Create A Beautiful Guestroom Retreat in Your Home

As your guestroom will be getting a lot of use through the summer months, why not transform it into a beautiful retreat that your guests can appreciate. 

A guestroom should feel relaxing, welcoming and comfortable as you want your guests to feel "at home".   Even if you don't have a dedicated space for a guest room you can create one simply by turning a den or office into a cozy guestroom.

Creating Your Retreat

Bedding
To create your retreat start with the bed.  Always have fresh bed linens that have been ironed, lots of pillows and extra bedding.  Put a throw or summer blanket on the foot of the bed in case your guests get chilly at night.

Nightstand
Place a tray on the nightstand with magazines and books, writing essentials, a tissue box and fresh flowers. Have a carafe of water available if space allows.

Closet
Make sure the closet is well stocked with hangers and hooks so they have a place to put their belongings.

Guest Bathroom
Clean the guest bathroom and replace towels with clean cotton towels and washcloths.  Gather guest toiletries together (toothbrushes, pretty soaps, shampoo, and lotions) and place in a basket for their convenience. Lastly, light a candle for aromatherapy.

                                Source:  Southern Living Magazine

                                            Source:  Google

5 Outdoor Entertaining Ideas from Pinterest

Summer is all about outdoor entertaining.  Why stay inside when you can take advantage of the beautiful weather and dine under the stars.  

Pinterest has you covered with lots of outdoor entertaining ideas whether you are planning a birthday party, July 4th party or anniversary party.  See below:

                                   
                                            An elegant table set with fresh blooms
   
                                                                     

       
                                               Trees wrapped with twinkle lights      

Pretty canopy with cottage style pillows 

                                     
                                               Tribal decor with lots of green plants

                     

Mismatched dining chairs and an opulent chandelier

Source:  Pinterest

How To Style A Bar Cart For Summer Entertaining

Summer entertaining just got a whole lot easier thanks to the amazing and popular bar cart.

A bar cart serves a dual purpose- it is not only functional but decorative as well.  To use as a decorative piece leave it in the dining room or living room to display your favorite glassware or vintage wares.

You can purchase bar carts from Target, and they are available in a wide assortment from wood to brass with plenty of styles to choose from.  Prices range from $50.00-$200.00.

Now you will need to gather a few things before you get your bar cart styled:

• clear glass bottles with toppers
• decanters
• glassware (highball and wine glasses)
• fresh citrus
• coasters
• ice bucket and thongs
• bar tools
• napkins

                      How To Style Your Bar Cart

Create zones within your bar cart by using trays.  Trays help to organize each area and make it look more pleasing to your guests.  Set a color scheme by color coordinating your decanters/glassware and group together.  Add appetizers, a water station, and

dress up your cart with unique essentials such as fancy napkins, straws and custom coasters.  Lastly, add fresh flowers.

Décor Tip:

Don't overcrowd when styling your cart, keep things simple.

Do you have a unique tip for styling a bar cart?  Please share your comments below.  Thanks!

Organizing Your Garden Shed Is Easier Than You Think

     "To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow".

                                                            Audrey Hepburn

Gardening time is here and its the perfect time to organize your gardening or potting shed.

The gardening shed is such a workhorse for all seasons but especially the summer season.  A storage facility for gardening tools, potting soil, clay pots, fertilizer, etc., it is often the last place to be organized.  Keeping the potting shed clean and organized will make gardening a whole lot easier, trust me!

Below are a few practical ideas to easily organize your garden shed:

• Install a work surface that houses tools and supplies for potting your plants.  
• Use pegboards on wall to organize shelves and hooks.
• Mount a small storage compartment to the door of the shed for small tools such as a pruner or hand shovel.
• Place bins and pails on shelves for storing fertilizer.
• Keep watering cans, gloves and gardening gear neatly organized on shelves, placing the most used items on the bottom.
• Store bulbs in hanging planters until you're ready to plant them.

Your garden shed will be a lot more functional after being organized and in turn, it will make gardening more pleasurable.

                           Organized Potting Sheds

                                       Source: Google

                                 Have a great Sunday!

Coastal Inspired Rooms - So Perfect For The Summer Season

Thinking of  relaxing by the beach this summer but can't get there? How about decorating your abode for the summer season that mimics the airy, breezy and clean coastal style.

Coastal rooms are usually light and bright with ocean hues, and accessorized with natural materials, crisp linens and seaside Décor.

Take a look at these coastal inspired rooms below:

                           
   

                       
                                Source:  House Beautiful

           Relax and unwind in this oceanic bedroom.

