Dawnsboutique

As we all try to live a healthier lifestyle, our homes should reflect the same.  A healthy home nourishes your well-being and is comfortable, bright, free of toxins, harmonious and welcoming. To create a healthy home environment start by removing toxins from the air by adding plants. Houseplants help to purify the air by removing unwanted toxins. Next, reduce the amount of chemical exposure found in one's home by selecting organic bedding, towels  and upholstered furniture free of flame retardants. Make your bedroom feel like a sanctuary with a high quality mattress, and a hypoallergenic duvet cover and pillows. Set a soothing tone by placing candles in jars all around your home; whether flameless or real, the goal is to make it feel welcoming. Change out your old desk for an ergonomic standing desk, this will improve your overall physical well-being. Lastly, create harmony in the home by sitting at the table for meals, particularly a round table. ...

The porch or patio area usually gets neglected over the winter season so it's a good idea to spruce things up and get it ready for summer. Porch Clean Up Step by Step: Sweep porch floors and in between floorboards thoroughly. Rinse walls, ceiling and floors with a hose, then using a bristle brush and warm soapy water scrub stains, and rinse again. Clean light fixtures   by removing and vacuuming debris, then use a window cleaner for a spotless shine. Re-stain wood if needed. Wipe metal umbrella stand with plain soap and water, then scrub, vacuum and wipe outdoor fabric umbrella. (for mold and mildew use diluted bleach). Tip: Spot test first before using any cleaner just to make sure it won't damage your furniture.  Oxiclean is a great alternative to bleach.  For wicker  furniture clean with a soft, dry toothbrush. Now your porch or patio is ready for summer!                          ...

Designing a new kitchen can be costly, but if I had a $10,000.00 budget it would absolutely be doable. A modern, bright and airy style is my ideal kitchen with hard working appliances, timeless finishes and a pleasing aesthetic.  After all, the kitchen is the center of the house, where everyone gathers to eat and converse so it should be a dream space.  Elements of My Dream Kitchen: A white color palette Glass front cabinets Quartz countertops Stainless steel appliances (energy saving) Engineered hardwood floors A chrome polished gooseneck faucet A kitchen island I scoped out Pinterest and found this beautiful kitchen that fits my wish list.  (see below)                                   Source:  Pinterest If you had a $10,000.00 loan what room would you remodel? I would love to hear your feedback, please comment below.

Black and white decorated rooms are sophisticated, dramatic and chic.  Mixing these two opposite colors together in any room such as a bathroom, kitchen or bedroom will give it a subtle yet classic feel. Designers love to pair these two colors together because they know it will achieve a stunning effect and a timeless style. These photos below capture the timeless beauty of black and white decor:                                       Source: Google                                                                Source:  ElleDecor                                      Source:  Google

If you've just moved into a new place and feeling overwhelmed with the task of decorating, below are a few tips to get you started: Shop at bargain outlets, flea markets, and stores like Pottery Barn, Target and IKEA, to stretch your dollars. Browse Etsy for special pieces that are unique to add character to your home. Splurge on key pieces such as a sofa, or an upholstered bed. Accessorize with lighting such as lanterns and floor lamps to add ambience. Create texture with faux fur rugs, pillows and throws. Add finishing touches with flowers, an antique vase, artwork, and hardcover books.  The art of decorating should be fun and creative.  Your home should feel like you, a place where you belong.                                         Inspired Places Source:  HGTV                         ...

Installing a new kitchen backsplash can dramatically change the look of your kitchen.    A new backsplash is a valuable addition to any home.  Not only will it protect the wall behind your stove from getting stained, it can be easily cleaned with a wet cloth or sponge.  If you are considering updating your backsplash a matte black backsplash is a wonderful choice.  It is beautiful to look at, practical and works with any décor style.   Below you will find a video from Lowes on how to install a matte black backsplash.                                         Source:  Lowes Visit: https://www.lowes.com/how-to-library

If your taste in design is simple yet functional, and you are somewhat of a minimalist, then you will love the Scandinavian decor style. Scandinavian designed rooms are rich in natural materials such as wood and leather, minimal ornamentation and beautifully designed furniture. In a typical Scandinavian room, flooring is wooden and is usually light colored (no carpeting).  Functional mid-century furniture is the norm and the color palette consists of mainly greys, white, and black with soft muted tones.  Accessories are kept to a minimum and include plants, fur rugs and pillows. One key element in Scandinavian design is lighting; the bolder the better.                       Scandinavian Designed Rooms                                     Source:  Pinterest

If you live in a condo or apartment and you don't have a patio or courtyard, you can still decorate your balcony with beautiful flowers and plants . Container plants are perfect for a small balcony.  They can be transported from one side of the balcony to the other, require less water, and are easily maintained. If you thought your balcony was too small to have a garden think again.  Just look at these impressive small balcony ideas.  See below:                                   Source:  Google

The avocado, a fruit loaded with more than 20 vitamins and minerals and dietary fiber is the star in this healthy recipe:                      Source:  Pinterest                    Guacamole Ingredients: 3 avocados, halved, seeded and peeled 1 lime, juiced 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon cayenne 1/2 medium onion, diced 1/2 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced 2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and minced 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro 1 clove garlic, minced Directions: In a large bowl place the scooped avocado pulp and lime juice, toss to coat. Drain, and reserve the lime juice, after all of the avocados have been coated. Using a potato masher add the salt, cumin, and cayenne and mash. Fold in the onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and garlic. Then add 1 tablespoon of the reserved lime juice. Serve at room temperature with your fav...

You might not think of the color white as a practical decor color but indeed it is.  Using a white color palette in your home is not only dramatic but cozy and modern. An all white interior sets the stage for you to build on, making a room seem more pulled together and cohesive. Decorating any room with the color white will instantly make it more relaxed, calming and clean. One great benefit of using white as the main color scheme in your home is that your decorative accents will definitely pop, giving your space more personality. There are numerous shades of white paint to choose from all having various undertones such as gray, pink or green.  When painting your space be sure to paint trims, doors and molding white as well. Decorating a room with the color white might be a little intimidating at first, but once you start the process your efforts will pay off.  Just take a look at these all white room below:         ...