It was all a dream

Remember a couple of years ago when serial guest posts about dream houses were going around the blogosphere like the wave?  Mash ups where someone would catalog images of their favorite rooms to make up their dream home.  Pretty much my favorite pastime ever....

I'm about to bring it back.

I have been dreaming nonstop about our , err, my dream home and the feasibility of doing something like this at age 32.  I already have a grandiose and likely improbable vision of what I want in our 'finally' home but constantly wonder if this is doable in the next 5 versus the last 20.  

I've talked about how we've outgrown our current cottage, sadly.  In this next year, it's time to either upgrade or stay the course here, making some small changes to make this home more liveable until we can do what we really want - which is build.  

I'm not so set on the interiors, shocker!, because I know my tastes will change 15 times before I ever step foot in it. What I am fixated on is the exterior. 

I want, I want, I want the entire back to be windows and doors that open up to an expansive ground-level deck or courtyard.

While I think this layout is most appealing in a California Spanish ranch,  I reckon I'd have to do some version of a modern farmy ranch to make this style vibe in Northern Virginia.  

I lust after L and U shaped homes that lend themselves quite well to the glass-lined backside and ground-floor deck.

So many dreamy options and it's only the exterior!  I could drool on my desk for days just thinking about floorplans and swinging casement doors without even scratching the surface of the other 'must haves' in this place:

// guest cottage slash mancave //

 // indoor dog stable (oh yeah... that's being whiteboarded out next) //

// barn //

Clearly I've bumped my head.  Must find compress.

P.S. Check out the new items in our TAG SALE

Dream Dining Room

I spend a lot of time inside my own head thinking up my dream house.  Who doesn't?

I like to daydream that I have a formal dining room.  A huge departure from my current dining 'nook'.  I would like my dining room to be in a conservatory-type room or addition off of the back of the house. Really cozy and romantic, with string lights across the ceiling to augment the stars at night. Slate floors for easy keeping and casement windows galore.

I want a whole art collection to house in there.  Kind of like the Natural Curiosities vignette at Market this year.  I can't stop thinking about it.  Sheer volume making it amazing but the palette and genius behind it is what kills me. Here's the picture Mom took of it.

Here's how it's going down.

Ok, who's ponying up the money for this thing?

Dream House Dreamin'

Have you heard enough from me on kitchen renovations?  Jesus, I love a good before and after.  Check out this doozy of a renovation featured on Houzz. 

This is the stuff dream homes are made out of.

See?

My designer home (in my dreams)

Do you ever have a tough time getting back in the swing after a vacation? I had the greatest time at Myrtle Beach this past weekend and I need a stick of dynamite to get me going.  How about these images to keep me in dreamland?  If I could have each room designed by a professional, this would be my taste (today).

 I like alot of architectural details, and simplicity. Welcome to my entry designed by Benjamin Dhong:

                                             

My living room, as designed by Steven Gambril (I wish):

This would be my family room/sun room designed by Phoebe Howard:

                                             
My dream dining room by Patrik Lonn:

                                                 
The master bedroom by Pablo Panaigua:

Here is my dream master bath by Tiffany Eastman:

                                              

This kitchen designed by Carolina Design Associates:

I intended for this to be a quick post, but it really has me thinking of every hallway, laundry, back porch, etc, so this clearly is an idea to continue.  

Have a great day.
Nancy


P.S.  Don't forget to vote for Bethany's room on Apartment Therapy until October 29th! Im sorry some of you have had difficulty voting.  You do have to jump through a hoop or two to sign up, but we thank you sincerely for your time and effort in supporting us!!!


Think hiring a designer is too expensive? Think again! There are so many different ways to work with a designer. We offer room consultations, paint suggestions, shopping and sourcing, complete room and house redo's, staging and reworking your current furniture, spot-checks in areas that aren't quite gelling and many other services. eBoards are a quick and easy way to get a design look and feel in your home. While hiring a designer may cost you a bit extra, we aim to save you money by preventing costly mistakes in your design plan.

Shifting into Neutral

I am always thinking about my dream home - how I'd love to build the perfect home for my little family and include all the things I daydream about like steel conservatory windows, eastern facing windows, a fireplace, a screened-in porch and a garage.  I like to think that by the time we are able to build our dream home, I might have enough discipline to do an all neutral color scheme.  Ever since I was a little girl and my mom included me in on helping with the decor of my then Waverly Iris purple bedroom, I've dreamed about all white rooms.  So far, my love for color has always won.  

I was feeling creative but wanted to do something for myself instead of always for a project or someone else. I want a big greatroom done in all neutrals and textures.  The kind where I have them just spray every room in Ivory White or Decorator's White once the walls are up.  I'd love to punctuate the lightness with black accents, Celerie Kimble style.  

What style do you see next on your decor roadmap?

Happy Friday people!

-Bethany

PS - PLEASE VOTE FOR MY ROOM, if you haven't already, ON APARTMENT THERAPY.  The contest ends October 29th and I need all the votes I can get :)

eBoards are a quick and easy way to get a design look and feel in your home. While hiring a designer may cost you a bit extra, we aim to save you money by preventing costly mistakes in your design plan.