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Minimalist Christmas Decor Style Ideas

Minimalist Christmas decor and Scandinavian inspired decor go hand in hand. Minimalism is basically when you pare down your decorating style to include just a few functional objects that provide a big impact.

The same principle is used when decorating your home for Christmas. Keep things simple making sure to achieve a curated distinct look and feel. If you are thinking of ditching the traditional Christmas decor this season and replacing it with a more minimalist look see the examples below:

Minimalist Christmas Decor Style

Source: Pinterest
This living room says Christmas without being flashy
with a simple garland and tree.

Source: Pinterest
Add coziness with a container filled with candles

Source: Pinterest
DIY a functional yet pretty stocking

Source: Pinterest
Decorate with a simple and natural pine tree branch

Source: Elle Decor
Create an organic feel with a wood bead garland

Source: Pinterest
Make a statement with an all-white color scheme

These photos all make a big impact while being understated.

Decor Tips:
Choose quality over quantity
Less is More
Choose objects that are easy on the eyes but provide a wow factor
Pick a neutral color scheme
Create a cozy ambiance with candles and throws
Bring nature inside your home

Are you ready to take the leap this year and decorate your home in the minimalist decor style?

5 Christmas Tree Themes That Are Truly Amazing

"O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree

How lovely are thy branches"

A snippet from the song O Christmas Tree

Yes, believe it or not, the Christmas season is here. We have to say goodbye to the autumn season, however, I look forward to all the merriment of Christmas.

One of the central elements of celebrating Christmas is having and decorating a Christmas tree. The history of the Christmas tree dates back to the 16th century when German Christians brought decorated evergreen trees into their homes mostly adorned with candles.

Decorating a Christmas tree brings so much joy and happiness one can't deny the pleasure of having one. Whether you decide to go all out with the decorations or just a simple tree and lights the same outcome will emerge pure joy. If you are looking for a specific theme to decorate your tree to coexist with the style of your home's decor there are endless themes to choose from such as Coastal, Traditional, Minimalistic, Glam or Farmhouse. The choice is yours. Before you start here are just a few tips.

Decor Tip:

Decide on what type of tree you want to display in your home artificial or real
Make sure the tree fits within the proportion of the room
Pick a theme that closely matches the style of your home
Begin with the lights first
Choose the right size and type of decorations
Adorn with ribbons
Utilize tree picks to fill sparse spaces
Layer a tree skirt under the tree

Below are 5 Christmas tree themes that are truly amazing:

Traditional

Source: Pinterest

Coastal Theme

Source: Coastal Living Magazine

Farmhouse

Source: Country Living Magazine

Minimalistic

Source: Tumblr

Modern Glam

Source: HGTV

These Christmas trees are so beautiful I cannot pick a favorite.

Do you have a favorite theme that you would love to see in your home? Please leave a comment below.

Front Porch Fall Ideas from House Beautiful

"Sitting on your front porch is like sitting at the boundary of heaven and earth"

John Sarris

Your front porch is an essential place for displaying fall/Thanksgiving decor as it is the first place that your visitors see when approaching your home. It sets the tone of how the interior of your home will look like.

Styling your front porch can seem overwhelming but with a little imagination and the ideas below you will soon be on your way to creating a fabulous entryway for your guests to drool over. Keep in mind that you can take some of these ideas and incorporate them using fall decor that you already have on hand. No need to blow your budget to duplicate these designs they are merely here to inspire you. Take a look below:

Colorful foliage encircle these steps and an autumn wreath is hung

on the front door.

This banister is wrapped with corn husks and an array of white mums,
blue and white pumpkins are artfully arranged.

Vibrant autumn hues and cobalt blue pillows
add a splash of color to this front porch.

Elegant urns filled with pine branches flock both sides of this door accompanied by a

seasonal wreath.

Source: House Beautiful
A simple wreath wrapped with golden leaves adorns this front door.

Be inspired by these ideas and decorate your front porch this fall season you won't regret it. Visit https://www.housebeautiful.com/ for more fall and Thanksgiving ideas.

4 Opulent Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas

“The heart that gives thanks is a happy one, for we cannot feel thankful and unhappy at the same time.” Douglas Wood

In a couple of weeks, Thanksgiving will be upon us. Have you thought about the big day and how you will decorate your dining room table to wow your family and guests? If not, read on to find out how you can set an opulent table effortlessly with a few inspirational photos from Good Housekeeping.

In order to create an opulent table setting first decide what kind of theme you are going for and how many people will be seated at the dinner table. This is to ensure that the theme displayed on your table matches the overall theme of your already decorated home. Everything must flow together including the place settings and centerpieces. If your home is decorated in the popular farmhouse style stick with that theme on the dinner table. For a unique look, you can also incorporate another decor style with the style you've chosen just keep it to a minimum and make sure it blends well.

