I invited Kelly from “WowILoveThat” to be part of the “Beautiful Homes of Instagram” series because whenever I saw her photos I felt the warmth and happiness of her home. I am a big believer that our home carries our energy and it’s easy to feel Kelly’s personality within the inspiring interiors she created. This is the kind of home that calls your name and tells you, “come on in… relax, you’re safe here…”
Here’s what she has to say about the trajectory of building and decorating this house:
“Wow! I am so excited to be sharing this with you Luciane for one of your blog posts featuring “Beautiful Homes of Instagram.” I absolutely love and appreciate your Home Bunch site because it’s the perfect place for exploring gorgeous homes, especially if you’re thinking about building your very own dream home. It is also an ideal place for interior design inspiration with all the gorgeous photos to scroll through!
Our home was built seven years ago after we decided to uproot our teenage children from a metropolitan location just east of St. Louis, Missouri and move into a small town environment a little further south. I was a real estate agent at the time so our original plan was to find an existing home that would work for our family. When that didn’t happen we began discussing the idea of building a new home if we could find the perfect location. We definitely found an ideal lot just outside of town with the most captivating wide open views; something we’d been missing out on for years!
With a background in new home construction, I was more than ready to begin this journey. My husband was very kind in allowing me to find a house plan of my choice but of course there were changes I was interested in making. We had an architect draw up the plans with the changes I made and then we were very fortunate to find an extremely talented builder to get things rolling.
The main thing I was looking for in a floor plan was open concept living. I had been scouring the internet for this type of home with a galley style kitchen and large center island with the open site line into the living room. I finally found one and thankfully the rest of the layout was also perfect for our family and the way we live. We have a split bedroom main floor with three bedrooms but we also have two additional bedrooms in our partially finished basement. Something else I was looking for was a center wall fireplace because I didn’t want an obstructed view of the backyard and future swimming pool. This floor plan also allowed me to easily change the windows and doors to the size and location desired. French doors were added in place of windows and many of the other windows were enlarged to go basically from floor to ceiling. An additional sliding door off the breakfast room was also added and at that point the entire breakfast room was now surrounded by glass. My favorite view is right there with views of the east, south and west, while enjoying a meal looking out over the pool and yard during the summer months.
Photographing the interior of the house was quite the challenge because of all the natural light streaming in but let me tell you, those windows are well worth it! When it’s below zero in the winter, the sunlight shining through is a welcome sight. We have southern exposure on the back of the house and that too was a must when we were searching for our lot to build on. As an amateur photographer, I did my best to capture the look and feel of our home. Unfortunately, some of the rooms are in the midst of re-decorating so I had to skip them.
We definitely had a budget when building therefore the interior decor took a hit. Consequently, seven years later I am still trying my hardest to pull it all together. I do not claim to be an interior designer and I continue to struggle figuring it all out but the style I’m attracted to is that of a coastal retreat. When we have snow on the ground, I like to be inside with the feeling and mindset that maybe I’m actually at the beach! Pretending, of course, that the snow is all sand! I guess the next thing on my list will probably be paint and decor for our master bedroom, bathroom and the formal dining room. Creating that cohesive look is what I’m trying my hardest to accomplish. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy what I have shared and feel free to contact me via Instagram with any questions or simply to say hello! It’s been a pleasure!”
I feel we’re truly privileged for getting to know this lady and her place today. Enjoy, my friends!
For the front exterior of the house we selected brick and stone with vinyl shake shingle horizontal siding. The roof is black architectural shingles.
Light it Up
Recessed lights were used for exterior entryway lighting and they were also installed in the soffits on the front of the house for added illumination at night.
Landscaping
Kelly keeps her landscaping in a meticulously shape. I lover her attention to detail here.
Blue Planters
The blue pots are from a local nursery. The name is: For the Garden, Haefner’s Greenhouse, Oakville, Missouri.
Front Door
Front door, sidelights and transom are Pella Window & Door Company. Glass is obscure on door and sidelights.
Foyer
The welcoming foyer features a lantern light fixture with black iron finish.
Rug is Pottery Barn – Heathered Chenille Jute/natural.
Paint Color
Paint color for foyer and hallways is Benjamin Moore OC-50 November Rain.
Foyer entry table is Hooker Furniture. Pineapple lamp and champagne mirror are Pier 1 Imports.
Flooring
We chose ¾’ hardwood flooring with 4” planks. Manufacturer is Mullican Flooring, style is Muirfield – species & color, Hickory, Provincial.
Staircase
Open staircase to the partially finished lower level. Large arched opening into the formal dining room. Dining room paint color is Behr Ocean Pearl.
