Inviting Change

angie schwab December 18, 2024

Our homes are reflections of our lives, and just as we grow and evolve, so too should our spaces. Living in a static environment can sometimes feel uninspiring. By introducing updates, no matter how small, we invite new energy and inspiration into our lives. For me, this journey was about creating a space that aligns with who we are today.

Being an interior designer means constantly observing the environment and understanding how people live and use their spaces. It’s about noticing the flow of a room, the emotions it evokes, and the functionality it provides. This awareness allows me to craft designs that not only look beautiful but also enhance the everyday lives of those who inhabit them.

Over the past 6 years, I observed the way my family of three uses this living room space. What I noticed the most is that everyone preferred to sit in a chair. With that, I set out to include more chairs. The layout includes a long sofa centered on the window with an additional pair of chairs.

A great layout for both conversation and TV watching

I introduced a full, textured rug that adds depth and warmth underfoot, paired with a leather tufted sofa for a timeless and sophisticated touch. Swivel chairs bring both versatility and comfort, perfect for engaging conversations or enjoying a quiet moment. A sleek black coffee table anchors the room, offering a bold contrast and tying the design together. The result is a space that feels both inviting and chic, ideal for entertaining or unwinding after a long day.

Touches of greenery breathe life into a room and create a calming vibe

Trying new things doesn’t mean abandoning what you love; it’s about experimenting and seeing what resonates. If something doesn’t work, that’s okay! Design is fluid, and our homes should be too.

Living in a home that brings joy isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating an environment that supports and inspires you every day.

So, whether you’re considering a complete redesign or just looking to make a few changes, I encourage you to take the leap. Your home is your canvas, and you deserve to live in a space that makes you happy. What’s the first update you’ll make to invite new energy and inspiration into your home?

Master Bedroom Retreat - Where we Shop

angie schwab March 31, 2020

Thank you to all of our readers that have sent in questions wondering…WHERE DO YOU SHOP? This is the first of a series of posts listing many of the purchases broken up by room. We’re starting with the master bedroom because, you know, we could all use a relaxing retreat these days to calm the nerves and rest.

At the bottom of the post are images of some of the items you see in the pictures. Just click on the image to learn more about each product. We hope our design ideas inspire your purchases. Happy Shopping!

Similar products are listed if products are no longer available. See disclaimer for information about affiliate links.

We reused our bedside tables from our previous home. They were given new life with a coat of paint on the bottom and stained tops. We added mirrors above to simulate windows and provide symmetry. The headboard was made-to-order by Rowe Furniture. The lamps are from Crate & Barrel. The duvet and shams are listed below, but we added two layers of comforter for fullness. We purchased one like this. Check out our previous post for more tips on bedding. The chandelier is one of my favorite elements. The mix of rustic with a touch of sparkle is perfect for our informal taste. Last, but not least, is our mattress. We purchased this locally at Waunakee Furniture ETC. Every night I am so thankful for the comfort this mattress provides. It is the BEST!

We used a very light grey paint color in this room to keep things light, bright, and neutral. The dresser received the same paint treatment as the bedside tables. The beautiful tapered legs on this piece pop next to the wood flooring. The rug adds some needed pattern AND needed warmth to the room. This is a really economical rug that works for both indoors and outdoors. The low pile height is easy to clean - which is great because our dog spends a lot of time on this room. The vases on the floor were a Target find. The curtain panels are from Pottery Barn and the blinds are by Hunter Douglas and are sold at H&R Carpets & Flooring. Below are some additional accessories including a vintage-inspired lamp and a cream throw. The blanket ladder was ordered from Etsy.

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#38 The 7 Principles of Interior Design

angie schwab July 22, 2019

Sharing the 7 Principles of Interior Design

#36 Window Box Planters

angie schwab April 12, 2019

This warmer weather has us thinking that spring might be here to stay. Or is it too soon to put away the snow shovel? It really is hard to know what Mother Nature will send your way when you live in Wisconsin. Nonetheless, we are crossing our fingers and hoping for spring, mostly so we can start designing our flower boxes!

We created a Pinterest board with our favorite flower box ideas and color palettes. You can take a look at it to get some inspiration for your own home, and to see what we are loving this year.

A wonderful mix repeating the purple from the sage

We are torn between a whimsical and natural looking “wild flower” assortment, and a more-tailored arrangement of blooms. We think we have a favorite, but we are hoping to hear from our followers on which look they like the best. You can head over to our Instagram page to help us decide!

It is really reassuring that we can change the look of our landscaping up each year so we don’t need to stress out about permanence. Whatever we end up with, we will make sure to repeat the floral groupings at the front porch in a planter, to balance the home and to carry over the colors and texture of the botanicals from our window boxes. This is a fun project that we looking forward to taking on in the next few weeks. Here’s hoping for spring!

#31 Kitchen After Photos

angie schwab November 19, 2018

The location is great. It’s proximity to the garage makes carrying in the grocery bags a short trip. It’s right off of the foyer and serves as a welcoming place for guests to gather. Last but not least, it’s close to the patio for grilling out.

We really are enjoying the semi-openess to the dining area. It is nice not being able to see the mess involved in food prep while we’re sitting down to a meal.

The arch top window is a nice balance to all of the straight lines. This area with the dishwasher on the right and the garbage on the left is highly used and we’re happy to report it is very efficient. The spacing between the perimeter and the island is perfect. We love the farmhouse style sink too! The maintenance is less than we expected based on reading reviews. Whew!

We really like having all of the appliances and the sink on the perimeter. It leaves a nice open countertop at the island for eating, working, and gathering. We really like having the microwave in the pantry too. Now if we could just install an automadically closing pantry door…that would be perfection!

The countertop was a difficult decision. One of the last, in fact. We both love it. We love the minimal pattern and the brightness of it. It doesn’t need constant wiping to look nice either. Crumbs don’t stick out like a sore thumb.

We went with brass finishes and we really like the warmth of it with all of the white. A mix of traditional and modern lines keeps things balanced.

Below is a look back at the process and how it all started with some sketches, renderings, and product selection. Many choices changed through the process but take a look at the SHOP OUR HOUSE page to see the final selections.