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Signature Style- Fall Edit & New Season Wishlist

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Hello lovely friends. It’s that time of month again for our monthly style report with Cindy and Sarah. On this Signature Style we share our new season wishlists. I’m sharing things that are on my radar and some I am just dreaming about! Take the time before you shop this season to make a list as it will help you stay on track and buy the key pieces that will elevate your closet!

So many trends this year I like! There seems to be a lot of classics, preppy and tweed looks – think Ralph Lauren, and a kind of horsewoman aesthetic. I’ve always been a fan of plaids, and chunky sweaters layered over button-ups, worn with cords and jeans. If you have riding or cowboy boots still in the closet…those look great with these looks as does a ponytail tied with a scarf…Trenches are still in very much in as are longer coats.. If you don’t have a good one, this might be the season to grab one.

Basics have never looked more in, and you can make so many looks by layering..When you get a capsule of good pieces you can throw in the occasionally fun item like silver handbag, gold pants (like below), colored shoes, a dangly earring, or graphic t-shirt. Don’t be afraid to mix classics with whimsical pieces for personal style.

Make sure you also check out thrift and resale stores which surely will have many of these items, maybe even in cooler iterations. You can find some of those mom jeans and slouchy khakis (look in the men’s department), fair isle sweaters, fisherman knits, and even vintage Ralph Lauren pieces. Accessories too.. Hermes look scarves and brown bucket bags are a good ones to keep an eye out for as are older nice costume jewelry like hoops and chains. Currently my favorite earrings are two pairs my mom wore in the 80’s – silver and gold hoops that I treasure. While you are at it, don’t discount the guy’s closets and the men’s departments.

Some of my inspiration

I save these from Instagram and my Pinterest… Notice how people are mixing night pieces with tweeds and so on..Loafers with everything including dresses is big. Cool and cute and practical is to wrap a sweater over your jacket or blazer..as a scarf. An oversized blazer is a key piece, as are matching suits, 90’s basics, metallic or bright accessories, beaded necklaces mixed with metal, the colors of forest green, and sun gold yellows. Pick what speaks to you and put your own twist on it.

Some ideas for denim styling too..

After looking at my closet ( see last month’s closet cleanup post), these are the items I most want to add and are on my radar…

A tweed or checked blazer Madewell has a lot and this is a great one, Anthro also has this.. And J. Crew has this unusual plaid.

A blue button-up I love the shape of this one by Reiss, and there’s a more affordable classic at J. Crew also. I can do so much with this!

Lug sole loafers These Corinne loafers from Madewell..I shared on a Weekend Meandering post, and I just ordered as I didn’t see any others I liked as much!

Something in green..I’m a big fan of green tones and as green is big this year I want to get at least one pretty piece for my closet. Love the dark green of this Tuckernuck dress, and Claire V. who I just visited on my last post, has many gorgeous green bags like this crossbody.

A pair of black jeans in a straight leg.. These by Allsaints fit the bill perfectly. They can be dressed up or down..

Boot Crops to transition away from skinny...For those ladies who asked how go from wearing a skinny jean to wide leg jean without feeling like a block, (especially shorter gals like me), I suggest a boot crop jean. Often they don’t have that much boot shape, but look fresher than the skinny jeans and easy to wear.

For a 5’4 person like me, I can wear these J. Crew ones in regular for an ankle jean. You will look better showing some ankle or boot if you are on the shorter side. This pair by AG are another option to check out and on my list.

A cashmere sweater – I’m loving this with the colorblock sweater and …

….this Grandfather Cashmere Cardigan ( a Jenni Kayne dupe), in camel, grey or black…(both 25% off friends & family event) at Bloomies. Another item with so many possibilities. Love the idea of wearing this also alone no undershirt, with many necklaces..

Sneakers –these from Madewell and these from New Balance are both in contention…

Something Sherpa or shearling looking- a bag, jacket or coat.. I love this coat by J Crew. I saw someone wearing this exact look last winter with jeans and and it was sold out.. I love this tote.. the simple lines.. and this easy and cool sling from Anthro for winter!

Lastly something about these Birks in this luxe fall color I’m dying over! They’d be great for this California transitional season with jeans and sweaters.. and later, dare I say, with socks?? I haven’t gone there yet, but the kids love that look- including my college son.

