I moved away from home when I was 19. I was on a dance scholarship, cheerleading, and living with four people in a one bedroom apartment. We had one bathroom, a tiny kitchen, and a lot of mattresses on the floor. I made it work because I was a dancer trying to find my way, and that's what dancers do! You struggle in order to achieve success. That's how all great stories start, no? Mine just played out in a different way than I planned. No dancing, and some TV.
Once I left home, I found myself apartment hopping, job hopping, and soul searching. As long as I was dancing, I was happy. I couldn't even commit to a bed because I didn't want to be tied down. My family called me a gypsy soul. I just wanted to dance and be free - and was finding my way in life. I was figuring it out and growing into the "real" Kaitlyn. I'm a "been there, done that" kind of gal, who has grown into a "I wanna settle down" kind of soul. Even if that means traveling every other day, I want a home base to recharge. Shawn and I have found that.
We were casually home searching, part-time renting, and then randomly found our dream home. Woops!!!
We love Nashville and want to build a family here, but what we didn't know, was how fast we would find that starting ground. It casually fell into our laps, and we found ourselves in a very large, empty, beautiful space that we couldn't wait to decorate. One problem. We aren't good at decorating.
ENTER DECORIST.
For $299 per room Decorist matches you with a designer to help design your room virtually no matter who you are or where you live. It was so nice to talk to someone who was always available no matter what. We worked with Decorist Design Director Jessica McCarthy on our living room and dining room design. I didn't even know I had a style until she brought it out in me. I soon found myself loving every second of the process. Jessica made it so easy and fun to fit our style and vibe.
We really wanted it to have a Nashville feel, so Jessica, Shawn and I teamed up with World Market to make sure we got everything we wanted. Our dining room has the most bad ass vibe with framed rock and roll artists, a whiskey cart, a farm style table and chairs, and some layered make Mongolian sheepskin to make you feel southern and stylish.
Photo Credit: Alyssa Rosenheck
Our living room is more for cuddles and comfort. I love a cozy bright space!! My fav is the white sectional couch paired perfectly with the faux chairs and metal coffee tables with glass tops. I really wanted some beautiful light curtains to soften the room, while also secluding us! These ones from World Market are absolutely perfect. The art work and gold lighting fixture bring a bit of edge to the room, and I think the main rug brings it all together. Did I mention they talked me into having an American flag up? Don't worry we still have other rooms to decorate!!! Cough, Canadian flag, cough...
Last but not least is our little kitchen nook. I really wanted this to be our wind up and wind down space. Since I love to cook, this is where I want Shawn to sit back and enjoy the view. I want it to be the place where we wake up and have our coffee, eat our embarrassingly healthy breakfast, while opening our lap tops and starting our day. Then be the spot where we wind down, have a glass of wine and chat before bed. I love the farm style vibe we have been going for, so the faux cowhide rug seemed appropriate. Jessica talked me into the antique brass feathered drum pendant shade, which now, is possibly my favorite light fixture. 70's are back baby!!!
Photo Credit: Alyssa Rosenheck
I could go ON AND ON about our new home and how I wake up feeling like a new woman full of comfort and joy, but you can also head to decorist.com and worldmarket.com for more inspiration. I'll be counting on them for our kitchen next!
Love,