Christmas at Our House

I took this pic last weekend (above) during the beautiful little snowstorm we had. (It was the perfect time to remove the pumpkins!- ha how terrible am I?!) I made poor Ashby sit in front of the doors for pictures. (She's a wimp & really isn't that into the snow unless she's wearing her winter jacket- no joke.) Anyway, I'm so glad you all convinced me to keep the door orange! I even like it at Christmastime. There are intentions of adding a white bow to the wreath, but it most likely won't happen. We can't find any electrical outlets outside & might not have Christmas lights this year either. :( Christian really wants them.

But let's go inside! Below is the entryway & I just hung a few simple unadorned garlands around...



I kept it easy in the kitchen too & figured that plates full of cookies & a garland would do the job for us this year with the baby coming...

The problem is that they disappeared WAY too quickly!! --- into my already stuffed-to-the--max belly!! (Note to self- cookies on cakestand on kitchen island WILL NOT LAST.)
We put a fun letter to Santa on our fridge (which is now gone) but will be back for Christmas Eve:

I don't have the energy I usually do right now so I didn't change the bookshelves much, but I did switch the books around so the reds were more prominent, and putting the turquoise ones in more inconspicuous spots. (I just realized that if you're not into switching your house around all of the time that probably sounds insane... but i know most of you get me &/or are like me ;)
In the dining room we did a little tablesetting: My best friend came into town so we actually used it! ha
I wanted to keep it simple & green & natural like the rest of the house... No frills really, except the tiniest bit of sparkle from the crystal & the floral plates... I love a bare table...
I scored this urn at Lucketts a couple of weeks ago & they were on sale for only $35!!! (They might still be and there are tons of them outside.)
It's the same urn (except in white) that I have on the sideboard in the background. They are SO heavy but I just love how sculptural they are & what a huge impact they make in a room. It's too big to actually keep as the center for a tablesetting so it gets replaced by food when we eat.
I paired my vintage Camellia plates with some of our platinum-banded Bernardaud wedding china. The silver chargers I found at Walmart! (i would LOVE pewter ones & will never stop thinking about the set I found for a steal & passed up at an antique mall!! argg) I used little wine corks for the name cards (from a good friend's wedding - they weren't keeping them & I knew they'd come in handy one day!)
My friend Amazing-Amy helped me set up for the pics & she also did this beautiful winter greens arrangement in the dark urn (below). She is a landscape designer & her company decorates homes for Christmas & she had so many great ideas & an awesome eye!!! The huge white bottle in the background was a recent Lucketts find & I'm slightly obsessed with it. I need to find the perfect spout for it! How awesome would a drink for party be in it?!
I'm still so happy about the $165 sideboard & it so awesome to have tons of extra storage!! (below)
And, like I've said before, we always have nuts around during the colder months:
We used sticks from the yard throughout the house (Amy is full of ideas!!!... the sticks can be seen on right of pic below) and they have that same kind of wild feeling that the chandelier has...
Here's a view (below) of the living room from the dining room. (Rearranged again!)
The bright green of the sofa is perfect for Christmas! (I'm putting that slipcover way further down on my list!) I am SO loving the feel of the velvet this time of year!
I wanted something kind of crazy natural for my tree & told Amy we wished there was some way to incorporate branches in the tree. No problem she said!! And out went our husbands into the yard (this is the same night we did the 30 entryway prints) to find some suitable branches for the tree. I watched as Amy just started shoving the branches into the tree!!
And I LOVED it!! (I think this will have to be a yearly tradition... I know it might not appeal to everyone... when I sent pics to my dad in Illinois he goes, "Where the hell'd you find a scraggly tree like that?!" he thought the branches were dead pine branches hee hee. I guess to each his own! :) But I do like it when things are a bit "off" and this is perfect to me!! Thank you AMY!!!!!!
And we finally got the mirror for the mantle fireplace box (below)
For the mantle, I created the worst fire hazard you've ever seen: A magnolia wreath hung only inches above an insane amount of pillar candles!! WOW.
But don't worry, most of the time it's like this(below) or we just light the outer candles. It's still pretty to me unlit... I love my house too much to be this crazy ;)

And here's a pretty little shot of Dave's stenciling peeking through the magnolia wreath:
Here's a gorgeous arrangement Amy did in a moss pot! (oh my, they have those?!!)

