This was one of my favorite houses in Raleigh that we looked at, as far as the exterior went. Unfortunately the spaces inside and the backyard weren’t right for us, but I’m so happy to see someone else snatched it up. It felt so cottage-y and traditional and cozy. All of my favorite things. Â One of the questions we got most about our move is “Will your home style remain the same?” First and foremost, I love to listen to a house. The bones and the surrounding area. Our current home lent itself so well to a modern cottage vibe because it was surrounded my trees. The exterior and surrounding area was more rustic and casual and less traditional. One thing about most of the homes we looked at in Raleigh is they felt a lot more classic and traditional. There were a few cottage-feeling homes but none that worked for our needs. So we’re going to lean into the classic/traditional and give it a modern twist like I do. So while I may be saying goodbye to some of the more cottage-y vibes (paneling and beadboard and rustic wood), patterns and color and ornate trim (galore!) is here to stay. I can’t wait to show you the house and introduce you to all of the inspiration I’m already gathering.
Other fun things this week!
• One of the must-haves for our new house was a lot of natural light. Our current house swims in light and I spent our first year here waking up with the sun (before we had blackout shades) and it was such a beautiful way to wake up. So natural light was absolutely at the top of our list and a deal breaker. I loved this article about how light affects your home and how to enhance it!
• READY to wear these puffy nude sandals!
• This week, we talked to our girls about the 4 D’s of bystander intervention. This printable was so helpful in offering practical tips for how to de-escalate instances of harassment and oppressive interpersonal violence that they/we might see.
• I made it.
• Got these jeans and couldn’t love them more.
• This kitchen renovation made my week!
• Cutest nail color for spring!
• Did you see Nate Bargatze’s new Netflix special is out! He makes us cry-laugh.
• why you cringe when you hear your own voice
• Nate & Jeremiah’s Rock the Block omgggggg!
• I have an affinity for spring dresses + tennis shoes! Rounded up a few of my favorite dresses here (and I’m still wearing these white nikes for the third year in a row).
Weekend Sales!
American Eagle: Jeans & Shorts 25% off (a classic)
Anthropologie: 20% off everything! (forever in love with this)
The Container Store: Kitchen & Pantry Sale (pretty pantry organizers)
Gap: 40% off with code FRIEND + extra 10% off with code FAMILYÂ (the perfect jean)
Lulu & Georgia: 25% off with code FAMILY25 (now’s the time to snag this)
Madewell: 20% off $100+ or 30% off $200+ with code HOWFUN (love this)
Mango: Winter Sale up to 50% off (need)
Overstock: Semi Annual Sale up to 70% off (love this outdoor set, great dupe of our sconces)
Rejuvenation: Up to 50% off living room sale (this floor lamp!!)
Tommy John: Use code CHRISLOVESJULIA25 for 25% off your purchase (living in these)
Finally! I’ve been looking everywhere for a good list of home improvement blogs that won’t straight out advertise their services. Thank you for doing the effort of coalescing these. I agree with most of the sites listed. I’ve been through some of them in search of home improvement tips and advice that the average person can do and was happy to have found what I am looking for. :) Simple joys in life like this ought to be celebrated!
This looks amazing!
Ahh! I’ve been a semi-silent follower of you guys for a long time. But, I’m so excited I can’t be silent any longer! You guys are moving to my town! The way you run your business, your designs – so much respect for you both. I hope you love it here.
that green house is to die for!! Can’t wait to see the one that won out!
I love reading each of your new posts and updates. I find your zest for your family and living a beautiful life in various styles of homes so engaging! Have loved following you and your team design beautiful homes and personalize them. It’s so great to see and learn about various decor styles of exterior and interiors of homes! I feel I grown in loving a variety of styles over the years that I have followed you and your blog business! I love all things home and have loved each of your decor styles! So thank you for exposing me to different home decor styles! Happy to read that you have found your next home! Excited to learn as I follow along!
Thanks so much, Ali!