Robert and Sol’s House, My Birthday & Random

Today is my birthday, and since we were hit with more snow and cold weather, I stayed cozy inside, baking muffins and casserole while watching the January light change throughout the day as it filtered through snowy winter branches. Nature is the best artist and puts on a spectacular show! Less than a week ago, these pics were snapped at my baby sister’s rustic Mediterranean Arizona home:

Michele of Hello Lovely Studio with Luna, an English bulldog.
Photo: Jody Stella for Hello Lovely Studio.

This post contains affiliate links which I hope you will use since they won’t cost you a penny extra yet may earn this blog a small commission.

Lompoc 24" Bar Stool
Lompoc Counter Stools

It wasn’t a vacation. I flew to Arizona with my sister Jo to help our mom with rehab after knee replacement. (My sister Lisa’s bulldog, Luna, is a sweetheart!)

BTW. Thank you for your prayers and encouraging words for my mom…there were low moments, many tears, complications, and a trip to the ER I’d just as soon forget along with a few blessed ones. Time with my parents always feels sacred, and I tried to offer as much help as possible, though it’s my sister who is the nurse and leads the team valiantly.

Michele of Hello Lovely Studio, laughing with Luna and Stella.
Jo attempted to get Luna’s attention but called for “Tuna,” and it just tickled me all over.

There was drama trying to fly home as well, with just one runway open at O’Hare and more extreme weather in the forecast. The plane from Phoenix landing before ours slid right off the runway (did you catch it on the news?). So I’m extra glad to be in a no drama zone today.

My Birthday, Robert and Sol’s House & Ramblings

Personal Reflections on My Birthday

There’s so much for which I’m thankful on this low key restful birthday. What stands out is how far God has brought me in the last decade. If you spend any time in social media land, then you know the 10 year challenge is wildly popular at the moment. Ten years ago, when I came undone, I feared I might never again feel safe or calm. Love had left me, darkness moved in, and I stayed deep in a pit of despair, holding my breath, struggling to do simple things like swallowing.

Should you ever experience such agony, know that it will pass and the shackles will fall away. Know that even the darkness is purposeful and shaping you into something better. There are realms within realms we cannot see where the Mystery is at work. Trust it and give yourself time to grow.

Years later, I’m someone new. Someone wide awake with deeper compassion and higher mercy. Still a beautiful mess, I now live with more freedom and hope.

I listened to a heart-stirring sermon the other day, and the pastor concluded with: LIFE IS A GIFT. LOVE IS THE POINT. So simple and elegant!

English bulldog and mixed chihuahua on a travertine bench.
Luna and Stella.

If tattoos were my jam, LIFE IS A GIFT – LOVE IS THE POINT might be inked on my flesh because the sentiments somehow both energize and soothe me.

Michele of Hello Lovely Studio.
My sister’s trampoline is recessed in the ground, and just a little leaping wore me out, reminding me I was indeed born in the 60’s not the 80’s!

Isn’t it sort of miraculous how 8 words can begin to heal a soul?

Michele of Hello Lovely Studio with an English bulldog.
Hello Lovely Studio.

And this is the part of the post where I’m supposed to segue from an English bulldog into Spanish decorating ideas so here it comes…

Don’t you love the rustic stone hardscape of my sister’s outdoor kitchen and firepit area her husband designed and created? It is slightly reminiscent of a rustic style rarely seen on the blog…

*Do I get my gold star?*

A few readers emailed me about Robert and Sol’s lovely Spanish Colonial home after I mused about Grace and Frankie’s beach house on the Netflix series “Grace and Frankie” RIGHT HERE. So what the heck! People want to get the look! Let the people get the look!

Let’s have fun deconstructing a beautiful pretend home.

Robert and Sol's Spanish Colonial and contemporary California designed living room from Grace and Frankie on Netflix. Design by Devorah Herbert.
Robert and Sol’s beautiful living room with Spanish Colonial and Contemporary California design. Set design: Devorah Herbert. Grace and Frankie on Netflix/Skydance Productions.

