Reader Design: Courtney's Sentimental Spot

You're probably wondering why I'm calling today's stunning Tulsa, Oklahoma feature 'sentimental.' After all, we probably all have some sentimental attachment to our homes. How could we not, after pouring bits of ourselves - our time, our money, our souls - into them. 

But today's home is seriously sentimental. It's literally the place where Courtney met her husband Jordan. 

That's right. They met here. In this room, in fact - the living room. 

From Courtney:

“My husband, Jordan, renovated our home with his sister and brother-in-law before we met. They bought the home at an auction on the front porch and uncovered the original hardwoods, gutted the kitchen, replaced all the windows, and added central air. He had two roommates at the time, and I had a mutual friend with one of Jordan’s roommates. We were hanging out in the living room one day and Jordan came home. We briefly met and a few weeks later he asked me on a date! Less than a year later, we were married and I moved into the original place we met. ”

An incredible story, right? Not to get too sappy, but I think it's clear that this place has been built with and around love since the beginning, with it's original woodwork, comfy and cozy layout, and carefully selected decor.

Courtney describes her home as "a little beachy, a little modern, a little Southern, and nothing too perfect" - it's just an accurate representation of life, a place that makes you feel calm without false pretense or expectations. 

“I’ve always had the desire to cultivate a peaceful home, a place where there is a sense of rest and a place where others are invited to come in, unload their burdens and enjoy a place of peace. It’s more than creating a pretty space; I enjoy creating a space for others to feel comfortable in.”

The 1930's bungalow has plenty of idiosyncrasies, and despite her inclination for all things modern, Courtney tries to stay true to the roots of the home. She selected simple, period-appropriate dining chairs, paired with vintage rugs throughout the living space. A comfy couch accented with real cotton textiles. 

Courtney is continuing to let their home guide her as it will. 

“I spend a lot of time at home, so I am always tweaking something! Nothing is perfect if you look closely and I have so many unfinished projects that are on my “to-do” list. Most everything has a DIY touch to it because you learn to get creative when you’re newlyweds. Our home is always evolving, and we have so many projects we are saving up for, but we still love where it is now.”

And here's some sage advice to close us out: 

“The best advice I’ve been given is to enjoy your home before it is where you want it to be. This advice has taught me that creating a peaceful home is more than a space that reflects your style and Pinterest board, it is opening your home for others and focusing on the relationships that are built there. The style will come with time. ”

Courtney, thank you for letting us in for a tour today! You have a stunning home, and we can't wait to see where it takes you. Follow Courtney along on Instagram @alwaysrooney to share in the journey.

Till next time,

Reader Design: Keila's Warm & Welcoming Home

Summer is coming to an end, but it practically always feels like summer in Keila's bright, warm, and welcoming Florida home.  This home is primed and ready for family bonding, snuggles, and relaxation, taking cues from the warming waters and bright flowers of the Caribbean. Come on in! 

From Keila: 

“It’s easy to get caught up in having the fancier first impression, but if your guests feel awkward when they arrive, it defeats the purpose of home. We have blankets in every room and closet, and we lay pillows on the floor, mostly when we play cards. You can basically snuggle up anywhere. You can’t beat that sensation. With our love for blue, we balance it all out by adding texture. ”

The result is everything what you want in a loved family home. It's calm and happy, with a healthy dose of coziness.  Keila's big splurge was one of both form and function. 

“A big, comfy couch! A high quality sofa is worth every penny, especially when you live on it, like us! Our home is open concept, so we chose one that had style, it’s the first thing you’d see walking in. Comfort was key considering we only have one sitting area with television. We spent a bit more than we budgeted for on this one. Truly, I would do it all over again. ”

This precious office space is this momma's escape, and it features a trend Keila wasn't so sure about to being with: the gallery wall. We've all seen them; some are perfectly coordinated, some lovingly mismatched, some big, some small. Despite her uncertainty, Keila took this space - a small area that wouldn't require a lot of elements to look "done" - and went for it. Perhaps to the detriment of her drywall... but oh well! 

“The scary part (for me, anyway) was knowing one single item could throw the entire look off and look busy. I think what helped me pull it off was selecting a wall that wouldn’t need an excessive amount of items to look put together. My office nook is tiny, making it fun to select the items. I always recommend laying all of the items on the floor before anything else. Just something I learned the hard way. Don’t tell my husband I said that. ”

Back in the bedroom, we get those blue elements again and a heavy emphasis on textiles. Those pillows and tassels make this bed one awesome place to lay your head. As do those elephant guardians, which represent Keila's favorite animal and her lucky number - 3! 

Remember that Caribbean inspiration I mentioned? If you haven't felt it yet, there's no way you'll miss it in Keila's backyard. This oasis is going to be permanently imprinted in my mind as we brace for colder months ahead. There's a peace and serenity here that's clear even from a photograph.

“I love that laid back feeling of relaxation I get any time we visit the islands and try and incorporate it throughout. It transitioned to our back yard, thats our little tropical garden. ”

Keila, thank you so much for the tour today. I'm sure we're all now just daydreaming about finishing out our summers in this space. 

See you next week, mutts. Don't get too envious, now! And follow Keila along on Instagram @kberno3 for more. 

Reader Design: Kelly's Transitional Bungalow

We're headed to the Midwest today, checking out Kelly's Iowa City, Iowa 1940's bungalow. Get it while it's hot, friends, because Kelly, her husband, and their two precious pups are actually moving to Virginia soon! 

This rental brings the charm, and Kelly has carefully and lovingly filled it with meaningful pieces from all different phases of life. It blends trends and aesthetics in a way that feels effortless - and it must have been effortless to actually do, since Kelly didn't have a particular style in mind when decorating! In fact, she had to 'phone to friend' to pinpoint her style. 

“I believe every style has it’s own unique beauty and I tend to love them all. I asked a friend how she’d describe our current residence and loved her answer: ‘playful transitional, with a splash of casual glamour/ Hollywood Regency, and some southern charm peppered in.’ Sounds about right to me!”

You can feel hints of Kelly's Texas upbringing and time in California for college throughout the home - with the cowhide in the dining room or the midcentury media stand. I have to say though... my favorite pieces are more New England in style. I just adore those nautical framed prints in the living room. Kelly, your in-laws are seriously on-trend - what a great gift! 

Another meaningful piece is prominently featured in the bedroom.

“In our bedroom, the white buffet brings back so many memories. My husband and I found it while we were living in California at a thrift store. It was sponge painted in blue gold and, needless to say, quite a sight. Together we painted it white, replaced the drawer pulls, and stained the wood top. I definitely think it’s one of our ‘forever’ pieces, for not only the look but for the nostalgia as well!”

This rental sure is a great find, and Kelly, I'm sure you'll miss it (but mostly this adorable screened-in porch) when you move! You managed to create the warm, comfortable, and welcoming home you set out to make, with exactly the right amount of glam. Hats off, Kelly. 

Thank you for letting us in! And you must let us know when you're settled in my home state - we'll invite ourselves over for a virtual visit. 

Follow the fun along with Kelly on Instagram @pearlpappashome.