For the Bookworms//

TGIT all you Shonda Rhimes lovers, and tomorrow’s Friday! I can’t believe this week is almost done! I’ve been slackin’ y’all, but school, work, life, etc. gets in the way sometimes. We all know how it is!

As the cold comes rolling in, I find myself hunkered down more and more. I love being snuggled up with a book I can’t keep down, the problem is, I also don’t like getting rid of my books. I might be a book hoarder. I’m not very generous when it comes to sharing either. Usually borrowers never return, and there are several books to near to my heart that I want to re-read! The challenge for me is figuring out how to store these so they’re not in piles or in large bulky shelving units.

These are some of the creative ways I’ve seen used for book storage. Check them out! 

1. Stairwell Storage

http://mylistoflists.com/10-creative-bookshelves/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/13/incredible-bookcases-photos_n_4588105.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000009

2. Book Nooks

3. Wrap Around Shelving

• This is a great idea for basements or an office for book storage! 

https://apartmentsilike.wordpress.com/2011/05/04/book-lovers-unique-shelf-ideas-for-your-apartment/

4. Libraries

• This option is obviously a luxury more than a practical, but if you have an extra room and you love books that much, go for it girl! This could even be done in your home office, but be careful not to make it too comfy if work needs to be done!

http://blog.hgtv.com/design/2014/02/14/fall-in-love-with-hgtvs-cutest-home-libraries/?soc=pinterest

5 Tips for a Minimalist, Organized Home//

Hey Y’all! Happy Friday! 

As the “minimalist” look becomes more popular, the more I love it. I love the feeling of less is more. We don’t need that much stuff people, seriously, throw stuff out! 

So, here are my top 5 tips and ideas on how to be organized with a minimalist style. I also just love the look that some of these can add to the home! Now, let’s hope we can all keep it this organized! 

1. Open closets

I personally love this because it makes you keep your clothes organized. It also helps you really see what you never wear so you can de-clutter and get rid of that shizzzz. 

 

2. Towel Racks = Shoe Racks

This pairs somewhat with your closet, but how many of us have a million shoes all jumbled together at the bottom of our closet? I know it’s not just me! I bet if I organized those two things would happen. One, I’d find shoes I never knew I had, and two I’d realize the shoes that never left that floor. Suggestion- grab some trendy towel racks or curtain rods and hang those up! 

 

3. Open Shelving

I know, I know, again with the open shelving! I swear guys it’s going to keep you organized! Who’s just going to throw things every where if that mess can’t be concealed? Whether it’s books and office supplies, dishes, or towels open shelving not only organizes you, but also helps easily decorate! 

4. Clear your counters and tables

The kitchen can tend to get a little over-cluttered if we’re not careful.  Items you don’t use daily, put in your cabinets and hide them away. The cleaner the counters, the more organized, and the more room for cooking! When it comes to end tables and coffee tables, the less the better. A coffee table book, a small plant, or a simple tray with a candle or two is all you really need to display.

 

5. Boxes and Baskets

I think the toughest way to live as a minimalist is when you have children. Those toys, crayons, and lego’s get just about everywhere. And shoving them in corners or clunky toy chests just seems to clutter a room. I know for my fiance and me, we have more movies than one couple should own, and stacking them or placing them on a shelf is just going to be a giant mess. We will be neatly organizing those in lovely, clean boxes. 

Cheers to the weekend! 

Simply White: 2016 Color of the Year//

Benjamin Moore has announced their 2016 color of the year as, Simply White.

I could have called that one, y’all. The overwhelming neutral trends that keep popping up everywhere made it a guarantee that the upcoming color of the year would be more than likely neutral to match.

I decided to make a mood board once I found out about the color of the year announcement. My mood is very raw and natural. White and wood go together so well. Pair that scheme with tons of windows and natural lighting and you’ll have a light, warming room.

Here are a few of my ideas: 

1. Reclaimed wood

• Using reclaimed wood adds different tones and shades to the wood color. Although the pallet is still rather neutral, having those different shades in the wood you’re using adds a bit more depth and texture to the look.

 

2. White-washed wood

• For an extremely white and neutral pallet you can use white washed wood. I think it looks great as flooring and then adding some color in your furniture with the white on white. The white on white also makes a kitchen feel open and airy; allowing you to add color accents with light fixtures, sinks, and tables.

