Dream Home: Luxe + Lillies

Today’s lovely dream home comes courtesy of blogger and decorator, Keeley Overbye of the lovely blog, Luxe + Lillies. Her gorgeous dream home marks the end of the series which began eleven months ago. “Dream Home” has had a great run and has been a favorite of many readers. It has been such a treat to see what some of my favorite bloggers would do if they could do anything they wanted and build the home of their dreams without any restrictions. Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to craft their dream homes and participate in this series!

I'm so excited Paloma asked me to share my Dream Home today - and I have to say, it really couldn't have come at a better time. Last week, my husband and I bought our very first house, and will begin a major remodel in just a few weeks! It has forced me to really hone in on what I need and want... and creating this post was a really fun way to see it all come together!

 

 

I think my dream home would be a beautiful townhome located in a quaint neighborhood of Minneapolis. Walkable to shops, restaurants, parks, and other amenities the beautiful city of Minneapolis has to offer. On the backside of the townhouse would be a spacious terrace and yard in which I could host fabulous parties or simply sit and enjoy lunch.

 

 

A page from one of my favorite hotels, the JK Place Hotel in Capri - this foyer is open, bright, and welcoming. It would definitely be an unexpected statement and I love the huge table which I would adorn with orchids, silver picture frames, candles, and a few of my favorite Assouline books.

 

 

Moving through the house on the main level would be this sweet little space off of the kitchen. I like that its enclosed, and would be quiet and sunny. I crave the down time in the morning just to enjoy my coffee, catch up on email, and lay out my day... it would work perfectly for afternoon tea with a friend or two as well :)

 

 

I love the mixture of dark floors, and stark white kitchens outfitted with marble. Its an absolute classic, and always stunning. The paned windows let in lots of light, and there is an abundance of prep space which is really important to me. Maybe most importantly, is that this is a kitchen you can live in. Inevitably, guests end up in the kitchen - I want to build a kitchen that accommodates that rather than eschews it.

 

 

A dining room that can very comfortable accommodate many guests is at the top of my priority list. My husband and I both have big families who really value meal time, and I love that this space begs you to linger. The chairs look comfortable, the round table makes for easy conversation and the fireplace is inviting. The deep gray walls make it extra cozy, and the draperies give it a little punch!

 

 

A living room that is intimate, stimulating, and at the same time relaxing is one that ticks all of the boxes for me. That sofa looks so plush, and I like the idea of creating a space thats slightly less clean and organized than the rest of the house [think patterns, textures, etc] - I want a space that feels lived in.

 

 

I'm sharing two master bedrooms for two very different reasons. The first one distinctly defines the composition of the kind of master bedroom I would want. A statement bed, dark walls, clean lines, ample side tables, and a hint of glamour. The second bedroom is all about the bedding. I live for my Restoration Hardware Italian Stitch bedding and will never not have crisp, fluffy bedding. I llloovvee my bedroom - its my ultimate place of relaxation and it needs to be absolutely comfortable and soothing.

 

 

I'm continuing the same look from the kitchen up to the master bathroom. I like my bathroom to be very bright and simplistic - there is such a clean feeling using white, marble, and glass. His and hers sinks as well as great undersink-storage are a must!

 

 

I know this isn't a closet... rather a snapshot of a Tory Burch boutique - but wouldn't it make an AMAZING closet??!! Its so glamorous, so girl, and classic at the same time. I would have plenty of space for all of my items of clothing, accessories, and maybe even a little mini-bar to share some champagne with my girlfriends before a night out!

 

 

My husband and I have done a lot of traveling, and there is nothing worse that not feeling like you have a relaxing space that is all your own to come home to at the end of the day. I want my guests to feel like they are on vacation, and that the guest room is their own sanctuary where they can sleep in...

 

 

This bathroom has been on the list of my top 10 spaces since I first saw it. I love everything about it - and I love how unexpected it would be contrasted with the lighter colors in the house. It feels so glamorous to me.

 

 

As a blogger and creative, I spend a lot of time in my workspace. It would be a dream come true to have a big room like this [of Betsy Burnham] to place a huge center table, lots of storage, and room for girly accessories. I could simultaneously work on several projects at once, while staying organized!

 

 

Finally, a study. My husband and I love to play backgammon, and unwind by the fireplace. I love how close to the fire this setting is.. and its a space just for two!

