Think Long Term

When shopping for big items (sofas, entertainment center, dining table etc), think long term. These staple items are usually the most expensive pieces in any room and should be looked at as an investment - something that will be with you for a long time. So think practically, not emotionally!

Take my husband and I for example! We live in a small apartment (that we love), but we know we wont be here forever (maybe another year or two). It wouldn't make sense to buy anything based on this temporary living space alone, because when we move we'd have a bunch of stuff that didn't work with our new space (talk about a waste of money).

Ever since we got married we've been shopping around for a new TV console to replace the rinky-dink black wooded box the TV was sitting on. At first we wanted a corner console because it made more sense with our small space, but honestly, it didn't make sense for our future plans to move. Where else would we need a corner console? So we kept shopping, praying and thinking. As we shopped we couldn't really find a small console that was as dramatic as we wanted, they were all so boring, but we did find a Karolina cabinet that we LOVED. We decided to buy it and use it as our temporary TV console. After a few adjustments, like sawing a small, neat, hole in the back for wires, it will be perfect! When we eventually move to a bigger, more permanent place we will be able to use the cabinet in our entry way,  hall way or dining room. 

So, remember when buying big items to think long term. Be practical. Otherwise, you will collect random pieces of furniture and have a hodge-podge space.

(Karolina console in our living room) 

A touch of whimsy

 Surprisingly, everything does not have to be matchy, matchy! I love cupcake decor! These are actually mine, from our kitchen. Does it match our apartment? Nope, but it's okay. It's a little random fun! They put a smile on my face. When the majority of your space is pulled together and peaceful, it's okay to add random pops of fun. You're decor doesn't always have to make sense, it just needs to be balanced.

Enjoy touches of whimsy!

New Wall Decor

My husband and I  purchased this "Sunlit Arch Plaque" from Kirklands on Sunday! We've been looking at this type of decor for a few months. I've seen nices ones at Hobby Lobby, but they were a bit smaller. I've also seen a few with mirrors behind the iron, which was nice. I would have gone for something like that, but we have a completely mirrored wall in our apartment (how many mirrors do we need?). I will say, a mirrored one would be wonderful in a smaller space (or entry way), it would give the illusion of depth, openness and additional space. As you shop around, like me, you will find a wide range of styles and colors, so remember your end goal. Keep the vision before you and choose accordingly. 

We used our plaque to fill in some empty and awkward wall space. We didn't want to add more picture frames, and we had enough sconces. The plaque was a neat way to break up and bring together (double duty) our dinning and living room space without repeating what we had done on other walls.

What's IN - Old Chests

LOVE!!! My husband and I bought an old chest at Garden Ridge that we adore!! We entertain in our small apartment ALL the time and our guests love playing board games, so we store them in our chest! I've seen people store all sorts of things like blankets, extra pillows, photo albums etc. I've even seen people use them as an ottoman!!! So, get a chest! They add personality, detail  and sophistication to a space.

Check out a few of these gorgeous chests on Amazon!!

Tight Budget

Do you have a tight budget?  A few small changes can make a huge difference!

- remove the clutter - removing clutter will make your space feel clean and enlarged.

- rearrange furniture - moving your furniture will make your space feel new, fresh and many times bigger. It's a wonderful way to give your space a whole new feel.

- use what you have - look around your house and find items that aren't really being used, and use them in the space you're reworking.

- buy a few unique pieces - a few unique/dramatic pieces will add visual interest.

- accent pillows or rug - new accent pillows or a new area rug will easily change the feel of any space

- paint - paint white cold walls! A warmer cream color is better than stark white! Think about adding an accent wall if you aren't interested in painting the entire space.

So you see, there are lots of fun, easy and inexpensive ways to update any space!!

What's IN- Lanterns

Lanterns! That's what's IN! I've seen some at Kirklands, but even better ones at Hobby Lobby for about $50-65!! I love the unique look lanterns bring to the home. Plus they come in all sorts of styles - everything from beachy, modern, rustic and even some with keys on them (told ya keys were IN) *smile* You can add a lantern to any counter top, night stand, or side table. It's a nice change from your normal candle holders!

Beauty in a Budget

My husband and I love making our space beautiful, but we also love doing it without debt! There is beauty in a budget! Spending money we don't have would only suck the joy out of the beautiful space we created, that's why we design in cash!!

You may not find this advice on other design and decor blogs, but we are first and foremost, Christians! We believe everything in our life should be submitted to God, even our money! We set aside, "play money", which is money we can enjoy shopping, eating or on entertainment etc. This allows us to enjoy our space even more, because their is no guilt or fear about our budget. Our priorities are in order!

A beautiful budget, will help you enjoy your beautiful space! :-) Remember that!

Enjoy your space NOW

Every time I come across a dull, boring and empty home the owners always have some excuse as to why it's so. Either, it's not their dream home (e.g. to small, or living in an apartment), or they don't feel talented enough to decorate, or they have some imaginary date set (e.g. when the kids move out, or next summer).

No matter where you live there is no excuse to deprive yourself from enjoying your space!! My husband and I live in an apartment (which we love) and yet we hold nothing back when it comes to design and decor. Yes, we may have to limit the amount of decor because of space, but we don't limit our expression. We have pictures, candle stands, wall art, fancy lamps etc. because it helps us enjoy our space now (not later). Everyone has the ability to make the most of their current space.

