GO ASK ALYS

I am a big fan of all things Alys Beach.  Light, white, and Moorish details give this slice of Florida a very different feel. When I finally had the time to look at this stunning home Elle Decor designed by Architect Michael Imber and Interior designer Lynn Myers knew I wanted to share it here.  It is an inspiring look at a different take on a beach house. 

Simply gorgeous. The images speak for themselves.

Um. And yes please this:

This image goes on my 'someday beach house' pinterest board immediately.

images: elle decor / photographer: Richard Powers

SLIGHTLY OBSESSED: FIXER UPPER

This is a first. The first time I have talked about a TV show on Canvasstyle. But this one has me hooked and I thought I would share.

Mr. K and I have a little crush on another couple. We basically spent this past weekend between kids activities and FIFA looking for any episode we could find of 'Fixer Upper' on HGTV.

Joanna and Chip Gaines are utterly charming, determined, talented and well - just plain cute. I am a huge fan of 'before/after' reveals and this format on HGTV usually sucks me in. However this one has not only sucked me in, it has inspired me. 

Perhaps it is the parallel for us of a couple working together, or the interior design aspect of it, or the furniture part. Mr. K and I swim in these waters together so this show resonates with us. All I know is I am slightly obsessed with this one. We both look at the old forlorn houses as Chip and Joanna show their clients a potential reno house and say 'ohhhh that is so beautiful!".

Here are a few before/afters:

and some simply amazing afters:

Fixer Upper just aired its last episode of season 1 and is currently shooting season 2. I am so looking forward to season 2.

If you like old (read: decaying, falling down, long forgotten) homes and the idea of loving one back to life, you need to watch this show. Not to mention Joanna's wardrobe is so laid back cool I want to shop her closet. Very 'canvasstyle' - easy classics, jeans and fabulous boots.

Check out these links for more info and for their great shop Magnolia Market.

Joanna's Blog

Magnolia website

HGTV / Fixer Upper

I LOVE THE SMELL OF LUMBER IN THE MORNING

We are officially under construction Chez K.  When we first looked at this house it was abundantly clear that the kitchen although lovely, stopped just shy of fully functioning. Lack of counter space and a teeny tiny eat in nook were not going to cut it longterm. As we were discussing whether this house was the right one for us my answer that day was "yes, but only if we can bump out the kitchen, extend counter space and fit a harvest table in a new room off the kitchen".

After 3 years and countless (!) rounds of architectural drawings, we have finally begun. There are limitations with a reno... existing architecture and scale have us a tad boxed in but in the long run we chose a narrow room vs. a wider one that would have cut off the backyard and created unusable outdoor space. S and XS K's need room to roam. 

I will keep you posted on our progress but in the meantime here are a few inspiration photos that I have collected on my pinterest "Summerland" board, a few snaps of the interior portion of the project, and the framed space. 

INSPIRATION:

THE KITCHEN ASSIGNMENT:

Extending kitchen counter to the left of the stove and creating an 'L' shape pretty much exactly where you see the bench. Lower cabinets only, window straight ahead in this picture stays so I can watch S and XS K in the yard. Wall to the left in this picture goes away and opens into new room. 

EXTERIOR TODAY:

We have included as many windows and doors as the Florida hurricane codes will allow (which is not enough but I digress). French doors at the end will open on to a small patio connecting to the pool deck, with doors also opening poolside. I am hoping to create an intimate courtyard feeling around the pool while still preserving space for the kids to run free on the other side. 

More soon as progress continues...

Thanks for stopping by and please say a little prayer that what I see in my head actually turns out! Fingers crossed. 

SLIGHTLY OBSESSED: CHATEAU GUDANES

I saw the restoration of Chateau Gudanes pop up in one of my many 'feeds' (Elle Decor and Veranda have both picked it up) and got immediately intrigued.

The Chateau is being restored by an Australian family and their account of the journey has totally captured my imagination. Peeling back the layers of history sounds like the best job ever. Built in the early 1700's, the Chateau lay in ruin until this adventurous family discovered it. 

This is a total fantasy of mine, to restore an old property and spend countless hours unearthing the past. When I was little I used to dream of being allowed to stay in an old run down place by myself so I could explore. I will absolutely be digging in to this website and have already followed on Instagram.   From discovering original hand-painted wallpaper, to horses grazing on the front steps I am completely captivated.  So I thought I would share it with you today...

