This Waterfront View Could be Yours! Enter for Your Chance to Win the HGTV® Dream Home 2018

This post is sponsored by HGTV® Dream Home 2018, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.  

If you follow me on Pinterest you might have noticed me filling up my boards with photos from the HGTV® Dream Home 2018.  This year's HGTV Dream Home Giveaway® 2018 is unbelievable: you can enter for a chance to win a beautifully furnished home located in Gig Harbor, Washington (overlooking the Puget Sound), plus an all new Honda Accord and $250,000 from national mortgage lender Quicken Loans®. 

I hope you all enter for a chance to win but even though only one person can win this stunning waterfront home, we can all pick up a few design ideas.  I'm aching with envy but I'm also so inspired by the modern architecture and the subtly coastal vibe.  The airy design boasts a lot of white, but it's kept interesting with layered textures, pretty pastels, and a collection of quirky accessories and art.  I'm sharing a few of my favorite photos (taken by Robert Peterson, Rustic White Photography) below, but you can catch the whole tour here.

The kitchen might be my favorite room because it has really classic and timeless, all white cabinetry that's accessorized with pretty turquoise pieces.  I continually waffle between walnut cabinets and classic white cabinets in my own kitchen renovation planning, and this kitchen has me seriously leaning toward an all white design again.

Although the white on white design combined with stainless steel appliances and turquoises accessories (yes!) is a very cool palette, the touches of wood add a lot of warmth.  People sometimes encourage me to break up my turquoise, blue, and white decor with contrasting colors like orange or red, but I am just too committed to blues and greens.  I have a little orange and pink, here and there, but I consider warm wood tones to be enough of a contrast with cool colors.

These photos are my proof; I rest my case.

Just look at that stunning view!  

In the living room, the decor is very soft, which lets the incredible view steal the show.  I am so envious of that stunning wall of windows!  The placement of the fireplace is really unusual but it solves the classic waterfront dilemma when a fireplace is placed anywhere else: do I face the windows and enjoy the view, or face the fire and enjoy the warmth?  The fire or the view?  The view or the fire?  Problem solved!

I like how the decor incorporates subtle coastal touches.  There's nary a red + navy, nautical print to be found in the open concept kitchen/living/dining but many of the textures lend a beachy vibe to the space, like the beautiful rug in the living room and the baskets hung on the wall for clever storage.  The driftwood end table and soft blue hues play up the coastal location a little more, but the overall look is still soft and modern.

In the dining room, those pink chairs complement the blues and white so nicely.  I love the massive scale of the artwork and the unique way it incorporates a classic nautical motif: fish!

You can get a better sense of the open floor plan from these photos.

I'm 100% behind the trend forecast of modern pastels!  I am (already) done with winter, done with seeing moody hues, done with anything that feels dark and heavy.  I am so ready for uplifting, spring-inspired colors and lighter decor that feels more minimal and spacious.  Seeing these photos makes me realize that it might be time for me to de-clutter my lakehouse a little and infuse some more pastels and whites so my own decor feels airier and beachier...

I won't lie: this decor makes me want to tear down and start from scratch and this is just a small sampling of photos, there are so many other gorgeous spaces to tour - be sure to take a look.  I just want to share one more area:  the exterior, along with the stunning view (that could be yours!):

What's your favorite space or design idea from the HGTV® Dream Home 2018?

Good luck everyone!  If one of you wins, I'm going to have to insist that you let me visit.  I promise I won't steal that turquoise stand mixer from you...

No purchase necessary.  Open to legal residents of the U.S., age 21 or older.  Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes starts at 9 a.m. ET on 12/27/17 and ends at 5 p.m. ET on 2/16/18.  Odds of winning depend on number of entries received.  For full official rules, visit HGTV.com/HGTVDreamHome or send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: “HGTV Dream Home Giveaway” RR, P.O. Box 53013, Knoxville, TN 37950.  Main Sponsor: Scripps Networks, LLC d/b/a Home & Garden Television.

HGTV, HGTV Dream Home, HGTV Dream Home Giveaway and their associated logos are trademarks of Scripps Networks, LLC. Used with permission; all rights reserved.

I'm Giving Away a BLACK+DECKER 20V Cordless Drill and Circular Saw!

