Truly fresh and inspired spaces

FREE IMAGES I strive for a home that is thoughtfully decorated and put together, but at the same time not so styled and polished that it doesn't look like anyone lives there.  It can be a hard balance to strike though, but if you take the time to pick out pieces, colors, and textures that are meaningful to you and fit your lifestyle, your home will feel beautiful to you even if there are shoes left by the door and mail piled on the counter.  Here are some spaces that I think are really beautiful, but have enough personality to shine even if someone really lives there!

via Rue Mag

via Bungalow

Even though this space is small, seating is ample for a family, just scaled down to fit in the space.
via Rue Mag

I don't iron my sheets either, though this be is prettier than mine with the gorgeous emerald shams and quilt!
via Bungalow

This space reminds me of the courtyard rooms in Morocco.  What a treat to have that skylight!
via Rue Mag

One of my favorite looks is well-worn books mixed in with family photos and travel souvenirs.
via Bungalow

via Bungalow

via Rue Mag

Mustard Yellow

FREE IMAGES Although not a typical color of choice for home decor - it surprisingly packs a punch! Check out some of the inspiration I found:

via censationalgirl

via etsy

via georgiandesign

via cape27

via apartmenttherapy

Would you use mustard yellow in your home decor?

Patio Inspiration

FREE IMAGES Where we live, it's not uncommon for the deck to be off the second story and there be an open space or patio with a walk out basement. What to do with that open space can be a struggle for many!

Here are a few ideas to get you inspired to use that extra space instead of wasting it:

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One of the most common reasons for it to not be used is because it's constantly shaded and depending on when the sun gets around to it, sometimes it's just plain dark and dingy. Adding a fireplace can make this unused space a go to for some warmth and comfort. This will also extend the life of your outdoor space!

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Screen it in! Keep the bugs out and enjoy some shade for a change. This will also open up the choices you can make decorating and furniture wise for the space!

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Make it a party space! Set it up for some great gatherings. This also doubles as a back up plan for outdoor parties in case of rainy weather. 

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Add some storage. Make the space have usable storage for all your outdoor needs. Whether it's under the stairs or along one wall, most outdoor spaces could use a little extra storage. 

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Light it up! Take advantage of the beams and the under side of your deck and make it the ultimate setting. Whether you simply add curtains from the beams and or string lights, this place can go from drab to romantic in minutes. 

Calming, beautiful color

FREE IMAGES I think lavender is a surprising calming, relaxing color that doesn't get a lot of attention.  So here's a little spotlight on lavender -  I hope you find it inspiring!

via atlantahomesmag

A lovely rug or throw blanket can do the trick if you are the person who loves to change up colors often. This shade of lavender is so pretty

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Using lavender in a modern application can help the space from feeling two feminine.  This shower curtain might be purple, but it has a modern indie vibe to it that won't scare off the men folk.

via Houzz

This bedroom is so pretty and comfortable looking.  And it was designed for a (very lucky) teenage girl!

via Houzz
The lavender used in this entry way and stairs is soft and unobtrusive, but you still notice it.

via Houzz

Are you a fan of lavender?

New and pretty ways to use and hang your curtains

FREE IMAGES I saw this picture the other day and it made me think that there are probably a lot of other cool uses for curtains and drapes other than just hanging them in your windows.  Have you ever used drapes in a non-traditional way?

We have a heat pump in our bedroom, and I was thinking a treatment like the one above might be a nice way to hide it without impairing it's ability to function

via Pinterest via DecorPad

No budget for that glamorous 4 poster or canopy bed?  Try installing drapery rods on the ceiling above your bed.

via Indulgy

Curtain rod above the door.  Never would have thought of that!

via Pinterest

via pinterest

This is a great idea for corner windows. Instead of pulling them away from each other, tucking them together in the corner.

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The two curtains really help make the alcove feel like it's own separate room

via Pinerest via BHG

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.

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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.

Inspiration: Using color in the bathroom

FREE IMAGES If you need a little change in your decor, the bathroom is a small, less intimidating space to start.  Sometimes I get my fix just by changing out my shower curtain and bath mat. Or, you could brighten up your bathroom with some color. Since most bathrooms are the least amount of square footage in a home, it's an easy weekend makeover that won't leave you regretting the time you spend.


via designsponge

There are so many way's you can liven up a room. Paint, tile, curtains, rugs, wall art, and accessories are some options you can start with!


via decorchick

You can start small with a spot of color by painting your cabinets and accessorizing to match! Or simply choose one wall to paint if you are afraid it might be to overwhelming to paint the whole room a bright color.  I can't decide if I like this peach or not - I'd have to see the rest of the room.  I love the rug though!


via prepaganda

Go wild with a wallpaper, stencil design, or maybe even stripes! Pick a color that makes you smile every time you walk in the room.


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Can't choose one color? Find two that work great together and keep it simple with the rest of the accessories. Let the paint color be the decor..

Gray and yellow are two of my favorites.


via Elle Decor

Nervous about a big change? Stick with the accessories! You can still brighten up your bathroom and your day with a little accessorizing.

Add A Little Interest To Your Hallway

FREE IMAGES Since hallways aren't meant for hanging out, we tend to leave them out of the decor process. Here are a few ideas to bring your hallway a little more love:

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Add a touch of luxury with decorative molding. It's eye catching without taking up necessary space so it's perfect for small hallways and tight corners.

via Pinterest

Add decorative corbels or moulding for some character.
via Home Stories A to Z

Add a dynamic impact to your hall by adding a chair rail and painting one half a contrasting color.
via Pinterest

via houzz

Adding some floor to ceiling curtains can make the hallway feel more luxurious and grand. A beautiful light fixture makes the space seem well thought out.

Brilliant Blind Ideas

FREE IMAGES When it comes to decorating your windows there are plenty of choices out there. Whether it’s a plush curtain or a practical Venetian, your window dressing is an integral part of your home. I'm dying to replace my plastic venetian blinds with some more attractive curtains or Roman shades.  However, I have been noticing that roller blinds have come a really long way.  Here are a handful of cute one's I've spotted.

Smart and simple, they provide you with endless options when it comes to design and with practical properties such as waterproof veneers and blackout backings, they’re useful too. Whether you want to liven up a neutral scheme, create a striking centre piece or harmonize with an existing theme, roller blinds provide the ideal solution. If you want something a little more subdued but still need it to tie in with your design scheme, then you could try a border print. This Sajili blind (above) is plain white apart from the exotic elephant strip at the bottom but still connects with the room’s explorer theme beautifully.

These roller blind designs from Tuiss illustrate the point perfectly. This sweet and charming "Morning Chorus" roller blind will undoubtedly get a lot of compliments, and the various colorways mean you'll be able to coordinate them with your current decor. Letting light softly filter through, you get light but also privacy.

Alternatively,  I really gravitate towards the floral patterns. Its intricate pattern creates a striking look that allows the blind to take centre stage.

More and more I also try to go eco-friendly when I can, and these recycled blinds are a great way to do your part.

And of course, what's more important than one's beauty sleep?  Blackout blinds can be really important if you aren't comfortable sleeping with your head under the covers the way I am!

 this post is in partnership with tuiss