Where I Find Interior Inspiration

I'm very much an Early Bird—I wake up early almost every morning, enjoying the peaceful hour or two before everyone else gets up. One of my favorite things to do during this time is scour the pages of AD or Elle Decor.

This month’s mood and state of mind are all things home. We're finally getting settled into Charleston and I'm excited to start collecting pieces that make the space truly ours. I started a new Pinterest board where I’m collecting home goods and inspiration in case you’re interested in following along!

I source inspiration not only from magazines, but blogs and websites like Rip & Tan, Remodelista, Lonny, and even Into the Gloss—there's something about peeking into the bathrooms and beauty cabinets of others that's so satisfying. I look for spaces that feel clean, but not sterile; open and airy, but intimate; collected and intentional. I think the best homes are the ones that are really, truly lived-in, where no space is off-limits and each piece serves a purpose. 

Here are a few other things around the home I'm looking forward to this month:

✓ Organizing our home and donating the pieces that no longer serve us
✓ Flea market shopping (Charleston locals—I love this one)
✓ Getting crafty with our storage
✓ Al fresco dining on the porch
✓ Cooking/developing new recipes using local produce
✓ Planning a wine and floral arrangement night with my friends

Where do you find inspiration for your home?

Home Tour: A 1920's Colonial Revival Brimming with Charm

I recently came across this beautiful home tour and just had to share. It’s the closest to how I envision my dream home—just add arches and a dipping pool surrounded by lemon trees, please!

The closest a home tour has come to embodying what I’ve been dreaming up for a future home (just add some archways!). This 1920’s Colonial revival home was renovated and designed by Danish-born interior designer Pernille Lind. Her discerning eye The attention to detail and love of travel is woven into every project she has touched thus far, so inspired by her discerning eye—the neutral foundation that creates such a serene atmosphere, the charming molding details, the arched windows, the french doors, the travertine coffee table, the green and white mosaic marble, the Murano bedroom chandelier, collected vintage, all the cane/rattan… every carefully curated detail ties together in perfect harmony.

Have a look and prepare to swoon…

Get the Vibe

Images via Pernille’s portfolio

Stylish Accessories for Dogs

When Teddy became part of our family, I wanted to make sure that I found the best pet products that fit into my ethos and aesthetic. Being a huge dog lover and appreciating all the small details in life, I wanted to make sure that our pet products felt like an extension of our home. Bonus points if those products were sustainable and eco-friendly.

I’m thrilled to introduce you to a brand that I’ve used and loved for years: Harry Barker. We’re so in love with these stylish and durable pieces that blend seamlessly into our home and even more in love with the mission behind the brand.

Harry Barker is devoted to artful craftsmanship and elevated design, while upholding the highest ethical and environmental standards. All of their fabrics are earth-friendly, using dyes that are safe for your pets and home. Each bed insert is made of recycled plastic, too. Even their treats are made with all-natural ingredients and come in reusable tins that are cute enough to leave on your counter. They truly thought of every detail.

I put some of my favorite products together for you, including some things I have and love! x

**I’m also excited to share that Harry Barker is having a big sale this weekend, offering 50% off all refill bag treats this weekend with code HBDUSA. T loves all of the flavors, but I think the peanut butter is his all-time favorite.

This hemp vintage stripe bed adds a touch of nautical flair to our apartment. Teddy absolutely adores this bed, which is made of organic, eco-friendly fabric and has a plush feel that’s perfect for a mid-day snooze. I love it because it’s thick, durable, and can easily be thrown into the washing machine. It’s a win win.

These enamelware bowls are another favorite of mine. I really love how simple and clean they look—you’d be surprised how hard it is to find minimal pieces for pets.

Teddy tends to be a messy eater and these have a nice grip to the floor so that I’m not tripping over bits of kibble when I walk through the kitchen. (If you’re a pet parent, you’re probably used to finding them all over the floor.)

They are also great to bring on long walks or hikes, as I can pack them in a duffel for when we’re on the go.

If you prefer some color, these bowls are also available in red and blue!

Shop more of my favorites below or head over to the Harry Barker website to see their wonderful assortment for yourself. Plus, they offer free shipping on orders of $150+… happy shopping!

Thank you to Harry Barker for partnering on this post.

5 Budget Ways to Upgrade Your Bathroom

I've been living in a 2 bedroom home for the past two years and while the space has some wonderful features—hardwood floors! marble countertops! huge windows!—there are bits and pieces that leave a little to be desired. 

Dealing with a space that isn't your forever home can be frustrating. You don't want to invest the time and money into something that you won't live in forever, but at the same time, you want your space to feel like it's yours.

Whether you're renting or working with a small budget, here are a few affordable upgrades so you can make the most of your space:

Embrace what you're working with

I'm working with a windowless bathroom at the moment. Natural light in the bathroom wasn't something I identified as a must-have when I was house hunting, but now it's a must on my list. But rather than fight it, I'm working with the challenges that the space has given me. I swapped out the unflattering yellow bulbs for a much more natural hue and left the walls white to really open up the space. Though the bathroom is a bit narrow, I love the high ceilings and marble countertop. 

Image via The Design Files

Shop the look

Hand Cream—Grown Alchemist / Charcoal Toothbrush—Binchotan / Mirror—Amazon

Add some greenery

Plants can really liven up the most sterile of spaces. As I mentioned, I'm working with a windowless bathroom that doesn't get enough light to keep anything real alive. I've found some pretty convincing faux options and air plants that add some color and life to the room. 

