Kesslyr's Artistic Flat

Mutts: Allow me to introduce you to Kesslyr. She not only has an incredibly unique name (as a 'McKenna,' which went from unique to fairly mainstream in the world for 4-year-old girls, I'm very jealous) but is also a wonderfully unique and inspiring artist - check out her website which has its soft launch TODAY! 

        Images source: Kesslyr's Pinterest

And her home in Brooklyn, New York is the perfect backdrop to showcase her work! 

Here's an important piece of information for you all to keep in mind as you read this post. Kesslyr and her husband moved in to this space in June. Of this year. I'm not telling you that to make you feel bad - but WOW! 

Now, over to the artist herself: 

“For us, we start firstly with bringing life into a room; in our case, this means plant life. Then we add a few pieces of necessary furniture, then sit back and let that soak in. Its easy for a space to get cluttered, so we take our time in choosing the mood of the room. The older we get, the fewer things we like to share in our spaces. So simplicity is key. ”

I know most of our Mutts have cultivated impressive green thumbs recently, but ladies & gentleman, Kesslyr's skills in this area should be taken seriously. Very seriously. 

“Our Brooklyn home is pretty small, and [I would describe our style as] simple & modern with an eclectic touch.

Throughout our home, we have tons of locally crafted pieces from our own art to pottery. One of our favorite spots is our office nook. Super cosy little nook with frosted windows that give off warm light throughout the day. The clash of stainless steel from the mirror and brass from the sconce is a unique contrast. ”

Green Thumb Badge EARNED, Kesslyr. 

Now, if I had you all guess where Kesslyr and her husband got married, do you think you could do it? I'll give you some hints: the natural plant life, the mid-century influences, the welcoming 'stay a while' vibe. Anyone guessing Palm Springs? GOOD! 

“We are constantly evolving as people and with that, so does our taste level. We are loving the feeling of modernity but not overtly sterile. We want our home to feel warm and still have character. Some modern homes can feel like museums and make you feel like you cant disturb anything or even sit on the couch. Which is the opposite of what we are going for.”

After only three months in this home, it feels so loved - and that is no small feat. 

“Its about collecting those quality in pieces that are timeless; lamps, mirrors and art seem to be what draw us in. Its a small collection that builds slowly and methodically and will be enjoyed for years to come. ”

Kesslyr, thank you for letting us in! And Mutts, show Kesslyr some love and follow her along on Instagram for more design and art inspiration! Now, everyone, go enjoy your weekends!  

Intended Flip-Turned-Keeper

Hi friends! Popping by today to share a quick flip from last week - my second piece since the kids started school a few weeks ago, and after the first one sold so fast I was feeling a premature adrenaline rush from finishing another and getting it in the shop. I definitely didn't expect a change of heart!

It wasn't even when I was finished painting this piece, (in Rustoleum Protective Enamel in flat white), that I decided to hold onto it. It was the process of styling it for photos!

Matt and I have been planning a little re-design on our main floor which will leave a prominent wall empty. Given the dimensions of this rather petite piece, (it's only 66.5" tall and 37" wide), I wouldn't have thought it proportionately appropriate for a wall that is nearly 12 feet high.

But while styling this piece for photos to get it ready for sale, I started to fall in love with the empty space around it. I added a distressed piece of leather that I stole from a chair, (that I promised my husband I'd put back together), above the piece, as well as a snake plant standing tall by it's side. All of a sudden this piece took on a larger presence than it's modest dimensions.

And the detailing on the drawer and cabinets? Well that was love at first sight anyways!

Cate and I have always remained true to our own unique styles when we refinish furniture. I can honestly say that every piece I've ever done is how I would refinish it for my own home. And sure, my style has changed over the years so what I was doing 5 years ago isn't necessarily what I'd do now, but it's all been true to my style at the time. For this reason it's often hard to see pieces go, but every once in a blue moon I am my own customer.

I can't wait to share the redesign of our main floor but it will be a few months, though, as our Fall schedule has left little room for such work; like a current E-Design job that we're wrapping up in the middle of October! It's coming along beautifully - here's a recent progress shot that our client sent over!

We'll be sharing the full tour in about a month - it'll be full of a few surprises we can't wait to reveal!

Thank you all for stopping by and have a wonderful day!

Tina's Trendy Condo

Happy pre-weekend, friends! I hope you all have plans in the works in take advantage of the temperatures that are finally dropping - at least on the East Coast!

Today's Reader Design is the perfect way to end the week. Tina is actually my neighbor in the great Bloomingdale neighborhood of D.C. For those of you planning visits to our nation's capital, be sure to check out our far NW corridor for the local spots. And Tina here happens to have one of the best places in the neighborhood. 

First things first about Tina. After getting to know her over the past month, there are a couple of things she takes very seriously: her adorable dog Riley (who you will meet in a little bit, I promise), her 5 o'clock cocktails, and her perfectly-executed shelfies. If you're not yet convinced, check this proof from her dining room / kitchen area. 

Now, I'll turn the talking over to Tina. 

“My favorite part of our condo is the all of the amazing natural light. So I wanted to keep everything white, clean, and crisp — and let our furniture + textiles pop. I really love having white walls...it makes our 900 sq/ft condo feel so much bigger. ”

In every room of Tina's home that she shares with her husband Ricky, these white walls lend themselves to be the perfect backdrops for her styling. She's making our StyleMutt Home fave Emily Henderson proud! 

“My style is definitely ever evolving and I love that I’m able to integrate some of my favorite old pieces in with the new. At the moment, I would call my style very boho with a hint of modern. My pinboards are currently filled with tons of Scandinavian design — I love anything that is simple and clean looking. ”

What I love about Tina's place is that it pays homage to the trends of today - the casual boho ease of it, the greenery and plants, the styling simplicity - while still staying true to Tina & Ricky. 

“I think our place kind of represents a little bit of everywhere we’ve lived [on the list: DC, Austin, and San Francisco]. I think it’s a good mix of East + West coast styles! ”

“Our West Elm bed frame was the first nice piece of furniture Ricky and I ever bought together — six years later, it’s still my favorite piece. Also, since I’m not much of a DIY fanatic...I’m pretty proud of the hanging light chords in our bedroom. Avoided a Pinterest fail on that one :) ”

I'm sure Cate & Chelsea could spare some DIY advice, but I say those lights look just fine! As a fellow urban-dweller, I know how hard it is to find the space to really dig in to projects. We don't tend to have the luxury of spare rooms, garages, or yards like you rural folk! Y'all just don't know how good you have it.

Tina, thank you for sharing your home with us. I've been admiring it via Instagram for months - and Mutts, you all should absolutely follow Tina along too @tinaheileman.