The Phase Three Home

 

So thrilled to be nominated for the prestigious Amara Interior Blog Awards, Best Written Blog category, for a second year in a row. Honestly, I’m flattered! If you enjoy catching up with The Phase Three Home from time to time, on the blog or Instagram, I’d really appreciate your support. Just vote HERE.

And don’t forget to browse the other fabulous blog and IG nominees for this year’s Amara Interior Blog Awards. There’s a little bit of design inspiration for everyone to enjoy.

A big thank you, again, to those who nominated The Phase Three Home and to Amara, for such a wonderful opportunity!

 

I’m a Midwest girl, born and raised. But there’s something about the Serena & Lily mystique that just plain brings out my California girl! Modern, airy, elegant— with a big hit of everyday coastal, there’s pretty much nothing I don’t love about everything they do. And can’t imagine my infatuation with this enticing, beachy brand ending any time soon.

Quite simply: They just jive with my fine-casual aesthetic and relaxed, ‘coastal’ lifestyle. With every Serena & Lily purchase that finds its way into my house, our phase three home becomes just a bit more inviting. And a bit more me.

 
 
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So no surprise their design shops are my idea of a good time. Each one is its own experience, mixing all the elements of their trademark vibe with a pop of local flavor.

Here in Chicago, Serena & Lily adds a refreshing touch of West coast cool to the trendy Lincoln Park area. Every detail, architectural accent, swatch of fabric, accessory and furnishing offers visitors abundant home decor inspiration. I pretty much planned my next office layout…. furnished and accessorized, top to bottom….the last time I stopped by. No, really. I’m not even joking!

There’s always so much to love about S & L, regardless of the season. But a slow stroll with my iPhone, through the spring / summer collections featured at their Chicago location, definitely had me playing favorites. Take a look!

 
 
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Always the perfect balance of casual comfort and classic style. Here their seaside-inspired lighting and art blend seamlessly with the traditional lines of this bed and handsome leather bench.

 
 
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Who wouldn’t be crushing on this charming dining table and chair pairing. So fun and versatile…dress it up, dress it down. A great forever piece!

 
 
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And of course, fabric in just about every shade of Lake Michigan! Even the display design is impeccable and swoon-worthy…loaded with timeless style and design inspo.

 
 
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I just love this warm, inviting setting. Each and every piece just begs you to nuzzle in and relax! The redesign and restyling of this old building’s interior and exterior spaces perfectly capture the brand’s light, bright, open vibe. So well done!

 
 
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And isn’t this just the most irresistible gallery wall of coastal-inspired art?

 
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Everywhere you look, there’s something that catches your eye. Just a tiny corner of this darling striped rug had me packing samples in hopes of finding even the smallest of open floor space it could call home!

 
 
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Around every corner there’s a gorgeous nook or perfectly positioned shelf packed with yet another home accessory or accent, that you absolutely must have. A couple of those woven trays ended up in my bag and now live on each of my bedroom side tables, btw. So. Cute.

 
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The flip of a tasseled pillow, the cozy cush of your new, next blanket, the unexpected charm of their color palettes and paper design —-all elements that work together to create their irresistible style.

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For those of us who love the beauty and pure joy of fine-casual, seaside-inspired design, Serena & Lily will always be a favorite source of inspiration, fun and fresh new ways to bring coastal flavor, home.

Photos: The Phase Three Home

 

 

Our mudroom has come a long way since we first arrived at this old Georgian. Tucked away at the back of the house—dark, beige and outdated—it was anything but inviting.

 
 
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But we had plans for this busy little walk-through.

As the primary entrance for a house full of kids and dogs, this space needed a cheery, bright personality to welcome our family home. And perhaps, a bit of a North Shore coastal vibe as a nod to our life here along the Lake Michigan shore.

So as we renovated, restyled and redecorated our way through the first floor, we made sure this tiny spot had its turn to make a big impression. It’s amazing how a few simple changes can totally refresh and redefine a room. A pop of texture, a friendly shade of white and the perfect mix of fun and function is pretty much all you need to transform a tired, neglected space into an airy, beachy nook.

