Interior Design: Country Livin'

I think I'm obsessed with Country Living magazine, which is hilarious because I used to make fun of my mom for buying it all the time. I would think "psh, who wants to live in the country anyway?" The answer is, apparently, a lot of people. But that's besides the point, Country Living isn't just about living in the country, like I so foolishly once thought. They have a massive collection of adorable cottages and farm-house style homes that anyone would be jealous of - this born and bred city girl included. Anyway, I bring this up because I feel like I've been sharing a lot of homes from there lately and I thought I needed to explain myself. So there you go. Now on to the good stuff.

This sprawling country retreat in Kentucky reminds me of country cottages in the south of France and if I can find a place to stay that reminds me of Provence without the 8 hour flight, I'm a happy girl.

Monday Design: OMG That Courtyard!

I adore spaces that have were once created from something else turned into homes like church renovations and warehouse renovations, so this home would have caught my eye either way. BUT, what totally stood out to me was that courtyard. I mean holy entrance!

Monday Design: 7 Fabulous Kitchen Designs

I don't know what it is about the warmer weather that always makes me want to start using the kitchen more, but it does, like you don't even understand.

I am not a cook. The kitchen is just not where I feel at home. Mostly, I think this is because I've damaged my taste buds with too many jalapenos and too much hot sauce over the years, so I tend to over spice and include too many ingredients. I happen to think most things I cook are delicious, but the roommate? Not so much. This is most often disheartening so I try to stay out of the kitchen until inspiration hits! This is almost always in summer or whenever the weather is warm. Strange huh?

Since my adventures in the kitchen never really turn out all that amazing, I thought I'd stick to something I do know. Kitchen design! It's much easier to offer up 7 cute kitchen designs than a tasty recipe for you all. Hope no one minds ;) So while I pick out the next recipe to burn down my kitchen with, here are 7 kitchen designs that I would love to be playing chef in.

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Are you the head chef in your home? What's your favorite dish to make right now?

Monday Design: 8 Church Renovations

Would you ever live in a church? It's one of those questions that really depends on your beliefs. I've gone back and forth with myself on this topic. I'm not religious by any means, but there is something about living under the stained glass faces of saints that feels...creepy. Fortunately, my love of interior design and architecture always seems to overwhelm the creepy vibes I get.

I love church renovations. Ever since I realized at a not-so-young age that people could actually LIVE in old churches, I've been fascinated by the idea. Generally, I think that churches have an alluring interior design scheme all on their own, but throw in some homey accents and it's a whole different world.  I would love to have the chance to redesign a church because their layouts are so fantastic! Think about all the open space, high ceilings, and the winding hallways. I don't know if any of you have ever spent much time inside a church, but trust me, they're spacious.

The following is a little round-up of my favorite church reclamations. If you have any favorites please leave a link in the comments, I'd love to check them out!

via Desire to Inspire

This one is most my style  with the cement trim and rustic touches. Unfortunately there was no exterior picture for this church, but there are a lot more interior photos if you love this kind of design.

 

 via The World According to Carrie

This old chapel maintains that old southern charm even with the renovation. The interior design elements are definitely classic and elegant - very appropriate for the exterior.

 

 via FreshHome

This church reclamation looks like it took no remodeling effort. I image a white paint job and some well placed furniture was all it took to make this space entirely livable.

 

 via FreshHome

The exteriors of this church home do not give away the completely modern design hidden inside. Chic and artistic, the open floor plan of the layout in this church are a perfect fit for the design.

via FreshHome

I love this one because the design shift was so subtle and simple. The architecture and layout of the church was already so perfect that it only took a few furniture installations and some regal armchairs to make this space feel like a mansion. Check out more photos in the link.

via FreshHome

This was done in an abandoned abbey outside of Paris. Another don't-judge-a-book-by-its-cover renovation that relies on clean, modern furniture and pops of color to make you forget the original purpose of the building.

via Desire to Inspire
All I have to say about this one is someone took a church and turned it into a medieval castle. Win.

via Loftenberg

Adorable. Keeping the brick walls and the classic church windows, but infusing the interior with sleek, modern furniture is a brilliant combination. This would make an incredibly chic office space.

Alright, I'm done gushing. If, I mean when, I become rich there are a few renovation spaces on my list of homes and churches are definitely one of them.


So what do you say? Would you ever live in a church?

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