Inspo for Building Our New Home- Interiors
Building a new house is a process that requires lots of research and decisions. It has opened a whole new part of my brain (that often feels like a hamster wheel). Late at night I will lay in bed thinking about kitchen layout, best floor plan flow options, what materials we should lean towards, and how best to distribute all the pennies that make up our budget. I obsess over details to figure out how we can create something we love that also feels financially responsible (because I know my taste).
I knew going into this process that I would have lots of opinions about what goes into a home while simultaneously not having any idea how much those opinions cost. It has opened up a world of questions and answers and trying to figure stuff out. Once we get the plan finalized and established, I will share more, but for the time being, let’s take a little walk through some highlights of my Pinterest Board.
your home has a feel and voice of all its own and it comes from you.
Whenever we move to a new house or start a whole house project, I always set up a hidden Pinterest Board. I hide it because that allows me to be real messy. It also let’s me feel like I can start honing in and hearing the voice of the project. What do I want this space to be and how I want it to feel? What are my guiding “northern stars” of inspiration that can help keep the thing on track?
I will be writing a whole blog post on how to utilize Pinterest for interiors especially related to your own home or projects- the long and short of it is to create a board (visible or secret) and start to pin items that inspire you. Use sections to help organize and edit often to keep your vision crisp and clear.
This post will be a collection for a few interior images that are giving me inspiration for a new build. Truthfully, I was hesitant to build a new home. I love the charm and soul of older homes and I like big trees and our budget isn’t anything crazy to create a high end new home that feels 100 years old. BUT! We ended up finding an ideal situation near folks we love with views of large trees and a larger lot. The stars aligned and my heart feels so excited for what’s ahead. That being said, what has been present at the front of my mind is making sure I bring some soul into the space- it is up to me to add in charm and character I love and crave. I won’t have the benefit of beautiful 1920’s millwork and tile, and that gorgeous hardwood floor that is hiding underneath the disgusting carpet. Also, our budget will make us be aware for where we can splurge and do a few things to elevate and bring charm, and in other areas where we can pull back and add in charm later. AKA this is real life and we will be needing to find the balance and beauty in it all.
This entryway above was created by Brianna Hammel Interiors and it feels so cozy, warm and inviting. It’s laid back and casual, but thoughtful. I love the bright walls, paired with warm wood, stone floors, and the anchoring of the black door. The trim work is simple and classic and this room feels like it could it appeal to a variety of budgets and be in a variety of homes. I feel like the elements of wood, white, stone, and accents of black is a great foundation for any entryway or mudroom.
This photo of Erika Powell’s living room that was featured in Garden and Gun Magazine feels so layered and cozy. I love how much character and charm the built-in’s bring to the space. The palette is neutral, but all the layers bring in warmth and color that feels organic and natural. And always, the lighting feels intentional and cozy. Truly her home is gorgeous and I encourage you to pop on over to her website and see the rest of her home. Her green kitchen is LOVELY!
I have had this mudroom created by Amber Interiors pinned forever. It is a room I go back to again and again. The simple millwork gives a foundation of character and charm and the additional furniture that compliment the built-ins make the room feel relaxed and collected. While millwork and vertical paneling won’t be in our Phase 1 budget, I could see this being a great area to pepper in character and charm later. I love the warmth that the brick and wood give off in this room as well. Natural materials always steer you right.
Photo Source: Remodelista
In the living room above, I love the light floors paired with the white walls and layers of antiques and textiles. The fireplace is such a great height and I love that the firebox goes all the way to the floor. This allows for breathing room above the mantle and for things to feel well proportioned. The antique furniture, plans, and pops of vintage finds add in a layer of warmth and lend a collected feel. This space feels like it’s evolved over time and the items are treasured and well loved (also, can you believe that sofa is IKEA., you can read all about her Arkansas home here?!)
This image reminds me the power of vintage furniture and how it adds so much soul into a space. You know I LOVE a lamp situation and I think this reminds me that layering in warm wood and lamps will bring a lot of character and charm to our space. It reminds me that some of our own pieces will be in the character and charm and laid-back vibe I crave.
So as I keep filling up my board and scouring for inspiration I am starting to hone in on these items: a light and bright base (like walls and flooring), focusing on natural materials as much as possible like wood, stone, metal, etc. Choosing items with “living” finishes or that get better with time will allow the house to eventually settle into it’s own skin and find it’s own vibe. I’ll be searching for unlacquered brass that will patina and age, polished nickel that will bring warmth and shine, and wood that will warm and age.
I’ll keep sharing and take you along as our story unfolds. Keep your eyes open for New Build Exterior Inso and some “jewels” of the new home that we will try and make shine!
Hugs,
Meredith
