How To Arrange A Well-designed And Stylish Bookshelf

Accessorizing a bookshelf can seem like a daunting task but adding artwork, color and stylish accessories will not only transform a boring bookshelf into a masterpiece but the process will be fun and enlightening.

Create your own personal and unique bookshelf by collecting objects of different sizes and shapes that you love such as Murano glass vases, artisan sculptures and global inspired artwork.

Follow the steps below for a stylish designer bookshelf that you will be proud to display in your own home:

• Place large objects on hard to reach shelves for an aesthetic look. 
• Limit rows of books to just 10 or 12 books per shelf for a light and airy feel.
• Stand books vertical and horizontal on shelves for a strategic look.
• Stack similar colors  together for a cohesive  look
• Use sculptures as bookends for drama.Place your favorite artwork at eye level.
• Balance each grouping of books with similar size objects.

Designer Tip:

Your bookshelfshould reflect your personality,  so feel free to use ycour kids' artwork and vacation mementos when arranging shelves.

                                                   All photos  courtesy  of  BHG

Enhance Your Interiors By Applying Exquisite Wallpaper

       
Wallpaper has been around since Renaissance Europe used by the rich and upper class to add color to their surroundings and to retain heat inside their rooms by adding an insulating layer between the stone walls and the room.

Nothing changes the look of a drab and boring wall than wallpaper. Wallpaper adds texture, and creates a dramatic feeling to any room.  Whether you need to enhance your living room, kitchen or bedroom, give wallpaper a try.   You can transform an entire room or just an accent wall, the choice is yours.

There are so many contemporary wallpaper designs to choose from that are stylish, and funky or you can stick with traditional or vintage whichever suits your home's decorating style.

Types of Wallpaper:

Fabric
Printed
Embossed
Vinyl-coated

Clever Ways To Use Wallpaper:

Behind a bookshelf
On the ceiling to add drama
To disguise an ugly wall
Change the look of a coffee table

Wallpaper Tips:

• Purchase an extra roll of wallpaper in case you have to do repairs in the future.

• Look at samples in natural light.

Go ahead and enhance your interiors with exquisite wallpaper, start with these inspiring pics:

                                                       All photos  courtesy  of  Pinterest


           

5 Ideas To Accessorize Your Home On A Budget

One of the quickest and simplest ways to update your home on a budget is by accessorizing it. Accessories are a very important part of home decor as they complete the look of a room by adding charm, beauty and character to the overall symmetry. To give a room a finished, polished look add accessories that are simple yet sophisticated and budget friendly such as the ones listed below.

Topiaries

Add greenery to your home by decorating with topiaries. Topiaries are sophisticated and suit any decor whether country, classic or eclectic. They come in a range of style and sizes and you can also make your own unique topiary by visiting your local craft store.

Pillows

This is an easy way to add texture and a splash of color to your home. Pillows tend to jazz up a room and give an old sofa new life.

Books

Stack hardcover books that you have around the house to create a simple display. Books give a room an heirloom feel and it is an easy way to incorporate your personality within your decor.

Ottomans

For a unique storage solution accessorize with ottomans. They can be used for extra seating, storage or propping up your feet after a long day. They can be used in the living room, powder room or bedroom and are made from different types of materials such as leather, velvet or vinyl.

Vases

Vases create a big impact in any room and be displayed just about everywhere such as the mantel, console table, or grouped together on a staircase. You can fill vases with tree branches, flowers or leave empty the choice is yours. Hand painted and ceramic vases can be found at thrift stores and antique stores on the cheap.

These 5 Ideas below  are  budget-friendly  and  easy  to  implement:

Three different  kinds of textured  pillows  

Pinterest  

Ottomans  and Poufs

House Beautiful  

                                                       Put your  books  on display

These Ginger Jars create a big impact  on a console  table  

                                      Classic  Topiaries  freshen up this living  room

9 Kitchen Organization and Storage Tips

The kitchen generates a lot of traffic and is simply the hub of the house.

Everyone seems to gather in the kitchen at some point of the day whether it's for dinner, a snack, a conversation or doing homework. Keeping things organized in this area of the home can be time consuming and tedious. If the kitchen is well organized and there is adequate storage available, your meal preparation and clean up time will be cut in half.

Below are some tips to keep the kitchen clutter-free and organized.

Organization and storage tips:

1. Donate kitchen gadgets that you no longer use to your local thrift store and discard old items that no longer work.
2. Store bulky small appliances under cabinet to free up counter space.
3. Install pull out shelves for pots and pans to keep them orderly. (see slideshow)
4. Organize pantry - store all dry goods together in clear labeled containers. Store canned items on lower shelf making sure there are no spaces between items.
5. Hang a chalkboard on the wall for writing down messages, notes and recipes.
6. Invest in a kitchen cart to store bakeware, bowls and dishes.
7. Put all kitchen cleaning supplies together and store in a wire basket under sink.
8. Keep utensils such as spatulas, spoons, and whisks in canisters for easy access.
9. Presort and label recyclable containers

                                                    A pull out  coffee  and  tea  station

                                           Spice drawer for saving time  when  cooking

                           

A well organized  pantry

  Chalkboard  backsplash             

   Kitchen cart storage            

All photos courtesy of HGTV

Organize your closet with Huggable Hangers from Joy Mangano

I started using Huggable Hangers invented by Joy Mangano last summer and it totally changed my closet.

At first I was skeptical as to how these hangers were any different from other velvety hangers but I decided to give them a try. Well, to my surprise I found out that these hangers are exceptional. They not only look great, with a variety of colors to choose from but they did what they were suppose to do - transform my closet into a well organized and beautiful space.

Huggable Hangers is her all-time best selling product and currently she holds more than 100 patents to her name.  These velvety-flocked no-slip hangers have a streamlined shape so they take up less room in your closet, therefore allowing you to double your closet space.

Advantages of using Huggable Hangers vs. regular hangers:

• Prevents clothes from slipping and sliding off
• Hang multiple items using minimal space
• Hang wet garments without color transfer
• Prevents shoulder bumps and preserves the shape of  clothing
• Has the Good Housekeeping seal of approval
• Lightweight but sturdy enough to hold a winter coat

Huggable Hangers are not only practical but stylish as well. They come in an array of colors such as Camel, Sage, Turquoise, Bright Green, Hot Pink, White, Black, Nautic Blue, Bright Gold, and Lavender.

So if you want to keep your clothes off the floor and your closet organized, spacious, and attractive give Joy Mangano's Huggable Hangers a try! Shop here

All photos  courtesy of Bing  images  

How To Easily Organize Your Cluttered Closet

If you are having a hard time deciding what to wear each morning, and finding that you have way too much clutter in your bedroom closet maybe it's time to get things organized.

Freeing up space in your closet and a little organizing will help alleviate your morning stress.

The first thing to do is to try to conquer the clutter. Simply empty your closet and go through each item (including shoes and handbags) and organize into four groups: keep, mend, toss and donate.

Any clothing item that has not been worn in the last six months can be donated to your local thrift store. Toss items that are torn, stained and beyond repair. Also, invest in good quality hangers that will keep your garments looking their best.  I personally recommend Huggable Hangers from Joy Mangano. http://amzn.to/29G8DM0

For maximum storage space put away out of season items in a clear garment bag (preferrably vacuum sealed). The keep items should be sorted into sections and color coordinated (blouses/pants/skirts).

Sweaters and T-shirts should be folded and also color coordinated and placed on closet shelves. Accessories like belts and scarves need to be hung on hooks and handbags can be displayed on shelves in the closet for that "designer" look.

Shoes should be stored in a shoe holder/bag or placed on the floor of the closet organized by type and color.

So no more excuses for not finding that outfit, enjoy your newly organized dream closet!

TIPS:

Purchase bins/baskets for hats and scarves and label containers for easy access.  Always coordinate your outfit the night before and hang outside your closet door.

                                                      Organized Closets

                                                      All photos courtesy of Pinterest

My Favorite Storage Solutions From Wayfair

Now that summer is upon us, it might be time to consider organizing and de-cluttering your home to get it ready for the busy season ahead.

Wayfair offers budget-friendly and stylish storage solutions to transform your cluttered home into a neat and organized place to come home to. Their home decor storage items are not only functional but aesthetically pleasing and can be used in the entryway, laundry room, mudroom, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and kids' rooms.

Below are my favorite storage items from Wayfair:

Shoe Storage Ottoman - beautiful and functional for storing shoes or for extra seating.

 
                       Magic Garden Chest a decorative storage/organizer for the little ones.

                       
                             Laundry  room  storage  units  for towels, and other essentials

             


                    Hall Tree - an entryway or mudroom essential that organizes outdoor gear.

                                                         Outdoor  Deck Storage  Chest

                              Entryway  console  table  with utility  baskets and a coat  rack

Keeping your home organized and clutter-free will allow you more time for yourself, and if out of town guests arrive it will allow you to clean up faster and more efficiently.

For more smart storage solutions visit http://www.wayfair.com/.

                                        All photos  courtesy  of  Wayfair

How To Create A Luxurious Spa Bathroom In Your Home

The luxurious feel of a spa bathroom in your home will wash away the stresses of the day and relax your body and mind. A spa like bath creates a sense of peace, tranquility and cleanliness. Creating that feeling in your bathroom without remodeling and on a budget is easy and accessible.

The first step in creating that Zen-like feeling is to address the paint color on the walls. Choose paint colors in the neutral family from warm to cool shades such as warm taupe, crisp white, or pale gray. Next update or replace bath fixtures such as faucets, lighting and mirrors that will blend with the spa theme (preferrably white or chrome).

Install storage displays; purchase woven baskets and hooks to display your spa decor. Last but not least, add texture with accessories: white cotton towels, soft terry robes, sea sponges, apothecary glass containers, all natural soaps, and nature inspired artwork. http://amzn.to/29urwEz

To further enhance the mood, light some soy or flameless candles and you are ready for the spa.

Check out  these luxurious spa bathrooms from Better Homes and  Gardens:

           
                                                      All  photos  courtesy  of  BHG

Decorate your home for the summer season with neutral tones and textures

Summer is such a relaxing season, a time to take it easy and just breathe. With Long evenings and cool breezes, it's the perfect time to infuse your decor with neutral tones and textures.

 A neutral color palette will bring a sense of calm, serenity, and warmth to your space.

Neutral textures and tones are classic, and compliments any style of decor whether traditional, cottage style, or modern. One of the benefits of going with neutral tones on the walls is the flexibility that it provides when changing or upgrading your furnishings and   accessories for the summer season.  When  adding floral cushions,  patterned furniture and bold accessories  to your interior,  a neutral color palette will make  for  a  smoother transition.  See below:

Neutral wall tones compliments  the striped  headboard  

making  it  the  focal  point  of  the  room  

This  living  room  feels open and airy with  thanks to the

 textured and tonal accessories

        A beige sofa gets updated for  the  summer  with  a punch  of 

 color  from  a textured throw and printed  pillows  

This classy and modern dining table  is accented  by a

 textured table runner, taupe chairs and a subtle wall color

Relaxing and soothing describes the creamy white tones in this  bedroom

Neutral  paint  colors  

All photos  courtesy  of Bing  images