Enamel tin mugs make me feel nostalgic. For being in the mountains, with hot cocoa in front of a fire on a brisk morning. I came across two blue speckled ones at a thrift store last year. I quickly found out that they are perfect for the kids. Lightweight, wide bottom making it difficult to spill and I don't mind if they get dropped.
Minimalism Misunderstood
White walls, white rigid furniture, no accessories...minimalism right? That doesn’t sound appealing or inviting.
Many think feel that minimalism is all about restrictions, but it is actually about freedom.
Freedom from our stuff.
Sarah Lonsdale's home. Photo by Matthew Williams. via Remodelista
“Minimalism is a tool used to rid yourself of life’s excess in favor of focusing on what’s important so you can find happiness, fulfillment, and freedom.” - Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus
Happiness, fulfillment and freedom. Sign me up. Although, it will look differently for everyone. For me, it’s contentment, joy and freedom.
How does minimalism fit in with the design of your home? Two of my favorite design blogs have posted recently about their take on minimalism.
Remodelista describes the style Warm Minimalism as “design that's uncluttered yet inviting, clean-lined but tactile, and above all livable and life-enhancing”.
Lidkoeb via Remodelista
Sarah Lonsdale's home. Photo by Matthew Williams. via Remodelista
Sycamore Street Press’s Eva Jorgensen has had an evolving personal aesthetic that has translated into her family’s (amazing) paper good’s business. She describes it as Minimal Bohemian.
Penelope Loorham’s house for The Design Files. Photo by Eve Wilson, via Sycamore Street Press
Courtney Klein's home. Photo by Ann Street Studio via Sycamore Street Press
Michelle LeBlanc’s home on Design*Sponge via Sycamore Street Press
I’ve been reading (slowly but surely) the book Clutterfree with Kids. I recommend it even if you don’t have kids.
Are you a minimalist, a maximalist, or somewhere in between? Are you craving freedom from your excess?
[Local] SummerWood Winery + Inn
When we go on vacation (I'll use the term "when" lightly, since having our two little ones, I can't remember the last time we've been on a true vacation) I search high and low for something with clean lines, minimal decor, warm and inviting.
They can be suprisingly difficult to come by. But with a local inn's renovation there is one more option out there. SummerWood Winery and Inn now strikes a perfect balance with simple and clean lines, mixed with rustic touches.
Using her instincts from working resorts and hotels, executive chef Kelly Wangard oversaw the Interior Design.
via SLO Tribune
via SLO Tribune
via SLO Tribune
via SLO Tribune
via SLO Tribune
With rooms starting at $275 a night, it may be a splurge for many. But it might be worth it if you find it difficult to relax in a burgundy room with crunchy sheets and doily table runners.
Using Ductwork to Your Advantage
Do you like the look of exposed ductwork?
Designing a space with HVAC ducts located inside a conditioned space can save you 15-20% on your electricity bills as well as reduce the size of air conditioner you need by 25%.
Brooklyn Townhouse via Casa Sugar
Benefits include:
- Smaller heating systems
- Potentially lower installation cost
- Better indoor air quality and moisture management
- More comfortable home
- Better indoor air quality
via The Ranch Mine in Phoenix Arizona
It’s easiest to achieve while planning for it in the design phase of a new home, but there may be options for existing ducts in unconditioned spaces. If you don't really love the look of exposed ductwork, there are more options. Such as situating it between floors in a two story home, or a conditioned crawl space. For more information and good strategies visit ductsinside.org