#HouseGawking: Lake House Love

One of my favorite things to do with Mike is to go #HouseGawking.  When it is my turn to pick for a weekend date, I choose driving through neighborhoods and looking at homes over pretty much anything else.  It truly is pure delight for me!  It is fun to see what's new in design and which classic features stand the test of time.  We discovered this newly constructed home with a traditional low-country charm when we were out jet-skiing:

 For me, it is lake house love!!!

Grab the Paintbrush: It's Time for a Change

After 13 years, two boys, a dog, numerous cats, three bunnies, and one tiny gerbil who was more of an escape artist than a pet, it is time to update the house.  She is showing more wear than shine.  Scuff marks adorn our once white doors and finger prints serve as proof that children once ran laughing and squealing through this place in the swamp.  We have started out slow and easy, choosing projects that make a noticeable difference, but cost more in effort than cash.  First up for #MyHouseMonday...paint!  Inspired by this house featured in our area's Builders' Parade of Homes,

we choose a soft neutral which reminded me of beach sand.  

Not that I am usually inspired by dirt, but the thoughts of waves lapping over the sands of the Gulf shores
as I sat on this front porch was particularly tempting. 

The color in the inspiration home: Benjamin Moore's HC-172, Revere Pewter
      and I figured, if it could make my house look like this...

I had better rush right out to get it!!!

In one weekend, we managed to transform the living room and foyer
with just a couple of paint rollers and a gallon of paint!
For such a small investment, we got really big results.
Love it:)

Houzz Love

My dear sweet mother-in-law introduced me to my new favorite app, Houzz, just a few short months ago and through Houzz I have fallen in love!!!  After countless hours of pouring over pictures of designer rooms, I stumbled upon this jewel! (my new love:)

   I love the coastal charm, brick drive, and the beautiful wooden door.

Gorgeous!

Reclaimed heart of pine flooring runs throughout the house.

Soft neutrals give the bedroom a relaxing feel.

And for me, the true inspiration in this home...the kitchen
 with its high contrast between the cabinets and counter tops,
the stainless steel accents, and the ceiling!

I adore the glass doors on upper cabinets,

the wall of windows,

and the sparkly, white backsplash made from
 Crossville Tile Inc. / Savoy Gloss collection / Color VS130 White / 1x2 mosaic tiles.
To me, this is the perfect blend of classic, cottage/coastal chic.
And it is what caused me to fall in love with this house!!!

I can definitely imagine sitting here and enjoying a nice, tall glass of lemonade:) 

 See more of Linda MacDougald's fabulous designs at Postcard from Paris They are truly inspirational!