the little grey cottage

2014-02-05T19:14:00.000-05:00

When you live in a coastal area I think you have greater flexibility for casualness in all areas of your life. Your design choices in your home and style often times reflect the proximity to the ocean and in turn create a more relaxed, laid back appearance. Now, don't get me wrong, my home is not filled with seashells and 1980's pink and teal sofas...not that anything is wrong with that, but I do appreciate design aspects that are earthy and airy and slightly reminiscent of the outdoors.

Lately, I have really been loving wicker basket light fixtures. Here are a few spaces that I love. Thoughts?

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happy new year....

2014-01-06T18:22:00.000-05:00

Hello folks. Happy New Year and welcome to 2014. I know I have been yet again a delinquent blogger and I could make excuses but I don't really fee like it. We have been working on a few small projects around the house and will share with you real soon. In the meantime I thought I would share some of my latest pins. I find with pinterest it is really easy to establish a decor style and it is evident when that style shifts with the phases I go through. Here's a few of my latest faves; recently it's either been really light and clean or really dark walls and cozy. Even though they seem to contradict, I think they both offer a casual, classic style without trying to hard. You know what I mean?

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penny for your thoughts

2013-10-01T19:32:00.001-04:00

Now I am a huge fan of subway tile, I think it is super versatile and can definitely stand the test of time with regards to durability and style. But I really have enjoyed the penny tile trend of late and can be relatively affordable option for a back splash, entry foyer floor or bathroom. Here are a few pics that have me inspired.

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get outside

2013-08-15T19:35:00.001-04:00

Hey folks, sorry for being a complete slacker lately on the blogging front. I could bore you with all of my excuses, but I will sustain from doing that. I can't believe summer is nearly over for us, where did it go?!?!?! I love summer and have hard time accepting the transition from summer to fall. Luckily, we are blessed enough to live in a place where summer sticks around for quite some time. Which makes it easy to enjoy our outdoor spaces as long as possible. Here are few lovely outdoor space inspirations that make me all kinds of happy.

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happy chic

2013-05-13T18:16:00.000-04:00

So I must admit, I am most likely completely out of the loop (that tends to be where I stay in most aspects of my life) but I just recently stumbled upon Jonathan Adler's line at JCPenny's called Happy Chic. I have always been a huge fan of Jonathan Adler's design, however my wallet has never caught up to the admiration. So imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon this wonderfully affordable and oh so adorable line. Here are a few of my fave pieces.

birds of a feather

2013-05-07T18:34:00.000-04:00

I have always had a particular fondness to "peacock" chairs and headboards. Most recently, I spotted said mentioned chair on a front porch of a home I pass on my way to work, and think to myself, do people really use that chair, to they live there, would they sell it to me? My aunt had one of these chairs when I was a little kid and I can vividly remember thinking it was so grand and unique. I also, love the headboards, I am still kicking myself from not pulling over and purchasing one at a yard sale back home a few years ago. Why didn't I you ask, because the old storage/space you only have two bedrooms and they both have perfectly fine beds issue. Sometimes it is really difficult to be your own voice of reason. Any who, enough about me, enjoy these pretty pics as I will until I have the space for one of these pieces in my life.

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2013-04-08T20:22:00.001-04:00

So, I love our little home, it's perfect for us and our needs. It is in a great location and has plenty to offer. But.... in my dream land I live in a beautiful home with wonderful views and fantastic finishes like this glass and iron work. I love that it is really graphic without being aggressive. It's definitely on trend but is also something that seems old world and timeless. Thoughts? Talk amongst yourselves.

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dark walls

2013-03-25T19:21:00.000-04:00

There is something to be said about a really dark room. Now, I know painting a room in your home a really dark color is not for everyone but I think it's great when done right. All other colors seem to pop against a dark backdrop and problem areas can be easily hidden. It seems all kind of glamorous and cozy without even trying. Here are a few rooms that have me inspired. Also, stay tuned. I hope to have an update on my kitchen cabinet painting adventure soon.

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summer...where are you?

2013-02-27T19:23:00.002-05:00

Is anyone else as ready for some warm weather as I am? I don't know if it is all the rain we have gotten and the seemingly constant grey days but I am thoroughly looking forward to some nice warm temps and sunshine. We are lucky enough to live about 5 minutes from the Atlantic Ocean and I intend on visiting it numerous times throughout the spring and summer months. In the meantime I will daydream of warm days, sitting in this fabulous outdoor area and sipping on this yummy cocktail. Who's with me?

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headboard progress

2013-02-25T18:45:00.000-05:00

So as I slowly proceed with our bedroom makeover, I have updated the headboard. I got the inspiration from some pillow covers I got from Lowe's Home Improvement for a whopping $6.99 a piece and then just went right on over to the painting section and picked up a fabric painter's drop cloth. I washed and ironed the drop cloth and then did the Greek key style design with black ribbon. The room is no where close to being complete but I thought I would give you a sneak peek at the updated headboard.

