B&B Love

I am not that original... my decor choices and inspirations are influenced by magazines and of course other blogs. I can honestly say that I have never seen so much board and batten in any other resource as design blogs... and the truth is I LOVE it. Every time I see a space transformed with paneled walls I want it in my own house. My cookie cutter house...

I have reservations about putting it in, not because I wouldn't love it but what about when we go to sell the house? Will others like it? This is my inspiration picture... not that there aren't MANY beautiful inspirations but because I have green walls and brown leather couches and don't think either of those will be changing anytime soon!

Can I do it?

Not a whole lot of living goes on in my living room, in part because the tv is in the basement family room, and in part because I liken the room to a waiting room. We are not "formal" people, but we have a formal living room of sorts... really it is much more like a waiting room. There's little personality.

Can I do it?

Can I convince Bruce?

Cookie Cutter

We plan to move someday, but today someday seems so far away! I have struggled with the idea that I can't really make this house what I want it to be for whole list of reasons:

1. This isn't the forever house
2. What if what I want isn't really good for resale, what if it is too personal?
3. This house is a prime example of a cookie cutter house, a classic long faced split entry, you know the ones... and once you've seen one you've seen 'em all! So no character. Boxy, boring rooms. There's hardly a room we haven't touched in some way since it was built in the 70's and when we bought it it clearly showed its age and lack of tlc, but we've focused on rebuilding more than redecorating. New windows, siding, roof, interior painting and flooring. The house still lacks character in my opinion, but would adding character actually detract from the value of the house because it would look odd?

Hmm... food for thought...

London Calling- Inspiration from Over the Pond

'Not to know what happened before we were born is to remain perpetually a child. For what is the worth of a human life unless it is woven into the life of our ancestors by the records of history' -- Cicero

My love for all things British began at a young age. Growing up I loved all things Royal. My fascination with Princess Diana as a child even resulted in me taking to biting my fingernails because I had learned that was something she did.

My father is the genealogist in our family. He has spent innumerable hours researching our family origins. My great grandparents were born and raised in England and through his research he was able to trace our family history all the way back to William the Conqueror. I hope to someday visit England but until then I just might have to settle for British Inspired Decor, namely the Union Jack... It's everywhere lately (perhaps in part due to the increased interest in the Royal family thanks to William and Kate)

Furniture:

Miss Mustard Seed

 I wonder how Grandma would feel if I painted her cedar chest this way?!

Pillows:

Accessories:

This is my inspiration for the family room... it was Stephen & Chris' man cave... just goes to prove that I prefer masculine decor, but it incorporates both of my posts today... Union Jack and Nautical Maps!

Framed Flags:

Rugs:

Even Kitchen appliances

Map Roundup

Oh take me away!

 

Has it been done before? Um... I can think of about 25 posts about maps that I've read recently... it's by no means a new trend... even for me. I have always had a love of maps, their graphic nature, the possibilities they suggest, their beauty, the allure of far away places! Here's my collection of inspiration pictures of maps and nautical charts:

 

They look stunning in kids rooms, especially playrooms and boys rooms!

 This is one of my absolute favorites, maybe because of the Union Jack

Maps aren't just limited to kids spaces though, framed they make a nice art statement