Dawnsboutique

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 ...

"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 f...

"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 y...

“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 t...

“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 try...

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 t...

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                                                       an...

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 ...

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 relaxin...

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 crease...

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. Sw...