do you flip a switch: overhead lights vs lamps

Happy Monday y'all. Did everyone have some rest and relaxation over the past 48 hours? I did it up right and feel like I've had several days off rather than just two. Summer is slipping away, you've gotta fit it in while you can people!

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So today I've got light planning on the brain. I had a conversation with a friend not long ago who said she hates to walk into a her living room without being able to just flip the switch. She doesn't want to walk halfway across the room to turn on a lamp.

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I get what she's saying, but especially in older homes it is common to have to walk into a room and turning on a lamp for a little bit of light.

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Without being able to see the entire room, it looks as though the overhead light is used most in this space as there is only one library light in the whole room.

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Where this room has plenty of both - a textbook example of light planning - overhead lighting, sconces and table and floor lamps spread through out the room at varying heights and sizes. The ideal is always the best of both worlds.

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So which do you prefer? The ease of overhead lighting or the 'character' of a room full of lamps? How much light do you need in a space to feel comfortable? Just promise me you aren't using a bulb over 40 watts.

glass front doors - don't be afraid

About a year after we moved into our house I was locking the front door when the door knob literally fell thru the door. It was original to the house (70+ years old) and it had rotted from the inside out. Since our house is old and nothing is standard we had to get a custom door so I decided to get exactly what I wanted. I believe my door salesmen's exact words were "You sure lady?!" when I told him. But I've been thrilled with our choice. This door lets a lot of light into what would otherwise be a dark corner of the house and I love the character it adds inside and out.

We get a lot of complements on our front door. But those complements are often followed by questions. Don't you feel exposed? Aren't you worried about your privacy? How do you check to see who is at the door?

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While I understand the curiosity, I always find these questions a bit odd. No one cares what is going on inside my house. I have yet to find people standing in my yard trying to peek into my windows.

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Anyone who would try to break into my house isn't going to case the joint by looking thru the front door first. I'm pretty sure most thieves are a bit sneakier than that. And nosy neighbors are more concerned about what is happening in other rooms than the entry.

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There is a house not far from us with beautiful windows, great exposure and fabulous plantation shutters in every single window that are. never. open. Why?? I don't understand. Let in that beautiful light people!!

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And who are all of these people that are coming to your door? In the whole time I've lived here I can honestly think of only four times a stranger knocked on my door unannounced.

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As for people you know dropping by unannounced, the car in the driveway is going to give me away so I don't have a lot of places to hide, glass door or not.

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It is one of the best ways to get a double bang for your buck - big curb appeal boost and indoor light and style queen. What is not to love?

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So if you are considering it, or at all on the fence, I am here to tell you to go for it. You won't be sorry.

And remember, no matter how much glass we have, we still open it up to peek around the corner.

What do you think? Could you have a glass front door? Are you worried about privacy?

design inspiration - jeremiah goodman

When I love something I become a bit obsessive. Some that know me might call it a one track mind, but I choose to call it...enthusiastic. And (duh) I love interior design. I love learning about it, looking at it and I want it to fill my house, my bookshelves and my walls.

So when I found Jeremiah Goodman's work on Instagram I knew I found someone new to get 'enthusiastic' about. Mr. Goodman has been creating interior illustrations for over sixty years (I'm just late to the party) and has captured the work of some of the best designers in the business. He's worked with and been featured in just about every quality magazine there is including The New York Times Magazine, House and Garden, Interior Design and Harper's Bazar and apart of a number of books including Habitually Chic, Creativity at Work, and even a book on his own life and work.

All images via Jeremiah Goodman's Instagram

He's also a pretty funny guy and shares great videos and works in process on Facebook. This is true art in my book and I could fill a whole room with his illustrations.

Do you love illustrations or do you prefer more modern art? Have you found any inspiration on Instagram lately? 

paint it black

Black is having a big moment lately. Well, let's be real, black is never NOT having a moment in one form or another but right now it is large and in charge. Black bedrooms, dining rooms, bathrooms, even kitchens have everyone's toes all curled with excitement. 

