Each year, our annual toy drive and holiday celebration is such a special moment for the community. We feel really grateful to be hosting it again this year, and it’s going to be better than ever! This year, we have changed things up a bit to make it better and easier for our amazing community, but the premise is the same! We will be collecting toys for needy families, and enjoying Santa and plenty of treats. Stay tuned to our Instagram below for new updates and information as the date draws closer. The most important change is that it is earlier this year, on November 27th from 3-8pm. Mark your calendars!
Welcoming in the Fall Season in our Home
As the temperatures begin to dip and the fall weather begins, I always ready the house for the change in season. I love making everything cozy, and helping my family feel excited for the upcoming holidays and fun events. The fall season really kicks off the big holidays of the year and so I feel that my excitements sets the tone for everything to come! Here is some of what I do to set the mood:
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-New fall candles: You know I am a big fan of pumpkin, spicy, and cinnamon candles to make the house feel warm and welcoming. I have found a great one at Target recently, called “Cider and Cinnamon” and I might have bought a couple! They are perfect and affordable for the whole house and especially look great in the guest bathroom to greet anyone you have over.
-Cozy blankets: Nothing feels cozier than fall blankets on the couch! I like to wash and dry lots of fluffy blankets and store them in pretty baskets around the house. That way they are ready for anyone who wants to cuddle up and watch a movie or drink a cup of tea. If you are looking for good washable throws, I recommend Threshold’s line at Target or the Rachel Roy line at Marshalls. They are usually under $50 and they wash and dry perfectly while holding their shape.
-A good new recipe: Pumpkin can become a bit overdone in the fall but it does make for a wonderful breakfast loaf. I love making pumpkin bread from a mix or from scratch, and adding a cinnamon sugar topping to make it feel a little more upscale. Trader Joes makes one of the best mixes on the market, and you can whip some up very quickly for any guests in your home.
I love saying hello to fall, and preparing for the all the fun ahead!
When Should I Consider a Large Renovation?
It’s natural for many people to want to change their decor as the years go by. As trends change, or your living situation changes, you may have considered a large-scale renovation. But, many people ask me, “How do I know I am ready for a huge renovation?” It’s hard to know the right time to undertake something that will affect your daily life, but we have some tips for you to consider:
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Do you have any big life events coming up? If you are going to be part of something big like a wedding, or have family or friends coming to stay with you for an extended period of time, renovating a large part of your home can feel really stressful. Particularly in the kitchen, not having access to your dishwasher, sink, etc, can be really challenging if you are busy in other aspects of your life. It’s a good idea to do a renovation when you can devote time and energy to navigating living around the areas being re-done. Some people are also able to stay somewhere else, but it’s not an option for everyone.
Can you afford the renovation and the associated costs? If you are renovating an area like your kitchen, you need to consider that you might not have access to your cupboards, fridge, stove or oven as easily as you would normally. Sometimes these appliances can be moved to your garage, but many people end up eating out or getting more takeout than normal. These costs can add up rapidly, so it’s good to budget for them ahead of time. It’s also good to be sure to budget for more than the estimated costs, so you have a cushion. Renovations can be unpredictable and can sometimes have unanticipated costs.
Is everyone in the family supportive of these changes? If you’re married or a parent, it’s wise to make sure that everyone in your household understands the general timeline, budget, and changes that are ahead! Getting your whole family on board with the project can help everyone feel more confident in the end result, and keep all the attitudes a little more positive. If you have small children, they can have anxiety if there are laborers coming in and out of the home or if their rooms are being worked on, so it’s good to prepare them beforehand.
A large-scale renovation such as a kitchen, living area or multiple bedrooms can be challenging, but also extremely rewarding!
Back to School Command Center
We have all experienced that back to school hustle in the mornings, that leaves us all feeling a little frazzled. It’s hard not to feel behind from the moment we wake up, because most families are going in ten different directions during the day. Easing from the fun of summer to the more structured days of the school year can be hard. It’s a good idea to set up a family command center as the school year begins, and you may have seen something similar on Pinterest or other decor sites. While the idea of a command center is nice, sometimes they are not very aesthetically pleasing. Here are our best ideas for setting up a command center that’s also beautiful to look at:
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Start with a beautiful calendar: There are so many more options than there used to be, and you don’t have to use a cork board style or boring paper calendar anymore. Begin with a calendar that you love, and build your command center style around that. We love the new, modern glass calendars that you can use write on/wipe off style markers on. It’s sleek and pretty.
