End of 2018 Update!

Flashback our first apartment!

      Hey, Friends! It’s been a minute! We’ve made many updates to our home in the past year. We replaced the old electric panel, installed a new water heater, repaired the AC again, bought a new microwave, replaced garage door springs and I’m sure something else I’m forgetting. Fixing up an older home never ends but looking back on the journey and seeing how far we’ve come, makes it worth it. God has been faithful every step of the way.  

      I still haven’t replaced the fireplace tiles. I’m not sure what I want to replace them with. The back and forth drains me and causes me  to procrastinate. It will happen eventually, I guess. It will be easier once I know what tiles we are going to use in the rest of the house. Until then, it will remain an eyesore. 

        We finally invested in new sofas. We were hesitant since we have three dogs. After researching different types of fabric we took the leap. When we were picking out our sofas we went more with function than style. We consider style, but figured it was our only living space, and comfort and practicality were more important. Plus the dogs! I didn't want to worry about them destroying it. Hubby really wanted power recliners with built in chargers and I loved the gray with cream stitching. We are happy and enjoying our space!

         I bought a couple rustic window picture frames last year (you can see pictured above, behind the loveseat). They remained empty until last week when I finally decided to go with matching black and white pictures. Once my Brother’s baby, Harper, is born I’ll add a picture of her. It’ll be my parent’s first grandchild. I’m beyond excited for them!

Fall Harvest 2018

 Hey friends! It's been a while!

Flashback to FALL 2014  

Layering Decor

        Layering decor is a great way to add visual interest and allows you to use all your favorite pieces you may not have room for otherwise. I loved this canvas art with my favorite Bible verse printed on it, but didn't have a spot for it. So we decided to layer it. It's not covering any of the pictures yet rests nicely on the frames. My husband and I love layering. If you're more of a minimalist this may not be your thing which is okay, but if you are bored with regular decorating, try challenging yourself. What can you layer and still keep peace and harmony with the flow of your house. It's really a lot of fun. The key is not letting it look forced.

 ( Rustic teal accent piece in our dinning room. Canvas art and dried yellow birthday roses layering our picture collages. I'm still shopping around for a better lamp. I found this in the closet and used it as a stand in, until I find something else. This is such a cute little space in the evenings with the glow of the lamp. )

  (Apothecary Chest in floral green. I love dried roses. I think they are romantic and whimsical. The glass vase allows us to layer because it's see through and airy, not heavy, almost like it's not there and seeing the dry stems add texture and an earthy element.)

(My favorite Bible verse! It's the truth. Acknowledge HIM and He really will direct your path.)

Leaning Instead of Hanging

(This is our owl and leaning sign we used to decorate above our cabinets in the kitchen)

When decorating your space, keep in mind you don't always have to hang every frame, mirror, wall art etc. Some decor looks nice simply leaned against the wall. For instance, over sized mirrors look great leaned against the wall in entry ways, same with quotes you place above your kitchen cabinets. If you're looking to add a little variation in your decor try leaning instead of hanging.

A key for his keys

Am I the only one whose husband is always losing his keys? *smile* It doesn't matter where we go, my hubs is always misplacing his keys, "Where are my keys?", "I can't find my keys!", "Amber, do you have my keys?" *ha-ha* Well I found a solution! Well, at least for our home. 

A key for his keys!!

Now when he comes home he can hang his keys up, and then when he leaves he knows where to pick them up!

Easy-peasy! ...I think!! *lol*

You can find key holders almost anywhere, but finding a unique one, that isn't a block of wood with nobs, isn't so easy. Try looking at Kirklands, that's where I got this key! Also try Hobby Lobby, I've seen a few there as well! 

Happy hunting!!

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.

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!

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!!

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!!