Runner or No Runner?

One of the next not-so-exciting house projects we are considering tackling is a runner on the stairs. There are two main reasons for this:

1) Kids! Not that we would ever let Miles climb up the stairs on his own, but he is learning to walk and I worry once he IS more ready to go up the stairs that he will slip in his socks and fall. We need some grip on these babies!

2) The dog will not go down wooden stairs, only carpeted ones. He is too scared! It is getting old to have to carry him down it 20x a day.

i think I would go with the same carpeting we just put in the playroom. I like that it would repeat itself and I like that it would do a phenomenal job of hiding dirt.

My only hangup is the cost!! Is it REALLY worth it?

What are your thoughts? Runner or no runner?

My Favorite Photo Wall

This photo wall in our master bedroom is one of my favorite "decor features" in our home. It was one of the first projects I did (post removing wallpaper and painting) and I still love it just as much today! It is one of the few things that hasn't been tweaked in the last few years. (That being said, I do want to incorporate some pictures of Miles!)

The photos feature our wedding in the center (frame from Pottery Barn), some abstract art I pulled out of an ad in a magazine, pictures of our honeymoon, and "S" and "E" letters (for Sara and Evan) that were originally a compilation of photos spelling out the word "Sea".

Oh, and on the lower left is my favorite quote about home design from the Pottery Barn "Home" book... "I want a room for living. A space that reflects my style and experiences. Where everyone feels comfortable - and they never want to leave." That is my design philosophy to a T!

I don't know about you, but I like photo walls that mix art, type, and photography and carry a similar theme and color scheme throughout the whole display!

Playroom Reveal

We finally finished Miles' playroom and couldn't be more pleased with the result! 

We started with a new, plush carpet and then added in all the toys a little boy could dream of. We got him this awesome Restoration Hardware tent for his first birthday. It is a HIT! He loves crawling in there and playing peek-a-boo, and it is his favorite spot to read books. I have a feeling he will continue to love this even more as he gets older! He also loves the lights - they are from Bright Lab Lights.

Next, we brought the bean bag down from his bedroom, which is great because it is getting way more use down here. He loves running to it and collapsing on it (usually in a fit of giggles). We have his wagon in here as well for rides around the house until it gets warm enough to go outside again. 

The pack-n-play is a MUST as this is our go to "safe spot" for him when we need to leave him alone for a minute.

Last but not least, all of his toys are lined up along one side of the room for easy access and easy clean-up. 

Now to go play with Miles! :)