A really fun account to inspire on Instagram is Krista Lavarusik who pulls together thrift finds like this $2 jacket to make stylish dupes of celebrity looks..And my all time favorite stylist Allison Bornstein who has loads of tips weekly on dressing better.

I hope you’ll make your own wish lists and see if it helps you make better shopping choices for your closet.

I’d love to hear what is on your list and what trends this season are you liking or not? Any other items that are on your radar I may have overlooked? Let’s hear please!

…And don’t forget to pop over to see what Cindy and Sarah have on their wish lists…

Cindy Hattersley Design

Sarah London Style

Thanks for being here! 

Kim

Closet Cleanout was September’s Signature Style and if you missed it read it here.

If you want to save this post you can pin this graphic below on Pinterest, where I try and save a lot of my closet inspiration if you want to follow me here.

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month! Thank you so much, as Bloglovin seems to have stopped working and I no longer post as much on Facebook and plan to do less there.

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Asian Noodles & Other Main Dish Salads

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Today I’m excited to join five others to bring you ‘Main Dish Salads’ just in time for Memorial Day, end of school year gatherings, and summer entertaining! The main dish salad is a great go-to that you can bring anywhere, and especially perfect for those alfresco nights when you want unfussy dishes to enjoy with friends and pretty sunsets!

My dish is a noodle salad and I have shared a version of this before on the blog. It’s reliable for potlucks, parties and especially warm weather gatherings. It’s a cold salad, but can be at room temp safely. To make this more of a main dish, I add shredded chicken from one whole roasted grocery store chicken. (When you do that, it does need to stay cold.)

This noodle salad has its origins from my Aunt Wendy, a great entertainer who lives on Discovery Bay. She knows how to throw a warm weather bash on her deck or out on a boat with friends. This is her recipe and it works so well and it makes a LOT! My aunt, just like my grandmother, does not believe anyone should ever go home hungry and is an effortless hostess. Her dish is a crowd pleaser. Who doesn’t like noodles? The nice thing is this can stay on a deck, patio or boat all day without spoiling ( sans the chicken obviously, if you go with that.)

Since I was experimenting, I made a few modifications to the recipe for current times by removing half the oil, removing the additional salt ( as it already has soy sauce), and using less honey and a gluten-free reduced sodium soy sauce. You could also use gluten-free angel hair pasta. I love the corn/rice mix versions of those pastas, which have the taste and texture that are nearly the same to me.

Max was my taste tester and he said he couldn’t tell any taste difference with the healthier recipe. Also we both noted that this salad is always better after a day in the refrigerator when the flavors really soak into the noodles more, so for best results, make it the day prior. That makes its a perfect make ahead dish.

Here’s my version of Aunt Wendy’s recipe…

Asian Noodle Salad

Kim Wheeler
An easy noodle recipe for a warm weather gatherings and big groups.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course, Salad
Cuisine American, Asian
Servings 10

Ingredients
  

  • 1 LB box angel hair pasta
  • 1/4 C oil
  • 1/4 C sesame oil
  • 1/2 t crushed red pepper You can go up to 2T depending how spicy you like it.
  • 1/4 C honey
  • 1/4 C soy sauce Tamari low sodium, gluten-free brands like San-J work well too.
  • 1/2 C chopped peanuts
  • 1/4 C chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2-3 T toasted sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta, ( careful not to overcook with the usual 2 minute time), drain and rinse well with cold water, pulling the strands apart so they do not stick in lumps.
  • Using the same warm pot, stir together oils and crushed red pepper over medium heat briefly.
  • Remove from heat and stir in soy and honey while warm, add to pasta and distribute well.
  • Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  • When ready to serve, add in sesame seeds, peanuts and cilantro. Garnish with cilantro sprigs. Serve using tongs.
  • If making this a main course, add the shredded white meat from one roast chicken. You can also do this the night before.
Keyword salad, summer noodles, main salads, dishes for a large group,
 
 

My pictures show the meat free version as we were having this as a side with grilled salmon and a green salad the other night. Someone used the last of my crushed peppers without telling me, so those aren’t in here, but it does give it a kick of heat and is nice with the honey.

The best part about this recipe, is it comes together fast, cooks quick and you can feed a crowd. I would say you can feed 8-10 with this and if you double the recipe as my aunt often does, you can feed the masses! You need one of those huge industrial aluminum bowls if you double it, as my aunt has (linked below).

A few things you may need..