 

Thanks again, Paloma for having me today!

Currently Loving: Presmer Python

My sweet friend, Annsley Popov, whose Sally Wheat-designed home was featured in the first issue of High Gloss Magazine has recently expanded Presmer, her line of Python accessories. Starting out with pillows and bangles in various sizes and an array of custom colors, Annsley’s accessories have gone on to be featured at Barney’s New York and a slew of high-profile retailers, such as my perennial favorite, A Bientot. Presmer now includes handbags and home accessories like iPad covers, trays, organizers, and tissue covers. The line is so fabulous that it has recently received press coverage from Paper City and Harper’s Bazaar! When asked to describe her collection, Annsley told Harper’s Bazaar “it is serious fashion that doesn't take itself too seriously." Annsley has started to experiment with other exotic skins like lizard and alligator and plans to expand her line by adding more bag styles, side tables, benches, and even lamps. I’m hoping Santa will bring me a Maria clutch and Tally tray this year!

 

 

Gorgeous, isn’t it?

{Photos by Kate LeSueur via LeSueur Interiors}

Style Profile: Nam Dang Mitchell

I recently discovered the beautiful work of Calgary-based interior designer, Nam Dang Mitchell while perusing the November 2011 issue of Canadian House and Home. I was going through the issue at work, cataloging mentions of Visual Comfort & Co. lighting when I noticed that she had used our Goodman Pendants in a stunning kitchen she had designed. Curious, I sought our Nam’s website and portfolio and loved what I found! Nam’s aesthetic is polished, tailored, and glamorous. She uses the most beautiful, subtle color palettes and mixes furnishings, accessories, and fabrics from various aesthetics and eras beautifully. The projects in her portfolio are quite different from one another, but they all have such polish and style. Each space is chic and perfectly composed.

{The Lovely, Nam Dang Mitchell}

{A Stunning Dining Room and Living Room—I love the table and chair on the left!}

{Rich Colors and Textures along with some Fabulous Table Options}

{Lovely Details and More of that Fabulous Combination in the Dining Room}

 

{Casual Chic—I love this family room!}

{Fabulous Kitchen and Dining Room}

{A Different View of the Kitchen and Breakfast Nook- Check out the fabulous flooring!}

{A Handsome Library}

{Sumptuous Bedroom featuring Lovely Textiles}

{Casual and Welcoming Family Room and Kitchen}

{Spotted: The Large Hicks Pendant! Also, check out the amazing wall treatments.}

{A Glamorous Dining Room with Chinoiserie Wallpaper}

{I absolutely love this kitchen!}

{More Chic Details}

To see more of Nam’s gorgeous work, check out the Visual Comfort blog today where I’m discussing her use of our lighting in her gorgeous design projects!

{Image Credit: Colin Way via Nam Dang Mitchell}

This Week’s Quote

 

{Image via Pinterest}

Turning 30

Thirty seems to be an age that some people approach with fear or dread. No longer in our twenties, are we suddenly old? If you’d asked me five or ten years ago—maybe even a year ago, I may have cringed a little bit at the thought of reaching this milestone birthday. However, things have changed. Today marks my thirtieth birthday and I am totally okay with it. In fact, I feel really good about it. I am proud of where I am in my life and am happy with the person I have become. Since graduating college, I’ve tried a few careers out for size and I have finally found the perfect fit. I am so thankful to be doing what I love and to hold a position that suits me so well at a company that I have loved for years, but I am just as thankful for everything that has not worked out along the way. Even when I have failed, I have been able to take something away from the experience—knowledge, growth, new skills, perspective.

I’ve realized that life is really about how you look at things-- how you handle challenges, obstacles, and opportunities that come your way. Perspective. Sure, there are things that I would have liked to achieve by age thirty or things that at a younger age I thought would have definitely happened by now, like starting a family. However, my journey has been different and that’s okay. All in good time. I’ve been willing to take a few risks and have trusted that my journey is leading me where I belong. Today, I am grateful to have a wonderful husband who loves me and supports me unconditionally. I am grateful for our home and our sweet pup who has taught me how special a dog’s love is. I am thankful for family and fantastic friends. And I am thankful for you. Thank you for reading what I have to say and for encouraging and supporting me along the way. You are a huge part of why I feel that turning thirty can actually be fabulous!

 

{Images via Pinterest}