Bring In Some Orange

FREE IMAGES Starting this week off bright and exciting! Although orange can seem like a scary color to work with, I wanted to show you some inspiration today that might make you change your mind about loud colors in general.  I actually always try to incorporate some orange in my office, because it supposedly boosts creativity! Used in the right way, it can stand out beautifully:

via ahomeinthemaking

via bhg

via annabode

via pinterest

via mattersofstyle

Ideas for using pattern in your decor (especially if you're afraid of it)

FREE IMAGES While I'm transitioning my house from winter to spring, I keep seeing all these fun prints I want to incorporate in my home decor. Here's a few that have caught my eye:

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I love to mix and match accent pillows and since these are the easiest and most budget friendly way to change up the colors in your home, they are on the top of my list.

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A pattern in neutral colors like the checkers on the floor means you don't have to be married to one color palette. You can swap out different accent colors through out the year.

via theglitterguide

Don't be afraid to go bold! This rug is eye catching and I like that it stands out a little since rugs tend to hide behind the rest of the home decor. 

via houzz

I love the look of these chairs. Between the studs and pattern only being on the back side. It give sit a glamorous yet fun look to it.

via Heidi Claire via MadeByGirl

The entryway is a great place to try a little pattern because there isn't a lot of space to be overwhelmed.  It also creates impact right from the start since it's usually the first area of your home someone sees.

Living Room Must Haves

FREE IMAGES Our living room is the first thing one sees upon walking through our front door. Since moving in in June, we've made some progress making it ours, but it's slow going since we're still trying to decide exactly what it is we're going for. We have a small sofa now, which I like, but I've been considering a sectional because our current sofa isn't really comfortable for those late nights snuggling on the couch. I used to not like sectionals at all, but more and more you're finding them in smaller sizes with cleaner lines.

 Love that coffee table too!
via Pinterest via Houzz

via SoHaute

Some of my favorite sofas are the ones that look clean and modern but still have a great comfort factor!

I've also been faithfully searching craigslist every day for a worn leather chair.  I think they're so beautiful!

via Pinterest via Keltainen Talo Rannalla 

via One Kings Lane


A coffee table that is both useful and stunning is another must have, though we've been living without one for 3 years, so I guess they're more like a "should have". I've been looking out for one that I like for a while now.  A coffee table is something you don't need to splurge on, and there are so many creative ways to create your own coffee table.  Just search on google or pinterest "DIY Coffee Table" and you'll see hundreds of ideas returned!

via Pinterest

via Pinterest

Lighting is also extremely important. A lot of natural light is ideal but unfortunately might not be a reality for you. Since the living room is the main gathering room at most homes, you want it to be the most well lit when occupied, so make sure you have plenty of lamps.

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Overhead lighting makes me sad.  Table lamps are pretty and cast a more relaxed glow so use those on end tables instead, or place a floor lamp behind a couch for the nights you curl up with a book.

via Joss and Main

this post is in partnership with scs.co.uk