2013-02-04T18:40:00.001-05:00

Sorry for being such a lazy blogger as of late, I don't know if it's the weather, the new job or lack of inspiration, but my apologies folks. I have slowly but surely been working on our bedroom, all the while trying to "trim" down the amount of stuff we have in this house. I'm apprehensive to buy anything new without taking stock of everything we have first. As I've slowly ( I mean really slow ) been making the changes I've found myself gravitating to more neutral spaces. Which is odd for me because I tend to choose color when I can. These rooms are really making me feel like I want to make some more changes around the house. What do you think, neutral or full of color?

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our bedroom needs help

2013-01-19T10:45:00.003-05:00

Happy Weekend People!!! I am so happy the weekend is here, life is been a bit crazy lately with a new job and a new puppy and this whole winter thing is really getting on my nerves. I have big plans to work on our bedroom this weekend. It is in desperate need for some updating and changes. I plan on recovering the headboard I made and well as updating some of the design. It would be nice if I had buckets of money to spend on this project but alas I do not, so this chick will be doing it the homemade way. Here a few bedroom inspiration pics that have my wheels just a turning.

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belize...

2012-12-26T18:44:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Holiday Season. Even with my complete inability to plan ahead for these types of things I love this time of year. Everyone seems to be in a happier mood, a la the Christmas
Spirit, and I love it. I thought I would finally get around to posting some pics from Belize. I highly recommend visiting, it's a beautiful country and the people are so kind. Here's some pics for your viewing pleasure.

We stayed at Mata Rocks Resort, it's our second time visiting Ambergris Caye and we love the hotel so much we decided to stay there again. The staff is wonderful, it's in a great location, and they have a wonderful beach front bar that both locals and people from other hotels frequent.

I don't normally take pictures of food, but this was the Lobster Burrito from Waraguma, and it was insanely delicious and so affordable.

This is Palapa Bar & Grill, great service and amazing atmosphere.It's definitely worth a visit.

pretty packages

2012-12-18T18:46:00.004-05:00

So Christmas is literally right around the corner. I still can't figure out how I keep letting all of these Holidays sneak up on me. I have bought a total of one present so I am officially in the running for the Procrastinator of the Year award. With that said, I think pretty packaging is a huge part of the fun when giving gifts. Here are a few ideas out on the word wide webs for inspiration. Once I have the actual gifts to wrap I should be good to go.

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i'm still here

2012-12-09T19:50:00.001-05:00

Sorry for the complete delay. The Holiday Season is now officially upon us and year after year it always seems to get busier and busier. I will have some proper posts for you fine folks real soon. We just got back from a trip to Belize, and cannot wait to share all about our trip. Until then, here's a little photo to keep you going.

This was the view from our room, and let me tell you it's a little difficult to adjust back to reality today. More to come soon!

thanksgiving table

2012-11-19T18:20:00.002-05:00

So, Thanksgiving is right around the corner (which is completely insane how quickly it got here this year) and I am looking forward to spending some quality family time, eating way too much food and watching movies. Fingers crossed that I will have enough free time to share a post about a recent Baby Shower I co-hosted for a friend. Any who, I thought I would share some fall table scapes to get you in the Thanksgiving Day spirit.

So simple but a great message in tune with the Holiday itself.

How cute for the kid's table and would definitely make clean up a bit easier.

Glitter pumpkins...enough said.

So pretty, love the linen cloth, the fresh produce as decor with the warm terracotta and candles.

Monochromatic awesomeness.

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feeling brassy

2012-11-13T21:17:00.000-05:00

Brass hardware has made a resurgence over the last couple of years, and I must say I like it. Now, I'm not one to go all out and have every finish brass, but I do like the warmth it brings to a space. Here's a few inspirational pics for you fine folks.

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we're talking curtains...

2012-11-06T19:17:00.000-05:00

Hey there folks and happy election day. Sorry I have been a delinquent blogger lately, just been all kinds of busy learning a new job. New job and all I can't stop my mind from running about brightly colored curtains. I love how curtains can change a space with little to no effort. Usually, the worst part about updating your curtains is the cost involved, other than that not much effort is given to get such a huge impact in your space. What do you think, do you like the brightly colored curtain options?

Love the curtains mixed with the other pops of color in the lamp, chair and flowers.

Another yellow moment, it's so clean and fairly simple but makes such a statement

I am a sucker for turquoise, I just can't fight it and alas another pop of yellow. Also that light fixture is insane...in a good way.

I mean, shut up. This room is beautiful and those curtains are amazing. That chandelier and the green, you know I have been digging green lately.

