One Year!

One year ago today I published my first post for The Story of Home.This quote I saw on Pinterest perfectly sums up how I feel about blogging. ”If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough.” A year ago I discovered my passion for blogging about home decor, and a year from now I would love to see more of my dreams for The Story of Home come true. I am determined not to let my fears get in the way of what could be. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for this little blog in the coming year, but for now I am celebrating one year of blogging!

image found here

I hope you enjoy your weekend. I'll be back on Monday!

Lindsay

The Ikea Henny Pillow Cover

It’s no secret that I love Ikea; I talk about my Ikea Expedit here, my Ikea picture frames here, and share a few of my favorites here. Well, I recently discovered the cutest white/blue polka dot pillow cover called the Henny, and I love it! Polka dots are great because they’re so versatile and can be paired with practically any pattern. Here are a few examples...

Front Row: Ikea Henny Pillow Cover,  Pink City Maze Pillow, Navy Fleur Chinoise Pillow

Middle Row: Indigo Masala Pillow, Ikea Henny Pillow Cover, Outdoor Anchor Pillow

Bottom Row: Finishing Flourish Pillow, Suite Ribbon Pillow Cover, Ikea Henny Pillow Cover

The best part about this pillow cover is the $7 price tag! This cover would be a great and affordable way to add a bit of fun to your home decor this summer. 

Lindsay

A Sunroom With Personality

I first saw this sunroom on the cover of the May issue of Southern Living and instantly loved it. 

images are by Laurey W. Glenn and can be found here

I wanted to share this space with you because it’s a great example of how to balance bold colors with white. The walls, sofas, lamps, and area rugs are all white/neutral and free of pattern. That creates a foundation for bold colors and patterns to be incorporated through the window treatments, ottoman, pillows, and accessories. Creating this balance allows the colors to pop and gives the space personality. I would never have thought to combine such bright colors and strong patterns, but they work fabulously in this space because they’ve been mixed with white.

Lindsay

Orla Kiely

In addition to celebrating Brad’s graduation this past weekend, we also celebrated my birthday. My sister, Erika, sent me a cute calendar and notebooks to help keep me organized, (she knows me well) and I fell in love with their patterns and colors. I looked up the brand, Orla Kiely, online, and it turns out in addition to paper products, Orla Kiely offers products ranging from clothing to home accessories. Here are a few of my favorites...

Cute right? I love discovering new designers!

Lindsay

White vs Gray Grout

It’s no secret that I love subway tile. I talk about it here and here. I would love to use it as a kitchen backsplash someday in my own home. However, when it comes to choosing a grout color to go with the white tiles, I’m torn between white and gray. 

images found here and here

Using white grout would create a very clean look, but grout has a tendency to stain, so white grout may be more work to maintain. Gray grout may be more tolerant of stains, but it adds a modern twist to the classic look of subway tile, and I wonder how quickly that will go out of style. 

Which would you choose? Luckily, since I currently don’t own a home, I have some time to decide! 

Lindsay

Spending the Weekend Celebrating!

My husband, Brad, and I moved to southern California so he could pursue an MFA degree. Our time in California is quickly coming to an end, and as I reflect back on the past two years, I can only describe them as transformational. There have been good times and bad, and through it all God was faithful. 

image found here

Tomorrow I will watch Brad accept his degree, and I couldn’t be more proud. Brad has worked hard to accomplish this dream, and we’ll be spending the weekend celebrating! 

Lindsay

10 Ways to Fill the Space Above Your Sofa

When we first moved into our apartment in California the space above our sofa had me stumped for months. The large space of wall seemed overwhelming, and I wasn’t quite sure how to fill it. After a bit of searching online, I discovered the Nester’s blog and was inspired by her wall of plates, so I decided to do the same. As much as I’ve enjoyed the plates hanging above the sofa, I might change it up a bit in the new place. Here are a few ideas I’ve found. 

1. Gallery Wall 

image found here

2. Large Piece of Art 

image found here

3. Mirror 

image found here

4. Ceiling Medallions

image found here

5. Map 

image found here

6. Plates 

image found here

7. Votive Candle Holder 

image found here

8. Window Frame 

image found here

9. Clock(s)

image found here

10. Wall Letters 

image found here

Do you have a favorite? Or maybe you have an idea to add to the list? Leave a comment!

