We were back in Aledo last week at the home of some of our favorite clients. Their kitchen, dining room and master bedroom were projects we tackled in 2018 and while they were out on vacation last week, we did our magic on three more rooms of their home. The first room used to be Dad's office. But we kicked him out and made it in to a playroom for the kids. The room is downstairs and just across from the kitchen and living room so Mom and Dad can easily keep an ear on what's going on, making it an easy decision to kick Dad out. He doesn't need any supervision. Normally. Our friend Captain Casual painted the custom mural on the wall and we couldn't be more thrilled with how it turned out.

Resources
Table and chairs: All Modern
Bookcases: Target
Poufs: CB2
Rug: Crate & Barrel
Giraffe: Melissa & Doug Toys

So, where did Dad's office go? Well, we incorporated it in to the adult space upstairs that used to be a family room/playroom. There is a wine cellar off this room (we knew there was a reason we liked these people!) so again, made sense to relocate Dad and all the other grown ups to this room. It still amazes us what a new coat of paint can do. Sherwin-Williams Modern Gray for the walls and Snowbound for the trim made this such a bright new space. 
​
​Before:

Resources
Sofa: Restoration Hardware (similar here)
Swivel chairs: Scout Design Studio (similar here)
Coffee Table: Mitchell Gold-Bob Williams
Console: Lulu & Georgia
Bar: Anthropologie
Rug: Empire Rugs (similar here)
Lamps: Ballard Designs
Light Fixture: Rejuvenation

Our last room was the guest room. The homeowners wanted to keep the bed and one of the nightstands so we found them a matching one, added some paint and brighter accessories and they for sure are gonna have a line of people waiting to stay over. Yes, we did put an area rug on top of the carpet. It's a great way to update a room without the huge investment and hassle of new carpet.

​Before:

Resources
Bed: Homeowner's (similar here)
​Nightstand: Restoration Hardware (similar here)
Bedding: Annie Selke
Rug: Home Goods (similar here)
Lamps: Ballard Designs 
Desk Chair: Anthropologie

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Good ol' Dad. Mower of lawn. Griller of burger. Wearer of cargo shorts. (Must to our dismay). Dad, who's needs are usually simple and is truly happy in those cargo shorts from 1993, he deserves better. We've recruited our token male in the office to help with picking the best gifts for Dad this Father's Day. No, Mike is not a dad. But we think he has pretty good taste after hanging out with Shauna and the crew for so long. His go-to store for cool stuff for dad? West Elm. Modern and moderately priced, it fits any budget and he'll be proud to show it off at the next guys night. 

Vintage Style Cooler  Forget the generic Igloo. Keep drinks chilled in style with these vintage looking stainless steel coolers. 

Deco Stacking Game Who doesn’t love Jenga? Throw in some alcoholic beverages to the mix and now you have a party. This upscale acrylic version of this classic game will absolutely entertain your discerning guests for hours.

Sonos PLAY 1: Wireless Speaker Compact in size (only 6.5" high!) but big on sound this wireless speaker brings the party where ever you are. 

Hey friends, Kalen here. I know what you are thinking. Can a bathroom be both vintage and modern? How is that possible? Well, seeing as how it was my bathroom reno, let me tell you. I live in a 1926 bungalow that has seen its share of renovations over the last 20 years we have lived there. Gutted kitchen, addition of a master suite and swimming pool, and countless coats of paint. Even this little Jack and Jill bathroom that was situated between my daughters' rooms at one point got an "under the sea" paint job with blue paint covered with fish and seaweed. Now that they are grown though, and the bathroom needs to function more for guests than children, it was time for an update. 

I debated about removing the 90 year old cast iron tub but considering there are still two other tubs in other bathrooms, and the tight layout of this one that really couldn't change, I decided to go shower instead. ​Therefore we took out the window and installed glass blocks in its place. 

The built in vanity had to go because you couldn't open the doors all the way without crashing in to the toilet. ​However, that is the only storage in the bathroom so we needed some kind of solution for that. Which brings us to this wall.

This wall has always been a challenge for me. Can't put any furniture there because it blocks the doorway. Hard to hang anything because you'll bump your head. However, knowing that the plaster walls are like 4" thick, I had to think there was a way to get a shallow cabinet built in to the space and turned that little project over to my contractor to figure out. 

