I’m not one for all white walls trend, but I am guilty of waiting for maximum daylight to take photos of my home so it’s as light and bright as possible. Bloggers don’t usually photograph their homes at night — not if it can be helped! But we do then miss out on sharing what everything looks like as the day goes on. Julia from Chris Loves Julia and Kim of Yellow Brick Home, in partnership with Rejuvenation, have organized ‘A Night In’ so we can see a cozy nook in some of the homes we know and love in blogland after the sun has set. There’s a full list of everyone that’s participating at the end of the post.
Here I am standing in the doorway of my library, just casually holding a mug, color coordinating with my decor and blog design. Hi!
My home is a Victorian with a double parlor, and I swapped out the existing lights in both spaces last year with a matching pair of Rejuvenation’s Hood Pendants. I actually did share a few photos of the space at night after the fixtures went up, but that’s a rarity. Here’s one from that post.
A few things have been shuffled and changed around since then, so it’s good to revisit the space. The vintage rug has been sold and replaced with the one from the library, and we’re using a coffee table from a local consignment store with a wood top instead of stone (Brandon was always nervous that the kids would fall and chip a tooth). And in that previous post, I didn’t share any photos of the corner with my secretary desk, which is a shame because it’s one of my favorite spots in the house! I even gave it a floral crown recently, like it’s enjoying its very own Snapchat filter.
It can get a bit dark over there, so a floor lamp helps. Want a peek behind closed doors? There are some bills and paperwork, and the rest is all crayons, markers, colored pencils, coloring books, paper, drawings, and sketchbooks.
I like to sit at the desk while the kids play or color at the table. It’s a good way to sneak in a few minutes for myself, either to sketch, flip through a magazine, or join them in coloring (I’m into the adult coloring book trend, yep). We all hang out in the library together most mornings before I start working, or in the evening while Brandon makes dinner.
There’s usually some background noise, either news or music on the radio, or maybe a podcast streaming, but I don’t like to see the devices. Please tell me I’m not the only one who hides our electronics? The kids’ smooth rocks and random little key? Sure, pride of place! But I spy with my little eye a cordless phone hidden behind that vase, and next to it is a wireless speaker. (I need a fluffy plant there for better camouflaging.)
Anyway, I hope I did the place justice. I’m definitely not used to taking nighttime photos! We’ve been here for three years. This space has changed over that time, sometimes all at once and sometimes not as quickly as I would like, but it has always felt comfortable and right for my family. I’m so in love with this house, and as always, happy that I get to share it here with you guys.
Ready to see more design bloggers’ homes at night? Read on!
A Night In
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Julia & Chris Marcum, Chris Loves Julia
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Kim & Scott Vargo, Yellow Brick Home
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Dana Miller, House Tweaking
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Gwen Hefner, The Makerista
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Melissa Coleman, The Faux Martha
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Brittany Cramer, BrittanyMakes
Comments
24 responses to “A Night In”
[…] Nicole Balch, Making It Lovely […]
I love it all! very cozy, you can definitely see how warm and inviting your home is
This whole series has been awesome. Love seeing everyone else’s homes too!
So homey; I love the desk corner! Are those real flowers?
Yes… please tell about the flowers. They are awesome! The whole house is gorgeous – I’d like to move in! :-)
Not real flowers, no. They’re huge, totally fake, bright coral peonies that I picked up on clearance at Pottery Barn. I like ’em. ;)
beautiful and very cool!
looks so lovely
Gorgeous!
So pretty and cozy! I agree, I think when spaces are colorful they really shine at night so it’s fun for us non-all-whiters ;) to share!
Agreed!
Your home is so layered and gorgeous and I don’t believe for a second you’re not used to taking night photos–I’m swooning over everyone. Your home, and all the lighting scattered throughout was made for A Night In! Thanks so much for participating, Nicole!
Thank you for hosting and inviting me to take part! Such a fantastic idea.
Fellow electronic hider over here! I’ve stashed all of our modems and routers behind a chair in our family room. They’re best working and not seen. :)
I’m glad I’m not the only one.
It’s even more beautiful and layered looking at night!!!
Thank you! Maybe I should do this more often?
In you Night In, it felt as if I really was a welcome guest in your beautiful home! The ambiance and coziness in each room and corner envelopes you. It reminds me of a large home, my Aunt and Uncle had when I was a child (way way back) that in all its Sq footage and style was still a cozy family home with snugly vibes. Your post gets top honors in my book!
So glad it comes across that way. We love it here — definitely cozy! :)
I always wonder if you have any cleaning help,that is a huge house and everything always looks so cleaner than clean. Of course with 230 lbs of dog the hair rolls through our house like tumblin tumbleweeds and weirdly it clings to the bases of the white toilets like its magnetized Your home is always lovely but I wondered when you do have adults for an evening what’s your form of entertainment-cards,board games..trivial pursuit? just wondering but of course not being just plain nosy……..
I wish we had a cleaner. Five people, five pets, and a big house… I would love a little help!
I loved this- thanks for sharing!
Very enlightening (no pun intended) to see how the dark, dark walls look at night – I like it, a lot. Excellent inspiration to go dark(er) in my room with the least amount of natural light. Very nice post Nicole. Thanks.
I love our black walls. That room does get a ton of natural light, but dark colors can be a great choice for darker rooms too. Better than white, almost always.