lustful living: spanish-style ranch

If I had unlimited funds and the ability to build a home from the ground up here in Texas, this is what it would look like. From the ceiling beams to the terracotta tile to the iron railing I am in love with the character of this Spanish-style Ojai, California ranch.  

all photos via

designers block



We've survived the move, unpacked most of our belongings and even lived through construction. You'd think (or at least I thought) this would be the shining moment for any design fanatic. Our space is light, bright and ready for personality...except I stand here, in front of a blank and beautiful canvas, frozen.

I'm afraid to paint the wrong color, choose the wrong fabric or spending money on something that I might regret in a year. I've got a classic case of designers block. What's a gal to do? Between Houzz, Pinterest, blogs and flash sales at One Kings Lane I do not lack inspiration so I began compiling and pinning images that caught my eye. Instead of worrying about color, coordination or what rooms these pieces would go in I just let my gut instinct lead me.  I have completely rejuvinated my design spirit!  

Below are a few of my favorite finds that accurately represent our personality and will add character and color to our home.

I am learning to accept my new status as a Texan. While I refuse to kill, stuff and hang dead animals on my wall (it's seriously creepy, especially when you leave the eyeballs in) I love the idea of using throw pillows as a  tongue-in-cheek nod to my new hometown.

You might remember this fabric from an earlier post. I still love it and think it's the perfect feminine balance for those ultra masculine antlers.

both fabrics via

Love the colors and modern flare of this C Wonder dish. Elephants are also my favorite animal...behind French Bulldogs of course.  

via

I am dying to wallpaper a room. The powder room to be exact. Sadly this is impossible due to our textured walls (and the price of this paper, yikes) however I refuse to let that stop me. I will find a way to use this Cole & Son pattern, it's just too fabulous to pass up:  

via

 As I mentioned in an earlier post, my Dad is the handyman of all handymen. He flew into town for a long weekend and POOF we had a new, hand crafted fireplace surround. I'm saving the unveiling for a later post (as I might be a little behind on applying that final coat of paint) but regardless it's gorgeous. The only thing missing is this lovely mirror hanging above it:

via

I admit it, I like animal print. Not in the silk leopard bedsheets kind of way, but in the zebra back-entry accent rug kind of way: 



Mine came from One Kings Lane and is no longer available.

similar via

What do you have in your home that is "totally you?" How do you let your personality shine through in your living space? I'm dying to know...

before + not-so-after: bathrooms

Describe your bathrooms in one word: white.

Our bathrooms are far from complete. They lack both color and character, but phase one of mission upgrade was a success. The biggest splurge in this project was flooring. We took 3 bathrooms and one laundry room from standard vinyl to tile that we found and purchased ourselves. We had the same group that did our kitchen take on this transformation and it was absolutely worth the time and money. While we still have a ways to go, the first round of updates have left our bathrooms feeling very bright and clean with a touch of lux. 

phase one included:

- tile flooring (basketweave carrara marble & white hexagon merola )

-  rope knobs (in chrome)

- Macy's hotel collection towels (hands down, the most amazing towels I've ever used)

- Restoration Hardware extra long shower curtain (guest bath, makes a standard tub shower look fancy)

- guest accessories (tray, glass storage, bath products)

- extra large glass shower (instead of including a tub in the master bath)

future phases will include:

- paint walls in the master bath and powder room (light grey)

- accessories (storage baskets, art in the powder room)

- new mirrors (in guest and master, I'm not a huge fan of the standard sheets mirrors)

- new lighting (we opted for the standard options in hopes one day upgrading in all three)

- window treatment in the master bath (we frosted the lower half of the window, you're welcome neighbors)

- crown molding in the master

{before: master}



 {after phase one: master}

{before: guest bath}

{after phase one: guest bath}





{before: powder room}

{after: powder room}

My favorite element has to be the basketweave carrara tile.

I'm struggling most with how to dress up the powder room since the tile is rather busy and it's such a small space. Has anyone seen any fun, small bathrooms lately? The next phases of transformation will happen as buget and time allow, so stay tuned for future project posts!