I am CRAZY about the magnolia wreath but must warn you that they don't last long -or stay fully green for long- inside. Ours stayed pretty green for about a week to a week and a half & now more & more brown leaves are appearing. (It's still beautiful but is developing more of an "Autumn" look & actually will be perfect for next Fall once it's fully dried.)
And here's a little close-up of my tree with our sentimental ornaments:
We love sitting by the tree at night... (These pics were taken before the branches arrived) Christian had so much fun helping to decorate the tree & it's awesome now that he's an an age where he "gets it."
We're finally relaxing in our new house & I just can't believe it! (I don't know if it's harder to believe it's ours or harder to believe we're relaxing! haha) The Carpenter's Christmas is playing practically nonstop (I can't find the rest of our Christmas music... although I still usually play nonstop Carpenter's Christmas anayway) and Christian has been trained to put it on himself. First thing in the morning, he runs in & turns it on. (ps- there's nothing wrong with "training" your kids for your own enjoyment ;)
With a new baby on the way any day, now this kind of "relaxing" might not last for very long, but we're going ot enjoy it while we have it! Wishing you a VERY Merry Christmas & happy holidays & lots of snow!!

xoxo,
lauren

109 comments:

Melissa said...

It's just beautiful! I only found your blog recently, so I've missed all the fun before and afters, but I must say the finished product is just great! I love the time-worn look you've achieved-- and I want to know where to get moss balls! My fave is that first shot-- it's so "magazine"-- but her hang-dog look makes it so real life!

Jessica said...

I LOVE your Christmas decor!!!! It's all so awesome! Especially the branches in the tree (must do this next year!!) and the fireplace. Love it! Great job! And Happy Holidays :)

Sarah's Fab Day said...

Your Christmas decor is perfect as usual my dear! You are so inspiring with your vision. Merry merry my dear!

Anonymous said...

Lauren - it's stunning. The mantle just laden with candles is a show-stopper. And the branches in the Christmas tree are inspired. Merry Christmas!

alison giese Interiors said...

So perfect, and I adore your "scraggly" tree!!!

Chris@Cats On My Quilts said...

I love the branches in your tree. This year I bought long sprigs of red berries from Jo-Ann fabric for $.29/each that I just stuck in the tree and I think they look great.

Sarah said...

Gorgeous, Lauren! This is totally my style at Christmas too...natural, elegant, somewhat subdued. Love all the fresh garland and greens..and the branches:)

K Dot said...

Wow Lauren
It all looks amazing. I love your gallery wall, your open shelves in the kitchen and your chalkboard- so very chic!!

Red Door Home said...

Just like everything else I have seen you do, your CHristams decorating is beautiful. I laughed to myself when I read the comment your Dad made. I don't know how many times I have purchased things and my Dad just says "you're going to put THAT in your house?"

Helena - A Diary of Lovely said...

amazing house! and i love your fridge!! I'll have to go through your blog to see how you did it! beautiful!!

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

Beautiful, light and airy yet lovely for the Holiday season! Love the fixture at the stairwell, gorgeous!
Janell

Jaime Rogers said...

Soooo cute and cozy, what a great pick with your lil pup, LOVE the orange door!

Best,
Jaime

Jaime Rogers said...

I believe I recognize the CB2 waterfall acrylic table....I have used that so many times as it is a real classic and a great price point! Looks great;)

Best,
Jaime

~Grace Happens~ said...

love your orange door...oh, and you entire home too:) such great style you have!

Alaina @ Live Creating Yourself said...

I am in love with your home. It's so beautiful and eclectic. The candles on the mantel are my favorite part. And your orange door. And the exposed shelving in the kitchen. And the nesting tables in your living room. And the art in the entryway... hmm... well, I thought I had a favorite.

Cheers,
Alaina

nelya said...

I can't believe that the magazine editors are not knocking (no, make that breaking down) your gorgeous orange door. Seriously Lauren, it's perfection. I think the mantle laden with candles is my fave. Happy holidays!!!

Oh, and just a thought, it would be a wonderful gift to yourself to pull all of your home before and afters together and compile them into a Blurb book. I think the effect of seeing your home come alive, in sequence, would be stunning!

Katie said...

I'm cracking up at the comment from your dad. So typical. Thanks for the laugh and the beautiful pictures!

Design Actually said...

Everything looks absolutely gorgeous! Love the branches in the tree and all of the natural elements you've added throughout your home. Your sofa looks perfect with everything and the mirror looks great in the fireplace!

Merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

wow! I can honestly say I love it all! and you know what I love most about it? I also live in a split that I've worked really hard to be cute and hip. This is just fantastic!

Shea said...

I've just recently started following your blog! Sorry for the delayed following...don't worry though I have almost caught up on they last year of posting!

I love your home. The hint of Christmas around the house is very natural and effortless. I did something similar with my tree. However, I spray painted my twigs gold. I love it! It adds just a touch of sparkle to a very natural and green tree.

Happy Holidays!

PS- the orange door is a must!

Melissa Marie Head said...

Lovely lovely home and I love the simplicity of the decorations. Just feels so homey and festive but yet not tacky. gorgeous.

Erin {House of Turquoise} said...

What a winter wonderland you've created! I LOVE it all!

Carrie said...

Thanks for all the pictures! I really love your orange front door! Do you know what color it is?

Michelle Hughes said...

Wow! I just love your home! I am sure that you hear that all the time, but I am a big fan! I also love that you train your child for your own enjoyment!

Have a great holiday!
Michelle

ps love your letter on the fridge

Greet Lefèvre said...

Dear Lauren,
I am so surprised that you are working so hard even when you are on the last weeks of you pregnancy!
My goodness, I love your table setting! I wish I could be there with you, sitting around your beautiful table and talking about your new coming baby!
And your Christmas tree and the candles on your mantelpiece! GORGEOUS!!
Thank you for sharing your cosy home with us!

A big hug!!!AND TAKE CARE!!
Greet
Greet

Minnie said...

Your home is so beautifully and thoughtfully put together. So glad I stumbled over here from My Little Happy Place today. Your first doggie photo drew me in. I just wanted to hug shivering Ashby and walk on in to see the rest of your picturesque home. Each and every room is so filled with graceful style. I totally get the tree branches on the Christmas tree and the rearranging of books. Details! Details! Thanks for allowing us into your home today.

vignette design said...

What a great post Lauren! You took some gorgeous pictures of your home and really captured the whole house. I feel like I have been there! Your decor style is like mine: natural. I can't seem to do anything else! No glitter or faux for moi. Glad you took the time to give us the tour. Enjoy your last few days of relaxing before the baby. --Delores

LaurenFaythe said...

So pretty! I love the natural decor. I'm going to have to make a few of those wine cork name card holders. Thanks for the idea!

paula said...

It's beautiful Lauren! love the natural feel.

Re:Fresh Design Studio said...

I DO love the orange door too! And the magnolia wreath!

Cracks me up about how your dad reacted to the tree-mine would react the exact same way!! haha

MFAMB said...

D.U.M.B!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and by dumb you know i mean fucking awesome.

Connie @ SogniESorrisi said...

Everything looks great! Love, love, love the candles on the mantle.

spark! (Ada-Marie) said...

Simply beautiful!! You deserve to sit back and enjoy! Merry Christmas, Lauren!

Allison said...

Stunning. Such a beautiful home and such beautiful Christmas treasures! Thank you for sharing!

Linda in AZ * said...

* LOOKING FAAAAABULOUS, Lauren!!!~~~ Absolutely T*H*E best & prettiest & most fun post ever!!! (KNOW my niece will absolutely LOVE your blog, so sent her the link to you)...

Can't get OVER how BEAUTIFULLY things have turned out~~~ NEXT "turn out" (grins!) is the baby, right??? Hope you are feeling OK & rarin' to go!!!

Also, your "baby" out at the doorstep looks like he's feeling MORE than a bit "rejected"! ~ I mean, just LOOK at that sweet, lil' pathetic look!!! I hope you let him in QUICKLY after the photo op~~~ (OURS would make us kiss up to her for HOURS for doing that... Yes, she's THAT spoiled!!!)~

You're in all our thoughts for one of the MERRIEST CHRISTMAS'S ever!!!

Hugs,
Linda in AZ *
bellesmom1234@comcast.net

Amy said...

Just left you a message @ home-you are too sweet to include me on your blog (perhaps starting my own will be a 2010 project), I'm so glad I have a design buddy in you, now I know I'm not the only crazy decorat-y (is that even a word) crafty person out there. Thanks so much for adding Greg & I to your lives, your friendship (Dave & CP too) have made our lives richer this year. Good luck with the newest addition if we don't see you before then. Love & Hugs-Amy

Boxcar Goods said...

