden like a dog (I must caveat "almost" since all of those things happened this week), I'd love to invest in jeans that won't have knee holes after 2 months. And that will, like, hold their shape and stuff. And since it's my wish list, I'm going to go ahead and add "legs like that model" to the round up. If anyone figures out how I can get those, let me know. (Please note I don't have time to exercise as I'm very busy being ridden like a dog).

13. Cashmere Beanie from Saks. Saw this in the store on a trip downtown, and now of course it's sold out in black. Oh sweet hat. Why didn't I buy you when I had the chance? Oh yeah, because you were two hundred dollars.

14. Cheetah Print D'Orsay Flats ...Actually they wouldn't have to be flats. They could be flats, loafers, pumps...whatever. Anything with cheetah print and a pointy toe.

15. Rodin Crema, because if you are a wannabe minimalist Instagrammer, you buy this. It's just what you do.

16. Finch Glasses in Bellini

17. A massive scarf...because did I mention it's cold?

Renegade Craft Fair // Chicago

This weekend, I went to the Renegade Craft Fair for the second year in a row. I celebrated the anniversary of my first date with Kyla from House of Hipsters (remember last year?) and I coaxed Grace from The Big Reveal into coming to Chicago to join us, woohoo! I also found out that two girls from my bible study sneak downtown every year untethered by telling everyone they're going to a "craft fair," which sounds like a seriously repugnant way to spend a day. Genius. We totally bombed their date and I enjoyed every minute of their company, but to preserve their secret I will leave them unnamed here. Suffice to say, with gorgeous weather, great friends, and Instagram-candy abounding, I had the best time ever.

I can't wait to give you the scoop! (And unlike last year when I was, for the most part, so shy all I could do was sneak pictures and steal business cards and hope the makers didn't notice, I actually mustered the courage to TALK to these sweet people this year. Oh my goodness, shyness makes you miss out on the world! They were ALL so lovely. I felt like I left with a hundred new friends).

Now. Since I know you're all drooling over the wall hanging in that header photo, we'll just start with her- it's the 5-Strand Mobile by fail. Absolutely positively stunning, and her jewelry was equally perfect.

Also unlike last year, I knew better than to hope I'd get through this thing in two hours. Bound and determined to see every. last. booth, and in spite of certain distractions like Tacos-in-a-Bag, girl-crying on curbs, over-consumption of coffee, small bladders, and total lack of morning time-management, we made it to ALL of them, crossing the finish line at exactly 10 minutes after every maker had a well-deserved beer in hand. Due to this proud accomplishment and the ensuing brain glaze that comes from seeing too much good stuff in too short of a time, I can't chronicle the day with any sense of order like I did last time.

All that to say, here are pretty things I saw, in rapid succession and no particular order:

Loved the yummy stuff from The Good Hippie.

My money is on the Detroit Card Co. to be the next Anna Rifle Bond, especially for her "Be Kind" print and clever greeting cards.

{This year's Perfect Mani Award goes to Grace.}

Great styling and yummy smelling boy stuff at O'Douds.

Simple, graphic prints from Sean Mort (a really super nice guy).

Cute banners and pennants at Little Skunk Co. 

A charming flamingo print and zipper clutch at Louise Dean Design.

Whimsical animal prints by CW Drawings.

Candles should have cool labels and delicious smells. Check and check at Detroit Rose Candle Co.

I'm kicking myself for not buying these prints from Stay Home Club. 

This plywood art would look great in my boys' room. By Ply.

I was stopped in my tracks by the artwork on these tea towels, at my favorite booth of the fair: Yao Cheng Design. 

I felt like I could just swim in this Wisteria print.

I took way too many pictures of her booth but it was kinda like standing in a dream, so it had to be done.

Delicate gold jewelry and a fun wall hanging at Cities in Dust Jewelry.

This one was great fun- I found Aron, of Facture Goods, through our Instagram hashtag #foundforaged - so it was super cool to meet him and see his work in person.

Here was another great stop- Rebecca from Territory and Emily from Maya Mueble had piles of textiles and swoon-worthy home goods (such as this blanket, be still my heart). And they are like, THE sweetest women.

I could not resist coming home with this calendar for my daughter, from Hillary Bird Illustration.

Camping essentials like wood coasters and hipster pennants at Camp Hunt Co.

Cozy flannel scarves at Tucker & Scout. 

I snagged this Octopus Print by Repeater Printing, thinking it will be great against the navy walls in my guest room. The artist, Jason O'Grady, shared a booth with his brother and they were both awesome.

Grace and I were drawn in by the packaging on these soaps at Change Soap Co., but came away with a new BFF in creator/ designer Tina Ersig. She was so kind and fun (I'm sorry I'm saying that about all of them, but it's true!), and whatever oil (I think it was this one) she put on my hands is still making them soft days later.

Peg + Awl had GORGEOUS bags. In addition to their leather, I was obsessed with the canvas bags that came in a perfect indigo hue.

Cool maps and city-specific prints at Mr City Printing.

Should we talk about how badly I want both of these for the playroom? Probably not. Illustrated maps by Monorail Studio.

I have a slight dish towel problem, and have banned myself from buying any more. Like, ever. But oh this one...surely I should make an exception. Navy Chambray Criss-Cross by Little Minnow.

Marbled blue & white porcelain at Leah Ball. 

This guy. He was so dear! I am sad I didn't have his great smile in my camera roll at the end of the day. Is that weird? 419 Trading Co.

The darlings at FOUNT have my heart, as do their bags. I have the privilege of owning their Bellfield Tote, and the quality is outstanding.

And there you have it! A very condensed version of a shopping marathon so robust it was definitely the only exercise I'll need for at least the next 3 months.

Congratulations to all the amazing artists and talented makers who carted their wares to Chicago and worked so hard to make this the grand day that it was- and, at the risk of sounding like Socality Barbie- for sharing a piece of yourselves- it is a brave thing to do.