Realization:  maple syrup is not “required” on pancakes (but it does taste good).  :)  We were all out this morning, so I skipped the sugary stuff for nuts and berries.

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I used a Kodiak mix for the flapjacks and sprinkled one side with sunflower seeds as they cooked.

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Plus, blueberries for a little moisture and sweetness.

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Alright- onto the fun stuff!

 

Design, Part I

 

As you know, the Husband and I just moved from Orlando to Charlotte and sold off all of our second-hand furniture in the process.  This is the first time in the nearly 6.5 years we’ve been together that we’ve been able to “design” our apartment, and we’re having a lot of fun with it.  I’ve been reading design blogs for inspiration (my favorite is Young House Love).  Here’s what we have so far!

 

Living room before:

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Living room current:

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We bought a modular couch (which means we can take it apart and rearrange it however we want) from West Elm.  It was nearly 50% off because it was a floor model and a return.  Score!  A few pretty brown and orange pillows makes it pop.

 

I love the mirrored feet.  I also love the 8 x 10 braided jute rug that we splurged on.

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To make up for the cost of the couch and rug, we got a simple dark brown coffee table and TV stand from IKEA for $50 each. 

 

Design Blanks in the Living Room:  We have a big painting to hang up to the right of the entryway, but we need something for the HUGE blank wall behind the couch.  I was thinking a framed photo collage (mostly in black and white) would look good…  It might be fun to have a few of the photos in color, too.

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Also, the entryway is a mess.  I want to get some sort of small side table under the window, but it can only be 5 feet long and 8 inches wide.  That’s hard to find!  I want one with drawers so I can stash the dog leashes, umbrella, etc.

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Moving onto the kitchen…  We don’t need to do much, but we did buy a 3 x 5 braided jute rug to match the one in the living room.  It was surprisingly affordable (also from West Elm).

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And now the office

 

Before:

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Current:  This room is almost entirely IKEA.  They have some great stuff for offices…  I bought a fun bright red rug for $99 and did the rest of the room in black and white.  I’m LOVING the huge square book case.  The black and wood chair in the corner is the only thing we kept during the move.  I would love to get a fun printed footstool for it.

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On the opposite wall is our double desk with clear chairs, which I fell in love with immediately!  I love how clean and modern this looks. 

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Design Blanks for the Office:  In addition to the missing footstool, I need to add a framed wedding picture above our desk and a lamp.  My mom is giving me one of her old silver and frosted glass lamps that I think will work perfectly.

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This is the picture that is currently being framed and matted:

Reshoot

And last… but certainly not least…

 

My bathroom/the guest bathroom.

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Design Blanks for the Bathroom:  Um, everything?  It’s currently a dog crate holding zone / junk drawer in the shower.   I think I want to design the bathroom around this 8 inch by 10 inch print from The Lobster Pot.

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Not going to lie – I bought this print for a nursery, but that’s not happening anytime soon so it’s going into the bathroom for now!  However, this green is really hard to decorate around.  Should I try to match it or do another color and just let the print be an accent?

 

Can you help me fill in my design blanks?  Any suggestions for things that I’m just not seeing?

{ 158 comments }

 

  • Jessica @ How Sweet July 8, 2010, 9:11 am

    I love those braided rugs and the living room looks great! I have lived in my house for a year and you already have more done than me. I draw major blanks when it comes to decorating.

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs July 8, 2010, 9:11 am

    The house looks great! I loveee that corner sofa thing, and I think the b + w collage sounds beautiful (almost as beautiful as that stunning wedding picture!). I wish I could help with the blanks, but I have zero design experience :s

  • Katie (Sweet Tater) July 8, 2010, 9:14 am

    love it. pale blue looks awesome with that color green…

    • OurDogBuffy July 8, 2010, 1:52 pm

      Totally agree! And I’ve been in my house for 1 year and 4 months and have only really started decorating. We needed new windows and house paint first … it’s just me and my husband and our pets. So we’re taking it slow and we have a lot of hand-me-downs. We recently had small paintings done of our dogs and one cat (the other two cats are too young, waiting until they grow up to see what they look like as adult cats). Just an idea! I had a local artists do them and I have her contact info if you are interested (local as in Virginia … but she can ship them!)

      • Katie (Sweet Tater) July 8, 2010, 2:04 pm

        oh yeah! pet art is the cutest. i was at a house last weekend that did an arrangement of several dog silhouettes (one being hers) in cute, quirky frames. loved it.

  • Courtney @ Three Months July 8, 2010, 9:15 am

    Coral, tan and brown would be great accents to the green in that doxie print. Sort of a tropical/summery feel and great colors for a bathroom. I’m loving the clear office chairs – so cool!

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday July 8, 2010, 9:15 am

    Wow, it’s coming together so well and so fast!!
    All my shit would still be in boxes if it were my place. Haha.

    Aww that’s so cute that you’re buying art for your nursery! You must be really excited to get on with the baby-making haha

  • Lindsay @ The Ketchup Diaries July 8, 2010, 9:17 am

    I say let the green be an accent and I LOVE the bookcase too!

  • allison @ livingoneday July 8, 2010, 9:18 am

    i love it!! the bookcase is great and my favorite part is the dual desk+chairs. what about a cool lamp or window treatments for the living room? and i love that print!! i have been searching for “keep calm and have a cupcake” on etsy by jenny and aaron, but their shop is down for now. i have stationary to match – it’s my favorite!! i would use the green piece as an accent. what about naturals? dark browns, khakis, cream, burnt orange?