Love the top picture and your living room!!

Room Service ~ Decorating 101 said...

l, everything looks great. I had no ideal you were planning on covering that great green sofa...I love it as is! You get 5 stars.

pve design said...

wish you were my neighbor, I would be asking you for holiday support...looks lovely!!!
pve

Katie @ Noodle and Boof said...

WOW! Everything looks GREAT!! I love it all! I love all the green against a neutral/sparkly palette! I love the shot of the pup in the snow! It looks like a postcard! Merry Christmas!

Cristin // Simplified Bee said...

It is gorgeous! Love you orange front door on a wintery day. Your mantel with candles and wreath above, so simple, but stylish. The tree - fab.

xo,
cristin

Fargerike Dagny said...

I LOVE your tree!! :) Looks absolutely beautiful! (like the rest of your home :)) My energy levels were also high during the last few weeks of the pregancy, I finished SO many projects! However, things aren't looking so good on the DIY front with a 3 week old baby hanging on to my hip like glue :) (she's an absolute doll, though, LOVE LOVE LOVE!!)
It's SO different to have two kids instead of just one. It's logistically challenging, but so rewarding :) Have a fabulous xmas!!!

Erica said...

Lauren, I love your blog and I love your style. I wish you lived in Atlanta - I would definitely hire you to help me decorate our house. Is there an interior design/decorators you can recommend in the Atlanta area who has a similar style to yours and who can mix high and low end pieces into a masterpiece the way you do?

Thanks for all the inspiration!
Erica
ericalangfordrobinson@gmail.com

autumn said...

1. love your blog.
2. love the branches in your xmas tree.
3. i totally want to jump into those gorgeous pictures, curl up on that awesome velvet couch and just sit and absorb all the pretties.

Carolyn said...

Really, really pretty. Merry Christmas and happy baby on the way!

white flower farmhouse said...

Thank you for the wonderful tour of your gorgeous home all decked out for the holidays.
It will be 15 years ago tomorrow that I had my first son - he was due on the 25th. I had a Christmas miracle and went into labor 10 days early. Hope all goes wonderful for you. Rest up, Lori

Windlost said...

Lauren, it looks exquisite - so many beautiful vignettes - every one is another glorious scene. I so envy that Dave doesn't try to take over the decorating and lets you do what you want. David insists on coloured lights on the tree and all his tacky ornaments. Recently I had been trying to add a lot of white and silver balls to the tree as background (and to disguise his crap) and he said "enough white and silver!".
Then he brought out an ugly music box from Costco from his grandmother and stuck it in the middle of my console table. So I gave up. Then he said "we need more colour" and makes fun of me when I want to use greens and beiges and white, etc. Ugh. I am having a very hard time with him, not to mention all the white trash lights he put outside the house. Hung all these coloured lights off everything and puts up the f*cking lighted deers his mother gave us. I find it really depressing, but what am I to do??

I am trying to let go of control, but it is hard when you love to decorate. But it is one of the reasons I have not been blogging. He foils every idea and won't participate in helping me and just wants our house to look like some trailer park house. He thinks decorating is "snobby" when it is done up right, etc. I am really frustrated lately. Not to mention that he is moody!

So I really admire your house (and your Dave) and think it looks so classic and gorgeous and I am entirely envious (in a very nice way) that you are allowed to do it! I could never put an urn out like that in the middle of the table! I would be laughed out of the house and have to put the old blue shakers out he got from his beloved grandma. Ugh. Guess we are both trying to take control and he is trying to assert himself. Frustrating. So I might post some Christmas pictures, but I am just tired from work and David these days. haha!

Love ya! Glad all is settled before baby comes. xo Terri

Porchlight Interiors said...

Lauren, what a delightful post this was to read! Your home looks absolutely perfect...and I'm so jealous that you have snow! Merry Christmas to you and your family and all the best with your new arrival! Tracey xx

annechovie said...

Your home looks so festive and beautiful, Lauren. I love it and thanks so much for sharing it with us! Have the very Merriest Christmas!

Devon said...

You are killing me Lauren. These pictures are fabulous! Your green velvet couch is inspiring me today. I found a vintage couch on Craig's List and am thinking of a dark blue/teal velvet for our living room. Thanks for the inspiration!