Bamboo Tongs/PB French Grain Sack Towels/WS White Pasta Serving Bowl/San-J Gluten-Free Low Sodium Soy Sauce/ Metal Tong Set/ Large 20 Inch Stainless Bowl/

 

Please visit these blogs for more delicious main dish salads!

I can’t wait to see what new ideas these ladies have…

Most Lovely Things

Classic Casual Home

Cindy Hattersley Design

Sheri Silver

Make Mine A Spritzer

 

Thank you for being here!

Kim

If you missed it, another fun post is last year’s Summer Picnic Ideas, with a pasta salad and pink lady apple and turkey baguettes, you can find here. You can also follow my Pinterest Board, Alfresco for more fun summer entertaining ideas and recipes.

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month! Thank you so much, as Bloglovin seems to have stopped working and I no longer post as much on Facebook and plan to do less there.

Some links may generate a small commission. Thank you for supporting the blog!

 

Loving Rattan and Serena & Lily

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I am resharing this post from last fall… If you’re just popping by now in May 2022, use the code GOFORIT with any of these links for the Serena & Lily Sale until 5/31/2022. It’s a great time to get their beautiful things.

I just ordered the Balboa Bookshelf I’ve been dreaming about from Serena & Lily . I won’t get it for a while, but I’m excited to add another rattan piece to my home. I realized I’ve collected many beautiful pieces from Serena & Lily and most of them are rattan!

I can’t wait to style this bookshelf which is going in a niche in my media room, off our our pool deck. I think this has a California feel and will be perfect for the space don’t you?

What makes rattan so appealing?

To me, rattan has a resort feel and a California vibe. The rattan pieces we own have added that fun touch to the house and been durable and versatile. I do love changing things up in the house occasionally and they are easy to move, and work in all my rooms too.

For more rattan beauty, look no further than this fabulous book..I just bought and inhaled Rattan ,about the longevity and charm of rattan furniture and the craft of it. Rattan is a wonderful sustainable product that is actually a vine. It has always been synonymous with resorts and far-flung travel. It has also been in many country homes and estates, especially in Britain. When you choose a rattan piece, it won’t be something that has to decompose or be thrown out. The world is full of rattan pieces that have stood the test of time and still look beautiful.

Inspired by this book, I thought I’d share the rattan pieces I own from Serena & Lily and a few others I think are fantastic. I’ll start with what I have in my home..

The Balboa Counter Stool is rattan built on a mahogany frame with brass accents. Ours are going on two years and with boys and a lot of use, not a strand has even been loose on them. They are comfy and I love the light grey in my home as a contrast to the wood tones.

I also love it in the natural color in a white kitchen like below..

Rattan chairs for the family or living room are a nice way to add some style and also lightness to a room of upholstered furniture. We have two Edgewater Lounge Chairs in my main living space across from our sectional. They are comfy and inviting and everyone wants them when we watch shows. I feel like they add instant style to this room, which was a bit bland before.

We also love the Mattituck Armchair which strikes a more elegant note with it’s brass details and caned back… (Our cat Marlo agrees and so I let her stay in the picture!)

This is the room where my new bookshelf will go. I think with the chairs and the rug it will be a beachy feel. ( My denim rug is from another season, but this is close and also denim.

Serena & Lily has a lot of lovely choices in rattan chairs. Let’s look at my current favorites..

How cool is their Nest Chair made with hand bent rattan? Sweet for reading time with small ones or just to cozy up yourself with an ice tea and a great book? It has that instant relax vibe for a bedroom or family space.

And then there is this Venice Rattan Chair which is most affordable of the chairs and so cute in a pair..

The Yarmouth Swivel Chair is the newest chair and it’s a beauty.. Like the classics in the Rattan book, you can see some serious craftsmanship in this..

Another idea -consider one of Serena & Lily’s coffee tables. to give an oceanside vibe to your home.

Clockwise from top left..the Anguilla Coffee Table, the South Seas Coffee Table, the Balboa Coffee Table, and the Cape Coffee Table . Oh the styling possibilities!

Other lovelies in rattan to consider..

A bench in the entry of your home is not only stylish, but smart for getting your shoes on and holding packages and bags for yourself or visitors. I have one outside my door and one in my entry. The rattan Shore Bench is such a pretty design and has possibilities like the end of a bed or in a den too..

