How To Decorate A Smaller Home On A Tiny Budget

Now that smaller homes are gaining popularity, and people are choosing to downsize to smaller homes or apartments,  decorating a smaller home can be a challenge.

If you are planning to move to a smaller home in the future or are already living in one and need help decorating it, below are some tips to consider.

How To Decorate A Smaller Home On A Tiny Budget:

1. Shop yard sales or estate sales for furniture such as coffee tables, side tables, and bedside tables.  Spray paint if needed.  
2. Choose a sofa in a neutral color or cover existing sofa with a neutral slipcover.
3. Use dividers to separate multipurpose spaces such as bedroom/office. 
4. Hang drapery rods all the way to the ceiling for a big impact.  
5. Purchase artwork from thrift stores and replace old frames with antique frames. 
6. Place mirrors throughout your home to reflect light and open up your space.
7. Use hooks for storage if space is limited.
8. Storage ottomans are perfect for hiding everyday items.
9. A round dining table allows for more space.
10. Go bold with throw pillows, accessories and paint.

                                 Small Spaces With Big Impact

                                       Multipurpose bookshelf

 

                              A beautiful mirror opens up this space

             Create extra seating with a built-in 

        bookshelf

   
                                        Clever use of a curtain divider
                   

                                   A round table is perfect for this
                                          living-dining combo
 

                                   Source:  Pinterest

Gingham Styled Rooms So Classic and Stylish

Gingham pattern aka a check pattern is a medium weight fabric made from dyed cotton.

This classic and stylish fabric is basically a pattern of modified stripes comprised of crossed horizontal and vertical lines forming squares.

Although this classic fabric has been around for years, it is considered very trendy in the design world and is featured in many home decor magazines lately as a "trend alert".  These trendy gingham items include ottomans, sheet sets, flatware, dresser knobs, and wallpaper.

This beautiful and tasteful pattern brings a sense of elegance to a home and will easily update any room effortlessly.

See photos below:

                                 Source:  Google Images
                     

How To Quickly Organize An Entryway Closet

Most of us have an entryway or foyer closet that could use some organization.

Stuffed with winter coats, raincoats, hats, scarves, boots, and shoes, the entryway closet can become one of the the most unorganized place in the home.

An organized foyer closet will definitely help to make your morning routine become easier and will also lessen the amount of time set out for cleaning up your space.

Here is a quick list to guide you:

1. Declutter and get rid of items you no longer use such as old coats and mismatched gloves.
2. Place items that do not belong in the entryway closet in their proper place, for example, sporting equipment.
3. Freshen up your closet by painting it a color you love.
4. Add storage bins to keep things neatly organized.
5. Use sturdy coat hangers like Joy Mangano Huggable Hangers, they are practical yet stylish. 
6. Invest in a durable shoe rack.

Décor Tip:

To keep your entryway closet clean and organized on a daily basis, hang up coats and other outerwear right away and place toys and shoes in their respective bins.

Organized Entryway Closets:

             
                                          Source:  Pinterest

5 Bohemian Living Rooms that are Artistic, Fun and Free Spirited

These Bohemian styled living rooms capture the essence of the trendy Boho decorating style - carefree, casual and eclectic.

Most Bohemian living rooms are comprised of bold colors, vintage wares, layered throws, textured pillows, exotic rugs and potted plants.

Velveteen sofas, artwork (usually not hung up), and playful patterns all make up this free spirited Décor style.

                                     Source:  Google Images


Do you have a favorite pic? Please comment below, I would love to hear your thoughts.

How to easily refresh your powder room on the cheap

With just a few dollars and a little planning, you can easily refresh your powder room and transform it into a room you can be proud of.

The key areas of a powder refresh include the shower, the vanity, accessory storage (towels, pharmaceuticals) and lighting.

Below is a list of the items you will need to easily refresh your powder room on the cheap.

1. Change out plastic towel bars and replace with chrome.
2. Add a dramatic ceiling light or replace your old powder room fan with a modern one.
3. Update existing shower curtain making sure to coordinate the color palette with your towels and other accessories.
4. Add stylish storage such as a shelf or freestanding storage that can be purchased from a flea market or vintage store on the cheap.
5. Declutter the vanity by using a tray to house your pretties such as perfume bottles, makeup, and bath and body products.  