And this is all for good reason. It is no secret that black is the basis of all good things. Fashion and interiors always encourage adding a bit of black here and there. It helps to balance out an outfit or a room and it looks great with everything. When in doubt add black, right?

So why then don't we see more black when it comes to exteriors? Black (or dark grey/blue) makes the landscape pop and gives a very clean (ironic I know) and crisp look that I love big time.

I grew up in a black (cedar shake) house and I'm starting to crave that look again.

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Would you go black outside? What's your favorite exterior color? Could I love anything more than a stained black fence? (the answer is no)

calling a spade a spade

I finally admitted something to myself this weekend.

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I had given myself a long list of yard work that needs to get done and I did exactly 20 minutes of it before deciding that the pool was a better idea.

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It was at that time that I finally admitted to myself that I hate yard work. Now I know you are thinking, "duh, big revelation. Everyone hates to weed and lay mulch and cut the grass." But I'm not talking about the basics. I have grown to hate planting things, even going to the nursery is no longer fun.

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The irony of all of this is that I swoon over beautiful landscaping. The smell of mulch puts me over the moon with excitement. I love taking drives in the summer to look at everyone's beautiful yards. And when I travel, the different plants and vegetation are things I comment on so much it starts to drive my family crazy.

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I just don't want to do any of the work.

When we first moved into our house, I loved working in the yard, then I tolerated it and now I avoid it at all costs. I want a beautiful yard, I really do. I just don't want any part in creating it. I'd rather be at the pool. So this is the summer I think I'll finally admit that I want no part in improving my yard. I will wait for the landscaping fairy to wave her magic wand on my yard and in the meantime, I will do my best to maintain what I've got.

How about you? Do you love working in the yard? Have you ever had something that you loved to look at but dreaded to actually do once you realized what is involved? Any chance there really is a landscaping fairy?

trending: pattern mix masters

The last day of school has finally arrived and I'm both thrilled and frightened at the thought of kicking off summer in a few short hours. I have a 3-year-old who is acting very...three lately. And the thought of a change to her schedule that might further muck her up almost makes me want to go hide in the closet until September. So let's ease into this week by talking about a trend I can't get enough of - pattern mixing.

In the right space, I love a collected look. A room that looks more curated over time and layered, very lived in. These spaces always feel comfortable and welcoming to me. Almost as though you are going into the 'real' room of someone's home, not the staged living room for guests. A backstage pass to someone's private space you could say.

Now this style certainly isn't for everyone and when it's not done well it looks like a hot mess. But there are a number of people who do it well and do it often.

Anna Spiro

Anna Spiro

Jamie Meares

Tilton Fenwick

Jeffrey Bilhuber

Katie Rosenthal

John Robshaw

What do you think? There are certainly levels of this trend, hardcore mixes for the bold and daring and more subtle mixes for those who just want to dip their toe into the mix.

Are you on board? Would you give it a try in your own home? Or will you leave the mixing to the cocktails?

design crush - tilton fenwick

With spring comes the desire for a fresh everything. Opening windows to let fresh air into the house after a long stale winter, bringing in some new pillows to freshen up a room, and finding new inspiration to freshen up your design-crazed brain.

And lately, that inspiration for me has been Titlon Fenwick. They've been blowing my mind since Anne Maxwell Foster and Suysel dePedro Cunningham started the firm in 2010, but now that they have a new fabric collection with Duralee my crush has been taken to a whole new level. Ever since I got to pet the fabrics in person, I've had them on my brain. I can't get enough of their fresh and fun style.

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I know. So very good, right?! I'm already scheming on how to work these fabrics into a new project I'm working on. And for extra inspiration, follow them on Instagram.

What gets you refreshed and recharged each spring? Do you have a new designer crush? Any new ideas that have you intrigued to shake things up around the house?