New Illustrations + Library Makeover = Happiness.

We moved into our new home in December 2012 with a 1 1/2 year old and a baby due in March. In the house, we had a beautiful library/study off our bedroom that although I was very much looking forward to using as a home office/studio/reading nook we felt it best to use as an easy to access playroom. This worked out well for a little over a year, but as we entered into this past spring the clutter had become intolerable to both Nathan and I. Toys were out of control growing legs and moving all throughout the kitchen and our bedroom (stepping on box cars and miniature airplanes in the dark is the worst!!!!). And if that was not enough Nathan and I were battling over the small office area we had off the laundry room on days he worked from home which was too small to hold the both of us. We decided it was time to move the playroom upstairs to the empty bonus room above the garage (aka Nathan's mancave he never quite broke in) and create the office and library we had always intended and needed to have.

All of this to say, I looked at this as an opportunity to makeover the room and utilize some of my long lost illustration skills. Something I've struggled with for the past several years, actually ever since college, is illustrating often. And even though I practice graphic design in various outlets I somehow hardly ever do my own drawings. So I decided to whip up some simplistic illustrations to update the room.

In addition, I played a round of musical furniture/decor to update and brighten the room. I also purchased a few new inexpensive knick knacks, a new desk and desk chair and repainted the walls white in order to, once again, brighten things up.

Nathan and I were both really happy with the outcome. Wanted to share both the room and illustration work to show our progress. Enjoy!

Original design and illustration. Frames were spray painted a subtle gold to add a little
pop up against the white walls.

This is a "Before" photo of the previous playroom and the chaos we were dealing with
prior to the makeover. 

The "After" photo. The finished piece. One of my many happy places. 

Bach Porch Sprucin'

The Lotts have had a great summer thus far. A little beachin', summer fun camp, lots and lots of pool time for the kids, some good ole July Fourth Fun....no complaints. But as the summer comes to a close we've been relaxing more at the house and with that I have the itch to do some inexpensive back porch sprucing. Some new, yet small potted plants, perhaps a rug, who knows, but all my inspiration keeps coming from the loveliness that is Zeek Braverman's back yard. Yes, I'm referring to Parenthood families as if I'm a close personal friend. Anywho - if you're curious as to what I'm dreaming of....

My Dream Porch! The Back Porch Set from Parenthood.

I love absolutely everything about this porch. The coffee table, the chairs, the plants - LOVE IT ALL!

Love the pops of color and the potted plants.

One day I'm going to create a home movie screen setup. You can hold me to it!

What's there not to love about this porch?! My favorite elements are the rug and the flying pig. 

Stay tuned for a hopeful redo photo. :)