I spent the weekend at my parents' place, helping them with some budget-friendly home improvements as my Father's Day gift.  I have to laugh because last night, right before I was about the head home, there was a severe thunderstorm warning.  My weather app sent a warning to my phone about the possibility of golf ball sized hail, lightning, 100km/hr winds that could "push a large vehicle off the road" - even the possibility of tornadoes.  Hubby and I agreed that the weather looked too dicey for my hour long drive home, especially because it was getting dark.  I borrowed some pajamas and spent the night in town with my parents.  But first we darted out for some sundaes.  Lightning, shmightning.  Living by Lake Superior, you don't waste a single non-winter day!

Besides, we earned it!  We painted the kitchen walls and trim a beautiful blush pink, plus we prepped the cabinets for painting and got three coats of a gorgeous pale grey on the lower kitchen cabinets.  We still have to paint the uppers but, for a bonus round, we even installed curtain rods my Mom has been wanting to hang up for three years!  We were seriously productive.

BLACK+DECKER sent me their new 20V MAX 1 Speed Cordless Drill and my Dad and I were both anxious to try it out.  Did you know that BLACK+DECKER invented cordless drills in 1961?  I thought that was a neat bit of history!

My Dad was thrilled to try a new tool and eagerly unwrapped the BLACK+DECKER drill immediately.  It's lightweight and compact, so it was really easy to use.  We decided to install the curtain rods pretty close to the ceiling and it was perfect because his old drill wouldn't have fit! 

My Dad loved the BLACK+DECKER 20V Cordless Drill and was SO pumped when I said he could keep it.  

There is a lot to like about this drill, in addition to its compact size.  It's lightweight, which makes it easier to get more done before needing that sundae break!  It's a 20 volt, which has more torque than my Dad's previous drill, a 14.4 volt (which is actually an older BLACK+DECKER model).  You can easily buy a second battery for this drill and charge one while using the other - which is awesome for those DIY projects that drag on forever.  There's a light which shines on the task at hand, which helps illuminate in dim lighting conditions; sounds like a corny thing until you try it - it quickly becomes an indispensable feature!   There's also a two-speed available.  I had to take my photos quickly because my Dad swiftly absconded with this drill, excitedly chatting about how well it fits in a compact toolbox for jobs on the go.

My Mom was just thrilled with how quickly her curtain rods were hung up.  We worked quickly and now all three windows in the second story of my parents small, postwar home wear these beautiful French rods: 

We still have some work to do!  My parents have beautiful woodwork throughout the home that my great-grandfather, who built the house in the 1950s, crafted by hand.  On the main floor it still looks good, but upstairs the window trim has seen better days so my Mom and I are thinking about painting it a creamy white (the walls are freshly painted a light grey).  Then we're sewing softly gathered sheers from this mod fabric:

We're planning to tackle a lot of projects this summer!  I'm hoping for one of those delightfully long summers that stretches on into the fall.  Is that too much to ask for?

If you're keeping busy too, you might want a couple of new tools to add to your toolbox!  I'm giving away a BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Lithium Cordless Drill AND a BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Circular Saw to one lucky Dans le Lakehouse reader!

Entering is easy!  Take a peek at the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill and let me know what project you'd want to tackle with it first!  Leave a comment below - that's it!

UPDATE: CONTEST CLOSED JULY 4th

Congratulations, Amy!!  I'll be sending you an email shortly.

Thanks so much to everyone who entered!  I really wish I had a 100 of these to giveaway, so you could all win.  But I loved reading about all of your summer projects - thanks so much for sharing and entering.  If you've left your email or any personal info, you're welcome to remove your comment.

This post is sponsored by BLACK+DECKER but all content and opinions expressed are my own.

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The Kitchen Needed More Turquoise (+ Win $1000 from Fab.com)

The other day I was thinking that my turquoise kitchen could really use a little more turquoise...

These Kate Spade non-stick pots and pans should do the trick!

Since adopting a healthier lifestyle last fall, I've been relying heavily on the one non-stick pan in my arsenal - stolen from Mom's kitchen (shhhh)!  My own pots and pans are a hodgepodge of hand-me-downs, so when Fab.com offered me anything - anything! - from their incredible inventory, my heart was immediately set on some new pots and pans.  Kate Spade? Non-stick? Turquoise? SOLD!