Add in storage: We recommend sticking with a similar color tone for your storage. Some ideas include baskets, hooks, pen holders, and bins. Good neutral colors include taupe, cream, white, or black. Using similar tones for these items keeps everything looking cohesive. If you want something a little more upscale, natural colored wood also lends a nice texture to your space. Use hooks to hold things like backpacks, purses, or tote bags. It is also a good idea to have a little area for your keys or mail, since many people use a command center space to house these things, too.
Finish the space by showing your family how to use it: If you have little ones, it’s good to show them where things go, especially if you’re trying to utilize it to keep everyone organized. Show them where to hang their backpacks, coats, or put sorted mail or homework. Ideally, your family will also use this dedicated area to set out things that are needed for the next day, like sports uniforms or books to return, etc.
Lake Day, Lake Yay!
Here in Southern Oregon, we are enjoying smoke-free weather for the first summer in quite a while. The smoke has rolled in quickly for the last several years and made it hard to enjoy the beautiful scenery in our area during the summer months. This year, we have been remarkably blessed to have enjoyed blue skies and light breezes in these hot summer months, and so many of us have headed to the surrounding lakes to play. If you are heading to one of the many options in our area, here’s some tips to planning the best lake day (trust us, you’ll be the hit hostess of all your friends):
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Begin with an invitation. Text anyone who might be interested in attending a lake day, and gauge the interest level. Decide what you’ll do if people need to cancel or reschedule due to schedules or illness, and how many people you’d like for an optimal group size. Usually a good rule of thumb is at least 1 adult per every 3 children attending, even if that adult is not directly supervising the groups of kids. That’s because if you are going to be near water, you will always want 1 adult to be responsible for watching swimming kids and then they can swap off. Alternately, you could hire a babysitter to come and help keep an extra eye on little ones.
Plan and pack: Begin with the obvious items, like towels, life vests, sunscreen, water bottles, chairs, and a large beach blanket to sit on. Then, add in a shade canopy (consider borrowing one if you don’t own it), plenty of sand toys and buckets, and a delicious menu (see below). Then, add in plenty of spare items because inevitably, something is forgotten. Bring spare towels, swimsuits (whatever sizes you own), swim diapers for toddlers or babies, and life vests. Other useful spare items are hair ties, hats, and flip flops. Lastly, bring a trash can and trash bag to help hold everyone’s dishes and garbage after you’re done. Tie off the top and transport it home to your own can, or put it in the trash near the lake.
Make an amazing menu! You’ll be the life of the party with a menu that will leave everyone in awe, and it’s much easier than you may think. Choose foods that can be prepped and prepared way in advance, and store them in a generously sized cooler. Bring paper plates, utensils, and cups so everything can be tossed when you’re finished eating. We recommend including items like:
Pasta Salad: use a sturdy pasta like rotini, and add veggies, cheese, and salami for a healthy and filling option.
Wraps: Wraps tend to hold up a little bit better than traditional sandwiches in a cooler. Make them in advance, We recommend Caesar salad wraps, and adding chicken breast. Bring the dressing in a separate container and add it at the last minute so that it doesn’t make them soggy.
Charcuterie: This is a surefire way to please lots of dietary restrictions because it gives plenty of options. Bring all the components separately and arrange them on a tray for easier transportation.
Tips for Decluttering Before the School Year
As every school year begins, I want to do a big purge of my house. It is nice to get anything we don’t need out of our spaces before the hustle and bustle of school starts (and all the paperwork, backpacks, shoes, and stuff comes piling in!). It gives us more space to mentally “breathe”. Here are some tips as we head into the fall to give you a head start on de-cluttering.
