Outstanding Family Home Design

<div style="text-align: justify;"> The M House by <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" target="_blank">MAKE Architecture</a> was re-imagined on a south facing site in Northcote, Melbourne, as having a contemporary addition to the existing family home. With a charming, delightful addition, this newly developed family home unravels its former cramped nature in an updated form. In order for the family to enjoy a soothing family life, the designers were challenged to contribute a warm and family-friendly atmosphere to the old and rather dark house. By bringing northern light into these new living spaces added to the backyard, MAKE Architecture extended living outdoors.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> “<em>With its wrap around bench seat, the courtyard becomes an extension of the living space, allowing for family life and activities to spill outside when extra space is required.</em>”</div> <br /> <div class="freshome-attachment" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="M House by MAKE Architecture Outstanding Family Home Design Hiding In The Suburbs" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-205305" height="350" src="http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/M-House-by-MAKE-Architecture.jpg" title="M House by MAKE Architecture" width="400" /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Showcasing a roofline shaped like the letter “M”, also giving the home its name, the home photographed by architectural photographer <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" target="_blank">Peter Bennetts</a> boasts an enlarged functional space where the family can spend quality time together. “<em>The ‘M’ roof form is expressed internally to create expansive ceiling heights with the lining boards wrapping down the walls</em>.”</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> “<em>The new living space has provided this family with a light filled space to come together and share daily life. There is space for home admin incorporated into the kitchen, and the piano that sat unused in an old spare room is now out in the main living space and is played regularly. The sunken bath in an efficiently planned bathroom and the handmade tiles by MAKE’s Bruce Rowe, are small moments of delight</em>.”</div> <br /> <div class="freshome-attachment" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="M House by MAKE Architecture 2 Outstanding Family Home Design Hiding In The Suburbs" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-205307" height="267" src="http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/M-House-by-MAKE-Architecture-2.jpg" title="M House by MAKE Architecture 2" width="400" /></div> <div class="freshome-attachment" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="M House by MAKE Architecture 3 Outstanding Family Home Design Hiding In The Suburbs" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-205308" height="378" src="http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/M-House-by-MAKE-Architecture-3.jpg" title="M House by MAKE Architecture 3" width="400" /></div> <div class="freshome-attachment" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="M House by MAKE Architecture 4 Outstanding Family Home Design Hiding In The Suburbs" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-205309" height="400" src="http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/M-House-by-MAKE-Architecture-4.jpg" title="M House by MAKE Architecture 4" width="285" /></div> <div class="freshome-attachment" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="M House by MAKE Architecture 5 Outstanding Family Home Design Hiding In The Suburbs" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-205310" height="400" src="http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/M-House-by-MAKE-Architecture-5.jpg" title="M House by MAKE Architecture 5" width="398" /></div> <div class="freshome-attachment" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="M House by MAKE Architecture 6 Outstanding Family Home Design Hiding In The Suburbs" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-205311" height="376" src="http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/M-House-by-MAKE-Architecture-6.jpg" title="M House by MAKE Architecture 6" width="400" /></div> <div class="freshome-attachment" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="M House by MAKE Architecture 7 Outstanding Family Home Design Hiding In The Suburbs" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-205312" height="400" src="http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/M-House-by-MAKE-Architecture-7.jpg" title="M House by MAKE Architecture 7" width="285" /></div> <div class="freshome-attachment" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="M House by MAKE Architecture 8 Outstanding Family Home Design Hiding In The Suburbs" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-205313" height="364" src="http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/M-House-by-MAKE-Architecture-8.jpg" title="M House by MAKE Architecture 8" width="400" /></div> <div class="freshome-attachment" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="M House by MAKE Architecture 9 Outstanding Family Home Design Hiding In The Suburbs" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-205314" height="189" src="http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/M-House-by-MAKE-Architecture-9.jpg" title="M House by MAKE Architecture 9" width="400" /></div> <div class="freshome-attachment" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="M House by MAKE Architecture 10 Outstanding Family Home Design Hiding In The Suburbs" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-205315" height="221" src="http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/M-House-by-MAKE-Architecture-10.jpg" title="M House by MAKE Architecture 10" width="400" /></div> <div class="freshome-attachment" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="M House by MAKE Architecture 11 Outstanding Family Home Design Hiding In The Suburbs" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-205316" height="226" src="http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/M-House-by-MAKE-Architecture-11.jpg" title="M House by MAKE Architecture 11" width="400" /></div> <div class="freshome-attachment" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="M House by MAKE Architecture 12 Outstanding Family Home Design Hiding In The Suburbs" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-205317" height="227" src="http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/M-House-by-MAKE-Architecture-12.jpg" title="M House by MAKE Architecture 12" width="400" /></div> <div class="freshome-attachment" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="M House by MAKE Architecture 13 Outstanding Family Home Design Hiding In The Suburbs" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-205318" height="101" src="http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/M-House-by-MAKE-Architecture-13.jpg" title="M House by MAKE Architecture 13" width="400" /></div> <div class="freshome-attachment" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="M House by MAKE Architecture 14 Outstanding Family Home Design Hiding In The Suburbs" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-205319" height="400" src="http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/M-House-by-MAKE-Architecture-14.jpg" title="M House by MAKE Architecture 14" width="257" /></div> <div class="freshome-attachment" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="M House by MAKE Architecture 15 Outstanding Family Home Design Hiding In The Suburbs" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-205320" height="281" src="http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/M-House-by-MAKE-Architecture-15.jpg" title="M House by MAKE Architecture 15" width="400" /></div>

