Dawnsboutique

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...

Have you ever walked into someone's home and it has a luxury feel to it even though it may be small?  Well, there is a secret to why some houses look expensive and it has to do with how it has been thoughtfully decorated. Choosing the right kind of furniture, art , accessories and upgrading your existing fixtures will yield that outcome. This is how to make your home look expensive: Upgrade Your  Light Fixtures Switch out your outdated light fixtures for a more contemporary look. Artwork Decorate your walls with large scale art.  Nothing says expensive more than artwork.  Shop thrift stores and estate sales for large scale art, just replace chipped and worn out frames with new ones. Improve Hardware and Doors Improving the quality of hardware for​ example, your kitchen and bathroom cabinet knobs, will make a world of difference.  Also consider upgrading your front door and interior doors. Sculptured Art Place a sculptured p...