Sure, it was a bit outdated at the time, but the home oozed with character – exposed brick walls, an eat-in kitchen and dining room, and the opportunity for Ross’ own private wood shop were just a few things on the list in need of TLC. (Enter Patti.) Here’s how their family room / eat-in kitchen nook looked in 2005, on the day of their inspection, and what Patti has to say about it:

When we moved in 6 years ago, the entire house was painted flesh colored (except our bedroom & the living/media room, which were off white). It was a dull ugly color.

The family room and kitchen were the darkest areas in the whole house; I mean depressing-you-just-didn’t-want-to-be-in-there dark (this was before we put the skylights in). The carpet was a dull and ugly tan shag (yes, really). My goal with every color and decorating decision for that part of the house was to lighten and brighten it up. (K & S: The door entry below has since been closed off – a separate entrance was added to an adjoining hallway. What lies beyond is now Ross’ wood shop.)

And as if we needed further proof in the power of paint (and a bit of old fashioned elbow grease), here are the incredible afters and Patti’s color story:

The house was built in 1959, and has a very mid century modern vibe. We knew we loved the design aesthetic of the era, including the kitsch, so we decided it would be fun and fit the house to go in that direction with any changes we made.

The yellow came first, and while it worked with the upholstered furniture and carpet, I didn’t like it by itself, so I added the green, followed orange in the dining room.

A couple years after the walls, I painted the country oak kitchen cabinets a bright white and replaced the hardware with 50′s inspired pulls and hinges. The icing on the cake was convincing Ross to let me paint the dark red brick fireplace and breakfast nook wall a bright white. This made a huge difference!

The specific colors of yellow, green, and orange were chosen because they all have the same value/tone and they were popular in the 50′s/60′s. Now with the three colors things were starting to feel fun and look groovy!

With this bright citrus, period correct color palette, it’s easy to find furniture and accessories that add to the bright fun vibe. (K & S: Uh, not to mention, Patti has the golden touch when it comes to bringing new life to sad, old furniture.)

We love the result; the spaces are bright and cheerful – an area we now love to spend time in! (K & S: And while not specifically mentioned by Patti, their enclosed patio left us city dwellers green with some serious outdoor envy.)

Whether there’s a color lover in you or not, we love their bold, no apologies attitude. Every nook in their home is awe-inspiring, and Patti’s attention to detail, truly, knows no bounds. From every hand painted detail on otherwise drab doors to DIY ping pong table storage (oh yeah, believe it), the duo is undeniably inspirational. I should also mention that Ross and Patti are the parents of my super talented BFF, Kelly, as seen in her mini tour right here. (She’s since added a nursery to their casa, and you bet it was every bit as colorful and whimsical as the rest of her home!)

Perhaps Ross and Patti’s bold choices will inspire some color injection of your own, eh? Oh, be still my color-loving heart! And just in time for spring, too.

Thank you, Ross and Patti!

I rent an apartment in Los Angeles, and have a small, square bedroom with one window and a sliding-door closet. At first I planned to paint all four walls sky blue to bring life to the room, but realized that much aqua might be slightly oppressive in that small of a space. It also could have cast a cold light on everything, which I didn’t want because my favorite thing about LA is its abundance of warm sunlight. In keeping the walls a neutral pale beige, I felt more free to contribute color to the room through a chartreuse rug, pale aqua bed linens and art on the walls. I painted only the inside of my closet blue…

… and illuminated it by tacking up a string of white Christmas lights just inside the frame of the closet doors. Most of the time I leave the door open to see the color, and when I plug in the lights at night, the closet glows.

Painting just my closet satisfied my need for some vivid color and will save us time in repainting when we move out. I would definitely recommend going bold in the closet if you’re hesitant committing to an entire room flooded in color.

Kalli also suggests painting the closet’s ceiling to complete the whole colorbox effect, and don’t forget to take down any shelving units before painting  – or at least seal off any edges with blue painter’s tape. And just for fun, we’re loving her living room, also white washed but layered with punches of color, texture, and (of course) a gnome.

Thank you, Kalli! xoxo.

So without further adieu, welcome.

Foyer / Living Room

Upon entering our front door (there on the right), you’ll come into what makes up the bulk of our living space. With a kitchen and living area that share the same open room, your life just got easier. While the hubs makes dinner, we can share a conversation while I’m plopped on the couch. Oh, the sweet life.

Foyer / Living Room (opposite)

Here’s a better view of the front door, which leads to our hallway. We’ve sectioned off the larger living room wall with a splash of cheery green, and continued it onto the wall in our foyer. By doing so, we lend a bit of continuity to a room that could stand the extra square footage. And tucked under the console? An extra seat for overflow guests, or a place to prop those toes.

