Tag Archives: home decor

Feb15

Home Renovations: 3 Things You’ll Need To Consider

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Home Renovations: 3 Things You’ll Need To Consider

When you’re a homeowner, it’s tempting to do up parts of your property every once in a while. These home renovations can not only make your home look better, but also function better. You shouldn’t dive straight in, however. Home renovations can be more complicated than you’d think whether big or small. You’ll need to consider multiple factors before starting your project. While there could be quite a few things to focus on, some are more important than others:

The Available Space:

Before you start any home renovations, you’ll need to ensure that you have enough space for it. It’s easy to have grand ideas for a project but if you don’t have the space, then it isn’t going to work. Basing your designs on the space you have available is essential.

While you wouldn’t need to worry too much with extensions, you’ll need to factor this in for any other home renovation project. It’ll save you from needing to adapt or change part way through the project. For instance, it is essential to consider your available space if you want to add a minibar. A home bar setup wouldn’t necessarily take up a lot of space, yet it is best to plan it for comfort and functionality. You may choose a small bar cart or a larger freestanding bar depending on your available space. Planning the bar’s layout is key to ensuring that it doesn’t feel cramped or cluttered, as this can detract from the overall enjoyment of the space.

Sometimes finding additional space isn’t a matter of rearranging rooms or adding extensions. It might be a matter of looking up and seeing how you can make your vertical space functional. This is especially true if your home features high ceilings. An amazing way to create a unique vertical space is with a popular new trend of netting. With a company like Feelnets, Custom Nets Designer you can make a hammock hideout for the kids or install a projector for the ultimate movie night in. It’s quirky, cool, and will serve as a fantastic focal point for your home.

DIY Or Professional?

Residential construction is more complicated than many people assume. While there are some tasks that you can do yourself, it’s often worth hiring a professional.

There are more than a few reasons to consider this. Some of the more notable include:

  • Work will be done to a high standard.
  • It’ll typically be more affordable than you’d think.
  • Protecting yourself from possible injury.

Although hiring a professional for your home renovations is an extra cost, you can rest assured that the work should last a lifetime. It’ll be more than worth the investment. This is especially true if you are considering a kitchen or bathroom remodel as there are a lot of specialty skills needed to complete the project. Most renovation companies like Evoke (or a similar business in your local area) offer free consultations so it is no harm done to have a pro stop by and discuss your ideas.

Time Of Year:

Many people don’t realize that the time of the year can have a significant impact on home renovations. While that might not be the case for indoor renovations, it certainly will be for any exterior ones. If you’re planning a deck or patio, for example, you’ll need to plan it for when there’s appropriate weather. Having this renovated or installed during the winter wouldn’t be recommended.

You should also think about when the more popular times to get work done around your area is. These can often be the more expensive times to have any renovations done. Avoiding these periods and choosing a less busy time could end up saving you money.

When you’re considering any home renovations, have a budget in mind, what you can achieve with it, and a time frame. Good planning will save you a lot of stress when it comes to your project!

Featured Image By: Ottawagraphics from Pixabay

Feb10

Making Your Interior Fabulous With These Ideas

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Making Your Interior Fabulous With These Ideas

If you have just moved into a new house and are wanting to put your own personal stamp on the place, then here are a few ideas to help you. Maybe you don’t know where to start or what to change first. The answer is, whatever you want! It is important to try and match your decor to your furnishings so if you are thinking about changing those, then maybe do that first before reaching for the paintbrush. Or get started with these projects:

Flooring:

The first thing we would like to mention is the floors. In the kitchen and bathroom, you could make use of vinyl sheet flooring rather than actual tiling. If you are wanting to save money while also making your interior look stylish, then good quality vinyl is the way to go. If you opt for cheaper vinyl this can end up bubbling if it gets wet, and you don’t want that.

If you have carpeted floors, you can easily change to hardwood flooring. This is a great idea especially if you have pets or children. The mess that can get into the carpet is astounding, and you don’t notice it until you professionally shampoo them. Cleaning up hardwood floors is much easier!

Wall Art:

Like a fresh coat of paint, which we will talk about in the next section, wall art can go a long way in making a unique statement. You can find endless amounts of quirky wall art at thrift stores or even create your own. Whether you love sports, nature, or travel, you can find wall art to suit your passions. For instance, if you love American football, you might wish to have a Domonique Rodgers NC State photo on the wall. If so, do what makes you happy as it will enhance the personality of your interior.