Robert & Sol’s House on Grace & Frankie: Get the Look!

The style of Robert and Sol’s house is a blend of Spanish Colonial and Contemporary California. Set designer Devorah Herbert told Traditional Home she incorporated lots of warm natural tones, organic textures, and a mix of patterns.

The tile used in the kitchen is a handmade encaustic tile from Granada Tile.

Vintage 12.38" x 12.38" Ceramic Field Tile in Azul Mix
Spanish Tile.
Robert & Sol’s House on Grace & Frankie: Get the Look!

Spanish Colonial Design Elements

Interior designer Lisa Farmer summarized Spanish Colonial style beautifully with plenty of lovely examples of interiors. Interestingly enough, one of the images in the post depicts Jane Fonda’s New Mexico bedroom (in Architectural Digest) with its Spanish Colonial design. Do you suppose Jane joined the set designers when it came time to create Robert and Sol’s place?

Get the look: Rustic beams, weathered finishes, grand-scale doors, heavily textured walls, rich colors, elegant living rooms, handmade tiles, traditional Mexican folk art, built-in wall niches, rugged wood furniture, handcrafted art objects, retablos (devotional paintings), antique Spanish folk art, and traditional pottery.

Spanish Garden Hand Painted Trivets
Handpainted Spanish Trivets.
Robert & Sol’s House on Grace & Frankie: Get the Look!

Here’s a kilim pillow I found that seems to capture the cozy handsome bohemian vibe of the home’s interior:

Esquer Wool Throw Pillow
Esquer Wool Throw Pillow

Paint Color Ideas Inspired by Robert & Sol’s Home on Grace and Frankie

The quiet, neutral paint color on the walls has a similar mood to one from a renovation project we recently explored HERE. From the Magnolia paint line, this color is called Blanched.

For help choosing the perfect white paint color for your walls, SEE THIS.

Magnolia paint color Blanched
MAGNOLIA – Blanched.

Robert & Sol’s Kitchen Cabinets

The deep, moody greenish-gray on the kitchen cabinets is such a sophisticated hue, isn’t it? Such rich depth and warmth to it. Here’s a similar paint color to consider.

Benjamin Moore Kitty Gray: a dark gray with a shimmery green undertone. #darkgray #graygreen #grey #paintcolor #sophisticatedgray
BENJAMIN MOORE Kitty Gray 1589.
A dark gray with a shimmery green undertone, this pronounced shade mirrors plush, deep feline fur.

Find more designer favorite paint colors RIGHT HERE.

To discover antique folk art options, SEE THIS.

Caramel Leather Sofa + Spanish Inspired Rug Ideas

Potts Wool Rust Area Rug
Potts Wool Rust Area Rug.
Robert & Sol’s House on Grace & Frankie: Get the Look!

Two Seat Leather Sofa Ideas

Chappell Leather Sofa
Chappell Leather Sofa
Destinations Roswell Marigold Area Rug
Destinations Roswell Marigold Area Rug.
Robert & Sol’s House on Grace & Frankie: Get the Look!
Hyacinthe Phoenix Navy Area Rug
Navy Hyacinthe Area Rug. Interior Design Inspiration: Spanish Colonial and Contemporary California design.
Hyacinthe Phoenix Navy Area Rug
Cornish Leather Sofa
Cornish Leather Sofa

Ikat Curtain Ideas

Robert and Sol's house on Grace & Frankie - Netflix.

Rustic Cabinet With Hutch

Ellenton 2 Drawer Lateral Filing Cabinet with Hutch
Rustic Cabinet With Hutch.
Interior Design Inspiration: Spanish Colonial and Contemporary California design.
Charlisa China Cabinet
Rustic China Cabinet

Rustic Wagon Wheel Chandelier Ideas

Need a slightly smaller scale fixture?

Longfellow 6-Light Wagon Wheel Chandelier
6-Light Wagon Wheel Chandelier.
Interior Design Inspiration: Spanish Colonial and Contemporary California design.