And with entries, you always need a mirror to check yourself!! There are a lot of rattan mirrors at S&L here. My Montara Mirror in our pool bath/powder room can also work in a bedroom or hallway.. I love the nautical feel of this one particularly. Montara also comes in a cute white or with navy accents and in three sizes. Mine here is a medium in natural…

How about a chic table for living room, hallway or bedside? I am very obsessed with the Scallop Side Table.

The Flynn Wall Sconce also adds charm to a bedside or a reading spot.

I have been cyber stalking the Santa Barbara Taper Pendant for my kitchen island. This is pedant comes in two sizes and I do love it next to a bedside as they show.

And the Westbrooke Pendant with a rattan ring on the pretty chain is another appealing option.

Then there are so many lovely basics like the Riviera Counter Stool that would look great indoors or even in a patio bar and is on the lower end price point.

The Freeport Lamp is another classic of theirs I want to add to our guest bedroom/office.

If you only just start with some pretty baskets, you can still beach house feeling. The Summerwood Basket is especially lovely for extra towels or to hold a plant.

The Rattan Magazine Holder is a cool item. I could really use this. My mother had one back in the 70’s and I haven’t seen such a cute one until now..

One more adorable thing in rattan are the Carmel Candlesticks.. I just think these are so perfect for a summer dining table or on a fireplace mantel.

I hope you were inspired a little to add in some rattan to your home. I do love it’s beauty and how sustainable it is. I know that the that the rattan pieces are beautifully made from Serena & Lily and some will likely be collectibles too.

Kim

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month! Thank you so much, as Bloglovin seems to have stopped working and I no longer post as much on Facebook and plan to do less there.

Some links will generate a small commission. Thank you for supporting the blog!

Remodeling – The Social Front Patio

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If there’s one thing we took away from the past year, it was appreciation of home and our own spaces. Being forced to spend more time in our abodes than ever before, home has become a more happy spot than it once was for a lot of people. Many of those who were constantly ‘out’ or going places, found themselves with serious home time and as a result some took the opportunity to create something more cozy and appealing.

In our own little cul-de-sac in Northern California, that has meant using all the spaces of the home, and that includes our front yards as well. The previous ‘just for looks’ front yard has shifted to a space people want to be out in. It’s gives you an opportunity use a previously underutilized area, and also connect with neighbors in a socially distanced or closer way!

native landscaping modern front patio

I’ve been meaning to write about this trend for a while since we decided to add a front patio to the home remodel in the late stages. I knew I wanted French Doors in the front, but they made no sense if there wasn’t a patio for them to open out onto. After looking at many homes in the Willow Glen section of San Jose, I decided I wanted a small patio and a Mediterranean type of low wall that could be used for seating as well. We figured we might as well use some of that front yard for actual enjoyment, instead of more plants. We removed the grass and added new native landscaping and the patio seemed to work well with that. We feel lucky to have put it in just before the pandemic.

modern front patio

This is few photos of the before and after of our front yard.. We lived here for ten years before remodeling. Taking out a huge Sequoia that was dying and also lifting the foundation, created an uneven look, so with the remodel it was an opportunity to rethink the whole space.

California ranch house before remodel
California ranch house during remodel

This was right after plants were put in..

California ranch house with new native landscaping and decomposed granite.

And today the plants after almost 2 years..

California ranch house with new landscaping.

Coincidentally, three of our neighbors also added front patios, two in the past year. Our neighbors Ben and Becca were the first. They have a great corner lot. Their rounded and slightly elevated patio/entry just sets off their house beautifully, which has also been updated with all their pretty landscaping.

Before and after..

Isn’t this lovely? They really use their patio and enjoy being out there, having a coffee or a glass of wine after dinner on just keeping watch on their three kids having fun on scooters and such on our street..I just love the pretty stone they used on the patio and their fireplace here.

Our neighbor Wen, who is studying design, besides working, created her own space too. Wen has school age kids who often did their class work outside during the pandemic. Previously, it was a small porch and lawn.

Before and after..

They have enjoyed the views of the mountains from the front and being outdoors the past year. It is a very spacious area now, and she still has plenty of yard.

Next door, my neighbors Ginger and Tao have two younger ones and spend evenings and weekends with their small tykes taking their first steps and learning how to ride a bike, while they garden, or chat with family. Their parents often come for extended visits and enjoy the sunshine out there too!

Before and after..

I like the modern furniture and clean vibe of their home. This space was previously part of the driveway!