Living Room

Ah, the coziest perch in our home. Grab a throw and rest your head on a pillow, and you’ll feel like Sunday every day. Flip on the tube and pop in your favorite movie, and I’d say you’ve got one heck of a cinema experience. And because this room is where we spend most of our time, we tossed up a handful of carefully placed shelves and added a gaggle of art that we’ve collected over time. Consider it our personal stamp on this space.

We chose a minty blue to coat the remaining two walls in this room, and we’ve never looked back. Although I never considered myself a cool-colored gal (I lean heavily towards the warmer shades of reds and oranges), I find this color to be refreshing, airy, and oh-so-light.

Living Room (opposite)

And check it out from the other side, peeping into the kitchen. Our mini blue chair serves as a sort of room divider, while still allowing the flow from living to cooking. If we’re craving a bit more privacy (and if those dishes are piled just a bit too high), we also have the option of pulling our curtain dividers taught. Shoot, the dishes can wait ’til tomorrow. Out of sight, out of mind.

Kitchen

Consider this a kitchen “before” shot. Scott and I have plans this year to revamp this space, which should be pretty easy since the bones are pretty solid to begin with (someone knock on wood – quick!). Even before we add a little magic, the honeydew walls match the value of our living room, providing an easy transition between the wide open space.

Hallway

Our narrow, winding hallway lends itself to some treasured art, as well as a perfect hiding place for some storage. Our bedroom is on the left, and hidden around the bend is our office. The best part (and practically a selling point)? There’s even a door that leads to a stacked washer and dryer. No more counting quarters for these two.

Bathroom

First stop on the hallway tour – bathroom. We all have one. Here’s ours. And although you can wash your hands, handle your business, and turn on the shower, all while standing in the same place and without moving an inch, it works.

Bathroom (opposite)

Perhaps one of my favorite photo collections in our home resides in this room. There is just something about unexpected photos, art, and trinkets in a bathroom that makes me smile. Mismatched towel hooks and an assortment of photo strips lend a bit of personality to a place where you’d least expect it.

Office

Our office has been through so many transitions, it’s impossible to even count. Originally housing a fold out futon, it was meant simply as a guest room and nothing else. Problem was that the futon was mini-sized (heck, it had to be in this 8′x12′ space) and the out-of-town friends and family just weren’t diggin’ the teeny bed. Out with the sorta-bed and in with the sideboard.

Truth is, we were catering our small space for the ocassional friend pop-in, and not for us. Call it what you will, but we ultimately rearranged the space to fit our needs, and our needs meant storage, desk space, and shelves for overflow. But fret not, our cushy air mattress nestles perfectly in the empty center space. The door is always open!

Office (opposite)

This just-ten-tiny-bucks mirror was scooped up at the flea market. I call it fate. While the rest of our room relies on white accents against an almost navy wall, the gold frame provides an unexpected pop. And may I say, our money-hoggin’ snail looks quite happy holding down the fort.

And hiding behind the office door? A perfect little niche. An extra seat for an overflowing amount of guests is tucked away, and the hubs has a tidy spot for grabbing his favorite caps on the go. We spiffed up the decorative hooks with a touch of gold paint, mimicking our flea find. Because this nook is concealed behind the door, no one’s the wiser, and yet we gain those much appreciated few extra inches for tucked-away goods. Sweet.

Bedroom

Our bedroom has been through some changes of it’s own, including a sort of “lightening up,” and most recently, we added a relaxing stripe behind the headboard. Let me back up a moment by saying that orange is my absolute most favorite color in this world, and when Scott agreed to a tangerine room, I snatched up the paint before he could change his mind. But after a year-and-a-half, the intensity proved to be a bit much, and the layered not-quite-green-almost-white stripe came into play.

We’ve yet to purchase much needed blinds, and our days of waking up to the sun at 6 AM is starting to wear us thin. Until we pony up the cash, these black out curtains (mostly) do the trick, and the kitties and I have been reveling in the much needed shut-eye. Playing with the green window treatments, we’ve brought in punchy pillows and barely green bedsheets. And for extra protection, we’ve got a big ol’ grizzly bear up above to keep us safe.

Patio

Last (but certainly not least) is our back patio. Every inch counts in a home of this size, and that patio ain’t chopped liver. During the warm weather months, that extra landing of 7′x10′ welcomes our closest pals with open arms. The sizzle of burgers on our little Weber and the sound of friendly chatter make it all the more enjoyable. Now that’s prime real estate, baby.

