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How To Create A French Farmhouse Country Kitchen

"There is nothing nicer than a kitchen really made for a cook. Things that are designed to be used always have an innate beauty." Julia Child

A French Farmhouse Kitchen is unique, to say the least. It consists of various decorating elements that when put together creates a beautiful esthetic. If you are inspired by this style of decorating and would like to transform your kitchen there are a few details that you need to incorporate such as: adding rusted metal furniture or objects such as scales, a copper sink, copper pots, pans, and bakeware.

When organizing your cabinetries, use open shelving to display porcelain ware such as teacups and bowls. Leave silverware on countertops, put wicker baskets everywhere to store and organize food, add Toile kitchen towels to create a worn patina look, and add antique signage.

Install beams for a rustic look, bring in furniture in the kitchen like a Loui chair and a hutch. Integrate French provincial colors - yellow, blue, and green. And lastly, add herbs and flowers. See photos below:

Large Kitchen Island and Wood Beams

Antique Lantern, Lavender Bushes, Bench Seating

Yellow curtains and a kitchen herbal garden

Open Shelving for Porcelain

Wooden Utensils on Display

Toile Kitchen Towels

Copper Pots and Pans Grouped Together

Source: Pinterest

Decor Tip:

Browse flea markets and thrift stores for French Country kitchen essentials and florals.

How To Imitate Jennifer Aniston's Style

Jennifer Aniston, a long-time fashion icon has maintained her fashion status for the past 20 years.

From the red carpet to her everyday California styles she really knows how to rock it with simplicity and panache. Her wardrobe consists of basic everyday pieces with a touch of rocker flair, deeming her with "the girl next door" image.

So how does one imitate Jennifer's fashion style? Start by building your wardrobe with basic everyday pieces such as a white T-shirt, a black T-shirt, a white cotton blouse, a blazer, a classic shoulder bag, white sneakers and a great pair of jeans. Then integrate more complex items like a black leather jacket, cargo pants, utility boots, and a brown belt. Go one step further by adding black dress pants, a navy blue blazer, a silky camisole, an evening purse, and a stylish watch. To kick it up a notch for that special event opt for a little black dress or a black jumpsuit.

When picking a color palette she always chooses neutral colors such as olive green, denim, and white to look effortlessly chic.

The best way to imitate Jennifer Aniston's style is to look timeless with classic pieces and add a bit of rocker flair. See below:

Layers of Style

Athleisure Bottom Topped With a Long Sweater

Classy Little Black Dress

Boho-Chic with Flared Pants

Pinstriped Blazer

Tuxedo Jacket and Sunglasses

Source: Pinterest

Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak!

How To Style Your Coffee Table In Your Living Room On A Budget

One of the quickest ways to update your living room for spring is by refreshing your coffee table which is usually a focal point in most homes. Depending on the decor of your home you can style it elegantly, simply, or organically on a budget.

To get that perfectly styled coffee table a few key elements are needed:

Create dimension with varying heights (high and low)
Three is the magic number
Use greenery
Contrast colors for a wow effect
Don't over clutter simplicity is the key
Display with a tray
Make it personal
Use what you have and make it practical

Simplicity Makes a Statement

Source: HGTV

Source: Wayfair

Go Green

Source: Pinterest

Layer With Books

Source: Wayfair

Art Object

Source: HGTV

Decorating Tip:

The most budget-friendly way to style your coffee table is by shopping your home. We all have decorating accessories that are probably sitting in a closet or a room not being used. Utilize these pieces and add additional decor from thrift stores, and consignment shops. Books, greenery and art objects can all be found at any thrift store. Your money will stretch so much further when you purchase high-end products from these types of stores.

French Country Rooms And Living Spaces That Will Inspire You

"I am going to make everything around me beautiful—that will be my life."

Elsie De Wolfe (Interior Decorator)

Romantic interiors are calm, elegant and softly decorated with pastel and neutral colors in order to achieve a relaxed romantic mood. Furnishings are usually classically made from wood usually in a white-washed tone, upholstered and plush.

Fabrics play a huge part in the French Country romantic style. Satin, wool, lace, and velvet are just a few examples. Decorative accessories such as candles and fresh flowers are always present in this decor style as well.

Romance and the beauty of chandeliers go hand-in-hand. Romantic rooms usually have great lighting and chandeliers provide the perfect ambiance to light up a room. More than likely a vintage chandelier would be a perfect choice but a modern or classic chandelier is also well suited for this style of decor.