The beauty of wall art is that it can be swapped out as often as you would like to fit your mood or the season. How cool would it be to have a revolving art gallery in your home? Your guests will see something new every time they visit and it is a quick and easy way to refresh your space. You could also treat your wall art as a vision board. If you have a desire to travel, you could decorate your home with art inspired by your dream destination. For example, the art on this site https://www.london-canvas.co.uk/ features scenes of London to admire until your daydreams come to fruition.

Coat Of Paint:

Once you know what your interior will look like and you know what furniture you are using, it is time to give the walls a bit more life. If the walls are looking shabby and old, then a fresh coat of paint can brighten up the room once more. Think about what you want on the walls. It doesn’t have to be paint, you could use some funky wallpaper. Paint is somewhat easier, though. If you are looking for a professional paint job, then contact your local interior painting services for help and guidance.

You could also have a feature wall. This is more often than not the wall that contains the television or the fireplace. If you are wondering what a feature wall is, then let us explain. It is a wall in a room that is different to all the other walls. For example, you might opt for a pure black accent wall and the rest be magnolia or white. Feature walls can also be used as a personal art gallery or a memory lane. You could adorn it with treasured family photos, cool modern prints from Printivart, or even shelves with potted plants and succulents. Whether with paint or decor, a feature wall will create a personalized touch to the space that your guests will rave about.

Windows & Doors:

One final thing that will really have an impact on the interior of your home is the windows and doors. These get tired looking over time, especially if they are old and worn. It may be worth investing in new ones to give you that new look once more. Occasionally, companies have offers if you buy windows and doors at the same time. You may just want to change the doors within your home. If they don’t match the decor, then you can of course do this. Wooden doors are sleek and contemporary and match with any interior decor.

Not only are renovation projects fun, making you feel like you’re on your own HGTV episode but they will help to boost your property value too!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb6

Organic Aromas Aurora Nebulizing Diffuser Unboxing & Review

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Organic Aromas Aurora Nebulizing Diffuser Unboxing & Review

Hello everyone! We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming from my TJMaxx Winter Haul again because I have an exciting product to share with all of you! Today, we are going to be discussing my gorgeous new Aurora Nebulizing Diffuser by Organic Aromas. I have had it on nonstop in my apartment since I received it in the mail. In fact, it’s on right now as I write this post! Check out my unboxing and continue reading on for the review:

Peep this video to see it in action:

My Aurora Nebulizing Diffuser kit from Organic Aromas came with everything that I needed for soothing scents to envelope my apartment all of the time. Not only did it include all of the items that I need for cleaning it but it also came with two essential oils to get me started. I am currently using the Signature Blend essential oil, which is a lovely mixture of Elemi, Clary Sage, Cajeput, Chamomile, and Bergamot – it is divine and perfect to use when chilling at home. I also received the Peppermint oil, which will be great to help wake me up in the morning!

The amazing thing about this product is that it is pure scent particles coming out of the diffuser – not water. This provides the ultimate experience for all of your aromatherapy needs because the oils are not being diluted, giving you the full benefits of whichever essential oil you choose. As soon as I turn on my Aurora Diffuser with the Signature Blend, I instantly feel more relaxed, making it the ideal scent after a long day at work.

Not only are the products by Organic Aromas effective, but they are beautiful too. I love the pearl like shape of my diffuser because it reminds me of my engagement ring! The diffusers will enhance your home decor with their simple yet elegant designs. Some of the diffusers can even change colors with the LED lights so you can suit the color palette in your living room or bedroom.

I cannot recommend the Organic Aromas essential oils and diffusers enough. Treat yourself or someone else for a gift because you have the Lil Red Guarantee that it will make a much loved edition to anyone’s home!

What is your favorite scent? What makes you feel relaxed? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb1

TJMaxx Winter Haul: Go Away Doormat

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TJMaxx Winter Haul: Go Away Doormat

Hello! Thanks to generous Christmas gift cards to TJMaxx, I had an online haul with some darling clothes and shoes which will be discussed later. I did have some returns to make, however, so ended up spending some time shopping in store for the first time in what felt like ages. It was great! I was able to make an exchange for some new skin care, birthday gifts for my niece and mom, a new sweater, and this amazing doormat that I couldn’t pass up on:

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I never go into TJMaxx with set ideas of what I would like to buy, rather, the store tells me what I need. When making my rounds through the home goods section, I wasn’t expecting to find this Fiesta doormat for a whole eight dollars and I just had to have it. I have been looking for something like this since I moved into my apartment and have never seen one in store before. I also didn’t feel like spending twenty plus bucks to order one online.