There you have it. All 650 square feet of it. One open living room and kitchen, a bitty bathroom, one bedroom, and one office. More than enough space for this team (and a dog and two cats and a ridiculously huge fish tank). We love each and every colorful inch, and we think our furballs have got it pretty all right, too.

Mom was right when she said home is where the heart is, and we truly feel that when you love your home, it loves you back. It should be a space that reflects who you are, a zone that makes your heart beat a little faster, and a place to feel safe, warm, and…well, pretty darn happy. Alas, there will always be another project to start, others to finish off, and new curtains to hang, rugs to swap, and pillows to arrange. And we’re happy.

Hi, I’m Kim. And this is my better half, Scott.

Last year, on November 8th, we tied the knot. Got hitched. Tied on the ball and chain, or so they say. But if this is what they call being tied down, then I’m a fan. This last year has been an amazing ride, from the ups, downs, and in-betweens. So what does a duo of young kids do when celebrating the one year anniversary of such a momentous event? Why, strap on those cowboy boots and hop in the wagon – we’re going on a one week fabulous getaway to Nashville, folks!

As lovers of music, what better spot than Music City itself? The whirlwind week included everything from down home cookin’, to dancing at the honky tonks, and even catching a glimpse of a country celeb or two. Sprinkle in the most fabulous show on Earth: The Grand Ole Opry, a free outdoor concert, and surprise passes to the Country Music Award rehearsals, and I’d say we had a heck of a time.

Since we were the geekiest Chicago tourists you’ve ever seen, our camera never left our side. Unless we were standing on the corner with a map to our nose, you bet we were snapping away. So let’s begin, y’all, and allow me to show you how it all went down in true photo fashion.

Starting with the food. Oh, sweet food. I’d feel guilty with all I consumed, but I put that aside with my “on vacation” excuse. From wandering through Germantown and treating ourselves to sinful cupcakes at The Cupcake Collection to immediately eating a home cooked meal of sweet potatoes, pasta, chicken, brisket, and corn (and gravy and biscuits and veggies and brownies) at Monell’s just two doors down, I’d say we kicked it off right.

Throughout the week, we rolled up our sleeves and ate some off-the-bone barbecue at the famous Jack’s Bar-B-Que. Of course we washed it all down with pitchers of cold sweet tea…

…And finished the evenings with icy bottles of Yuengling. My family originally hails from Pittsburgh, where this treat flows from the tap at every bar. Mmm, imagine our excitement when the same goes for Nashville! Is it so bad to be excited so easily?

The good barbecue and frosty mugs of sugared tea were just a warm up for what our bellies would consume the rest of the week. We spent a day in the Vanderbilt ‘hood of Hillsboro Village, where we had more than our fill at the Pancake Pantry. Omelettes, bacon, steaming mugs of coffee, and of course, a pancake or two. Or three. (Okay, four).

A friend of ours and a Vanderbilt alum, Shannon, filled us in another college-kid secret: San Antonio Taco Company. Or, if you’re hip with the lingo, Satco. Over stuffed crispy tacos and more Yuengling? Yes, please. (My man loves his food).

And we learned fast how starting the mornings with a hot cup of Bongo Java joe was the secret to a successful day. This Nashville home brew was so tasty, that nary a drop of cream or spoonful of sugar entered my cup. That’s saying a lot coming from a 2 cream, 2 sugar girl. We were instantly hooked on their “Orgasmic Organic” blend, and, well, the name pretty much says it all. We were so smitten with Bongo Java, that we even brought a fresh bag of beans home as part of a gift to our neighbors who made sure our furballs were fed and loved throughout the week.

But Nashville is more than just great food and drinks. It’s called Music City for a reason, and we learned very fast that it’s a rare event to even walk down the street without spotting a crooning cowboy with his guitar. Speakers built into traffic lights hum sweet bluegrass, and even the crosswalk signals chirp different bird lullabies when it’s your turn to go. And little did we know, the Country Music Awards were happening the Wednesday we were in town, which made for some exciting adventures. Including a free concert put on by Good Morning America with American Idol alum Carrie Underwood and chart-topper Brad Paisley…

…And an “in” to watch the CMA rehearsals the afternoon before the big night! A complete stranger saw us standing on the sidewalk (I’m sure we look confused, no doubt), and offered us his sticker passes to watch the practice sesh. Whoa, talk about luck. Not sure if it was a joke or not, we hesitantly flashed our passes to security at the Sommet Center, and before you knew it, we were watching Taylor Swift, Reba McEntire, and Martina McBride (to name a few) warm up with their song and dance. This unexpected detour was a highlight of our trip, and you bet Scott and I sat there with our jaws dropped the whole time.