Now I just need to find an entire morning to read the blog and look at every single Instagram pic. 

check out their blog and find their instagram feed here

all images: Chateau Gudanes

ALL WHITE

I am slightly obsessed with white as you all know. It must be spring but I have an unusually high desire to paint everything in my life right now.  I am currently in the process of transitioning the exterior of our house from a gold tone to a more Greige color.  A subtle shift that will make a massive change I think.  

And as far as the interior goes, it is currently creamy cream.  I want to take it to white white.  Also on the horizon is a breakfast room addition on the back of our kitchen. We are getting very close to permit stage so I can't wait to start sharing progress with you.  

As I was looking for images for the breakfast room addition I stumbled on this one:

found: here

Which sent me into an excited tizzy. It is what I hope our kitchen / breakfast room addition feels like in the end. White paint, change out our butcher block island for white add windows and doors everywhere, a ceiling treatment like this one. This image is exactly what I've been waiting to see. I've seen it in my head, now I can show the builder pretty much exactly my dream result. 

Here is more from this lovely home by LDa Architecture and Interiors: 

All images: LGa Architecture and Interiors

reading week: modern elevation

This week I am taking a little break from the computer so in the meantime I thought I would share some of my favorite blogs with you.

Today's blog is:

http://modernelevation.com

Our friends are in the beginning stages of building a modern home and are documenting their progress.  It is fun to read about the stages of construction and see what is inspiring them as they plan their dream home. If you are going to build, have built or dream of building a house this will be a good one to follow.  If you just love modern design it will be inspiring to see what they curate.

the plan

demo day

walls go up

inspiration

The blog is well written and its a good time to tune in as construction is really taking shape!

Follow along here

super remodel

Sometimes I sit down at my desk with no purpose and simply look at images. Just cruise through pinterest and tumblr and lose myself in visual abandon. And then it happens. Something snaps me out of my haze and sparks excitement. After a long week last week I did just that. It all started with pins from Greige,  EST magazine and Alessandra Branca. This home in various bits and pieces, kept popping up in my pinterest feed yesterday so I thought I would investigate and share it all here.  

This open concept, vacation vibe remodel is so easy breezy and comfortable. 

Very inspiring design, both inside and out. 

 The outdoor space is as fabulous as the indoor vibe.

 Clean lines, eclectic touches and an airy design make this a remodel for the files.  Happy pinning!  

see more :  heather a. wilson architect

see more: jen langston interiors 
(website looks to be under construction but there is contact info)

Jo Malone headquarters

I finally got a chance to spend a few quiet moments with Lonny Mag. My favorite from this month's issue is the Georgian townhouse in London's West End that now houses Jo Malone's headquarters.  The grandeur of the circa 1790 townhouse has been showcased to perfection using a style that is infused with both luxury and restraint.  It is a clean beautiful vision that allows your eye to take pause and really see the beauty of the architecture of the time.  

Reclaimed wood floors ground the space and strong black and white contrasts 

make it look like a work of art on the pages. 

And as usual Patrick Cline's images just seem to float with loveliness. 

 You can see the Lonny article here

and more of interior designer Rose Uniacke's work here

I love the symmetry, simplicity and luxury all wrapped up together in one seamless package.  

It seems to really reflect the Jo Malone brand in its truest form which you can read about here.

Victorian renovation

This image caught my eye on the pinwheel (my term for what happens when you get stuck on pinterest going round and round in a happy trance of images).

seen: here

I absolutely love the old meets new vibe. It is so intriguing to me to imagine who lived in this gorgeous brownstone when it first built. I truly wish sometimes I could have a time machine and travel back in time for a day here, a day there  - just so I could drop by for a cocktail party at this grand old home (been watching too much Downton). 

Thoughtfully renovated by architect Julian King, this brownstone surprisingly retained a lot of original detail. The original floors were bleached and kept bare for a minimalist feel. The crown moulding was repaired and preserved in its original and ornate style.  Having been chopped up for rentals over the years, the floor plan was returned to a more logical flow. A beautiful master bedroom on the ground floor opens seamlessly to the outdoors. A rare treat in NYC.

Lots of white paint, a well thought out floor plan 

and a masterful balance between old and new makes this a renovation to applaud.  

Now, can I move in please? 

images found: here

photographer: Bruce Buck