Timeless Homes, Moody Kitchens, and a Taste of Fall: Friday Finds

Can you believe August is almost over? I know many of you are celebrating the return of fall and cooler days. I’m trying to get some day trips planned to take advantage of the beauty of autumn. Visiting Hyde Park in Chicago is definitely on the list. It’s been years since I’ve wandered those streets and there are some beautiful old homes to admire. I’d also like to get to Milwaukee and maybe historic Cedar Springs. If there are any other places you love near the Chicago area, let me know in the comments below. Springfield, Illinois is also on the list – my hubby has never been there and I feel like he shouldn’t miss out on Abraham Lincoln’s home.

Enough of plans, are you ready for today’s line-up of Friday inspiration? There’s some good stuff waiting for you below.

If you like classic British design like I do, you’ll enjoy touring this spectacular townhome overlooking the Thames River. The design is by Sims Hilditch – one of my favorite UK designers.

And then there’s Gil Schafer, a favorite American architect, who is the creative genius behind this absolutely gorgeous New England home near the Canadian border. There isn’t a thing I would change about this lovely house!

For a while now, white kitchens have become less popular – although I for one still love them. Neutral kitchens are becoming more commonplace, but have you heard of aged colors for the kitchen? Homes and Gardens is sharing rich, darker hues for the kitchen that I find quite endearing. They might not be for everyone, but these palettes add a cozy and dramatic feel to the heart of the home.

In case you missed it, yesterday I shared some of my favorite late summer flowers on my sister blog, Pond and Garden Ideas. Plant these blooms now and enjoy beautiful color in your garden this fall.

As the days get shorter, I find myself craving soup. This weekend I plan to whip up a batch of this Slow Cooker Lentil Soup by the Urban Farmie. It looks so rich and healthy. You might want to add it to your own soup line-up for the fall season.

This weekend will likely find me out in the yard trimming spent blooms and pulling weeds (again!). I’m also watching my grandchildren while my daughter Bridget and her husband Mike sign on the dotted line to build a new home! They found something larger in a sweet little neighborhood that will suit their expanding family (their fifth baby arrives this coming February!). I’ll get some photos of the neighborhood and the house to share with you soon. In the meantime, I hope you have a peaceful and enjoyable weekend!