Spring In My Step

Now that I live on the east coast, one of the things I love most is experiencing SEASONS.  And, even though I really dislike the frigid, paralyzing chill of winter (this winter was particularly horrendous, am I right?), I am reminded that without winter we would not have spring.  And spring is the most delightful of seasons.  With spring, we only have the summer and fall to look forward to!  Such a happy time.  And the east coast "spring fever" is contagious-- everyone is smiling when the temperatures soar above 60 degrees, bulbs start popping out of the ground and the sun is shining.  I'm serious, everywhere you go, people are happier and nicer to each other ("Hello, how are you?" "Oh, let me get that door for you!" "Have a great day! The sun is shining!").  Even the most grouchy east coaster turn into the sweetest person in the springtime.  It's my favorite time of year!  :)

daffodils in my kitchen ($2.00 a bunch, thank you)

evening walks in the park with Dave and William look like this

The garden outside our High Street Market office door-- soon, there will be tulips everywhere!  The best!

This is our first spring with a little baby in the house.  So, that is different.  Everything is a bit more exciting.  William is growing so fast, I wish I could freeze time.  Here he is at a recent doctors appointment, looking svelte on the exam table...

weighing in at almost 20 pounds, this kid.

And, with the warmer temperatures, I am feeling more inspired to get working in the yard again.  I recently purchased this landscaping book (mostly because the cover is stunning, but the content of the book is also excellent)...

Take a look at the inside...

Our backyard is mostly a disaster.  So, we have our work cut out for us.  This book will provide lots of inspiration, I think.  :)

Happy Spring, everyone!

xx

Kelly

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Client Project Sneak Peek

Today, I thought I would share a little sneak peek/"before & after" of one of my Philadelphia design projects.  I've been working with this family for a couple of years now, slowly transforming individual rooms in their home.  I truly LOVE working with them-- they have great taste.  And, seeing the spaces transform has been such a delight.  A few weeks ago, I snapped a couple of Instagram pictures with my phone (follow me @kellyrobson).  When I got back to my office, I pulled up the "before" shots, and thought the comparison was sort of fun.  :)  Here's a little sneak peek...

This hallway was completely transformed with the addition of wainscoting, new baseboards, and crown moulding.  A fresh coat of white paint brightened everything up, and by painting the coat closet doors a glossy black, we created a dramatic focal point.  The lantern is available through High Street Market- click here.

 This dining room is one of my favorite rooms.  Again, trim changes EVERYTHING.  We wallpapered the upper walls with a tailored grasscloth, added wall sconces for additional lighting, and painted the ceiling a pale shade of blue/grey (Farrow & Ball "Skylight").  My client says that the blue/grey color changes with the sunlight throughout the day-- how lovely is that?!

This year, we continue to move forward with the interior design of this gorgeous home (next up, a completely redesigned mudroom, as well as a new master bedroom).  I'm excited to share the transformation as we go.  But, by focusing on the architectural details (like wainscoting trim, crown moulding ,etc) you frame everything else in the space more beautifully.  And, it's amazing what a simple can of paint can do!

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Kristen Panitch

I'm working with a new design client on a smallish project in downtown Philadelphia.  My client's style is fabulous and she came to me with a handful of inspiration images (all inspiring and beautiful).  I'm calling it "polished eclectic" where things are perfectly tailored, buttoned up and organized... but, there must be some balance of eclectic materials, texture and overall personality. 

Anyway, a few of the images came from Los Angeles based designer, Kristen Panitch.  All I can say is, HAVE I BEEN LIVING UNDER A ROCK?  Kristen Panitch.  This woman is insanely talented.  Come to find out, some of my own all time favorite images (for the design of my own home, especially) have come from her portfolio.  So, it turns out, I am VERY FAMILIAR with her work, but I've been too aloof to realize it.  So, get your "PIN IT" buttons ready, ladies.  Because these pictures are extremely pin-worthy.  :)

This particular project (Kristen calls "Latimer Road") should be called, "Kelly's Dream House."  Just look-- the mix of antique and new, the fantastic color scheme, and the traditional architecture.  Amazing.

If that's not enough, take a gander at some of Kristen's other projects....

Gorgeous, right?  For even more inspiration, check out her stunning portfolio HERE.

Happy Wednesday!

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NEW in the store: Custom Braided Wool Baskets

This week, we received our large order of custom wool baskets-- now in 5 new colorways!  

I'm very excited.  They're gorgeous.

CLICK HERE TO START SHOPPING

We've been carrying this type of basket for the last year or so, but I'm loving this new collection of colors.  Especially with the chocolate leather handles.  These baskets would be just as perfect in a masculine office (holding magazines) as they would in a busy family room (keeping blankets or toys at bay!).  And, I'm especially proud to say that they are completely handmade, right here in Philadelphia.