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Get the kids involved. I know, it sounds like it will take even longer with kids helping, but if your children are older than 5, they can help! They can also be more invested in keeping their own spaces clean and clutter-free if they feel involved in the process. Some jobs you can give older kids include: cleaning out trash cans and replacing trash bags, packing up donations for Goodwill, sorting out their stuffed animals, or folding clothes.
Don’t forget to change out the seasonal clothes: One thing that is really helpful when organizing is to rotate out clothes for the upcoming season. It means there is less clothing in the closets and dressers, and therefore less to keep tidy. Large or bulky items like hats and ski coats can be stored in large plastic totes in the garage, and then you can put warm weather items in the totes (think swimsuits, beach bags, sun hats) on the opposite season.
Go through the school supplies and art materials: Since your kiddos will likely be getting new school supplies, it’s good to take stock of what you already have at home, too. Watercolors, crayons, colored pencils, construction paper, and acrylic paints can dry out and break. We recommend tossing any broken or dried-out supplies, and sorting them into an art caddy or plastic drawers, and replacing what’s missing as needed.
Tackle any space that makes you feel overwhelmed: Often, messes or too much clutter can impact our mental health and cause anxiety or overwhelmed feelings. Think of the spaces that feel most stressful to you (an overflowing spice cupboard, a corner that has tons of paperwork or mail, or a kid’s closet that’s bursting at the seams), and set aside a day or two to get it done. You’ll be surprised with how good that makes you feel!
What kinds of things can I hire a full service design firm for?
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Summer is one of the seasons where there are more events than you can even keep track of! Whether graduations, birthdays, or weddings, an event planner/designer can make your summer less stressful, and make your events the hit of the summer. So, what kinds of things can a design firm do for you?
A gorgeous baby shower: Want a baby shower that’s more than just silly games and a grocery store cake? We can throw a gorgeous, modern take on the baby shower with a stylish theme.
A rockin’ birthday party: For a milestone birthday, you want something over the top and more special than a simple dinner and drinks.
An intimate, small wedding: We can throw the day of your dreams, and make your big day feel extremely special and personalized. We can also help design elopements or larger weddings.
A fundraiser: Fundraisers are a great opportunity to hire a designer to put your best foot forward. If you are looking to raise a large amount, you want your guests to feel comfortable and at ease.
A dinner party: If you’re considering a backyard bash (think a long, rustic table setting), we can help design a custom plan for your amazing dinner party. We promise all your friends will be jealous!
A graduation party: A large-scale graduation party sometimes requires a little more oomph than a traditional potluck or park day. If you want to honor your senior with something special, please let us know!
Creating a Workspace that Works for You
With many of us working from home or doing some of our work remotely, it’s nice to create a dedicated space that’s not the dining room table or surrounded by piles of laundry! Here are some of our tips for finding and creating a space for work that brings you peace and serenity:
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-Assess your needs: Decide how much time you will be spending in your workspace. If it will be your primary workspace, you’ll want a little more space and dedicated area than if you only work at it once a week. If you are tight on space, consider non-traditional spaces like your dining room, master bedroom, or an unused closet. Check your existing furniture to see if there’s anything you can repurpose (like a desk, entry table, or chairs), and make a list of what’s needed.
-Go shopping: If you’re needing a custom size or shape, Ikea is a great idea for customizable sizing and desks. Some of their tabletop surfaces and table legs are interchangeable so you can mix and match them to suit your decor. Although they’re not the highest quality, it can work well for spaces like closets or alcoves where the space is uniquely shaped. If your budget is a bit wider, consider having a custom desk or table built, or search places like West Elm for well-made and beautiful pieces that can you can enjoy for years to come. We love this Mid-century beauty!
-Add in clever storage solutions: Nothing is worse than tons of jumbled cords, but if you’re working remotely or with lots of tech products, you’ll want one of these cool cord hiding boxes. Don’t forget a pen holder, a pretty calendar, and a file holder if you’re dealing with paperwork. We love this gorgeous organizer from Pottery Barn. For a more elevated look, consider raising your computer monitor up with a platform that creates more space and looks a bit more modern.