Here’s how we took our mudroom from frumpy to fabulous……

ONE: WALL TO WALL

Nothing says coastal like the charm of shiplap, beadboard or paneling. So to create a textured, paneled look, we placed six inch vertical boards side by side, throughout the room. And what a difference it made! Now this space is bright and welcoming —with a casual, water-inspired aesthetic—and such a pleasure to view.

TWO: CHOOSE THE RIGHT WHITE

White is king when you’re creating a clean, fresh, beachy vibe. I used a tried and true favorite, Benjamin Moore’s Simply White, on all the wood surfaces. It’s the perfect way to accentuate the lines of the wood work and makes small spaces feel HUGE in just one swipe of the brush.

THREE: ACCENT WITH COASTAL ELEMENTS

A little goes a long way in a tight space such as a mudroom or hallway. So make it count. Add accents that bring a coastal flavor to your space, such as this over-sized brushed metal clock and this weathered straw sun hat. This sisal doormat, from a local garden center, offers a welcome hit of seaside texture and adds warmth and interest to our gray stone floor.

FOUR: JUST FOR FUN

I love infusing a fun, unexpected element into family spaces. Here a favorite framed poster, a gift from a friend and fellow dog lover, takes front and center for a bit of a giggle. With a long history of water loving labs as part of our home and family, this was the perfect spot to display this lab-inspired piece. Just the thing to top off our coastal-vibed decor!

FIVE: DONT’ FORGET A BIT OF COLOR

All it takes is one big pop of color to tie things together when you’re working with all white walls. And this flower-filled, indigo-patterned beach bag does the trick. It’s an easy way to draw the eye into the room and finishes the look, one and done!

Last but not least, think clean-lines when selecting the right lighting for a small space such as this. This simple but bright schoolhouse ceiling fixture (Restoration Hardware) complements the decor but doesn’t have too much to say. A perfect fit!

Hope these ideas inspire a light-filled, beachy mudroom in your future!

Photos: The Phase Three Home

Note: The Ikea Wall Clock and Serena & Lily beach bag are personal favorites, not currently available. But if you’re looking for a coastal-inspired metal wall clock that’s similar, you might like this alternative:

Crate & Barrel galvanized wall clock

 
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I suppose you could blame it on our current love affair with that charming Fiddle Leaf Fig. But indoor trees are back. In a very big way. And in the process, have pretty much become a favorite home decor essential. But not in my home. That is, not until now.

Though I’m admittedly a touch late to the party, I thought now—while knee-deep into my annual spring refresh/restyle— would be a great time to finally take the plunge. So with a bright empty living room corner in mind, I began my hunt for the ideal candidate. And ended up finding the perfect fit: A gorgeous Ficus Green Island Braid (above). With its charming, quirky trunk and glossy dark green leaves I knew it was coming home with me the minute I laid eyes on it. Loaded with personality and style, it totally fit my fine-casual vibe and has now become the focal point of my first floor living area!

Finding an indoor tree isn’t hard to do. But finding the right one? Well, that can take a bit of homework. Especially if you want it to last past the end of the month. Here are a few things I considered before I signed on the dotted line……

 
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Every tree has a look and style all its own. Find a fit that works best with your home’s aesthetic.

 
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Read the label. How many hours of sunlight does it need? Direct or indirect? How often do you need to water? To feed? And don’t forget your personal kill rate—be honest about your green thumb. Matching the love and care requirements with your expectations can make a huge difference.

 
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You can find live indoor trees just about anywhere. I found a great selection at most big box stores such as Costco, Lowes and Home Depot. Even on Amazon. But I ended up buying from a local home and garden center that I trust and know well (we’re fortunate to have two really great ones here on Chicago’s North Shore). They just know everything. And that can steer you in the right direction when you’re making your selection and help later if you have questions or need help troubleshooting problems.

I’m crazy about my Ficus. But if this Green Island Braid isn’t your thing, these popular favorites are well worth a look:

 
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Left to right: Ficus Benjamina Arbequina Olive Fiddle Leaf Fig

Regarding planters—I found my square weathered-wood planter at the same home and garden store where I bought my ficus. I loved that it was different than the usual containers used for indoor trees and that it fit my style and complemented the lines of the tree. I’d call that a big win! Not to mention, this container has casters …perfect for moving it into the bay window on a warm, sunny day. Game changer.