  • Robyn @ Frugal 'n' Fit! July 8, 2010, 9:18 am

    I have no design talent at all but I love what you’ve done with the place so far! You’ve been so busy lately that I am doubly impressed 🙂

  • Nicole @ Making Good Choices July 8, 2010, 9:19 am

    I think navy or browns go well with the green color. My living room has green, with dark brown furniture and a navy rug. It goes well together! Your place is really coming along.

  • Dee July 8, 2010, 9:19 am

    Wow! I love what you guys have done to your apartment!

  • Neely July 8, 2010, 9:20 am

    Looks great! The only suggestion I have is to shop around for some cool vintage or interesting artwork for your living room in lieu of a photo collage. I am not a huge fan of photo collages as they immediately make me think “college” rather than “adult.” Plus, it is far more fun and interesting to invest in cool art or score a great find.

    Good luck girl!

  • Bethany Herrington July 8, 2010, 9:20 am

    I love what you’ve done. You’ve got great style. Where did you find that white desk? We are looking for something sleek like that for our office and have had no luck.

    • Caitlin July 8, 2010, 9:25 am

      IKEA! It’s 74 inches long though.

      • Anne July 9, 2010, 2:14 pm

        What’s it called? I looked on the site but the one I found looks different from what I can see of yours in the photo. Thanks.

        • Caitlin July 9, 2010, 3:08 pm

          BESTÃ… BURS

  • Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) July 8, 2010, 9:22 am

    I love the rugs!! I need one so bad for our living room, but I’ve been too scared to look into the prices. The one I need is huge (like 18×18)!

    Wish I had any design help to add, but I’m still struggling with it myself (and we’ve been here for 4 months). My suggestion? Just start hanging stuff… you can always tae it down if you don’t like it 🙂

  • Rachel @ Suburban Yogini July 8, 2010, 9:25 am

    Modular couches are great. We spent a fortune on ours but it is so worth it. By moving it around we can change the shape of the room completely which is great when we put the Christmas tree up or have people to stay.

    I think rather than try to match the green, use a completely contrasting colour but really sparingly. For example have the bathroom predominanty white but with touches of red (like a red loo seat for e.g.)

  • Kath July 8, 2010, 9:27 am

    Love the improvements!!!

    I am totally getting that double desk! What an awesome piece. And love your couch pillows!

    • Caitlin July 8, 2010, 9:28 am

      You guys should definitely do a double desk. We have two desks in our old office and it looks so much cuter to have one long one…plus we get to sit next to each other!

      • Neely July 8, 2010, 9:30 am

        I agree the desk is a total win.

        • Jackie July 8, 2010, 11:08 am

          My boyfriend and I are moving into a new place and I was thinking of getting that double desk! I noticed that it has melamine foil (not sure if they list the “ingredients” on the US site..I’m on the U.K. site), which I researched and has conflicting theories/research on whether its good or bad for kitchen table use and plates, etc. for health reasons. Have you read anything about this? I guess that chemical is fine for a desk though, not like you will be licking the desk or anything 🙂

        • Caitlin July 8, 2010, 11:12 am

          I don’t know anything about that but I will try not to lick the desk. LOL

  • Whitney July 8, 2010, 9:29 am

    Looking great so far!

    I think I have the perfect thing for your hallway. See if you can find some sort of cabinet that is made for bathrooms (ie, smaller footprint) that has drawers, shelves etc. I have a really skinny and tall cabinet from IKEA but I bet you could find something in that realm.

    I saw work with some purples to contrast with the green in your bathroom.

  • Nicole July 8, 2010, 9:37 am

    Hey Caitlin! I’m not sure if anyone else has suggested this, as I haven’t read the rest of the comments yet, but you can find pretty cheap photo prints on Etsy and you can also order prints off flickr, I think.

    I love reading about designing! I just moved into a new bedroom and I really need to work on decorating it. I had just been sleeping on my matress on the floor and all my stuff on top of boxes scattered about because I was too lazy to bring anything else, but I recently brought over my bed frame and a couple shelves and even that has made such a big difference!

  • Christina July 8, 2010, 9:37 am

    For the pics/hangings for the living room, I’d recommend getting something with some orange and brown highlights in it to pick up on the couch pillows. It doesn’t have to be all orange and brown, just a bit to draw the eye in.

    Don’t try to match the green in your ‘stay calm, love doxies’ sign. It’s easy to find coordinating colors, since that green is neutral. Without seeing the color in person, I’d recommend brown, khaki, peach, and maybe even purple tones. Take the sign with you when you shop for the rest of the room and hold the colors next to each other to see what looks good and suits your taste.

  • maria @ Chasing the Now July 8, 2010, 9:38 am

    I think I’d design around the green, instead of making it a focal point. It will pop more and you could probably find things to match easier.

  • Marilou @ Mostly Healthy July 8, 2010, 9:41 am

    Loves it!

    I love the rugs but are they hard on your feet?

    • Caitlin July 8, 2010, 9:48 am

      They are definitely firm but not hard

      • Caitlin in MD July 8, 2010, 1:14 pm

        TWSS!