Fab.com generously sent me the 2 and 4 Quart Sauce Pans, the 6 Quart Casserole, plus the 8 and 10" Fry Pan Set from the Kate Spade All in Good Taste collection (they come I other, equally cheery colours).  I actually waited a few days to open everything because the packaging was too cute!

Aaaand they're amazing!  Not only do they look cute, but cooking in them is a dream.  They heat up quickly and I have been able to whip up some delicious, healthy dinners with only a teeny splash of grape seed oil.  I used to batch cook a few times a week and coast on leftovers, but for the last six months or so I've been cooking a fresh dinner almost every night and have even upped my lunchtime game, eschewing my sandwiches for healthier fare with fewer carbs.  But I'd be lying if I said I loved cooking.  I love eating and I especially love eating foods that make me feel healthy, so that means logging some hours in the kitchen.

Luckily, I've got a kitchen I love to spend time in.  The cheery turquoise cabinets, the beautiful view of Lake Superior, and my open shelving with every piece of turquoise kitchenware under the sun still make me smile.  Pulling out my new turquoise pots and pans makes whipping up a meal even more enjoyable - they are seriously fun!

That's what I appreciate about the vibrant, curated collection of finds from Fab.com: so many pieces are about upgrading and elevating the everyday.  They stock a carefully chosen selection of home décor pieces, men's and women's accessories, and also some really cool tech pieces, that are colourful and inspired.

Everything Fab.com stocks is sure to put a smile on your face and so many of the items they sell are pretty versions of practical things you'll use everyday - which I love.  In a small home, I don't have room for too many strictly pretty things - most things need to have a function, too.  I actually found so many items to covet on Fab.com, including a turquoise Dansk pan (drool) and a whole bevy of gorgeous statement necklaces - that choosing was difficult.  But having a favorite color makes things a little easier... 

As a bonus, Fab.com let me choose another, random item and I picked this LED "lantern" by Time Concept, which is so perfect for our sailboat!  It runs on four batteries and is so bright, it can light up the whole cabin of our boat, which is nice because the lighting situation in there leaves a lot to be desired. 

Want to get your hands on some free goodies from Fab.com???  Does $1000 sound good?

You're in luck!  Fab.com is currently hosting a giveaway for $1000 gift card!  It's a simple entry form (name and email address) and the winner will be revealed July 15th.   Good luck!! 

This post was sponsored by Fab.com but all thoughts, opinions, and product selections are my own. 

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CIL Giveaway Winner + A Question

Just a quick note to announce the winner of the giveaway sponsored by CIL.  Drumroll . . . congratulations Jordana of White Cabana!  I'll be in touch shortly to connect you with CIL. 

Thanks to everyone who entered (apologies to my non-Canadian readers who were left out of the running this time).  A quick question for you: do you like when blogs host giveaways?  I turn down a lot of giveaway opportunities because I don't want giveaways to clutter the blog.  I happily said yes to this one because it was a good fit but, ultimately, giveaway are a clever way for companies to advertise - something I'm trying to keep to a minimum in this little space I've carved out on the internet.  What do you think? 

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Giveaway: Three Gallons of Free Paint, Anyone?

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.  THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED.  CLICK HERE TO SEE WHO WON!

Truthfully, other than picking up on some of the controversies surrounding Sochi's anti-LGBTQ policies, I haven't paid much attention to the Olympic Winter Games.  I've lived in a bubble, selfishly focused on the lakehouse.  Without television, I've whiled away my evenings painting.  Wait until you see how I've brightened the space so far!  With the Winter Games now in full swing, it seems some design enthusiasts are distracted from focusing on the sporting events and politics, and intrigued by the international inspiration that can be gleaned from the event.  Leading Canadian paint brand CIL® has great ideas for bringing colours from around the globe into our spaces here in Canada.  They've looked to the games as a way to pick up some gold-medal worthy design ideas! What a great time to introduce a watery blue palette inspired by the Mediterranean, or mod neutrals imported from Scandinavia. 

In the spirit of the games, how would you like a chance to win something?  Thanks to CIL, one of my Canadian readers is going to win 3 gallons of paint to makeover a room or two. 

Contest Rules:

This contest is only open to Canadians (sorry my non-Canadian friends, but CIL has been proudly Canadian since 1927).
The winner can pick any CIL colour and paint finish.  Literally anything your heart desires.  It won't be difficult to find your perfect colour - there are more than 1200.
Contest closes Sunday, February 23rd at 12pm EST.  Check back Monday the 24th to see if you'll spend a few days with paint in your hair, like me!

