LLD REVEALS: SOFT BLUES FOR BABY BOY

It’s about time! Sweet little baby Pierre was born almost S I X months ago and I think it’s safe to say he’s enjoying this gorgeous nursery (though I hazard to say his mom is enjoying it even more.) If you need a refresher on where we started check out this post on the design.

Just a few of the things I love about this room: the light airy colors that provide the perfect calming backdrop to all the baby things, the crib made for a prince, and the board and batton we added that took the room from builder-grade to classic and elevated. Did I mention dad and granddad installed and painted everything themselves?

What I love the most though was this text from mama after her little baby boy was born:

“His room is my calm zone. I love being in there… I’m calm, I’m with the baby. It’s our happy place. It’s the one room in our house that is purposeful and uncluttered.”

I can’t begin to tell you how good that makes me feel, because lets be real for a second, nurseries are really for the parents aren’t they?

This wasn’t a huge room, we had space for just the basics: a crib, glider, and changing table/dresser. The room already had a great closet and painting the doors out in the trim color made everything look that much more custom. The door to the room swings open adjacent the two closet doors, this worked out so that you can see straight from the master bedroom to the crib.

The floating shelves at the end of the crib provide the perfect place for cherished keepsakes and favorite books and allowed for a moment of styling in an otherwise very functional room. The crib is pulled away from the wall, far enough that nothing could fall in or as baby boy gets bigger he won’t be able to reach the shelves and pull things down either. Don’t you LOVE those little shoes?

This nightstand has the softest lines and plenty of storage on the two shelves. We paired back the books for the shot but believe me, the book collection is strong (I included a round up of some books and toys at the end of this post)! I love the little pull out at the top of the nightstand perfect for a bottle or coffee mug when the table top inevitably gets full of toys/books/pacifiers/etc. Unfortunately this exact one is now discontinued but I’ve linked a very similar one from Crate and Barrel. This is a table that looks as much at home in this little boy’s nursery as it would be in a future guest room or little girls room; a piece that can grow with this family.

S H O P T H E P O S T

The changing table is between the entry and bathroom door, opposite the window. The dresser was from Pottery Barn Kids, I loved the simple lines and that it’s constructed of FCS certified wood and sealed and painted with non-toxic materials. This is another furniture piece that will grow with the family and could be used anywhere in the house. We did upgrade the hardware to these brass cup pulls to match the curtain hardware and sconce and soften the look a little. Unfortunately this particular dresser has since been retired but see below for some with a similar look. Verify that your changing tray will fit on top. The shaded plug in sconce is perfect for late night diaper changes. And not to be too TMI but the tall wainscoting, painted in Farrow and Ball Pale Powder, is wipeable.

S i m i l a r D r e s s e r s

S H O P f o r B a b y

This was easily one of my favorite projects to date, and obviously very close to my heart. My favorite parts are a three-way tie between the wall paneling, the rug and the floating shelves! Whats your favorite part?

Photography by Allyson Huntsman Photography

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ROUND UP: FAVORITE SOFAS

Title Image Via Lark & Linen

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Day 5(?) of Corona Virus quarantine and if you’re anything like me, you’ve been spending a LOT of time on your sofa. With my hubs having taken over our home office, I’ve been spending a ton of time on my sofa - my twenty year old, lumpy, dated, worn out sofa. The sofa we have currently was a hand-me-down from my grandma - it’s SO comfortable and well constructed and a neutral color. When I was in apartments I justified keeping it by saying that I didn’t want to buy a sofa until I bought a house. If I was going to spend some money on a sofa I wanted it to be purchased for a space I would be in for a long time. We are going on our third year in our home and it’s seriously time to get a new couch. Being quarantined on it just sealed the deal in my mind.

I’ve decided to take you virtually shopping with me. What I’ve collected are a handful of my favorite sofas from around the web. Many of these come in a variety of great colors, and I’ve noted below which ones are beautiful as sectionals too. Just because I can’t fit a sectional in my tiny living room, doesn’t mean you should go without.

From Top: Arlen Sofa | Amhearst Sofa | Barton Sofa | Emmy Sofa | Maxwell Sofa | Cami Sofa | Brynn Sofa

Arlen Sofa

I LOVE the look of this one, so comfy and relaxed - I’m just worried my room is too small for this skirted beauty. I like the idea of being able to see the flooring continue under the sofa to extend the size of my space. None the less, the relaxed linen is calling to me.

Amhearst Sofa

Would you believe this one is only $500?! It’s a great budget option, and I have sat on it in store - super comfy. It also comes in Navy and is really nice as a sectional. I feel like this sofa looks a little small in photos, but I think it’s probably the proportions. It is 83” long with 22” deep seat. Really generous.

