home design – Page 5

February 1, 2016 By Melinda 7 Comments

“How To” Make Your House A Home

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I honestly believe that the reason as to why you are attracted to my home is the feeling you get from it. It speaks to you on more of an emotional level. Yes, you like the style or appearance of my home, the subway tile, lighting, etc., but I think it is more than that. I want this blog to teach you “How To” make the feeling you want in your own home.

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I want to write the “design book” that I wanted myself when we bought our home almost sixteen years ago. The “How To” guide that consists of the tools needed to make intentional decisions. “How To” information and tools that you can easily understand and execute in your own home. I am a part of my own audience, so I believe I know your wants and needs.

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You are going to fall into one of two categories. The first is what I am coining the “everyday home designer” (think of this as the equivalent to the “everyday home cook”). You will either be doing projects yourself or hiring out, but without the help of a designer. The second category is the person who is or will be working with a professional designer. Whichever category fits you best, this process will work for you. You have the same goal in mind, to make a home that tells your story and that of your home.

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This is the element that is missing in the home design industry. The actual tools needed to make intentional decisions for your home. It is okay to feel uninformed and unsure, but it really is easier than you may think. Knowledge is power and that is what I want this blog to provide you with, the knowledge to make your house your home.

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How are we going to accomplish this you ask? Well, it starts with focus and a little bit of work on both our parts. Stay tuned!

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January 25, 2016 By Melinda Leave a Comment

#10weeksofrealdesign

*If you would like to subscribe to my blog you will find the link (the three dots) next to the “Home Tour” page above. Thank you!*

My hope with this blog is to teach the everyday home designer how to make a classic, simple, and real home. I started a new hashtag on my Instagram feed #10weeksofrealdesign where I find a “real” item from the thrift shop, grocery store, or even the basement of my own home. I then share the process of finding a place/use for it. My first “real” item was a copper tray from the thrift shop.

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The tray definitely needed a little cleaning. I turned to my copy of Modern Mix by Eddie Ross to refresh my memory on the best products and techniques to use to clean this type of finish.

The copper tray turned out to be the perfect place to corral my onions while I am cooking. They no longer roll everywhere and look beautiful displayed against the copper on my antique butcher block. On a side note, I love to display my fruits and vegetables in my kitchen. I find beauty in their simplicity. I think the grey and white color palette serves as the perfect backdrop for them to shine.

I hope that you are inspired to discover that something “real” in your home. Something that hasn’t been used for some time or has been packed away for awhile. Something that may serve a new purpose and be just the thing you were looking for.

I want to thank Melanie from My Sweet Savannah for adding House 214 Design to her blog list. You are so kind to introduce me to all of your friends. If you are visiting by way of My Sweet Savannah, thank you for taking the time to visit me. What an honor!

January 9, 2016 By Melinda Leave a Comment

The Complete Book of Home Organization by Toni Hammersley

The Complete Book of Home Organization, written by creator and author of A Bowl Full of Lemons Toni Hammersley, is packed full of solutions for every room in your home. After reading the book, I knew I wanted to focus on the space that I believe defines my home, the kitchen.

The project I chose came from reading about a baking station and learning how to create my own. I have always wanted an area designated for this purpose, but did not design one in the planning of my own kitchen. When I saw the picture of the metal cart organized with all of the baking necessities, I knew it was exactly what I wanted to do. So I did it! What do you think?

I bought this old metal cart years ago at a local antique shop for $30. It has been stored in our basement, so I was happy to find a use for it again! The fact that it is on wheels is proving to work well. I can roll it and store it when not in use, so it is out of the way.

There is an outlet on both ends of the island, so the cart works very well in this particular spot. It doesn’t interrupt the traffic pattern or create chaos in this area when in use.

Something I really wasn’t thinking about was the height of the cart. The children and I baked a sweet treat and it worked very well for all of them. They were able to reach ingredients, add them to the mixer, and really play a part in making something special without much difficulty.

Hot fudge pudding cake was the result of baking at the baking station today. Success!

The Complete Book of Home Organization is a tool I will continue to reference for my own home organizing needs. In fact, I already have my next project planned which is to properly create a recipe binder. I can’t wait to get started!