Not only did I really want this mat, but it was also a necessary purchase. Mine and Johnny’s “Come back with a warrant” doormat has seen better days and basically does nothing to help remove snow from our shoes upon entering the apartment. The nasty slush always ends up making its way into our entryway, which results in a ton of additional cleaning so this was eight dollars well spent. The course bristles and sweet sentiment will go a long way for the rest of winter! 😀

I am so excited about all of my new goodies from TJMaxx so keep it posted for more from my winter haul. Tomorrow, we will be discussing skin care and then all of the fashion afterwards. See you then!

What is one of your favorite TJMaxx purchases? What is your least favorite chore around the house? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan25

Bouquet Beauty

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Bouquet Beauty

Hello! My dad is an excellent gardener and for as long as I can remember, there is always a wildflower bouquet on the kitchen table for my mom in the summertime. It’s pretty much the sweetest thing ever and his flower arrangements are beautiful every time. My grandma also had a green thumb so, between her and my dad, the majesty of flowers is something that I have enjoyed from a young age.

I love receiving flowers as gifts and I even still have the dried roses from mine and Johnny’s “one week anniversary” of dating and an arrangement from a Valentine’s Day together. In my opinion, dried flowers are just as pretty as fresh ones and I have endless bowls on my knick knack shelf filled with dried petals.

A couple of weeks ago, Johnny’s mom surprised me with a lovely Christmas bouquet. While it looks like it has seen better days now, I still love it just the same:

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Flowers are such an amazing any time gift and they are always special to receive. It shows such thoughtfulness on behalf of the bouquet giver and I was so appreciative to Johnny’s mom for this gift. Although I am constantly cleaning off dried petals from the floor, I just can’t part with the arrangement. It also makes a fine centerpiece on my coffee table with my other vases of dried flowers. Plus, how pretty are those Lil Red blooms?! 😀

Dried or fresh, flowers are the best and I smile every time I look at mine. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving! ❤

What is your favorite flower? Who else has a green thumb? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

 

 

Jan20

Making A Small Home Feel Spacious

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Making A Small Home Feel Spacious

There are plenty of benefits to having a small home, one of the biggest would be the fact that smaller homes are significantly more eco-friendly compared to larger ones. Less energy is used to warm up the space, and this on its own means there is less of a chance of furnace repair or high energy costs. While small homes have their perks such as being more sustainable, it’s understandable why people would prefer to gravitate more towards larger spaces.

Larger spaces tend to make people feel happy. There is more breathing more in a large space and more privacy. Larger spaces also tend to look better from an interior design perspective. But what about living in a small space? While small spaces are far more eco-friendly, is there a way to make them feel more spacious? These tips can help:

Add a lot of lighting:

Lighting is one of the best ways to create a spacious look for your home. Most (but not all) smaller homes, especially apartments, will tend to have low ceilings. Low ceilings essentially add fuel to the fire of having a space look far too small. So you’ll want to think about creating illusions and how to maintain them.

When it comes to spaces, it’s best to utilize natural lighting whenever possible, but it’s also acceptable to have artificial lighting too. You’ll want the space to be very bright. One idea for carrying out this bright space can include adding some lamps in corners of the room, removing curtains, and placing mirrors on the wall where they can easily reflect light. Doing all of this will help in achieving an airy space.

Be wise with your furnishing choices:

When it comes to furniture, it can be quite tricky. Sure, you want a style in your home that feels right for you. That’s completely understandable but you should also keep in mind what your options are too. If your furniture is too big and bulky, then it’s only going to cut down on the free space that you have in your home. You may be better off cutting down on the statement pieces that you have and pick pieces of furniture that have multiple functions such as a couch with storage space or an ottoman-chair combination.

Always declutter:

You should make a habit of decluttering on a regular basis. This can also help with your mental health as tight and cramped spaces tend to make people feel anxious. Decluttering allows you to give yourself the mental challenge of what you can and can’t part with and will help open the space up. This is not to say to clear out your entire home but to limit the objects that are making your space feel cramped.

Making a smaller home feel larger is all about making smart choices and creating illusions. Using storage spaces will be your friend, too, and there is no shame in tucking away those odds and ends you don’t know what to do with!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Jan11

6 Features You Need In A Modern Apartment   

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6 Features You Need In A Modern Apartment   

If you’re looking for a new modern apartment, there are some features that you shouldn’t skimp out on to make your place the ultimate place to be. Modern means comfort as well as aesthetic so look out for the following during your apartment hunt:

Built-In Closets:

When you live in an apartment, built-in closets are important. Not only are they space-saving, but they also help to declutter your home. What’s more, you don’t have to go to the expense of buying your own shelving and chests of drawers – it’s all done for you. The best built-in closets have sliding doors for extra space-saving and mirrored surfaces for extra primping. Lots of storage options tends to be high on the list for what people want when moving into a new apartment. When you enter a search for “Studio Apartments in Downtown Los Angeles” (or your local area), you will be able to see pictures or virtual tours of the properties. Take the time to look through them thoroughly so you can focus on the locations with your preferred storage options.