One benefit of having a front patio is the ability to relax, and if you have kids you keep an eye out while children play. Another is grabbing a bit of sun or fresh air. For us, it’s our cooler months patio as the backyard is darker in winter, but the front porch is an enjoyable place to savor a book and a cup of tea to just warm up on a cold day.

What I love very much about these front spaces is the ability to connect more fully with your community. Thanks to the patio, we know our neighbors even better since this pandemic began.

The other benefit- using the property you own! How crazy is it that some of us sit in a small house, and have a spacious front yard that sits looking like country club and filled with fertilizers to keep it like a carpet, and is going unused? Why not use the space? If you can get rid of the grass, even better. My neighbors all kept some grass for their small ones to play. You can have both if you want to.

You don’t need a house to do this. Even just placing a chair or bistro set in the front of your patio, in a condo or apartment looks inviting and you’ll be tempted to take a break out there and get social.

When I was last in Europe, this is a big thing, a ritual each evening I noticed. Rome was one place that people dragged chairs out to each doorstep and each night enjoyed a bit of conviviality with neighbors and passer bys. They say people who live in cultures where they socialize daily live the longest. Just love this article about Italians.

Here are other inspiring front spaces that have been transformed..

My talented friend Annie, creator of the blog, Most Lovely Things has always done inviting front porches and her new home in Connecticut is no exception. It’s a beautiful home just four houses from the beach, and Annie created a space to hang and also connect with the neighborhood. Annie says, ” People are always out on their porches and neighbors know each other and help each other. I feel like it builds community.” Annie lives on Long Island Sound and her front porch is a lounging space, but she has also used it for dining with friends on colder days. I love how Annie made this feel cozy and inviting.

Annie even set a table out here on a day there was a chance of rain last fall. It is always so much more fun eating outdoors…

Sometimes it’s easy as adding a chair to front to give your home more curb appeal- and a reminder to use the area! This Home of actress Minnie Driver’s in Elle Decor is made so inviting by these chairs…

This home on Houzz, Brandon Pass architect, has the roof extended with a pergola and a whole living area built.

This contemporary home in Orlando has a ready to socialize vibe..

This front patio below, is so simple, just slightly elevated and surrounded by plants and lawn from Newport Beach based, Black Band Design.

I also love this patio added to the update of a 1969 ranch home in Denver.

This Orange County home was updated and given a space with a simple roof extension.

When searching for front patio spaces, I found the inspiring account of the talented Kelly Vandenberg on Instagram and love her whole house! The front patio is especially lovely..I love how inviting this looks in an entry area.

I hope this has been helpful and a little inspiration if you are planning to remodel..or just use the front spaces of your home more!

Kim

The landscape on my house by The Garden Group and design by Carla Olivet.

Here’s a few items for the front patio I love..

Photos NorthernCalStyle, unless linked to another source.

Some links may generate a small commission. Thank you for supporting the blog!

Fun Kitchen Styling Tips!

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Today I am joining a talented group to share some ideas for styling your kitchen space. Most of us have had a LOT of time at home and the new year is a great time to change things up. Have you had the same things on the counter for the last month, years- or more? Well maybe it’s time for a lift…

My Top Tips for Styling the Kitchen..

  • Declutter. You need visual calm and that means less. Store oils, spices, etc out of sight if you can.
  • Choose 2-3 colors and repeat them in the accessories in this space.
  • If you’re going to have a lot of things- i.e plants, cookbooks- try to group them together.
  • Use unusual and pretty catchalls or baskets to bring a little style to utilitarian items.
  • Replace kitchen towels often, and try to stay in a color way or two.
  • Add a piece of art to the kitchen to bring a homey feel, less scullery.
  • A small counter lamp adds a warmth and an ambiance to the kitchen overhead lights just can’t.

First of all, do you have a lot of clutter? Things that you use daily, but you have them on the counter? Try putting some of them away for a while, for some visual calm. Yes I use my olive oils and salts daily, but they are in the cabinet. Less clutter means more zen and less to manage/dust too. If you need those within reach, maybe rearrange cabinets and drawers? The new year is a good time to clean each drawer out, throw away things that haven’t been used in the past few years, (egg slicer I’m looking at you,) and generally rethink the space usage in your kitchen. There are no musts, only possibilities. We get stuck in ruts. Break out and reconfigure the kitchen drawers. You can change!

