Calming, beautiful color

I think lavender is a surprising calming, relaxing color that doesn't get a lot of attention.  So here's a little spotlight on lavender -  I hope you find it inspiring!

via atlantahomesmag

A lovely rug or throw blanket can do the trick if you are the person who loves to change up colors often. This shade of lavender is so pretty

via peppermags

Using lavender in a modern application can help the space from feeling two feminine.  This shower curtain might be purple, but it has a modern indie vibe to it that won't scare off the men folk.

via Houzz

This bedroom is so pretty and comfortable looking.  And it was designed for a (very lucky) teenage girl!

via Houzz
The lavender used in this entry way and stairs is soft and unobtrusive, but you still notice it.

via Houzz

Are you a fan of lavender?

New and pretty ways to use and hang your curtains

I saw this picture the other day and it made me think that there are probably a lot of other cool uses for curtains and drapes other than just hanging them in your windows.  Have you ever used drapes in a non-traditional way?

We have a heat pump in our bedroom, and I was thinking a treatment like the one above might be a nice way to hide it without impairing it's ability to function

via Pinterest via DecorPad

No budget for that glamorous 4 poster or canopy bed?  Try installing drapery rods on the ceiling above your bed.

via Indulgy

Curtain rod above the door.  Never would have thought of that!

via Pinterest

via pinterest

This is a great idea for corner windows. Instead of pulling them away from each other, tucking them together in the corner.

via bhg

The two curtains really help make the alcove feel like it's own separate room

via Pinerest via BHG

Ideas for using pattern in your decor (especially if you're afraid of it)

While I'm transitioning my house from winter to spring, I keep seeing all these fun prints I want to incorporate in my home decor. Here's a few that have caught my eye:

via pinterest

I love to mix and match accent pillows and since these are the easiest and most budget friendly way to change up the colors in your home, they are on the top of my list.

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A pattern in neutral colors like the checkers on the floor means you don't have to be married to one color palette. You can swap out different accent colors through out the year.

via theglitterguide

Don't be afraid to go bold! This rug is eye catching and I like that it stands out a little since rugs tend to hide behind the rest of the home decor. 

via houzz

I love the look of these chairs. Between the studs and pattern only being on the back side. It give sit a glamorous yet fun look to it.

via Heidi Claire via MadeByGirl

The entryway is a great place to try a little pattern because there isn't a lot of space to be overwhelmed.  It also creates impact right from the start since it's usually the first area of your home someone sees.

Inspiration: Using color in the bathroom

If you need a little change in your decor, the bathroom is a small, less intimidating space to start.  Sometimes I get my fix just by changing out my shower curtain and bath mat. Or, you could brighten up your bathroom with some color. Since most bathrooms are the least amount of square footage in a home, it's an easy weekend makeover that won't leave you regretting the time you spend.


via designsponge

There are so many way's you can liven up a room. Paint, tile, curtains, rugs, wall art, and accessories are some options you can start with!


via decorchick

You can start small with a spot of color by painting your cabinets and accessorizing to match! Or simply choose one wall to paint if you are afraid it might be to overwhelming to paint the whole room a bright color.  I can't decide if I like this peach or not - I'd have to see the rest of the room.  I love the rug though!


via prepaganda

Go wild with a wallpaper, stencil design, or maybe even stripes! Pick a color that makes you smile every time you walk in the room.


via bhg

Can't choose one color? Find two that work great together and keep it simple with the rest of the accessories. Let the paint color be the decor..

Gray and yellow are two of my favorites.


via Elle Decor

Nervous about a big change? Stick with the accessories! You can still brighten up your bathroom and your day with a little accessorizing.

Add A Little Interest To Your Hallway

Since hallways aren't meant for hanging out, we tend to leave them out of the decor process. Here are a few ideas to bring your hallway a little more love:

via dustjacket

Add a touch of luxury with decorative molding. It's eye catching without taking up necessary space so it's perfect for small hallways and tight corners.

via Pinterest

Add decorative corbels or moulding for some character.
via Home Stories A to Z

Add a dynamic impact to your hall by adding a chair rail and painting one half a contrasting color.
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via houzz

Adding some floor to ceiling curtains can make the hallway feel more luxurious and grand. A beautiful light fixture makes the space seem well thought out.

Brilliant Blind Ideas

When it comes to decorating your windows there are plenty of choices out there. Whether it’s a plush curtain or a practical Venetian, your window dressing is an integral part of your home. I'm dying to replace my plastic venetian blinds with some more attractive curtains or Roman shades.  However, I have been noticing that roller blinds have come a really long way.  Here are a handful of cute one's I've spotted.

Smart and simple, they provide you with endless options when it comes to design and with practical properties such as waterproof veneers and blackout backings, they’re useful too. Whether you want to liven up a neutral scheme, create a striking centre piece or harmonize with an existing theme, roller blinds provide the ideal solution. If you want something a little more subdued but still need it to tie in with your design scheme, then you could try a border print. This Sajili blind (above) is plain white apart from the exotic elephant strip at the bottom but still connects with the room’s explorer theme beautifully.

These roller blind designs from Tuiss illustrate the point perfectly. This sweet and charming "Morning Chorus" roller blind will undoubtedly get a lot of compliments, and the various colorways mean you'll be able to coordinate them with your current decor. Letting light softly filter through, you get light but also privacy.

Alternatively,  I really gravitate towards the floral patterns. Its intricate pattern creates a striking look that allows the blind to take centre stage.

More and more I also try to go eco-friendly when I can, and these recycled blinds are a great way to do your part.

And of course, what's more important than one's beauty sleep?  Blackout blinds can be really important if you aren't comfortable sleeping with your head under the covers the way I am!

 this post is in partnership with tuiss

Letting Light In! Beautiful windows and natural light-filled rooms

It seems like the rain has set in these past few days and it can really make a day seem dreary. Even my dog is getting stir crazy from not going outside as much.  I thought that maybe some window and natural light eye candy could help brighten up the mood a bit.  After all, I've never hear anyone say "my home has too many windows - they make too much natural light!"  If I ever heard someone say that, I might have to slap them - and you should too.  (Sorry, I guess all the rain has gotten to me...)

Style at Home

Desire to Inspire

Most people consider energy savings the primary benefit of replacing windows, and while it is a tremendous benefit, you'd be amazed at what a new window, like coral windows, could do for your space! Enlarging a window or adding one where there once wasn't can really transform the entire room.  The windows in the front of our house are wide, but barely 2 feet tall, so sometimes it makes me feel like we are in a basement or the lower floor of a split level.  I would love to replace them with taller windows - I know it would make the front rooms feel much larger!

via Pinterest

I use a sunlight lamp in the winter when we have shortened days, and it makes a tremendous difference in my mood. It's no substitute for the joy you get when you step outside on a gorgeous bright sun shining day, but it's better than nothing, and I imagine that upgrading your windows to let more light in will only help as well. 

Pinterest

via Pinterest via Elle Decor

Unfortunately, we don't all have the budget to replace our windows for the much needed luxury of light. There are certain tricks you can employ that don't cost as much as windows.  I would try using a slightly glossier paint in your rooms (keep in mind that the glossier the paint, the more defects will stand out in your walls).  Also, consider painting your ceiling in a high gloss or metallic paint - it really makes the light bounce!

Glitter and Goat Cheese

We all know the trick of using mirrors to make a room feel bigger, and remember that mirrors also reflect light! Using a mirror on the opposite side of a window can create illusion of more light! Also avoiding heavy fabric curtains, and make sure they are hung so you can pull them back all the way from the frame of the window. 

this post was in partnership with coralwindows.co.uk

How to welcome Spring into your home a little early this year!

Spring cannot get here soon enough!  Yesterday here in Maryland was a tease, with sunny skies and almost 50 degrees.  Today?  In the 30’s with wet, sloppy snow.  All the weather flip-flopping is not good for one’s mood or health!

So, I ‘ve decided to come up with a game plan to bring Spring to me, in my own home.  Next week I am going to start implementing touches of warmth, sunshine, and new growth through small changes in décor.  And, if you have the budget – you can go big – through furnishings, etc.

In my own personal experience, the change that makes a biggest impact on my space are the window treatments.  This may simply be because I tend to look toward light sources, which are often windows.  You may be more drawn to looking at the floor, foreground, or anything with in your eye level.  Next time you walk into a room, notice where your eyes go first.  Once you pinpoint that point of focus, start by making updates in that area for the most bang for your buck.  Then, if you want, spread out!

Simply swapping out heavy dark drapes, which may be appropriate for winter, with airy, white window treatments will lighten up the entire room and allow more light to enter the room.

Window treatments need not cost a leg and an arm,  treatments like roller blinds are not only affordable but are also being offered in chic and modern designs by manufacturers like Web-Blinds.

If your focus tends to be on the floor, than consider adding a colorful rug, or a rug in a lighter weave, or one with a beautiful pattern.

Get in on the chevron insurgence, but keep it unique with this pear-hued rug.

So many beautiful rugs - so little time!

If new window treatments or a carpet is not in the budget right now.  You'd be surprised at the amount of life that a grouping of new throw pillows can breathe into a room!

All these pretty rugs and pillows are available at Joss & Main (You have to create a login to shop, but it's free and fast) .

Do you have any plans to lighten and brighten your space before Spring or when Spring arrives?

This post in partnership with Web-Blinds.com