Friday, August 30, 2013

Preparing your home for Fall

It's almost that time of year again! As much as I like fall, I'm sad that before we know it summer will be over. For some reason it didn't really feel like summer much this year. I know I'm probably alone in this, but I love heat and even humidity. With the odd weather on the east coast we only got short spurts of heat. The stores are slowly switching over to fall items and I thought I'd share some of the things I'm eyeing for a fall transition in our home!

Personally I don't consider summer over until the end of September. So I'll be waiting until then to implement some of these changes, but based on where you are you may be able to get started sooner.

via Pinterest via Aphrochic via H&M Home

via Pinterest via Indulgy


Candles. Make a candle vignette for your dining room table.  Light them every night at dinner.  Have fun picking out some candles and holders you really love and love looking at every evening.  Unscented is best.  I place mine on a mirrored tray for added light.





Throws.  Nothing says comfy to me like a chunky wool or FAUX fur throw.
via A Touch of Luxe

via West Elm


via Tip Junkie

Textured pillows.  You don't really want to pile up the fuzzy pillows during summer, but fall is a great time to start putting out your textured pillows.  I've been wanting a mongolian lamb pillow for a while now.


Books Grab some books to curl up to! A Place Called Home is going to be released in  October and I think it's going to be a coffee table keepsake!  I love having some inspiration at my fingertips and curling up on the couch while sweetums watches TV.



Tom Scheerer Decorates is an absolute feast for the eyes.  I didn't want it to end and will be pouring over it often this fall and winter.  I'll be sharing more from it later.
via Amazon




Thursday, August 29, 2013

Outdoor Patio Eye Candy

Since the weather has been a strange mix of cold, rainy, and cloudy these past few days, I've been daydreaming about lounging out in the sunshine! Thank goodness it's starting to get back to being gorgeous. So here's a little eye candy to get you excited about spending some time in the sunshine before it's gone all too soon!


via meridameridian.com

I love the bright rustic feel of this space. The stone fire place and wood ceiling really make it sumptuous.

Outdoor patio furniture living room
via EvaDesigns

Woven furniture almost always works outdoors! I love the texture, it always looks comfortable, but most importantly it's durable. They are usually higher in price but you are paying for the supreme durability.

via Houzz.com

This is a great simple outdoor space that doesn't distract from the gorgeous view! Don't we all wish we had this in our backyard? You can most of these great patio sets at Bents if you are looking to change up your outdoor space.

Outdoor furniture for a small balcony via IKEA. by corina
via indulgy
Here is a great set for smaller spaces! you don't have to give up the eye candy just because you have small space. I think my favorite part is the bench seating in the back! I could imagine curling up and reading a book there in some fresh air!

This post was in partnership with bents.co.uk


Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Furnish your dream home without emptying your wallet

If you remember not too long ago we did a post about Updating Your Furniture by using many different options like Craigslist, Auctions, and Consignment and I wanted to give you an idea of some of the great things you can get.

Here are some ways to get the look you are going for without completely blowing your budget


You can get this gorgeous nailhead trim bed costs around $1,099 on Horchow.
or you can get this nailhead trimmed bed from Joss & Main for $506.95! That is a huge savings! And it's made in the USA!




This amazing leather armchair is $2,199 on Crate an Barrel

This chair (which I might like a little better...)?  $745.80 online!



The classic and chic Parsons Desk from West Elm is $349.  Not bad...


...but you can get almost the exact same piece and a steal of a deal at Overstock.com for $159.99 (and it has amazing reviews!)

It doesn't have to cost a fortune to update the furniture in your home with the same concept and style you are looking for. Sometime's it's just a matter of doing some research on where to find it! If you are looking for a great place to shop these amazing deals, take a look at Quicksales they have some amazing items for great prices!

Keep your eyes open and do a little research before you give in to those big numbers!  When looking at cheaper options, make sure you try and find some product reviews before purchasing (same with expensive options for that matter).


Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Bedroom Storage

You all know how much I love light and beautiful bedrooms. Today I wanted to share with you what I think can be a tough obstacle for a bedroom - storage space.

