Reader Design: Emily's Curated Creation

There's something about Emily, the focus of today's reader design spotlight, that makes me think we should be friends. Sure, there's the practical "we both live in Seattle" part. But, we also chose bright turquoise couches as the focal point of our living rooms. I mean, that has to mean something, right?!

I saw Emily's home pop up on Instagram a few months ago and was immediately in awe. It is quite modern but still cozy, neutral while being bright and deep. 

“My design style incorporates a bit of everything, I typically describe it as eclectic modern. I love modern elements, but I also incorporated traditional, art deco, bohemian, and plenty of vintage pieces to give it a curated feel. It takes a lot more time, but gives a space so much more personality. This “design philosophy” is the reason I named my business Cohesively Curated.”

It's got a cool but classic London vibe. As Emily describes - 

“The city of London above all else is very classic, but it also has so many modern gems and up and coming trends to discover.”

It's a perfect fit for a similarly rainy, gray, but oh-so-cozy and interesting place like Seattle; I like to think Seattle & London are sister cities. Does anyone else buy that? 

With a focus on classic and modern looks, Emily has carefully selected every piece inside this home, filling it up to the brim with pottery, textiles, and art. She grounds herself in things that hearken back to her design philosophy and uses that as her foundation for making decisions. 

“I think it is challenging with social media, Pinterest, blogs, etc. to not let yourself be swayed by other designers styles. Taking something as inspiration and figuring out how to integrate it with your own aesthetic can be a bit tricky. The trend I struggled with most is the boho trend and not going overboard, because that really isn’t my primary style. I included some vintage textiles and rugs that fall into that category but made sure to integrate them with my core aesthetic. ”

This home has to be one of my favorites yet, and I encourage you all to follow Emily along on Instagram @cohesivelycurated for more! We really just scratched the surface. 

Happy Fall, y'all! 

Reader Design: Erin's Fresh Space

We're off to Pittsburgh today, mutts! A great, interesting East Coast city that's especially great (or so I hear) during football season. Erin's fresh and ecletic home, though, is perfect in any season. 

This place is chalk full of unique and interesting finds. The closet home I've seen like Erin's is an Airbnb I stayed in in London earlier this year that had artwork of actual human skulls...  you know your home is different and interesting when you're on THAT level. Erin's design inclinations may be due to her inherent taste, her attraction to rare things, and perhaps, something as simple as geography.

“Well, I was born and raised in South Carolina, and I spent 6 years in Manhattan on the Upper East Side, so I like to think my style is combination of those regional elements— the laid-back, classic comfort of the south sprinkled with the refined glam of New York City. ”

You'll probably quickly note that Erin's home doesn't have many traces of trendiness; she does a great job of staying true to her tastes, using trendy elements sparingly. 

“There are definitely trends that I have gone ga-ga over, and it is hard to refrain sometimes. I fell prey to a chevron duvet a few years ago, which still makes me cringe a little looking back! It’s one of the oldest design mantras in the book, but I think the key is using in moderation, and keeping the super trendy things limited to throw pillows or artwork, items that can be easily (and inexpensively) changed out later if you decide you are tired of it or the trend has passed. ”

Reeling yourself in and only keeping trendy elements to ones that are easy to swap out later is truly easier said than done, but Erin, you make it look easy - and the trends Erin does select, like over-saturated rugs and a pedestal table, still look timeless and functional. In addition to being unique, Erin values comfort just as much.

“You know when you see pictures of beautiful rooms that stop you in your tracks and think - “Wow, that is so stunning! But I don’t feel like I could sit on any of that furniture!” I want it to feel the exact opposite of that. ”

Every choice in Erin's home seems to just invite you in - either physically, saying 'take a seat,' or emotionally, inviting you to ask a question or dive deeper into the story. 

In the bedroom, one of Erin's favorite pieces is the framed art above the bed, which is actually a vintage Hermes scarf. 

“I love the nautical theme & pastel colors (I grew up sailing). I based my entire NYC studio design around it when I lived there, and later our master bedroom when I got married. Luckily my husband isn’t too picky about the pink! ”

Erin, your home is special indeed. Thanks for the tour! Follow Erin along on Instagram at @mediumalistdesign.

See you next week!

Reader Design: Courtney's Sentimental Spot

You're probably wondering why I'm calling today's stunning Tulsa, Oklahoma feature 'sentimental.' After all, we probably all have some sentimental attachment to our homes. How could we not, after pouring bits of ourselves - our time, our money, our souls - into them. 

But today's home is seriously sentimental. It's literally the place where Courtney met her husband Jordan. 

That's right. They met here. In this room, in fact - the living room. 

From Courtney:

“My husband, Jordan, renovated our home with his sister and brother-in-law before we met. They bought the home at an auction on the front porch and uncovered the original hardwoods, gutted the kitchen, replaced all the windows, and added central air. He had two roommates at the time, and I had a mutual friend with one of Jordan’s roommates. We were hanging out in the living room one day and Jordan came home. We briefly met and a few weeks later he asked me on a date! Less than a year later, we were married and I moved into the original place we met. ”

An incredible story, right? Not to get too sappy, but I think it's clear that this place has been built with and around love since the beginning, with it's original woodwork, comfy and cozy layout, and carefully selected decor.

Courtney describes her home as "a little beachy, a little modern, a little Southern, and nothing too perfect" - it's just an accurate representation of life, a place that makes you feel calm without false pretense or expectations. 

“I’ve always had the desire to cultivate a peaceful home, a place where there is a sense of rest and a place where others are invited to come in, unload their burdens and enjoy a place of peace. It’s more than creating a pretty space; I enjoy creating a space for others to feel comfortable in.”

The 1930's bungalow has plenty of idiosyncrasies, and despite her inclination for all things modern, Courtney tries to stay true to the roots of the home. She selected simple, period-appropriate dining chairs, paired with vintage rugs throughout the living space. A comfy couch accented with real cotton textiles. 

Courtney is continuing to let their home guide her as it will. 

“I spend a lot of time at home, so I am always tweaking something! Nothing is perfect if you look closely and I have so many unfinished projects that are on my “to-do” list. Most everything has a DIY touch to it because you learn to get creative when you’re newlyweds. Our home is always evolving, and we have so many projects we are saving up for, but we still love where it is now.”

And here's some sage advice to close us out: 

“The best advice I’ve been given is to enjoy your home before it is where you want it to be. This advice has taught me that creating a peaceful home is more than a space that reflects your style and Pinterest board, it is opening your home for others and focusing on the relationships that are built there. The style will come with time. ”

Courtney, thank you for letting us in for a tour today! You have a stunning home, and we can't wait to see where it takes you. Follow Courtney along on Instagram @alwaysrooney to share in the journey.

Till next time,