...Designing My Own Path...

The 25th design conveniently on the 25th day of December! Since it's Christmas, only fitting to design Santa's cottage! A central fireplace with hearths in every room.  Simple & Cozy. I love the simple decorations of Christmas, and am hoping to celebrate Christmas 2015 with some of these ideas! Popcorn and Cranberry strung for the tree! Source Burlap for a rustic feel.... Source Cinnamon Candles... Source Homemade Ornaments! Source Source Source Source Source Tree Topper! Source Hope you all have a Very Merry Christmas & get the opportunity to cherish the day with family & friends!

This week, I traveled to the  Christkindl market in Mifflinburg, PA.   I highly recommend taking the trip - great crafts and amazing food! Even some entertainment! The best part was exploring a cute town with historical houses with amazing features.  Beautiful exterior of a local log home.  One of the shops was inside a beautiful old home, which had an amazing fireplace.  It was large enough to walk into the space, and even included doors to keep it concealed when not in use. Motivated me to design a plan with the intention of fireplaces just like these! Inspiration for this week's design - amazing original fireplaces with doors to hide the hearth.  Source Source Source

I was thinking that a simple cape cod facade would be a deceiving exterior.  I love the simplicity of these quaint homes, and to allow for more space, I incorporated a split level design in the rear of the home.   So simple, yet so beautiful. Source To carry out the cozy feel, I would use decorative accent chairs.  Here are a few of my favorites. Source Source Source Source Source

 I could sketch floor plans all day.  I would be happy with a stack of sketchbooks, pencils, and sharpies.  I could sit outside during a warm summer day in an awesome backyard with a hanging hammock and some lights in the trees. I could easily get lost in this awesome hanging chair. Source Awesome hanging fire pit.  Source Source I love playing ping pong, and want an outdoor table one day for entertainment for summer gatherings. Source And now for the floor plan... This week I opted not to drag out the big PC, and just sketch out the floor plan and use my Chromebook (absolutely love my Chromebook - great size, great prize.) Updated image... Would love these floors... Source To me, a simple kitchen is a great space to create.  As a cooking nut, the clean white plates and accessories are perfect for presenting gourmet meals.  I'm thinking a galley style kitchen- long and narrow with lots of windows for natural light to pour

Week 21! I have a cozy bedroom now, and love its quaint size, so I stemmed this weeks design with the simplicity of the room.  The only change I would make to my current space would be to switch the window wall (I only sleep on my right side, so I would love it if the sunrise would be conveniently positioned to wake me in the morning.  I love this wall color and the retro couch.  And I'm a sucker for orange/ peach roses.   Source A clean color scheme with eclectic accents for the kitchen. Source This deep blue with white trim and light wood are very serene and relaxing (and there is a chevron blanket which makes me like this space even more!)  Source Chevron! Source I would love a walk in closet, even if a small one.  Source Simple and clean counters, dark cabinetry. Source Walk in shower with glass tile & a simple bench. Source Small but beautiful powder room. Source

This weekend, I've been determined to make the most of my time, so I've been working on Christmas gifts galore.  In my family, we started a tradition years ago that we can do "made" gifts, or crafts.  This year, I'm carrying through with this because I just love the idea of not just spending money, but also spending the time.  Let's just say, if a burglar ever stole the presents under my tree, they would be highly disappointed because there are no electronics, but rather personalized handmade gifts that come from the heart. This weekend, I started off Saturday with making a scarf for a friend (for purchase to give as a gift.)  This is my first scarf that I am actually selling, so that is actually exciting.  The funny thing is, as I was knitting, I made a mistake, and I quickly thought "Edit, Undo."  It made me sad to think my brain automatically switch to "computer mode."  Clearly, I work a job where things are easily reversed with the

Week 20! So I came across this great cabin , and I love its simplicity and the style.  A beautiful design! I tried to make my own version, and of course made the kitchen the more prominent space in the living area. I used a similar layout for the bedroom/ bath, but I added a bigger closet and rounded window for a global view.   I wanted the front to be deceiving, and extended the front wall slightly so the living room window would be modestly hidden.  I added a pantry because I know I would want one with all of my cooking.  I don't think a bedroom door is necessary in this space, and keeps with the rustic cabin feel.   Source Source Source This shower is incredible! Source Source I absolutely love the blanket above, and have been knitting lately.  Would love to fill a cozy cabins with wool blankets all over.  Source Source