My Modern Farmhouse

It's been some time since I've last posted, but I felt like getting back into the swing of things! My new little addition, Crew, is almost 6 months old. While my not so baby boy, Luca, is 3 and in preschool! I feel like I'm finding a little bit of time to fit in blogging again, so we'll see! I've missed it! 

I have to say, it's so unreal how fast time flies! My husband and I moved out of our home so we could begin our remodel...or should I say new build! The only thing left is the foundation! I know we have a little time before we start picking the finishes, but I wanted to share with you all some of my favorite inspiration from Pinterest and Houzz for our modern farmhouse! Let me know what you girls think- I love hearing about your style, or what you guys think of what I'm trying to choose between! Happy November btw! WHAT?!?! Time- stop it! :) 

Loving this for our kitchen. Brass is definitely growing on me. And I am loving all the long pulls! 

Also loving this kitchen. That pendant is AH-Mazing!

This floor though! Maybe for the boys bathroom! 

Loving some type of Cement tile. The gold and silver/gray is gorgeous! 

Simple and Chic. 

Faucets coming out of the wall. A yay or nay? More brass- it really is growing on me. But is it too trendy?

Love me a big ol' fireplace! Especially a chic one made of cement! 

Classic farmhouse front door. 

Every farmhouse needs a little ship lap! 

Kind of loving the black top as opposed to the white counter tops that are always being done. And those lights are incredible.

As you can see, it's al little all over the place right now. But we have some time so I'll try to narrow down my favorites from my inspo. This is such an exciting project and I can't wait to continue seeing it all come together! xo

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The Monogram

There are really few things I like more than a beautiful monogram! Ever since college, when my mom sent me off to school with monogrammed bed sheets, pillow cases, towels & laundry bag, I fell into obsession with the monogram. She had told me it was so no one took my things, which really was a smart thing to do, but really it was my custom stamp! It was my name, my logo, my being. I love everything about a monogram. 

Now that I'm a little older, and a little wiser (and since I've gotten married and have tossed all my college bedding/towels, etc out-because who really still needs to hold onto pink and green twin size bedding?? haha) I have realized there is an abundance of things you can monogram! You can put your stamp on napkins, serving trays, candles, blankets, backs of chairs, pillow cases, makeup bags, tote bags, clothing, shoes, stationary, presents, etc.! That's just the beginning! The options really are endless. A monogram is beautiful, sophisticated and classic, so you really can't go wrong. 

Not only can you have one set of monogramed napkins, but you can have multiple sets- for different occasions or just to change the look and color palette of the table for a soiree. This goes with almost everything and anything you monogram. You can pick different colors, different font/type, even different size or location of the monogram. You can't leave out your men either- there are great items to get monogramed for your man, such as cocktail napkins for his bar, a leather toiletry bag, bar glasses, cuff links, or even sunglasses! When in doubt- monogram it! 

Napkins

Bedding

Striped T-Shirt

Belt

Cosmetic Bag

 Guest Towels

Luggage Tag

Dresser Tray

Robe

Cuff Link Box

Cooking Utensil Set

Sunglasses

Spring Forward

I've been busy these last few days doing my "spring cleaning." It feels so good to cleanse oneself of anything you haven't used in awhile or items that have no need being in your home. When I think of spring I think of fresh florals, uncluttered spaces, and crisp linens. Funny enough, while I was doing my usual perusing of online blogs and articles, I came across an amazing article at Vogue.com all about they best ways to freshen up your home for spring! It is a must read! It inspired me to go that extra mile and to really take that full transition into spring. The weather has finally cleared up, the sun is shining, and I think it is about time I throw my Uggs to the back of the closet and bring my wedges up to that front row spot. Are you an avid spring cleaner? It feels refreshing and like a weight has been lifted off my back. Cheers to rosè and fresh peonies (weather they be real or faux-flowers always brighten up the place)!! 

Project: Linda Ave. Staging & Remodel

I wanted to share with you all the photos we have of our remodel and staging from our last project on Linda Ave. It was a lot of hard work but it's so fun for us and it's what my husband and I love to do! We are a great team when it comes to getting things done and checking items off of our list. In the end, all our decisions came together wonderfully and we were so proud of our project. Hope you all enjoy!

The staging furniture I have is very rustic traditional in an array of nude colors and all the items look great with the colors we picked for our finishes inside the home. We went very farmhouse/traditional with clean finishes. White subway tile is always a fave of ours because it looks sleek and blends well. I don't love when finishes scream too loud-we want the buyer to feel like this could be their own home and if the finishes are too much then it could turn them off. One area where we did a little something different was to do the wood effect Italian porcelain tile in the master bathroom. It's our new favorite! Looked so great, not slippery, and really does look like rustic, worn in wood! 

We also usually choose a Carrera Marble for the bathroom counter tops and kitchen Island. It makes for great pictures and looks so clean and crisp. Just remember to always get it sealed so that it can't get ruined because they are very delicate. For this exact reason we used black granite around the outside because it's a lot more durable. But for the design aspect, the Carrera island counter top had to happen. It just makes me happy! The last house we did had an all white kitchen but for this one we decided to do a walnut island and man did it make the Carrera counter top POP! 

If you have any questions for what color, style, brand, etc. we used for this project, just ask! Would love to help! Also, if you're in the bay area and need any staging done or interior design, let me know! 

Have a great day! xo

Gift Guide: The Home

Diptyque Candle | Juliska Decanter | Assouline Book Set | Lanvin Note Books | Olivia Riegal Frame | ANNA new york Coasters | Waterford Vase | Jonathan Adler Pillow | Assouline Valentino Book | Cire Trudon Candle | JR by John Robshaw Throws

It's that time of year again. Time for celebrating and lots of gifts giving- yay! I personally love shopping for gifts because I get so excited just wanting to see the recipient open it. When gift giving to friends I usually go with the idea "shop for what you would want yourself" and it usually works! I have compiled my favorite gifts for the home above. Perfect for that girl that is obsessed with decorating and designing her dwelling and also the woman that loves to entertain and show off her abode! Hope you're having lots of fun gift shopping! The Christmas countdown has officially begun! xo, Alida