 

https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/style-filescom-1121582/a-beautiful-rustic-kitchen-in-a-london-home-4281253285

3. Dark Wood

• For more of a contrast and refined elegance you could use simply white with dark wood. It provides light to the dark and vice versa. Using a darker wood instantly gives a rich feeling to the room. With a darker floor I would choose lighter furniture to help with the contrast.

http://www.homebunch.com/interior-design-ideas-92/

http://www.11magnolialane.com/2015/02/22/our-favorite-decorating-trends-in-tile-stone-wood/

The Ultimate Bedroom Oasis//

Happy Monday! 

This past weekend Chris and I spent some time in Brown County, and after a night in a hotel bed, boy oh boy, was I glad to see my bed again. My wonderful, squishy, warm bed. So, in honor of one of my favorite places in the world, today is bedroom day! 

Here are 5 ideas on how to make your bedroom a cozy haven:

1.Bedside rugs

•  There is nothing worse than getting out of bed and placing your feet on the cold floor. Avoid this with a rug! Obviously, you know my go to are those beautiful, white sheepskin rugs, but pick what works for you. Find a basic patterned rug with a pop of your room color, or a heavily patterned, colorful rug for in a more neutral room.

Here are some examples and a tip on placement around the bed:

 

2. Pillows, pillows, pillows

• Obviously, I’m a sucker for pillows. I recommend them for everything! Not only can they add to the decor and color, but in this case they add to the cozy. In the bedroom try to pick softer, fluffy pillows you can lay and sink into. They’re also great to prop up when you’re reading!

 

3. DIY Canopy

• Canopy’s are more formally used for kid’s bedding, but who says you can’t have an adult canopy?! I love feeling enveloped in luxury when I’m laying in bed reading or catching up on my shows. Feeling snuggled in by your bedding, pillows, and some privacy curtains can really make it feel like an enchanted oasis.

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ramping-up-the-romance-in-your-bedroom-168067

4. Lamps & Lighting

• When you’re relaxing in bed reading the paper, a good mystery novel, or watching some mindless television, you want to feel completely relaxed. Your overhead, main lighting is not going to do this for you. Add some lamps on your bedside nightstand or some lighting within your canopy. This brings the lights down and sets a comfortable, romantic mood. 

 

http://www.stylemepretty.com/living/2015/03/16/25-nightstands-worthy-of-sleeping-next-to/

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=28946671&color=000#/!/

5. Bedding

• The ultimate comforter makes up the perfect bed. The more plush the better, in my opinion, and you want the sheets to feel worn in and soft. Also a tip for ladies, it’s said that silk pillow cases are better for hair maintenance and those unmanageable frizzy manes!

http://www.craneandcanopy.com/?utm_source=pinterest&utm_medium=pins&utm_campaign=MontBeigeSutterA1&pp=0

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/blissliving-home-harper-navy-cotton-sateen-duvet-cover-shams-online-only/3647727?cm_ven=pinterest&cm_cat=acc_wsp&cm_pla=at_home&cm_ite=FT28748&crlt.pid=camp.enIQJy6XReIt

Curb Appeal: Your Front Door//

TGIF Blog lovers!! 

I am so ready for this weekend! Chris and I will be spending time in Brown County in Southern Indiana, doing some hiking among the beautiful leaves and enjoying some much needed time away. 

I had some struggles coming up with creative juices on what I wanted to blog today. It’s been a long week at work! So I’m sticking with something simple.

My favorite front doors!

Most people stick with more of a matchy matchy color, or neutrals for their front door. Why not go for something eye popping? Having a bold door draws people’s eyes to your house from the street. This is especially great if your house is on the market. We want your house to stand out in the best ways!

Here are three tips for a bold door: 

1. Bold color
2. Double doors
3. Embellishments

For the ultimate curb appeal, check out these front doors….

(links are below)

 

http://www.entirelyeventfulday.com/2013/05/front-door-colors.html#.ViD0Q-xVhBc

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/27/colors-for-front-door_n_5036498.html?ncid=edlinkushpmg00000055

http://www.oprah.com/createyourspace/The-Prettiest-Front-Doors-Front-Door-Ideas/8

Red Lips & Red Decor//

In honor of me totally reppin’ my red lipstick today, I thought I should stick with the “red” theme! So ladies, and hopefully gentlemen, today is mood board day!