I already knew the basics of what I wanted: pedestal sink, wainscoting subway tile, sloped shower entry with a barn door, a touch of brass somewhere. Then came Shauna. She was looking for more spaces to shoot for her coffee table book and it was a no-brainer to let her finish out the bathroom to add to her portfolio. The marble mosaic flooring added just enough texture and color to the white subway tile. And when it was time to pick wallpaper, it was a unanimous decision among everyone in my family to go with the Tilton Fenwick pattern from Hygge & West. 

Resources:
Sink, faucets, cabinet hardware: Houzz
Marble floor: The Tile Shop
Sconces, mirror: Pottery Barn
Wallpaper: Hygge & West
Art: Anthropologie
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If you didn't have plans to shop this Memorial Day Weekend, well, you might want to reconsider. The number of sales going on this weekend are staggering and with summer just around the corner, it's a good time to spruce up not only your home and patio but your wardrobe as well. Shop our favorite picks from Anthropologie (extra 40% off sale), Madewell (20% off dresses and sandals with code PERFECTMATCH), and Pottery Barn (up to 50% off outdoor). 

Sales run through Monday. Happy Weekend, be safe. Don't shoot anyone.
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If you're looking for us this weekend, we'll be right here. With these fluffy towels from Serena & Lily and our latest favorite book. Their Memorial Day Sale starts today and y'all, 20% off everything! Use code SUMMERPREP to get your discount on our favorite things outdoor.

1. Summerland Outdoor Bell Pendant
2. Summerland Outdoor Bell Pendant, Gray
3. Surf Stripe Pillow Cover
4. Pacifica Bar Cart
​5. Pacifica Sofa
​6. Bamileke Outdoor Side Table
​7. Whitewashed Rattan Hurricane
8. Santa Cruz Pillow Cover
9. Montecito Pillow Cover
10. Teak Sling Chair
11. Mallorca Beach Towel
​12. Capistrano Outdoor Dining Chair
13. Terrace Round Dining Table
​14. Outdoor Riviera Side Chair
15. Galliano Rug

Sale runs through May 28. Happy Memorial Day! 
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Here in Texas, we are currently in the sweet spot when it comes to being outside. The spring rains are over (hopefully), temperatures are not oppressive, and evening breezes are still somewhat cool. Last weekend it didn't even get out of the 60s so we're feeling pretty lucky so far this May. Perfect timing for Wayfair's outdoor sale. If you need completely new furniture, they've got the best quality at great prices. Yes, shopping Wayfair can be a bit overwhelming but they key is to focus on the reviews. We've never been disappointed on anything we've bought that has at least 4 stars. One of our favorite pieces is the Ariana Planter Bench. Like bringing your favorite park bench right to you own yard.

​So, furniture, check. Now for the fun part. There's no reason why your outdoor space shouldn't be as fun and colorful as your indoor spaces. Rugs, wall decor, pillows, everything you have inside should be outside as well. These days, you'd be surprised at the quality of outdoor rugs and fabrics. Style AND durability. Because we know, the chances of you remembering to bring in the cushions before the next rain storm are slim. Check out our top outdoor decor picks to spruce up your space.

1. Natoli Plastic Planter--Yes! Plastic. And self watering. Because remembering to water plants is the hardest part. 
2. Hawaiian Cone Garden Torch--A sleek update from the old school bamboo torches.
3. Tabb Floral Outdoor Rug--Our favorite color combo of navy, coral and aqua brightens up any patio space. 
4. Patina Sun Wall Decor--Who says wall decor is only for indoors?
5. Bezu Melamine Platter Set--Inspired by Italian ceramics, and entirely outdoor safe.
6. Coral Melamine Plate Set--You'd never guess these were melamine with their look of handcrafted ceramics.
7. Gravesend Acrylic Glass Set--A set of 8 with the look of recycled glass.
8. Canyon Adara Wood Lantern--Add a touch of the modern with this woven wood and glass hurricane.
9. Fish Tales Coastal Napkins--Choose from three color stories or, buy one of each and mix and match. 
​10. Cherrelle Wood Spring Riviera Birdhouse--If Shauna was a bird, you can bet she would live in this house.
​11. Sakura Garden Stool--We love garden stools anywhere in the home, but they are perfect for an outdoor end table.
12. Brierley Wind Chime--Drown out the sounds of fighting kids with these multi-colored capiz shells.
13. Mount Vernon Outdoor Chandelier--Create the perfect ambience for your next outdoor dinner party. 

