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

Chic, affordable ways to get your home ready for guests

FREE IMAGES Undoubtedly at some point this holiday season you will be invaded by at least one guest.  For me, the toughest part of hosting is having a place to keep the extra "stuff" that comes along with a guest, or all of my stuff that has accumulated in the guest room, which tends to become a storage room.

Here are a few furniture storage solutions to help you solve these issues.

 A storage cabinet or shelving unit with baskets.  This one is an oldy but a goody.  During the winter/holiday season you need extra storage in the entryway to house scarves, gloves, and hats. A cabinet with bins or baskets provides storage space that attractively hides all of your/your guests' stuff.

 via Pinterest via Country Living

via Joss & Main in the "Tidy Up For Visitors" sale

via Joss & Main in the "Tidy Up For Visitors" sale

A wall cabinet/storage unit.  I don't know about you, but my guest room is SMALL.  When a space is small you really need to take advantage of vertical/wall space.  Even a slim wall cabinet can be a thoughtful touch that gives guests a little bit more room to unpack and feel at home.  It's also nice when it doubles as a mirror.

via Pinterest via Shanty 2 Chic

via Ideel in the "Furniture for every room" sale

A rolling bar cart with trays is a multitasking machine.  It can follow you and your guests from room to room and encourage them to help themselves.  Also, when you are ready to take it to the dining room just remove a tray and use it on the table.

via Pinterest via Crate & Barrel

via Rue La La in the "Guest Ready Essentials" sale

Extra linen storage.  Your guests should not want for clean sheets and towels.  That being said, our linen closet can barely fit enough for my husband and I.  A stand alone unit is an attractive and affordable way to add extra linen storage in the bathroom.

 via Pinterest via Flickr

 via Pinterest via Interior Magasinet

via Gilt in the "Bath Organization and Storage" sale