Conservatory Sunroom

Welcome to our sunny space. Walking to the back of our home you'll find what we like to call, our little piece of paradise. Our first home and now our second and forever, are both mid-century traditional designs having enclosed sunrooms off the back. It's our favorite architectural element and room. 

This room allows abundant sunlight in and beautiful landscape views all while providing comforts of the indoors.  It is such a happy place to enjoy the sunrise with a cup of coffee, curl up with a good book, fellowship with friends, play games with Vivian and even a sweet date night.

This room didn't look like the classic conservatory that it is now when we purchased this home. Now it doesn't have a glass ceiling like a European conservatory but it does have lots of windows to make it bright. I brought the traditional design elements of a conservatory in with a black and white diamond patterned marble floor, dark palm printed fabrics and all my special plants.

I completed this room in December and here's a look at the transformation ...

I love that our late sweet Scragley is in this picture. It was his favorite room too.

We removed the door leading into our home once he passed.

I started by white washing the brick wall that's a part of our home's exterior.  

I prefer this over painting as it allows for the texture and various colors of the brick to remain.

Then I painted over the concrete mosaic floor.

While this truly lightened the room this was not practical.  This is the room we enter and exit our home through and it could not withstand the traffic. And it showed every single spec of dirt and dust. 

By adding porcelain tile and new fabric the room is complete!

I chose this porcelain floor that resembles marble for durability.

I kept the classic rattan furniture and just replaced the covers.

This room allows me to prepare meals in the kitchen and other tasks inside while providing clear views of Vivian playing out on our patio. 

My plants bring me great joy! The palm is over 30 years old, a gift from my Mamma, the fig 6 and Lilly nearly 5. 

Dress a Sunny Space in Your Home Beautifully

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Home Sweet Home

Two weeks ago Mr and I celebrated a milestone with the purchased our very first home!
We are returning to the 'Queen City' Charlotte!!!

There was a time when I pouted at the 7 years we spent apart (apartment living in Charlotte for me and a 1 room studio for him in downtown DC - not ideal for a Mr & Mrs) only to finally reunite the past 2 years in military housing.  But Mr, being the amazing man that his is, always reminds me that home is where ever we are.  It doesn't have to be big or fancy or even in the desired zip code to be a home.  I may have to remind Mr when he's living on a ship/overseas for 9 months.

So when I feel like complaining, I simply go look out my living room window at the peaceful waters and I'm reminded that he's right.
This military house has it's negatives but the backyard sunsets will leave you speechless. #GodisGood

With all that being said, I literally have ants in my pants to move into this beauty!

I've been on a break with Pinterest the past 2 years, partly because I didn't want any outside influence so that I could ensure this blog was original and all me and partly because I would get sucked in and loose hours of my life (same reason why I had to cut back on Bravo TV, except for the housewives!)

But I'm back pinning away.

Here are my top inspirations for beautifying chez moi....

ENTRYWAY

LIVING
(I have a formal and den to decorate)

I actually own this mirrored console

DINING

BREAKFAST ROOM

BEDROOMS

SUNROOM

All images from Pinterest

Those Front Steps are my Favorite!

I Can't Wait to Show You How I Decorate My Home Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise

Easter Brunch

I shared with you that my favorite day of the year is Easter, and this past Easter Sunday was absolutely beautiful.  What a blessing to celebrate our Savior!! 

This picture was taken in our neighborhood - Not a day goes by that I don't look out in awe at the majestic scenery by the water.  My Mamma loves to take in nature's beauty and the older I get the more I appreciate the live oaks draped in spanish moss, singing of the birds, glisten of sunshine on the water, and pink sunsets.

For Mr and I we didn't dress any differently that we always do for church.  We did make sure we were in our spring favorites, he in bright colored pants and bow-tie and me in a classic dress with gold detail. 

Truth:  This was my Easter dress last year ... I tried on so many 'new' dresses but this one shines brighter than the rest - it's a classic! And since we were in Charlotte last year and here on the coast this year I figured I'd share this beauty with a new audience. 

Confession: I'd totally own this dress in other colors - currently resisting! 

Mr's Style: Blazer - Brooks Brothers || Pants: Vineyard Vines || Bow-tie: Brooks Brothers ||

SL's Style: Dress: Lilly Pulitzer || 

This Easter I hosted a brunch for Mr's parents.  Coincidentally their birthday was on Sunday - yes they both have the same birthday, super cute & easy to remember. 

For my tablescape I kept it simple. I chose the colors yellow & blue for  my linens - bright and cheerful.  For the centerpiece I layered a piece of dutch linen I purchased in an antique shop I stubbled upon a few years ago in Georgetown DC, and mason jars filled with dried cotton.  I tied the jars and napkins with tan linen ribbons.  For the finishing touch I placed a ceramic blue & white bunny in the center.  I love blue & white ginger jars and found this cutie and added him to the mix.  Mr didn't see a purpose for it ... purposed fulfilled! 

Brunch Menu: Frittata - Thick Applewood Bacon - Roasted Red Potatoes - Fruit Salad (kiwi, pineapple, orange, strawberry, blueberry, red grapes) and OJ & Coffee of course

The big ta-da was the birthday cake. 

I'm not skilled in the kitchen but I wanted to really bless our parents with a special sweet treat.  Southern Living Magazine is the go-to for amazing recipes.  They're traditional and prepared Southern Style (lots of butter, sugar and goodness) just how we like it!

As I was shopping and preparing to make this carrot cake I became a little overwhelmed.  After grating 3 cups of carrots I wanted to quit.  But I didn't.  A cup of coffee had to be had for an extra boost. 

I finished it out and the hours of work (for you domestic gals, y'all could probably whip it up no sweat) were totally worth it.  Mr took me out for dinner Saturday night as I just couldn't be in my kitchen any longer. He shakes his head & sighs - With every wish he makes he's wishing I would learn to like cooking.  It's looking doubtful. 

Normally I stress the nutritional content of everything I eat, but it all went out the window as I delighted in every bite!

This cake was absolutely delicious! 

#nailedit

Carrot Cake: Southern Living Magazine

Be a Graceful Host!

XOXO Sarah Louise