Outstanding Family Home Design

The M House by MAKE Architecture was re-imagined on a south facing site in Northcote, Melbourne, as having a contemporary addition to th...

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Playful Mix of Textures As Backdrop for Modern

<div style="text-align: justify;"> Metal stairs are on display in the center of the house, with a metal mesh rail spiraling through the stairwell from the basement up to the third floor. According to the architects, the project is an experiment in using “a nearly-monochromatic color palette, with a mix of sheens, patterns, and textures that evolve into a neutral backdrop, allowing the future owner to add life and color to the space with their own belongings and character. Engineered wood floors in white oak are stained in a light grey matte finish with a slight shimmer that is revealed subtly under the lights. Charcoal stained birch doors are accented with black hardware.”  Natural lighting travels freely throughout the house, casting shadows and revealing experiences with each new interior.</div> <br /> <div class="freshome-attachment" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="exterior modern residence Playful Mix of Textures As Backdrop for Modern Living: 150 Hudson Residence" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-205379" height="280" src="http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/exterior-modern-residence.jpg" title="exterior modern residence" width="400" /></div> <div class="freshome-attachment" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="modern residence 4 Playful Mix of Textures As Backdrop for Modern Living: 150 Hudson Residence" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-205380" height="266" src="http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/modern-residence-4.jpg" title="modern residence 4" width="400" /></div> <div class="freshome-attachment" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="modern residence 5 Playful Mix of Textures As Backdrop for Modern Living: 150 Hudson Residence" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-205381" height="266" src="http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/modern-residence-5.jpg" title="modern residence 5" width="400" /></div> <div class="freshome-attachment" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="modern residence 6 Playful Mix of Textures As Backdrop for Modern Living: 150 Hudson Residence" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-205382" height="266" src="http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/modern-residence-6.jpg" title="modern residence 6" width="400" /></div> <div class="freshome-attachment" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="modern residence 7 Playful Mix of Textures As Backdrop for Modern Living: 150 Hudson Residence" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-205383" height="266" src="http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/modern-residence-7.jpg" title="modern residence 7" width="400" /></div> <div class="freshome-attachment" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="modern residence 8 Playful Mix of Textures As Backdrop for Modern Living: 150 Hudson Residence" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-205384" height="266" src="http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/modern-residence-8.jpg" title="modern residence 8" width="400" /></div> <div class="freshome-attachment" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="modern residence 9 Playful Mix of Textures As Backdrop for Modern Living: 150 Hudson Residence" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-205385" height="296" src="http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/modern-residence-9.jpg" title="modern residence 9" width="400" /></div> <div class="freshome-attachment" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="modern residence 10 Playful Mix of Textures As Backdrop for Modern Living: 150 Hudson Residence" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-205386" height="266" src="http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/modern-residence-10.jpg" title="modern residence 10" width="400" /></div> <div class="freshome-attachment" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="modern residence 11 Playful Mix of Textures As Backdrop for Modern Living: 150 Hudson Residence" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-205387" height="266" src="http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/modern-residence-11.jpg" title="modern residence 11" width="400" /></div> <div class="freshome-attachment" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="modern residence 12 Playful Mix of Textures As Backdrop for Modern Living: 150 Hudson Residence" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-205388" height="266" src="http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/modern-residence-12.jpg" title="modern residence 12" width="400" /></div> <div class="freshome-attachment" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="modern residence 13 Playful Mix of Textures As Backdrop for Modern Living: 150 Hudson Residence" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-205389" height="266" src="http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/modern-residence-13.jpg" title="modern residence 13" width="400" /></div> <br /> <br /> <div class="freshome-attachment" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="modern residence 14 Playful Mix of Textures As Backdrop for Modern Living: 150 Hudson Residence" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-205390" height="400" src="http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/modern-residence-14.jpg" title="modern residence 14" width="266" /></div> <div class="freshome-attachment" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="modern residence 15 Playful Mix of Textures As Backdrop for Modern Living: 150 Hudson Residence" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-205391" height="266" src="http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/modern-residence-15.jpg" title="modern residence 15" width="400" /></div> <div class="freshome-attachment" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="modern residence 16 Playful Mix of Textures As Backdrop for Modern Living: 150 Hudson Residence" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-205392" height="266" src="http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/modern-residence-16.jpg" title="modern residence 16" width="400" /></div> <div class="freshome-attachment" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="modern residence 17 Playful Mix of Textures As Backdrop for Modern Living: 150 Hudson Residence" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-205393" height="247" src="http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/modern-residence-17.jpg" title="modern residence 17" width="400" /></div> <div class="freshome-attachment" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="modern residence 18 Playful Mix of Textures As Backdrop for Modern Living: 150 Hudson Residence" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-205394" height="249" src="http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/modern-residence-18.jpg" title="modern residence 18" width="400" /></div> <div class="freshome-attachment" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="modern residence 19 Playful Mix of Textures As Backdrop for Modern Living: 150 Hudson Residence" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-205395" height="230" src="http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/modern-residence-19.jpg" title="modern residence 19" width="400" /></div>