All color inflict’s different emotions on it’s viewer. Red is an extremely bold, powerful color! It’s full of passion and life, and it’s said to actually raise your blood pressure. So my tip is, keep it out of the bedroom, it could actually effect your sleep!

My mood board today is a modern, tribal look: I love all the different elements and patterns!

I added a mixture of neutral tones with bold red to even each shade out. Adding the different patterns adds texture to the cool tone furniture. The modern look goes perfect with the patterned tribal look for accents.

Never be scared to bring different elements and styles together, you never know what your creativity will bring you! 

       

Let red empower your day every once in a while! My red lips gives me confidence!

Laters Y’all! Xxxx

5 Ideas for the Perfect Statement Wall//

Tip of the day: MAKE A STATEMENT WALL

You all know that I’ve been all about the neutrals, but you’ve got to add a little pizzazz now and then to your home. There are so many ways you can add BOLD color and patterns to your walls to make a statement!

1. Stripes

There are so many ways you can use paint for a statement wall. You can do one solid wall with bold color, or add a wall with a pop of pattern. My favorite painted statement wall is a bold stripe with the neutral color.

http://eastcoastcreativeblog.com/2015/06/12-creative-wall-art-ideas-creating-a-statement-wall.html

http://www.architectureartdesigns.com/20-elegant-and-classy-striped-walls/

2. Plank Walls

There is a rising trend to use planks for everything! DIY plank tables, chairs, floors, and now walls. I love the rustic appeal of the wood wall and you can do so much with it. White wash it for a classic shabby chic, or leave the wood tones for a more rustic approach. The options are endless!

http://www.lovelyetc.com/2014/02/bold-diy-plank-wall/#comment-17762

3. Exposed Brick

Exposed brick is popular look, more likely to be found in city apartments. It’s perfect for a more industrialized design scheme. The great thing about brick is you can paint it and distress it as well. I love the look of a white brick wall, but having some of that authentic color from natural brick also draws a visitors eyes in to the room.

http://www.architectureartdesigns.com/60-elegant-modern-and-classy-interiors-with-brick-walls-exposed/

http://style-files.com/2013/10/11/10-beautiful-exposed-brick-walls/?utm_source=feedly

4. Gallery Walls

This is a more easy DIY project to make a bold statement. Gallery walls are perfect because you don’t just have to use pictures. You can use so many different elements to pull someone in to your personal “art gallery”. Paintings, initials, frames, metal wall art, mirrors, and plants; the list could go on!

http://www.thecraftedsparrow.com/2015/09/create-meaningful-decor-with-shutterfly.html

http://www.drivenbydecor.com/2014/10/gallery-wall-how-to-design-tips.html

5. Wallpaper

I know what you’re saying, WALLPAPER? Isn’t that the thing of our grandparents era? Well yes, that tacky wall paper of the yesteryear is, but wall paper has evolved! Check out these bright, bold, colorful options to add just a touch of color accent! 

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/179196641/self-adhesive-herringbone-pattern?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share

http://www.refinery29.com/best-wallpaper?utm_source=pinterest.com&utm_medium=pin&crlt.pid=camp.hBSFFA1Nzu3g#slide-9

How to Make a Room Cozy//

It’s currently 55 degrees and I’m wrapped up in a scarf and sweater at work. The cool, fall weather is officially upon us here in the  Midwest. I personally love it. Cool weather means leggings tucked into my wool socks, over-sized sweatshirts, and snuggling up in my favorite blankets.

If you’re like me, after a days work, a solid workout, and chores around the house, you just want to sit down, settle in and relax. My favorite way to do this is under a mountain of blankets, a sweet treat in hand and my pup on my lap.

But what does the room look like? 

Here are my tips on making your room winter ready, and cozy approved:

1. Candles and Lanterns

There is nothing better than dimmed lighting and the flicker of candles. Set some Yankee candles in a lantern or two and let the seasonal scents and flame warm up your living space.