Barton Sofa

This was my frontrunner for a long time. I love the plinth base and that you can select from several different wood finishes. I’m also a big fan of the bench cushion. I find that single cushions encourage a few more people to sit on the sofa when there is company because no one has to deal with a crack! My only issue is the arms are maybe a little narrow for my liking. Serena and Lily has fabulous performance fabrics (hello Perennials) that can really take a beating though. This sofa is a forever sofa.

Emmy Sofa

Another sofa I fell in love with in person (and another one that is perfection as a sectional too). This Design Within Reach stunner has a slightly curved back and a modern take on a plinth base. Not the cheapest by any means, but I wonderful investment piece for your home. Particularly if you will be floating your sofa in the room.

Maxwell Sofa

Would I be buying this one in green? Not for this house. Is it amazing in green? Absolutely. So amazing I chose to share the green version with you. Many of these sofas come in a TON of color options. You don’t have to stick to white (although, I think keeping your large pieces neutral & classically shaped helps them stand the test of time as tastes change.)

Cami Sofa

Another more modern take on a plinth base, this time in black metal. I have always thought the arm cushions that extend past the seat cushions is a chic detail. Again we have a bench cushion - great for loading all your friends and family onto one couch. In my case a bench cushion makes the most of what little space I have for seating. When this quarantine lifts you bet I would have EVERYONE over to sit on my new couch.

Brynn Sofa

This is the real steal of the bunch. At just $875 (and I’ve seen it as much as $200 less. World Market loves a sale.) this skirted sofa is beautiful and looks MUCH more high end than it’s price point.

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Ok, so what if you love your sofa, or arn’t ready to pull the trigger on what is really one of the most expensive pieces of furniture in your home? PILLOWS! I’ve rounded up some favorites - again at a bunch of price points - that you can mix and match for a whole new look at a fraction of the cost. I think each one of these would look good with a mix of any of the others.

Top Row: 1 | 2 | 3 Second Row: 1 | 2 | 3 Third Row: 1 | 2 | 3 Fourth Row: 1 | 2 | 3 Fifth Row: 1 | 2 | 3

TRAVEL NOTES: TODO SANTOS

Image credit: Hotel San Cristobal

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When Patrick and I started dating (7 years ago last month!) we promised each other that we would travel every year - domestic or international - and miraculously we have managed to keep that promise by making it a priority. We FINALLY booked our summer trip: Todo Santos, Mexico. I’ve been to Mexico a few times, most recently Mexico City (which Patrick and I LOVED). This time though we checked another Bunkhouse Hotel off our bucket list and headed to The Hotel San Christobal - outside of Cabo. Hotel San Cristobal is a design lover’s dream: this hotel is my aesthetic. Do not hate me for saying that, because look at it.

THE HOTEL

The design of the hotel is textural, layered, simple and perfectly imperfect. It feels warm and inviting, like summer personified in a place. The spaces are minimalist without feeling cold or impersonal - the sparseness contributes to the feelings of ease you have immediately upon arrival. The Bunkhouse Group achieves this so flawlessly at every one of their properties but Hotel San Christobal has left me reeling with inspiration - that effortless minimalism is exactly what I love to impart in my client’s homes.

Patrick and I kept saying that this was by far our favorite trip we’ve ever taken. The pictures are fabulous but can’t tell you how perfect the weather was (highs of 85, lows of 65 and not a cloud in the sky), they can’t tell you how kind and attentive and honestly fun the staff is, the pictures can’t introduce you to all the interesting guests you’ll meet and share a delicious drink with. And the pictures can’t begin to illustrate all the little details that went into making this vacation one for the record books.

FOOD & DRINKS

THE POOL BAR - the food at the pool bar was so good I would have probably been happy eating every meal there. Think: octopus or steak tacos, fried calamari, ceviche, quesadillas. Everyday they have a new food and drink special on the board - it’s worth partaking. I would say just about everything is split-able. The drinks are all excellent - you have to try the Pina Colada at least once. I had no idea they could taste so good when they’re made with fresh ingredients! After trying all the cocktails we settled back into our favorite poolside drink: mezcal, soda, and a generous squeeze of lime.

On Fridays the pool bar has a happy hour on drinks and ceviche and a live band comes to play as the sun sets. We only stayed for a little while because we had planned to go out for dinner but next time I won’t miss it - and I would suggest you plan accordingly. 

BENNO - The hotel’s restaurant is just as well designed as everything else here. This is where we ate breakfast  every morning and endeavored to try just about everything. You can’t go wrong and the portions are hearty. They also make a variety of fresh juices - I really loved the Pina y Verdes and the Christobal Heat: carrot, orange, lime, cilantro, tumeric, jalepeno.