  • Wei-Wei July 8, 2010, 9:42 am

    Our family has that square bookcase too! I love your office – the clear plastic chairs look awesome, and the rug! Wow, I would never have the courage to use such a bold colour, but you pull it off perfectly. As for that print – I think you should decorate around it. It’s a pretty colour, but not accent-y enough. I agree with Rachel – use a complimentary colour as a dual accent! 🙂 Maybe red towels?

    Wei-Wei

  • Jenny July 8, 2010, 9:42 am

    Maybe some potted plants? Even fake ones… I love the wedding photo!

  • Emmanuelle July 8, 2010, 9:44 am

    I love what you’ve done with the living room, and I definitely want the same jute rugs! We have the same bookcase in our living room, except the bigger model and black so it would cover a whole white wall.
    I would love to move just to redecorate a new apartment / house 😀

    For the green sign, I would definitely use it as an accent.

  • Gracie (complicated day) July 8, 2010, 9:45 am

    Totally let that green pop, I love it. If I had your living room I’d move the big painting to the large wall and put one of these wire sculptures on the wall by the entryway:
    http://complicatedday.blogspot.com/2010/02/little-art-in-my-life.html
    But then, I’m obsessed with wire sculptures so don’t listen to me!

  • Miranda @ MirandasJeans July 8, 2010, 9:45 am

    I am a terrible designer, so I can’t offer any advice or suggestions, other than to use the green as an accent colour for sure!

    It’s looking good!

  • Glamorous Newlywed July 8, 2010, 9:47 am

    Love the house so far! We have that same shade of green all over our house and I LOVE it! It looks best with black & white, in my opinion 🙂

  • valerie July 8, 2010, 9:49 am

    Looks great. I like the rugs… I’m still half asleep but did you say where you purchased them from? I’d love to get one for my place.

    • Caitlin July 8, 2010, 9:51 am

      Jute rugs were from West Elm but I see Pottery Barn has some similar ones for sale (grrr). Red rug was from Ikea.

  • Jessie (Bites and Pieces) July 8, 2010, 9:51 am

    Everything looks great! I love the jute rugs, but can never get them in my house since my cats will basically think they are giant scratching posts. They look beautiful though. I am tempted to get a long office desk like that too, I just love how it looks.
    As far as the bathroom, I would use the green print as more of an accent color instead of using it for the focal point. By the way, Ikea has these shoe cabinet things that are really narrow and made just for entryways like yours. You should look for it next time you are there!

  • Nadine July 8, 2010, 9:51 am

    I live in NYC and totally understand space constraints. Unfortunately apartment sized furniture is not typically inexpensive. Check out bo Concept or Room & Board. They have modern clean lines similar to ikea/west elm which you already own pieces from. Their websites are good–and maybe there is even one in your area. Best recommendation is get it all done within the first three months or you’ll be sitting without anythign on your walls/painted/etc. for year!

  • Anne July 8, 2010, 9:52 am

    I love the contemporary feel! I have the same problem with needing something on the wall behind the couch. It has been recommended to me to go to etsy and look for wall art. Is that where you got your “love and doxies” picture? Speaking of that, definitely use as an accent. Sounds adorable!

  • Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter July 8, 2010, 9:54 am

    Let the green set the tone for the bathroom. It’s a nice, earthy green so it’ll give you a lot to work around. I love the office too!

  • Jackie July 8, 2010, 9:57 am

    Caitlin, it all looks fantastic, and I’m impressed with how quickly you got everything set up!

    Question that I don’t think you answered in the post or comments: where are the sleek plastic desk chairs from? I must have them!

    • Caitlin July 8, 2010, 9:58 am

      Ikea! They are pretty sweet!

      • Jackie July 8, 2010, 10:02 am

        Thanks for the quick reply! Love them and your home style!

  • Ashley July 8, 2010, 9:58 am

    Your place looks great!!!! I love your couch! I’ve never done it but maybe try looking at flea markets and garage sales for a table in the foyer. Refurbishing it could be so much fun. As for the bathroom, it’s good to have a piece to design around just don’t do the whole matchey matchey thing b/c then it gets too much. Can’t wait to see more photos as you get more stuff!

  • Susan July 8, 2010, 10:01 am

    I definitely think you should do chocolate brown in your bathroom and let the “lime green” from the print be the accent. I have that combo in my house and everyone always comments that they love it. Good luck! Everything looks great so far.

  • We are not Martha July 8, 2010, 10:04 am

    Hi there! Loving the new place and that modular couch from west elm is killer. That chartreuse green is pretty simple to decorate around… I use it a ton in a lot of my design work! Some colors that work well with it: pinks, creams, black, yellow, charcoal gray, an aqua or pool blue, chocolate brown!!! It’s definitely a great color… just have fun with it! [chels]

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) July 8, 2010, 10:13 am

    girl, i can’t even think right now, but painting, even it’s just one wall, makes a huge difference sometimes! i love that rug and the couch though…perfect to add some dimension, AND you can have bright splashes of color everywhere and have it look amazing!

  • Jessica @ Jessica Balances July 8, 2010, 10:19 am

    Everything looks so great so far! 🙂 I love the furniture, especially that awesome bookcase in your office. It looks so cute! I also like how your couch comes apart – very convenient when you have guests, I’m sure. xoxo

  • Corinne (breathe and savor) July 8, 2010, 10:23 am

    sooo much to comment on, so little time! ha.
    -i am IN LOVE with the wedding picture you are going to matte and frame. you are stunning!!!
    -the braided rugs are gorg! are they rough/tough though? like borderline hurt your feet when you walk on them?
    -i have the pinkish “keep calm and carry on” print in my BR. i use it as an accent color and recommend you do the same! since they are both colors that POP (green and pink) too much can be overwhelming when you really just want a little sparkle!

    looking forward to seeing more! thanks for the link to the young house love blog! aren’t they flippin adorable

    • Caitlin July 8, 2010, 10:33 am

      Thank you 🙂

      They are firm but not hard.