Lower Level includes a family room, 2 bedrms, 1 bath, second laundry room and plenty of unfinished storage. Vase and filler purchased from Crate & Barrel.
Dining Room: Dining room mirror is Pier 1 Imports, drapery panels are Pottery Barn, Alessandra Floral, color Red (which is actually a clay pot type of color.) Dining room is on the list for a décor makeover! ☺
Ceiling Height
Foyer, main hallway, formal dining room and living room have 11’ ceiling height.
Living Room Paint Color
Wall paint is Sherwin Williams #SW6182 Ethereal White and the face of the fireplace and shelving unit is painted Sherwin Williams, Conservative Gray – #SW6183. Back wall interior of shelving is painted Sherwin Williams, Top Sail – #SW6217.
The living room wall sconces are Murray Feiss.
Living Room Flow
This particular view is incredibly difficult to photograph with the south facing windows and doors. I chose French doors, windows and transoms to create this wall of glass. We used 2×6 construction for additional strength on this wall and once again Pella Windows and Doors.
Couch is the Lounge II from Crate & Barrel.
For the fireplace wall design I was able to find an inspiration photo online and only had to tweak it a little bit. Arched top and recessed light for the shelving with lower cabinet storage. The unit is framed and drywalled with custom sized cabinet.
Decor
Jute rug is Ralph Lauren purchased recently at Home Goods. Butterfly pillow Pier 1 Imports.
Corner linen chair – Carol House Furniture, St. Louis, Missouri; side table, Home Goods.
Perfect Match
Harper is our, almost human, Tibetan Terrier and he matches our décor perfectly! ☺
Pillows
Pillows are from Marshalls and Home Goods.
Accent chairs – Carol House Furniture, St. Louis, Missouri. Candle sticks are Mercury Glass from Pier 1 Imports. Medallion pillows, Pier 1 Imports.
Ottoman is Pottery Barn, however it’s been discontinued. The cabinets next to the fireplace are Shiloh Cabinetry and the color is called Polar White.
Open Floor Plan
This open concept floor plan was definitely on my list of must haves when we built our home 7 years ago. Cabinet unit surrounds refrigerator in the kitchen.
Kitchen
All of our cabinets are painted Maple Wood cabinets.
Bar stools are from Pier 1 Imports.
Cabinet Paint Color
Our cabinets are from Shiloh Cabinetry and the color is Ivory. The Sherwin Williams paint color closely matching is Dover White #SW6385. The doors and drawers are inset with hidden hinges. The door and drawer style is a recessed panel/shaker.
Hardware: Cabinet hardware is faux oil rubbed bronze. Faux meaning, the oil won’t actually rub off. ☺
Backsplash
The off-white subway tiles are slightly irregular cut with an uneven surface.
Kitchen Details & Dimensions
Kitchen features open end shelving on island, built in pantry and 4’ width between sink and cooktop. Island measures 10’4” long and 42” wide. Overall kitchen dimensions are 19’8” x 12’8”.
Refrigerator is KitchenAid Architect Series II French door refrigerator.
Countertop
Granite is Venetian Gold Light.
I chose a Bosch dishwasher and a hardworking stainless steel sink.
Faucet
Faucets in our home are all Delta Victorian style with a chrome finish because I like the shine!
Entertained
Perfect view of the television while cooking and cleaning!
Light
We have an abundance of natural light with the southern exposure on the rear of our house. Another “must have” on my list when shopping for our location to build.
Wall Color
Kitchen wall color is Sherwin Williams SW6183 Conservative Gray.
Double ovens are KitchenAid 30” Convection Architect Series II, 30” and a Frigidaire Gallery 2.0 cubic ft. built in microwave.
Lighting
Light fixtures are Murray Feiss.
Rug runner is from Pottery Barn (discontinued.)
Breakfast Nook
The breakfast room depth was enlarged to 12’8” x 9’8” and the windows were added on the back wall verses a sliding door that was shown on the original plans. I moved the slider to the side wall which walks out onto the deck. This table is the Salvaged Wood Trestle Table from Restoration Hardware, Natural finish.
Chest
Distressed chest is from Home Goods, clock is from Hobby Lobby.
Hallway
The main hallway width was enlarged one foot to create a spacious feeling. Paint color is Benjamin Moore November Rain.
Floors are ¾” hardwood with 4” planks by Mullican Flooring. The style is Muirfield and the wood species is Hickory; the color is Provincial.
Bathroom
Main bath is bright and cheerful with white Shiloh cabinetry, ceramic tile flooring and Cambria quartz countertops.
