Thanks to all y’all’s input on our art dilemma, we finally made a decision and went with Option 1. The combination of print and pattern and color turned out to be simply perfect.
And as great as the art looked in my mockup, it looks even better in person.
It feels so good to have some art on the walls again, like someone actually lives here now and didn’t just move in days before. And we couldn’t be happier with our choices!
I realized it’d been years since I’d shared any home pictures, and the ones I had were seriously outdated. Our under-the-spiral-stair storage was still a flimsy little metal thing from the second hand store (we’ve since built a custom shelving unit with light wood and metal rods, see it in the kitchen photo below), nor had we installed our semi-built-in storage that spans the living room wall. Really, the only things that haven’t changed in the 7 years that we’ve lived here are the pot rack, the lime green mixer, and the Hatch Showprint posters on the wall.
Oh, and Kalypso. She’s still as chubby as ever.
The living room built-ins (which is actually an IKEA Besta base to which we added a new top and base pieces to make it look more built-in) were the only way I could imagine to fit all my props into our limited space.
But what do I do now that it’s full?
Oops.
And no, we didn’t forget to ‘stage’ those floating shelves above the TV. The only decorative objects that grace those shelves are of the furry variety. Anything else that happens to be sitting there will be promptly relocated to the floor.
These cats. They run our lives, I tell you.
Our kitchen. While we’re thankful for ample counterspace, the cabinet space is severely limited. Hence the need for all the extra storage.
We’re toying with the idea of painting the cabinets. Light gray, perhaps? I’d love white, but seeing as how much white we’ve already got going on I think it might be a bit excessive. What do you think? My dream would also be to replace the counters with a single level (no more raised bar) and a matte-finish countertop. I’m sick of this shiny stuff.
The faux-hide rug is our newest addition, replacing the old multi-colored Flor tiles we had there before. Dare I say our taste is maturing? The rug, anyhow, was so opposite of our typical style that I almost didn’t get it. But after some rotating and careful placement under the gray sofa, it’s starting to grow on us. I love how the organic shape breaks up all of the squares in the room (our old rug was ALL squares, I was longing for some curves!)
A new sofa is probably on the horizon, as what these photos don’t show (hello clever blanket placement) is the number our cats have done to the back corners of the sofa.
Here’s a million dollar idea for you: a sofa with refillable cat scratchers embedded into the corners. Then they can scratch to their heart’s content and when it gets gross and stringy, you just pop in a fresh post.
Brilliant, I tell you!
I wasn’t kidding when I said we were going to make that chicken recipe (I mean, if it’s on your wall you better as heck be able to vouch for it). It was our Christmas dinner, in fact! While the recipe is lacking a few key details (artistic license, ahem), I’ve filled them in for you below.
I loved cooking the chicken in the cast-iron skillet, so much more manageable than a giant roasting pan (save that one for the turkeys). Why didn’t I think of that before?
Perfect Roasted Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
- Preheat to 500 degrees F. Place a 10 or 12-inch cast iron skillet on a rack positioned in the lower third of your oven until hot.
- Rub the chiken all over with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
- Carefully place the chicken, breast side up, in the hot skillet and return to oven. Roast for 15 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Continue to roast until chicken is golden brown, and a thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 degrees F (ours took about another 45 minutes for a 6 pound bird; depending on the size of your chicken, I’d recommend checking the temperature after about 30 minutes to see where you’re at).
- Transfer the chicken to a platter, tipping the chicken to let the juices flow out into the pan before moving it. Let rest for at least 15 minutes before carving and serving.
Recipe from Minted artist Elliot Stokes
All images and text ©Lindsay Landis / Love & Olive OilDid you make this recipe?
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I have to say, getting a box with your art already framed and ready to hang on the wall is downright convenient. Custom framing is complicated and expensive and just a hassle overall.
If I won the giveaway, I would love to find several nice prints to decorate my bedroom. I have a wall that feels neglected.
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The roast chicken print is awesome, I would choose this and the I love baking prints framed for the kitchen , I also love the constellations art collection
I think I already said this the last time you posted photos of your home but I adore how much natural light you have! The place I moved into in Columbus unfortunately has slightly less natural light than my place in Memphis did (which was already less than you have) but the size and price was right. Stupid behemoth couch of mine prevented me from being able to get some of the other places I liked with better lighting, but maybe in a couple years when we move on to buy… but I digress. Love the art you picked!
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I would get the French Deco Bouquet, Marais, and Delicate Doily personalized stationery for myself and the Maura stationery for my friend Maura,
Art! Our walls are bare. I already subscribe. Thanks!
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I would buy original artwork for my bedroom. Love the selections and filters too.
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What a fun giveaway! I love their art and frames. The Blossoming is my favorite. And I love the fabrics they have too! So pretty! :) Oh my… and love their theme party supplies. SO much fun.
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I found two, Botanical Collage and Elephant Love!
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I also subscribe :-)
I like your living room area. I want to add a walkway to each side with bookshelves but I also really like the open feeling and all that light.
Baby announcements…shhh!
I renovated my bathroom in July 2013 and still haven’t found artwork that I love. But I had never looked at Minted! Problem solved! Now…to decide which ones will work the best…
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I subscribe!
