I can't believe I've already been here 2+ weeks - crazy, crazy, crazy is all I can say! I know Ben doesn't have any doubts about how long it's been - I miss the Hubster, so I'm trying to stay busy, which has NOT been difficult!
You know I'm so excited to be able to participate (in person) in the DD "install" of my aunt's bathroom? I think I'm getting a taste of the sorts of challenges a "real-life" designer must face: meeting and workin' the deal with contractors (then, re-coordinating when they don't do as fine of work as we hoped!), spending much time considering the paint, tile, hardware and fixtures (which actually, I love doing), all the while keeping in mind my aunt and uncle's pocketbook, and today.... putting on my painting cap and going to town!

The sheetrock/texture guy finished up on Friday, and the tile contractors will be coming in tomorrow to put up the glass-tile border, so the walls need to be ready to go! Needless to say, I've got to skedaddle, but...

Since you all seemed to love getting a sneak peak into Real Life "designerly" homes, I thought I'd share some pics I took this weekend of my parents' neighbor's home. The style is one I've never posted before - I'd probably call it Cattle Barons or Glam Cowboy. Some of you may love it, others will take a pass, but I think we can all agree a lot of time and consideration has gone into making this home one where any cowboy would feel comfortable kickin' off his boots!

We'll work from front to back...

Stucco exterior and gorgeous, lush lanscaping greet you as you approach the house

Love the tropical flair the Bermuda shutter adds, while the neutral stucco and mexican stone fountain keep the style grounded in it's polished-rustic roots

Walkway to the front door

The breezeway that connects the entryway to the garage. The Saltillo tile that begins here is carried throughout the house.

Incredible, oversized, metal double-doors - I've always wanted one of those "hand" knockers!

Entering the front door, the living/family room is immediately to your left. (See into the kitchen from the far left of the room)

A couple of mexican/southwest vignettes

A wider, but otherwise galley-shaped kitchen with eat-in island/bar. High-grade stainless appliances for the homeowners who love to cook.

The kitchen opens into this lively sitting area that overlooks the back patio and pool. Sets of leather club chairs and a copper-topped coffee table create a great place for a cup of coffee and a book.

The homeowner is a horse lover...

My sentiments exactly! ;)

Moving down the hall from the kitchen is the dramatically-styled formal dining room, complete with deer antler chandelier and Native American tapestry.