Mid Century Modern Arm Chairs & Grey Throw

Zeman Tassel Throw
Zeman Tassel Throw.
Interior Design Inspiration: Spanish Colonial and Contemporary California design.
Jordy Armchair
Jordy Armchair

Find more options for armchairs RIGHT HERE!

Kilim Square Pouf Ottoman Ideas

Mars Hill Pouf
Square Mars Hill Pouf.
Interior Design Inspiration: Spanish Colonial and Contemporary California design.

Leather Pouf Ideas

Sunday Afternoon Leather Pouf
Sunday Afternoon Leather Pouf
Cherise Pouf
Cherise Leather Pouf. Get the look of this design style…in case you love the sets on Grace and Frankie!

Organically Rustic Table Lamp Ideas

Wafford 35'' Table Lamp
35″ Wafford Table Lamp
Patwin LED 30" Table Lamp
Rustic Wood 30″ Table Lamp.
Get the look of this design style…in case you love the sets on Grace and Frankie!
Antler 30" Table Lamp
Antler 30″ Table Lamp.
Get the look of this design style…in case you love the sets on Grace and Frankie!

Rustic and Refined Side Table Ideas

Super End Table
Super End Table

Warm & Rich Pillow Ideas

Iyer Wool Throw Pillow
Iyer Wool Throw Pillow.
Get the look of this design style…in case you love the sets on Grace and Frankie!
Yellowstone II Throw Pillow
Yellowstone II Throw Pillow.
Get the look of this design style…in case you love the sets on Grace and Frankie!

Don’t miss the Grace and Frankie beach house post HERE!

Pin me to spread the kindness!

Ramblings Right Where I Am

If you have ever cared for someone experiencing great pain, then you were likely changed forever. It’s uncomfortable and messy. There’s always the temptation to deny, run, or numb because joining someone in the valley demands so much capacity, strength, faith, and courage when reserves may be running low.

I’m here with a reminder that just a little faith will do. It will. Because grace is always flowing in abundance. You’ll be stretched in a way which will ultimately prosper you.

When you choose to say YES to the invitation to join another’s struggle , you are stepping on to holy ground, friends. So I encourage you to keep giving your YES, keep seeing the golden haze, keep purifying your filter to see the sacred in everything.

Pin me to spread the love!

I hope to be very young at heart like my mom even when I have bionic knees or use a walker…how about you?

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Shop for items you already intended to buy on Amazon RIGHT HERE, and also find home decor here to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
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28 Comments

  1. January 24, 2019 / 2:36 pm

    Happy birthday! Wishing you many, many more and all in good health.
    I LOVED that Grace & Frankie post. Huge fan of Lily and Jane.

    • michele
      Author
      January 24, 2019 / 2:52 pm

      Thanks so much! I am enjoying another day of living in a snow globe with gentle flakes flying through the air and collecting in our snowy woods! I love watching the show!

  2. Mary
    January 24, 2019 / 6:57 pm

    Happy Birthday, dear Michele. You are a blessing to all whose hearts you touch.

    • michele
      Author
      January 24, 2019 / 8:36 pm

      Thank you kindly, Mary.

  3. Debra Otjen
    January 25, 2019 / 7:37 am

    Happy Belated Birthday! Where did you get your darling dress from?

    • michele
      Author
      January 25, 2019 / 9:06 am

      Thank you! It’s from The Gap a few seasons back. 🙂

  4. Teresa C
    January 25, 2019 / 7:37 am

    Happy Birthday dear friend. May you continue to grow in grace and joy. My prayers for your Mother; I know how difficult TKR is. I’m coming up on my 10th year anniversary. Therapy is truly worth the struggle. I pray for courage for your Mother. As usual, I enjoyed today’s Hello Lovely.
    God bless you
    Teresa

    • michele
      Author
      January 25, 2019 / 9:06 am

      Thank you for the encouragement for my mama – she just got an excellent report from the surgeon yesterday and is beyond where he thought she would be! Thanks for your kindness and for reading, friend.

