After the disastrous move we had a few weeks ago, I can finally AND happily say life has calmed down to a low roar and we’re getting our sea legs here in the Tar State.
There’s so much to see and do, we’re like kids in a candy shop.
Sunday we went to the Southern Living Idea House located on beautiful Bald Head Island, an idyllic, five mile long island off the coast of North Carolina.
Bald Head Island is only accessible by a twenty minute ferry ride from Southport, NC. There are no cars allowed on the island, and people typically get around using golf carts, bikes or their feet. The absence of cars contributes a great deal to the serene, almost magical feel you experience as soon as you set foot off the ferry.
We considered renting bikes but changed our minds at the last minute and took advantage of the free tram that was provided specifically for ticket holders to the house. The ride was about 15 minutes on a mostly dirt road, through densely landscaped terrain with barely a glimmer of any houses that were tucked away behind them.
(I took a lot more photos than what I’ll be showing you today, but if you’d like to see more and get some detailed information about the house go to Southern Living.)
Visitors to the house should not expect grandeur, but they can expect a well thought out home designed with efficiency of space in mind and a few unexpected elements thrown in for good measure.
Something that I’ve always wanted was an outdoor kitchen that is at least partially covered, so I can grill year round outside. It seems like such a practical addition to a home, especially in warmer climates. We will have a small 10′ square concrete pad in our new house where I’m hoping to squeeze in a grill and perhaps a sink and/or fridge.
The Idea House has a small but well designed outdoor kitchen, visible in the background, but I also wanted to show you the little bar area. What a great idea, and if you have a window in your kitchen or dining area you could easily adapt something like this for your own home very inexpensively.
Not surprisingly, the Idea House is open concept with high ceilings, but what really sets this home apart are the tall windows that let in a ton of natural light, making the home appear bright and airy.
One of my favorite spaces in this lovely home was the guest quarters. Not so spacious that your guests won’t want to leave, but spacious enough that they can spread out and not feel cramped. And what do you think of this color? I β₯οΈIt! I’m seriously considering blues for our new place, but every time I see this color I’m tempted to nix that idea!
And check out these bold and beautiful stairs on the second floor landing!
I remember having a chair exactly like these when I was in my 20’s. Everything old is new again :).
Here is a view of the kitchen from the dining/living area. Notice the thin gold band on the exhaust and how it lines up exactly with the gold band at the top of the backsplash. Details, details, details.
Here’s a shot of the kitchen from the landing. Love the quartz countertops and pop of orange.
The master bedroom has floor to ceiling windows and a beautiful, sophisticated chandelier that adds just the right amount of bling.
One of my favorite spaces was the master bath. Classic and bright, but the floors provide a modern, almost whimsical touch that gives it that wow factor.
If I had to describe this house in one sentence it would be ‘great use of space’. Every square inch has been planned meticulously, and if you visit and you’re not inspired, well, I guess you’re just not paying attention. π
There are so many pretty houses on the island, but this one really spoke to me. Notice the trees and greenery. Almost all the houses, with the exception of the ones directly on the beach, were landscaped like this. Truly magical!
In other news…
The weather has cooled down a bit, giving us the opportunity to do some bike riding for the first time since we arrived nearly three weeks ago. It’s wonderful exploring Wilmington, finding new restaurants, taking carriage tours through historic neighborhoods, lazy beach days and my personal favorite, checking out the amazing decor shops in the area.
I have some photos of Southport, voted the ‘happiest beach town in the US’, but I’m going to quit while I’m ahead for now. It’s cumbersome to blog from my iPad, and sometimes I just can’t get a connection on Fisherman’s laptop where it would be easier, even with our hotspot, so bear with me. Consider following me on IG where I share some photos that don’t make it onto the blog. Just click on the camera icon just below. π
Emily says
Sounds like you are settling in wonderfully. What a great way to spend a day going to the island for the Southeern Living Idea House. It is gorgeous and I love the island landscaping. We have a lot of that down on the AL coast. I have visited many SL show homes, they are always beautifully designed and decorated. I enjoyed the tour Doreen…….
Brenda Pruitt says
Sounds like a fun day. Gorgeous home!
Brenda
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
That is lovely inspiration π
Marilyn @ Pink Paper Cottage says
What a bright and light home to give you some ideas I’m sure for when you build your home! I’m not sure what color you meant for the guest bedroom… green? It had wallpaper but love the loveseat too in that pretty soft green. I did have a mint green bedroom once but didn’t like it as seemed too “cool” for me.. not real warm and cozy. I think blue is the same, although blue and white is so beachy feeling that I do love that! The master bedroom is so nice.. I’ve always wanted high windows above the bed like that as I think it would give some nice cross ventilation. Our bedroom now has that possibility “some day”. Glad you are having some time to wind down and explore. Always fun to explore a new town. How big is Wilmington? How close are you to the beaches? That island must be wonderful.. can’t imagine how neat it would be to not having any cars there.. I think I would love it. xoxo Marilyn
tammy j says
you have landed in the right spot.
you know… I believe and always have… that there are ‘places’ on this planet that have a connection…
with our very souls. if we have the chance or make the chance to live there it will make a difference in our lives.
I think this one is yours.
you feel/felt that connection as soon as you ‘try it on!’ like a dress or something.
nobody has to tell you it’s right for you. YOU know it! and you will feel it more and more.
i’m so happy for you.
and I love that open and airy southern living house. and the colors in it … YES! touches of coral with teal! brilliant.
the only exception would be the floor in the master bath. not so fond of that. otherwise… gorgeous!
Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage says
Ahhhh I am living vicariously through you. What a great place to have landed. Love that Southern Living House. Swooning over that one. I know it is a ways off but I cannot wait for you to get into your sweet Home Sweet Home.
Enjoy all the exploring. You are in such a wonderful piece of Heaven.
Hugs,
Kris
Cindy says
Doreen, it sounds like you are very happy with your decision. An outdoor kitchen is something not worth having in the Northeast with the cold weather. It would never stay in tip top condition.
Enjoy your days
Cindy
AnnMarie says
What a great home!! Is it a model of what you are getting? I bet you will incorporate some of the dΓ©cor ideas!
Penny at Enjoying The Simple Things says
Thanks for the tour of the home! I am glad to hear you are settling into your new home town.
Rita C at Panoply says
Doreen, so happy you’re getting settled, and thank you for the tour! I do love that color green – go for it!! I don’t think you’d ever tire of it, it’s basically a neutral.
I love the fact that the idea house uses space wisely. I think McMansions are a thing of the past. I like that outdoor space connection, too. One thing I don’t like, though, is that open view of the kitchen from stairs – you’d be forced to keep that lantern clean all the time and it looks like it would be a real dirt & grime catcher, esp on the inside of the glass!
Red Rose Alley says
This is a charming house, and I like the floor plan. That would be nice to have blues in your home. I’ve always thought blue in the home was so pretty. An island where there are no cars, only getting around on bikes and feet…..that’s a wonderful thought, especially since I had to call AAA this morning cause my car battery was getting low haha. This was a great idea to go to the Southern Living Idea House to get some creative ideas. The picture you took of the island and water is beautiful, Doreen. Have fun, the planning and dreaming is one of the best parts of moving!
~Sheri
ps…..thank you for the birthday wishes for Jess. : )
Mary says
That is one pretty house Doreen. An eclectic style with items from all sorts of styles. But that is the mastery in decorating, being able to combine different styles to make a whole that looks cohesive. Glad to hear you are well after your move and settling down to enjoy your surrounding.
Marsha says
What a charming home! I love all of the windows and natural light. I’ve sent my daughter a similar picture of the outside porch and bar. She is renovating her kitchen and will be putting in new windows. i suggested she put in an extra large one with the outside barstools on the other side. It is such a neat idea. I love it. I can’t wait to hear more about your new surroundings and I hope you will enjoy your new residence. North Carolina is such a lovely place to settle. Happy Exploring!
Poppy says
The gold trim on the exhaust being exactly inline with the gold border of the bright and beautiful back splash sold me! Such attention to detail proves that this idea house was meticulously planned, built and decorated! As you say, space, and especially, good traffic flow, is vital – case in point: when I vacuum, now, in my home, I don’t curse the couch anymore, or other pieces of furniture that were in my way, as I did in our awkwardly laid out rental apartment of 20 years!
Great pics of this pretty and practical idea home and glad to learn that you have already managed to make yourselves ‘at home’ in North Carolina, although I am well aware of your very proud NYC roots!
xxx
Poppy
Carla TePaske says
Hi, Beautiful tour, thank you for sharing.
I love the floor in the bathroom. I also like the landing floor. Fun ideas.
Carla
Judy says
Doreen, so glad you are settling in and enjoying your new town and home. I love the thought of living where there are no cars allowed. That looks like a dream of a house, no fussiness but so comfy. Love the cottage with the pretty landscaping and the bikes lined up..Happy Weekend..xxoJudy
Karen says
What a beautifully designed home – love all the pretty details! Sometimes I wish I could just start over and tear the house down to the studs, but I’m going to live vicariously through you, Doreen! I can’t wait to see what your new home looks like and I’m sure you are just as anxious. Glad to hear that life is slowing down a bit for you and you are enjoying your new environment. It’s so exciting to explore a new place. I’ve never been to that area of the country, so it will all be new to me, too. Have fun on those bike rides! xx Karen
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
Love visiting show homes like this, you get so many ideas. Hopefully you can use some of what you saw for your new home.
Julie says
Hi Doreen, oh you and fisherman sound so happy and enjoying your new adventure. I love that model home. The outside of that other home is so charming. So glad you two are having fun.
Enjoy the weekend.
Julie
Pinky says
Wilmington and surrounding areas are so beautiful. I hope we get back there sometime…we have friends that live there. The idea house is great and I would kill for that master bath!!!! It makes mine look like a TINY closet! Glad you are getting settled!!!
Cecilia says
How fun! I love visiting places like that for all the ideas! Hope you share more. I’m playing catch up after all the wedding crazy last week. All went well and as soon as get some sleep I will do a post! Glad you are settling in and things have calmed spdown. Enjoy the nice weather!
Stacey says
One of these days I want to see a Southern Living Idea Home in person. Remember when they used to do 3 or 4 per year? Oh those were the days!!
You and your hubby are on a new adventure together. π
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
That is one lovely home! I enjoyed the visit π
Dewena says
I love for you to explore NC and share it here! Bring them on!
I seriously love the big windows in the SL house, not just big but big with character. And those bathroom vanities! And the orange light fixture in the kitchen and that quartz countertop!
And the island houses landscaping would draw me into the yards.
Will you be using any of the ideas from the house in your own choices? One can always dream, right?
Love you girl,
Dewena
Nancy says
A truly lovely home, but it’s the back porch that won my heart. What a perfect space for entertaining, or just lounging and enjoying the temperate climate, as you mentioned. You certainly picked a lovely place to land. North Carolina is a gorgeous state. Enjoy! I’m looking forward to what you will be sharing as you build your own dream home. Hugs.
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
I just love stepping into homes and I enjoyed this little tour.