Playful Mix of Textures As Backdrop for Modern

Metal stairs are on display in the center of the house, with a metal mesh rail spiraling through the stairwell from the basement up to the...

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I could live here

<p>Hey there – sorry for the late post again today. Our break is still lingering in the form of lots of snow and frigid temps so we had a delay this morning. I will miss the relaxing weeks of the holidays but I’m kind of ready to get back to a schedule!</p> <p>Today we’re going to dream and drool over some beautiful photos. I’ve shared the HGTV dream home <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/01/is-this-your-dream-house.html">before</a> and honestly wasn’t that excited about it – but this one. THIS ONE is gorgeous. Holy cats, it’s just so well done. There’s not much I don’t like about it so I had to share. </p> <p>It’s a Cape Cod house and I <strong>love</strong> this style:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uDDn6QV8IFM/VKwfMiqGsGI/AAAAAAAAt-k/ghi-uSt3rpE/s1600-h/dh2015_front-yard_01_hero-shot_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.853%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="cape cod hgtv home" border="0" height="277" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Fy0rffCxT7I/VKwfNV39u4I/AAAAAAAAt-s/rtW_CdzeMTc/dh2015_front-yard_01_hero-shot_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.853_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="cape cod hgtv home" width="601" /></a></p> <p>The inside is so fresh and pretty – and the style is just what I would expect from the exterior:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yRva4OTvabc/VKwfOGzW6iI/AAAAAAAAt-0/Z00n600JQ5Q/s1600-h/dh2015_great-room_01_hero-shot_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.853%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="hgtv home 2015" border="0" height="366" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rOdA_Benucc/VKwfO1l-LDI/AAAAAAAAt-8/73hviQdB3j0/dh2015_great-room_01_hero-shot_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.853_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="hgtv home 2015" width="550" /></a></p> <p>Beadboard EVERYWHERE! And it works here. I still don’t think I could do all white walls but it really is a lovely backdrop: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--tbHAh3yoWY/VKwfPjsXYhI/AAAAAAAAt_E/UUPFl32uwFA/s1600-h/dh2015_great-room_white-side-chairs-french-doors_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.853%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="beadboard walls with trim" border="0" height="366" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HhIuHlzEkYE/VKwfQanpf5I/AAAAAAAAt_M/uRmL7yCMVRY/dh2015_great-room_white-side-chairs-french-doors_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.853_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="beadboard walls with trim" width="550" /></a></p> <p>Love the sconces throughout too. I want sconces everywhere. </p> <p>I like how they broke up the beadboard with trim – it makes it look even more expensive: </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6DZMSF5dyNM/VKwfROBqGDI/AAAAAAAAt_U/pl7vef-H-sw/s1600-h/dh2015_great-room_sunny-hallway_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.853%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="hgtv dream home cape cod" border="0" height="366" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TcjU5vKJ9eg/VKwfRmstS5I/AAAAAAAAt_c/cCjjDVZfj_Y/dh2015_great-room_sunny-hallway_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.853_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="hgtv dream home cape cod" width="550" /></a></p> <p>They really did use it <em>everywhere</em>…but I love the dark backs on the built ins: </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zN5tAdAirNc/VKwfSVwZ4XI/AAAAAAAAt_k/QRGsMvJC8ME/s1600-h/dh2015_great-room_pedestal-table-brown-white-striped-chair_v.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.1920%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="gray back on bookcases" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-58uOMl3r_HY/VKwfTDbVkHI/AAAAAAAAt_s/dvgfqwmwGRk/dh2015_great-room_pedestal-table-brown-white-striped-chair_v.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.1920_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="gray back on bookcases" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Using a contrasting color on the backs of bookshelves or built ins really makes everything else pop! Love the simple accessorizing too. Makes me want to take half the stuff off my shelves. :)</p> <p>You can see here how the paneling really does go all over. The beams are gorgeous, yes? I was surprised to see that the dining area really isn’t that big – the size comes from the ceilings. When I watched on TV it looked like there wasn’t much walking space behind the chairs. This is what I think we’ll see more of – less formal dining rooms and more dining spaces incorporated into the rest of the living areas: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JQrgiZvQHfY/VKwfTy4CudI/AAAAAAAAt_0/HeN21ES7R1E/s1600-h/dh2015_dining-room_hero-shot-vertical_v.