Our last night we ate dinner here and the sashimi was maybe one of my top 5 dishes ever. They bill as a Mexican-Medditeranian-Asian fusion. Sounds crazy and it is crazy good. The menu changes but honestly you can’t go wrong.

HIERBABUENA - about a 15 min cab ride from the hotel (note: not towards Todo Santos) this restaurant is a true farm-to-table expierience. As with everything around here it’s down a dirt road, and when you arrive you walk through a gorgeous garden to the open air metal building. Everyone we talked to suggested this place and for good reason. The catch of the day was perfect, the papaya salad was everything we needed after a hot day by the pool, and the fig pizza was outstanding. I highly reccommend ordering a side of grilled veggies. Everything comes fresh from the property. OH GOSH and how could I forget the flan? Do youself a favor and save room.

JASMANGO - this one is in the town proper of Todo Santos (about a 15 minute cab ride from the hotel). We didn’t make it in town this time but Jasmango is another farm-to-table gem that we constantly heard great things about.

PACKING

Disclaimer: I’m a minimalist packer. You may very well want a different pair of shoes for every single day - and you do you! However, I am a card carrying member of the Carry On Only Club™ so I kept my packing list short, well-designed, and sweet.

I live and die by my Away suitcase when I travel - and after this trip I ordered their packing cubes to make my packing even more organized and efficient. If you’re in the market for a great suitcase you can get $20 off your order by clicking here. P and I each own one, they’ve taken a beating and the ability to charge a phone is so good, especially when you’re out of the country. The necklaces and dress I own BOTH and they’re by an amazing Houston designer who I love very much. I plan to buy ever color they ever make of this dress. And finally the sunscreen. I’ve started using Supergoop (female entrepreneur what-what!) but this sunscreen is honestly like wearing a real life instagram filter on your face. Not kidding. I’ve been wearing it without makeup and it’s just too good. I’m a sunscreen junkie - I don’t go a day without it and I’m telling everyone I know.

SHOP THIS POST

PACKED, AND SO GLAD I DID:

• Loose-fitting but chic clothes: aside from swimsuits and one coverup I packed 2 dresses and a jumpsuit. You want to look comfortable but put together when you’re not in the pool and everything I brought was perfect for either wandering the town, dining in the hotel’s restaurant or lounging by the fire.

• A light sweater: I threw this in last second after checking the temps. Todo Santos is farther north than Cabo and gets beautiful cooling breezes that have the temps in the mid sixties in the mornings and evenings.

• Easy to throw on cover up: for walking from the pool to the bar or the beach

PACKED BUT DIDN’T NEED

• A turkish towel: this place is wonderful and so relaxed walking around barefoot in just your swimsuit is not at all unusual. Plus there are towels everywhere - on lounge chairs, in beautiful baskets, you will never be left without one nearby when you really need it.

• An extra pair of “beach sandals” - the sand feels glorious on your feet and it never gets hot enough to hurt. The beach is impeccably clean and I felt fine walking around barefoot - my one pair of nice leather slides was just fine.

DIDN’T PACK BUT WISH I HAD:

• Hiking shoes: I brought tennis shoes thinking “how hard can hotel trails be”. Mistake. There are gorgeous rocky trails all over this remote location and we could have gone further and enjoyed it more with the appropriate shoes.

• A refillable water bottle: this is a super active hotel. Yes, you can do nothing and be completely happy, but there is hiking, and yoga, and so many guests get up and run the beach in the morning. Plus the entire property has these absolutely gorgeous water jugs you can fill up from that they fill with filtered water throughout the day. Even if you’re just rehydrating from Happy Hour the night before it’s worth it to throw one in your bag.

• One more set of workout clothes: the hotel offered yoga almost every day of our stay and I would have liked to have one more leggings-and-sport bra combo since the set I brought got very dirty on the hike.

• 1000% more sunscreen. Honestly I didn’t pack any besides my face sunscreen and we bought a (completely overpriced but worth it to not check a bag) bottle there. The first thing we noticed when we got to the pool that first day was that everyone was fried to a crisp - so red. The Mexican sun is no joke and we were constantly reapplying.

Clockwise from upper left: Yoga platform, walking through the old sardine cannery, view from the hike

I would love to hear if you’ve been to this part of Mexico and your favorite places to see, hangout, eat and shop! I’m hoping it won’t be too long before we’re headed back and this time we will build in more time to see the surrounding area.

And please, leave me a message letting me know if this was helpful! I would love to continue to document my trips here and answer any questions I can!