 

2. Pillows

I LOVE pillows. I will forever be able to justify spending 30-40 dollars on a pillow. My fiance does not understand, nor support this justification. We just agree to disagree on style needs sometimes ha! Pillows instantly make a bed or couch extra cozy. You can’t tell me those couches below don’t look like heaven!

http://carlaaston.com/designed/sectional-sofa-placement

http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/30-impossibly-cozy-pieces-of-furniture-you-could-die-happy-i?sub=2975161_2518118#.xfQej5oa9

3. Fireplaces 

Now, this is tricky because not everyone has a fireplace, or you have one but it’s not usable. The great thing is, if you have no fireplace you can make your own! If yours isn’t working, no biggie, you have options with candles or decorative logs. Check these ideas out!

   

http://www.brit.co/fireplace-decor/?utm_source=pinterest.com

http://hellonatural.co/15-ideas-non-working-fireplace/

4. Lamps

The last element for that cozy feel is superb accent lighting. My favorite to use are lamps either on couch end tables or maybe a nightstand or some twinkling lights hanging in the room. Lamps can come in all creative shapes and sizes.  The options are endless!

   

Alright everyone, I hope those give you some good ideas to get that perfect, cozy room ready for the hibernating months! Xx

Mood Board: Kid Edition//

Happy Monday!!

I hope everyone had a great weekend! Mine was filled with flag football games, babies, and a Cubs win! Go Cubbies!

Since I was around kids so much this weekend, I’ve been in baby fever for decorating. NO, I do NOT want kids yet! I just love their little rooms! There is so much room for creativity as an adult when helping plan and decorate a child’s room. You not only get to make their day dreams come to life, you even get to let yours!

Currently I am obsessed with little DIY Tepees for adorable reading nooks or play tents. I lived in a tepee in college when working at a kid’s camp, and it’s seriously the coolest thing! Any kid would love to have one!

Check out these photos and click the link for an easy DIY tutorial!

  

DIY: http://julieblanner.com/how-to-make-a-teepee/

DIY: http://www.brit.co/diy-tents/

My favorite style for a kids room is a neutral room with eclectic, bohemian accents. This pulls color to balance out the neutrals so the room isn’t too bland. That “boho” feel is perfect for a child’s creativity. It gives them a free spirited room of discovery with some order and some chaos.

Check out some of these rooms I love: 

  

Elements I’m obsessed with in these photos include:

1. The branch curtain rod (left & right photo)
2. The white walls with crayon drawings as wall art(middle photo)
3. That RUG! (middle photo)
4. Cozy pillow corner for reading (left photo)
5. Blue and yellow accents with the neutral wood and white!(right photo)
6. The tepees, of course!

Although very neutral and minimalist, all of these rooms brings to life creativity in the decor, but also allows for the child to be creative as well. Whether it be the crayon drawings, playing in their tepee or getting lost in another land with their books during quiet time, these rooms are perfect for growing, adventurous spirits.

LINKS:

http://petitandsmall.com/8-eclectic-rooms-kids/

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/beautifully-boho-nurseries-kids-rooms-with-a-bohemian-vibe-212376?crlt.pid=camp.i3NltDcKsMXu

http://projectnursery.com/2014/12/eclectic-toddler-room-jodi-kendall/

Mood Board: Kitchen & Dining//

Well, I’m fully obsessed with another mood board. This week I’ve been obsessed with kitchens and dining rooms. Maybe it’s because the season of cooking and baking is upon us, or I’m just really ready to have my own kitchen again!

Mood Board colors: Gold and White

Signature items I’m always in love with: 

1. Farmhouse sinks
2. Wood plank flooring
3. Dramatic light fixtures
4. Bar carts
5. Gold Pineapple Accents

When decorating in the kitchen it’s easy to add some color with plant life. Bring nature indoors with some succulents or small ferns. You can also accent a more neutral background with bright fresh flowers! My fave’s are pink peony’s and sunflowers!

DON’T forget that open shelving I talked about earlier this week! Perfect way to display your dishes and decorate a wall!

Here is the mess of pictures that I’ve collected this week that I love. (All links to different pictures and ideas are below) Enjoy! 

  

    

   

LINKS:

http://www.target.com/p/threshold-bar-cart-gold/-/A-15417452

https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/jenna-sue-design-blog-14123583

http://www.picklee.com/2012/12/12/farmhouse-wide-plank-floor-made-from-plywood-diy/

http://www.refinery29.com/interior-design-tips#slide-1

https://www.etsy.com/listing/122490785/buy-2-get-1-free-typography-print-quote?ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ref=sr_gallery_2