Time to Chat: Say HELLO LOVELY to Best of Late Summer Beauty & Encouragement!

On this Labor Day, I’m struck by how it has been one heck of a laborious summer! I actually looked forward to weeding the garden beds if only because I could breathe fresh air and step away from the long to-do lists! I miss seasons affording enough quiet time to simply close my eyes at the keyboard and type stream of consciousness musings from my heart to yours. Yet I know the noise and imbalance of the moment will make way for balance, will become a memory. When you live long enough, you more clearly understand seasons and see how each belongs. Fresh growth experiences from change and renovation are shaping me into something new. Courage earned now will sustain me later. If this philosophizing sounds like naïveté (“bless her lil’ heart, girlfriend’s coping skills and arsenal of silver linings are on fleek”), I hear you. But wisdom frequently resembles naïveté, kittens. So let’s chat. Maybe you’ll discover interiors, paint colors, and encouragement quotes to PIN (are you following my boards?) Say Hello Lovely to Best of Late Summer Beauty & Encouragement.

Late Summer Posts You May Have Missed + Encouragement Quotes

The summer is a little bit of a blur since we worked hard on indoor projects almost every single day and didn’t travel. Work for this blog has truly been my refuge since it doesn’t entail physical stamina or drywall dust. For example, daydreaming of ideas for a relaxing bedroom retreat? Yes, please.

Dreaming of a Tranquil Bedroom?

They’re hard to beat – see stunning examples HERE.

BM Oystershell paint color in a beautiful bedroom designed by Kati Hardwick. #bmoystershell #neutralpaintcolors
Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles | Designer: Kati Hardwick, B.D. Jeffries | Photography: Emily Followill
Encouragement quote about enoughness on Hello Lovely Studio. #encouragementquotes #empowermentquotes #strugglequotes

The last time we tackled a whole house renovation ourselves, I blogged almost weekly, chronicling all of the projects. But I was still a hobby blogger, and blogging was a whole different enchilada back then. I look forward to the day when most of the rooms are done, and I can create before/after posts, revealing the highlights and helpful bits.

I Finally Shared Peeks at Our Renovated Kitchen

This farm sink (Nantucket Sinks) is dreamy to use in the kitchen which is nearly done. Good gracious, it feels like we have been camping in chaos forever, and now we’re adding the finishing touches like window coverings and pretty decor. See the sink in THIS.

Hello Lovely's farm sink (Hyannis-30 from Nantucket Sinks) in renovated kitchen with Viatera Muse counters and Waterworks Julia faucet. #farmsinks #farmhousesink
Hello Lovely Studio

Not sure you know this, but posts on the blog about white paint colors and white countertops are THE most popular ones. And if you only knew how much this makes sense!!!! Since I became a homeowner, I have been painting things–alllllll kinds of things white. A brush dripping with white paint in my hand has been the most natural thing for nearly 30 years! I’m a painter…a meditative, peaceful, joyful one.

Need a Bright White?

White paint colors to consider if you’re seeking a bright white are HERE.

Tiny house exterior painted BM Simply White and trimmed with board and batten - Monika Hibbs. #simplywhite #whitehousecolors #paintcolors
Simply White on exterior – Monika Hibbs
Encouragement and personal growth quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #controlquotes #empowermentquotes #strugglequotes

Thinking about decorating for Christmas is always a mixed bag for me personally. I’m not great at holiday decor since I tend to be a minimalist, yet I know how much magic it brings to my family members who visit. I also know my readers LOVE inspiration and ideas. How I would love for a magazine stylist and crew to show up and do it all for me!

Holiday Inspiration to Get Planning Now

Readers of this blog love collecting ideas and holiday vibes all year round…go HERE if you’re in the mood for jingles and tingles.

Autumn Crafts & Quotes

Aren’t these leaf animals (spotted on Hello Wonderful’s FB page) darling? More autumn decor and craft ideas were spotlighted in THIS.

Leaf animal craft ideas by Hello Wonderful. #autumncrafts #leafcrafts #fallcrafidea
HelloWonderful.co
Mental health quote on Hello Lovely Studio about negative thoughts. #personalgrowthquote #mentalhealthquotes

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

There are so many ways to warm up white interiors, and my favorite tried and true strategy is to simply mix warm whites with cool whites, greyed whites, and all the other whites on the spectrum.

Ideas for Warmer White Kitchens

No need to be nervous about a white kitchen feeling cold with ideas HERE.

If it seems like there are extra posts about kitchen design inspiration, that’s because we have been busy with ours. As a result, beautiful kitchens are on my radar!

European Country Kitchens

I wonder what my readers from Europe think sometimes about what we term European Country. Most of the images are of spaces outside of Europe! Find lovely kitchen inspiration HERE.

Anxiety quote and centering instructions on Hello Lovely Studio. #anxietyquotes #mentalhealthquotes

It’s not just my fatigue that makes it tough to post images of our rooms in progress. I feel allergic to “process” photos of spaces that are obviously incomplete and awkward. It takes time to find the right antique for that wall or rug or lamp, ya know? So I feel vulnerable sharing all of the undone glimpses even though most folks understand and won’t criticize.