Bring your own unique touch to your table setting by using printable placeholders, homemade dinner napkins, and napkin holders. To save money on flowers, cut floral branches from your backyard to fill vases, or buy inexpensive artificial/dried flowers that look like the real thing. You can skip flowers altogether if you choose to and instead use what you have on hand like pumpkins, greenery or autumn fruits.

A tablecloth placed on your dinner table will surely provide an air of sophistication and it is also a practical idea. Glassware and silverware should be pristine and placed correctly on the table (refer to Goodhousekeeping for tips on how to set a table the right way).

Lastly, make sure to leave enough room on the table for the food that you prepared and that the centerpieces are not too tall so that they obstruct your guests' view. Below are a few examples to get you started in the right direction:

Source: Good Housekeeping Magazine

Source:. Pinterest

Source: Elle Decor

These opulent table settings above are timeless, complement any style of decor and are truly inspiring.

5 Fall Vignettes For The Autumn Season

“Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.”
― Emily Bronte

Falling leaves, golden hues and pumpkins everywhere describe the beauty of the fall season.

As summer ends and cooler temperatures are upon us we feel the need to stay inside and enjoy the coziness of our homes. Styling your home for the autumn season takes a little bit of creativity and a lot of inspiration/motivation.

My go-to for fall inspiration is Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube videos. Everything is curated in one spot so you can choose your favorites to initiate the decorating process.

Firstly, a set aside a specific day of the week to go through your choices and see if they go with the style of your home in order to attain a cohesive look. Choose which rooms you want to display your curations, decide on a budget and now you can start the fun part decorating. Keep in mind that it might take several tries before you get that perfect look just keep trying - the outcome will be worth it.

Finding inspiration to decorate for fall is easy thanks to these five vignettes below:

Source: Google

A bounty of seasonal fruit and greenery surrounds a farmhouse

style pumpkin

                                                                   Source: Pinterest

                            This two tiered tray displays tiny pumpkins, a wood bead, floral stems
                                                             and a cute fall signage

Source: Pinterest

This beautiful display features grey and white pumpkins, tapered

candles and tree branches

Source: Country Living Magazine

                                                      Source: Pinterest
                           A bouquet of fall flowers stands gracefully on this tray surrounded by
                                                        acorns and multi-colored pumpkins

Do you have a favorite vignette? Comment below to join the discussion.

How to Simply Refresh Your Abode For The New Year

Another year has passed (that was a quick one) and now it's time to reluctantly put away the Christmas and Holiday decor and refresh your abode for the coming year. With that in mind, there will be some rooms that will look quite barren and sparse without glowing lights or garlands. Here are a few examples of how to fix that issue and easily refresh your abode for the new year:

Replenish home goods such as candles that have burnt out during the holiday season. Try out a new scent and stock up on varying heights and sizes to form a collection that you can easily display on an entryway table or kitchen island.
Refresh bath towels/hand towels and bath mats in your guest bathroom. Make it interesting by selecting towels that have different textures and tones.
Add apothecary jars to your bathroom countertops filled with your favorite soaps/bath salts.
Throw out and replace old and worn out doormats and dishtowels.
Add a touch of luxury throughout your home by placing silver or gold trays on your coffee table.
Upgrade plastic storage containers with pretty vintage baskets.
Add some bling to your bookcase or built-in by selecting picture frames that have a bit of glitter or platinum finish.
Update your window treatments or blinds.
Change out sofa pillows or add one unique pillow that makes a statement.
Re-arrange your furniture (this one is free)
Lastly, create a gallery wall that tells a story about your life or passion.

This coffee table gets refreshed with an elegant scented
candle and a bright marble tray

Sofa pillows in tonal colors and interesting patterns

Towels in shades of grey

Beautiful window treatments

I hope these tips have helped to inspire you to refresh your abode for the coming year. If so, please comment below. Happy New Year readers!

Fall Mantle Decorating Ideas That Will Inspire You

It is that time of year, cooler temps, sweater weather and spending more time indoors decorating for fall.

One of the best focal points to consider when decorating for fall is the fireplace mantle. To get the most out of your fireplace, you should treat the mantle like a treasured piece of furniture. Adorn it with your favorite objects such as old books, lanterns, candles, and wreaths keeping in mind the decor style of your home. Here are a few examples below to inspire you to achieve a beautifully decorated fall mantel. (Source: Pinterest)

Fresh greenery, pinecones and green
and white pumpkins, so timeless.

Vintage brass bottles and berries adorn
this sweet mantle.

A classic fireplace mantle with orange pumpkins,
candle lanterns and calligraphy.

Have a great week...Be Inspired!

Give Your Home A Restyle For The Fall Season

Summer is almost over and fall officially begins September 22. The Autumn season is my favorite time of year, with cooler temperatures and cozy interiors, its the perfect time to restyle your home and embrace the season.

One of the easiest ways to go from summer to fall when decorating is to use color in autumnal hues such as yellows, reds, oranges, browns, and eggplant (or aubergine). Implement rich textures and tones by introducing throws, leather chairs, and plush ottomans. Swap out lightweight rugs for a more substantial one with a subtle pattern and a striking color.

