Hello, friends! For those of you who might be stopping by after visiting with Beth from Home Stories A to Z — welcome to Live Laugh Rowe, a celebration of life, creativity and food. However, today we’re celebrating a bit home decor and summer packed into one big package called my home! Welcome to my Summer Home Tour. I say that with every ounce of confidence I can muster up… opening my home to all of you is a little nerve wrecking. I’m amongst some fabulous bloggers and overwhelmed with gratitude that Gina from The Shabby Creek Cottage would invite me to a part of this incredible series.
I’m fairly certain that you’ll find yourself feeling better acquainted with me by the end of this post. My home is a piece of me — capturing many memories in different forms and creating a space that is all kinds of homey and comfy. Nothing fancy, actually it’s very informal — just the way we like it!
A little history. We built this home (our very first home) in 2008. New construction is great, but sometimes it lacks the character of an older home. We bought this four bedroom, two and a half bath home hoping to fill it with children. We later found out that infertility was in the picture. We love our home, but often say it’s too much space for the two of us. While some people say you can never have too much space, I tend to think quite the opposite — where we circle back to the warm and cozy syndrome {wink}. Anywho, let’s Grab a cup of coffee, tea or water and get started! Eeeks.
We have our very own welcome wagon {giggle} and their names are Parker and Buster! These two little fur balls get wickedly excited when someone comes to the door. So, imagine hearing a whole lot of barking that should be interpreted as “Oh my gosh! We’re so glad you’re here (insert panting and barking). Make yourself at home!”
Let’s start in the sitting room! According to the builder, this is the living room; however, I like to call it the sitting room.
I set up my new awesome sauce computer in here. It’s a bright room and away from the televisions (aka distractions), so it’s a great space to be productive. When my shop is open and in full swing, this is also ‘shipping central.’
This was our ‘formal’ dining room; however, it recently got a makeover and is still a work in progress. We love this room and the character it brings into our home. I’m hoping to fill that gallery wall with all kinds of love!
It’s a great start and I bet you’ve figured out that I LOVE quotes. Love them! The “You’re entirely bonkers” printable is from my bloggy pal Jenn and tell me that quote about a ‘family story’ isn’t darling.
I love mixing the old with the new. This vintage window and frame are a couple of my favorite pieces and that piece of wood was scored at Goodwill. It’s a very simple vignette, and the pop of gold seems to seal the deal!
We added the rustic wood bench we built to the room and it seemed to be a great addition. I’m looking forward to building a farm table for this space in the next few months too!
The dining room has a rustic feel that makes my heart sing.
Close by (of course), we have the Kitchen… and as you can see, I have some seriously full countertops. Yep. All day, every day. HA! Just keeping it real.
This also happens to be the place I work the most. I haven’t transitioned from my laptop to the desktop yet, so the counter tends to be my workspace 90% of the time. There’s food, drink and TV… what more could a girl ask for?
Right off the kitchen is the breakfast room; however, we eat all of our meals here (not just breakfast). HA! I also tend to do a lot of my photo shoots by the sliding glass door and windows.
I love having fresh flowers in my home — especially in the summer. I wasn’t able to make that happen, so my floral fabric bouquet will have to work! Flowers that never die are a win-win — and these colors are perfectly summer!
You might even find in the breakfast room that I use some of my go-to props as decor!
Then we can meander into the living room! Notice the focal point being the TV {hee-hee}. As much as I would love to have that mantel to decorate seasonally, it’s one of the few things my husband wanted done in the home. Something I don’t stress about because the rest of the room makes up for it (in my humble opinion).
Do you feel the warm and cozy vibe? Most of our guests always say, “you’re home is warm and cozy.” I’m always flattered that people can feel that! I remember when I was in high school having a friend whose parents owned the local McDonalds. (Yes, there were some perks to that). Anywho, they had formal sitting rooms with all of their furniture covered in plastic. I couldn’t wrap my head around it, and I think I vowed to never do that. It felt so sterile and impersonal.
You’ve probably now discovered that I’m not a minimalist either! I love filling the space. Why not have family pictures setting out and pictures of loved ones who’ve passed away that you still hold near and dear to your heart?
I fell in love with glass hurricanes after seeing the movie, “Message in a Bottle” with Kevin Costner. He had them in his beach home — lining the walls. It was beautiful. While I don’t have them lining the walls and window sills, I enjoy having them spread out throughout our space. My most recent hurricane/jar was purchased at Ikea. It looks fantastic on my coffee table too!
Candles add such ambiance in the evenings too! I love the glass, the candles and how clean the two combined can look.
I added pops of color in my throw pillows! I LOVE all of the patterns too — ikat, houndstooth and more!
Mixing patterns can be so much fun and the possibilities are endless. How about the print on that pouf? Swoon! This might be one of my favorite corners. I love the Subway Art that lists some of the cities we’ve visited together. I had to add a bit of pallet wood somewhere. Duh!
And that about wraps it up for the downstairs (less the 1/2 bath and laundry room). They didn’t make the cut this time around. For a peek into that master bedroom, check out the White Rustic Wood Bench post. We’ll save the other rooms for a later time… and it’s always good to leave a little mystery {smile}.
Feeling inspired? Did you learn a few things about me?
My love for quotes, pictures, my fur babies and more?
THANK YOU so much for stopping by.
It was a pleasure having you.
Be sure to find more inspiration here:
Monday, June 2nd
The Shabby Creek Cottage
The Nester
At The Picket Fence (Vanessa)
Thistlewood Farms
The Inspired Room
Tuesday, June 3rd
The Handmade Home
My Fabuless Life
Finding Home
In My Own Style
The Hunted Interior
Wednesday, June 4th
Inspired By Charm
Jennifer Rizzo
Madigan Made
Makely School for Girls
Funky Junk Interiors
Thursday, June 5th
Jones Design Company
Beneath My Heart
The Pennington Point
White Buffalo Styling Co.