Image via Sheerluxe

Shop the look

Potted Aloe Plants—Amazon / Artificial Fan Palm—Crate and Barrel / Eucalyptus Bundle—West Elm

Inject some personality

I'm a huge fan of a collected home. I love to add interesting objects and textures to my living spaces. While I'm saving up for my dream home, I've been gathering pieces that I know I'll take with me for years, like this wooden ladder from McGee and Co. that I've been using as extra storage. Even if it's just in the form of pretty product packaging (I'm a huge fan of Aesop products), adding things you love to the space makes it uniquely yours.

Image via Design Love Fest

Shop the look

Hand Wash—Grown Alchemist / Mint Julep Cup—Amazon / Turkish Hand Towel—Amazon

Texture, texture, texture

I'm not a huge fan of color, but an all-white space can read pretty boring. I like to add contrast with different textures, whether it's glass, rustic wood (like the ladder, above), chunky jute weaves, slate and more. I've been really into Moroccan rugs and patterns to add some interest to the space.

Image via Studio McGee

Shop the look

Decorative Ladder—Amazon / Jute Rug—Amazon / Charcoal Toothbrush Holder—Amazon

Adorn the walls

Artwork can go a long way in personalizing the space. Because I don't have windows, I'm faking it with this print from Max Wanger shop. It helps fake the idea of an open space and being outdoors. You can find some affordable prints at shops like Urban Outfitters and Etsy or hit up a local thrift shop for more unique finds.

Image via Monika Hibbs

Shop the look

Cactus Print—Amazon / Little Cactus Print—Minted for West Elm / "The Wait" Print—Max Wanger Shop

*This post may include affiliate links. Thank you for your continued support.

—Olivia

Eclectic and Cozy Home Tour

Happy Labor Day weekend! Can you believe that Summer is coming to a close? It's been over 90 degrees here in Charleston, but my mind has been thinking ahead to Fall. I can't wait to get our home ready by adding some cozy accessories and luxurious candles (Diptyque Feu de Bois is my favorite seasonal scent.) One of my favorite ways to get inspired is to pick up a few magazines, trend forecast, scroll through favorite sites and blogs, and get my creative juices flowing.

I'm usually a fan of more pared down spaces, but Michelle Adams, founder of Lonny Magazine, has my mind changed with this modern meets traditional mix that makes up her Michigan home. The colors, textures, laidback farmhouse vibes, and her gorgeous kitchen have me wanting to hit up every antique store to get this collected look. Enjoy!

Get the look:
Built-in bookcases ✓
Bright and airy lighting ✓
Wood panel walls ✓
Open kitchen ✓ 
Statement accents ✓

How to Transition Your Straw Accessories Well into Fall

And like that, Summer is over—for most of us anyway. Down in Charleston, we're still enjoying a few late sunsets and endless beach days.

I will say, however, it did feel like this season went by in the blink of an eye. Admittedly, I’m excited to get out my fall favorites—ankle boots, denim jackets and start stocking up on cozy blankets and textiles for the home. But I’m still trying to get some last-minute wear out of my new Summer pieces while I still can.

I recently got a pair of gorgeous rattan slides from Carrie Forbes and I haven’t been able to stop wearing them since. They're the perfect accent to my end-of-summer outfits and looks good with anything, even more structured pieces. It's spurred somewhat of a straw and rattan addiction. I keep spotting woven pieces on Pinterest and while I'm out shopping. I just can’t help myself—I even want to start introducing some rattan into the home!

From hats for you to baskets for your home, I’ve rounded up some of my favorites here.

The Best Minimalist Pet Accessories

Dogs are simple creatures. They don't need stuff. 

Yet there are so many pet products out there that with poor designs and loud colors.

I try to live as minimalist a life as is realistic. I'm not a fan of excess stuff and try to make considered choices as often as I can. Eliminating the excess means less time spent cleaning and organizing and more time on the important things, like spending time with our dog.

My philosophy is to spend on quality items that I know will last. We choose toys and accessories that feel considered and collected—I don't mind seeing a few ropes or antlers laying around because every choice was intentional. And he loves them!

When it comes to choosing items for our pet, there are a few things I try to keep in mind:

Muted colors—I'm drawn to pieces that are neutral. Whites, tans, browns and blacks are all great options because they blend in with the home. It's easier to keep the home looking clean when everything feels like it belongs. That's not to say everything has to be neutral. Teddy has a big pink ball that he adores and we wouldn't take that away from him.

Natural fabrics—Wovens, woods, bone and even denim are all great for dogs. Not only are these materials you would find in nature, but they're safer for your pet, too. Traditional pet toys are often made with synthetic dyes, silicone, and other materials that might not be so healthy for your pet. 

Embrace the idea of one—It's easy to go crazy and come home with a shopping bag full of pet toys. But how many of those pieces does your pet already have? Pets are not multitaskers—they are content playing with one thing at a time. If you bring any new toys into the home, how many can you take away? Anything tattered or torn should be disposed of.

Here are a few pet accessories that fit perfectly in the minimalist home:

Dog Bed—JAX & BONES / Honeycomb Treat Jar—Olive Green Dog / Natural Rope Collar—Found My Dog / Striped Dog Bowl—btw Ceramics / Paw Balm—Whiskey Whiskers / Peace Sign Rope—JAX & BONES