  5. Jan Fairchild
    January 25, 2019 / 7:59 am

    Happy Birthday Michele!!! I am in Algonquin at my daughters home!!! I too am staying in a snow globe!!! So much snow I hope my plane gets me back to Raleigh NC. I know you live nearby but don’t know where. Are you in Dundee? Or South Barrington? I hope to come back in May for the event in Rockford. Looks fun!!
    Jan

    • michele
      Author
      January 25, 2019 / 9:05 am

      How fun! Hope you are enjoying the winter beauty. I keep my location private for safety reasons. 🙂 We can always meet at Main Street Market in May! 🙂

      • Jan Fairchild
        January 25, 2019 / 7:48 pm

        That would be fun!!! Enjoy your beautiful snow!!
        Jan

  6. Deb Wostmann
    January 25, 2019 / 8:34 am

    Happiest of days to you and may your new year be as special as you are! Cheers….

    • michele
      Author
      January 25, 2019 / 9:03 am

      Such kindness flowing here – thank you so much!

  7. Joanna
    January 25, 2019 / 9:48 am

    Happy Birthday, Michele! I hope you enjoy your peaceful day at home. Nature is the Best gift of all. 53 is going to be a good year!
    Blessings,
    ~Joanna

    • michele
      Author
      January 25, 2019 / 12:18 pm

      It truly is, and I hope you are right – you usually are!

  8. leigh
    January 25, 2019 / 11:37 am

    Your blog is always so soothing, energizing, and inspiring! I love your quotes and collect them and others in my “quote” journal!! Thank you, and wishing for you the happiest of birthdays!

    • michele
      Author
      January 25, 2019 / 12:17 pm

      Thank you for collecting them! That helps this blog so much by spreading the word! It was a wonderful birthday, thank you so much. 🙂

  9. January 25, 2019 / 6:24 pm

    Well very HAPPY BIRTHDAY Michele! I’m glad you are in a good place for this one, albeit a cold place. My son lives in Chicago and had trouble getting home from his visit to see me for the same reason. He shares with me how bitterly cold it is there so I feel your pain. Baking warms both the heart and the home so glad you got to do both on your birthday.

    • michele
      Author
      January 25, 2019 / 6:50 pm

      Thanks so much, Celia. The snow is so pretty and makes our property look magical, so I can’t complain, although I worry about the homeless in this weather! Baking makes me so happy, and the house smells wonderful! xox

  10. Sheila in SF
    January 25, 2019 / 7:16 pm

    Happy Birthday and stay warm…

    • michele
      Author
      January 25, 2019 / 7:28 pm

      Thanks! I’m hunkering down at home and am nice and cozy! 🙂

  11. Kathy Walsh
    January 26, 2019 / 5:55 am

    Happy Belated Birthday, Michele! Sending wishes and prayers for a happy, healthy and blessed year! Love your beautiful blog. Your words of inspiration always touch my heart. Stay warm!!

    • michele
      Author
      January 26, 2019 / 9:10 am

      Thank you! So happy to have you here adding to the beauty. It’s coooooold – will do!

  12. Karen H.
    January 26, 2019 / 11:04 am

    Wishing you a belated Happy Birthday! Hope you had a marvelous day, Michele. Hope your mom is recovering well. Those pics at your sister’s home are gorgeous! You look so happy and healthy. Take care dear friend, and stay warm and cozy this weekend. Xo

    • michele
      Author
      January 26, 2019 / 1:21 pm

      Thanks, Karen. She is doing so well with her rehab, and I’m so proud of her. My sister’s backyard is dreamy – I actually looked like a ragamuffin with the tough, hardworking week we were having, but I decided to let you see me in a very real way (next time – give me my weave – give me my makeup!). xox

  13. January 28, 2019 / 5:47 am

    Parabéns! Desejo muitas felicidades e muitas alegrias. Amo seu blog. Todo dia vejo as belas postagens.

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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing