Home Decorating Tips for Novice Decorators

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

                             Source:  Traditional Home

                             Have a great weekend!

                                        

DIY How To Install A Matte Black Tile Backsplash

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

Scandinavian Designed Rooms

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

5 Impressive Small Balcony Ideas For Spring

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

Healthy Recipes - Guacamole

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 favorite chips.  

Recipe courtesy of Food Network.

Decorating With The Color White

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:

                           Source:  Veranda Magazine

Three Genius Kitchen Coffee Bars

Coffee lovers everywhere are incorporating coffee stastions/bars in their own homes; a convenient way to access their favorite brew without leaving the house.

Setting up a coffee bar requires a few essentials:

• Bar cart or counter top
• Coffee maker or espresso machine
• Coffee mugs and saucers
• Sugar spoon or tongs
• Coffee flavorings
• Tray, cake plate or dome
• Chalkboard

If you've always wanted to design your own coffee station and are looking for some inpiraton to get you started see below:

   
                                        Source:  HGTV

 Source:  Pinterest

             
                                  Source:  Pinterest

          "Coffee is a language in itself".... Jackie Chan

How To Restyle Your Coffee Table For The Spring Season

An easy way to refresh your space for the spring season is restyling your coffee table.

Refreshing your coffee table doesn't take a lot of money or time and can be done within hours.  You can even shop your own home to get you started or purchase items at a yard sale or thrift store in your neighborhood.

Here are some tips to consider to get you started:

• Pick a color palette that suits your coffee table.
• Choose objects that have a spring theme.
• Keep balance in mind and group objects in odd numbers.
• Utilize trays to organize your table.
• Stack books in varying height and scale.
• Add greenery or fresh flowers.
• Personalize your space with your favorite decor accent.

Your coffee table should be both practical and stylish so place objects that you use everyday (e.g. remote control) on the table just corral them in a unque box.

Below are some examples of beautifully styled coffee tables:

 
                              Source:  House Beautiful

5 Stunning Easter Sunday Tablescapes

This Easter Sunday make your dinner or brunch table setting unique and true to you.

If you feel like you're in a rut and not motivated maybe these five stunning tablescapes will do the trick:

                                 Easter Tablescapes

                                      Source:  Pinterest
   
I hope these Pinterest tablescapes have inspired you.  If you have a favorite, please comment below.  Have a great Easter!

My Dream Living Room Mood Board

One of most coveted rooms in the home is the living room.  A place where you can relax, unwind, and entertain family or guests.

My dream living room is a mixture of modern glam, casual and traditional style of decorating.  To inspire my dream living room, I decided to create a mood board to convey my ideas such as paint colors, fabric swatches, furniture and accessories as a point of reference.  

I chose a well-designed TV console and a plush Craftsman-built sofa  from Arhaus, a company committed to using natural resources and sustainable materials.  The living room color palette is comprised of sophisticated greys and soft tans. Fabric choices include a plush velvet throw, jute rugs and suede pillows.   A crystal chandelier and traditional floor lamp add the perfect touch of lighting. 

To create your own mood board at home, browse through interior decorating magazines, Home Improvement inserts, Pinterest, and other online publications for inspiration.

                            My Dream Living Room Mood Board
                                     

For more inspiring quality

  living room furnishings visit Arhaus.

Create A Glam Style Living Room For Your Abode

A Glam Style living room uses lots of luxurious textiles such as crystal, polished chrome, Lucite, and reflective surfaces. 

If you like contemporary, elegant and dreamy spaces, then you will love this style. 

Here are a few things to consider when incorporating this style of décor:

• Choose glass chandeliers and mercury glass lighting for drama
• A large sunburst mirror  or an ornate mirror are great reflective surfaces
• Add a gold/silver leaf tray and decorative accents
• Faux fur throws and animal print pillows are a perfect combination for this style
• Paint colors should be subtle like grays and whites
• Luxe fabrics like a velvet ottoman will amp up your glam style

Try not to go overboard when going glam as it will make your living room look garish.  Stick with the same hues throughout such as whites, creams, and pearl like finishes for a soft touch.  Photo frames and candles should be white, silver or gold.   

                                                          

                                                            Glam Style Living Rooms

                                                                     Source:  Pinterest