oregon wedding designer

Decorating with Vases

Vases are one of those pieces that never seem to disappear out of decor rotation. Although the materials change (wood, metal, ceramic, glass) as the styles change, there’s a reason why vases are so beloved. It’s because they are versatile, can be affordable, and are easy to find. Here are a few ways you can bring them into your decor, and use them to maximize your usable pieces, no matter the season! 

SOURCE: PEXELS.COM

SOURCE: PEXELS.COM

  1. Invest in good neutral pieces: I know I sound like a broken record, with my love of neutral items, but it’s my secret to stretching a decor budget a little further, and still being able to fill a space without it looking “cheap”. Clients who come to me have a wide range of budgets, from Target to Anthropologie and West Elm, and I like to be able to suit them all!

  2. Invest in a range of pieces that are high-end and budget, so you can mix and match them. You can sneak in a few Target or Amazing items, if your core pieces are beautiful and impactful. If you are looking at some more dramatic items from Anthro or another higher-end retailer, look for ones that you’ll be able to use for years, and that are well-made. Something like these large wicker style floor vases are over $300 for the pair, but they’ll work just about anywhere.

  3. Don’t be afraid to DIY: If you are a handy type, you can DIY really nice vases from Goodwill or thrifting with paint, and spackle for texture. Chalk paint works well for this project, and it’s very easy. Be sure to choose vases with good shape and structure, for the best results. When you DIY a project, you definitely want to make sure it still looks nice and not like a classroom craft! This is a great tutorial on making vases look trendy and more updated.

  4. Use them paired with other items: You know the age old adage of using items in trios still holds true. Often placing some (not all) items in your home in trios can give a balance look to places like the coffee table or the mantle. Vases are a great way to add height or greenery to a simple wall or space that needs the eye drawn upward.

  5. Find a good space to store them when not in use: If you have young children, you know vases are likely to be knocked over or bumped! If this is your season of life, consider putting your more expensive or special vases up higher or storing them until you’re out of the toddler years! It helps to have a safe place for breakable decor, like a higher shelf in the garage or home, for when it’s not in use.

Your local thrift store, decor store, or upscale home store will have vases galore! Tune back in for more tips on incorporating decor at any price point, and let me know if you’d like to schedule an appointment with us to consult on your home! 

How to Make a Rental Feel like Home

When you’re renting, there is a feeling of your house not being quite yours. Whether you’re renting for a short time or for years, it’s never fun to feel like you’re always waiting for the next step. It can be even harder to make your rental property feel warm, cozy, and full of your personality. You want your rental to feel like home, and for it to feel like YOU and your family’s space to relax and unwind. Here are our best tips to making your rental space feel homey without losing your deposit or making changes that can’t be undone:

Source: Apartment Therapy

Source: Apartment Therapy

-Peel and stick decals: These are awesome for infusing some design and inspiration into spaces like small bathrooms, kids rooms, or large blank walls, especially if you can’t paint. You can even do peel and stick backsplashes. Be sure to test out the adhesive and removal process, so that you don’t damage any paint when you move out of your rental. We also love things like little polka dots, name monograms, and simple, neutral patterns to give your blank walls a little panache!

-Utilize stand-alone shelves and furniture: If you are hesitant to nail things into the wall, try stand-alone shelves (ladder style ones), and over the toilet cupboards to increase your storage space, and give you the look of bookshelves and mantle shelves without the commitment and damage to the wall. We like the look of this one for small bathrooms. Aim for higher, taller pieces for more design impact in small apartments and townhomes, because they will draw the eye upward. 

-Mirrors and wall hangings: If you do decide to hang items on the walls, try using the 3M removable tape and hangers that come off without damage. Mirrors and large paintings can make a big impression, especially in small rooms that don’t have a lot of natural light or windows in them. Look for round or square mirrors in neutral colors, like distressed wood, white, and dark wood tones that will go with your decor even if you change color palettes.

-Add cozy elements: If you want to make your rental feel cozy on a budget, look for textured throw blankets, pretty pillows, and curtains. Look for curtains that are the proper length (ones that are too short or bunched up on the ground will draw the eye to that first and will look cheapy), and use neutral tones to make a small space look larger. We love places like HomeGoods and TJ Maxx for inexpensive items that look more high-end. 

Source: Apartment Decorating

Source: Apartment Decorating

-Incorporate plants and fresh flowers: Purchasing fresh flowers is a great way to add a little life to your apartment or rental home, and also can add a pop of color. Faux plants in little pots are another way to get some greenery into your rental without the upkeep of real ones and the watering duties that come with them! If you have a patio or backyard area, large potted plants and trees (faux) can add a little more personality as well.

No matter where you call home, these tips can help your rental feel like the place you can’t wait to come home to!

Sparkle and Shine | Featured on Ruffled | Weddings

A romantic field tucked in the heart of the Applegate Valley, made for the perfect backdrop for this sparkle-filled styled shoot. I styled this gorgeous, gold-hued shoot with Rebecca Masters Photography recently (scroll down for full list of vendors). The bridal model wore a stunning, sequined Badgley Mischka gown, and layered a delicate tulle skirt over it from BHLDN, that gave her the versatility of two gorgeous looks with just two pieces. The vineyard shoot featured touches of the woodland outdoors (like the moss tucked in around the cake), with rustic pieces like the table and chairs. Then, I added subtle hints of gold to accentuate her shimmering gown, and to elevate the wood pieces. The overall look was elegant but grounded.

 

PHOTOGRAPHY:

REBECCA MASTERS PHOTOGRAPHY

EVENT COORDINATION AND DESIGN:

ALLURE WITH DECOR

FLORAL DESIGN:

BEYOND THE GARDEN GATE

VENUE:

RED LILY VINEYARDS

HAIR AND MAKEUP:

JANICE MOON ARTISTRY

WEDDING CAKE:

TAYLOR MADE CAKES

RING BOX:

THE MRS. BOX

RIBBONS:

FROU FROU CHIC

WEDDING INVITATIONS:

KELSEY MALIE CALLIGRAPHY