While many people enjoy daydreaming about their ideal home, I’m one who takes it to the next level. For years, I’d spend hours browsing showrooms at Pirch and flipping through the pages of Pottery Barn’s catalogues, feeling like time was standing still. Even today, I find myself frequently visiting their website as I continue to envision my dream home. As I prepare for this future reality, I’ve stumbled upon some fantastic concepts that I’d love to share with you!
Coffee Bar
I must confess that my affection for coffee transcends traditional morning routines. In fact, I find myself craving a cup of joe at any hour. If I had access to a charming coffee command center like the one featured here, it’s likely I’d never venture beyond my kitchen! What about you?
An Organized Pantry
For an efficient home, I firmly believe that organization is key. Take, for instance, this exemplary pantry setup. Its functionality would greatly benefit us since we reside near wholesale food retailers. Moreover, the labeled containers enable effortless identification of stored items. A simple trip to a dollar store and some creative use of a vinyl cutter can easily replicate this system.
For additional inspiration on optimizing your space, I recommend exploring House Beautiful’s extensive collection of organization tips.
Those Doors Though
In 2011, I had the opportunity to explore a stunning house in Philadelphia that left a lasting impression on me. One of the most captivating features was the unique entryway to one of the rooms on the third floor, which featured sliding doors that exuded creativity and playfulness. As soon as I saw them, I knew I had to add this innovative design element to my list of must-haves.
Craft Room Organization
I’m planning to transform a small area into my personal craft sanctuary, while leaving my husband’s six-car garage space intact for him. The key to making this space functional lies in its organization. As an eclectic crafter, I’ll be working on various projects, including planner layouts one day a week and then switching gears to explore other creative pursuits like sewing, embroidery, Cricut crafts, card-making, bath bomb creation or bubble bar crafting.
With my diverse interests, having storage solutions that cater to these different activities is crucial. The addition of a chandelier adds a touch of whimsy and charm to the room.
Loft Beds for My Tweens
If my little one had her way, her loft bed would resemble this exact setup. She’s a girly girl who loves doing her makeup, so a vanity station would be a must-have. The soft glow of the lights adds to the charm. While this design would still work for my older daughter, I’m aware she’d utilize the space differently.
As a gamer (Animal Jam is her go-to game) and YouTube content creator, she’d probably repurpose the vanity area as a workspace for her computer, Blue Yeti microphone, and other creative endeavors. For inspiration on transforming a girl’s room or starting from scratch, I recommend checking out Cottage in the Oaks, where this image originated – it’s packed with great ideas.
The Dream Oven
For many people, the thought of parting with their favorite hobbies might seem daunting. If someone asked me to choose just one craft to keep, I’d initially question what constitutes a ‘craft’ for them. Assuming cooking and baking were included, I’d likely opt for those over any other option. With that in mind, this stove is my perfect match. Its design features a dedicated cooking area, a space for flat items like pancakes or tortillas, and two distinct oven compartments.
I’m also drawn to its industrial aesthetic, which adds to the overall appeal. This post is an ode to indulging in one’s passions, and this oven embodies that sense of excitement.
For the Chickens
While homeowners often crave a cozy retreat within their dwellings, this charming chicken house serves as an outdoor haven for the ladies. Designed to provide a safe and welcoming space where they can lay eggs and thrive, it’s essential to prioritize their well-being. The Bluebetween blogger at Backyard Chickens has beautifully documented the intricacies of their own coop, showcasing both functionality and charm.
Alternatively, Morning Chores offers an array of creative coop ideas for those seeking inspiration.
A Swimming Pond
As I reflect on my thoughts over the years, one concept that has consistently piqued my interest is the idea of creating a swimming pond. While some may opt for a more traditional pool setup, I’ve always been intrigued by the possibility of developing a natural swimming pond. This unique approach involves integrating a separate filtration system – typically a smaller pond nearby – where plants can naturally purify the water, keeping it crystal clear and safe for swimmers.
The image that sparked this idea comes from Total Habitat, an organization renowned for its work in creating natural swimming ponds. For those interested in exploring this concept further, I recommend checking out Morning Chores’ insightful post, which provides several compelling reasons to consider a swimming pond.
Here’s Your Sign
As our forever-home search progressed, my fascination with corrugated steel grew. Its unique appeal lies in its versatility as both an exterior roof material and an interior design element that exudes vintage charm. In fact, the sign above the laundry room is a personal favorite of mine. When paired with dark-colored appliances like front load washers and dryers, it creates a harmonious space that I find utterly delightful.
A Temporary Fort
As I prepare to embark on this forthcoming project, I’m acutely aware that it may be short-lived, given my tendency to hastily remove any temporary structures that arise. However, I firmly believe its significance warrants inclusion in this post. My childhood was filled with the thrill of constructing makeshift forts using chairs and blankets. Similarly, my younger daughter has developed a knack for building her own cozy retreats.