Patterned wallpaper, an upholstered/ornate headboard, white walls, vintage mirrors, floral motifs, and rounded furniture shapes all make up the French Country style for romantic rooms and living spaces. See photos below:

Source: Pinterest

A room decorated in the romantic style awakens your senses, and can actually lift your spirits especially after the Christmas season. I hope these photos have inspired you to transform at least one room in your home into the French Country romantic style.

Decor Tip: Use vintage pieces whenever possible and soft pastel colors. Try to avoid harsh colors and use plenty of candles for natural soft lighting.

How To Decorate Using The French Country Style

“I do not believe there is another city on earth so beautiful as Paris

nor people with such an appreciation of the beautiful as the French...”

- Edward Hopper

The French countryside conjures up images of lavender fields, lush green landscapes, quaint towns, and flower gardens and The French country style of decorating is inspired by the French countryside.

The Elements of the French Country Style of Decorating

Distressed furniture
Natural materials such as wood floors and wood-beamed ceilings
Wooden furniture with curved lines and plush upholstery
Rustic interiors
Neutral color palette
Botanical prints (usually found on draperies and wallpaper)
Interiors are infused with warm colors such as yellow, green and blue
Gingham patterns (basically plaid) and particularly toile patterns
Prints made of cotton or linen used for tablecloths and draperies
Antiques and vintage pieces such as mirrors, chandeliers, vases, and porcelain plates

How To Master The Look of French Country In Your Home

French Country decor is elegant, yet casual and comfortable. It is warm and inviting with its colorful tones no dark colors are found in this esthetic. Basically, you will want to incorporate yellows, blues, greens and a touch of red when adding accessories. When shopping for this look, purchase folk art farm animals such as roosters and rabbits, black scroll ironwork (e.g. candlesticks), a farm table, toile patterned kitchen curtains, large blue and white porcelain plates and of course, a chandelier preferably vintage.

Here are a few examples of the French Country Style:

Source: One Kings Lane

Source: House Beautiful

Source: Pinterest

Source: Pinterest

As you can see from these photos the French really know how to decorate and design spaces. Have fun trying out this style of decor and comment below if you already decorate using this style. Have a great weekend!

How To Make Your Rental Apartment Feel More Like A Home

“Decorate your home. It gives the illusion that your life is more interesting than it really is.”
Charles M. Schulz

Apartment living can be a great option whether you are downsizing or moving out on your own after college, however, they tend to lack "character" an essential part of any home decor scheme. Character basically makes a home feel like a home -in essence, it changes the overall vibe of your abode.

If you just moved into a rental apartment and it feels a little sterile, dark or cold and you desperately want it to feel more like a home follow these steps outlined below:

Hang a lightweight medallion on the ceiling (see photo) to make a boring light fixture seem more dramatic. You can find these readily available at The Home Depot or other hardware stores.
Replace kitchen and bathroom cabinet hardware with modern/vintage knobs.
Switch out those outdated plastic light switch covers with something unique and contemporary.
For dark areas of your apartment add electric wall scones or battery powered wall lamps. Both are affordable and can be easily installed.
Upgrade your bathtub shower head with a Rain or LED showerhead to create a spa-like feeling within your bathroom.
Removable wallpaper - hang wallpaper to a blank boring white wall to update it instantly.
Remove those blinds (if you are allowed to) and update them with quality draperies.
Add houseplants. They are cheap, good for the air and will make any space feel like home. Make sure to place houseplants in a good quality/pretty planter so they don't look cheap.

Houseplants create a zen-like atmosphere in this living room

A french-style ceiling medallion makes this space look opulent

A wall sconce the perfect lighting needed to create hominess

This global decor style light switch will give any wall character

Source: Pinterest

Modern cabinet knobs and pulls a quick fix for any outdated fixture

These rental updates will transform any bland apartment into a palace. Hope they have inspired you. Give them a try!

How To Make Your Home Feel More Cozy After The Holiday Season

Happy New Year dear readers!

"For last year's words belong to last year's language.

And next year's words await another voice".

Unknown

Now that the holiday season is over and the Christmas decor is all packed away, our homes at this point might seem a little bare. The warmth and glow that the holiday decor provided is now gone but don't despair there is a remedy to fix all of that.