  • kirsten July 8, 2010, 10:23 am

    I loveeee your house! The braided rugs and couch are awesome!! I agree with one of the comments above about your bathroom sign, I would use it as an accent and decorate the rest of the bathroom in either charcoal gray or chocolate brown.

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman July 8, 2010, 10:24 am

    I love the architecture of that house—the arched doorways are great. For your back wall that leads from the entryway, I think a bunch of framed graphic prints would be cool. To do it on the cheap you could cut up fabric and frame it. It could pull colors from the living room but have zigzags or something.

    For the bathroom—I love that color green. I think it looks so fresh and clean with white but I think it also goes with chocolate too.

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg July 8, 2010, 10:25 am

    I like the idea of the green print being an accent. So many other colors look good with that grassy green color, so I think you could really have fun with it!

    LOVE your living room!

  • Lisa July 8, 2010, 10:30 am

    I think it all looks great and I especially love the plastic chairs in the office. My only thought was that maybe it would be nice to put the office desk in another position (facing the window, facing the door) – it just seemed very close to the wall. Just a thought!

  • AngelaOSG July 8, 2010, 10:31 am

    Wow you did GREAT! Seriously you are much better at putting rooms together than I am. I love what you have done. And the pop of colours are key (and is something we are missing in our rooms!!!).

  • Sarah July 8, 2010, 10:31 am

    I think a deep chocolate color would go great with that green! One of our bathrooms is centered around a shower curtain that is chocolate brown with a green really similar to that and tan circles…it seems weird, but it works!

    I love that you got a great mix of splurge + IKEA items, we are getting an IKEA in 2011!

  • Megan@EatScrapRun July 8, 2010, 10:33 am

    Your decorating looks great! I have a big wall of black and white framed photos and it’s what people comment on most in my house. I can email you a picture if you want to see it. I have 5×7 black and white pics in 8×10 black frames with a white mat. The frames are only $7.50 each when 50% off at JoAnn Fabrics.

    • Caitlin July 8, 2010, 10:39 am

      Yes! Can you send me a pic?

      • Cindi July 8, 2010, 11:33 am

        This is one of my favorite posts from dooce and I plan to steal this idea very soon for my own place – since we have ZERO pictures hung on the walls and we’ve lived there for a year……pathetic!!!

        http://www.dooce.com/archives/daily/08_07_2007.html

        • Cindi July 8, 2010, 11:34 am

          PS – place looks great – plz come over to my house asap and decorate mine too! I SUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!!!!!!

  • Sarah for Real July 8, 2010, 10:33 am

    Love love love your couch!!! Also love the jute!

    I think you can find a lot of things for your bathroom that are primarily brown with that little pop of green. Those would go really well.

    Also, as someone with wood floors, you should stock up on sticky back felt to put on ALL the contact points of your furniture. It might not look like it’ll scratch the floors now, but trust me, you’ll be thankful you did later!

    • Carrie @ TV and Dinners July 8, 2010, 10:46 am

      This is the best advice! Definitely felt your furniture. Not only does it save your floors, it makes it so easy to move and clean around/under.

  • Lisa (I'm an Okie) July 8, 2010, 10:34 am

    I am not good at designing, but just wanted to say that I love West Elm! Good choice!

  • Marieke July 8, 2010, 10:35 am

    I have the Ikea Klippan footstools for my living room and I love the style (square with silver legs, I don’t like frilly furniture) but I wanted it to be different so I had covers made for them (wasn’t too expensive, about £30 for each cover)with a fabric I still had leftover. They look great! And I can wash the covers when necessary. Maybe an idea?

  • Rebecca July 8, 2010, 10:35 am

    I love the sunflower seed pancake idea! Your apartment looks great! I love Ikea. The wedding pic is gorgeous, too!

  • Joy (Mom) July 8, 2010, 10:37 am

    Hi Sweetie,
    Your nest looks great. It’s so stylish and cozy. In the entry way under the window you might think about a hanging “table” with a drawer or sitting a jute container under the shelf for the “doxies” stuff. Most tables are at least 12″ wide. That tuxedo couch rocks. The clean lines throughout your home are refreshing. Mom

  • brandi July 8, 2010, 10:37 am

    I love it so far! We can’t WAIT until we can move and really get to decorate. Our house now is small and old and there’s only so much we can do because of where doors/windows are in each room, etc. We only have room in our bedroom for one nightstand, for pete’s sake! Cannot wait for our next home 🙂

    I love the idea of using that print in the bathroom. I would check out fun shower curtains to see if anything has a little of that green OR another green that compliments it.

  • Carrie @ TV and Dinners July 8, 2010, 10:37 am

    Love everything! IKEA is a savoir. I am so sad we don’t have it in Nashville. When I visited my Mom in Tampa last Christmas I came home with a carload of IKEA loot! 😉

    One place to look for cute printed footstools is Target. I’m not sure if they have any right now, but the past few seasons they’ve had some interesting ones for $40 or less.

  • Kelly July 8, 2010, 10:39 am

    I really need to get the Keep and Calm and Love Doxies print! I love it! I would probably try to somewhat match the print, but not completely. If whatever green thing you choose that somewhat matches it is not touching or extremely close to the print, it will look like it matches, even if it’s slightly different (pillows, curtains, rug, etc). Complementary colors would look really good too like coral and light aqua, or a warm yellow would really set it off. For the walls, I really like big mirrors. We have three huge mirrors in ornate frames in our living room. We got them for 50% at Michael’s, spray painted them black, then had mirrors cut at Lowes to fit them. I think it works well, especially in rooms your want to open up visually.

  • krista July 8, 2010, 10:40 am

    I can’t decorate to save my life, but wanted to comment and say that I LOLed that the living room ‘before’ pic has 2 totally different dogs than the ‘after’ pic! I found that hilarious! 🙂

    • Caitlin July 8, 2010, 10:44 am

      hahah new living room, new dogs!

    • Sarah for Real July 8, 2010, 10:51 am

      LOL I didn’t notice that! Funny!

  • Camille July 8, 2010, 10:44 am

    I love the new place! You definitely have an eye for design!

  • Stephanie July 8, 2010, 10:47 am

    I love it! what a great space you found! Would you think about putting an entry way bench under the hooks instead of putting something under the window. That may give you more flexibility with size.

  • Tia July 8, 2010, 10:51 am

    I love the floors in your place they are gorgeous! Love the ikea desk, very modern and simple looking. How many dogs do you have? Just wanted to say, from you last post, your hubby is gorgeous! Take Care : )

    • Caitlin July 8, 2010, 11:06 am

      Haha we have two dogs but the two white ones in the before picture are my inlaws!

  • Carolyn @ lovinlosing July 8, 2010, 10:52 am

    Looks great! After my Tri on Sunday I am requiring the husband to stop at IKEA on the way home.

  • Theodora @ Losing Weight in the City July 8, 2010, 10:52 am

    For the photo collage, a cool upgrade to that is to get an inexpensive iron curtain rod, some black satin ribbon, and hang the paintings from the curtain rod. I saw it in a Pottery Barn catalog and did it in an old apartment, and it looked great. (Along the lines of this: http://www.amazon.com/Hanging-Collage-Frames-Decorative-Iron/dp/B000OC8934 – but you can just get the curtain rod/frames on your own.)

  • Claire July 8, 2010, 10:54 am

    Ah I love the design splash to your blog. I also frequent younghouselove and think they have the best taste. It’s def. pays to have an IKEA in Charlotte. I’m in the process of designing our townhouse but I’m only in the money saving stage 🙁 boo. PS. I think you should use the decor as an accent! ;0

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers July 8, 2010, 10:54 am

    I LOVE the double desk with clear chairs!!!!!! While I was waiting to get photos printed, I filled a bunch of frames with wrapping paper with a cool print and hung them up as a collage– I liked it so much I still haven’t taken them down!!

  • KMattrn July 8, 2010, 10:59 am

    Hi! I recently found your blog through the Happiness Project and I have to say: I can’t get enough of it! I’ve been reading and poking around the bolg for days on end now!
    Can’t wait to try some of your recipes:) I want to applaud you on all your efforts and the courage to quit your “real” job take on a full time writing career! Sounds like you get a lot of love on here, so don’t pay any attention to the nay-sayers and haters. You aren’t a hypocrite!

    Anyway… in the bathroom with the green doxie sign… I say go with a pumpkin/terra cotta sort of color or a deep purple and use the green as an accent with the sign and towels/curtains, etc. Just my humble opinion:)

    Congrats on all your success! Your house is looking great!

    • Caitlin July 8, 2010, 11:06 am

      thank you darlin!

  • Julz July 8, 2010, 11:03 am

    that poster is so cute! i found one on the website that says “keep calm and love running” and i might buy it!

  • Clare July 8, 2010, 11:04 am

    I loved this project by Cupcakes and Cashmere:

    http://cupcakesandcashmere.com/mirror-mirror/

  • John July 8, 2010, 11:06 am

    The new place is really shaping up! That’s a nice wedding photo too! I’m a terrible designer so won’t give any advice 🙂

  • Carrie H July 8, 2010, 11:08 am

    Since you mentioned babies, I have to ask — Did you get very far in the natural family planning book? I have that book too, and really want to try it to get off hormonal birth control, like, as soon as possible. While I have BABY FEVER (!!!!) now is just not the time for my husband and I, and so I’m scared to make the switch. But I also feel like a coward, and like I should to it for my health and be committed to the system, cause I DO think it works … ah! What to do?!?! 🙂

    • Caitlin July 8, 2010, 11:09 am

      I’ve shelved it for the time being. The Hus is really not comfortable with natural methods (ironic) and doesn’t want me to go off BC, so I won’t. It takes two to tango. LOL

      But I plan to go off in a year or so to let my body adjust and then try for bebes in two or so?

      • Carrie H July 8, 2010, 11:14 am

        That’s about the decision I’ve made … once I feel like I’d be okay with getting pregnant RIGHT THEN, I’ll get off the pill, but will likely try to try NFP for a little while at the same time. I feel a teeny bit hypocritical about it, I guess, but hey, like you say — I’ve got to do what makes sense for me right now, and the best I can for today.

  • Liz @ Tip Top Shape July 8, 2010, 11:10 am

    Aw, that wedding picture is just beautiful! You had a very talented photographer. I have a quick question about Kodiak mix. I see a lot of bloggers using it am thinking of hopping on the Kodiak band wagon. Where did you get yours?

    • Caitlin July 8, 2010, 11:12 am

      It was a sample sent me to 🙂

      RE: the wedding pic, it was actually taken 6 months after our wedding! Our photographer sucked so bad that we redid them 🙂

  • Erin @ A Girl and Her Mutt July 8, 2010, 11:17 am

    Love the pops of color. I love neutral pieces that stand out because of pillows or a framed photo.

  • Rachel (Two Healthy Plates) July 8, 2010, 11:18 am

    I love that couch! And your square shelf from ikea! Sadly, I can’t help with the wall photos..those are always the most difficult to decide! We bought our house a year ago and I still have a big blank wall behind the couch. =(

  • Chelsey July 8, 2010, 11:24 am

    I love that red rug!!! Here is my two cents: In the living room you need a splash of color. Whether it be yellow, green, blue, orange… it’s very neutral right now.

    I think if you could find a little bench to put in the front entry way with baskets underneath to store dog leashes, etc, that would b eperfect there!

  • Jenna @ HealthyHoofbeats July 8, 2010, 11:25 am

    Everything looks great! Especially the living room 🙂 And your wedding photo is gorgeous! I think you did a fantastic job decorating 🙂

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) July 8, 2010, 11:35 am

    So far it looks great. I think you should get hand towels in the same color as the print for the bathroom. it would set it off nicely.

  • MLT July 8, 2010, 11:40 am

    LOOOOVE your couch and the chairs in the office. One suggestion: what about some long curtain (maybe in a bright color like red) to soften your window? If you don’t want that, maybe at least take out the metal blinds and put in some wood or cloth roman blinds? I think it would really change the look of the room!
    Your green sign is cute…maybe purple or pumpkiny-orange to go with it?

    • Charise July 8, 2010, 1:13 pm

      Ooh, I posted before I read all the comments – I like the idea of purple or a rusty orange with the green! And different window treatments would be key (I haaate mini blinds), but since it’s a rental, I assume Caitlin probably can’t change those out?

      • caitlin July 8, 2010, 5:11 pm

        I think we’re just going to get curtains over the blinds.

  • Run Sarah July 8, 2010, 11:47 am

    Everything looks awesome – we have similar styles and use a lot of beige, white, black, and red and Ikea in our place as well! We have a photo collage that was super cheap and a mix of our engagement and wedding photos. It was leftover from our seating chart from the wedding, I just added the wedding photos. 4X6 photos are inexpensive and the frame was around $15-20, everyone remarks and likes looking at the various photos when they visit!

  • Marie July 8, 2010, 11:49 am

    Firstly, I’m loving everything! I love more natural colors, which you seem to be using. I think you should put the large picture on the wall behind the couch, though. I think it will compete with the windows and the entry way, and would fit better on the wall behind the couch. I love the idea of a picture collage and I think that 3-5 larger pictures or 5-7 smaller pictures would be great between the entryway/windows. I also think you should not worry about finding an 8-in wide table for the entryway and look for something a little wider to go under the hooks, there seems to be plenty of room there (and would look nice to see when you walk in the door– decorate with glass accents, etc.). As for the adorable doxie print, I agree with just about everyone else– don’t try to match it unless you’re doing just a couple of accents in a similar color (toothbrush holder, etc.). A lighter orange color (lighter than your couch pillows) or brown would look great with that green. Love it! I wish I could afford to decorate!

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople July 8, 2010, 11:55 am

    I have absolutely no experience in this area, but I can’t wait to read what people have said and what you’ll eventually do. Because I’m sure it’ll be beautiful!

  • eliza July 8, 2010, 12:02 pm

    I need to know where you got the huge square book case! 🙂

    • caitlin July 8, 2010, 5:11 pm

      ikea!

  • Rachel July 8, 2010, 12:03 pm

    Everything looks great Caitlin!!!! I’m dying to do some redecorating now. I plan on hitting up TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross, etc.

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit July 8, 2010, 12:06 pm

    Love it so far! Especially the office. I’m all about organization 🙂 I think a few more colorful accents would do well also. I like colorful picture frames sometimes.

  • Kimberley July 8, 2010, 12:09 pm

    Everything looks great! I love West Elm. Another store I love is Z Gallerie (it’s in N. Charlotte at Northlake mall [which is otherwise crappy] and online), which is great for arty pieces and other odds and ends. We actually have lime green in our bathroom, too and the other color is a medium gray. I wouldn’t have put it together, but I just ordered everything from the picture in the Crate and Barrel catalog and trust that they know more than I do about design. Enjoy your new place!

  • Amanda (modernation) July 8, 2010, 12:10 pm

    Love the house – love the couch! We are dying for a section/modular couch! One day. And love the bookcase! We have a gallery-style photo collage on a big blank wall in our living room. We have several different size and style black frames and I love it. It is a great and affordable way to fill a large space. In the bathroom, I would use the print as an accent (I don’t think I would want bath towels in that green). Maybe you can get a shower curtain that has that green in it along with other complementary colors and use that as your color palette. Our entryway wouldn’t accommodate standard size furniture, either. We used two narrow, stack-able bookcases from target. rather than stacking, we put them side by side. They fit canvas or straw baskets nicely (which is a good alternative to drawers.