The issue arises when, as an adult, I find myself becoming increasingly frustrated whenever these structures collapse. This experience prompted me to reflect on the importance of sharing this activity with my child while she’s still young. Inspired by a Pinterest bucket list item, ‘Make a Fort,’ I’ve been conducting research and plan to transform one room in our home into a fort for an indoor campout experience with my girls within the next few weeks.
This One’s for the Dogs
What I love about this concept is its ability to provide dogs with their own personal sanctuary, much like a tiny bedroom. This dedicated space not only offers your furry friend a sense of comfort and security but also alleviates any concerns you may have as a pet parent. By giving them a cozy retreat, you can rest assured that they’re not confined to a small enclosure or exposed to the elements when the weather turns inclement.
This idea is particularly beneficial for dogs who spend most of their time indoors, as well as those who venture outdoors but need a warm and welcoming space to retreat to on cold days.
Not Too Cold
I’m fortunate to reside in a region where extreme cold is rare. As January approaches, we’re expecting a balmy sixty-two degrees today. While our winters don’t typically freeze solid, chilly evenings remain a common occurrence. In fact, I often find myself scraping frost off my windshield during these periods. With lows ranging from mid-forties to a comfortable seventy at night, an outdoor kitchen equipped with a fireplace would be the ultimate indulgence for keeping us cozy and warm.
Distance Arrows
Imagine a future where you own not one, but two homes – a country retreat in Texas and a city oasis in New York City. As your family grows, you can add more locations that hold special memories for you all. The idea of creating a sense of home in multiple places is incredibly exciting, and I’m already envisioning the possibilities. My husband’s dream of having a long driveway has me considering a unique sign to mark our country home’s entrance.
A simple yet thoughtful gesture that would bring a smile to my face every time we drive up. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make one yourself, thanks to creative bloggers like Meg at Green with Decor who share their DIY expertise.
Mud Room Ideas
Imagine a harmonious entryway where everything has its designated spot. For me, this concept is a game-changer. Envision the girls, the man of the house, and myself all having dedicated areas to store our belongings, including shoes that we wear frequently in drawers situated at floor level. This setup ensures that everything remains organized as you first step inside. To complement the sitting area, I would incorporate a key hook at shoulder height.
This convenient addition allows us to deposit our keys as we enter, eliminating the need for last-minute scrambles to find them when we’re rushing out the door. By implementing this design, I’m hopeful that clutter and the frustration of misplaced items will become a thing of the past.
Windows That Go In and Out
The House Beautiful article by Laura Kostelny offers a fascinating glimpse into their design preferences. What initially caught my attention was the innovative window system that moves seamlessly between inside and outside modes, unlike traditional up-and-down sliding windows. This feature resonates with me as I envision designing our country home, where ease of cleaning and an enhanced connection to nature would be greatly valued.
The potential for effortless maintenance and a greater sense of harmony with the outdoors are significant draws for this unique window system.
Command Center
In our previous home, we had a functional command center that kept us organized and on track. Its presence eliminated any confusion about upcoming events, allowing me to simply remind my husband of the scheduled dates. The ‘Future Events’ section was particularly useful, enabling us to mark significant occurrences for early in the next month.
What I appreciate most about this command center is its versatility.
For instance, it has a designated area for storing coupons, which aligns with my enthusiasm for receipt-scanning apps like Receipt Hog. Having an easy-to-access spot for unscanned receipts would be incredibly convenient.
If you’re interested in creating your own command center but need more inspiration, I recommend visiting Unoriginal Mom for alternative ideas.
The Odd One
What draws me to this unique table and chairs ensemble is the undeniable charm of its eclectic style. The mismatched chairs and bold color palette create an intriguing visual dynamic that defies conventional norms. The clever addition of contrasting leg colors not only adds depth but also creates a striking contrast with the rich brown hues, resulting in a harmonious fusion that’s both unexpected and delightful.
Meanwhile, my fascination with multicolored chandeliers stems from my high school drama teacher’s flair for drama, where Mardi Gras beads adorn her very own chandelier. Imagine this table setting elevated by a funky chandelier – it would be the ultimate entertainer’s dream come true!
Outdoor Shower
Living on acreage often comes with its fair share of dirt and grime, which is why having an outdoor shower before stepping foot inside can be a game-changer. Not only does it keep your home cleaner, but it also provides a sense of liberation and freedom. And the best part? You don’t have to worry about prying eyes as the shower is conveniently located close to the house and covered from view. Simply place a ‘For Use’ sign outside and indulge in a refreshing scrub down under the open sky.
If you’re new to outdoor showers, I highly recommend giving it a try – it’s an experience unlike any other.
Conclusion
As we wrap up exploring the possibilities of creating a warm and welcoming space, I’m eager to hear from you! What are some unique ways you’ve incorporated joy, connection, and practicality into your own home? Your input would be a fantastic addition to this conversation. Let’s make our living spaces truly reflect who we are – homes that radiate warmth, love, and memories for years to come.