Lindsay

Layering Rugs

Layering rugs seems to be a growing trend in interior design. I’ll admit, the look may take some getting used to, but I’m not opposed to layering rugs. In fact I can think of at least three reasons why you would layer rugs. First, it can help define an area especially in a large room. Second, additional rugs can also add contrast and texture. Last, layering rugs can help you fill a space; you can layer a rug you love that’s not quite big enough on top of a natural fiber rug to fill a space. (If you’re not sure what size area rug to use in your space, Janell Beals offers some great guidelines found here.) 

image found here

image found here

image found here

image found here

image found here

image found here

What do you think? Would you layer rugs in your home? I may just try it in our next space!

Lindsay

A Gallery Wall & The Television

I have a feeling my wish list for our new space will grow at an alarming rate. I have now added “create a gallery wall surrounding the television” to my plan for the living room. 

image found here

It’s a great way to take the focus off the television. Would you do this in your home?

Lindsay

Make a Plan and Enjoy the Process

Sometimes when I’m shopping for home decor I find myself caught up in the beauty of a single object. I often fail to think about how that one object may (or may not) enhance the look of a room. So I end up buying decor that doesn’t blend well with my home. No wonder I have so much clutter! 

When I pull together a design for someone else, I always start by making a plan. It’s the obvious way to start, and yet sometimes I overlook that step when it comes to designing my own home. 

Now that we’re moving, I get a fresh start with a new space, and my first step will be to make a plan. (I have a few ideas already, but I’ll share more soon!) I want to be more intentional about the things I purchase for my home and learn that I can appreciate the beauty in something without having to own it. I’m also learning to enjoy the process. Just because I have a plan doesn’t mean it has to be completed right away. 

Am I the only one who forgets to make a plan or enjoy the process? Please feel free to leave a comment; I’d love to hear your thoughts! 

Lindsay

Mother's Day Gifts from West Elm

With Mother’s day now less than a week away I’ve taken the liberty of collecting a few of my favorite things from West Elm in case you need some ideas for your Mom. 

OPEN-FACE TERRARIUMS - GLASS SHADOW BOXES - FAVORITE THROW - VARIEGATED STRIPE TASSEL HAND TOWEL - HAND-BLOCKED COSMETIC BAG - ALPHABET TRAYS - ORANGE FLOWER APRON

Lindsay

DIY Rope Projects

I recently predicted that using rope in home decor would be a trend for this summer. I shared a ton of finds from Pottery Barn that work well with the rope theme. But say you’re like me and don’t want to invest tons of money into something that may only be a trend and last one season. Well, I’ve gathered a few DIY rope projects that won’t break the bank, plus they’re super cute! 

1. Display rope in a vignette like this one found at Canadian House and Home

2. You can learn how to make this rope pendant by following the tutorial featured on Design Sponge 

3. Kate from Centsational Girl shows you how to make this sisal rope bowl

4. This rope bowl tutorial can be found at The Gilded Hare

5. An Ikea Lack side table is given a new look with rope found at Sparkle

6. Recreate shows you how to make this rope shelf

7. Leave it to Martha to share the how to make this beautiful rope mirror

8. Kim from Sand and Sisal created this shade using sisal rope

Let me know if you try any of these projects; I would love to hear how they turn out! 

Lindsay

Open Shelving

I’ve been meaning to post this picture I found on Better Homes & Garden’s website for awhile now; there are so many things to love. I love the countertop, backsplash, hardware, colors, styling, and most of all the open shelving. 

image found here

I may have to add open shelving to my wish list for our next place, wherever that may be!

Lindsay

Indoor/Outdoor Fabrics

Indoor/outdoor fabrics are durable and easy to clean making them a perfect option for upholstering furniture. Aside from the obvious use on outdoor furniture, these fabrics work great for sofas, ottomans, and dining room chairs. 

image found here

There are a ton of options out there; here are just a few of my favorites from Calico Corners. 

1          2          3          4          5          6

Lindsay