We’ve Made Great Progress at Our New House!

See a few glimpses in THIS UPDATE.

Hello Lovely's entry and dining room with tree mural wallpaper and light oak floors. #diningrooms #treemural
Hello Lovely Studio

I didn’t inherit a pretty laundry room, but it IS a step above our last one. It’s still one of those pass through from the garage spaces, but it has a sink and a counter for folding clothes. We relocated kitchen cabinets to this galley-shaped room, and I put my vintage crystal chandelier from Sweden where there was a fluorescent ceiling light. I’m thinking about painting the floor tile and maybe upgrading some of the finishes, but aren’t laundry rooms without natural light hard!?!

Laundry Room Inspo

Score lovely ideas for laundry room and mud room design in THIS.

Purbeck Stone (Farrow & Ball) painted cabinetry in beautifully designed laundry room by @torirubinsoninteriors.
Purbeck Stone no. 275 (Farrow & Ball) on cabinetry in this stunning laundry room by @torirubinsoninteriors; photo: Stephen Karlisch; styling: Melanie McKinley; builder: Ramsey Construction Co
Self-kindness quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #selfacceptancequotes #selfkindnessquotes #selflovequotes

One of the things I realized early on after we bought this Georgian house is how I don’t want it to be a theme house. It isn’t going to be purely modern French or purely classic Hamptons or even purely European country (although it IS in the country and European-inspired). I crave design freedom to do what feels right intuitively and what feels right for the house. (Oh, this house is talkin!).

Modern French Style in Jill Egan’s Home

Lose yourself in luxurious lovelyland within this designer’s own home in THIS.

Modern French living room with elegant white mix of antiques - design by Jill Egan and architecture by Kirby Mears. #modernfrench #livingrooms
Interior Design: Jill Egan, Architecture: Kirby Mears, Photography: Kerry Kirk

We plan to vacation next month, and I can only imagine how wonderful Tennessee country is that time of year!

Rustic Tennessee Country Cottage

Tour the American country rustic interiors (with their sunny yellow checkered floors!) of Storybook Cottage where we vacationed in Leiper’s Fork.

Rustic country cottage in Leiper's Fork, TN known as storybook cottage - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio
Boundaries quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #empowermentquotes #boundaryquotes

The Early Beauty apples at our local orchard are beyond delicious this year. We have already spent time at the orchard, and I may or may not have prepared apple crisp five times in recent weeks (essentially on the days it rained!).

Apple Recipes

As soon as August rolls around, I start dreaming about baking apples – find a few recipes HERE.

I’m such a fan of Suzanne Kasler!

Suzanne Kasler Inspo

She has a new book (Edited Style) coming out, and THIS is a look at the last amazing one (Sophisticated Simplicity)!

Suzanne Kasler designed elegant bathroom in Sophisticated Simplicity (Rizzoli, 2018). #elegantbathroom #bathroomdesign
@SuzanneKasler
Mental health quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #selflovequotes #strugglequotes

While I’m not certain our living room (more of a casual den since it is small and cozy) will stay as it is now, I love a California-cool, tranquil, airy space that is luxe but not fancy. So I’m naturally drawn to Amber Lewis and Jenni Kayne. At our house, historically, the living room is the calm zen space where you take a nap.

Amber Lewis + Anthropologie

Whether you love easy California style, Amber Lewis, or Anthro, find lovely finds and ideas HERE.

Roslyn table lamp by Amber Lewis on a marble topped dresser with huge round mirror. #tablelamps #amberlewis
Dresser with Roslyn Table Lamp designed for Anthropologie by Amber Lewis

Who likes getting their holiday shopping done before the rush? And who likes unique gifts? Don’t forget about Etsy.

Handmade Art & Decor Ideas from Etsy

Such a fun romp! Come see Etsy Design Award winners and finalists in THIS.

Lovely handmade from Etsy Design Awards Winners - on Hello Lovely Studio! #etsydesignawards #handmadefinds
PIN me!
Struggle quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #personalgrowthquotes #encouragementquotes

Kitchen Carts & Small Work Tables for a Kitchen

Sometimes you don’t have space for a sprawling island in the kitchen, but there are plenty of fun-sized alternatives – discover a few HERE.

Beautiful rustic kitchen with upcycled work table island and white beadboard - @amberinteriors and photo by Tessa Neustadt. #rustickitchen #worktable #antiquefarmhouse #farmhousekitchens
@amberinteriors, photo: Tessa Neustadt

Who wouldn’t want to check in at this amazing boutique hotel!?!

Inspiration from Heckfield Place

Read more about Heckfield Place HERE.

Beautiful English country classic bedroom with moody green walls at Heckfield Place. #englishcountrybedroom #europeancountry
@heckfield_place
Boundary quote on Hello Lovely Studio about saying no. #empowermentquotes #encouragementquotes

Someday I will visit this region when the lavender is blooming!

Travel to the Cotswold Region

Until you can vacation there, enjoy a virtual escape with this tour of cottages.

