I just got back from a whirlwind couple of days in St. Simons Island, Georgia.
The trees were tall, the people were friendly and the southern style was laid-back and leisurely.
I had the phenomenal opportunity to tour the 2017 HGTV Dream Home with our sponsor HGTV (you know the one, they give one away every year and it's a HUGE DEAL and I may have squealed just a little when I got to set foot in the latest edition).
We've been tackling a ton of challenges as we slowly remodel our own little farm house, so I was excited to see someone else's take on transitional design. The layout of the HGTV Dream Home is close to ours, with approximately the same square footage and similar challenges, including the need to create a cohesive space for wildly-varying personalities and be mindful of growing families.
The space alone provided pretty phenomenal inspiration. St. Simons has a lot of shoreside properties tucked into little coves, offering up the perfect backdrop for some casual coastal decor.
After 19 years with the same designer team, HGTV recently switched things up for the Dream Home and started using the expertise of the talented self-taught Brian Patrick Flynn.
Brian was totally in his element, noting this as his favorite space he's ever executed. The Atlanta native made the hop-skip-and-a-jump just 4 hours away from his own house to the familiar seaside duds here at St. Simons and infused the spot with his sweet, affable personality.
Outside, he started with some fantastic pavers and Trex furniture and decking for easy outdoor entertaining (a low-maintenance move I'll definitely be mimicking soon).
Moving into the pool room, beach meets country with preppy patterns and rustic accents.
Brian added casual throws throughout the house to keep guests comfortable.
Every transitional space is put to good use!
It's been awhile since I've seen this much pattern in any room, but I'm totally digging those off-the-wall elephants coming up against the penny tile in the shower.
I'll definitely be stealing the hanging hat look, largely because I have too many hats and not enough places to stash them.
Brian received a lot of backlash over the plaid room but I, for one, am smitten.
These roller baskets from Wayfair are smartly placed in strategic spots around the house. I keep hampers in the laundry room, obviously, but I love the idea of using a bathroom corner so people don't have to trek around in search of a spot to ditch their dirty towel.
The bright teenage room is basically one big happy reading nook that I would be thrilled to while away in for a bit.
Picture me cuddled up here. It's fitting, right?
These staggered bookshelves are totally going on my wish list. It gives the optical illusion of a big giant stack of books just waiting to topple, but they're actually surprisingly steady.
Gotta have some turquoise, too.
Brian used a big transitional space to serve as a workout nook with tufted chairs for a kind of ironic, voyeuristic feel.
And the great room is, well, pretty great. I'm digging the vaulted ceilings and natural wood accents.
More space is being wisely-used for umbrella storage, and I feel like the ladder on the wall could actually be functional as a makeshift coat rack. Peeking in from the background, you can get a glimpse of the oyster shell counters and hunter green tiles accenting the dark grey kitchen space.
Brian maintained some openness between the entryway and the dining room for light and cohesiveness, but functionally minimized the actual use of that opening by plopping down a formal chair to delineate the space.
I'm really digging the turtle. And the bust.
In the laundry room, a long wall serves as a pretty enviable mud room.
On through the hallway to the master bathroom, where the tile is similar to the long planks that Nate and I just installed in our living room.
There are some serious bathroom goals going on in here.
The walk-in closet is fun and funky, making unconventional use of the space by plopping a dresser in the center of the room.
What I love most about the master bedroom is the way it gives off a moody vibe at night…
…and transitions to an open, bright lounge space during the day.
What's your design style?