Rebecca Lukens Designs

Sunday

Happy Mother's Day!

I have been out of my normal routine for the past two months, packing up a house and moving in with my parents for the past 5 1/2 weeks has been quite an adventure. My parents were very tolerant of my husband and I, 2 noisy kids, and a very energetic dog. This Mother's Day I was very happy to spend it in my new house and wake up in my own bed for the first time in many weeks. We are exhausted, yet elated but so happy to be in our new home where we want to be. During the last several weeks I worked on a few projects, painted and revived a few pieces of furniture with some chalk paint. When I get my wits about me and feel a little more back to normal, I will post my projects. I'm so excited how they turned out! And we had a great furniture find that we are converting into an island for our kitchen. I can't say my day has been relaxing but it feels good to at least post something - it has been a very long time! Happy Mother's Day!

Saturday

Spring mantle ideas

BHG

My house is in complete moving status, count down is 10 days now, one good thing is - I guess I get out of having to make Easter dinner! But since I can't decorate my mantle, or my house for that matter right now, I have been enjoying some of these great ideas for spring.

BHG

Wednesday

Dream home

I have been MIA over the last few weeks, but that's what happens when you are packing up a house and having to move in just about 2 weeks. We put our house on the market and sold very quickly which is great but let's just say not so much on the other end, as we haven't found that just right house yet to move into. Let's talk about stress! But during this process over the last few weeks we have sorted through things, thrown out, donated and gotten organized, and it does feel good. It is also a little bittersweet, just when we got everything done here on our current home and now we are moving. But I am so excited to be moving back to where we consider to be home. I am ready for the next house, for whatever may face us. I love fixing up homes, picking out new things, maybe redesigning another kitchen, maybe a bathroom, new paint colors, it does get me inspired. Even though I will miss my new kitchen and master bathroom, a home is only where you make it, so it doesn't really matter that much to me to be leaving those things behind. Here are some inspiring pictures I found to get me excited about moving, I can be dreaming of them until we find that just right home.

I have posted these pictures of this kitchen and the adjoining living room before, I love how the colors transition from both rooms, and the kitchen is so beautiful, definitely something to dream about!

Traditional Home

Traditional Home

There is something very clean and refreshing about this room, love the white sofa and the contrast of the beautiful blue pillow.

Traditional Home

Love this foyer and just that little bit of drama for when you walk through the front door.

This is something I have always dreamed of, an organized, beautiful mudroom! So pretty.

BHG

BHG

I Love the simplicity of this bedroom, I have a sleigh bed so this one isn't too far off from being able to do.

BHG

I love the pretty settee and pillows placed at the foot of the bed and beautiful symmetry of the side tables , mirrors and lamps.

BHG

There are so many amazing bathroom ideas to dream about, I love the romantic feel of this one below .

House Beautiful

I could soak in this tub all day, would love a beautiful tub like this one, the mirror is so pretty.

House Beautiful

That gives me a lot to dream about and many inspiring ideas, I will hopefully be able to post my "just right house" some time in the near future, fingers crossed!

Thursday

Color Trends

via Pinterest

I think I am a little scared of this spring's color trends! Especially after I just watched the Today Show and they were giving their color fashion trends for spring. I know I am getting older but the only place you'll see any of the neon colors they forecasted on me, are maybe my toes! (A very small accessory may not be too bad) I think I'll stay away from decorating my home with them as well. But Pantone has also pulled a line of many other colors, bright neon colors are among them for this years picks, but the winner is Tangerine as the color of the year.

via Pinterest

Changing your wardrobe from season to season is a lot easier then changing your home decor. If you are one who likes to keep up with the new color trends, it might be much easier if you treat these trends in your home as accessories, just like you do for your wardrobe. (love the Burberry bag with tangerine and how cute are these earrings!)

via Pinterest

Accessorizing your home with the lastest colors can be a lot of fun and definitely easier on your wallet. Get a new fun pillow in the latest new trendy color that works with your exisiting decor, vases or art work could bring in that pop without having to change everything you have. Who couldn't use a tangerine mixer!

The picture below shows a good example of using the hottest color right now with a neutral gray sofa, you could change out those pillows with just about any color and still have it look great.

via Pinterest

If you want to go a little more adventurous, paint is a great inexpensive way to change your room with the latest colors, a bit more time consuming, but cheaper then changing out all of your upholstered pieces of furniture just to stay trendy and hip! Here's an easy fix, just paint the front door.

via Pinterest

Or go a little bolder, paint the walls

via Pinterest

Country Living

Furniture can also make an impact

via Pinterest

Tangerine looks great with blue shades too because they are complimentary colors. I wrote a previous posting on The color orange, where you can see how versatile the color really is. But what ever the next trendy color is that comes along at least there are ways that you can incorporate them without changing everything you already have.

Tuesday

Valentines Day Fun

BHG

Happy Valentines Day! I thought I would share some fun, love inspired Valentines Day ideas, it doesn't all have to be red roses(I think they are completely over rated anyhow) and chocolate(well maybe a little chocolate would be nice).

I love the chartreuse shutters on the mantel with the bright colors of the banner in the picture above.

BHG

This heart banner is also really cute above the bed, and love the red dog pillow.

BHG

We could all use a little love.

BHG

And a little poetic quote is nice.

via Pinterest

I love this play on an old traditional eye chart!

via Pinterest

WE all need a little something sweet, this is a really cute idea.

via Pinterest

How cute is this cupid kit.

This idea was given to me by a friend via Pinterest. How cute is this? This is Abbie my 8 year old, we had fun doing these over the weekend with the kids.

via Pinterest

This is a sweet display to commemorate the day.

But whatever you do on this Valentines Day have fun and remember to let those around you know how much you love them!

Friday

local B & B tour

Picture credit to Faunbrook

The other day I took a tour of a local B&B called Faunbrook in West Chester, PA. It was quite a treat. The B&B was built in 1865 and owned by the Darlington family, who were a very well known family in West Chester. Faunbrook is a beautiful large estate with many great facilities. There are 7 guest rooms, 5 of which are named after the Darlington's 5 girls.

The present owners, Lori and Steve, have been running Faunbrook for the past 4 years. They have many events on site, including weddings, corporate events, birthday parties and what I thought was a really fun idea, a murder mystery night. They are open to a variety of events and have such a great setting to be able to enjoy, between the huge dining room, living room, small sitting room (my favorite) and a beautiful wrap around porch that can be enclosed if needed. Every one of the guests rooms was very unique and different, most with fireplaces and all seem so cozy, but this was my favorite of all the 7 rooms, it is one of the suites. I would love to get away and sink into that great big tub!

Faunbrook is decorated with a Victorian flare - this room was so bright and inviting.

Upon entering, the whole B&B was filled with the most delicious smell of bread, which I was so happy to have been offered a piece of. Lori does all the cooking with occasional help of her husband. I had a piece of pumpkin spice bread just baked that morning and a cup of coffee that were delicious. I asked if she had any other specialties that she makes at breakfast and among them were, blueberry pancakes, and an asparagus egg bake. For larger events she does use a list of wonderful caterers from the area, but I would just like to pop in for breakfast! Below is the beautiful and very large dining room.

This was my favorite room, I would love to curl up with a good book and a glass of wine or hot tea.

What a great place to have in my local area. If you happen to be near West Chester, PA it is definitely a place worth looking into for your sta. Nothing beats a cozy room and a homemade breakfast. Check out their site for their specials, Valentines Day is just around the corner. And also West Chester is a great place to visit with many amazing restaurants and shops. For more information on my local town visit here at, WCbid

Faunbrook is also the preferred B & B for the Chester County Antiques Show, which is a terrific antique show held in March, for more information check out their website for information on the show here, and if you are visiting for the show, consider staying at Faunbrook.

It's great to get out there and find local attractions in your area and find out about new places to stay if you plan on traveling.

Saturday

super bowls

With the super bowl coming up tomorrow, I thought I would give my pick for some real winners of super bowls, but of course I'm not talking football. I came across some pieces that I think are great bowls that you would be proud to have on your tables all alone or filled with your favorite foods.
I found these beautiful bowls on Etsy, you can find so many great things there. These bowls are from a seller by the name, One Clay Bead, the designer makes great organic looking bowls and other ceramic pieces, here are a few of my favorites