I would use towards some birthday stuff for my daughter.
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I would order a framed piece of art. The problem will be deciding which to order!
I would probably start with fabric – I saw some really neat owl fabric and that would be a ‘Must Get’!
Baby announcements with our little one arriving in March and any extra $$ would go to wall art for the nursery! So many neat options at Minted.com
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I think I’d pick out some lovely new artwork for the walls! Their selection is magnificent, with such gorgeous designs!
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tweeted @sal222s
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I would put the money toward some still art with the
starting point with the tangerines with a black frame
then add some graphics and I also picked the wildflowers
in black and grey.So hard to pick,until I would win
I already subscribe to your mailing list.
I’d find some new art for the walls.
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I would be putting the gift card toward a gold leaf print I saw on the website last week of my home state – Missouri. We are creating a new gallery wall for our home and I know the eclectic mix of Minter art would be a great place to start! :)
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THX!
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I love Minted! I would definitely purchase some art for our walls. :D
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@cowladysweeps
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There are spectacular samples of art in the Children’s Art section on Minted.com that you could use anywhere. I would use the gift card there but would have a difficult time choosing what to buy. So manyperfect pictures!
I’m an email subscriber also
The Northern Flow print speaks to me also… :)
I love the “food” art, and it would be so hard to choose. I think I would get the Let’s Eat – Spoon and Let’s Eat – Fork prints. I collect spoons, and these would look great with my collection.
And I subscribed.
My house is definitely lacking in the art department. I’d like SOMETHING pretty to hang on the walls so it isn’t so…bare looking. Just like you said, it looks like someone just moved in and hasn’t placed anything on the walls in my home. So something to liven up the place would be AMAZING!
Roasted chicken looks mouthwatering! I absolutely love your design in your home!
Oh my god! I did not know Minted had wall art – and that you can shop by and CHANGE by color. I just moved and damn it, art can be challenging. Everything I like is too pricey.
I would spend it on Alex Elko prints…love them!
I would buy stationery and graduation announcements. I also tweeted @KaylaAtlremix
I subscribe too!
Vegetable prints for my kitchen!
I would also get some of the business cards. I just started a new job, and would love to get some of the more creative cards
I would get some of the awesome wall art, similar to the ones featured in your post!
If I won I would love to get the Cousins wall print!
I would love to purchase some artwork.
I would get save the dates for my wedding this year!
I subscribe. :)
I love the photos and illustrations. I’d definitely have to buy Planetary Neighbors by GeekInk Design.
I LOVE their gold foil prints – I would order the state of Wisconsin!
I am following you and minted on instagram.
Just tweeted. @krdeal21
I just subscribed by email.
I was just looking at bridal shower invitations for my sister’s wedding yesterday on minted. This would be perfect for the shower and bachelorette party.
Following both insta accounts @ellen.agyare
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I follow you and minted with my twitter via @susanbroughton8 Here is the link to the tweet about the giveaway : https://twitter.com/susanbroughton8/status/559171624587784192
I follow you via email! Love your blog you have some really great recipes!
If I won I would like to get some really nice Christmas cards for the next holiday season
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I love Minted’s selection of children’s art- I would choose one of those- maybe the elephant print!
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I would go crazy buying artwork for my home.
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I am already subscribed :)
Thanks for the giveaway!!!! I would by some art print or home décor.
I want some cute art that’s mostly painted words. Make sense? I could spend hours looking on Minted.
Question for YOU: Where did you get your cowhide rug?! I have been looking for one for our bedroom “seating area” (that has no seats) and I was going to get one from World Market…but didn’t want to commit.
The rug is from Dot & Bo: http://www.dotandbo.com/collections/northern-lights/no-hide-animal-rug-in-ivory-charcoal
It’s faux, which I like. I don’t think I’d ever buy a real cowhide rug (plus $$$) but this one looks pretty legit.
Oh! If you sign up, here’s my affiliate link: http://dotandbo.com/collections/northern-lights/no-hide-animal-rug-in-ivory-charcoal?r=nPvvW5
I get credit if you do. :)
i subscribe to your blog
I really like the Float print, though there are a bunch of other prints I love as well
Follow on twitter and tweeted about giveaway
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Already an email subscriber.
I’m an email subscriber.
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We’re in need of some”Save the Dates” and invitations for our upcoming wedding, so this is the most perfect giveaway ever! :)
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I would get some Thank You cards and some much needed art work for my home office,
I’d love to get some of their Valentine’s Day party decorations. They adorable.
I subscribed via email
I would buy the Heart Snapshot Mix!
I would definitely go for the art! They have some great stuff!!
I love simple yet amazing chicken recipes and this one looks fantastic!!!
I would put the money towards a piece of real art for our bedroom!
I definitely need art on my walls! That’s where I would spend it if I was fortunate enough to win a gift card to Minted :-)
I subscribe :)
I seriously pent hours looking at Minted’ art prints the other night! They are stunning! If I won, I would get a bunch of prints and make a gallery wall!
I’d buy the “Life on Mars” pic and some minnow fabric for our nautical room.
I think that the art prints are beautiful. I liked “where water flows”