Do you have any zebra print in your home? I don’t, but it seems like of all the animal prints that I could have, this would be it, right? I wouldn’t be ready to install Scalamandre‘s zebra print wallpaper anytime soon, but a zebra print in smaller doses could easily find its way into my home.
Scalamandre by Lenox zebra decanter, $171, Bloomingdales
Zebra print, $25+, Sharon Montrose
One of the things on my North Carolina “must-see” list during my recent visit was “tour Kristie’s house.” Seriously. Have you ever asked an almost-stranger for a house tour? Because I have. Okay, so Kristie isn’t a complete stranger. She’s one of my sister’s good friends, and I have actually met her a couple of times.
So, on this visit, Kristie graciously opened her home to me for an after-school visit. And lucky for all of us, she allowed me to snap a bunch of photos to share right here on White Cabana (no styling involved, btw!). You may have seen a few photos floating around Instagram (the kitchen, the porch, the art), and I know that if you did, you were itching to see more. Well, today’s your lucky day.
Let’s get to it.
The foyer is bright, welcoming, and so beautifully curated. Kristie’s collectibles are from all over – furniture stores, HomeGoods, antique markets, the ReStore, consignment shops, and Craigslist.
The kitchen’s waterfall marble island and chandeliers are show stoppers. In fact, the lighting throughout the home is so well-chosen.
(custom cupboard doors will be painted soon!)
Are you drooling? Yes, I know you are! I had the same reaction, so there’s no need to be embarrassed!
Kristie made much of the art in her home including the colourful pieces framed in gold on the dining room gallery wall. Stunning!
(side note: I took a page out of Kristie’s design book, and picked up this swan for my bedroom. It’s nowhere near as refined as the one in this dining room, but I love it. #copycat)
The powder room is almost done. Kristie is just waiting on a mirror. I think it looks great as is, actually! 
In the living room you’ll see my most favourite piece of art – made by Kristie! It’s a 3D piece made of paper! In.cred.ible. The 10+ foot ceilings are a nice touch, too. 
 
Hallways were given attention, too.
ink art made by Kristie and her daughter (and a pineapple for good measure)
Kristie paid careful attention to the design of her kids’ rooms, too. I could move into either of them. I really wanted to grab the federal mirror off the wall and stuff it into my carry-on, but I thought her little boy might notice. Darn.
  
We’re just about at the end of this tour, unfortunately, but I’m leaving you with one of my favourite spaces – the screened-in porch. The porch is a common feature in homes in North Carolina. It’s a pleasant room for lounging and entertaining during the fall, spring, and summer months. I’d easily sip on a mint julep while lounging on this sweet soft blue sofa.
Kristie – or Dr. Kristie, I should say, since she has a PhD in textiles (who knew that was an option!?) – and her family recently moved into this home and undertook a great renovation where the kitchen space was re-jigged and expanded, walls were painted, hardwood was installed, and art was hung everywhere.
There are still things on the must-complete list as all renos seem to have, but for now, this place is set, and the whole family is enjoying their new home.
Thanks, Kristie and family, for letting us peek into your gorgeous home!
After spending a few days in the North Carolina sunshine, then coming back to some warm(er) weather in Waterloo, I’m definitely ready to exchange my boots and bonhomme coat for some lighter layers.
And Anthropologie‘s current collection of easy pieces has got me thinking that I need to inject (even more) white into my wardrobe this spring/summer.
eyelet swing top, $207, Maeve
cluny blouse, $128, Harlyn
Marielle poplin top, $128, Maeve
open-shoulder poplin dress, $181, Moon River
Avery fringed off-the-shoulder dress, $420, Steele
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
While most of my weekend in North Carolina was spent playing with my three nephews and niece (#ZiaJojoComesToTown), my sister, brother-in-law, and I did enjoy one night out in Durham sans cute children. One of our stops was the 21c Museum Hotel and Counting House. The concept is unique. On the main floor, you’ll find the Counting House – a bar and restaurant. Above, you can wander the floors to explore the art exhibits and historic building, which is open 24/7/365 with free admission if you’re curious. Cool, right? In the basement, visitors can explore the old bank vault since the 21c Museum Hotel is housed in an old bank. Food, drinks, art, history, and a place to stay all in one gorgeous building in central Durham? What’s not to love?
Here are some of the photos I took, if you’d like to see.
Mujer de Blanco, 2015, Marlu Palacios
Spoonfall – water trickling down hinged spoons making the most soothing sounds
Sleeping, 2007, Anthony Goicolea (available for purchase at Caviar20 if you have $18,500 to spare)
The bathroom was wild. I felt like I was in an episode of CSI. Art and function. Awesome. The signage is part of the We Don’t Care exhibition.
While I did not stay at the hotel, the rooms do look very White Cabana worthy! Perhaps on a future visit to Durham…or Nashville…or Cincinnati…I will check into a 21c Museum Hotel!
I know I’m not the only one around here who loves a good bow. Am I right? Look at these fancy mules from Winners (selection varies by store, of course) and the Vera Wang dinner plate. A perfect pair!
leather mule with bow detail, $99 CAD, Winners
Wedgewood Vera Wang Glisse dinner plate, $27.99 USD, Bed Bath & Beyond