    Okay – that was LOOOOONG. Great job and so excited to see the rest!

  • Kelly July 8, 2010, 12:14 pm

    I love your couch! Young House Love is one of my favorite blogs too!! Can’t wait to see more decor pics!
    Kelly

  • Kristy July 8, 2010, 12:22 pm

    Sunflower seeds in pancakes – Yes Please! Gotta try that! Y’all have done a fabulous job with teh decor.

  • Mindy @ just a one girl revolution. July 8, 2010, 12:25 pm

    The new place looks like it’s coming together great! Makes me want to go buy new furniture and redecorate!!

  • Laura H. July 8, 2010, 12:29 pm

    Maybe a big mirror with some sconces and candles on either side? Mirrors are a great way to add more natural light (if positioned correctly near a window, of course) and makes a room feel bigger.

  • elaine! July 8, 2010, 12:38 pm

    You are so lucky with those hardwood floors! You can make everything look amazing with floors like that. And West Elm is the bomb, congrats scoring on that awesome couch!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin July 8, 2010, 12:44 pm

    I love corner couches like that! They’re perfect for curling up on! Your hour is looking great so far. 🙂

  • Diana (Mymarblerye) July 8, 2010, 12:54 pm

    i’m lovvvinggg the new digs. I think what you need to do is hang up that huge box of oatmeal on a wall..it’ll be totally like an andy warhol piece!

  • anne July 8, 2010, 1:00 pm

    Your new place looks great! Love the modular couch from West Elm. I think you should use the green Doxies print as an accent color instead of planning the room around that color. Good luck!

  • Charise July 8, 2010, 1:02 pm

    I think you could go a few ways with the bathroom – do a graphic black and white with pops of green, a more muted tan/cream/green palette, and I also like the suggestion of adding coral and maybe pale blues and yellows for a beachy theme, although that wouldn’t necessarily be a good “match” for the dog print.

    The office and LR are looking great! Picture collages are my favorite – especially if you use more that are landscape/pretty views from your travels or still lifes you’ve taken instead of all with people in them.

  • Charise July 8, 2010, 1:04 pm

    Oh, also, what about putting a small console table under your coat hooks instead of the window? Would that give you more space for a deeper table?

  • Lori July 8, 2010, 1:11 pm

    Ahhh! So funny to see my favorite decorating blog and healthy living blog meet! Isn’t Young House Love great? You should see if you can order one of their custom design boards. I am not sure if they’re doing them right now because they just had a baby, but you could order one for the future!

  • Beverly July 8, 2010, 1:21 pm

    You’re doing such a great job! Isn’t it so much fun to decorate and buy new things?? Opportunities are endless! My husband and I purchased our first home last year and I have loved decorating it, following all the decorating blogs, etc.

    Above your couch, a b&w picture collage would look fabulous! If you want more ideas or options for that space, mirrors can be a great decorating tool, as they can help brighten and expand a room. To dress it up even more, you could put wall sconces on either side, which is a very classic look. For frames, mirrors, art, etc, Kirklands and Ross have some great deals. And Etsy has some super cute artwork.

    For the bathroom, it can be very hard to match green shades, and sometimes it can be overdone. If you want to continue with a green theme in that bathroom, you could use all different shades, some light, some dark, which might be a niec look. If you want to brighten the room, as well as accent the green picture, I would suggest cream/off white/neutral tones. If you want the room to be warm and “cozy,” I would use browns and then accent with the green.

    Good luck! Can’t wait to see the progress! After some time, you should do a post on how the dogs are adjusting to the move and the new space. That would be interesting, and a great excuse to post more pictures of your pups. 🙂

  • Shannon July 8, 2010, 1:22 pm

    Everything looks great; I’m impressed! I have a really hard time visualizing what looks good together – can I hire you when we finally move? haha

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite July 8, 2010, 1:26 pm

    You both did a great job decorating! I love buying home decor 🙂

    I would use the green print as an accent. It would look so cute again any color wall!

  • Olivia @ Blissful Runner July 8, 2010, 1:28 pm

    Too funny! Your office looks just like my living room – we also have the red Ikea rug and square bookshelt (though ours is dark brown/black). As for your bathroom poster (which I LOVE!) there are tons of colors that can accent the green. My wedding colors were apple green and dark pink and people raved about the combo, but a deep purple, an ice blue or even a navy would look great too!

  • Maria July 8, 2010, 1:31 pm

    Etsy.com has some amazing artists, yet reasonable prices. I order funky prints from them, then pick up some cool frames with mats (mats make ALL the difference) from Aaron Bros. All in all, most of the art cost me under $30 a piece, including the frame.

  • Jose July 8, 2010, 1:35 pm

    Caitlin,
    It so wonderful to read ur everyday blog where u allow us to be part of your routines daily and fitness, how lovely , i don’t want to be sentimental or nything but I really like ur blogs ,
    God Bless You.
    Jose- Mumbai, India.

  • Maura @ theMOHdiaries July 8, 2010, 1:39 pm

    Wow, I love your new place! It looks even more put together than my apartment & I’ve lived there for a year! As much as I dislike Ikea, I might have to make a trip there. That wedding picture you have is gorgeous!!! I need more black & white photography in my life 🙂

  • Devon July 8, 2010, 1:47 pm

    I love the couch! Its fantastic. As a Doxie mommy, I also love the sign!

