Dreamy kid fort

I tend to like kid things that are eye-pleasing to an adult too. This would be the ideal kids fort for my yard:

Sharing Inspiration

This post is for a friend - gathering together some photos and opinions for creating a home. I thought I'd do it on this blog so that I can access the organized ideas in the future!

FIRST,
I'm not convinced that a house must be decorated fully in the style of the architect. Some elements should flow, but overall, you're not limited to exactly one fit. One example is the blend of rustic and industrial - which could fit a cottage home or apartment or bungalow or farmhouse. Modern can mix into traditional, and cottage and blend with classic. Here is a photo to think about:

The light fixture is elegant, the bedspread is plain, the art is funky-antique, the chairs are classic, the lamp is mid-century modern? and window treatment could be boho. Yet it fits together just fine and I think the ceiling is what makes it a lovely room. I feel like this room could mix with a variety of interiors. So choose the style that you love, that reflects your personality and the functionality of your family, and then blend it with the exterior style. It'll work out well (in my opinion!)

Also, here is an article on what paint colors go with wood trim. It's at least an interesting read: http://www.bhg.com/blogs/better-homes-and-gardens-style-blog/2014/02/26/paint-colors-for-rooms-trimmed-with-wood/

SECOND
I have two home inspirations to share. Flicking through these home tours really speak to me, but for different reasons. Here is the first:

http://www.homeplans.com/plan-detail/HOMEPW76449/dazzling-cape-cod-with-spectacular-living-space

This home has quality and simplicity mixed with beauty in the details. I think it would be a fantastic home to take style ideas from. The batten-board wall treatment, beams on the ceiling, and great lighting make this home so striking even though it's comfortable and simplistic. This is a design style that would be so easy to call home. To live with. To change around for seasonal decorating if desired.

Here is another house that makes me smile:

http://hiyapapaya.com/blog/archives/1609

This house is busy with color. It is bursting with fun. I love simplicity but this house reminds me how playful a home can be.

This is one of my dream rooms:

I love the beauty of the quality floors and the simple colors with striking contrast... but it's not practical for a family...but my take-away is to remember that shapes and scale and architectural character  are what bring beauty.

Also, to wallpaper small areas - like a bathroom - is something I like:

And - I really love this light fixture from Lowes. Would set the tone of a pretty amazing diningroom!

http://www.lowes.com/pd_511350-43501-FD13-033_0__?productId=50096172&Ntt=18+light&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3D18%2Blight&facetInfo=

Which is a cheaper version of this:


For that home in particular, Restoration Hardware would be a great place for inspiration - order a catalog and drool over the beauty of neutrals!


The attic will be a super fun place to decorate... update the bathroom and it'll be like a luxurious get-away for your guests!

These wooden walls are fun with the rustic pop of color:


But I love classic white too:



Here is a mix of classic and color (I love this light gray paint btw) that impresses me - for example, would you have ever thought to pair that rug (size and color) with this table and chairs?


This picture reminds me that there should be some repetition (all matching chairs in this picture, with yellow pulled throughout the room) but that you can get by with mixing up a lot.

LAST thoughts... the kitchen... I'm liking the marble backsplash, neutral and beautiful but not loads of color in the backsplash... sometimes the herringbone pattern is nice. I like gray cupboards like these:




 White is my favorite for a kitchen. Simple fresh bright and classic. I don't get tired of white kitchens - though I kind of like the Island being a different color:



And I like glass doors on at least some cupboards







Refurbished Islands can be cool:


I like ones with the refurbished wood on the existing island - cheaper than replacing the island:





 Or another example:

(Sarah Richardson kitchen design)

The whole reclaimed wood look is super fun:

 http://houserevivals.blogspot.com/2012/07/how-to-use-reclaimed-wood-in-your-home.html


And here is a fun kitchen - such a mix and looks so welcoming



Here is an article to skim for kitchen renovation ideas:
http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2014/01/kitchen-trends-here-to-stay/

Happy Planning!!!

Teepee!

Although I've daydreamed about some fun forts - the cost and time and effort of building a structure for my sons seemed not worth it. The trampoline and sandbox have been pretty great and they can have fun building temporary created little forts in the woods. Making your own is a fond memory of my childhood. But when Tristan announced that he wanted a Native American birthday party (after learning about Illinois Indians in History class) I started imagining a teepee. What a fun place for boys to have adventures, and much more DIY friendly (timewise and budgetwise) than a big fort.

Of course I needed my parents to visit before undertaking such a task.

First step, 8' boards. They were under $2 each. My dad drilled holes in the top and halfway down. I laced them together at the top with wire and rope and tied rope through and around the middle holes to keep everything all in place and evenly spaced.

Then we measured the bottom, up two feet, up two more feet, and sketched out the dimensions for the fabric. The cloth was 1. Painters cloth from Lowes, about $10 2. A heavy silky tan sheet from Goodwill $4 and 3. A thick flannelish gray sheet from Goodwill 1/2 price for $2 and a matching pillowcase for $.50

All together supplies cost:
boards = $11
rope = $5
fabric = $16.50

Total = $32.50

We also used an old Karate belt for the sides of the door.
I decorated the top with a stretchy hairband and some necklaces and a dreamcatcher that I already had.

This is how it turned out:

 

 At the very top of the teepee we used a old pair of boys size 2 sweatpants and cut out the elastic. Mom sewed the pillowcase with elastic at the top and connected the bottom to the panels of fabric.  The door was our leftover piece of painters cloth with karate uniform belts for a heavy edge.

The fabric isn't crazy tight, because measurements weren't totally perfect - which was fine with me. I like the soft loose freedom of the fully functioning teepee and it wasn't worth stressing about refitting and repinning and getting everything exact. It took my sweet mother a lot of time and work, and she is good with sewing to start with, but overall I don't think you have huge experience (but maybe a good dose of patience) for creating a teepee. And without stripes it would be simpler too. But it's not like a dress where it has to fit exactly. The teepee is reasonably forgiving. 

Here is the rest of the party:

 Feathers added to the glass jars and signs added to the square wreath:

And the cupcakes were little teepees - baked in a sugar cone.

We had balloons on our table-tree and lots of decorative games:

Fun party - thank you mom and dad for (yet again) making my wishes come true!