And if you’re considering an alternative to the traditional round tree basket…..

 
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Left to right:

Kouboo Wicker Planter // Cresent Garden Estate Planter // Maya Blue Ceramic Planter

Good luck with your hunt. Here’s hoping you find your perfect match!

Resources:

My Ficus and wood planter: Pasquesi Home and Garden, Lake Bluff, IL.

Ficus Benjamina , Olive and Fiddle Leaf tree photos: Amazon

 
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What’s the next best thing to actually winning a HGTV Dream Home? Stealing a bit of Dream Home style to use in your very own home! No matter the location, architecture or interior decor, Dream Homes are literally a treasure trove of great everyday design elements and inspiration. This year’s beauty, in Whitefish, Montana, maybe one of my favorites. Sexy, rustic and loaded with classic features and modern upgrades, it translates well to just about any aesthetic. A quick photo tour through these welcoming indoor-outdoor living spaces and you’re bound to find plenty of ideas to add to your personal IdeaBook. I certainly did!

Here are just a few of the many design highlights I’m crushing on….and looking forward to using in future phase three homes.

OVER-SIZED PHOTO FEATURES (above) Basically…yes I want one of these! What a fabulous addition to a family room, bonus room or kid’s space. They’re the ideal focal point for a casual, relaxing spot that’s not too serious and big on fun.

 

BI-FOLD GLASS DOORS You only have one chance to make a first impression. And this great room —-with wall to wall bi-fold glass doors —-does not disappoint. Bi-fold doors create a seamless flow between the indoors and out and offer stunning views that go on forever. Quite the upgrade from the usual french or slider options and definitely a game changer.

 
 
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KITCHEN ACCESS TO DECKS AND PORCHES Just love this common sense but so stylish essential. Perfect for meal service to all backyard and deck areas. Folding windows draw the beautiful outdoors in and expand the view for the cook! Bar on the deck side makes it a sweet spot for a quick bite. Practical and so charming.

 
 
 
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BREATHTAKING LONG SIGHT LINES One of my all time favorite design / architectural elements? Long sight lines. They create a wonderful, cozy flow between rooms and add a sense of cohesiveness and openness that’s hard to beat. Here this home’s exceptional sight lines move your eye from one spectacular area to another and capture every gorgeous detail. Effortlessly. Long sight lines, open planning and great flow— I’m a fan.

 
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FIXTURES WITH POP AND PERSONALITY I pretty much fell in love with every single fixture in this home. They seemed to perfectly complement the vibe of each and every space and add just the right finishing touch. But it was this bird’s nest in the master bedroom that really won me over. Just enough edge and whimsy without stealing the show. It’s a keeper!

 
 
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A PET ZONE Obviously a home with a faux stuffed moose head needs a fun and unique way to care for pets. So a dedicated pet zone? Makes perfect sense to me. Love the half door, separate lounging sofa and storage. And the location right off the main area is just plain smart. Yep, into the IdeaBook it goes….

 
 
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A BIT OF UNEXPECTED LUXURY You knew the bathrooms in this Dream Home would be decked to the nines. But luxurious? Super cool and inviting, this state-of-the-art getaway is just the thing after a long day. This combined zen-like shower-steam-bath area is a big win—especially with that view! But the combo of soothing color palette and modern fixtures puts it way over the top. Absolutely on my to-do list for the future. And BTW I’ll take one of those super cute silver faux wood accent tables, too…

 
 
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AND AN UNFORGETTABLE OUTDOOR! Naturally, the outdoor areas in the Whitefish Dream Home are second to none. They illustrate how good design can create ideal entertainment areas for both family and guests and at the same time, offer individual space for a moment of privacy. I’ll keep the multi-tiered entertainment centers in mind for our next home. Exceptional!

 
 
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My IdeaBook is pretty full after a walk through of this gorgeous Montana Dream Home. Looking forward to using bits of this inspo to refresh, update and restyle spaces in my current home …and use in what ever home happens to come my way going forward. And hope the same for you!

Photos: HGTV

Photographers: Robert Peterson, Tomas Espinoza

Designer: Brian Patrick Flynn

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