So a little diversion for you this Tuesday. Yesterday was the first Monday in May, which is basically Super Bowl Sunday for all of us lovers of high fashion. For those of you not in the know, every year, the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art hosts a fund raiser (the Gala) that coincides with their annual summer exhibit. The exclusive guest list includes celebrities, fashion designers, sports stars, models and music artists and attendees are encouraged to dress the theme of the exhibit. This year's theme is Camp: Notes on Fashion, and was inspired by the 1964 essay by Susan Sontag, "Notes on 'Camp'". The essay explores how humor, irony, parody and exaggeration are portrayed in fashion, and let me tell you, there was plenty of all of this last night. Here are some of our favorites:

We know it's somewhat ironic to share a Mother's Day gift post with an audience that should be RECEIVING the gifts, not buying the gifts. But we also know how troublesome gift buying can be for the males in our lives so the least we can do is give you a list to give to them so they have a jumping off point. Chances are they can't go wrong walking in to Anthropologie, but in case your husband, son, etc needs some more specific direction, we've done the work for you. 

1. Belinda Floral Kimono
2. Natalia Wicker Handle Tote Bag
3. Super Mom T
4. Babbling Brook Drop Earrings
5. Leah Goren Marcella Vases
6. Every Mother Counts T
7. Spring Forward Scarf
8. Camilla Corded Tote 

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So, if you haven't already heard, Shauna's home was featured in the May 2019 issue of HGTV Magazine. It's also the cover shot, which is amazingly cool. However, the release of the magazine is somewhat bittersweet considering what was happening behind the scenes with Shauna and her family during the week of the photo shoot. Read below for Shauna's story.

When I first heard from HGTV Magazine about possibly featuring my house in their magazine I was blown away, but also knew the reality too. I’ve had interest from magazines in the past, but it seems like it always fell through. After some back and forth with an editor (sending different shots of different rooms using different angles) I received the best email ever. HGTV Magazine wanted to show my home in their house tour section! It. Was. So. Cool.
After a few more weeks of hammering out the details the editor emailed me again and said they were also considering putting our house on the cover. SHUT. UP. It was almost too much. Suddenly it felt like everything I’d been trying to do to be taken seriously as a designer (yes, I need to be validated sometimes!) was getting me somewhere.
It was a couple of weeks later that I was told yes, we’d also be the cover shot. It was an incredible feeling, I won’t lie. Because the cover is a huge deal, our shoot was pushed back weeks and would go from a two-day shoot to a five-day shoot. I was also informed they would be shipping approximately 80 boxes (!!) of items to be used in the shoot. Soon after, they were right, box after box after box began showing up at our house.
On July 30, 2018, a crew of strangers showed up on my front porch (HGTV people, a stylist, a photographer, etc) and thus began one of the most fun weeks of my life.
Or so I thought.
Right before all of this, my daughter, Presley, gave birth to her third child (Emerson Faye) on July 25th. We were so happy and excited to meet her and have her join our growing family. After a few days something was happening to little Emmy, and no one was sure what it was exactly. She was hospitalized while doctors tried to figure out what was wrong. The photo shoot was happening and I found myself splitting time between being at the hospital and being available for the magazine crew. I wasn’t terribly concerned about Emerson at the time because the doctors couldn’t really find anything wrong with her. I assumed she would get well and be home soon. At the end of the week (Friday) we said goodbye to everyone from the magazine and Emmy was released from the hospital. I could finally exhale after a stressful and exhausting week. Jeff and I were looking forward to a restful weekend.
Sunday, August 5, my daughter called to say Emerson stopped breathing and paramedics were on the way. I raced to her house and followed the ambulance to the hospital. After a few hours we were told to gather up our family and friends because Emmy Faye wouldn’t be going home. Her organs were failing and she wasn’t going to survive.
It was the worst news I’d ever gotten and it was so unbelievable. The next 24-hours were surreal. We were living out a nightmare. Our family was thrust into a swirling tornado of tragedy. Writing this now takes me back to that moment in time and it still stops my heart, punches me in the gut, and takes my breath away.
The magazine is out now. We are in the May issue and as promised, are on the cover and featured in the house tour section. It’s so very exciting, a real pinch me moment. But it’s also bittersweet. Seeing the photos and remembering being there and seeing it unfold while also driving back and forth from the hospital to make sure Emerson was okay, it makes me really sad. I’ve tried to stay upbeat and hold on to the fun memories of that week back in July of last year, but it’s a struggle. I’d gladly give up any career success or checks off my life list (being featured in a national publication is high on that list) to have our sweet Emmy Faye alive and learning to crawl and laugh and know who I am.
But I don’t get to choose that. It’s not an option. Instead I’ll try to stay positive and forge ahead. I’ll keep striving to be the best version of me and lead by example. Work hard. Be kind. Bring color into people’s lives.
That’s really all I can do.
I want to thank everyone at HGTV Magazine for the opportunity and the outpouring of love and support they showed me and my family during that terrible time.
And thank you to all of you who have championed me and congratulated me and bought the magazine and sent such kind notes. It means more to me than you’ll ever know.
Now, here's some behind the scenes photos that we've been hanging on to for 9 months so we could share them with you now! 
XO,
​Shauna