Start with what inspires you and add it to the kitchen. Maybe it starts with something pretty you see you adore. I fell in love with this vase, brought it home then searched my cabinets and pulled out a cheese board with grey-blue tones, towels in the same color and a pitcher with blue to give the kitchen some cohesiveness. The vase gave me my starting point and got me excited to change things up.

Cookbooks are great and I have a lot, but I usually have just a few out I am currently into. They are good to give height to things with open shelving too. You can place a bowl on them like I did here with an easy air plant, or lemons or a clipping from your yard.

I have a big serving board that is hard to store, so my solution is to keep it on the island. It makes the plant and a bowl with some citrus have more impact and height. The ceramic bowl is a special gift from a dear friend. I think styling the center of an island is tricky. People tend to have large things in the center, but as we eat on here a lot, I like to have something that’s moveable.

I like plants for the natural element.This asparagus fern is what I have now with a pot from my local OSH store. Below I had a plant from a shop in Santa Cruz previously.

I have my utensils corralled in this container from Target. Many of these are olive wood spoons from trips in France and are dear to me. I think finding a unique crock is a way to show some flair in the kitchen. Last year I was using a large black lantern from Crate & Barrel. I have also used pots from the garden section, baskets, garden urns and silver pieces. Whatever holds what you’ve got and works with your decor. I have even seen small waste baskets that could work too. Get creative!

On the open shelving I have plates from the Joanna Gaines collection from Target in black and off white and a set of nested baskets I use frequently for serving bread, etc. The plant picture I think keeps the California feel.

I just added the faux plant to fill in space at the top left where nothing else would work. I am generally not a faux plant person, and intended to rip the plant out and just keep the pot, but it seems to look kind of cute here so I left it. Faux plants are great in those spots with little sun and are hard to reach.

My corner sink has a space for plants and they love the light here and extra splashes of water! I tried to keep them in white and light colored pots to unify the space and make it visually cleaner.

I’ve been using this basket for our paper towels since the day one accidentally fell in there and fit perfectly!

On the other perimeter counter I have a Serena & Lily tray with towels and lemons, a bust planter from Anthropologie and my lamp. I sometimes move this tray to the top of the stove.. It’s another space we don’t utilize and it can look cute with a tray and a vase of flowers even. Just remember not to use them on a warm stove!

UPDATE: I found a source for these cute towels that were a gift from Ireland. They are by Ulster Weavers and can be bought in the U.S. at British Importer, The Bee’s Knees . Ulster Weavers has a shop on Amazon, but currently the towels are not in stock, yet they have a matching tea cozy.

A small counter lamp adds warmth to the kitchen. When the cooking and cleanup are done, this light is on and the overheads are off. I can’t stand the surgery bright cap lights on, and they destroy any ambiance in the house in the evening too. They are great for tasks and that’s about it. In the early mornings it’s nice to have the warm light and in these dark afternoons as well.. Look for a one that can fit on the counter and find a lower warm wattage bulb to bring a cozy feel to your space. Lots of great small lamps here.

I have tried to generally stay in the same blue-grey and chartreuse type tones with the kitchen towels. I go with the Marie Kondo stacking method when I am motivated!

My two rugs are the hardworking Serena & Lily Seaview Runners in grey. I just ordered the second one for the other side of the island. They clean so easily and take a lot of wear.

One other thing that makes things look cleaner is hiding outlet covers. I do so using vases, cutting boards, etc like below…

This was fun and I hope I didn’t drone on about the kitchen. I’m never sure if I am sharing too much or not enough! I am no expert, but I do enjoy making the space look nice. I am working on a separate page with all the house materials from the remodel coming soon to the blog!

If you have questions about today’s post, here a few of the things I used or are similar to my kitchen…

Lillian Medium Vase, Grey Seaview Runner, Spinnaker Tray, Balboa Counter Stools, Caravan Linen Tea Towels, Gold Utensil Holder, Stonewear Dinner Plates, Bust Planter, Amara Table Lamp , Footed planter ,Teak Spatula and Spoon Set, Ceramic Stoneware Bowl, Braided Handwoven Bread Basket,

More ideas for styling your kitchen today on these wonderful blogs..


CINDY HATTERSLEY DESIGN

CLASSIC CASUAL HOME

MOST LOVELY THINGS


CARLA ASTON DESIGNED

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

xo

Kim

Links may sometimes generate a small commission. Thank you for supporting the blog.