Southern Hospitality
Friday, June 6th
At the Picket Fence (Heather)
Desert Domicile
Tatertots & Jello
Home Stories A to Z
Live Laugh Rowe (–me!)
Care to stay in the loop? I’d love to have you!
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Stacey Keeling says
Your home is great! It’s so pretty but very livable at the same time. 🙂
Susie says
Beautiful home. Everything looks comfortable and lovely. Very inviting. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Susie
Kris says
What a BEAUTIFUL home!!! Love how you mix vintage with some modern elements. It’s right up my alley. Thanks for sharing your home (images) with us! WELL DONE! 🙂
A Little Claireification says
Definitely warm and cozy, Kelly, and I love your little welcoming committee! 🙂 Where did you get your kitchen stools? Love those!
Rachel says
Your home is beautiful! It really does look so cozy and inviting. I had a friend like that, too growing up — where you couldn’t really live in the house. I was never fully comfortable because I was always afraid of ruining something. I have the same thought when it comes to homes – make it casual, comfortable and inviting. LIVE in your home! Thanks so much for sharing your home tour! 🙂
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks so much Rachel! Appreciate your kind words. Enjoy the rest of your week. 🙂 HUGS!
Vanessa says
Kelly your home is just so warm and welcoming…like you! 🙂 I loved getting to know you better through seeing these rooms and I gotta be honest…it was really nice seeing that someone else has dark kitchen cabinets. I think we need to form a support group! LOL!
Kelly Rowe says
Aw…thanks so much Vanessa! Appreciate your kind words. Yeah, I’m a dark kitchen cabinet kind of gal. 🙂 xo.
Funky Junk Interiors says
What a lovely tour! I’m so in love with the wall murals… the picture of your brown leather chair? I’ll take it ALL! I think I need to revamp a few walls around here… 😀
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks so much for stopping by and your kinds words! Enjoy the rest of your week. 🙂 xo.
Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says
Such a lovely home. I love how warm and inviting it is. You’ve made it feel like everyone can come in, relax and enjoy. That’s a talent.
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks Marty! Appreciate your kind words. Enjoy the rest of your week. 🙂 HUGS!
Jenn says
So beautiful! I love it all! The colors, your accent pieces, everything!!
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks so much Jenn! I appreciate it. Enjoy the rest of your week. xo.
Sharon Kuert says
Your home is beautiful. One thing I must strongly state is that it is a HOME not a HOUSE. A home is comfortable, relaxed and cozy. A house is just a place that looks pretty but never really lived in. I love all the wall hangings and vintage look you have. When we retire I want my home to have a white cottage/ vintage flea market look. I certainly have captured lots of great ideas from you. Your home is a place you want to visit over and over again!
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks mom! I appreciate your words more then you know. Love you! HUGS!
Caitlin @ Desert Domicile says
I love how bright and beautiful your home is! Your two little fur balls are so adorable by the way 🙂
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks Caitlin! Appreciate you stopping by. 🙂 xo.
Kerry says
Beautiful, sweet girl. I love how your home has “Kelly” touches all over, well done!
Kelly Rowe says
Aw…thanks Kerry! I really appreciate your kind words. HUGS!!
Gina says
It is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I could just come on over & curl up on that couch with you & chat for a good long while with a big cup of jo.
Have a great weekend my friend – hugs!!
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks so much Gina! Such kind words…I truly appreciate it. Enjoy the rest of your week. HUGS!
Crystal says
Your home is beautiful!! Love your black and white ottoman. Love how you decorated your home. Thank you for giving us a tour!
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks so much Crystal! Appreciate your kind words. Enjoy the rest of your week. xo.
Kendra @ www.joyinourhome.com says
Your home is so beautiful and warm, Kelly! I live all the sweet lil touches….had to smile at the mention of hurricane candles fr Message In A Bottle! Love it too 🙂 So glad I just found you on IG… Look forward to looking around on your blog lots more! Btw,I am beginning to co-host a link party on Monday ans would live you to come share any DIY 🙂
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks so much Kendra! Appreciate you stopping by and your kind words. Look forward to checking out your linky party. 🙂 Enjoy the rest of your week. HUGS!
Tina says
Thanks for sharing your home— it’s wonderful and so are you! Mad applause from a former STL girl!
Kelly Rowe says
Aw…thanks Tina! Appreciate your kind words. Have a wonderful week! 🙂 HUGS!
Kimm at Reinvented says
Love it! Your gallery wall is amazing, I am always so drawn to them, but never sure I can pull off the right arrangement. 🙂
Kelly Rowe says
Thank Kimm! Appreciate you stopping by. Gallery walls are great…give one a try! I know that you’ll love it. 🙂 xo.
dawn@joyfulscribblings says
Your home looks very cozy and I am totally with you on having your space be a reflection of what you love. I love quotes too 🙂 I love your potting rack in your kitchen, your black and white ottoman and who can forget those two furry creatures. Adorable! Have a great weekend.
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks so much Dawn! Appreciate your kind words. Have a wonderful week. 🙂 xo.
Vikki says
How refreshing that you haven’t painted over the brick on the fireplace:) That’s a real pet peeve of mine!! It’s tough to decorate around the TV–but your place looks really warm and inviting.
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks Vikki! I debated painting the fireplace, but decided to keep it as is – it has it’s own character. 🙂 HUGS!
Wynne Snell says
Loved your beautiful home! I was wondering if you happen to sell the fabric flowers you had in the mason jar?
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks Wynne! I’m not currently selling the fabric flowers, sorry about that. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. xo.
Monnaie says
Nice interior designing and interior furnishing!
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks Mannaie! Appreciate it. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. xo.