To achieve a cozy setting hang drapery to bare windows for an intimate feel, place patterned pillows on a sofa and most importantly don't forget lighting. Most people tend to overlook this very important detail but adding soft ambient lighting sets the stage for the entire room. With so many different options available such as floor lamps, antique chandeliers, and wall sconces you can choose the best type that is suited to your home.

Elevate your mantel by decorating it with some harvest touches - candles, lanterns, and even branches placed in a vase and lush greenery.

Lastly, have fun restyling your home for the fall season, and choose pieces that make you feel happy to be home. See below:

Source: Google
A fall inspired living room featuring tones of
rich plums, dark floors and autumn foliage.

Source: Elle Decor
This exquiste dining room uses a bold
color scheme of navy and reds to make a statement.

Source: Elle Decor
Tones of oranges and brown gives life to this leather banquette seating.

Have a great week everyone!

Bring the Relaxing Scent of Aromatherapy Into Your Home

Aromatherapy is the ancient practice of using essential oils derived from healing plants to aid in the treatment of various ailments whether physical or emotional.

How Does Aromatherapy Work:

When we inhale essential oils through our nose, these molecules are carried to the lungs and in turn travel to several systems throughout the limbic system (the part of the brain that involves behavior and emotions).

Popular Plants Used In Essential Oils:

Peppermint (aids in digestion, energy booster)
Lemongrass (relieves a headache)
Ginger (reduces inflammation)
Eucalyptus (colds)
Lavender (treats anxiety and promotes relaxation)
Rosemary (skin care and hair growth)
Flowers (Roses, Geranium)

The Benefits of Aromatherapy:

1. Reduces stress and inflammation (muscle pain)
2. Helps fight fatigue
3. Improves Digestion
4. Lifts depression/moods
5. Improves skin care

If you want to have a more relaxing environment at home, aromatherapy is a good place to start. Whether you choose a diffuser, candles or wax melts to transport essential oils keep in mind that true essential oils should be 100 percent pure and not synthetic. (label should state 100 percent pure). Remember, genuine aromatherapy candles are made from soy and not paraffin wax.

Create a home environment that soothes your soul and relaxes your mind so you can be your best self.

Diffuser via Better Homes and Gardens

How To Make Laundry Day A Whole Lot Easier

Happy New Year 2018! To my readers, I wish you health and happiness for the year ahead and success in everything you do.

Since a new year is upon us and we want to make a fresh start, tackling the laundry is one of those areas where organizing is the key to making our daily lives easier and more productive. Follow these steps below to stay ahead of the game and make your laundry day easier.

Source: Google

Pre-treat stains right away. Keep a stain removal pen on hand to quickly treat coffee, tea, and other beverage stains.
Don't overload your washing machine. We all tend to do this but stuffing the washer only creates wrinkles and prevents a thorough clean. According to most manufacturers, you should leave a gap between the top of the drum and your laundry.
Remove clean laundry immediately after being washed to prevent creases.
Use a mesh laundry bag for delicates and undergarments to keep them from straying. The mesh bag can then be tossed straight into the dryer.
Inspect pockets for coins, candy, pens, and tissue before starting your laundry. This step will save you a lot of time later on when you notice tissue residue on all your clean clothes!
Give each family member their own designated hamper with separate sections (whites/dark/light) to make sorting a breeze.
Before putting your laundry into the dryer make sure to untangle items that get twisted and place items uniformly in the dryer. Try not to overload the dryer as this will cause uneven drying which will lead to double work for you.
To alleviate the need for ironing, before the dryer cycle comes to an end, take items that are slightly damp and hang them. This will avert wrinkles.
Lastly, to really make your laundry day a whole lot easier, upgrade your appliances if your budget allows. An energy-efficient washer and dryer will pay for itself in no time, as they can do the work in half the time. This will leave you with more time to spend with your family/friends, reading or doing something fun.

For more laundry day tips and tricks visit https://tide.com

Source: Worldmarket

5 Easy Home Improvement Ideas

Home improvement should not feel like a burden. DIY projects should be affordable, fast and practical with a big impact. These 5 home improvement ideas below do just that.

Frame your bathroom mirror with crown molding. Buy crown molding from the hardware store pre-cut to your measurements, spray paint it and glue to mirror. See full instructions at DIY Network

Source: Pinterest

Paint an accent wall a bright and bold color. This is a tried and true home improvement idea that designer's use to showcase a featured wall.

Upgrade your coat closet by replacing the inside shelf with coat hooks. The hooks will give your closet a clean and organized look.

Change out your bathroom shower head for a water saving, modern shower head. They are so many styles to choose from that will instantly improve the look of your bath.

Update your light switches, dimmers, and outlets. Switch out old outdated plastic light switches with contemporary switches. This change will give your home a fresh new look for a minimum amount of money and effort. Check out the Adorne Collection at Lowe's for an array of switches and outlets.

Like what you're reading? Then subscribe to my posts for more home improvement and decorating tips. Have a great weekend!