Kay* said...

wow wow wow.

so fabulous! and i can never get enough of your green velvet sofa.

i foresee your home appearing in a shelter mag in the near future! you even photograph it beautifully!

Lauren said...

*LOVE IT ALL*

Especially the "worst fire hazard you've ever seen..." I might just have to do that with my mantle!

kayce hughes said...

Your home looks beautiful! it is so fun to see what others do for Christmas.

kayce hughes said...

Your home looks beautiful! it is so fun to see what others do for Christmas.

Jennifer said...

so beautiful! love all of your garland and Amy's little arrangements. the fireplace is so perfect!

I used Magnolia for the first time this year and was so disappointed about how quickly it shriveled up -- luckily, it's in good supply and was easily replaced.

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Lauren, I don't think your home could get any prettier! I just love all your natural Christmas, I'm always torn between the 2 & glitz wins out more at my house. You have such a great style.

Elle Jay Bee said...

Lauren, your home is so quietly elegant and your holiday touches are so simple and beautiful. I truly hope you do just relax and enjoy both the season and the time before your new baby comes. You deserve it after all the hard work you both have put into your home. It is a resounding success!

Much love,
Linda

Leah Moss said...

Lauren! I'm so excited for you and your new baby. I'm praying for a delivery that's every bit as beautiful, calming, and peaceful as your incredible home! I'm so glad that you get to relax finally, and come home to a home that's totally yours. As always, wonderful work!

Renée Finberg said...

absolutely beautiful christmas decor.
your blog is so fabulous.
would you care to exchange links with me ?

i am adding you to my blogroll so that i can visit more often.
merry christams
xx

Anonymous said...

OMG BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!! xoxoxo

debra @ 5th and state said...

ditto eddie!!!! OMG gorgeous!
lauren, what kind of camera do you use, the photography is excellent....you are so talented!
debra

Maria Killam said...

Love your house and every little thing in it. And what a fabulous winter wonderland photo you got as well!!
xo
Maria

fric and frac said...

Your Christmas decorations are beautiful! I love your green velvet sofa and orange front door too! Love the snow too!

nannykim said...

I love the pic of the dog , snow and door!! WOW it is awesome!! Your house is smashing in its simplicity --it makes me want to tare (hmm spelling?) my house all apart! I stuck branches of berries in my tree. They were bright red when fresh and are now a burnt kind of orange--I like this too. I had thought of doing it like yours but my house needed some color and cheer, but I do love yours too!!

If I were you I would get some of the battery candles and then you could leave them blazing. I have used these for my front windows and accidently left them on all night!! I have the vanilla scented ones and they are made of real wax. My store ran out and I would like some more!!

Have a wonderful Christmas!

nannykim from http://spindlecottage.blogspot.com

Melissa said...

I have looked at this post at least 5 times - it is so cozy and relaxing! Everything looks beautiful. I LOVE the orange front door!

Mary said...

It's beautiful! No glittery silk Poinsettias or plastic red bows anywhere. That's the kind of thing I see at my friend's homes. Yuck! I love the quiet natural (Pure) look your home takes on for the holidays. What are your sticks in the dining room placed in?
Marry Christmas.

jvw home said...

Everything looks beautiful....you've done an amazing job. Your landscape design friend has done beautiful touches too!
Cracked up about your Dad's comment! But I LOVE what yall have done w/the tree...it's just beautiful.
I have one of those urns and have been hunting for good boxwood balls, like the one you put in the urn. Do you have a good resource for those?
If so, please share:
jvw@jvwdesign.com

Oh and LOVE the green velvet sofa...
Merry Christmas!
Jeanette
www.jvwhome.com
http://jvwhome.blogspot.com

shi(f)t said...

looks so cozy!

Peggy and Fritz said...

I love reading your blog and seeing what your going to do next. I've recently just started reading - what state are you in? It looks so festive and makes holiday decorating look so much more beautiful. I'm miss New England for that but your friend helped do an amazing job - love the twigs in the tree, the candles on the fireplace, the greens everywhere, your place setting, etc. It looks warm and cozy like "happy" people live there!

DecRenew Interiors said...

Your home looks like you could sit and stay a while. Very beautiful. Merry Christmas to you Lauren. Love the picture of the snow and the dog. Looks like a postcard!

Ruthie

Casa Jacaranda said...