  • Dynamics July 8, 2010, 1:55 pm

    Caitlin, You take such beautiful pictures. How about picking a favorite and doing a photosplit? These are beautiful and you can make them yourself. Here is a website that shows them. http://www.canvasondemand.com/options-photosplits.asp
    I think they make a home yours by putting your own photos on the wall. Your house is looking great. I vote for a purple bathroom. (My favorite color is purple and that is the color of my office.)

  • Jessica @ Rawtumn July 8, 2010, 2:01 pm

    Mmm love the sunflower seeds and blueberries on your pancakes! I can never get away without maple syrup on mine but I think I’ll put a little more effort into trying it sometime! =P Your house is looking great, love your couch and desk especially! I think using that photo as an accent would be easier than trying to match it in the bathroom. It’s super cute though, good luck, I’m sure it’s going to turn out great either way!

  • Tammy July 8, 2010, 2:22 pm

    Like the rug..it adds texture to the room. Since your colors are pretty neutral, it makes changing the accessories really easy. I don’t know if you are very traditional when it comes to decorating, but I LOVE all sorts of colors and textures. I think you should add some window treatments that add color to the room and it will make the space seem warmer and more lived in. Also, some wall shelving might not be a bad idea, with artwork of various sizes, or balck and white photos…maybe some spot lighting? Tables and lamps will help…maybe a standing lamp behind the chair to create a reading area…I like the idea of some greenery too, if you don’t mind maintaining plants! Good luck! Most of all..everything does not have to be matchy-matchy…I know Pottery Barn rooms look perfect…but don’t seem to have much personality. Let your house be a reflection of you!

  • Sassy Molassy July 8, 2010, 2:23 pm

    Caitlin, I love the pieces you two picked out. And a couch from West Elm…awesome. Great to get 50% off on a floor model! Your wall hanging ideas sound good. Target, World Market, etc sometimes have some good stock wall hangings. There is probably some cheaper digital prints you can order online from a art gallery type website. Good luck!

  • Graze With Me July 8, 2010, 2:28 pm

    I’ve always wanted a black and white room with that color green for accents. I love the contrast.

  • Susan July 8, 2010, 2:47 pm

    Love what you’ve done so far! I have those Expedits all over my house. I love them!

  • Stacey @ Tipping the (Kitchen!) Scales July 8, 2010, 3:50 pm

    Love, love, love what you’re doing with the place. It must be so much fun designing it all from scratch and all the shopping that goes with it!

  • Brittney July 8, 2010, 5:17 pm

    Haha! Love the Doxie print 🙂 The place looks great Caitlin!

  • Samantha July 8, 2010, 5:35 pm

    LOVE what you’ve done with the new place so far…the red rug and white bookcase in the office along with the double desk are awesome. I’m very much NOT a modern style person but wow I love that desk!!!

    Since you’re in NC now, you can get some amazing furniture and great deals…High Point/Thomasville are just down the road and that’s a major furniture production hub for the US.

    That green for your bathroom is great. I’d find one or two more bright complimentary colors and just have fun with it!

  • Whitney @ Whitinspired July 8, 2010, 5:47 pm

    I haven’t read through everyone’s comments, but I think you should paint the living room. Or at least one wall. That is if your lease allows it!

  • Lesley July 8, 2010, 7:34 pm

    The Sandnes cabinet from Ikea would be perfect for your front hall. It is designed as a shoe unit BUT I use 2 of the 8 (we bought 2 units and installed side by side) drawers for leashes, hats/mitts etc. It is perfect for your space!

    http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70111896

    • caitlin July 8, 2010, 8:27 pm

      That is absolutely PERFECT.

  • Heather July 9, 2010, 12:17 am

    Cool sofa, and love that bookshelf you got at Ikea. They do have some good finds!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) July 9, 2010, 2:08 am

    I love the desk and bookshelf!!!

  • kelly July 9, 2010, 6:02 am
    • Caitlin July 9, 2010, 8:34 am

      I LOVE the first one! I wish it wasn’t out of stock.

  • Megan July 9, 2010, 9:52 am

    Where did you get that doxie print?? I love it!!!

    • Caitlin July 9, 2010, 10:03 am

      Check out the link from Lobster Pot 🙂 They have tons.

      • Megan July 9, 2010, 10:09 am

        ah thank you! I should probably read a little closer huh!
        Definitly getting that print for my mini doxie.. thanks for the idea!!

  • Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] July 11, 2010, 11:16 pm

    1. Your place is looking great!!
    2. I loveee the white bookshelf!!
    3. OMG!! Thank you so much for the link to The Lobster Pot – order in process =]
    4. I think you should choose another color and let the picture pop!

  • Stacey August 9, 2010, 10:22 am

    You are doing a GREAT job decorating! You sooo have an eye for style..all of your rooms look so hip/modern 🙂 Now, if someone could tell ME what to do with wood panelling for walls?? 😉 Feel lucky that you don’t have them, they are a pain in the a** to decorate around!

    • caitlin August 9, 2010, 10:23 am

      paint them!

      • Stacey August 9, 2010, 1:00 pm

        I know! I’ve been begging my boyfriend, but it’s his grandfathers property, and he isn’t too keen on it. So in order to deal, I’ve been trying to bring bright colors in…we’ll see if it works

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