Fresh Christmas decorating ideas

FREE IMAGES There are still 2 more weekends before Christmas to get your decorations up.  Here are a few ideas to keep you seasonal decor looking inspired.

Love the outdoor lanterns used on the porch.

The orange here really adds an unexpected freshness.
via DigsDigs

Favorite childhood ornaments hang from the stair spindles - adorable...

via Celebrate and Decorate

I love the sweeping effect of the banister garland.

via All The Toppings

The crispness of the white decorations is so pretty.
via Clean & Scentsible

I would have LOVED these as a kid, and they are super cute.
Learn how to make them at Pink Pistachio.

Adding a Bench Seat

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With the cold weather coming, I've been in the mood to cuddle up around the house and have been looking for new spaces to find where I can have some sunshine and relax a little.

via houseofturquoise

These bench seats right by windows really give you a great view of the outdoors without having to go outside! 

via bhg

They also make great places to read books and take a quick nap.

via homebunch

I always wished I had places like these to do homework and hang out when I was a kid. 

via chiccoastalliving

I love how creative some of these spaces are, even if you don't think you have room for one, you might be surprised!

via buzzfeed

They don't require a lot of space and can double as storage as well. 

A Step in the Right Direction: Ideas for Updating your staircase

FREE IMAGES Although stairs aren't something you would think would be part of your home decor, there are ways to bring it to life! As much as I'd like a second floor, we don't have stairs, but I do have plenty of ideas for when I do!  Changing up the stairs to fit within your style can really finish off the view and create a focal point.

via houseofphilia

I love the subtle gray stripe on these steps that tie into the room beside it. A painted runner can add a little something extra to your steps without the cost and installation process of an actual runner.

via houzz

Two toned steps really make this staircase so elegant. I love the dark and light that flows throughout the house and making the stairs match really ties it in with the rest of the decor. 

via Adore Mag

via Southern Living
A staircase is a great way to showcase art too.  Gallery walls have an especially big impact.

via bhg

Another option would be to change out the railings for something new! This can really change your view of the stairs depending on what you choose like these thinner railings above really make the stairs feel more open.

via Lonny

If you're really ambitious, consider wallpapering the stair risers.  I love this look, but I wonder how durable it is.