-Lastly, add aesthetic details: You’ll want your space to reflect your personal style, so don’t forget added details like candles, plants, or pretty photo frames! Hobby Lobby is a great spot for more trendy pieces that you may want to swap out within the next year or so, but if you’re looking for higher quality, Studio McGee’s regular collection is wonderful as well.
If you need help designing the space you’ll love, please reach out to us! We can schedule a design consult at your convenience!
Tips for Knowing if a Wedding Vendor is Trustworthy
Choosing a vendor for your upcoming big day is a huge decision. You don’t want to leave anything to chance, and you want to be sure that who you choose is reliable and going to follow through. Of course, mishaps and misunderstandings can happen, but there are steps you can take to try to find the best vendors that you can. Here are some of our best tips for finding vendors who will help you pull off your big day seamlessly:
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Check reviews: Look for positive, thorough reviews for them on Yelp, Google, and Facebook. Ask friends if they’ve heard of the business/brand/service, and what they’ve heard. Do your research into whether their past brides and grooms have been happy and were satisfied with their services. Remember that sometimes, disgruntled customers leave unfair or unhelpful reviews, so look for the business’ response to these sorts of reviews for clarification.
Meet them in person: If you are able to, meeting a vendor in person is always wise. You want to gauge their personality, their efficiency, and their knowledge before the day rolls around. Many vendors will offer a phone call or in-person consultation for free or a service fee. Think about factors like: did they communicate with you well? Did they show up on time? Did they value your time and budget? These are all important questions.
Have they been around for awhile? If not, do they are have prior experience? If they are brand new and have no experience, it doesn’t mean they can’t produce amazing work. Everyone has to start somewhere. But, be sure to ask questions like: Have you been trained or licensed? Have you shadowed or been mentored by someone in the field? Have you worked at other weddings in the past?
Do you mesh well with them? Surprisingly, personalities do matter on the big day. Of course you want the best of the best for your wedding, but you also want to enjoy the people who are around you on the day of. Be sure that when you speak to the vendors or the representatives, that you feel listened to and cared about. It will make a huge difference on the day of your wedding that you have positive and efficient energy around you and your loved ones!
How do I find my Personal Style?
Many clients ask me how they can find out what their personal style is. If you are someone who feels overwhelmed by choosing decor or colors, this blog is for you! I have some tips for figuring out what you love and what brings you joy within your home. You don’t have to be a design expert to find out the things that work for you and your space.
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Look to inspiration from nature: Many people love the same colors outdoors as they do inside. Are you drawn to the ocean? Ocean tones in blues, whites, and creams really work for those who love the feel of being at the beach, and can be styled in multiple ways (modern, country, etc). If you’re someone who loves gardening and shades of green, you may like beautiful greenery and artwork that features herbs or leaves.
Look at your closet: Many people who gravitate to certain styles or colors in their wardrobe also love those things in the walls of their home. If you love girly styles with lots of ruffles, pink, texture, and shimmer, you can incorporate those things into your home in different ways like curtains, comforters, and pillows. If you are someone who is a minimalist and loves neutrals, likely you find those things comforting in your personal space, as well.
Consider your budget: Do you have enough to do a full overhaul of a room or space? If not, choose a space that you see often, like a living room or kitchen in order to make the most impact that will affect your daily life. If you have a small budget, choose either one large piece like a shelf or armchair, or spread it out over several throw pillows or decor items like vases or frames. Trying to do both usually leaves a space feeling unfinished.
Ask your friends: Often the people who we know and love actually know us better than we know ourselves! Ask friends to help you peruse Pinterest and decor sites and help you narrow down things that look and feel like “you”, and begin putting together inspiration boards. If there’s things you love in their homes, add in photos or ideas to create your own look.
Personal style is just that: personal! Everyone’s angle and ideas are different, so you want to be sure that your home really tells the world about who you are and what you value! If you need help, please reach out to me and schedule a consultation…I’d love to help!