Ice Maker Refrigerator:

Most apartments come with kitchen appliances as standard. However, the vast majority of them do not have ice makers. While having an ice maker might not sound like an essential feature, you’d be surprised how often you need it. Whenever you entertain or make yourself a cold drink in the summer months, it comes in handy. Don’t overlook it.

A Balcony:

Most apartments near me, especially the new ones, have balconies. These days, they’re almost standard. The reason for this is simple: people want outdoor spaces where they can lounge in the summer and enjoy themselves. They don’t want to feel claustrophobic while looking at the fine weather through the window passing them by.

In some situations, you may also be able to make do with a Juliet balcony. Just make sure that it is safe, particularly if you have kids.

A Walk-In Shower:

When it comes to shower facilities, modern apartments can be quite appealing. That’s because many of them are now offering buyers walk-in showers. These get rid of the shower cubicles of old and replace them with a more natural, functional design. They’re particularly helpful for anyone living with a disability. The way they work is pretty simple too. Instead of using a cubicle to create a drain for the water, walk-in showers use the entire floor of the room. The whole thing is graded downwards towards a central drain that scoots all of the wastewater off into the plumbing. Most come with non-slip flooring too, helping you to keep your balance.

If you are updating your apartments for rent, replacing a bath with a shower is a great place to start. It will instantly modernize the bathroom, offer some additional space, and fits in better with the on the go lifestyle of your tenants.

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^^^ Unsplash Image

Programmable Lighting:

If you’re buying a modern apartment, it will almost certainly come with programmable lighting. This feature allows you to change the color and intensity of the light with the press of a button. Programmable lighting can also be a lot of fun. You can create sequences that dance through different types of light or react to the music you’re playing.

Hard Floors:

While carpeted apartments can be nice, you’re often better off with hard floors. They’re easier to clean and far less prone to damage which could affect your deposit. Of course, if you want it to feel soft under foot, you can always put down rugs. Just remember to attach sticky tacks to the back so that they don’t slip and slide across the floor.

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^^^ Unsplash Image

A modern apartment should include all of the extra touches that make your living experience more enjoyable. Don’t be afraid to shop around until you find the place perfect for you!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Jan11

Happy Haulidays: Bestie Edition

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Happy Haulidays: Bestie Edition

Hello! This past Wednesday, my best friend of fourteen years, Lea, and I had our holiday gift exchange. It may have been a bit late but it still felt like Christmas magic to me. As soon as she walked in the door, we immediately began opening presents and spent the evening girl talking away. I am so in love with what my best girl gifted me with and my new flower pressed coasters she got me from Etsy already have a very special place on my coffee table:

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Lea and I both know the value of receiving bath and body care during gift exchanges so I was very excited for some eos brand goodies to add to my beauty hoard. I have only ever used their lip balms before, which are fabulous, so I can’t wait to test out the lotion and hand cream. Eos is a brand that I have always been interested in, but would never buy for myself so it was a perfect present.

Of course, the piece de resistance were the handmade coasters that she purchased off of Etsy. We both share an affinity for shopping on Etsy and my gifts from her were actually ordered on there too. I have never owned coasters before so it definitely felt like moving up in the adult world. And, what an amazing place to start because they are beautiful! 😀

For over fourteen years, Lea and I have participated in gift exchanges and it will never get old. It is so special to share holidays and birthdays with her and, oh yeah, half of our lives too. She is the best friend a gal could ask for and I love her so much! ❤

How do you celebrate holidays with your bestie? Do you have a favorite Etsy shop? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan3

How Your Location Affects Your Home Design   

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How Your Location Affects Your Home Design   

Many things can influence your design choices when you decorate your home, or even when you renovate or build a home from scratch. One of the things that might affect your home design is your location, which can have an impact on your choices for both practical and aesthetic reasons. You may need to consider the local environment and weather when designing your home, among other things. Your location can affect your home design in several ways, whether consciously or through having a less direct impact on your choices.

If you’re thinking about how to build, renovate, or decorate your home, you might want to consider some of these things:

Design in Keeping with Local Style:

Designing your home so that it’s in keeping with other homes in the area is something that may or may not concern you. For some people, it’s an essential thing to think about, especially if there are any local ordinances or you’re part of a homeowners association that might set rules for what your home should look like. Others might not be so concerned with fitting in and making their home look like others in the neighborhood. But the preferred local style can help to inspire you.