A close second to our unexpected CMA detour was probably one of the most pleasant experiences we’ve shared. A night at The Grand Ole Opry. The hubs and I were probably the youngest folk in the Ryman Auditorium by about 30 years, but we couldn’t have had more fun. Pleased as punch, one might would say. We tapped our toes, clapped in tune to fiddles, and watched the amazing Jean Shepard yodle her ol’ heart out.

Keeping in tune with our musical theme, we hopped into the East Nashville record store, The Groove, hoping to score some tunes of our own to bring home. As record lovers, we were instantly smitten with the smells of old cardboard and years of kicked up dust. We didn’t find the yodle-fest we hoped for, but I did find a stash of Christmas albums, which I’ll fully admit is a big weakness of mine. Scott convinced me that I already have one too many holiday carols on the shelf in our home, so we left empty handed. They did, however, have a cool couch, where we did what all tourists dare to do: set the self timer and say “cheese.” Or in our case, grab the Nashville Scene and strike a pose.

Of course we couldn’t say good bye to Nashville without a dance at the honky tonks on the famous Broadway strip. On a bustling street lined with Elvis statues and in-and-out priveleges to every bar on the block, how could you go wrong? Music pulsed out of every open door, pulling us in. Those rockin’ guitars and banjos really got my blood pumping, and I danced the night away. Can’t say the same for the dear husband (he’s not one to dance), but I noticed a giddy grin that never left his lips.

Unfortunately, this Chicago gal did learn an important lesson in country fashion, just a bit too late. Skinny jeans and colored flats don’t quite cut it on the dance floor. It’s all about the boot cut, and there’s a reason for that. So next time, I’m investing in a pair of these babies:

And there you have it. Nashville will surely see us again, and our list of “must-do…next time” grew by the minute. Alas, it was time to say our farewell, and Chicago’s breathtaking and sparkling skyline didn’t disappoint on the homecoming. The Windy City ‘scrapers greeted us with twinkling lights on our drive into town, and we couldn’t have had a better welcome to this place we call home. So here’s to another blissful year of marriage, friends, and family…and another twelve months to map out the next anniversary adventure.

Make sure to come back Wednesday, when YBH will be hosting it’s first ever freebie giveaway! Free stuff, who doesn’t love that?

Aside from her huge heart (she’s like an angel on Earth, people. No joke), the most stand out quality in this gal is her insane penchant for creativity.  Together with her husband, Donny, they bought an adorable single family home in 2006, and they have turned it into a mecca of punchy colors and bubbly personality. Wondering what went on in her mind during the whole process? Here’s the lowdown in her own words:

One thing that has always inspired me when decorating a space is how to make it completely personal. I was the queen of posters of my favorite actor or band growing up and I always had way too many personal pictures, trophies, or keepsakes displayed about my bedroom. Thankfully, my tastes have matured a bit and I’ve grown to like a simpler, more modern look and no longer feel the need to have every square inch of wall space covered. I still maintain that familiar personal feel by displaying my own photography instead of generic store bought artwork.

Another way to really personalize a space is through color and I am not afraid to use it. My favorite color is and always has been purple. I had a purple bedroom for awhile when I was young, I painted one of my college apartment bedrooms purple, and now I have a purple dining room! When we first moved in, I painted the dining room red, but I got sick of that quickly because it seemed like everyone had a red dining room. Now that it is purple, I love it so much more!

I also managed to find a way to display personal snapshots in a way that looks like a work of art in my kitchen and now my refrigerator is no longer plastered with pictures.

My office doubles as our guest room and this set up works well for me because my photography business is mostly mobile. All of my shoots & client meetings take place on-location, so I don’t need much more than a desk and some filing cabinets for editing and the business end of things. At some point in the future, I may have an off-site studio somewhere, but for right now, I love how bright and cheery this space is.

As you can see, I have used some bold colors in other rooms as well. Most people that walk into my house love the colors and decorating, but are quick to say they could never pull it off in their house. Well…maybe that’s because bold colors are not their personal style. It is all about decorating your house to fit your own personal needs and style because after all, you are the one who has to live there!

So what do you think? Doesn’t Kelly’s use of colors make you want to get off your duff and pump up a dull room? Or perhaps she’s inspired you to create your own photo boards and kick that clutter from your fridge.  Whether it’s the spunky art on the walls, the grid of mirrors in the bedroom, or the built-in media center (installed by her dad and Donny in just one weekend), this girl’s got serious style and she knows how to make a space her own.