Front door to No. 3 Blockley - a charming vacation rental in the Cotswolds.
No. 3 Blockley

Designers Inspiring Me This Moment

Prepare to sigh and stare and pin these amazing designs by a few favorite creatives in THIS.

Mary Oliver quote on Hello Lovely Studio to encourage and uplift. #maryoliver #encouragementquote #naturequotes #poetry

Blue Kitchen Paint Color Ideas

What a timeless combination blue and white are for a kitchen–a collection of them with paint color ideas awaits in THIS.

Nancy Meyers “The Holiday” Sets

It just never gets old! Do you love the homes in the movie as much as watching Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Cameron Diaz and Jack Black in “The Holiday?” Then you’ll love THIS.

Tiny tub and bathroom in the English cottage in THE HOLIDAY where Kate Winslet's character lives. #theholiday #rosehillcottage
Rosehill Cottage set from “The Holiday” (Columbia Pictures, 2006); production design: Jon Hutman; set decoration: Cindy Carr and David Smith
Jen Hatmaker quote about change, wisdom, and transformation. #jenhatmaker #quotes #selfawareness #transformation #encouragementquote #parentingquote

Romantic & Relaxed Interiors

Peek at these laid back luxe rooms that invite you to slow down and rest HERE.

Love an Earthy Green?

Plenty of paint color ideas for olive, sage, and more in THIS.

Sage Green paint colors from Hello Lovely Studio. #greenpaintcolors #sagegreen
PIN me!
Beautiful entry in an English home with stunning sage green painted door - Imperfect Interiors. #entry #interiordesign #classicdesign #victorianhome #englishhome #sagegreen #greenpaint
Imperfect Interiors
Inspirational quote about strength from Michele of Hello Lovely Studio. #inspirationalquote #lifequote #encouragementquote #quoteabouthope

Dining Rooms With European Country Charm

Whether you love rustic French farmhouse style or more elegant dining options, find inspiring examples HERE.

Timeless Kitchen Inspiration for Our Renovation

Find the story HERE.

Beautiful timeless natural kitchen by Ashley Montgomery Design. #timelesskitchens
Ashley Montgomery Design
Wendell Berry poem THE PEACE OF WILD THINGS on Hello Lovely. #wendellberry #peacepoetry

“Home Again” Movie: Ideas to Get the Look!

There are some movies worth watching just for the amazing sets, and the ones from Nancy Meyers are hard to beat – get more details about this Reese Witherspoon hit HERE.

Inspiration from Patina Farm’s Interiors

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

Thanks for shopping RIGHT 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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6 Comments

  1. Marcia Lenci
    September 6, 2022 / 7:52 am

    I so identify with this post. We bought and remodeled an old commercial building and a home at the same time and I feel like all I do is dust covered reno work since February.
    I was the GC and designer on both projects and it was a lot! The house and building are 95 percent complete now with mostly just the punch list and decorating to do….. which finding the perfect pieces is a whole other can of worms. But I look back with a sense of loss as this summer has passed and I did nothing but work. Your post made me feel better about the “season” that I endured and a reminder that softer, peaceful and cleaner seasons are still to come 🙂
    As a kitchen designer I have well over 100 kitchens under my belt but this monumental project changed me and afforded me wisdom beyond the actual construction. It’s funny how we take on tough things in life that are just what we needed to grow.
    In any case we live in Franklin TN and you will love Leipers Fork if you haven’t visited before. This area is a little bubble that we feel blessed to have found!

    • Michele
      Author
      September 6, 2022 / 12:44 pm

      So happy you’re here! Thank you for joining me. It helps so much as a fellow real life renovator, yes? How exciting that you are 95% done! Maybe you’ll want to share a tour on Hello Lovely – we would love it if you choose to! Thank goodness for the growth, personal and spiritual and relationally that happens with these challenges. I love your town so much. I fell in love with Franklin more than 20 years ago and think we would love retiring there. My late grandfather and his family were from Byrdstown. We visited Leiper’s Fork a couple years ago and loved staying at Storybook Cottage.

  2. September 6, 2022 / 8:49 am

    Michele, I love reading your posts! They are like sitting down with my favorite magazine! The images, inspiration and your beautiful writing take me aways from the world if only for 20 minutes.
    I know how you feel about sharing renovation photos, as I am in the think of it like you. I don’t want to have to explain why we picked something that we like and you don’t, etc.
    Hope you are enjoying a beautiful early Fall. There is nothing wrong by the way with apple crisp 5 times a week, it is like health food!
    xo Elizabeth

    • Michele
      Author
      September 6, 2022 / 12:34 pm

      You’re the best, Elizabeth. I am so grateful to have you on this journey. Truly. The fact that we are both in the thick of it as you say means you totally get it. It is such a vulnerable feeling to share images when I’m experimenting with decor and even finishes in some cases. Thank you for supporting me…even on the apple crisp front. I baked some last night, and I can’t guarantee there won’t be more baked apples tomorrow. Hahahaha. Kindred! 🙂

  3. anne d larkin
    September 6, 2022 / 12:41 pm

    That Fortuny silk hanging light is out of this world.

    • Michele
      Author
      September 6, 2022 / 12:51 pm

      Dreamy! 🙂

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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