to think our story started 13 years ago in an unforeseeable instant…
Man, where does the time go?
I mean, I know – marriage, kids, successful careers and a knack for just not slowing down can really make it all fly. But as you turn 43 today somewhere in Tulum know that I’m, once again, counting my lucky stars that you were born – that somehow a higher power knew that you’d be the person for me.
You have this crazy ability to not only get better looking with age but to also be what I or the kids need in any particular moment is your damn super power. You, my love, make up our entire world and even if we don’t say it enough know we look up to you in awe and we love you endlessly.
Now get home so we can celebrate.
And I want to take you down that old street now, honey And I want to make it just the same ‘Cause we both know if we’re still trying We could burn until the flame turns blue Go on and burn now, baby
It was time to take their shared room up a notch. We had a toddler bed and a kids’ craft table that would never get used. Truthfully they were clothes and blanket collectors and with the shared closet situation we needed to make a shift and add more storage, personal accents and a spot for each of them to either read or play their switch. Thankfully PB Teen reached out and said they wanted to help.
There is a 4 year age gap between the two but as they continue to get older I’ve noticed how the gap doesn’t seem as grand – they both love video games, all things pirates, stuffed animals, and a cozy spot to hang but the updates we needed to make were more functional than aesthetic.
We needed a dresser so Palmer could have easy access to all of this clothes and uniforms. A shared small walk in closet was turning into a disaster. With all of Palmer’s clothes easily accessible we gained more closet storage space and Hudson doesn’t have to share.
When we tossed the small kid play table I knew I wanted to add “accent” seating for them. They will happily lay on their bellies and play switch on the ground, but these large media loungers are super light weight, comfortable and allow them to sit together or separate. We’re all a fan.
Some other practical things was a new roman shade – we had a woven wood one that just wasn’t functioning anymore so we opted for the cordless grey shade from PB Teen – fits and works perfectly. And their organic perfect tee sheet set! We’re phasing out of always wanting new pajamas but having new bed linens got them excited to hit the sack!
Lastly, we added some decor accents to round out the updates – with this thicker and softer area rug,neon wave light and a large surfboard pin-board that they immediately drew pirate pictures for. Made my mama heart happy.
Things I’ve learned designing boys rooms:
Make it personal – we added initials and name art in the room to make it theirs. We also have pictures of their friends and our family front and center.
Love accent lighting – our neons are always on and they love their galaxy light on at night. Plus their sconces make their bunks more functional for pokemon trading and book reading.
Space to move – they are still boys and will wrestle and play on the floor, so open space is nice.
A spot to curl up – with a shared space, they both need their space. When they each got their lounger it was a game changer!
On display – kid’s love sharing and highlighting what they made and their accomplishments. Having a pin or magnet board makes it easy for them to display what makes them happy.
We all know I’m a big fan of both Amber and Loloi and truth be told most of our rugs in our home are from collections past. Yes, being a Shoppe Amber Interiors ambassador has it’s perks and with those comes early access to all such releases and collaborations but truth is, I would buy these things anyway.
We’ve had the same vintage rug from etsy in our primary bath since we moved in 4.5 years ago. It’s been sweet and wonderful, but the thing about rugs is that it’s nice to swap them out every once and awhile. When Loloi sent me the uber confidentital amberlewisxloloi sneak preview, I knew I wanted the new Windsor collection. I went with the WIN-01 in Ivory Stone and it really adds a soft and calming feel to our bathroom. The pile is thick, super soft and the subtle pattern and coloring is just right.
But as the boys’ are in-deed a year older and with some familiarity they ran those pools, slides and lazy river as if they owned the place. With fun activies over the weekend – like movies at the pool, foam party and now the Hideout lounge with all things gaming – the had a blast.
We did all meals at Ravello this time and found a sweet spot on the patio and loved the access to the spa lawn after breakfast and dinner. With chaperoned activities it took stress away from trying to eat while the boys wanted to play.
