Brown cabinets are back, my NuFace purchase, Jennifer Aniston’s TikTok salad, and what we’ve been up to.
Lifestyle 101
Image Credit: Stephen Paul
Brown Cabinets Are Back, Let’s Take a Look At Some Of The Options.
Whether you're building a new house, renovating your space, or simply making a few updates, a carefully selected color scheme can help you get the right vibe. There are lots of browns to choose from and they range from light to dark. Walnut and white oak are trending right now and will stand the test of time. Nadia Watts from Nadia Watts Designs says, "Walnuts and white oak are classic woods that can be produced in a variety of door profiles that reach across many design styles.” But that doesn't mean you have to use these woods in particular. You might lean toward a darker wood, like cherry for a more dramatic kitchen look.
You should also consider what pairs well with each wood along with your paint and surface options. What feelings do you want to evoke when you enter the space? Cream and taupe can soften a space and pair well with darker woods. Greens are kind of a vibe right now, (such as an earthy encaustic tile) and looks great with some darker options, and the white options are endless and of course, always look clean. Let’s take a look at woods and door styles that we are seeing in today’s market.
White Oak
This is by far the most popular and looks great with oak flooring, white quartz, and stacked tile. Clean and timeless. Simple and sleek hardware give this farmhouse feel a modern edge.
Image Credit: Studio McGee
This white oak option is more streamlined and modern with no need for hardware. This minimalist approach with a simple quartz counter is also trending.
Image Credit: Stephen Paul
Make it stand out
Regardless of which type of walnut you decide on, real or engineered, walnut is becoming one of the most requested and you can see why. Although it’s been around for a while I think it’s a trend that is here to stay. It looks great with any hardware but I am having a crush on all things brass right now and the two marry very nicely.
Image Credit: Kitchen Design Concepts
Engineered Walnut
Either version does create a warmth that is truly beautiful. What are you kitchen dreams made of currently?
Image Credit: Peter J Schweitzer
Shopping 101
NuFace
So, I did it. I bought it and I love it. All the reviews you’ve heard are true, it is worth it.
It doesn’t feel like an electric shock, thank goodness. Rather, it uses gentle microcurrent technology to offer legitimate skin benefits. “Microcurrent units stimulate muscles and tighten skin, giving a lifted effect to brows, eyes, jawline, cheeks, and neck,” says Francesca Fusco M.D. an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York City, who’s not affiliated with the brand. “It stimulates collagen, circulation, and wound healing.”
I must say when I move the unit up my forehead I can feel the hair move on my scalp with an electric charge, most people would probably turn it down but I get satisfaction that it’s really doing something! The gel primer is a very important part of the process, so don’t think you can skimp on that or replace it with something else.
There is a visible difference immediately after, and after a week of use, you can maintain with 2-3 times a week.
Food 101
Jennifer Aniston’s Viral TikTok Salad
It has been said that Jennifer Aniston ate this salad every day for 10 years while filming Friends. After a little research, I found that this is actually a salad she shared while doing an Instagram takeover for the Living Proof brand. Either way, she calls this “the perfect salad” and I know why… it is!
Simple and fresh ingredients make this salad filling yet still feel light. It would be a perfect meal to batch for meal prepping or serve alongside salmon, but I assure you it’s perfect all on its own!
Ingredients
Who doesn’t love a meal that makes weeknight dinner easy or lunch for work? Simply throw all the ingredients in a large bowl, mix it up and call it dinner!
Jennifer Aniston Salad
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
- Feel free to use bulgur if desired. Add bulgur and water to a small pot and bring the water to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12 minutes. Drain off any access water. Fluff with a fork and let cool for 5-10 minutes.
What We’ve Been Up To:
Projects
We have been out here getting our hands dirty and overseeing some projects! The heat is turning up here in the desert and the people have left town so now it’s time to get their homes spruced up! What we’re currently working on:
A full yard reno using Yardzen and I’m pretty stoked about it! If you haven’t heard of Yardzen you must go check them out! Also switching out surfaces, lots of new furniture and lighting, and even a custom-built wine cellar! Stay tuned (especially on my Instagram) for updates on this fun project!
We are still moving through a reno in Indian Wells. It was a smaller project but has been fun and I can’t wait to reveal some of that as the furniture finally arrives. Did you know furniture is taking 9-12 months to arrive! Sheesh!
We are working on the renovation of an older space for the Chamber of Commerce to move into in just 30 days. This one isn’t very glamorous and will turn around so fast it might feel like a flip!
We also just landed a new project in a fun location. The Thermal Racing Club! This is a new build and I am looking forward to selecting all the finishes for this one. It’s also unique as it’s like a giant man-cave. The house and the garage are almost the same size and it’s located right on a track! Dave is giddy about this one!
We are still organizing, event planning, and doing whatever else fits on the calendar.
We would love to work with you!
Things I Can’t Stop Watching
I was recently introduced to Architecture by Alexander on YouTube and I must say it’s a fascinating journey. Ya, maybe a bit nerdy but in a good way, if you’re into architecture then it’s worth checking out. I would definitely start with Architecture of Curb Appeal, Why Architecture Today Lacks Character, or even A Breakdown of Brad and Kanye’s Architecture for some amazing insight on architectural concepts and ideas that are really fun and interesting! I find it interesting how celebrity and architecture can go hand and hand. We already know that Architectural Digest introduces celebrities and their celebrity homes and people can’t stop watching. It maybe obvious to see that Olgiati and Kanye’s self-adoration is obviously what brought them together. Go watch some, I promise there is something there for YOU!
Reading
It’s SUMMER and that means BOOKS! What is on your summer reading list? One that isn’t on this list because I literally just started it is by Colleen Hoover, her books are so good and such a fast read, great for poolside or beach! Anyhoo, it’s called Levity and I was hooked by the 7th page, really. Add this one to your list too!
Here are a few of mine. Leave yours in the comments at the bottom of this page, I always love a good book recommendation! ⬇️
Instagram is a funny place! I wanted to share this Instagram reel that I made in just a few minutes that brought in over 600 followers in just a few days! I’m just figuring this stuff out but if you are one of our new subscribers from this Reel, thank you! 💕
Thank you for stopping by, until next time…. xoxo
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