Faux Plants for Indoor Decor
Let’s face it: some of us are not blessed with green thumbs. Gardening and growing things is a passion of mine, but for many who have busy schedules or who travel, having real plants isn’t compatible with their lifestyle. Or, they simply don’t enjoy the act of gardening, and would prefer to have faux plants adorn their living areas. Here are some of my favorite, affordable options for your space:
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Large Fiddle Leaf Fig: This beautiful, large tree-style plant is gorgeous in a dining or living room, and looks very realistic. While nothing can quite compare to the real thing, this plant really does have the right texture and coloring. Find it at World Market online and in some stores (does not come with the pot, so you’d have to buy a pot or basket separately).
Artificial Olive Leaf Tree: This is a wonderful option if you have a vaulted entryway or dining room, as it will add lots of height to the area you display it in. The olive leaf tree is one of the more trendy plants these days, but it looks beautiful with muted wood tones and white walls to add a soft little bit of color. Wayfair has many lovely options, but this one is is an impressive 45” tall.
Double Yucca Tree: This is a really nice, modern alternative to a palm tree for a tropical effect. It looks beautiful on covered back porches (it’s not rated to be fully outdoor), and looks awesome with boho rugs and throw pillows on patio furniture. It’s also a little more streamlined than a palm tree, but still has the same relaxed feel without looking cheap. This one from World Market is awesome.
Sanseveria in Pot: This one is under $50 on Amazon, and really makes an impact on indoor spaces like an office or a bedroom. The pretty pot is classy and elegant, and it ships quickly via Prime. If you have a home filled with neutrals or warm rustic tones, it will fit perfectly in with those styles!
Easter Inspiration
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Easter is one of those fun occasions where you can really get inspired to decorate and host a beautiful meal. Even if you’re not someone who celebrates the religious significance of the holiday, it’s often a time when families get together for a dinner or easter egg hunt. I wanted to share some dreamy, springy inspiration for you, no matter how you choose to celebrate the weekend!
Beautiful faux florals for your table: These beautiful, bright yellow flowers look remarkably real, and come in cute little bunches. You could purchase a few and put them in tiny bud vases, or buy a whole bundle and make bouquets for the table. They look beautiful combined with white tableware or linens, and can brighten up any entryway after the holiday has passed.
Subtle easter decor: If you’re not into super bright colors or traditional pastels, you can opt for something more neutral and subtle. We love these raised textured linen pillows from Target, for a little accent that’s under $20. They can be used throughout the spring, and offer just a little bit of interest to a couch or chair.
Candy-scented or herbal candle: We love the idea of a sweet, fruity candle to set the mood for your affair, and it keeps things feeling youthful and fun. This yummy smelling candle brings back memories of candy eggs, and lasts for several hours. If you want something that’s more reminiscent of springtime, look for a candle with hints of rosemary and lemon…it’ll leave your house smelling clean and welcoming.
Add the finishing touch with custom table name cards: Make your guests feel right at home with custom, printed name cards for your tablescape! This is a really easy, inexpensive way to achieve a custom feel, without a custom price tag (just a couple dollars per person!). You could also make them yourself with a calligraphy pen and some plain cardstock. If you have little ones, get them involved by having them use their handwriting for a more casual look.
Mirrors to Update Your Spring Style
If you live in a small house (or just have small spaces in a larger house), one great way to make any area look larger is by using a mirror. Mirrors are incredibly versatile, and these days, the possibilities are endless. You can also find plenty of affordable or high end items, depending on your budget, and make them a real focal point of your living areas. I really love mirrors throughout the home, as they reflect light, and can make spaces seem much brighter and more open.
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Entryways: Entrances are a perfect place to put a mirror, and round mirrors are a popular choice because they are universally pretty and look good in nearly any space. We love the look of a wooden, round mirror like this one, from the Magnolia Collection.
Bathrooms: Bathrooms can be totally transformed with just a mirror change, so that’s a great option if you’re wanting a temporary or short term option. Some people like to swap out the builder-grade plain mirrors for two vanity style mirrors, like these. The black is super modern and elegant.
Living room: A large mirror can make a huge impact in your primarily living spaces, and can really brighten up a living room or dining room, especially if you have darker furniture or wall colors. We of course, love the fabulous Primrose mirror from Anthropologie, but it’s pretty expensive for the largest size, so this dupe is really a comparable option.
Wondering where to put a mirror to expand a cramped space? I’d love to consult with you about your interior design needs and offer you suggestions. To book with us, click ‘contact” in our main menu.
Gorgeous Laundry Storage Ideas
You’ve probably seen all the “restocking” tik-toks and reels lately, and we have found them to be pretty fun! There’s nothing we love more than bringing beauty to simple space within the home, and making things efficient is even better.
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Clear jars:
You can use large, pretty clear jars with lids for things like detergent pods, scent boosters, or powder detergent. We love the look of these ones, with wooden lids, for something a little more elegant. Display them on shelving or make the cupboards above your washer/dryer open shelving. We recommend buying at least two, so they look cohesive.
Containers for dryer sheets:
Dryer sheets are something most of us use on a daily basis, and yet, those ugly cardboard boxed aren’t exactly aesthetically pleasing. You can use a clear box with a wooden lid, like this one, for a much more neutral look. If you don’t use dryer sheets, you can also use a similar box for the wool dryer balls.
Elegant laundry hamper:
If you keep hampers in your laundry room, you can use one that’s a little more neutral/textured. If you end up using these more frequently in bedrooms throughout the house, they also look nice with nearly any type of decor. When it comes to traditional baskets for carting laundry to be folded, check these out, which are super handy.
Small space shelf:
If you are someone who doesn’t have a ton of space available in a smaller laundry room, adding a plain white rolling shelf can be a great way to expand your storage space and give you a place to put clear jars or boxes. It can also be wheeled around or into the garage if you need.
Trends for Spring 2022
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As we move out of winter, I always enjoy looking at the trends for spring, and brainstorming how to incorporate them into everyday looks. As I peruse the latest design publications and websites, I always find myself inspired, and ready to bring in some new themes or ideas into the work that I do. Here are some of my favorite new spring-inspired looks:
-Colorful and bright dishes and tableware: I noticed this on CocoCozy, and I loved the bright pops of color. Although I veer towards more European style neutrals in most of my design work, I love when a client wants a bit of color. I was thinking about ways you could bring in some little bits of color, and I love the idea of making your kid’s tableware or outdoor dishes the brighter pieces. They are less expensive than daily tableware, and you can test out the trend before investing in high-end pieces. I love these simple kid’s plates from West Elm, to start with.
-Darker kitchens: I don’t think that the classic white kitchen will ever go out of style, but I’m noticing quite a bit of trends that favor darker colors like forest green, black, and charcoal grey, with tons of texture like granite, leather, and iron accents. Although the darker cabinets or accent walls have been around for a few years, the textures are what primarily sets apart the newer trends. This article from Southern Living talks a bit about the darker trends, and we love it.
-Sustainable decor brands: Many sustainable brands are on the rise, and we love the ethics and ideals behind choosing products and brands that are better for the environment and the workers who make the products. So, who makes a products sustainable? Usually, they are items made by companies who value their workers (with living wages, and ethical working conditions); with some being fair trade certified. Additionally, these companies are usually using non-toxic, green, or recycled materials. One of our favorites is Shades of Green (which is perfect if you’re just starting out with learning about sustainable brands), and their beeswax candles are amazing!
What’s your favorite trend for springtime? I always love to hear about what my clients are loving and feeling inspired by!
Neutral Frames for Photos and Artwork
Finding great photo frames can be challenging, especially with so many options online and in-person. You want something quality, but not overly expensive, and that looks right in the space you’re decorating. Here are some beautiful, neutral options if you are looking to frame any artwork or photos:
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West Elm Wheat Gallery Frames: These ones are the ultimate low-profile and simple frame with quite bit of negative space. They range from $35-$375, depending on size, and the mats that you choose. We love them for black and white photos, or very simple artwork.
Terrace Floating Frames from West Elm: Another beautiful, very simple choice for an impactful wall without a lot of distracting elements. We love the way that they feature glass instead of a mat, and they look best in a more modern or mid century style.