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.1920%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="paneled ceiling wood beams" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-s_hICotxRmM/VKwfUSDSLPI/AAAAAAAAt_8/MfyxCmcMlXE/dh2015_dining-room_hero-shot-vertical_v.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.1920_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="paneled ceiling wood beams" width="500" /></a></p> <p>The kitchen isn’t massive either – I mean, it’s not tiny for sure but not crazy big. It is a lovely room!: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sLczePpNejU/VKwfVGmVdfI/AAAAAAAAuAE/S2xNGfGNzpU/s1600-h/dh2015_kitchen_01_hero-shot_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.853%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="dh2015_kitchen_01_hero-shot_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.853" border="0" height="366" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Nu4tLVlbDuM/VKwfV78hfCI/AAAAAAAAuAM/iXEgbtThLlQ/dh2015_kitchen_01_hero-shot_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.853_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="dh2015_kitchen_01_hero-shot_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.853" width="550" /></a></p> <p>Of course, the butcher block island is my favorite part. :) Love this view: </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9Bbkyby-9w4/VKwfWtg2ChI/AAAAAAAAuAU/N5u6-isPRfc/s1600-h/dh2015_kitchen_view-ino-living-room_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.853%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="butcher block island" border="0" height="366" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pcR3e_hMu0w/VKwfXNM9w3I/AAAAAAAAuAc/mTKa0H9I93g/dh2015_kitchen_view-ino-living-room_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.853_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="butcher block island" width="550" /></a></p> <p>The skylight helps to keep things open and bright in there too. </p> <p>I wasn’t as crazy about the bedrooms – but I am nuts about that master light fixture: </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wXpl7xdoP14/VKwfX54kneI/AAAAAAAAuAk/6B4ZL5jZCyU/s1600-h/dh2015_master-bedroom_01_hero-shot_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.853%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="hgtv dream home" border="0" height="366" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XDaHRGKYSko/VKwfY3JOCTI/AAAAAAAAuAs/_c4h9O5Ed20/dh2015_master-bedroom_01_hero-shot_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.853_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="hgtv dream home" width="550" /></a></p> <p>I like the wall color but think this room would look even more amazing with a lighter, more neutral tone. I mean, it’s stunning, come on. But the color is throwing me a bit. </p> <p>I love the use of that color on the ceiling in the bathroom though: </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-c3M5FMDyTho/VKwfZSkjz2I/AAAAAAAAuA0/5A1G-aiA9AI/s1600-h/dh2015_master-bathroom_01_hero-shot_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.853%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="painted aqua ceiling " border="0" height="366" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OGCfWG79EhE/VKwfaDN4nLI/AAAAAAAAuA8/9xb0ZHfEDEE/dh2015_master-bathroom_01_hero-shot_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.853_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="painted aqua ceiling " width="550" /></a></p> <p>Seriously, it’s huge! Party in the potty anyone? If I win you’re all invited. ;) </p> <p>More beadboard throughout this space: </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-v4PV6VI__KI/VKwfa7mUkQI/AAAAAAAAuBE/_FwyCbVbXfs/s1600-h/dh2015_master-bathroom_free-standing-bathtub-window_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.853%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="free standing tub" border="0" height="366" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ejpSozf4KZ4/VKwfbTPClWI/AAAAAAAAuBM/RfD91PARYmk/dh2015_master-bathroom_free-standing-bathtub-window_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.853_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="free standing tub" width="550" /></a>It really is a gorgeous home. I think this may be my favorite one they’ve done yet! The architecture is stunning and really the best part of this house I think. (You can see more of the house <a href="http://www.hgtv.com/design/hgtv-dream-home">here</a>.) Did you watch the show to see the whole space? It’s fun to dream right?? </p>