Just beautiful, Lauren. Love the tree branches idea! My favorite: the candles on the mantel. Wishing you a wonderful holidays! Sending you a heart filled with thanks for sharing you home with everyone. xoxoxo

Gypsy Heart said...

Everything is so beautiful...and it looks very peaceful to me. When I saw the candles on the mantle, my first thought was the stenciling pattern on the wall being 'smoked' and then the wreath in flames. :-) I love the look you have achieved and yes, the Carpenter's Christmas music is my very favorite. Thank you for sharing more beauty in your home!

LindsB said...

Its like a magical world everytime you step into that house! It really is just stunning...I am in love like I have told you 100 times before. OH and the wreath above the new mirrored fireplace- LOVE it!! What a beautiful place to spend the holiday season!

Wendy said...

Love it! I especially love the sticks in the tree. And I giggled when I read your dad's response. We used to live in a rented townhouse, so I couldn't do much to the decor. We had an old 70's ugly chandelier. In an effort to make it looks more "me" I added a bunch of twigs around its arms. It really made the chandelier look great (well, great for a 70's chandelier). But when my dad first saw it he asked what I was thinking. Ha ha!

Love all your greenery...and I love the wire lamp on your sidetable. Great job, my dear!

Jess said...

Your house looks so beautiful! I love the Christmas decorations! You should definitely hold off on that slipcover for the sofa - I love that color green and velvet!

Velvet and Linen said...

What more can I say that hasn't been said?
You have created such a warm, beautiful home for your family, Lauren.
Yes, you deserve to relax and enjoy!

xo
Brooke

Paula Puryear Martin said...

Did I miss it? I am DYING to know where you got that fabulous $165 sideboard. Please do tell.

Thank you!

P.S. You've done an AMAZING job. I've always gravitated towards great architectural detail, but you've proven that you don't have to have a house with crown molding, huge fireplace mantels, etc. You can create great character yourself. Who knew?!

O.C. said...

This is a really fantastic post. The effort you put into all of this is very impressive. Happy Holidays!

Barbara Matson said...

I love how you put it all together-you have such an eye! I am envious - you make it seem effortless. What I really love are your photographs. What kind of camera do you use? Any special lighting?

Too bad I don't love in Virginia anymore - I would of definitely hired you to help!

Good luck with the new baby!

Ness Lockyer said...

It looks gorgeous as always Lauren. You are amazing to do all of this, on a tight budget with a swollen tummy and a small man running around...where do you get the energy? Love the twigs in the tree too.
Ness xx

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

This whole house project has been one HUGE case of nesting! Spectacular splendifourous nesting!

Love it all...just scrumptuous!

That green couch looks so cozy...the tree divine...I could go on and on. but my fave is the first pic! Perfect!!

Connie Cross said...

Hi Lauren: Thank you for sharing photos of your beautiful home and Christmas decorations. So cozy, yet simple, and natural. LOVE it all. You are so very, very talented!

Would you tell me where you got the murial in your dining room? Spectacular!

Connie

Lauren said...

Connie- I had the wall mural made. I chose a drawing that I loved & had it blown up to 5 x 7 feet. You can read about how I did it here: http://purestylehome.blogspot.com/2009/08/blowing-up-images-on-canvas-your.html

Good luck!!! :)
xoxo,
lauren

Rachel said...

Everything looks so great!! Very inviting - and I love the twigs in the tree!

Unknown said...

WOW!

What a gorgeous home!

I am in awe of your decorating talents! Would you please come to my house and help me?????/

Please!

:)

Love,
tammy

Mayflower said...

Hi Laura, I was on The Belgium Pearl Blog from Greet and she show your picture of your beautiful decorated fireplace, how lovely.
You have a beautiful Christmashouse, I enjoy it all very much.
Have a great weekend.
Warm greetings from Mea

The Modern Beehive said...

Just started reading your blog and all I can say is that I'm inspired!! Your home is lovely. I really need to go back and read all your posts about the house! It's just BEAUTIFUL!

Katie said...

Oh my goodness. I am coming to your blog through the nester's party and I just love your house. I can't wait to see the rest of your house.

Erika said...

Lauren WOW!!!!Everything looks soooooooooooooooooo very pretty! I just love your house, and I am simply in love with your "fire hazard", haha, it looks so great. (I do that all the time too)
Holiday hugs, Erika

Pickled Blu said...