So, the 80 boxes of product that were delivered were unpacked and staged in the garage. 80 boxes of vases, platters, lamps, figurines, trays, pretty much anything that could be used to style. A lot of this stuff was rented from two different companies in New York that well, rent out stuff for photo shoots, so it was important for the Assistant Stylist (Kalen) to keep up with what went where, etc. Serious tasks here.
Shauna's laundry room became flower shop central with buckets and buckets of flowers to be used for the shoots. Wanna know how to make peonies open? Stick 'em in warm water and in the sun. But not for too long, because then they burn. It's an art.

Other fancy jobs of the Assistant Stylist include ironing bedding and towels and trimming the "hair" off of the palm leaves. Bonus styling tip, to make the flanges of the pillow shams stand up so pretty in the photo we used masking tape on the back.  

So, the cover. Because the cover had to be approved by the Editor back in NYC, there was a lot of back and forth. Take a photo, send it to NY, get comments back, move the vase to the other side, take a photo, send it to NY, we need something tall and green on the left, take a photo....you get the idea. TWO DAYS LATER, the image was approved. Jamie, the HGTV Magazine Home Editor and Matthew, the Stylist were pros, and a lot of fun, and made the process way less painful than it could have been. Also, they were considering changing the color of the chest to aqua in the final cover, so we had to style both ways just in case. 

Thanks again to everyone from HGTV Magazine for being so amazing. Can't wait to work with y'all again! 

The venues range from high-end designer showrooms to makeshift tents with card tables and tarps. Our favorite places though, had bold colors, rich textiles, and amazing hand-crafted details. Punkie's Place was a color explosion that hit you right in the face when you walked in. Mexican textiles, embroidery, and kitchy accessories layered upon layer upon layer. We found the cutest embroidered Mexican dresses here! 

While Punkie's Place was a legit house, the vendors from Africa sold baskets, beads, textiles and the craziest beaded furniture on  tarps on the side of the street and in tents. Keep in mind when you go that there are ALWAYS more than one vendor selling the same thing. The first one we came across selling these beaded chairs wanted $2400 for one. Three tents later, we found someone selling pretty much the same thing for $800. Everyone is there to make a deal, so be savvy and don't take the first price you're given. 

On our last day, we saw a post from the owners of Hale House here in Fort Worth with the most awesome dining chairs. The hunt was on at that point to find those chairs. We ended up at a venue called Blue Hills and while we didn't find the chairs (the vendor was only there the day before), we did find Karma Living. Pretty sure they were ready for us to leave after snapping a thousand pics, wrecking countless displays and running around the store like we'd never seen an embroidered pillow before. SUPER good news is that they have a showroom in Dallas so you can bet your sweet biddy that we will be there often creating just as much havoc. You can buy their products on Amazon or Wayfair. 

The show runs two-ish weeks in April and October. Plan early if you want to go, there really aren't hotels and rentals book up quickly. We booked our AirBnB in Brenham in December. It was about a 20 minute drive to the show, but that's pretty typical. Cash is king and will get you even better deals. Bargain hunt, like we said, many vendors sell the exact same thing. However, if you LOVE it, buy it. You either won't remember where you found it, or it'll be gone by the time you go back. 
All the great stuff we picked up at the show is now for sale on our SHOP page! Check it out for all the goodies.