My Favorite Sheets, Duvets & More- Refreshing Your Bed

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This post is all my favorite bedding.. I wrote this pre-pandemic, but I keep it updated as we are all always looking for good sheets and better sleep quality! We spend so many hours asleep, nicer bedding is one of the best investments in your quality of life.

Cleaning out the linen closet is something to do at least once a year and for me it’s usually around the fall, or the new year when things slow down and I notice the bedding needs some perking up. I did it in October this year when it started to turn cool and was time to put our down comforter back on the bed. I noticed our white sheets (I love white), looking a little sad and our comforter was also in bad shape. We had it at least a decade and it wasn’t so warm.

Love this idea on Pinterest with no link. I tried to do the same with my armoire. Don’t you love the pinboard on the doors too?

I also had my eye on a yummy duvet cover made by Pine Cone Hill that was on display at a local furniture shop. It was white and soft and had a nubby texture. I am all about making my bed more cozy and this felt amazing. I found it online and it’s called the Montauk Duvet Cover.

They had me at the name! After I finally decided to go for it the next thing was to get a better comforter or duvet insert itself.  Pine Cone Hill had duvets in three weights- summer, fall and winter. I had no idea what would be best for Northern California and there was not much information about that in the reviews. I decided to go for the fall weight Savasana Duvet and it has been perfect. It’s light and yet this is the first winter we haven’t needed a blanket on the bed at all and it has been cold!

I cannot tell you how thrilled I am with this new Montauk cover and the comforter and I am wished I did it sooner. You are in your bed so many hours of your life, this is one place money is well spent. A good night’s sleep is everything!

If you read my post about the lovely Ojai home I stayed in, I may have mentioned the sheets. The beds were wonderful in that home and the owner had terrific sheets. When I returned home I started looking for percale sheet reviews online and based on the glowing reviews I ordered this percale set from Parachute..

I also got something similar to these Cloud Shams at Pottery Barn ( my original nearly identical and no longer available.)

They also have a matching Cloud Duvet Cover in many soft colors and it’s a bit more affordable than the Montauk.

Some of the other pretty colors of the PB Cloud..

Parachute also has a Cloud Cover Duvet set with shams…

Two years ago I splurged and bought Serena & Lily Linen sheets. We love them so much I bought another last year when they were 20% off. I find them so soft and especially warm in winter, though a lot of people love them for summer. They just get better with every wash. I lightly dry mine on medium and take out and smooth before they are fully dry and they look beautiful. These are my all time favorites.

For pillows I use two down alternative king size pillows for myself from Pottery Barn. I do wash them, but they need to be changed out after about 2 years or so.

During summer I replace the duvet with a light soft quilt over the sheets. I love it so much I leave it on the bed in winter now under the our duvet comforter in place of a blanket as it’s so soft.. It also makes it easy to make the bed- just smooth this over the sheets and it all looks perfect. This PB one is nearly identical to mine..

Going through the linen closet I realized we had sets of twin sheets for kids beds we do not have anymore and extra king sets that have seen better days. I donated several of the nice sets.  Did you know blankets and towels are also welcome by most animal rescues and shelters? Some pet stores have a box to drop them in. Fabric can also be put in the recycling bin if too worn to donate.

Paring down the linen closet, wiping it clean with a natural lavender cleaning spray (I like this Mrs Meyers or the Method one) and then stacking the sheets by sizes and wrapping the sets together the Martha Stewart way with the cases over the sets makes it look and smell pretty.

It is nice to put soaps on the shelf or small lavender sachets in there. I also like pretty papers on the shelves. If your linen closet is jammed like mine was and you have no room, you might try using an armoire for your bedding or an extra chest. I did this a while back with an armoire that used to house a television. It has been a great space for the linens and I feel fancy when I open the doors and it smells dreamy.

About a year and a half ago we got a new Aireloom mattress which is from California, and we love it. They are often on sale at Bloomies as I linked above..It has helped my husband with his back issues so much and I rarely wake up sore anymore.

I can’t wait to jump into bed at night now with my comforter and sheets I feel like I’m sleeping on a cloud.

Do you have certain bed sheets or things you need to sleep well? I also have to have things totally dark and never ever run the heat at night…I also have to read before bed on my side and I usually conk out after a few paragraphs. I try to stay away from screens once I’m in bed.

Happy weekend,

Kim

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