Pottery Barn Plain Wood Frame: This simple, beautiful option is under $50, and comes in a very universally useful 11x17” size. You can use these in a hallway, above a couch, or grouped with other items. As always, Pottery Barn is quality, and these frames have really nice seams and joints so they look more smooth.
Mid-tone Neutral Frames from Target: If you are looking for something more affordable for a child’s room or a more temporary space where you may change things up more quickly, then Target can be a great option. These have particle board seams and a few staples on the backs, but they will give you a year or two, and they do hang nicely on the wall, so for under $20, it’s a good choice!
Pottery Barn Gallery Set: This option is perfect if you have an area in your house that needs a small gallery that matches, such as over a mantle or in a hallway section. It includes three sizes, and is just over $120 for all three, so it’s relatively better quality for a longer-term display.
Neutral frames are a beautiful way to dress up areas of your home with a modern and stylish touch. If you want to find some great artwork to frame, consider checking out Minted.com, which has artwork by lesser-known new artists who are super talented!
Ways Today’s Brides Now Thrive While Wedding Planning
Have you seen those little Facebook memes going around? They show a “before and after” photo, separated by ten years. I was reflecting recently on the last decade, and realizing how much things have changed for the amazing brides planning their wedding days. Here’s some of the (positive) ways that things are different these days than just a decade ago:
-Brides are a bit more focused on close relationships. Studies show that brides are having smaller ceremonies, and focusing on having the people who mean the most to them present at their big day. Because of this, many brides are splurging on more lavish ceremonies, but with less guests. This is actually so smart, because you can have the day you’ve dreamed of, and the people there who mean the most to you! Years ago, it was about having massive ceremonies, and often that meant skipping out on some amenities you dreamed of…not anymore!
-Brides know who they are: Many brides are focused (now more than ever) on showing off their personalities in their florals, or their wedding party outfits. Whether it’s non-traditional wedding dress colors (like a pretty blush hue or even a dark navy!), or choosing things like succulents or butterflies in your bouquet, today’s bride knows it’s less about trends, and more about what makes THEM happy!
-Brides value their mental health: With the rise in mental health support and resources, many brides have realized that their mental health really does matter! Instead of the old “bridezilla” stereotype, today’s brides-to-be are better at setting boundaries, speaking up, and making their wedding planning a joy, instead of a burden. Many have also opted to hire planners and designers (like me!) to keep their sanity intact.
I love seeing how trends and ideas have changed over the past decade, and love working with all my amazing brides. I’d love to work with you, if you are planning your big day, and help bring your vision to life!
Healthy Habits and Self Care
With the arrival of a brand-new year, many of us are making resolutions for better habits. I am all about making healthy changes, and over the years, have found that it’s more about making small changes that are realistic rather than drastic things I don’t maintain. I have noticed many people are focused on self-care in their new year resolutions, which makes sense, with the last few years being pretty hard for most of the country! Here are some of our favorite healthy habits/self-care changes:
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-Reading more books and less screen time; I have been enjoying plenty of non-fiction reads this year, and always find myself inspired by biographies and stories of people doing heroic things. I also love the idea of reading off of a screen and holding real, paper books this year. There is something therapeutic about old-fashioned reading.
-Drinking more water: I make this resolution about every year, but I have found I am more likely to keep it when I have a super cute, accessible tumbler around the house. Of course, I always opt for something a bit more stylish, since it’s sitting on my counter or in my car. I have seen tons of influencers promoting the Stanley 40 ounce Adventurer Tumbler, and I love it! If you want something a little more affordable to ease yourself into such a big cup (it is definitely on the larger side), here is a great Amazon option.
-Moving my body: I always feel much better when I’m getting Vitamin D and moving my body, so I’ve invested in great wireless headphones. Of course, there are the standbys (AirPods), but I have really liked the Beats wireless pros, too. They have an over-the-ear loop for when you’re exercising or doing activities like painting or cleaning (no one wants to drop an AirPod in the sink on accident!).
-Making my space beautiful: As an interior designer, I always center my personal designs around feelings of relaxation and peace, and the way they make me feel. Investing in things like candles, bath decor and bath bombs, lofty towels, and beautiful linens, can be an investment in my own self-care. When I design my own home spaces, I believe they should feel welcoming and bring me joy!
