HouseLovely Tour
Remember that time I kept saying that I had a big announcement? And everyone assumed it would be that I was pregnant? But at the time I wasn't? And now I am and everyone was like "OHHHH WE KNEW THIS. THIS IS YOUR BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!" And I'm like, "Nah dawg. THIS IS MY BIG ANNOUNCEMENT...."
HouseLovely, a new home tour series. I've always been a fan of two things: home decor & voyeurism. Jkjkjk...but for real... I can't be the only one who likes seeing into other people's homes?! (And by "seeing" I mean "visiting" because I was invited, you sickos.) You get to see how someone lives, who they are and what makes them happy. How many times have you walked into someone's place and been like, "Yesss! This totally matches them!" or "Oh snap! I wasn't expecting this. But I like it!" That's happened to me many times. I truly enjoy visiting my friend's spaces and seeing the love and care they put into making their house, lovely. (GET IT?!!?)
With this series I'm hoping to spark in all of us ways we can make our lives happier, in our homes. (P.S. "homes" means wherever you live-- house, apartments, townhouses, flats [I'M SO BRITISH], condos, studios, etc.) Saint John Paul II said, "the home is the place where families carry out their mission. To guard, reveal, and communicate love."
You're probably like, "OK CHARCHAR BINKS WE GET IT. QUOTING SAINTS LIKE, YOU THINK YOU'RE TIGHT. WE GET IT." First of all, I just wanted to impress you that I can quote saints (by way of Google). But secondly, I'm totally serious! It's been on my heart the idea of opening your home as an act of charity and love. People allowing me to showcase their homes on HouseLovely is an act of love. Third, I just love home decor. I love talking about it, looking at it, buying it, stressing Joel out by talking about all the ideas I have. IT ALL JUST MAKES ME FEEL SO ALIVE.
These will not be a WHOLE HOUSE TOUR, as much as a, "the places people love most in their homes" tour. I decided to pose the same set of questions to each HouseLovely participant. I'm so excited!! Enjoy!
Who: The James Family. Steven, Kelley and Cooper (1.5 years)
Where: Herndon, Virginia
What's your family motto?
Great idea. We don't have one but will for sure work on adopting one! We have several favorite quotes and bible verses...Jer 29:11 ["For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.] I also like the quote, "Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself."- Coco Chanel
Fun Fact: Kelley painted and destressed the canvas above her couch herself! A+ for DIY amazingness!
What's your favorite place in the house?
Depends on the activity or mood. But I would say the kitchen area because of the open concept with the breakfast area and den that looks out onto our backyard. It's also the main area of our home that is the most finished in my mind!
What's your favorite "big box" investment piece?
Definitely our bedroom furniture we purchased before he birth of our son. It has that distressed, refined rustic feel to it that is soothing to me and fits our style.
Fun Fact: Fleur-de-lis can be found all throughout the James' home! Giving a nod to Kelley's LA roots.
What is your favorite unique piece of furniture or decor in your house?
Our powder room vanity cabinet with copper basin sink. We designed it ourselves (sort of). That is, we found the cabinet through an Etsy artist out of El Paso Texas. We ordered the copper sink from an artist in Mexico. Steven and I both come from artistic backgrounds. His artistic routes are in Santa Fe, NM area and mine from South Louisiana. This piece was for sure inspired by our love and appreciation for the uniqueness of south Louisiana and Santa Fe blend of styles.
What's the cheapest way you make your home lovely?
Every season I incorporate the outdoors inside. We love the outdoors and the house backs up to the woods. Which we totally embrace! So I like to add texture and softness with seasonal decor usually from nature. I pull together different flower arrangements and gather branches with different textures. For extra inspiration I'll visit a store like Michael's to get more ideas.
I love Kelley's home so much! She was kind enough to let me come not once, but twice, to take pics. (Novice photographer in the house!) Also I took some of these pics back in January, hence some of the holiday decor. I HAD to add it though because I love LOVE her mantle and the different textures mixed with the lights. It's super cozy! She has #hygge on fleek.
I'm always looking for more HouseLovely submissions. If you wish to submit your house- please do! Write "HouseLovely" in the "blog post ideas" box below! If your in the DMV area, I can come, interview and take pics! If you live far away-- fear not! Just answer the 5 questions I asked above and submit me some pictures of your lovely home! I look forward to featuring YOUR place on HouseLovely.
TGIF! Subscribe to the blog at the bottom of the page! Have a great weekend!