So don't wait around being uninspired, get moving and make where you are beautiful!

Enjoy your space now, not later! :-)

Empty Space Above Cabinets

Do you have empty space above your kitchen cabinets? Well then, DECORATE IT! That empty space gives you a great opportunity to accessorize - bring your style into the kitchen! You can put flowers, vases, even framed wall art with a cute or clever saying!

We have a framed saying leaned against the wall above our kitchen cabinets that reads, " Faith, Hope and Love - the greatest is love"  then on the left side we have a set of ceramic vases, and on the right side we have our owl I was telling you about (He may not be staying long, but don't tell him that lol).

Decorating above your cabinets allows you to bring color, life, and warmth to the heart of your home - the Kitchen!

If you have a small kitchen you may think adding decor above the cabinets will look cluttered, and make your space look smaller, but that's not true! Making use of the empty space, by adding cabinet decor, will make your kitchen feel bigger by bringing the eye up.  So, don't miss out decorating this fun space!

What's IN - Owls

Yes, owls! You haven't noticed them!?!?! Come on!! I must admit I'm not in love with ALL the owls decor, but I did cave and get one for over our cabinets in the kitchen, kinda looks like he's looking over us while we cook (ha-ha). He's sorta cute. I'm not sure if we'll keep him forever, but for now I'm enjoying him and his "wise" appearance. *smile*

Go BIG in small spaces

It's common to believe that using smaller pieces of furniture and decor will fit better in a smaller space, but the fact of the matter is, a bunch of small stuff, looks cluttered, busy and hodge-podge. Smaller spaces look best with  fewer, but larger pieces! Instead of filling your wall with countless individually framed pictures of your loved ones, try buying a collage frame. Also, try putting a slightly over sized piece of wall art to center a small room, and bring focus.

Remember the key to making smaller spaces look fabulous is FEW and BIG!

What's IN - Keys

Keys, keys, keys!! They're everywhere!!

I love that keys are IN this season! I LOVE romantic decor and KEYS are romantic! Who has the key to your heart? Keys are also mysterious, what will it unlock? While shopping with my handsome husband, I've seen keys used in so many ways - wood, iron, glass - even jewelry!!

Add an over sized key to an empty wall, or a small key as a book holder or candle stand to the counter!

 Where to find keys:

Kirklands

Hobby Lobby

Garden Ridge

Dried Roses

Does your special someone surprise you with roses? Wanta keep them? I know I do! I love dried roses! Most people hang their flowers upside down to dry, but there's a better way!! I allow mine to dry the way they wilt, then once dried I arrange them to make a bouquet mixed with all my other dried roses! I mix all sorts of colors - red, pink, white, purple! It's so romantic!!

 

 You can pick any vase you want! I chose a clear vase and added some rose petals at the bottom. I personally enjoy the way the dry stems look, it adds an earthy element to the romantic roses and to the room, but you can use a solid colored vase, it's all about personal preference! In a more modern space a big bouquet of dried white roses in a sleek vase would be lovely!!

Rugs

Surprisingly, your rug doesn't have to lay in the same direction as your room. Laying your rug diagonally will actually give the illusion of a bigger space.  The same goes for TVs, sofas, tables, etc. Try a little diagonal placement and watch your space expand!

Pick a few words

To help keep you focused while decorating your home, pick out a few words to keep you on the right track!

For example these are the words my husband and I have chosen for our spaces :

Renaissance, romantic, pirate, whimsical and rustic

Most of those words seems like "normal" design words, but you may be a little thrown off by "pirate". When we say "Pirate" we are speaking of the dark old woods, darker colors of the ocean, old chests, vine like iron shapes, things you may find on a fictional pirate ship. We like that sort of stuff! What would your words be? 

After you pick out a few descriptive words, make sure the items you purchase fit in with at least one or two of the words before you buy it! This helpful tip will keep you on track! 

Remember no one wants a living space that looks like a garage sale! Stay focused!

Keep the end in mind

When out shopping for home decor keep the end result in mind, or else your home will end up looking more like a garage sale of random items then a cohesive, beautiful living space. To avoid this, make sure you keep the whole picture in mind!

My husband and I love shopping for home decor, and if we didn't "edit" each other we'd end up buying lots of beautiful things that didn't flow in our space. What's the point of owning something if it has to sit in the closet year after year?

Just because you love it, doesn't mean it's right for your space! Be committed to your vision and the end result will be fabulous!!

Dramatic NOT Boring

Let's face it! Playing it SAFE is BORING! We have one life to live, lets go DRAMATIC! Drama shows off personality and brings a sense of fun, elegance and whimsy to a space! Leave the boring lamps, tables, wall art to someone else! Go dramatic! Make a statement!

Lots of detail, color and style all play a roll in making an item dramatic! Think to yourself next time you're shopping for home decor, "What would this item say about me? Does everyone have it?" Take a step of faith and dare to be a little risky in your choices. It will work out marvelously!!

Against the Wall

A big mistake people make when staging their furniture is placing everything against a wall! The truth is, you can make your space look bigger, and more functional by creating individual spaces in a room with your furniture. Try using a sofa or love seat in the middle of your room, to create separation between areas. It will make your space feel cozy and welcoming to guests!!

Before & After

BEFORE

    AFTER