I could live here

Hey there – sorry for the late post again today. Our break is still lingering in the form of lots of snow and frigid temps so we had a delay...

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Another no-spend month!

<p>Hello all! I hope the end of last year and the start to 2015 were great! We stayed at home and partied in the basement…meaning we sat on the couch and ate popcorn. ;) </p> <p>I’ve been busy going through rooms, purging and organizing and it feels so good.<strong> I love it</strong>. I’ve had zero desire to bring anything new into the house – <em>it all must go! </em>So I figured this would be a great time to do another one of my no-spend months. </p> <p>I’ve done these a couple times before and it’s just a time for me to focus on what we have, make things work and get stuff done around the house. I always have list a mile long of projects I want to accomplish that get pushed aside because of the bigger stuff. And it just feels good to not bring any more STUFF into the house. My only cheat may be an IKEA trip that’s already planned, but I may just reschedule. ;)</p> <p>I thought I would share a few of my favorite projects from no-spends past so you can see what I’m up to during these months. </p> <p>I still love my little candlestick table that sits in our family room: </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tIclgGOpaVI/VKbNt5erOfI/AAAAAAAAt4A/uWgMSgrfKnw/s1600-h/IMG_0375%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="board and batten walls" border="0" height="738" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xhgL7BPA_cs/VKbNuxtiq6I/AAAAAAAAt4I/w1eafn9IXzk/IMG_0375_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="board and batten walls" width="500" /></a></p> <p>You can see how I made that (with items from Goodwill that I had) <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2011/07/candlestick-turned-table.html">here</a>. </p> <p>Years ago I found an amazing online resource for free prints and used that to <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2011/07/absolutely-free-and-beautiful-art.html">create some art</a> in the family room: </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Qxng5mHNW7s/VKbNvrQEcJI/AAAAAAAAt4Q/ZPnJlv1qZZk/s1600-h/IMG_5556%25255B3%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="free art printables" border="0" height="480" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VoAzSg1EvRc/VKbNwUfwctI/AAAAAAAAt4Y/EWf9PfWnl6A/IMG_5556%25255B3%25255D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="free art printables" width="320" /></a></p> <p>I later added some gold rub n buff to the corners of those frames too: </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WRRi7aP3zBQ/VKbNxIFgo2I/AAAAAAAAt4g/BRZb6UyJTFg/s1600-h/IMG_6689%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="corner fireplace" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BVmArtnEC0A/VKbNx8SLQFI/AAAAAAAAt4o/L18Uw4VsRR8/IMG_6689_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="corner fireplace" width="485" /></a>Those prints now sit on the built ins near one of my other favorite no-spend projects, the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2011/07/diy-trough-thingy.html">DIY wood trough</a>:  <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yXrnRqqaLfE/VKbNybR34nI/AAAAAAAAt4w/_1mbYgvdB58/s1600-h/IMG_0351%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="gray fireplace" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_WgNLZg1tSM/VKbNzQu1IrI/AAAAAAAAt44/c9z0XH2gssg/IMG_0351_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="gray fireplace" width="500" /></a></p> <p>This is one of the projects I get asked about most! I made it from scrap wood and it’s SO EASY. These are great for the middle of a long table too. </p> <p>Another one of my best no-spend projects was when I took an old 80’s night stand we had forever:<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rOAWYf8QQ5k/VKbNz4qW_gI/AAAAAAAAt5A/opk1VWkv_a8/s1600-h/painting-dark-wood%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="painting over dark wood" border="0" height="746" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-geZR4wkFLFY/VKbN01TTBfI/AAAAAAAAt5I/Uu1zs6D_xOI/painting-dark-wood_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="painting over dark wood" width="500" /></a></p> <p>And made it over with white paint and handles (all we had on hand). </p> <p>So much better!: </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--6x0jo35_GE/VKbN1pdMdmI/AAAAAAAAt5Q/7pm810m__BU/s1600-h/80%252527s-nightstand-redo%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="80's nightstand redo" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vs0NJOGBroc/VKbN2GMqG7I/AAAAAAAAt5Y/pI8PcdKZG38/80%252527s-nightstand-redo_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="80's nightstand redo" width="484" /></a></p> <p>I didn’t love the scrolly wood underneath so I recently removed that with my jigsaw, as you can see in this Instagram pic from the other night: </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RNR4IluKZTE/VKbN26u2xKI/AAAAAAAAt5g/h-QG4nOca-Q/s1600-h/unnamed%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="gray accent wall" border="0" height="500" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9WKAJ52Ya3Y/VKbN3hd_d0I/AAAAAAAAt5o/N2rsH8wb_BA/unnamed_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="gray accent wall" width="500" /></a></p> <p>It removed even more of the 80’s feel. ;)</p> <p>I used some scrap wood to <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/08/no-spend-project-review.html">build some shelves</a> in the guest room closet: </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-as7N1QNZDhc/VKbN4fKWTyI/AAAAAAAAt5w/cKW-vK1h_6A/s1600-h/using-wasted-space-in-closet%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="using all of closet" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CYCvs13oor0/VKbN4_x9vBI/AAAAAAAAt54/sAdbY_22mqI/using-wasted-space-in-closet_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="using all of closet" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I hate wasted space and this makes that awkward spot SO much more useful! </p> <p>I also finished up a big project in that same room: </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7jP47Ho9fk0/VKbN5s4wmtI/AAAAAAAAt6A/ArixnhJDH6k/s1600-h/ombre-paint-wall%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="ombre painted wall" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-t4l5mwz3MnI/VKbN6YqKbyI/AAAAAAAAt6I/XsQhjxBgJUY/ombre-paint-wall_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="ombre painted wall" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I had the paint…I just never took the time to do it! Still love this <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/08/an-ombre-wall-guest-room-progress.html">ombre wall</a>! </p> <p>We had some drapes that needed lined and some sheets I was going to drop off at Goodwill – so I <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/08/how-to-line-drapes-with-what-you-have.html">used the sheets to line the drapes</a>: </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kXvoOEFl3Tg/VKbN7MBK2mI/AAAAAAAAt6Q/ZddfHAUmdZ4/s1600-h/how-to-line-drapes%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="how to line drapes" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kiCdPJuImkc/VKbN7gh5xDI/AAAAAAAAt6Y/slGmwXY3hLY/how-to-line-drapes_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="how to line drapes" width="500" /></a> I share how to line drapes in that post too. The sheets were the perfect weight – love how full they make the drapes. </p> <p>Like I said, I tend to get a lot of little things done in these months and last time I finished up a bunch of little details in our basement bathroom and shared the reveal: </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GuXf3A_EocU/VKbN8Z-kIII/AAAAAAAAt6g/04sMg5BhYnI/s1600-h/blue-green-bathroom%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="blue and green bathroom" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qpWWWRIpEgY/VKbN9b8hWnI/AAAAAAAAt6o/MFHE18YDiuA/blue-green-bathroom_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="blue and green bathroom" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I adore this room and it’s pretty colors! You can see more of this space <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/08/bright-basement-bathroom-done.html">here</a>. </p> <p>I’m looking forward to getting some projects knocked off the list! Hope you’ll find them useful too! </p> <p>You can see all of my no-spend projects <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2011/08/no-spend-july-in-review.html">here</a> and <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/08/no-spend-project-review.html">here</a>. :) Have a great weekend my peeps!</p>

Another no-spend month!

Hello all! I hope the end of last year and the start to 2015 were great! We stayed at home and partied in the basement…meaning we sat on the...

Read more »