A Home Worth Living In

There's something so exhilarating about taking a home tour that actually looks lived in. More often than not when I'm scrolling through some of my favorite blogs or perusing through Pinterest of stunning home interiors, I think to myself "Is that even livable?" When I was still contributing to the San Diego Community Newspaper Group, I was introduced to a number of amazing homes in La Jolla. Once particular abode still tickles my interior design fantasy for it's concrete interior, natural use of light and family style kitchen. Though the home owners were less than pleased with the resulting images, I am rather fond of the livability that is revealed in a place that breathes comfort while still exuding sophistication. (yes, that is an Aemes Chair). 

Canyon Road in California

I run a certain path after work not for the heavily shaded trail but for the homes that lay beside it. 

Do you ever peek into homes and try to figure out what their lives are like? If I were to stroll by this Lafayette property, I would immediately think the owners were adventurers. It's surrounded by lush foliage that show off the Bay Area's unique climate; it's open windows are inviting and peaceful. Design is key to this property, especially since everything is clean and modern. Wouldn't you want to be their friend?

{images via Zillow}

A New Outdoor Space

Since I've been back and forth between San Francisco and home lately, I've made it my mission to create an outdoor space in what used to be a garage in my parent's backyard. Santa Barbara's relatively moderate climate calls for an outdoor space that is both comfortable and cozy for those "winter" evenings, and I think that an outdoor living space is the perfect thing to accompany the pool and lush landscape we already have outside. I've been looking through Pinterest for some inspiration, and started watching HGTV ("Design on a Dime" is a new favorite!) for some additional ideas. It's going to be a DIY summer. 

Jumping into SF

When you move to a new city, there are a lot of things to learn - navigating a neighborhood alone can tough, let alone an entire county full of new people, roads and restaurants. I've come to realize just in my short time in the Bay Area, despite coming here monthly as a kid, that I know very little. But this naivety is something to treasure, especially as I search for a space to call my own in San Francisco. 


The copious amount of neighborhoods in San Francisco alone is enough to make my head spin. Josh has used the site for international trips, but I haven't yet attempted to rent a space domestically, and moving to a new city seems like the perfect time. When guests come to visit, I'm planning on picking one for fun - maybe David's Old Victorian flat next to Alamo Square, or Tim's place near the Castro. With endless options for variety in the city, it might not be so difficult navigating after all. 

 Pacific Heights from Bobbi

 David's Victorian color

Tim's front room {images 3 & 4; all images from Airbnb} 

International Interior Design

Holy moly this space from Croatia just blew me away. Just a great use of color, patterns and texture to make things feel bright without overpowering the simple luxury of relaxing at home. While I love looking at design spaces, I noticed something recently - it's really about all natural light. I think one essential in my next home is going to have to be great windows and great natural lighting (a more difficult find in San Francisco, unfortunately) - it is a home accessory that one cannot do without. 


{images}

Like Crazy

This past weekend while at home, we watched the Sundance Award Winner "Like Crazy." A family friend's nephew wrote the award winning script, which was picked up by Paramount.

Our family wasn't a huge fan of the picture, but I can't stop thinking about how realistic the writing was - it wasn't your typical movie script, but it flowed like your modern-day relationship {a problem for some critics who had trouble staying focused}. It might have been that many of the relationship tidbits and traits reminded me of my own, and that feeling of first love was present in every "I miss you" text message or drunken phone call.

If you like love stories, and like rooting for the underdog, check out the trailer for "Like Crazy."

Bits of Home

Josh and I are getting ready to head to Santa Barbara for Thanksgiving tomorrow {we're hoping to avoid as much traffic as possible}. This year we'll be bringing back our green bean recipe from last year to the table, complete with fresh and crispy prosciutto, roasted pine nuts and lemon. We have a macaroni & cheese recipe that might come into the weekend later on, but we couldn't steal the spotlight from my mom's famous mashed potatoes and yams.

Happy Thanksgiving!

swing swing

There are few things more exciting to me than visiting a new home store for the first time - especially one that is as chic as this one from La Jolla. There's a new one right by my house that I have been wanting to visit, hopefully if it's rainy this weekend I won't be distracted by the beach again, and head there tomorrow!  

hello, goodbye.

Here are a few snapshots I 

stole before leaving my old home 

of nearly two years. It was

a girlie place, to say the least, but 

just a few blocks from the beach so 

it was hard to complain about anything else. 

a house or a home

I took these while roaming the city...it's always fun to find some hidden European secrets in the States, especially since I'm longing for an adventure this summer. The last one reminds me of something I'd find in Tuscany, deep into the hillside.