Source:. Pinterest

  A modern coastal vibe befits this living room

                                     Source: Google

           A bright and light kitchen with seaside decor
                                and nautical stripes

       "Nothing soothes the soul like a walk on the beach"
                                                     Author - unknown

How To Create A More Healthy Home Environment

As we all try to live a healthier lifestyle, our homes should reflect the same.  A healthy home nourishes your well-being and is comfortable, bright, free of toxins, harmonious and welcoming.

To create a healthy home environment start by removing toxins from the air by adding plants. Houseplants help to purify the air by removing unwanted toxins. Next, reduce the amount of chemical exposure found in one's home by selecting organic bedding, towels and upholstered furniture free of flame retardants.

Make your bedroom feel like a sanctuary with a high quality mattress, and a hypoallergenic duvet cover and pillows.

Set a soothing tone by placing candles in jars all around your home; whether flameless or real, the goal is to make it feel welcoming.

Change out your old desk for an ergonomic standing desk, this will improve your overall physical well-being.

Lastly, create harmony in the home by sitting at the table for meals, particularly a round table.  A round table will make everyone feel included and conversations will flow much better.

                           
                                                              Source:  Pinterest

Creating a healthy home is within reach.  I hope you found these tips to be helpful.  Please share your comments below.

How To Get Your Porch or Patio Ready for Summer

The porch or patio area usually gets neglected over the winter season so it's a good idea to spruce things up and get it ready for summer.

Porch Clean Up Step by Step:

1. Sweep porch floors and in between floorboards thoroughly.
2. Rinse walls, ceiling and floors with a hose, then using a bristle brush and warm soapy water scrub stains, and rinse again.
3. Clean light fixtures  by removing and vacuuming debris, then use a window cleaner for a spotless shine.
4. Re-stain wood if needed.
5. Wipe metal umbrella stand with plain soap and water, then scrub, vacuum and wipe outdoor fabric umbrella. (for mold and mildew use diluted bleach).

Tip: Spot test first before using any cleaner just to make sure it won't damage your furniture.  Oxiclean is a great alternative to bleach.  For wicker furniture clean with a soft, dry toothbrush.

Now your porch or patio is ready for summer!

                            Source:  Pinterest

My Dream Kitchen If I Had A $10,000 Budget

Designing a new kitchen can be costly, but if I had a $10,000.00 budget it would absolutely be doable.

A modern, bright and airy style is my ideal kitchen with hard working appliances, timeless finishes and a pleasing aesthetic.  After all, the kitchen is the center of the house, where everyone gathers to eat and converse so it should be a dream space. 

Elements of My Dream Kitchen:

A white color palette
Glass front cabinets
Quartz countertops
Stainless steel appliances (energy saving)
Engineered hardwood floors
A chrome polished gooseneck faucet
A kitchen island

I scoped out Pinterest and found this beautiful kitchen that fits my wish list.  (see below)

                                  Source:  Pinterest

If you had a $10,000.00 loan what room would you remodel? I would love to hear your feedback, please comment below.

Black and White Timeless Spaces

Black and white decorated rooms are sophisticated, dramatic and chic.  Mixing these two opposite colors together in any room such as a bathroom, kitchen or bedroom will give it a subtle yet classic feel.

Designers love to pair these two colors together because they know it will achieve a stunning effect and a timeless style.

These photos below capture the timeless beauty of black and white decor:

                                      Source: Google

                           
                                   Source:  ElleDecor

                                     Source:  Google

Home Decorating Tips for Novice Decorators

If you've just moved into a new place and feeling overwhelmed with the task of decorating, below are a few tips to get you started:

• Shop at bargain outlets, flea markets, and stores like Pottery Barn, Target and IKEA, to stretch your dollars.
• Browse Etsy for special pieces that are unique to add character to your home.
• Splurge on key pieces such as a sofa, or an upholstered bed.
• Accessorize with lighting such as lanterns and floor lamps to add ambience.
• Create texture with faux fur rugs, pillows and throws.
• Add finishing touches with flowers, an antique vase, artwork, and hardcover books. 

The art of decorating should be fun and creative.  Your home should feel like you, a place where you belong.  

                                      Inspired Places

Source:  HGTV

                             Source:  Traditional Home

                             Have a great weekend!

                                        

DIY How To Install A Matte Black Tile Backsplash

Installing a new kitchen backsplash can dramatically change the look of your kitchen.    A new backsplash is a valuable addition to any home.  Not only will it protect the wall behind your stove from getting stained, it can be easily cleaned with a wet cloth or sponge. 

If you are considering updating your backsplash a matte black backsplash is a wonderful choice.  It is beautiful to look at, practical and works with any décor style.  

Below you will find a video from Lowes on how to install a matte black backsplash.

                                        Source:  Lowes
Visit:
https://www.lowes.com/how-to-library