I am enjoying making new habits and routines this year, and would love to help you refresh your own space. Reach out today to schedule your own design consultation!
Color of the Year 2022
I always love looking up the Pantone color of the year, to get some fresh inspiration. This year, it’s a punchy purple, with pretty undertones of red. This is definitely bolder than what I typically use in many of my designs, but I loved thinking about how I could incorporate it for a modern look. Purple can be a really tricky color to bring into neutral, beautiful interiors, but it’s also fun, youthful and current. Here’s some cool lavender and purple tones that I’m loving (for a more polished look):
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Billie Amethyst Cocktail Glass: Okay, how gorgeous are these smoky lavender cocktail cups? They are sturdy, beautiful, and only about $11 per glass. They are made for old-fashions, but they can hold any cocktail (you can even glam up your plain ole’ water!). Crate and Barrel never disappoints, and the reviews say that the cups are just as durable as their regular glassware.
Purple Le Creuset Dutch Oven: While we are on the topic of Crate and Barrel…Obviously, this beautiful dutch oven is made to last, and the hefty price tag reflects that. However, this brand lasts for years and years, and can even be passed down to the next generation, so it’s well worth it if you love to cook. This deep purple color would look striking on a Thanksgiving or holiday tablescape, or just to add some dimension and fun to your kitchenware.
Cadence Handwoven Rug: This Pottery Barn rug features a barely-there lavender hue that’s ultra subtle and elegant. This would be lovely in a dining room or living area, and would look great with lighter wood and white/cream accents. When choosing a rug, be sure to take into account the size of the room and your furnishings, as many people often choose a rug that’s too small for the space…you don’t want a postage-stamp effect happening in your home!
Agate Coaster from Anthropologie: If you want a little tiny touch of a lavender tone, coasters, candles, or throws are a great way to test it out and see how it fits into your space. This similar to how clothing designers tell clients to try out a statement piece of a lesser-known brand first before investing in an expensive designer piece…it’s because you want to know it’s beloved before you invest a large amount into it. A little bit of color is also a nice way to change decor between seasons, too!
I always love exploring new colors and trends, even though I have a signature style. It keeps me feeling inspired and excited about what I do. If you’ve been wanting to try a new color or trend, and need guidance about how to make it work with your home or personal taste, I’d love to consult with you. You can book with me by clicking the “contact” tab!
Why Hire a Professional for a Renovation or Interior Design
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Hiring a professional designer is something many people think is a luxury, and comes with a luxury price tag. While it’s definitely something that can’t be done every quarter for many people, it is actually quite attainable for almost every budget. As an interior designer, I often meet with people who think they could “never” afford my services, but they find out that the service is truly invaluable.
-For many people, interior design is abstract and challenging: When you hire a professional, you are getting their experience, time, and eye for your space. Making all of the decisions alone can feel very overwhelming for someone who isn’t naturally inclined to design, and can leave lots of people feeling like giving up at the process. This leads to letting rooms or spaces sit for months or even years, without any progress! I totally know that it’s not the job for everyone, and that’s why there are people like me :)
-Hiring a professional means you will actually utilize your budget in the best way. A professional designer knows where to invest in amazing pieces, paint, or hardware, so that you get the most bang for your buck. Rather than splurging on things that don’t matter, an experienced designer knows where your money will be best spent, and how to get you the look you truly want. They also know which things to cut out or add in to achieve the maximum impact.
-Hiring a professional saves you time: If you’re a working parent, you know how valuable your time is. Hiring someone to do something time intensive, such as interior design or renovations, is actually a great way to do things “smarter not harder”! Budget for it, save, and rest assured knowing that you are giving yourself the gift of time by asking someone else to do something that is not in your own wheelhouse. Hiring someone you trust, with experience, will also get the process done much faster than you trying on your own with limited time and resources!
As a professional designer and event planner, I love helping my clients recognize the value in hiring a creator and professional! Many clients are surprised and pleased at how easy the process is, and how grateful they are (and wish they had done it sooner!). Let’s get started today, just contact us under the contact tab!