Everyone at the office is a big fan of the new product...  especially this little one.  :)

William, enjoying the "toffee" colorway, size small.  :)

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On My Radar: Bold Solid Drapery

 

Bright bold solid drapery is totally on my radar these days.  I especially love it in a semi-neutral very traditional space, where the strong saturated color almost feels mismatched with it's surroundings.  As in, "Oh my! Are those PINK drapes?!!"  :)   That jolt of unexpected color brings so much drama!  And, I kind of love the tension that comes with it (especially in traditional interiors).  This image above from Mary McDonald is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE.  I mean, how gorgeous is that home?  The coral hue of the drapery is just spellbinding, isn't it?  Ugh, so good. 

Here are a few more images that I'm pinning for future projects.  Such great inspiration.  I'm especially drawn to the Kelly greens, coral pinks, and sunny yellows. 

 

 

 Kay Douglass

 

Stephen Siss

 

 

Ruthie Sommers

 

Angie Hranowsky

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Happy Valentines Day! { a free gift from us }

Are you on the High Street Market shop mailing list?  If not, sign up HERE.

Today, we're hosting a little bit of a secret giveaway, in honor of Valentines Day.  I thought I would share the news here, before the sale ends!!

click HERE for details

Hurry, sale ends at midnight tonight!

Happy Valentines Day!

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My Picks for Must Have Baby Items { 0-3 months }

Living through the first three months of parenthood is like being on the greatest adventure of all time.  It's full of obstacles, you never know what's around the corner, and you're forced to navigate your way as you go.  Emotions are high-- feelings of pure joy are followed by feelings of fear and frustration (or unexplainable crying fits-- trust me, I've been there).  You try to prepare, you read the books, and talk to people who have been there before.  But you never really know what it's like until, one day, you find yourself with a baby in your arms and you realize you have no frigging idea what you're doing.  :)  At least, that's how I felt.

William is almost 5 months old now, and thinking back on his first three months of life makes me smile.  He was such a precious little angel, so tiny and new (still is, really).  Before he was born, I registered for all the baby things, and we received the most wonderful baby gifts.  But the things I relied on so heavily during his first three months of life, are not the things I'm looking at now.  Babies develop so quickly!  SO, before I forget, I thought I would share those MUST HAVE items with you.  I kept the list limited to ten-- the bare bone NECESSITIES for surviving the first three months.  Things that I relied on day to day.  And, here they are...

1. a bassinet -- ours was vintage-esque, passed along by a dear friend.  It was pretty simple (and it looks just like the one pictured here!).  It didn't rock, or vibrate, or play music.  But, William loved it and slept very well in it.  We also had the Rock N Play Sleeper (which is super popular among my mom friends!) but he preferred to sleep flat on his back.  To each his own.

2.  the Miracle Blanket -- this blanket is the best $30.00 you will ever spend in your entire life.  In your entire life you will never feel the same satisfaction from a $30.00 purchase.  TRUST ME.  It's amazing.

3.  a noise machine -- I use this one and love the different sounds (we use the heartbeat setting), and it has a great night light.  It's terrific.

4.  burp cloths -- Like many other moms, I purchased the ten pack of Gerber reusable cloth diapers.  They make the PERFECT burp cloth (so absorbent-- and you'll need it!).   These definitely make the top 10 list.

5.  onesies and pajamas -- We received a bunch of outfits from Nordstrom (specifically the "Little Me" brand and "Baby Nordstrom" brand).  Not only were they adorable, but they laundered so well!  Better than the other baby brands.  William always looked so precious in these outfits.  And, they look so terrific (even after multiple washings) that I know they'll still be good for any future babies.  :)

6.  baby carrier -- we loved our Bjorn!!  And, we used it nearly everyday.  Sometimes, it was the only way we could get William to sleep.  Now, that he's bigger, we still use it (he big enough now that he can face forward).

7.  the swing -- we love our Mamaroo (by 4moms)...  we also have the Fisher Price Cradle N Swing.  Both swings are great.  As a newborn, William preferred the Mamaroo.  It's a little more gentle, it has a ton of different settings, many mimicking "Mom's motion" (similar to what they feel in the womb)... plus, it's super stylish and has a tiny footprint.  We gave it an immediate two thumbs up.

8.  breast pump -- I use the Medela Freestyle.  It's terrific and very small (the pump itself fits in the palm of your hand).  Highly recommend. 

9.  bottles -- we use wide nipple bottles and we've never had a problem with William taking a bottle.  These are fabulous.

10.  baby bouncer -- this bouncey is great.  We used this everyday when William was a newborn (we still use it).  It vibrates and plays music too, which is a bonus.  It's so lightweight, that it's easy to move all around the house. 

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So, hopefully this list helps someone else out there!  Maybe you're expecting, or, you're attending a baby shower within the next year???  These are the TOP 10 things that worked really well for us.  Hopefully, they will help another person who is about to embark on the crazy adventure of parenthood.  :)

Other mommies out there, what absolute necessity did I miss??  

What would make your can't-live-without-TOP 10 list?

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