Your home is lovely. I ADORE all the natural greens. We have to find a balance between me and my "Clark Griswold-esque" husband at mine or I would be right there with ya!
Simply GORGEOUS! I have been enjoying your blog for months:)

KellyMellyBoBellyBananaFanna said...

beautiful christmas decorations! by the way, love the green sofa...

kelly
http://tearinguphouses.blogspot.com

bikim said...

Just found your blog and find it gorgeous! I've added you to my favourite blog list, ok?!
Happy christmas,
Rosa

MaroDe said...

I LOVE YOUR HOUSE PERIOD!
And of course your Christmas decor makes beautiful! Great job,thank you for sharing!
Blessings for your new baby!

Unknown said...

Lauren, your house looks absolutely AMAZING! You are so talented!

Maria Johns said...

Your house is fantastic and has such a natural raw feel to it, I love it! Your so perfectly in tune with what you love....that's so great!

Maria Johns said...

Your house is fantastic and has such a natural raw feel to it, I love it! Your so perfectly in tune with what you love....that's so great!

Emily A. Clark said...

AAAhhh! Just found your blog (where have I been?) and your style is simply stunning. Love your house. I even like your "scraggly" tree. Great idea!

Kristin Hughes Photography said...

Simply stunning! I love everything!

BTW - where is your feather wreath?? Did Dave make you keep that one away this year?

Anonymous said...

I'm in love with your orange door. Did you ever do a complete before-after post of your house? I'd love to link to it as I've just found your site and I adore the "after" pics I've seen so far!

Marija

ps - I'm in Illinois and I love your tree but then again mine is gold :)

Rumadelima said...

Dear Lauren, I've waited to see your christmas-decorated house. It's a candy for my eye! Wishing you a very good year full of design and decor!)))

Le said...

hello there ... I am a little late to your xmas post but I half way round the world ... loved your puppy at the door, love the sage green couch, the the twigs in the tree ... just all lovely ... best for 2010 with the new babe and all le

ps while you had snow we had 40 plus celius heat and were in the pool ...

Anonymous said...

Wonderful! Very relaxing and smart decorating. The branches in the tree and all the candles are awesome indeed.

Anonymous said...

your home is gorgeous.

Nancy @ Live love laugh said...

I just came over from A Country Farmhouse and clicked on the sweet pic of the Christmas Tour. How cute is your dog in that picture. Well, your home is lovely and I will have to return to look around some more! Now I have to redo my bookcase!
~Nancy

Danielle Sigwalt Interiors said...

One word...BEAUTIFUL! I see you have tons of comments on your orange door. I want to paint my front door and can't decide on orange or yellow. After seeing your door...orange it is! What is the name and make of the color??? I must know! I also love the kitchen...the painted fridge and white oven, so unique and not trying to be perfect. :)

Danielle Sigwalt Interiors said...

Ah-hah...the front door paint is called Maple Leaf by Behr. What a great color! Your blog is fabulous!

Janine at Rustic Kitchen said...

This is lovely! I happened upon your charming blog today and find I can never resist a Christmas post. I am wondering if you can share the paint color of your lower kitchen cabinets. And might you have done a post about chalkboard paint on the fridge? My kitchen needs a spiff up and I'm searching for ideas. Thanks for the inspiration!

Kit samford said...

Hi Lauren, I am sitting in my kitchen this morning (way past christmas) and through Design Sponge I have come across your wonderful blog.....and I see that you are in Charleston. I'm in Birmingham and have lots of friends there. I sent your link to my daughter in law who is 30 and i know she and her friends will LOVE it. When I saw that you are from Illinois....and you have the Carpenters on at Christmas...and you like to try earthy decorations...I knew we had a midwestern bond. :) I grew up in Illinois, but have been in the south for 33 years. I graduated in design from FSU many years ago. One of my former roommates lives in Charleston and actually owns an antique shop on King Street. As soon as I can recall the name, I'll send you there. She's a great girl (older woman now....). Just wanted to say hi. You never know when you're touching a life. Keep up your good work!

Stephanie said...

I just found your blog about a month ago and wanted to let you know how much I enjoy it! You have a beautiful home. I actually squealed when I came across the dining table settings and wanted to ask either where you got the camilla salad plates or if you could please, please tell me what the maker is so that I can try to source them on replacements, etsy, ebay, etc. I have been looking for a large scale, charcoal/grey pattern on china for a loooooong time and those plates are perfect. I would really appreciate it!!