Lighting

One of the easiest ways to make your home feel cozier after the holiday season is to add lighting. Whether it is candles, floor lamps, or string lights, lighting is essential and the key to that cozy warm feeling that you crave.

Draperies

Changing out lightweight draperies and replacing them with heavier/darker ones will instantly give a warm feel to any room of your home.

Rugs/Pillows

Add area rugs (layer more than one) to your space especially if you have hardwood floors to add texture and to keep your feet toasty and warm. Another great way to add coziness to your abode is by adding toss pillows, throws on sofas and extra blankets on bedding.

Art

Artwork might not be the first thing you think of regarding coziness but using artwork/paintings does add an element of coziness to otherwise drab white walls. They tend to bring the whole room together and provides the feeling of warmth to your space. Try it out you won't be disappointed. Lastly, hang personal photos on your walls (gallery wall) which will invoke that "feeling" of familiarity and warmth. See photos below:

Soft layered rugs, dark draperies, and artwork makes for a cozy bedroom

This living room is the perfect example of warm - dramatic artwork, a roaring

fireplace, and textured pillows

Candlelight, a woven throw, and a checkered pillow the three main

components used for this cozy space

This floor lamp makes a statement combined with this soft throw

and printed rug making this room very cozy

Source: Pinterest

String Lights are the key to creating the depth of warmth in this living room

I hope 2020 is all that you imagined and more. Have a great week!

My Favorite Holiday Gift Ideas For Home Decor Lovers

The 25th of December will soon be here and Santa needs to get his/her sleigh ready. Shopping for gifts during the holidays is a lot of pressure especially when you haven't even started yet. If you or someone on your list is a home decor lover you will find this post very useful It is all about home decor gifts ranging from frugal to extravagant. Take a look below:

Source: Neiman Marcus
Retro Temperature Kettle approx $200

A retro-style electric kettle a splurge but well worth it for someone with discerning taste.

Source: Neiman Marcus
L'object Russe Candle approx $95

An elegant home gift for that special person on your list that loves to decorate with candles.

Source: Anthropologie
Chelsea Mug Blue Combo approx. $14

An affordable and classy gift for a coffee or tea addict.

Source: Anthropologie
Farmhouse milk bottle match striker approx $38

Keep your matches safe, secure and easily accessible with this match striker.

Source: Macy's
Martha Stewart Glassware Collection approx $67

For the girl that loves blush pink. This glassware set is rimmed with gold and makes a great hostess gift.

Source: Macy's
Digial Air Fryer approx. $144

This practical gift makes dinner time so much easier and healthier.

Source: Wayfair
Salt Lamp approx $45
The perfect gift for the person who needs some aromatherapy. Salt lamps enhance your mood, raise energy levels, and purifies the air.

Deciding on a holiday home decor gift is easy with these budget-friendly ideas above. Happy Shopping!

How To Successfully Decorate Your Fireplace Mantel for Christmas

"The home is the empire. There is no peace more delightful than one's own fireplace"
Marcus Cicero

The fireplace is an important focal point when decorating for the Christmas season. A grand piece of real estate that you should not ignore. It might be a little challenging but worth the time and effort.

If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace mantel in your home it would be worth your while to utilize it and show it off. Below are a few steps you can use to successfully decorate your mantel for Christmas.

Steps To Decorate Your Fireplace Mantel:

Place an anchor piece above the mantel to ground the whole look. (e.g a large mirror or painting).
Use large decorative pieces as small objects will make the mantel seem cluttered. Usually around 3-5 objects.
Apply symmetry - whatever object you place on the left will be placed on the right.
Decorate with garland or stockings in the same color scheme as your Christmas tree.
Add lights to your finished project if desired.

Source: One Kings Lane
Classic mantel decor with a mirror and wreath to anchor the whole look.

Source: One Kings Lane

Pine garland, an antique painting, and candelabras flank each side of this mantel to achieve
an old-world timeless style.

Source: Elle Decor

Go glam with this look. Gold and navy ornaments and silver mini trees.

Source: Elle Decor

Candy jars showcase this fireplace along with a hobby horse. Kids will love this look.

Source: Elle Decor

This mantel is decked out with checkered stockings, candles and white ornaments
perfect for a farmhouse look

There are so many ways to decorate your fireplace for the holidays hopefully, these photos have inspired you.