NEAVE HOME, BEFORE & AFTER

Hey Y'all!  

This is the long-awaited post that has been in the works since May, and I'm happy to say that our new nest is nearly complete - from the outside, at least :)

We finally purchased this house in the newly formed city of Brookhaven, GA and have been turning it into the home we absolutely love.  Can a designer ask for a better project than her own home? Nope!  So... after pouring over paint samples, shutter styles, wood stains and more, I finally found time to document the face-lift.  Here are the before and after photos to show for it!

In the midst of this jungle is our circa 1988 home in all it's salmon pink glory.

Can you spot the flagpole hiding in the bushes next to the front door? 

Neither could we.

Our priorities were painting the brick, replacing the garage doors, and clearing the landscape.  Here goes! 

It was amazing how much this really opened up the house.

Next up were the garage doors, which could possibly be our favorite addition.  The (new) hubby worked directly with Affordable Garage Doors to design an up and over door that really does look like a carriage house door.  What a difference they made!

Here is the most nerve wracking moment....holding our breath....no turning back now....

The paint goes on!

So, three days and two approvals from our HOA later, this was the finished product.  The brick was coated with San Marco Potassium Silicate.  I won't get too technical, but the brick changes color due to a chemical reaction - so NOT actually paint, and virtually maintenance free.  We ended up with a customized blend of whites, which San Marco asked us to name. Our creation is Cricklewood White.  We are thrilled with the result, hope you like it too!

  

Only two things left...shutters and landscaping. 

Our landscaper urged us to go with Emerald Green Zoysia. We think it was a great suggestion. Eventually, we hope to add Italian Cypress trees to the front entrance, but baby steps, right? 

And the final touch - shutters! We were so happy to give some life to the ultra plain windows. We looked everywhere for the perfect shutters, but in the end we found a great company to make our own version of a Bermuda/louvered shutter. Thank you to The Shutter Depot in Greenville, GA for doing such a fantastic job.  We chose Sherwin Williams Mega Greige as the color.  Here they are after a 6 week wait...

Home sweet home  :)

Now, if we can only get the interior complete. Hopefully I can update you on that as well....one day. Stay tuned!

XOXO -

Jessica (& Brad)

Arts & Crafts in Brookhaven

The past few months have been a work in progress as I guided a  newlywed couple through the interior design of their newly built home! I'm very excited for Jen & Chris as they make the move into this well-built, arts & crafts abode in Atlanta, GA.

We incorporated cozy cottage elements - such as the bead board panel doors - while keeping the colors light and crisp. The ivory cabinets with mocha glaze are a clean backdrop for the strong, espresso island. I envision many hours of food and fun around this central hub, as it truly is a beautiful heart of the home.

The master suite is calming and warm, featuring a tile accent of gray mosaic on the floor and on the shower walls. The Jack & Jill bath has a welcomed touch of whimsy that the future kiddos are sure to love! From the pebble accents in the shower to the white washed "wood" floors, this bath is an intriguing spot to be seen!

Enjoy the pics!

Honeysuckle Pink?

Yep, you heard right. Pantone's 2011 Color of the Year is Honeysuckle - a vibrant shade of bubblegum pink! Am I the only one who immediately envisioned a warm shade of sunshine yellow when Honeysuckle was announced as this year's hot color? Either way, we get 12 months of a confident, happy color that is sure to brighten any room or outfit (although it may be hard to convince some of you.) 

Here are a few spaces that respond well to this color. And although it may not be the most practical hue for your home, there are more subtle ways to incorporate it. Now, be inspired!

Moises Esquenazi

 Country Living

Eileen Kathryn Boyd

 Bierly-Drake - How serene is this?

 

You can never go wrong with Peonies!

Monday at the Mart

I was very inspired by the new pieces I saw at the Mart in Atlanta this week. I purposely made the trip on a quiet Monday so I could take my time, avoid the crowd and find exactly what I was looking for. Luckily, I found more than I anticipated! But isn't that to be expected at America's Mart??

My favorite new vendor find would have to be Gabby Home by Summer Classics. This reclaimed wood line is shabby and French inspired, but not too French. And on top of that, they are based right out of small-town Alabama, just 15 minutes north of my hometown! Gotta give props to Clanton :)

Here are some photos from Gabby and a few other lines that I will be sharing with my clients...I can already see them in place!

From Gabby Home

Urban Globes

Gold Leaf Side Table - Adorable!

Recycled Wood Cabinet, perfect for the "washed" beach house.  

And finally, the coolest footstools seen this year! 

Thanks Interlude Home!

Sea Sponge Decor

Sea Sponges as decor

(photo by Pottery Barn)

Sponge Docks

Sea Sponge Vase

Waterfront Stores of Tarpon Springs

Just recently, I took a trip to the quaint city of Tarpon Springs, FL which is the largest Greek community in the U.S. It is notably famous for it's sponge docks and Greek cuisine, which I must say, was beyond delish! As I walked around the waterfront I was completely captivated by the thousands of sea sponges overflowing from baskets in every store, inside and out. Buckets full, nets full, even boats full! 

I'm sure it's hard to believe a lifeless sponge could be so intriguing, but there were many reasons for the admiration. First of all, I never knew there was such an industry as this. Sponge divers have spent decades of their life growing and harvesting these very affordable treasures. Then I begin to notice the abundant shapes, sizes, and uses for these sponges - wool, natural, soft. They even have sponges vases! All the while, my mind's eye was envisioning every possible way to incorporate these into my interior designs. So, as a designer, I have decorated spa-inspired bathrooms with sponge-filled glass jars (did Pottery Barn steal this idea from me??). As an amateur artist, I have used them for the perfect texture for oil and acrylic painting. And as a blogger, well, I just write about them to share the charismatic find with you. 

Natural Wool Sponge

Watts Up?

Lighting is not my forte. I have never been afraid to admit that. But recently, I was so impressed with a few collections I stumbled upon, that I am quickly trying to redeem myself from all the neglect I have shown to my lighting designs! The simplicity, geometry, and golden goodness of these fixtures are irresistable. Kudos to Troy Lighting, Moth Design, and Worlds Away.

Take a peek: