Ready for that room - or whole home makeover?

It's easy to dream about the home you'd create if only you'd have the time, and even if you are savvy and a talented decorator, sometime you still need help - or at least to partner with someone to help you keep on track and avoid mistakes that might have been avoided if you'd only had that second set of eyeballs checking dimensions or price tags.  Or, if you don't have the confidence to do it yourself, there are service out there to help you bring you ideas to fruition.

A lot of furniture stores offer complimentary design services, so remember to inquire if you make a purchase.

There are also many companies that will help you with the layout and design of your kitchen like Wren Living. Some of them will even install most of it for you!

There's also places like Wren's Living that will do every step with you. They help you plan, design, custom fit things in your space, install, and even go on to extend your care afterwards in case there are any mishaps. What ever company you go with, be sure to familiarize yourself with their warranty and guarantee information.

So if you aren't comfortable trying to figure out a space on our your own don't hesitate to ask for help! Sometimes having a designer there to walk you through things can make the process a lot smoother, and give you lots of little tips and tricks you wouldn't have thought of on your own.

Charming chairs chosen for form and function

Finding the perfect chair may not seem as easy as picking from modern or traditional! I love chairs not only for there intended function but because of the cool sculptural quality some of them have. There are some seriously unique designs coming out of the wood works to make your space one of a kind.

via Houzz

Instead of decorating your room and adding chairs in, think twice about using your chairs for the decorative pieces. These tall gorgeous chairs are a VIP in what makes this room so gorgeous...

via pinterest

If you are using it in a small space and don't want the chair to be overwhelming, choosing a piece that has cut-outs or isn't one big solid block won't add too much visual weight, and won't clutter up the appearance of space. This wire chair also looks pretty interesting too... Finding unique chairs isn't always easy, but taking the time to search through the right stores can help you find that perfect piece. Of course, chairs can be pricey, but more and more manufacturers are making nice options that allow you to buy more than one!

via nytimes

Looking for something to go with a piece you already have but not blend in? This curvy chair matches the same theme of wood with black sleek lines but it definitely stands out on it's own making it feel unique and gorgeous. 

via bellamumma 

Maybe comfort is more your thing. You can find a really comfy chair that doesn't scream granddad's recliner. This one of a kind looks super cozy but is also really chic.  I could definitely get a lot of work done in that chair - and stay warm too!

via Houzz

If you are looking to mix and match, finding similar color or height chairs is a great way to keep the look of the room cohesive but still let your good eye for style and love of chair design shine.

Holiday Kitchen Inspiration

With most homes these days catering to the open floor plan, decorating for the holiday's might not always stop by the Christmas Tree or dinning room! Here are a few ideas for bringing some holiday fun to the kitchen:

via Houzz

via Pinterest

via House & Home

via Houzz

via PicMonkey

via HomeMyDesign.com

Adorable, charming kid's rooms

I don't really focus on decor for kids because I don't have any yet, but now that so many of my friends are having little ones, I love seeing what they come up with for the nurseries.  Here are some little person spaces that I just love.

How gorgeous is this space?  

via Adore Home

I feel like people are putting more thought into children's rooms these days. The fun part about decorating a kid's room is you can be unabashedly cute or themed, something we can't really do in the other rooms in our home.

via Kidsomania

Give your little girl a dream hideout where she can read or play house. I would have adored this cubby bed as a little kid!

This beautiful and cozy nursery makes it just as nice for mommy or daddy to spend time in as it does for baby.
via Pinterest via Project Nursery

via fads

If you have a really small room and need to maximize the space as much as possible there are a lot of modular bed/desk/dresser pieces out there.  I found this multipurpose bunk on this website and I love the idea of having a work space, a reading space, and a sleeping space!

Adorable
via Kidsomania

Do you know any little people with super cool rooms?

This post was in partnership with Fads.co.uk

Keeping Small Spaces Beautiful

You would think that having a small flat or studio would mean minimalistic decoration and the end to all clutter forever. But like most people, you probably find yourself holding onto stuff which you can’t justify discarding. I believe that if you have space, you'll fill it, so one has to be careful to remember to purge, purge, purge, or you will run out of space, no matter how much you have.

via stadshem.com

This is easier said than done however, especially if your sweetums or the kiddies hate to throw things away or donate them.  Here are a few rules I follow to try to keep clutter at bay.

Be brutal

Home decoration is one of those areas where you have to be ruthless no matter how big or small the job.

The fact is that you are going to be living in the space you are decorating so you have to be absolutely sure that what you are bringing into your home is what you want AND has either a function or very sentimental value.

Keep it to a minimum or keep it hidden in plain sight.

Baskets and bins are my mantra if you have a lot of small toys or tools that need to be kept accessible. Open shelves are great for accessibility but they can start looking messy very fast.  An easy way to remedy that is matching baskets or totes.

via Apartment Therapy

Use color decisively

In a small space, every color and item has more impact than it does in a more spacious abode.  It is a myth that dark colors make a small space seem smaller. What makes a space seems smaller is high contrast, because of it's play with perspective. Your can use that idea to your advantage though if you want to create depth in a room. Painting three walls a light color and saving the last one for something rich deepens the sense of space.

 via Arts and Classy

via The Shabby Nest

Nowadays, space is at a premium especially in large cities. They say that less is more and there is no reason why this can’t also be true for making a small flat or studio a delight to live in.

via Houzz

Large pieces of art make a space seem larger than it is and mirrors work wonders for giving the illusion of increased space.

Keep it slick

There is nothing wrong with clutter if you like the crammed-and-cosy look.

However, if you want to create space, turf out the unwanted odds and ends immediately. I always feel amazing after dropping off boxes at good will!

via livesimplybyannie.com

To keep it simple work on one set of items at a time to stop you from feeling overwhelmed. After all, de-cluttering is not just a physical task but emotional too. It is tough discarding objects which and quieting that voice that always says "but I may use it one day...".

Once you are de-cluttered, some cleaning tips will help you along. Clean as you go each day so that you can not only relax in comfort in your space but you don’t have a huge job at the end of the week.  Even cleaning a studio flat can take days if left too long.

via houzz

With less clutter, 15 minutes of daily cleaning will be a breeze.

this post was in partnership with supersavvyme.co.uk

Fashion Forward Apartment

When it’s time to find apartments, you probably think about the size, location and available amenities, but what about style? How can you make your apartment unique and represent you, rather than looking like the boring, cookie-cutter versions that everyone else has.  It’s easier than you may think.


via interiordesigning.net

Here are a few tips to find that perfect apartment:

One of the best ways to design a fashion-forward apartment is to start with the best possible unit. You will find apartments that are better than others when it comes to unique features or modern upgrades. For example, apartment communities like BRE Properties include amenities such as dishwashers, washing machines and updated kitchen appliances. If the unit looks nice from the start, half of your job is already done.


via ghoofie.com

Before you sign a lease to the apartment, it would be a good idea to figure out what the lease will allow you to do. Can you paint the walls or hang pictures? Find out what you can do and ask if there is any process you'll need to take to make any changes!


via lifearts.blogspot.com

While a splash of color on the walls will go a long way in making the apartment unique and stylish, there are plenty of things you can do even if you can’t paint. Start by hitting the magazines and online sites like Pinterest.com. You’ll find the latest apartment fashions and design ideas.


via Pinterest

If you’re on a budget, it’s time to hit the thrift stores, swap meets and online classifieds. You can find furniture, decorative pillows, pictures, shelves and more if you keep your eyes open. Some colorful throw pillows, well-placed decorations or table centerpieces can help transform a lackluster room.


via bhg.com

Consider getting crafty as well. It’s quite easy to make curtains and other decorative items that will give your apartment a sense of individual style. You can even recycle items for an eco-friendly touch. Wine bottles turn into flower vases and milk crates turn into side tables. There are lots of ways to repurpose everyday items into distinctive decorations.

via Pinterest

Even if you can’t find apartments that are stylish, with a little creativity and imagination you can still create a space that suits your sense of style.

this post is in partnership with breproperties

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).

Home decor galore at Bae

Don't get me wrong, I love New York. But I have to confess, ever since I visited San Francisco last March, we've been having an emotional affair. San Francisco has all of the great qualities of New York and, well, not so many of the less desirable ones. One of those great qualities is home decor store, Bae. They offer some truly special stuff, take a look...




*love* these vases








...and those pillows...



...and these vases!



Images courtesy of Bae