Take a look at these updated powder rooms they will surely inspire you.

                             A bold and graphic shower curtain

                              Open shelving, pretty and practical

                                    A spectacular ceiling light

 
                                  A polished chrome towel bar

                                    An organized vanity tray

                  All photos courtesy of Google images

                          Have a wonderful Tuesday!

How To Make Healthy Vietnamese Pork Noodle Salad

Go beyond the typical boring salad and indulge in a Vietnamese Pork Noodle salad that is tasty, light and exotic.

               
                                          Photo via Pinterest

Ingredients:

 4 ounces thin brown rice noodles
 1 cup sliced red onion
 5 tablespoons fresh lime juice, divided
 2 tablespoons fish sauce
 2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic
 3 tablespoons sugar, divided
 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
 1 pound pork tenderloin, trimmed and cut into 1-inch  pieces
 1/4 cup hot water
 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
 5 ounces baby spinach (about 7 cups)
 1 1/4 cups matchstick-cut carrots (4 ounces)
 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves 2 tablespoons canola oil

 Directions: 1. Bring a medium saucepan of water to a  boil. Add noodles; cook 3 minutes. Drain; rinse under  cold water. Drain. 2. Place onion in a bowl of ice water;  let stand 10 minutes. Drain. Combine 2 tablespoons  juice, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, garlic, 1 1/2 tablespoons  sugar, and black pepper. Add pork; toss. 3. Combine  remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar and 1/4 cup hot  water, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add remaining 3  tablespoons juice, remaining 1 tablespoon fish sauce,  and crushed red pepper. Add noodles, onion, spinach,  carrot, and cilantro; toss well. 4. Heat a wok or large  skillet over high heat. Add oil; swirl. Add pork mixture;  stir-fry minutes.

 This dish will yield 4-6 servings.

Recipe courtesy of myrecipes.com.

Update Your Home For The Fall Season With Elegant Flameless Candles

Flameless candles are safe, affordable, trendy and aesthetically pleasing. Battery operated flameless candles have come a long way since their first inception. The new and improved candles are made from real wax, have an internal LED bulb which glows from within and a blackened wick. They are now extremely realistic and most candles have a built-in timer (automatically turns itself on) which gives the user the option of 4hrs/6/hrs of glow time or an on/off switch.

Flameless candles give a warm ambiance to every room, are enjoyable without the worry of flames or wax and most importantly pet-friendly. They can be tucked in a bookcase, scones, or near window treatments which would be hazardous with real candles.

If you have a passion for flameless candles like I do check out QVC's Candle Impressions and Home Reflections for a variety of quality flameless candles that can be used indoors/outdoors.

                                                           Source:  Google

How To Stage Your Home For A Quick Sale

Staging your home before it goes on the market is one of the most important things you can do to ensure a quick and profitable sale. Home staging involves improving the overall decor, design and function (organization) of a home in order to attract and retain potential buyers. Professional home staging can take your house from drab to fab!

The benefits of a professional home staging are as follows:

-Reduces the amount of time the house is on the market

-Forces the homeowner to declutter and organize belongings

-Increase the value of your home

-Learn techniques used by realtors when selling a home to attract buyers

The most important rooms to consider when staging are: bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchen, living room and foyer. Also, the exterior of a home should not be overlooked as curb appeal is the first step in attracting any buyer.

Here are some TIPS when staging:

Observe your house from a buyer's point of view and take a fresh look at it, as if looking at it for the first time.

Go through each room and paint what needs painting, clean carpets, rugs, drapes, clean windows, rearrange furniture so it flows, clear countertops from kitchen counters and bathrooms, and put away personal/family photos so the homeowner can imaging themselves living there. The foyer should be clutter free, organize mail and keys in baskets, store outerwear (hats, gloves,etc) in closets. Last but not least neutralize your home for top dollar. Use neutral paint colors and accessories so that homeowners can envision themselves in your home.

