Celebrating Them As They Celebrate Us: Mother's Day 2014

Today, as our kids celebrate me, I celebrate them.  Their innocence, their energy and most of all, their unconditional love.

Happy Mother’s Day to our mothers, our mothers’ mothers and to all those who have been so loving and nurturing to our children since their birth until today.

Kitchen Renovation: Part 8

Now that the cabinet faces and drawer pulls are in place, the counters installed and the chandelier hung, our renovated kitchen is taking on the look and feel we were hoping for.  A few nights ago, while the kids slept over at Babik's, Alex and I celebrated its near completion.  We originally intended to fill and organize the kitchen cabinets, but instead opted to make a simple meal and get acquainted with the new space over a couple of beers.

We already know that the new kitchen will have a huge impact on our day-to-day living.  Its openness allows for better natural light and a much easier traffic flow.  The dark, cramped 1950's kitchen is no more.  Take a look at how it looks thus far:

Up next comes the hanging of the wallpaper and the island light fixture.  We're still deciding on stools and the dining table, but already have some very exciting prospects.  In the meantime,  I have an eye out for new dinnerware and a much needed runner rug.  Keep posted for more reveals...

Botanical Inspiration: The Flora Around Us

Whether it's embodied in dangerous spikes, brilliant colors, smooth surfaces or delicate petals, the flora around us never ceases to inspire me.  Here are a few favorite specimens, as of late.   Some I shot at a wholesale nursery, others while hiking, one in our very own yard and a few in a friend's wild and crazy garden.  Enjoy their beauty.

To see more botanical inspirations on a [somewhat] daily basis follow me on Instagram.

Images are:  Barrel Cactus, PincushionProtea, a feral cactus, New Zealand Flax, Echium, and Garden Rose.

'Til Monday: A Weekend Quote

There's something about this quote that resonates with me, especially lately.  Not necessarily in the physical sense, but in a mental one.  Here's to a weekend of accepting that we're all right where we need to be at any given time.   I'll leave you with that and a few of my favorite links and thoughts below:

*  For botanical inspiration here's a link a friend shared with me recently.

*   Check out the shelf a blog reader suggested for our newly renovated kitchen.  I think she's spot-on.  Thanks CT!

*  One day I would love to see our home through the lens of this blogger.

*  Once the kitchen is finished I'm baking this.

Have a great weekend!

Room Inspiration: A Master Bedroom "With Child"

Whether it's due to space restrictions or parenting preferences, many expecting parents choose to have their newborn(s) share a bedroom with them.  For those who crave order and/or good design, creating such a space can be a challenge.  Nowadays, however,  with so many beautifully designed cribs, aesthetics no longer need to be overlooked.  I recently put together this Room Inspiration for a couple expecting their second child.  Using warm-tone woods, brass accents and softly hued patterns the room will remain true to their personal style and transition smoothly back to its original state when the baby is ready for his/her own space.

If your home or apartment is in need of some Room Inspiration email me at:  debra@cocoonhome.com  With a few conversations, photos and ideas, Cocoon Home can help create a room that will fit both your budget and functionality without sacrificing style.

Room Elements:   Bed, Crib, Dresser, Rug, Chair, Night Table, and Lamp.