This room is full of color and pattern but the rug and artwork help to tie it all together and another awesome chandelier

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glass + wood = awesome sauce

2012-10-28T19:04:00.000-04:00

So this weekend has been one spent indoors courtesy of this storm, you may of heard of her, Sandy. Thankfully we just got some rain and wind, nothing major, just hoping and praying for my peeps that live in her path as of right now. So any who, back to the post at hand. I am loving the combo of wood and glass, its contemporary without being cold and it can be used in small doses, like kitchen canisters all the way to the design of a home. Here's what I have been pinning...

This ice bucket would be the star of a bar area.

Love the simplicity of these kitchen canisters, would also be great as terrariums.

This staircase and gallery wall is awesome.

A more romantic, traditional take but would be great with some found brackets and made to fit glass.

I don't generally gravitate towards contemporary architecture but I love the openness and the different wood finishes. A glass of red wine and you are golden.

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green machine

2012-10-25T10:04:00.002-04:00

Lately, I have been noticing a trend towards the use of a richer green hue in home design. Whether it be in furniture, art, paint, whatever, I keep seeing it pop up. Many of the photos I saw from High Point Market also showcased this color. I love it more in smaller doses rather than all over color but it definitely adds a vibrant punch to things. What do you think?

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sheep skin is in

2012-10-16T21:02:00.000-04:00

So now that Fall is here and it's a brisk 75 degrees here in the good old south I thought I would focus on a nice warm and fuzzy trend, sheep skin in home design. I actually like how it adds a bit of texture and warmth and is usually a very mobile piece so you can move it, store it, bring it back out, whatever you want to do. Here's a few little pics to get you inspired for some furry cozy comfy design....word!

Amber from Amber Interiors did this. I love her work, it's so youthful, eclectic and fun. Her website also has a great DIY project for the artwork.

Glam, trendy, rustic awesomeness.

Love this and the fiddle leaf fig.

What a cute work space.

Amber Interiors again, she is so good it's sick.... in a good way.

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walnut wallpaper

2012-10-10T19:22:00.000-04:00

I recently stumbled upon the website for Walnut Wallpaper and let me tell you that stuff is bananas (how many of you just spelled that out a la Gwen Stefani just then). Any who back to the subject at hand. I love cool graphic wallpaper along with select vintage styles and this site has plenty to choose from. I am more apt to use wallpaper in smaller doses rather than a full on room coverage. Here's a few photos courtesy of their site that I am totally oohing and ahhhing over.

all photos via

white out

2012-10-09T21:48:00.000-04:00

I am kind of digging pure white walls, so much so that I think I may paint (I know again) my living area all white. I like it because it seems innately "clean" but by contrast all other colors literally pop against it. I like the idea of being able to add color in doses, rather than with wall colors but I also think a pure white is super modern and on trend as well. Here are a few pics that I am loving and will hopefully draw some inspiration from.

Blue and white...enough said. Also, the moldings and tile are stunning.

I love painted brick, this space is so young and chic.

The green literally pops against the white and the multiple tones of green add a warmth.

Love the citron curtains and pops of hot pink and black furnishings.

What a cute room. Simple in it's pieces but the colors and patterns against the white makes such a statement.

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thrifting in Richmond part 1

2012-10-02T18:48:00.000-04:00

So as I mentioned, I spent last weekend in Richmond. While there, my Aunt Jean took us around to a couple of her favorite thrift stores. Let me tell you, if I had a bigger home and bank account I would have gone to town. They had so much great stuff and the prices were fantastic. Often times around here, any thrift store you go to is extremely over priced to help pay the rents. Here are a few snap shots of some of the things I could have easily taken home.

This is the spot, Class & Trash. Next time you are in the Richmond area, it's definitely worth the trip.

I love old doors, and this place had a plethora of old doors and windows. Perfect for adding character to a new home or rehabbing an older one.

My aunt and I both fell in love with this table. It was in great condition and had a great Greek key pattern (sort of hard to tell in the photo), but alas the space issue won out.

They had two of these garden stools and I looooved them, so great and would be perfect in a space like this one.

All of these containers would be great for planting orchids or succulents and great grouped together.

This bar cart was awesome, needed a paint job but would have been perfect.

It's hard to tell but this couch was awesome, super long & great structure. It would look great with some white or grey linen fabric rather than the kaleidoscope of colors here.

These beakers would be great little bud jars grouped together on a mantle.

pumpkin season

2012-10-01T08:14:00.000-04:00

Sorry folks for the lack of posts as of late....it's been crazy but stay tuned for a great post about thrift store shopping in Richmond, VA real soon. Well, it's that time of year again, pumpkin season is upon us. I love the use of pumpkin in food, drinks, decor, etc. I'm thinking of decorating some pumpkins real soon and here are few of my inspirations. What do you think carve or paint the pumpkin?

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