Home staging is worth the effort to get your place.....SOLD!

                                                     Staged Homes - Source: Google
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The Tuscan Style of Decorating

Whenever I think of the Tuscan style of decor, the Italian countryside comes to mind with its rolling mountains, rustic farmhouses, lemon trees and lavender gardens. Tuscan decor is charming, warm and inviting, a great choice for homeowners to incorporate into their own home.

To achieve this style of decor choose elements that have the same characteristics: simple and rustic, earthy tones, and colors found in nature.

Examples of decor elements to use in the Tuscan home are: the color palette of rust, burnt orange green and white. Flooring choices are terra cotta, marble tile flooring and antique rugs. Furniture pieces should be kept simple like wrought iron, leather and wood furnishings. Accessorize your abode with Tuscan decor such as hand painted Italian ceramics, cast iron accents, and rustic light fixtures.

Finally, don't forget the outdoors. To achieve a good flow from indoors to outdoors, give your backyard a Tuscan update. Add wrought iron table and chairs, and purchase colorful clay pots, urns and a garden statue from your local hardware store or thrift store.

Tuscan  Style of Decor:

Source:  Google  

8 Simple Ways To Make Your Home Green Friendly and Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

                                                                      Source:  Google

Making your home green friendly and reducing your carbon footprint is not at all complicated and just takes a few simple quick fixes that can be done in a short period of time. Living green is not only good for the environment, but it reduces waste, and is good for your health and the health of future generations.

Reducing your carbon footprint means reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions you produce by reducing the amount of electricity, and heating used by heavy appliances such as dryers and refrigerators.

8 green friendly and carbon reducing footprint tips:

1.  Use front loading washer and dryers as they are energy efficient and use less water and electricity.
2. Dry your clothes on a clothesline and cut down on using the dryer all together.
3. Install green flooring in your home such as linoleum, cork, wood and bamboo. These green floors are affordable and long lasting and keeps indoor air healthy.
4. Keep refrigerator back/bottom coils clean and make sure to leave enough space between the wall and the condenser coils so air can circulate. This will allow your refrigerator to operate more efficiently.
5. Re-use furniture. Shop at Habitat for Humanity's Restores for used furniture such as fireplace mantels and used appliances at bargain prices.
6. Reduce the amount of water used when watering your garden by installing a drip system. The drip system has tiny pinholes that will go directly to the plant roots which will eliminate water waste.
7. Install energy efficient double-pane windows that are filled with inert gas and make sure frames are made from recycled wood fiber.
8. Recycle your old carpeting by giving it to a manufacturer so they can reuse it for new carpeting otherwise, it will end up in a landfill.

Have  an eco-friendly weekend!

How to easily transform your home office on a tight budget

Is your home office feeling dull and uninspiring lately? Then consider updating it, to keep you inspired and motivated throughout the day.

Whether you spend your day writing, blogging or just paying bills, etc., your mental outlook can be greatly improved simply by refreshing and updating your home office.

The first thing to consider is changing the paint color. If you need to lessen your stress levels go with cool colors such as greens, blues and purple. These color choices calm the spirit and will help you to concentrate on your task as they do not overwhelm the space.

The color green in particular is a wise choice as it promotes creativity, balance and harmony. To keep you energized choose vibrant colors such as oranges, reds and yellows. These colors are in the warm color family and are vibrant, lively and will keep you alert.

Next, choose a rug that complements your new paint color. This will ground the space and make it feel more comfortable.

Make sure your home office is ergonomically correct by placing your computer, printer and fax in easy access of use. Invest in a good quality/comfortable office chair. Place meaningful artwork on walls to inspire you and keep you motivated. Add plants and/or fresh flowers to give life to your space. Use wicker baskets and colorful trays to keep supplies organized. Place scented candles, picture frames, and unique stationary on your desk.

Transform your old bulletin board into an eye catching piece by placing fabric or wallpaper over the cork. Replace drab curtains with modern and sophisticated draperies.

See photos below:

                                                                 
                                                      Source:  HGTV
Which home  office is your  style?  I would  love  to  hear  your  thoughts.                           Comment  below.