What kinds of things can I hire a full service design firm for?

SOURCE: PEXELS.COM

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?

1. 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.

2. A rockin’ birthday party: For a milestone birthday, you want something over the top and more special than a simple dinner and drinks.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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!

6. 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!

Things You Should Look for in Furniture

If you’ve been working on changing up your decor, you may be interested in refinishing pieces that you find at Estate sales or online, in order to find high quality items in your price range. If you are looking at secondhand items, you will want to know what to look for, and what to avoid:

Source: Pexels.com

1. Solid wood: This is obvious, but solid wood furniture will last much longer than particle board. If you’re unsure if something is solid, look at the seams. Most particle board will have visible “seams” where the laminate covering it is slightly peeling or where wear shows. If you can’t seem to find solid wood items, solid core furniture is great, too, and will last much longer than particle board. Particle board is made of pressed material (similar to sawdust or wood chips, really) that has been pressed and bound together. It is also known as chipboard.

2. Look for quality craftsmanship: Some things that well-made furniture have are in the details. The hardware is affixed securely, the corners have dovetail (which looks like interlocking fingers) finishes on the inside, and the drawers and cupboards will close evenly and the edges will match. Because laminate cannot be carved, finding detailed carvings in a pretty wardrobe or dresser means it’s real wood.

3. Be willing to pay more: Solid furniture will cost more than laminate or cheap furniture, and that means it will also last longer. When you buy real wood furniture, you are investing in something that will last for years, versus months. Although real wood will not be immune to water damage, it is much more durable to scrapes, dents, and droplets of water (particle board puffs up and causes large bubbles in the laminate when it becomes wet or damp).

4. Focus on the things you can or can’t change: If you find a beautiful piece of furniture but don’t love the style or color, focus on the things you DO love, such as the size, durability, the doors or drawers, and realize there are things you can change, such as hardware, color and finish, and distressing. You would be shocked what a great coat of carefully applied paint and sealant can do to a long-lasting dresser or desk. And changing hardware can drastically modernize a piece.

The Perfect Holiday Candles

If you ask my family, they’ll be the first to tell you that I love candles. There’s nothing like entering a home filled with a cozy scent that welcomes you right in. It makes a space feel like an oasis, and it can conjure up happy memories of days gone by. Certain scents make me remember things like bringing my babies home, holiday meals with family over a happy tablescape, or taking fall walks during the autumn weather. But choosing a candle can be harder than it sounds. The right scent is not overly sweet, not overwhelming, and not filled with toxic fumes. I’ve spent some time curating some of my favorite brands over the years, and wanted to share some today:

SOURCE: PEXELS.COM

1. Voluspa: These are just the most gorgeous candles! The little glass jars they come in make perfect jewelry holders or pencil jars when the candle burns out (you can melt or freeze the last bits of wax out and gently clean them), and they really add a pretty pop of color to a shelf or a coffee table. My favorite scent is the Clove candle, which is perfectly spicy and smells like fall. 

2. Diptyque: There’s a reason these are so popular with influencers. Yep, that price tag is hefty, but the scent really can’t be beat. They are beautiful, perfectly scented, and the Vetiver candle is the one I want to burn while I’m in a great bubble bath or reading a good book: it’s the one I treat myself with!

3. PF Candle Co: This west coast-based company is amazing! Their seven ounce candles are just right for the bedrooms, kitchens, or dining rooms. My favorite candle is the “Golden Coast” candle, which reminds me of the perfect afternoon at the beach. It is light, airy, and reminiscent of the ocean. Although it’s a bit summery for the holidays, they have tons of great and best-selling scents. 

4. Homesick: These candles really do bring up amazing memories. Their “apple picking” scent feels just like heading out to the orchard and choosing your favorite fruit! It’s not overly sweet like some apple scents can be. Their other candles even have state-themed scents, and they make a wonderful gift for anyone who may be missing home. 

When it comes to candles, be sure to check the sources of your candles. You want ethically sourced candles that are soy-based, so that you can rest assured when you burn them in your home. I’m off to cozy up with a good book…and of course, a great candle!

Fall Color Schemes and Mood Boards

Have you ever made a mood board? They are an amazing tool, especially if you are decorating for a new season, or re-doing a room in your home. I really like using them when remodeling, or to help me get a more cohesive look for a tablescape or shelf display. Here’s a few tips on making a mood board that you can truly use:

Source: Pottery Barn

-Decide what you’ll use your mood board for: There are several types of mood boards, and some are just for aesthetics. An aesthetic mood board would be something that you’d want to look at for inspiration, but may not use practically, or that would include actual items or colors. For example, an aesthetic mood board for a home might include examples of a farmhouse home, textures and colors that the homeowner likes, and a few pieces of hardware that could work with the look. While it may not have tangible products on it that you want to include on your home, it will keep the look foremost in your mind. A practical mood board could include links to products you’ve already chosen or bought, or photos of things you already own. It also works well with paint colors. 

-Decide what you want to accomplish with it: Do you want to use your mood board to guide purchasing, to help a client, to keep you on budget, or to stay inspired? These are all great options for using one, and they can truly help every purpose. I have used them for all of these reasons, and when it comes to decorating for a new season, I often let them help guide my purchasing when I’m out scouting for a few new pieces. This season, I am creating some as I decorate for the fall and harvest season, and heading into the holidays. Some of my favorite colors this season are the pretty shades of Terra Cotta, pretty dusty blues, and copper tones, so they have all made their way into my most recent mood boards:

Copper and Mango Wood Bowl: This Pottery Barn find is pricy, but will last for years and years. It will also move through the seasons, depending on how you style it, and I am already dreaming up ways to style some florals inside of it.

This beautiful rug: This stunning rug is also from Pottery Barn, and comes in a gorgeous hue of Terra Cotta, as well as a medium blue/grey. It is thick, substantial, and will really warm up a room with tile or hardwood, making it seem softer and more cozy. Not only that, but it will keep your toes physically warm, too!

This set of beautiful blue vases: Another investment piece, this set of vases is just beautiful. You can buy them separately or together, but we love them when they’re filled with simple eucalyptus or wooden stems. They also look amazing with olive branches.

Looking for something a bit more affordable? This terra cotta pot is under $30, and will bring the look of fall to your porch or backyard. It’s one of our favorite items from Magnolia lately, and it looks just right with a potted mum plant inside of it. 

If you’re looking for paint inspiration, look no further than these mood boards from Jolie Paint. The Aussie color scheme is a bit brighter than most of my autumn decor, but they are gorgeous and can help you shape what you want to accomplish in your own home. And, don’t forget that Allure with Decor is a retailer of these stunning paints!

Endless Summer Nights

…And so it begins; my favorite season! Summer! I am such a lover of the sunshine, the cooler, long evenings, and all the things that accompany this unique time of year. Here in my corner of the world (Oregon), we have distinct seasons, but many of them entail…rain. So, when summer rolls around, we are always pretty excited! Here are some of our favorite summer highlight

-Making a fresh peach crisp: I think my mouth is watering just thinking of a fresh crisp! There’s nothing like warm, baked fruit topped with a tasty sugar and oat crumble, and it’s so easy, you really can’t mess it up. If you’ve never made one, you can start with this super easy recipe from AllRecipes, that comes together in just a few minutes. You can throw in some extras like walnuts or almonds to dress it up a little, but all it really needs is some ice cream or fresh whipped cream. We love to use peaches from our personal trees, or ones we buy at our local farmer’s market for the very best results! 

-If peaches aren’t your thing, try some easy berry parfaits (yes, even kiddos will eat this healthy and yummy treat!). Start with a base of Organic Straus Vanilla Yogurt, which you can find online and also at our local Co-op here in Southern Oregon, and top it with homemade or store bought granola and fresh berries. It’s super easy to throw it together, and it’s yummy enough for a healthy breakfast, or even a light dessert after a family barbecue. 

Source: Pexels.com

-Breezy linens: There’s nothing better than changing out my linens from those cozy fleece and flannels to light and crisp linen and cotton sheets and bed coverings. If you are searching out something affordable to change over to, you can check out this set from Target. It’s from Joanna Gaines’ line Hearth and Hand, and they come in several pretty and simple hues. They are also affordable enough for a guest room or a bed that isn’t as used. If you’re ready to invest in sheets for your master bedroom or your family’s rooms, try Brooklinen, which have a generous guarantee, and are well worth the investment. For the perfect bedroom aesthetic, add in a few blossoms in vases to give a pretty scent (we love David Austin roses and Orange Blossoms, for starters!)

Source: Pexels.com

-Summer wardrobe: NOTHING beats Free People for the best boho summer pieces. Although it’s on the pricier end, we like their basics, because they last and last. We recommend their long maxi dresses, and their distressed blue jean shorts. Try this gorgeous Saltwater Maxi dress, that’s under $100 and so lightweight and lovely. If you’re wanting something a bit more unexpected, check out a linen romper layered over a bralette or light tee. Lastly, these distressed shorts are under $70 and will take any old band tee or vintage tank to something a bit more fashionable. 

Happy summer!

How to Define Your Design Style

With the rise of social media, design styles are all around us, almost all the time! It’s a different age for both interior designers and people designing their own homes. It can seem overwhelming to truly understand and know your own personal style, when you are shifted by the whims of your feed, but it’s so important. Knowing your personal design style shapes your buying habits, the feel of your home, and the way it makes you feel. It affects our loved ones and the way they feel when they walk into our home. It’s special and unique. Here’s a few ways to figure out what your personal style is, and how to hone it:

Source: Ballard Designs on Pinterest

-Cruise the aisles of your nearest home store, and see what draws your eye: Sometimes, when you shop, you find out that what you thought you loved isn’t what continually draws you in. If you can, accumulate the things you love into one cart, and snap a photo. It can help you make an inspiration board or mood board, and can solidify the look you are going for. 

-Look at where you draw inspiration from: Do you love interior design magazines? Do you enjoy putting together boards on Pinterest? Do you find awe inspiring ideas when you’re in nature (hiking or walking)? These can help guide your design choices, whether they are bold, earthy, or bohemian. Oftentimes, your wardrobe reflects a little bit of your personal taste as well. People who love neutral clothing and staple pieces often also love a minimalist and stripped down design style. Those willing to take more risks usually reflect this in their wardrobe and their home.

-Think about what your home or space is used for: If you want a very cozy feel, with warmth and texture, then a farmhouse aesthetic is likely what you will gravitate to (or least elements of it). If you love entertaining and enjoy modern flair, you may love wide open spaces with accents like marble and gold. It also helps to take into consideration that your taste can change over time. If you have little ones at home, your style may reflect an easier, simpler version of your personal tastes, simply because of the utility of your needs. In ten years from now, you may be able to incorporate things you aren’t able to yet. 

Pinterest via Serena and Lilly

-Start with anchor pieces, and work your way out: If you love kitschy items, and you buy a huge gold pineapple at Home Goods, you may have trouble building a room around it. It’s more ideal to start with a beautiful piece of furniture, like a couch or bed, in order to get a clearer picture and prevent yourself from ending up with tons of small, stylish pieces that have no cohesive element. Always start with a color palette, or anchor pieces of furniture in order to solidify your style. 

Decorating for Christmas | Style and Inspiration

I haul out my Christmas decorations in November! I know, I know...it’s early. But my family and I absolutely love Christmas, and we love the feel our home has when it’s decorated for the holidays. As far as we are concerned, it’s never too early to get the holiday ambience going! I’m sharing some of my favorite pieces today here on the blog, ones that you can get in store right now! Some of my personal pieces are ones I’ve had for years and they aren’t available any more, but these would be the perfect addition or beginning to a Christmas collection and a very stylish, cozy home!

Image: Pottery Barn

These wintery, textured stockings are at Pottery Barn, and you can add custom embroidery to each of them. I love the stockings from PB, because they last for years and years, and can become an heirloom item that can be passed down to generations. I love their mantle inspiration, with plenty of rustic wood, greenery (a-la-Joanna-Gaines), and industrial metal. They are the perfect look!

Image: Pottery Barn

These vintage inspired ornaments are so beautiful, and add just a touch of charm to your tree. You could even add them to a glass cloche or another display item for the most perfect little arrangement or tablescape. I also loved these mercury glass ornaments and the way they gently shimmer without being too sparkly.  

If you’re short on time, adding just a few key pieces can add a ton of warmth and beauty to any space. I always love a few warm, textured throws like this one, oversized throw pillows in seasonal colors, and of course, a warm, scented candle to set the mood! You don’t have to go overboard and spend a ton of money, especially if you already have large, neutral items in your home like a mantle, fireplace, sofa table, or counter top. We love the gorgeous look below as well, from West Elm..it’s simple and sweet. 

Image: West Elm Catalog

How to Mix High End and Budget Items in Your Decor | Southern Oregon Design Blog

If you're an Instagram or Facebook user, you've surely run into the latest fashion bloggers; ladies who have learned to expertly pair budget friendly items with their high-end Gucci belts and Fendi bags. It's seriously an art form, and the concept applies to decor, as well. You can mix items from Target, with items from thrift stores, and luxury pieces from Anthropologie. Your home shouldn't reflect how much you spent on an item, it should reflect the things you love and the pieces that you find inspiring, no matter how much they cost. Here's a few pointers as you strive to mix splurge items with ones that are thrifted or from the bargain bin:

-Take good care of your furniture: Even if you have low-end pieces from Craigslist, giving them a proper dusting and cleaning and fixing up loose hardware can go a long ways. There are even dark markers and stain pens that can cover up dents and scratches for a low cost. When looking at thrifted pieces, look for solid wood with classic stylings that you can easily update with fresh hardware. In fact, Anthropologie has beautiful hardware that you can splurge on and make your thrift-store finds look more high end like these knobs.

Source: Pulte Homes

-Frame cheap art in nice frames: You don't have to spring for pricey pieces of art to improve the aesthetic of your home. You can purchase inexpensive pieces at Goodwill or Home Goods, and remove the wooden or plastic frame that they're in. You can re-frame them in a solid wood or luxe metal frame for a piece of art that looks way more polished. You can also use this theory for photographs, by framing them in really nice metal and wooden frames to create your own, personalized focal points in your home.

-If you splurge, splurge on the main pieces:  sturdy headboards and beautiful rugs can be staples that lasts for years and years, whereas candles, pillows, throw blankets, and wooden trays can be found at mass-market shops and swapped out seasonally or yearly. If you're planning to spend a large chunk of money on a dining table or couch, look for classic colors and neutral tones that won't go out of style very quickly. 

Source: Home NBC

-Remember that expensive doesn't equal perfect: Just because something has a hefty price tag doesn't mean its right for your house. You have to go with your gut, and pursue the things you love, even if that means it's free on the side of the road. Budget for what you love, and the pieces will work together because it's the look that you wanted and the one you worked hard on. 

-Choose items with purpose: When you design a room, think of the pieces you want to be in it, ahead of time. If you know you absolutely want a long console table, then search high and low to find it. You may find a treasure hiding at a flea market, or commission someone to make a custom piece for you, but you want to be sure it fits in your overall plan and idea for a room before adding it. If you shop without a purpose, you'll be more tempted to overspend your budget, and buy things you have no real place for. 

With these ideas in mind, you can begin integrating your thrifted finds alongside that piece you saved for, for years. Your design will always be a piece of who you are, so make sure it reflects that. 

Best of Target Decor under $50!

Springtime and summer is filled with extra expenses: camping, extra snacks, and sports camps, just to name a few. So when it comes to sprucing up little decor pieces around my house, I love to keep it budget-friendly in this season. As a mom, I think we all know how often we do a "Target run", so I wanted to highlight some of their very adorable and affordable pieces. They have a brand new line called Opal House, and of course, some awesome Magnolia inspired items. Ready? Let's go!

Opal House is very trendy, and has a boho/Anthropologie vibe. Some pieces are a bit trendy and cheap looking for my personal style and taste, but there are some true gems in the collection as well. These cute mugs would make darling teacher gifts, and they look just like Anthro for only $6 per mug. We also love their serving dishes, which are all under $20, and have a boho summer feel that's perfect for hosting friends on your back porch.

Hearth and Hand by Magnolia is a little more my speed, and I always have to zip by the aisles quickly, so everything doesn't land in my cart! Here are a few favorites: This steel punched tray is just $35 and it can go basically anywhere in your home! We think it'd look awesome on your dining table, or serving drinks on the patio. It'll also wipe clean and be useful year round because of the natural color. For your table or mantle, you'll also love this darling vase. The edged lip is classic and timeless. 

When it comes to a versatile item, if you have $35, check out this adorable Threshold pillow with timeless ticking stripes. It's not made of outdoor fabric, but you could put it on a settee that's under cover in case of rain. We also think it looks great piled up with floor cushions around a fireplace, or on a bed that's a neutral palette. This white eyelet pillow has great texture, and of course, you know I love all things cream and white! I hope these ideas have given you inspiration on how to add some spring and summertime flair to your space without going over your budget or spending very much money!

Stay tuned to our blog for the best money-saving and inspiration tips!

5 Distressed Furniture Pieces you Need in your Home

One of the hallmarks of the farmhouse aesthetic is a rustic, vintage look. If you’re at all familiar with my blog, then you know that I absolutely love this aesthetic, and have for quite some time. I love the challenge of turning a modern home into a vintage farmhouse paradise, and in the years that I’ve spent transforming 21st century styles into rustic wonderlands I’ve realized that one of the easiest ways to give your home a quick dose of farmhouse is in distressed furniture. It’s the perfect addition to your budding rustic decor, and they’re either easy to find, or to make (figure out how to do that here). Here’s five that you need in your home!

source: pinterest

Chest of Drawers

You can find one in every home. They’re the backbone to clothing management, and they’re often one of the biggest pieces of furniture in a room. What’s great about their popularity is that you can find them being sold (or given away) just about anywhere. This is great for those who are looking for a distressed set because you’ll often come across them that way, requiring little effort on your part to make it just the way you want. You’ll find them in thrift stores and craigslist, or if you’d like a professional take on the distressed look, on websites like Hayneedle and Wayfair. The cheapest option will always be finding a set that’s seen some better days, and applying a bit of elbow grease to finish them up to your specifications.

Vintage Chandelier

Switching out your kitchen lights for a vintage chandelier can add a wonderful touch of farmhouse to your home while staying well within even the lowest budget. Thrift and antique stores are some of the best places to look for these, and they usually don’t require much of a hunt to find a great one. They’ll often be distressed metal, which is the perfect style for a farmhouse look. If you’re looking for a specific style, Etsy has a great selection, ranging from sculpted metal to rustic wood chandeliers, with some even utilizing unique styles like mason jars, or funnels! They’re great light fixtures to add some rustic character to your home.

source: HGTV

Distressed Dining Table

Families are bonded around the dinner table. It’s one of the most important pieces of furniture in your home, and if you’re just starting to create your farmhouse, it’s a great place to start from. Finding one in a thrift store won’t be as easy, but sites like craigslist often have ones that are already distressed, or are ready for your handiwork. This is a wonderful place to show off your creativity: you can get a matching set of table and chairs, or you can add a pop of color with painted chairs with that same distressed style. It all comes down to how you’d like it, and in the end, that’s always the best way.

source: lizmarieblog

Rustic Hutch

What better way is there to display all of your vintage dishes and glasses? The hutch is one of the most popular pieces in homes of all styles, which means you’ll be able to find one that you fall in love with fairly simply. All of the above mentioned places - thrift stores, craigslist, etsy, etc. - will have numerous pieces with lots of character already in them. There are so many styles that really embody the farmhouse aesthetic, with wonderful carved wood and glass panes, which gives you full creative expression to choose one that fits the rest of your unique farmhouse decor.

Milk Paint

Alright, so this isn’t a furniture piece, but it’s key if you’re a DIY-minded creative who wants to make your own distressed and colorful style. This means you can transform any piece you find into a classic farmhouse staple, all from your own hands. If you’re new to milk paint, this is a great blog explaining what it is, how to get it, and some beautiful examples of what you can do with it. Milk paint really gives you the creative freedom to make your home your own.

Those are just a few of the many farmhouse pieces you can add to your home to make it warmer, and bring the whole family together. I hope it helps you make your farmhouse home truly yours!

Making Your Home a Haven of Self-Care

We know, life is stressful. Your home shouldn't be. But how do you curate a home that makes you walk in and immediately drop all your stress and burdens? That's what today's blog is all about. Here are five ways to help your home become the place you always want to be:

Diffuse essential oils: Even if you don't believe in the medicinal properties of essential oils, they smell delightful and can really lift your mood. We recommend lemon or lavender oils for a very relaxing feel. They are also less toxic than some candles, which may be great for those with asthma or who are sensitive to strong candle scents. 

Source: Budget Decorator 

Mix up textures: We like the idea of mixing up textures in your living spaces, especially with pillows and throws. It's no secret that we love a good throw blanket, because they add instant coziness to a space. Plus, little ones love making forts or beds with them, and they're great for curling up with a good book or a movie! If you need a new throw, try this affordable, machine washable twin blanket from Target. It's bigger than a traditional blanket and extra warm. It comes in plenty of pretty neutral colors.

Get some fresh magazines and books to read: In the digital age, it can be hard to step away from your phone and laptop, but a good book can be just the ticket. Check out Oprah's book club for some great reads that will keep you inspired and expand your mind. A magazine like Real Simple or Southern Living is a relaxing read for a long bath, and you don't have to be too worried if the pages slip into the bathwater!

Source: Craftatholics 

Try a bath bomb: The bath bombs from LUSH are our absolute favorites. They are cruelty free and made with organic ingredients that are good for your skin. They are definitely a pricey luxury, but you will love the way they instantly relax your muscles and make you feel capable of handling anything that comes your way!

Change out your photos: Studies show looking at photos can improve our mood and make us feel more energized! Swap out old photos in the frames and shelves in your home for newer memories, and make your home a place where your family can always look around and feel loved! Order fresh canvases or framed prints for photos that have been languishing in drawers or on your computer or smartphone...they will definitely make your home feel more personal and relaxing!

Hearth and Hand with Magnolia: Home Decor

Happy new year! Even though it’s only been a little over a week into 2018, it’s been a great year so far. So many people are making new resolutions to live a better life in this new year, and I’m no stranger to it. Whether it’s resolving to exercise more, or to completely change up the decor in your home, a change can be nice. One of the changes that I love to make is putting up some of Target’s Hearth and Hand collection decor, made in collaboration with Magnolia. The whole line is full of some of the most wonderful pieces you’ll find, and they’re very affordable.

Case in point, this lovely eucalyptus wreath! I love to fit my decor advice into the farmhouse aesthetic, and this wreath would be great for it. Now that we’re nearing the tail end of winter, it’s about time to start thinking about spring decorations, and this wreath is a wonderful transition between the two seasons. Hang it on the front door if your color scheme allows, or hang it indoors to bring a little green in to help liven things up. 

While it’s winter, it can be tough to get fresh flowers that last. Thankfully, Hearth and Hand has quite the catalog of flower bundles, fillers, and stems that will last well past the first crocuses of spring start to bloom. And these decorations look so nice, you may just want to skip the fresh flowers entirely this year, if you wouldn’t miss the scent so much. There are astilbe flower bundles in pink and white, eucalyptus stems, or even succulent stems, and vases are easily accessible and easy to order along with any bundles you may choose.

One of the things I love most about the farmhouse style is all of the little accessories and trinkets that add to the whole rustic atmosphere. Like this wood and wire tray, any sort of wood accents you can sprinkle in will add a lot to the whole feel of your home. Metal accents like this galvanized storage bin will add more of a country feel to your decor, or a woven poplar basket will help tie the whole room together. Building a themed decor requires that you think about all the little things just as much as the big, and Hearth and Hand makes this easy!

Resolutions can be difficult to keep. Anything that helps us along the way is a valuable asset, and if you’re redecorating for spring, then this is one of the best ways to do so. The whole line is huge, and everything I mentioned doesn’t even scratch its surface. There’s no shame in taking the easy route - if you’re wanting a change, this is the best one to make! 

Creating More Space in Your Home

If you walk into your house after work and find yourself experiencing a strong sense of claustrophobia, it may be time to de-clutter. Your house is your respite away from all the stresses and pressures of life, a place to unwind yourself after your day’s wound you all up. Here’s a few tips to reclaim the calm in your home:

Get Rid of All of Your Stuff

Okay, so maybe you don’t have to get rid of everything, but another honest look at all the things you own, and whether they're really necessary or beneficial in your life would be a good place to start. As we’ve all heard time and time again, there’s a big difference between want and need. Often, it’s the things that we actually use day after day that are necessities, and most of the stuff we have we hold onto because we spent money on it once, and just can’t part with it. Maybe we bought something we don’t need, and that’s fine. Everyone does that, trust me. Or maybe you purchased something you needed for a while, but now it just sits around and collects dust. If you’re like me, you don’t like to see things go to waste. So rejoice with me that there’s so many options for giving things away to people who actually need them, or in repurposing stuff that can’t really do any good by itself. If you want to avoid the hassle of a yard sale, or if you’re living rural, then look around a bit on the internet or ask some friends where you can donate your clothes, your furniture, or anything else that you don’t use anymore that you think someone else could use.

Stock up on Baskets

There’s an awesome trend going on that involves wicker baskets. Lots of wicker baskets. What’s awesome about it is wicker baskets look great, and come in tons of shapes and sizes to suit your style and storage needs. Of course, if you’re not much of a basket person, there’s other options. For example, you could get (or make!) a couple of fabric covered boxes to use. There’s as many styles as there is of fabric, and they usually go for a good price. You can always mix and match, depending on your decor. If you get your hands on some cubby shelves, the decorative boxes can be just the pop of color you need in your home. Wicker could be just the accent to your room to give it a more rustic, or a more personable feel. You never realize the power a box or a basket could have over you until you change the mood of an entire room with it. HERE’s a great guide to wicker baskets; and HERE’s a great guide to your own DIY decorative boxes.

Get Multi-Purpose Furniture

It’s not just the cabinets, or the closets, or the dressers that should have all the fun of storing things. The whole idea of multi-purpose furniture is taking something that’s known for one use - say, a couch - and redefining it into something that can accomplish many things at once, while still retaining its original purpose. Minimalism is trendy lately, and I think it’s one of the best trends to come around. Or, really, come back around. It’s an age old practice, and one that brings a lot of calm and restfulness into your home, due to all the open spaces and organization. There’s so many different styles and types of multi-purpose furniture to choose from, and a lot of them are very well made and look fantastic. They’re valuable, so the price tag may go up, but remember that what you’re getting is essentially two or three pieces of furniture in one. It may just come out to be quite the deal. And you’ll feel better about conserving the space, too.

Hopefully this small list has helped you in some way. I know for me, de-cluttering has helped me unwind much easier, and it’s been so nice to be able to come home and start to relax the moment I walk in the door. Even on days spent indoors I feel more peaceful seeing everything organized and spacious. It makes me happy, and what’s better than that?

Cottage Remodel for Life at the FARM

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We recently freshened up this cute little cottage, and I wanted to share it to inspire you, especially if you have a space you don’t absolutely love! We started by installing elegant, clean lines with batten boards to give character to the walls. It now is reminiscent of an old caretaker’s cottage. Then, we moved onto new flooring that felt like washed, aged oak, and began the journey to change the layout of the kitchen. 

Of course, you know my love for lighting fixtures, and we changed the one out above the table and throughout the little house for a brand-new look. It made a world of difference!

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The dated bathroom had three mirrors, so we streamlined with two beautiful oval ones instead. we added vessel sinks, beautiful faucets, and new hardware. We also painted the cabinets a creamy white, and added dark hardware for a cottage look. And of course, you’ll see a touch of shiplap!

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Above, you can see the dark, dated, and closed off space that was here before! What a big difference!

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We added fresh dark lighting fixtures to get some nice contrast, more shiplap, some elegant marble counters, hardware, and newly painted cabinets! We framed into the mirrors and also re-did the floors in here. It’s hard to believe it’s the same space, but these changes made a big difference and now, it’s ready and filled with light!

Fall Goodness for your Home | Recipes and Inspiration

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My adorable family 5 years ago.  Photo by Tonya Poitevint Photography

As someone who loves community, family, and togetherness, I love when the seasons make their way into my kitchen. There is something so beautiful and rich about family gathered in the kitchen. It’s part of what I love about my home...the people in it, and the memories we are making. Today, I want to share just some of my favorite items for the kitchen, and one simply fabulous recipe for pumpkin scones! 

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Photos: Left Olivia Leigh Photography | Middle Williams-Sonoma | Right Nikita Lee Photography

Williams-Sonoma Home is always one of my favorite places to find beautiful, lasting pieces for my kitchen. This season, you’ll find plenty of ivory and white pieces, anchored with plenty of fall colors like orange and sage green. I love this antique white platter for something like Thanksgiving, piled high with stuffing or rolls! I also found this gorgeous hemstitch tablecloth in the ‘pumpkin’ color, just right for putting all those lovely dishes on!

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Photos:  Williams Sonoma

Of course, you’ll need some baked goodness to pile into your new dishes, so here’s our favorite recipe for pumpkin scones. Their slightly spicy, warm and crumbly texture will be just right for any fall gathering, and guess what? They taste pretty darn close to their Starbucks counterparts (shhhh...we won’t tell!). Here’s the easy recipe, courtesy of Food.com

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Pumpkin Scones

2 cups all-purpose flour
7 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1⁄2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1⁄4 teaspoon ground cloves
1⁄4 teaspoon ground ginger
6 tablespoons cold butter
1⁄2 cup canned pumpkin
3 tablespoons half-and-half
1 large egg

Powdered Sugar Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
2 tablespoons whole milk

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
2. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and spices in a large bowl. Using a pastry knife, fork, or food processor, cut butter into the dry ingredients until mixture is crumbly and no chunks of butter are obvious. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin, half and half, and egg. Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Form the dough into a ball.
4. Pat out dough onto a lightly floured surface and form it into a 1-inch thick rectangle (about 9 inches long and 3 inches wide). Use a large knife or a pizza cutter to slice the dough twice through the width, making three equal portions. Cut those three slices diagonally so that you have 6 triangular slices of dough. Place on prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes. Scones should begin to turn light brown. Place on wire rack to cool.
6. TO MAKE THE PLAIN GLAZE:.
7. Mix the powdered sugar and 2 tbsp milk together until smooth.
8. When scones are cool, use a brush to paint plain glaze over the top of each scone.

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Enjoy!

Using Vinyl and Quotes to Enhance Your Space! | Ideas and Inspiration

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Photo by Betsy Blue Photography

I’ve discovered that I have an affinity for using words to personalize your space. Words, scripture, and quotes can make your space your own, and help capture the personality of your family or your business! It can make a large statement without a ton of expense, as well, and you can now custom order things on places like Etsy. Whether you choose things like wooden quotes, vinyl die-cut words or names, or large initials, you can make a big impact! Here are a few tips for using these in your home or office:

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Photo Left:  Betsy Blue Photography | Right:  Olivia Leigh Photography

Size Matters: Before you choose your letters or quotes, be sure to measure and considering your wall space. As you can see below, the oversized letters from Pottery Barn are quite oversized, and meant to be a focal point for an entire wall! They could easily look too “busy” or overwhelm a tiny space, so measuring would be key, whether you choose a small grouping or large initial. 

Practical is best for small spaces: If you are working with a confined or small space, opt for smaller letters that include little hooks, or place them on shelves. If they can serve double-duty, you’ll have a statement piece that also holds things like coats and hats. 

Vinyl Letters: These are a great way to add some pizazz to children’s rooms, rentals, or other space where they might need to be changed out rather soon. I have beautiful vinyl quote with song lyrics wrapped around a chandelier in my girls’ room. It’s so sweet and adds a personal touch. 

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Photos Left & Middle:  Betsy Blue Photography | Right:  Pottery Barn Website

Incorporating Beautiful Lighting into Your Home

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The other day, I was thinking about how much of a difference that quality, beautiful lighting makes in your home. It can change the whole feel of a space, and add warmth and style in a way that even furniture cannot. I love quality lighting pieces, and some of my favorite pieces come from Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn. I know we often talk about affordable pieces here on the blog, and those two retailers are definitely not known for being the most affordable. But lighting is one of the areas I personally believe you need to invest in pieces that can withstand the test of time!

This Rope Filament Collection from Restoration Hardware is stunning. The sturdy piece will last and last, and will overcome changes in decor and paint to look beautiful for years. The classic styling will pair well with a farmhouse style decor for contrast, and with pretty neutrals and whites. You can find it here.

You can also make a big impact with key, smaller pieces like this table lamp from Restoration as well. The vintage mercury glass base pairs well with modern pieces, as well as multiple furniture finishes, making it another piece that you can easily use for years.

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Pottery Barn is slightly more affordable, especially if you may want to change your decor before several years have passed. I love this six arm chandelier piece that has a rustic charm. You can use it indoor or outdoor, and it is beautiful and classic. It would pair best with items close to the “Fixer Upper” style we have been showing you recently.

This pretty piece would be right at home in a bedroom or sitting room, with it’s intricate inlay design. The subtle texture is not overpowering, but also adds interest to the surroundings. I’d love to see it with neutrals and pretty rustic wood furniture. 

Decor Trend Watch | Bathrooms

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                                                   Left : Natural White Oak Plank Flooring | Middle:  Pottery Barn Holden Bath Accessories | Right: Terrie Day's Master Bath

When you're decorating your bathroom, you have to consider who will be using it (should it be kid friendly? Great for guests?), in order to choose the best and most stylish accessories that will work for you. We went to one of our favorite stores, Pottery Barn, which we love for their classic, tasteful stylings, for the best in new bath decor!

Stripes, always timeless, set the stage for a classically styled bathroom. The charcoal and white curtain, when paired with crisp whites and dark wood, is beautiful, and would be beautiful in a guest bathroom. The simple look requires little upkeep, and will stay nice for years without major renovations to the style. The curtain would look beautiful with additional white accessories like these.  

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For a children's bathroom, where items will take more wear-and-tear, you can still find stylish and pretty decor that will withstand toddlers and kids! For girls, we LOVE this shabby-chic inspired ruffle curtain from Pottery Barn. We would add in some simple bath mats to absorb bath time splashing, and maybe even this adorable footstool for those little ones reaching the sink! For the little guys, or a unisex bathroom, we would love this navy henley stripe shower curtain that would polish up any family bathroom.

For the master bath, a place of refuge and peace (hopefully!), we would choose this pretty, delicate grey and cream pattern curtain. Paired with pewter accessories and all-white linens, it would feel like a day at the spa! Grey is so soothing, but you could add in pale blues or teal greens to add some color and life to it, if your bedroom is also neutral hues. West Elm also has some gorgeous candles, similar to Anthropologies, that would work well in a soothing bath environment. This scent is amazing!

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Pottery Barn Apothecary Single Sink Console

We would love to help you put together a bathroom you love! Contact us today for more information (please bear with us as our website undergoes changes).