Of course, if you are considering new construction homes in Las Cruces (or your local area), the appearance of your home’s exterior is predetermined. This isn’t a bad thing, though, because you can add your own style into the popular local appearance. That is part of the fun of being a homeowner! Grow gorgeous rose bushes for a pop of color. Have your kiddos paint flower pots and planters. Perhaps you will add twinkling fairy lights on your front porch. Don’t think of homes like this as lacking style, but an opportunity to make it your own.

Being Prepared for Weather Events and Natural Disasters:

Your home’s location can influence design in very practical ways too. If you live in an area that experiences storms, hurricanes, earthquakes, or flooding, it’s important that your home is protected. This can lead to you searching for hurricane windows near me, hurricane shutters, pumps for your basement, strong guttering systems, and other essentials to protect you and your home. Of course, these things can affect what your home looks like and how it’s constructed. However, they don’t have to prevent you from making stylish choices.

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^^^ Pixabay Image

Be Influenced By the Environment:

The environment surrounding your home might influence your design choices, whether consciously or not. You can use the colors and textures of the world that surrounds you when making decisions for the design of your home. You can also find that the local environment affects your home design in terms of what natural resources are available or which plants grow best in the local soil and climate. If you want to use your local environment for inspiration, it could help you to choose the right color scheme for your decor.

Using Locally Produced Goods:

Using locally produced goods for your home can be a great way to incorporate elements of your location into your home design. For example, you can look for furniture that has been crafted in the local area or choose art and home accessories that have been created by local artists. This will not only give your home more of a local flavor and connect it to the region, but it will also mean that you are supporting local businesses and your local economy.

Let your home’s location influence and help inspire your design for the best looking home on the block!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jan2

Awesome Apartment Ideas To Improve Your Space

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Awesome Apartment Ideas To Improve Your Space

It can be challenging to find time for yourself between work, school, and trying to keep up with friends and family. And when you finally find some free time, there is always something else that needs attention at home! Today, we are going to look at some quick and simple fixes to improve your apartment space so you can spend your free time on you and you alone. Let’s get to it:

Upgrade Your Furniture:

One of the easiest ways to make your apartment feel new is upgrading your furniture. This can be as simple as buying a new couch or bed or it can be more complex, like installing built-in shelving or cabinets. By upgrading your furniture, you’ll not only make your home look nicer, but you’ll also have added storage and seating options.

Create a Functional Space:

If you’re short on living space, you can create a functional space. This could be anything from setting up a home office to creating an extra storage area. By utilizing every square foot of your apartment, you’ll be able to keep your home more organized and make it feel larger.

Decorate Your Exterior:

The exterior of your home is just as important as the interior. One way to spruce up your apartment is by adding a new mailbox, painting the front door a bright color if you’re allowed, and planting flowers in planters on either side of the entrance. Adding these components to the exterior will provide curb appeal and make your apartment feel brighter with homey touches.

Don’t forget functional ways to improve your exterior space too. This could be adding fairy lights to brighten up the porch at night, creating a wildlife window, or some fun doormats. If opting for the latter, you will want to look for waterproof doormats for the outdoors that will provide a pop of color as well as somewhere to clean off dirty shoes before coming inside.

Add Greenery:

Adding greenery to your home is a great way to improve the air quality and reduce stress levels. Not only that, but plants can also get used to decorate your house. Some easy to maintain plants perfect for apartments include spider plants, aloe vera, and bamboo palms.

Hang Up More Mirrors:

Mirrors have a way of making any space feel larger. So by hanging up more mirrors in your apartment, you’ll be able to reflect light and create the illusion of more space. Not only will this make your home look nicer, but it will also help to brighten up any dark corners.

Install Track Lighting:

If you’re looking for a way to instantly improve the look of your apartment, installing track lighting is equally a great option. Track lighting can be used to highlight specific areas in your home or to provide general illumination. Plus, it’s a relatively easy DIY project that you can do with minimal tools and skills.

Refresh Your Decor:

One of the easiest ways to give your apartment a fresh look is by changing your decor. This can be as simple as repainting a wall or adding new throw pillows. By changing your decor regularly, you’ll be able to keep your home looking new and stylish. Updated art installations are also a great way to change things up. Perhaps with these cool High-Quality Metal Prints- Expertly Crafted, a smart canvas display, or photography wall to showcase your favorite memories.

When you implement these awesome apartment ideas, you’ll be able to quickly refresh your space for a more relaxing and enjoyable home experience.

Featured Image By: Pexels