When it came time to plan our annual January anniversary trip, we figured it was a good time to try their Blackberry Farm property for a different but still blackberry experience.
Even though it didn’t have the mountainous views or the more modern architecture – it certainly didn’t lack in charm.
We stayed in their Singing Brook cottage, which for it being one of their “newer” lodging options it felt warm and cozy and perfectly worn in. Lots of paneling, warm white, vintage furniture pieces and a large fireplace that was reminiscent of Blackberry Mountain stays.
The valley is gorgeous in it’s own way – with rolling hills, morning frost and a well maintained white picket fence along the property. The working farm is in center focus and guests have access to visit with the animals, tour the property and truly take in their “farm to table” philosophy.
The farmstead tour was a definitely a highlight for me and getting to know the folks that have been there 12+ years and still to this day love what they do – it’s truly inspiring. From their highly coveted dog program to their expansive wine and whiskey collection Blackberry Farm has it’s own kind of flex.
Everything we ate and drank was like unreal good. Their dinner service at the Barn was our favorite and we’d plop at the bar early to order our favorite cocktails, snack on some freshly made pork rinds and divulge about our favorite trips and memories made over the last 10 years.
We did make our way in an EV Lexus to visit our friends at Blackberry Mountain. We snuck away after a rainy morning at the farm to get some mountain shopping in, to catch up with our favorite som and tried a few of their cocktails at their Three Sisters bar.
Nick even got me out of my comfort zone and we spent an afternoon clay shooting.
Needless to say it was an amazing trip and 5 days away with my favorite human is the best way to start the new year. Feeling rejuvenated, grateful and very much in love.
Hot tips on Blackberry Farm
Take the farmstead tour and get some time with John
Cocktails at the bar at the Barn prior to every dinner reservation. Get the Old Fashion.
Anything being offered in the wine cellar (magic!) take the activity
Don’t miss the Wellhouse – the spa is unreal. They also have light bites, booze and snacks.
we wait til after the New Year to start taking down all the Christmas and holiday decor. Our lives are so crazy in the month of December that it seems 1) impossible to find the time 2) kinda mean, because well we love it so much.
But after we got back from Blackberry Farm it was time. We took down all the decor and the large beautiful, now fully dried Christmas tree and I sprinkled in some new Shoppe Living items that kept it feeling cozy and true the the season we’re in — Winter.
With new layers of pillows and throws, vessels with greenery and a winter themed candle it was the perfect way to give our staircase corner a new feel.
So many predictions out there already – some of which I totally agree with and some I’m on the fence about. Either way it will be a beautiful year for design and dare I say color?
Here’s what I got:
handelsmannkhawflack studio
1 // Elevated Toe Kicks
we’re implementing more fun and design centric toe kicks into our WYC Designs projects for 2024, so I’m excited to see where this trend takes us. Brass and marble are usual suspects but other finishes like stone and steel could be really cool too.
flack studiojensamsondesignlandedinteriors
2 // Seeing red
Okay maybe more like burgundy – but in cabinet color, tile color and plenty of shades of it within natural stone and wallpaper prints. Not sure if I’m daring enough – but I love it with fashion 🙂
far studiodeVol
3 // Tiled Counter tops
It’s not something I would do frequently – but I love how Far Studio and devol played with it. It’s a classic nod to grandma’s old yellow tile counter tops but in a new fresh way. In the right context it can be very cool and unexpected. What is your take?
rebelhousedesignpearsondesigngroup
4 // Interior Cladding
but think in steel, brass and exterior stone veneer. Done of the days of simple drywall walls everywhere. Adding plaster and limewash finishes are here to stay, but statement walls in fluted trims and timber are making waves.
long and long designNicky Haslam
5 // Latice over Scallop
I loveeee a good scallop and they have had a serious moment, but the lattice print is going to make a major comeback. We all love a beautiful lattice window or interior transom, but also in classic marble tile patterns, rug patterns and wallpaper coverings.