I feel like every time I move, the amount of possessions I have to find space for doubles.  It's important to me that I have a way to tuck some of these things away and hide them so my bedroom can stay clean and serene.



If you're like me, and can't afford built-ins, a clever way to "fake" it is to find a piece of furniture that can mimic a built in.  The white credenza in this room sits under the window and is white, just like a built in would be if it existed in this room.

You can also find a lot of storage solutions that double as decor, like old trunks.
2 above via Covet Garden

One space you never want lacking in storage is the closet! I love built in style closets because they feel so luxe and it makes it really easy to store and find items. Not having enough storage space in a closet results in random boxes on the floor or above where you can't reach them or end up not using the contents because it's such a pain to get to them!

via Finsahome.co.uk via Pinterest

When everything has a spot your less likely to keep things you don't need and it's going to save so much time in your day not having to "find" all those missing things!

via House Beautiful

Keep it simple - sometimes, all you need is a few beautiful baskets to create the storage you need.  A guest room may only need a few extra pillows and blankets and baskets can be a beautiful and functional way to fill that need.


Another options is to a bed with built in storage in it! Something like a double storage bed is a great option if you are having trouble finding space to create storage in your room or you just need that extra space. 




The built in storage under the bed gives it a more flush and clean look - I personally don't like to put things under the bed, so it's a great option if you are like me.. There are plenty of different styles of double storage beds that you can choose from. Some have a similar look to multiple drawers or cubbies you can put fabric bins like under the window seat.
The most important factor is not only that the storage is functional, but that you like it, so sometimes it takes a bit of hunting to find a storage solution you like. You want your bedroom to be relaxing and clutter is the last thing that's going to achieve that! Find a storage solution that doesn't distract your eye or take away from much needed rest!

Friday, August 16, 2013

My wish list and inspiration for my new home

Now that we've been living in our home for a couple of month, I've been having more and more ideas for what I'd like to do with it.  Unfortunately, my wish list and ideas rarely align with our budget.... sigh... a girl can dream though...

Here's what I've had on my inspiration board:

 I've been loving iron and wood...

We plan on knocking out one wall in our kitchen and putting in a breakfast bar.  These pendants would look great above it.




 A glam tufted ottoman would have so many uses!
I desperately want a wing back upholstered bed, not just a headboard.  I am so tired of ironing and readjusting bedskirts...



 I've always loved chunky throws...

This rug is like a toned down cozy sweater...


All of these items from Joss & Main...


Have a great weekend!

Quick tips for making over your home office

For those of us who work from home its important to have a dedicated work space, but making it look amazing often gets pushed down on the priority list because clients come first! Here are a few tips that should only take a minimal amount of time to make your office a bit more easy on the eyes


via Martha Stewart for instructions to create this project.

Location: Your home office needs space. Without space you aren't going to be able to focus on the task at hand. It doesn't have to be a huge space but it does need to be a defined work space. If you're really short on time, expert organizer Molly Boren of Chicago-based Simplicity Works says to "define the space if possible: maybe with a curtain or even a rug, the way you would define another activity's zone within the living space." This works even if you don't have an entire room to set aside. There shouldn't be anything else in that office except for what you need to work. My "sewing nook" is just a secretary desk in the dining room. You'd never know it was there until I put the top down!

 
via Houzz.com

Lighting! Overhead lighting is extremely fatiguing on the eyes, and personally sometimes I feel like I can feel it sucking the life and energy out of me like a UFO sucking me into it's spacecraft. Under cabinet and task lighting is crucial and quick to set up. Experiment with different wattage light bulbs until you find what works best for you.




Change your perspective.  Literally.  I found I could focus better when my desk was not facing a wall.  You may be different.  Only when you are comfortable will you be able to focus.  Move your desk and see if your productivity improves within a few days.  If it doesn't, reposition and try again.

Monique Lhuillier’s office via Elle Decor


Dupont Corian Office. Would love a home office like this!



