Hello Lover...

Friday, January 21, 2011

Hello Pantry

I've been dreaming of a pantry as of recently. I think it is all still a part of my organization kick that started back in November. I got off to a good start but if you saw my house now, you would not know it.

We will be redoing our second bathroom this spring (the first one is 95% finished and I refuse to do a post on it until it is completely done and being used daily - which I hope, pray, and wish will be soon!). Moving on to the point of all of this - the bathroom is unnecessarily large for a second bathroom - there is plenty of space for a bath tub, vanity, and toilet with plenty of room to spare. This bathroom just so happens to back up to our kitchen.

Because there is a kitchen reno in the distant but hopefully not too distant future - I came up with a plan to close up the back portion of the bathroom so that when we do reno the kitchen we can open up a doorway into that space and have a nice little pantry. I made a lovely slideshow with images for my husband to present the idea to him. I think he's in - and if not he will be when it's actually time (crossing fingers). I apologize for the length of the explanation, but hopefully you can start to see how manic my brain really is. If you read through all that I am totally impressed and your reward is my favorite pantry inspiration photos.

I definitely want to be able to squeeze in a small desk space like the on pictured above. I'm thinking this will be pretty close to the actual amount of space that we will have. I hope. My major goal is for it to be a functional space - help keep kitchen items organized - maybe a nice little space to make coffee - and a small, cramped place to sit by myself and pay bills, blog, and dream about what part of the house I'll work on next.

I would love to add a pretty chandelier like this one.

I love the little pass through in the one above - we won't be getting that fancy nor will we have anywhere near this much space but the cabinetry and backsplash in this one is perfect.

I'm hoping it will be the epitome of organized like this one from Emerson Made

Lots of white dishes - perfection!

And I will definitely need a place for my cookbooks.

And a place for an amazing espresso machine like in the one above or below would not be too shabby either.

What would you include in your dream pantry? And if you already have one I'd love to hear how you use it - is it truly a functional space or just somewhere you throw canned goods and things you don't want anybody to see?

I believe that I borrowed all of the images from Houzz and I know the last one is Martha - if you have any more det's on sources please do share and I will add them.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Hello Sofa

I'm hoping to have a new sofa by this weekend. Here she is. It is the Avanti sofa from Ethan Allen. I found it on craigslist and immediately put our own couch up for sale. So if all goes as planned (basically if my buyer doesn't back out) this one will be mine!

The images make the fabric look like a light gray but the true color is a pale gray/blue/green almost turquoise color. I'm very much in love. I like the fact that it is very tailored looking and has much lower arms than our current sofa - which will mean we will actually be able to see/use our end tables when we are sitting on the sofa. Plus the seat cushions are upgraded so they maintain their shape - no more frumpy looking sofa from the hours we spend sitting on it.

So please craigslist guy - pick up my couch like you said you would this week so I can go and pick up this one!

Friday, January 14, 2011

Blogiversary!

So yesterday was this blog's 2 year blogiversary! I wanted to be back to regular posting yesterday to celebrate but it just didn't happen. Life has been a little crazy around here between the Holidays, my husband's birthday, lots of miscellaneous parties and on top of all of that we're refinancing - which let me tell you is a huge hassle!

I figured I would celebrate Hello Lover's 2nd birthday with one of my favorite party ideas I've seen in a while. It's a Modern Christmas created by the talented people over at Sitting in a Tree and photographed by Joielala Photography.

So here is to you blog - Happy 2 years!

How perfect and fun are their color choices?! You definitely need to check out their site and take a look at their past work - they do some pretty amazing stuff!

Now on to business - sorry I was away for so long - but I promise to be back to regular posting next week - I have lots to show you from our own Christmas celebration!

Monday, December 13, 2010

Hello Bench

I am obsessed with this bench by Nate Berkus for HSN. Sadly, it is sold out. I love the look of the legs and that deep grey velvet upholstery. I'm hoping they will bring it back and this time I will snatch it right up!

Friday, December 3, 2010

Hello Christmas Table

My husband and I are hosting Christmas in our home this year. I've been on the hunt for inspiration images for our table and here are some of my favorites.

1. 2. 3. 4.unknown 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

My plan is to use lots of muted colors - silver, gold, burlap and add some pops of green and some pattern. Now it's just a matter of finding all the items that fit what I've got pictured in my head.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Hello Michelle Morgan Harrison

Obsessed does not even begin to describe my feelings toward Michelle Morgan Harrison's Christmas decor as featured in Connecticut Cottages and Homes December '08 issue.

What a great DIY idea for an advent calendar.

I am a huge fan of paperwhites during this time of year - although I must admit - the one's I purchased last year did not smell so great at all. Has anyone else ever had this issue with these flowers?

I purchased little houses similar to the ones above at Homegoods last year. I love the books wrapped in craft paper and ribbon.

Great silver wreath. I plan on making one Eddie Ross style with some green, gold and silver ornaments purchased from Target last year.

I love the simplicity of it all - the colors are subtle and not overdone, and the effect is absolutely beautiful.

I really like the look of the pale blue buffet and that ornate gold mirror.

I would love to come home to this everyday!

This home literally has it all for me - paperwhites, sage, burlap, greenery, and silver. I'm on a mission to create a Holiday look in my home that is as refreshing, soothing, and stunning as this. Last weekend I planted some paperwhite bulbs that I purchased at Home Depot - I'm hoping they will look as beautiful as hers by Christmas. I am on the hunt for the perfect sage satin ribbon, I have a burlap tree skirt that I basically just cut out of a big piece of burlap fabric I purchased at JoAnn's last year. All of that along with some greenery and I'm hoping to come close to this look.

What is your favorite thing to see in Holiday decor?

All images via here, here, and Habitually Chic