Summer Trend: Geometric Patterns

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Geometric Patterns

Decorating with pattern is one of the easiest ways to add energy and a bold new look to your space. There are countless options to choose from when it comes to pattern: chevron, ikat, stripes, (my personal favorite, the imperfect line), and polka dots. But those patterns, as awesome as they are, can still end up feeling a little tired after seeing them too much.

So what’s a trendsetter to do? Get geometric! In high school I would have done anything to avoid calculating the circumference of a circle or measuring the angles of a triangle, but now I’m beginning to see geometry in a whole new light.

Check out these super cute geometric patterns and tell me which one you’ll be decorating with this summer!

Apartment Decorating Ideas: 6 Ways to Organize Your Small Space

posted by Laura . 1 comments

Apartment Decorating Ideas: Get Your Small Space in Order!

Living in a small space, like an apartment, can be tricky when it comes to organization and storage. Closet space can be hard to come by and you don’t want your living room turning into a storage room. So how do you get the clutter under control? By choosing your furniture and accessories carefully.

I, for one, can not stop drooling over this LAXseries Storage Platform Bed by MASHstudios:

I love the clean lines of the frame and the roll out drawers for extra storage. When we’re ready to buy a new bed this one is at the top of my list. But don’t worry, you don’t have to replace the big ticket items in your apartment to get organized. Here are a few smaller pieces than can make a big difference in your space:

1. Who needs four legs when you have a wall? Keep your small space feeling open and airy with wall-mounted desks and side tables. The Ledge Wall-Mounted Desk by Urbancase

2. Keep small items on your desk stylishly organized with a soft container (it folds up when not in use!) full of color and pattern. Blue Rosemary Storage Bucket, Small by Chewing the Cud

3. Save closet space (and add a spot to put your keys and phone when you walk in the door) by installing a coat rack with a shelf into the wall. Don’t worry about the holes when you move out, that’s what spackle is for! Frisco 3 Arm Coat Rack by Cyan Design

4. Keep your books and magazines at hand (and organized!) with a storage table with additional shelving. I like this one because it stores reading material but feels very light and open, too. Axel Bjurstrom White Magazine Table by Design House Stockholm

5. Storage can be glamorous! Keep small items out of sight and organized with colorful containers that are both decorative and useful. Tartier Round Canisters & Tray Set by Bungalow 5

6. One thing no small space should be without is an upholstered ottoman that doubles as storage. I’m totally serious, these things are awesome. Not only do they provide extra seating when you need it, you can also prop up your feet and store extra pillows or sheets. Tufted Storage Bench by Velvet & Clover

What tricks do you use to keep your apartment organized?

DIY Friday: Transforming Grocery Store Flowers

posted by Lesley . 1 comments

Flower Arrangement Ideas for Those Supermarket Blooms

If you’re anything like me, you have a hard time resisting the urge to grab a bunch of blossoms during a trip to the supermarket. There they are, all pretty and enticing, and so cheap! But let’s face it, the arrangements are usually less than inspiring. Here are a few easy DIY’s to makeover that budget bouquet!

Lose the Filler

Photo via A Cup of Jo

Most grocery store arrangements, especially the favorite of husband’s everywhere, roses, come with “filler” greenery like baby’s breath. While I personally love baby’s breath on it’s own, removing it from your rose bouquet can take the arrangement from ordinary to elegant.

Use an Interesting Vessel

Photo via Creature Comforts

Forget that standard, boring glass vase the arrangement came in. You know the one. It’s cheap, which is why the grocery store used it to begin with. Instead, switch it out for something more interesting you have at home. The kitchen is a great place to find more sculptural vessels– teapots, pitchers, even aluminum cans will serve your arrangement well.

Add Backyard Branches

Photo via HGTV

Sometimes what a supermarket arrangement is missing is variation in height and structure. You can achieve both by foraging a bit in your own backyard. Grab some clippers and snip off a few branches to mix in with your blossoms. Cheap, easy, and bonus– you’ll get a little pruning done!

Mix in Some Veggies

Photo via BHG

Have you ever gone to your local farmer’s market and marveled at how lovely the produce was? No? Just me then.. ok. Seriously though, leafy greens and naturally stemmed produce just cry out to be celebrated as part of your floral arrangement. Both edible and pretty! Win-win.

Break Up Blooms into Multiple Vases

Photo via Martha Stewart

If you really want to stretch that budget arrangement, think about displaying each blossom on its own in a small vessel. Spread them out throughout your home for a bit of flora in each room or group them together for high impact.

Style Trend: Anchors Aweigh!

posted by Lesley . 0 comments

Nautically Inspired Decorative Accessories

In the summer, our thoughts naturally turn to the sea and all related things. A favorite evening activity for the hubby & I is to take a walk to a local park where we can watch the sailboats gliding across Puget Sound. Sailing is on the brain and it’s no surprise that this season, anchors are totally trending and popping up everywhere– fashion and wedding styles are being heavily influenced by nautical themes.

Photos via (l-r) Ricardo Jorge Fidalgo, Red Mug, Blue Linen, Interior Gallery Design, Wedding Bells

Anchor-themed decor can take coastal style from laid back to just a bit preppy and adds a little, ahem, weight. Check out a few of the nautically inspired decorative accessories I’m totally digging lately!

1. Anchors Aweigh Anchor Tea Infuser, $17.50, 2. Thomaspaul Scrimshaw Dinner Plates, Set of 4, $50, 3. Anchors Aweigh Anchor Mug, $29.10, 4. Anchors Aweigh Wine Stopper, $19.50, 5. Sculpted Anchor $88, 6. Anderson Design Group Anchors Away Pattern Duvet Cover, $189-229, 7. Knots Indigo Decorative Pillow $98

Any of these sea-inspired pieces will help your decor set sail into summer!

Decorating Tips: Setting the Mood with Window Treatments

posted by Kerry Jones . 0 comments

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, and windows are like the eyes of your home. The right window dressing can go a long way to creating the vibe you want your home to give off. But how do you make sure you create the right mood?

Establish a Welcoming Mood

Photo via HGTV

We all want our friends and family to feel comfortable when they visit. Create a welcoming atmosphere guests will love with just a few changes to your windows. Earthy colors like greens and deep yellows create a warm, inviting atmosphere in any room; floral patterns create a homey feel.
Try layering sheer curtains to create an airy, open space with lots of sunshine, or using thicker fabrics to create a cozy atmosphere. When paired with great furniture and a smiling host, your guests will never want to leave.

Set a Romantic Mood

Photo via Home Designing

If you’re planning for a romantic evening with your special someone, setting a romantic mood is as easy as changing your curtains. Long curtains with lots of folds and draping, sheer fabrics, and beautiful tie-backs all help create a romantic atmosphere.

While red and purple are the go-to romantic colors, a soft pastel such as pink or white will also add to that special mood. For something out of the ordinary, try a soft floral patterns or a beaded fringe.

Create an Elegant Mood

Photo via New Urban Homes

If you’re hosting a formal event, an elegant tone is what you’re looking for. The stark contrast of black and white creates a modern feel, and an unusual pattern or design adds artistic flair. Try pairing a black-and-white patterned curtain with clean white window shades. If patterns aren’t your thing, try adding a bright pop of red or purple into the mix instead. Both patterns and eye-catching colors add visual interest, but don’t overdo them. A clean, modern simplicity will add just the right amount of class to your formal event.

Set a Relaxing Mood

Photo via Future House Design

After a long day, we all want to sit back and relax in the comfort of our homes. The right window treatment can actually help you unwind and feel laid back. The color blue has a calming effect on the human brain, so try some blue curtains in an airy fabric to create a serene atmosphere.
Earth tones like browns and deep reds create warmth, which can also be very soothing. Try these colors in your bedroom to create a more relaxing, restful atmosphere.

Project an Energizing Mood

Photo via House Plans and More

Sometimes it isn’t relaxation you need, but something to get you on your feet and moving. Whether for a party or just because you want to add some zing to your day, adding bright colors will create that energized feeling you’re looking for. Sheer curtains allow natural light to flow into a room, making you feel brighter. Try bright citrus yellow or a peppery orange and find a pattern that pops. These colors not only wake you up, but they make your room look larger.

We all want our homes to show our personalities. Use these decorating tips to make sure your windows create the mood you want them to!

Kerry Jones is a food blogger and freelance writer/editor based in Tampa, FL. When she’s not experimenting in her kitchen, she’s trying to make her cat the next viral sensation. You can check out her recipes on her blog, Snark and Pepper.

Interior Design Inspiration: Celebrity Man Cave Decor

posted by Lesley . 1 comments

We’re quickly coming up on Father’s Day, the superest of super Sundays, the day we celebrate the men we love and all that they do for us throughout the year! Dads and husbands can get overwhelmed by the busyness of every day life and sometimes need a place all their own to escape– where they can watch sports in peace, shoot pool with their buddies, or just wind down without having kids underfoot. Take some inspiration from these awesomely outfitted celebrity man caves that will have you craving to carve out a little getaway for the man in your life!

Photo via DIY Network

NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson’s pad is decked out in a slick industrial garage style, complete with a motorcycle parking pad! Drinks with the fellas never felt so fast!

Photo via LOLs To Go

Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward’s manly getaway has a sophisticated gentleman’s club style, complete with dark wood paneling, leather stools, and framed memorabilia.

Photo via LOLs To Go

Sometimes, a guy’s method of relaxation involves pumping up by working out. TV host Mario Lopez converted his basement to resemble a vintage boxing gym. Doesn’t it seem like Rocky should walk in at any moment?

Photo via DIY Network

For the more intellectual type of guy in your life, take inspiration from The Office’s Rainn Wilson’s “Home Office Cave”. Cozy and comfortable, it’s the perfect spot to write, read, browse the web, or just listen to some tunes.

Photo via DIY Network

Speaking of jammin’ out, Ace of Cakes star Duff Goldman‘s man cave is an ode to rock n’ roll and features his own a music studio. Rock on, dude.

How about a travel-themed man cave? Check out these Pure Home decor accessories for a little man cave decor, road trip style!

Color Crush: Paradise Blue

posted by Lesley . 2 comments

Decorative Accessories in Ocean Shades

Warm weather definitely turns my thoughts to sand and sun, how about you? HGTV’s Color of the Month, Paradise Blue, brings to mind the deep blue waters of the Caribbean. Blues create a calm, peaceful atmosphere that fosters a sense of quiet and rejeuvenation. Want to dive in with me? Check out how the ombre’d blue walls of this room transform what might have been just a white box into a deep blue sea. You know that feeling you got as a kid when you sunk to the bottom of the pool? You’ll relive that tranquil feeling every time you step into this room.

Photo via Magnus Anesund

But maybe you’re renting and can’t paint your walls? Or perhaps you’d rather not make quite such a bold choice in paint. You can still create the soothing sensation of light filled water just by adding a few paradise blue decorative accessories into your decor. Here are a few I’m loving right now!

1. Turquoise Hand-dyed Watercolor Pillow, $73 2. Retro Turquoise Wall Clock, $36.75 3. VIT Jade Pod Vase, $79 4. The Acapulco Chair, $475 5. Cancun Turquoise and Moss Green Area Rug $56.93-$131.96 6. Zulu Love Train Swazi Lamp Finial, $55 7. Jordan Table Lamp, $258

DIY Friday: Picnic Ideas With Panache

posted by Lesley . 0 comments

Summer is here! Which means these balmy days are filled with opportunities to get outside and enjoy the warmth of the sun. Whether you’re hitting a vineyard, outdoor concert or just spending a day at the park, there is nothing better than a picnic on a gorgeous day. If you’re like me, you want your picnics to have a little pizzazz!

Here are 5 ways to makeover your basket of goodies with a bit of DIY love–

Photo via Style Me Pretty Living

This converted apple basket DIY from Style Me Pretty Living is as functional as it is pretty with easy to make removable pockets to keep track of your plates and utensils, making good use of the round shape of the basket.

Photo via Martha Stewart

Have some extra canvas shopping bags around the house? For this printed canvas tote, all the supplies you need, like the canvas bag & a potato for stamping, may already be waiting in your kitchen.

Photo via A Subtle Revelry

This clever DIY from A Subtle Revelry takes some old fashioned technology ( think glue + cardboard box ) and a neglected scarf(!) to create a little basket that is as light and pretty as summer itself.

Photo via Oh Happy Day

How about a more sophisticated take on brown baggin’ it? Alexis Birkmeyer crafted these sweet little baskets out of butcher paper for this DIY for Oh Happy Day . Wouldn’t these be perfect for picnic party favors?

Photo via DotComsForMoms

And perhaps the simplest DIY of them all ( and just my speed! ). For this quick project, simply loop a leather belt through a basket with cut-out handles like this one. Voila! Just grab a blanket and go!

If you’re hitting the park this weekend, we hope these picnic ideas will inspire you to make your outing extra special!

5 Quick Tips for Getting Your Bathroom Guest-Ready

posted by Laura . 1 comments

Living in a one bedroom apartment means living in a one bathroom apartment. Sure my boyfriend and I may fight over the sink at toothbrushing time and he may complain about the ridiculous amount of long brunette hair that seems to be attracted to every surface in our bathroom, but generally we do okay.

Having unexpected guests show up, however, throws a small wrench into the works. In my dreams we have a separate guest bathroom complete with perfectly folded towels and nary a tube of toothpaste to be found. Sadly, that is not my reality. So here are a few of my quick bathroom ideas for getting the bathroom ready when guests decide to drop by unannounced:

#1: Keep Wet Wipes Under the Bathroom Sink

It looks a little weird if you excuse yourself to go to the bathroom and bring cleaning spray with you. Just tuck a set of surface wipes underneath your sink and pull them out to quickly wipe down your sink, toilet, and any other surfaces that could use a quick clean up. I like these wipes from Mrs. Meyer’s, not only do they clean but they make the bathroom smell delightful instead of like harsh cleaning chemicals.

Photo via Mrs. Meyers

#2: Keep a Satchel of Lavender Buds in the Bathroom

I have a small satchel of lavender buds hanging from the knob in my bathroom and it works amazingly for giving the space a quick scent refresh. When bought brand new the satchel will keep the bathroom smelling nice all by itself, but after a few months you’ll have to give the satchel a few hard squeezes, crushing the buds a little, to get a sudden burst of scent. I like this better than a bowl of potpourri because I don’t have a lot of extra counter space in my bathroom so hanging it off the door works great for me. Having a scented candle at the ready is also a good idea (I love the ones from Rewined!).

#3: Secret Guest Towels

We keep an spare set of guest linens, so why not a spare set of guest towels? While it does pain me to have such cute towels set aside “for emergencies only” it’s been well worth it. Our everyday towels take a lot of wear so I like keeping a spare set for guests.

Photo via Anthropologie

#4: Vacuum Your Bath Mat

Bath mats can have a tendency to get squished and flattened after just a few showers. If you have a few minutes before your impromptu guests arrive, grab your hand vac (you should definitely get one of these if you don’t already have one, they are awesome!) and give your bath mat a quick a vacuum. The vacuuming pulls up the flattened pile, dries it out a bit, and makes it look (almost) as good as new!

Kingston Bathmat by India Rose

#5: Fold Like a Pro

It’s amazing what a quick fold can do to give your bathroom a more put-together look. Just quickly fold your bath towels and stack them like you would see at a hotel. Even the simplest towels will look luxurious when carefully folded! Just fold each side of the towel inward until the ends of each side are just barely touching each other. Easy!

Photo via Remodelista

No need to stress when your cousin asks to crash at your place while on their summer road trip! You can prep your bathroom in just a few minutes and spend the rest of your time enjoying their visit.

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