Storage and desk surface are two workspace elements that are really important to me.  These changes may take a little longer to employ, but you can't really work without them. Having cabinets and drawers really keeps the clutter off the desk and gives you a more relaxed feel to your day. Desk surface space is something I simply can't skimp on. Give yourself enough space to spread out your work instead of being cramped up and unable to visually breathe. If you are looking for great desk cabinet and counter top ideas, Corian has some beautiful options. Some storage options, like desk height filing cabinets or bookcases can double as extra desk space and allows you to keep your office better organized. I have trouble sitting down to work if my desk surface is cluttered.

via Pinterest

closet turned office space


via Pinterest

Creativity. Feel like there is no room for an office in your home? Makeover a closet! This can be done in a weekend.  Turn your closet into a working office and when you need tuck it away you can just close the doors and it's back to the room it was before! This may take a little more creativity, but it can make a huge difference in a small home.



via HGTV.com

Authenticity. The most important thing about a home office is making sure it inspires you. It has to be a space that you love in order for it to work. Having a space that is yours with your style can really improve your mood as well as your work! Have fun with it!

Another great resource I always turn to is the 2009 Decorology post, A Room of One's Own - Creating Your Creative Space

  This post was in partnership with solidsurface.com

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Tour the home of one of my favorite designers, Angie Hranowsky

I adore the work of Angie Hranowsky. She has more than a knack for using vintage finds in a way that is never stuffy, but eclectic and colorful. Her Charleston, SC historic home is no disappointment, and features her trademark style and livability.


I can't wait to fill my home with kid art, and the large pinboard behind the dining room table is such a clever way to feature it and change it out frequently.



Angie gives great tips on making a rental your own, or transforming your home on a small budget:

1. Paint everything you can, event kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
2. Change out the light fixture.
3. Invest in window treatments ( or make your own simple drapes out of a favorite textile)
4. Hang artwork - Angie claims that incorporating the correct artwork is one of the most important elements of her design vision.
5. Add natural elements, like a large plant of vessel of cut flowers to add warmth to your space.



Angie designed the bookcase above and had a friend build it out of reclaimed pine.






This peachy pink bedroom is so serene. The chrome bed keeps it from being overly romantic.




If you're ever in Charleston, Angie recommends you check out:

Antiques of South Windemere
Hyams Garden Center
John Pope Antiques
Mac & Murphy

See the whole story and read more at Lonny Mag, April 2013

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

What to do...real hardwood floors or laminate?

Currently our home is about 35% wall-to-wall carpet. The carpet is at least, fairly new, but it's just not for me.  In my mind the only option is hardwood flooring. However nice hardwood floors are not cheap, especially considering the square footage we need for our home.

When you buy flooring for a home there is always the tough decision of either spending a lot of money for a great look or saving your pennies and going for a cheaper option that doesn't fully achieve the stunning result you want.

These days, more and more people are turning to laminate, but I've only ever seen cheap laminate that sounds like you're walking on thin plastic. I'm wondering if upscale laminate might be a budget friendly option that doesn't sacrifice looks or other qualities of real wood....

Here are some of the examples I found:


via Houzz.com

Along with cheaper flooring costs, laminate also costs less to install than hardwood. That's two ways to save if you are on a budget...

I seriously can't believe some of these are laminate flooring.  The laminate flooring I've seen never has the groove between planks, which is what always makes it look so fake to me.  Below are actual laminate planks.


via Houzz

I've also read that if you have pets or children, some laminates are actually more durable than some hardwoods when it comes to holding up to wear and tear.

With us having a new puppy in the house, easy to clean floors is a MUST.


via Houzz.com

If cleanliness is something you love, laminate definitely wins the spot on that one. Sounds like it's really easy to clean and keep clean!

You all know how much I love a bright bedroom and this light bedroom laminate flooring looks just as nice as real wood. Once the puppy is potty trained I can add a nice throw rug too...



via Houzz.com

Luckily, with  laminate floors you get just as many options. There are so many different styles of laminate flooring, it isn't going to be hard to find one that fits your style perfectly.

Whether you like a simple sleek finish or one with great texture and color, laminate is a viable consideration if price is a big issue.





via Houzz

This post is in partnership with carpetright.co.uk