Flooring: Matte white octagon & white dot ceramic tile flooring from Dal-Tile.
Storage
Bathroom also features a countertop cabinet for storage.
Shower Curtain & Extra Storage
Bathroom with open shelving in place of a linen closet.
Shower curtain is Cynthia Rowley from TJMaxx.
Countertop
Cambria quartz countertops – Snowdon White.
Master Bathroom
The bathroom is great! Neutral and with a practical layout. Vanity for “her” with Cambria, Cardiff Cream countertops.
Bath Nook
Wall color is Sherwin Williams SW6127 Ivoire.
Master Bath features a soaker tub, Pella casement windows, custom wood panel made by Shiloh Cabinetry and Delta Victorian style chrome fixture with handheld sprayer.
Bathroom Window
This window was added to get as much natural light coming into the shower as possible. My other idea was a window in the shower but my husband said, “I don’t think so!” ☺
Shower
Bathroom features frameless glass shower door.
Fixtures
Delta Victorian Shower fixtures.
Shower Tile
Shower and floor tile is Dal-Tile, style is Brixton and the color is Sand. The color on the center design in the shower is bone (same tile series.)
Mudroom
The mudroom coming in from the garage has a cabinet with doors to hide away all the shoes.
Cabinetry & Countertop
Four deep shelves provide space for the whole family; Shiloh cabinetry and Venetian Gold Light granite.
Backyard
Rear house view.
Fenced Pool
Backyard view from the driveway. The house is set on a 1.5 acre lot.
Pavilion
Covered outdoor dining area and fire pit.
Summer coming to a close and mums starting to open up!
Sunshine
Harper enjoying the last of his warm, summer days.
Garden
Look at Kelly’s gorgeous garden! Would you love to spend some time here?
Pool
Vinyl liner pool – 18×36, irregular shape with a built-in seat inside the pool and deck jets that create fountains into the pool.
Patio Furniture
Woven umbrella table from Pier 1 Imports, Ciudad collection.
Summery Day
Summertime flowers.
Hello, Little Fella
Our summer friends who make the long journey each year to feast on our feeders and provide free entertainment! ☺
Sunsets
And lastly, the perfect place to witness the most beautiful sunsets!
Thank you for shopping through Home Bunch. For your shopping convenience, this post may contain AFFILIATE LINKS to retailers where you can purchase the products (or similar) featured. I make a small commission if you use these links to make your purchase, at no extra cost to you, so thank you for your support. I would be happy to assist you if you have any questions or are looking for something in particular. Feel free to contact me and always make sure to check dimensions before ordering. Happy shopping!
Wayfair: Up to 75% OFF on Furniture and Decor!!!
Serena & Lily: Enjoy 20% OFF Everything with Code: GUESTPREP
Joss & Main: Up to 75% off Sale!
Pottery Barn: Bedroom Event Slale plus free shipping. Use code: FREESHIP.
One Kings Lane: Buy More Save More Sale.
West Elm: 20% Off your entire purchase + free shipping. Use code: FRIENDS
Anthropologie: 20% off on Everything + Free Shipping!
Nordstrom: Sale – Incredible Prices!!!
Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen’s Home – Full House Tour.
Beautiful Homes of Instagram: Modern Farmhouse.
2019 New Year Home Tour.
Coastal Farmhouse Home Decor.
Beautiful Homes of Instagram: Charlotte, NC.
Florida Beach Cottage.
Dark Cedar Shaker Exterior.
Grey Kitchen Paint Colors.“Dear God,
If I am wrong, right me. If I am lost, guide me. If I start to give-up, keep me going.
Lead me in Light and Love”.
Have a wonderful day, my friends and we’ll talk again tomorrow.”
with Love,
Luciane from HomeBunch.com
Subscribe to get Home Bunch Posts Via Email
Whilst it’s sad and hard for both what a lovely thing to have seen and to remember all your wonderful memories together growing up there. I hope it can put a lovely smile on your face and make you feel good with your dear grandparents memory. Truly special for you both. Big hugs and have a happy week.
Another beautiful home. I especially enjoyed looking at the kitchen. We are starting a remodel so I poured over the faucets, hardware and finishing details. Love your posts.
p
We’re redoing our kitchen and looking for an off white backsplash and I love subway tile. What brand is your backsplash and where did you purchase? Thanks!
I love your backsplash and am having a hard time locating an off white subway tile. Could you please tell me the brand name and/or where you purchased it? Your home is beautiful!!
Hi Kim,
I don’t have further information on the tile. Please, feel free to contact the homeowner for more details.
Thank you,
Luciane
@HomeBunch