November 06, 2017

Windsor Project - Entryway

November 06, 2017/ Gray Oak Studio

If you follow us on Instagram or Facebook, you may remember seeing this moodboard a while back.

Today we're showing you how this vision came to life with a mini reveal of a BIG project we've been working on. It's kind of a sneak peak. A trailer. Who doesn't love a good trailer?!

This is the entryway of our Windsor Project.

And here's a side-by-side before and after photo - such a fun transformation.

This is the formal entryway for the home - there is a separate, family entrance off the garage. This meant we didn't need to focus on coat and shoe and key storage (much like our Southend Project). Instead, the goal was to create a beautiful and welcoming space with a touch of function.

We started with the key pieces - a console table, mirror and light fixture. Proportion was key. This is a relatively big space, so we needed pieces to fill it but not overwhelm it.

The console table is great because it's substantial and at the same time the open, arched design keeps it light. We chose a window pane mirror because it's elegant and almost architectural, which plays well with the wainscoting and crown molding. And, of course, it reflects the natural light streaming through the front door. The pendant light has no glass (easy to clean) and the open, round design compliments both the mirror and the table.

Next came the fun, finishing touches. The faux cotton stems are so beautiful we had a hard time parting with them. They look so real! The little plant (pepperomia), on the other hand, looks so fake...but it's real. And the cute, gray/blue pot is self-watering. Did you know such a thing existed? Perfect for the plant lover whose love isn't shown in proper watering. The vintage books are another favorite find. Sonia went to a local used bookstore and scored as many vintage art books as her little body could carry (hint: you'll see more vintage books when the full project is revealed).

This transformation is a wonderful example of how small spaces can have big impacts. Don't underestimate how changes to small and seemingly insignificant corners of your house can affect your whole house (and mood!). Starting in the nooks and crannies of your home is a manageable way to give you motivation to tackle the bigger projects.

Here is your source list to shop these finds. Enjoy!

Console table - Houzz (get %5 off with our code: 4E318)

Rug - Magnolia Home

Mirror - Houzz (get 5% off with our code: 4E318)

Pendant light - Boston Interiors

Recycled glass jug - Houzz (get 5% off with our code: 4E318)

Cotton stems - Terrain (We got ours at Anthropologie but they're sold out. Boo. Thankfully the dried cotton stems at Terrain are seemingly identical!)

Hurricanes and candles - HomeGoods (here are two similar ones from World Market: here and here)

Baskets - West Elm

*This post contains affiliate links*

November 01, 2017

World Market 40% Furniture Sale

November 01, 2017/ Gray Oak Studio

Today through November 8th, World Market is having a 40% sale on all furniture. 40%!!! It's the first time they've done this and we're hoping it's not the last. Oh, and if you spend over $200 there's free shipping too! Mind blown. Use the code: FURNSALE.

We've rounded up some of our favorite finds below. I want/need 2 of the Faux Flokati Gunnar Chairs. Happy shopping...we are certainly ready to checkout...

October 30, 2017

Round-up: Basket Planters

October 30, 2017/ Gray Oak Studio

We are big fans of big plants. They give a room height, they infuse color and they add visual interest. They, literally, bring life to a room. We could (and probably will) write a post just about our big love for big plants. Today, however, we're going to talk about big planters. Big basket planters, to be more precise.

(from our Southend Project)

When you bring one of these leafy beauties into your home, she is going to need a suitable planter. Our favorite kind is a large basket tote. The handles are key for moving it around when you need to clean or introduce it to a new window because it wasn't getting along with the first.

(from our Homestead Project)

One thing to keep in mind is that baskets are porous. So, you can't actually plant the your fiddle leaf fig (or braided hibiscus...or snake plant...or whatever you choose) directly into the basket. Soil and water directly in your basket planter will lead to mud seeping through the woven crevices onto your floor. Yuck. Make sure your plant remains in a functional pot with a plate underneath if there's a hole in the bottom. By "functional pot" you could very well keep it in the plastic pot it came in from the store. Then put the whole thing into your glorious basket tote.

Here are some inexpensive options and number 5 has a built-in plastic liner, so you can actually plant directly into it.