To Enter:

It's easy to enter, just leave a comment answering the question below:

Have you ever been inspired by a certain city or country when decorating your own space?  
  
If I were to answer, I might cheat and admit that I absolutely love the chic, Canadiana lodge look I've spotted more than once in Canadian House & Home magazine.  Think Hudson's Bay blankets, warm woods and creamy white walls.  I haven't tried the look yet, but maybe someday!

Bonus Entries (leave a comment for each):

Follow CIL on Facebook
Follow CIL on Twitter
Follow CIL on Pinterest
Share this giveaway with someone!

As always, anonymous entries are warmly welcomed - no Google account needed.  You don't need to leave your email info either, but just leave a first name and make sure that you check back Monday to see if you're the winner.  Without your contact info, I'll need you to shoot me a quick email to claim your prize!

Disclosure: I was approached by CIL to run a giveaway for my readers centered on the theme of the Winter Games.  I was more than happy to partner with a great Canadian company to connect you with a fab freebie.  These words are all my own.  I was not compensated in any way for running this giveaway, although I will be working with CIL in the future for a paint makeover of my own!  All photos and images are from CIL.ca.

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Giveaway: First Alert Prize Pack

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.  CONGRATS ASHLEY (From First Home Dreams)!  THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED.

I'm jealous of whoever wins this prize pack because although First Alert gave me two modern and stylish smoke detectors to review, both are in the townhouse!  The lakehouse, on the other hand, still has ugly, bisque-coloured smoke detectors (one of which has been yelling at me in French since we removed it for painting).  One of you is going to win: a PC900VA Alarm, the new ATOM Alarm, plus a cute and cheery oil and vinegar set (a $110 value, so it's nothing to sneeze at).

This is the new ATOM:

Isn't it cute?  It's smaller than an egg, so it's a lot more subtle than the bulky detectors of yore.  We installed ours in the ensuite half bathroom because I'm so worried about hair straighteners and fires (entirely because of that Friends episode, but it never hurts to be safe).

To Enter:

For a chance to win, just leave a comment below.  For fun, tell my how homely your current smoke detector is.  That's it!  Contest runs until Thursday, October 17th, Midnight EST.  Winner will be chosen by random.org.

Bonus Entries (leave a comment for each):

Follow First Alert on Facebook
Follow First Alert on twitter
Follow First Alert on Pinterest

As an added bonus, First Alert is running a Facebook contest, giving away an ATOM per day.  Check that out here (the ad is super adorable).

Good luck and happy weekend!

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Giveaway: Olive Leaf Stencils

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.  

UPDATE: Congrats Susan Sykes!!!  I'll be in touch shortly to put you in contact with Olive Leaf Stencils.  Congrats, and thanks to everyone who entered!

You've heard me wax on about projects for the townhouse and impending projects for the lakehouse.  I'm knee deep in projects and planning, but I want to make sure you're not left out in the cold.  Actually, I want to make sure you're sweating up a storm, DIYing in the summer heat along with me (mwahahaha).  To make sure you've got what you need to tackle something fun, here's a chance to win a gorgeous stencil of your choice from Olive Leaf Stencils.  I've shortlisted a few of my favorites that are perfectly graphic and modern:

Arrow Stencil

Mod Triangle Stencil

Woven Stencil

To Enter:

Head over to the Olive Leaf Stencils website, find your favorite stencil, then leave a comment here and let me know which one tickles your fancy.  No need to sign up or have a profile/account - anonymous entries are always welcome, but make sure you leave an email address so I can contact you if you win!  I won't pass on your information to anyone (pinky swear).

Bonus Entries: (leave a separate comment for each entry)

Follow Olive Leaf Stencils on Twitter.
Follow Olive Leaf Stencils on Facebook.
Follow Olive Leaf Stencils on Pinterest.
Tell me what kind of stencil project you're dreaming up right now.

I manually approve all comments (to keep pesky spammers and their inappropriate comments at bay) so it may take a few hours to see your comment appear here.

Contest ends Thursday July 11th, 12:00a.m. EST.  Check back to see if you're the winner next Friday!

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