Freshen Your Lamps for Spring - Under $130 a Set!

While sourcing items for a client, we stumbled upon some great lamps at TJMaxx. Who doesn’t love TJ as we affectionately call him? They had a lot of great sets and at an even better price point! Since you guys loved our last post on office items sourcing, we figured we give some ideas for freshening up your lighting this spring.

These little black beauties are the perfect amount of modern and casual simplicity. And the fun base shape is sure to upgrade to any space to a more designer look.

These make a great addition to any sofa table. They are the perfect scale and match just about any interior.

Timeless and sophisticated, these would be a great pair for any transitional to classic space.

These lamps are playful and so fun! They will instantly cheer up a space and bring some extra character to a room. Living room, office, entry table, girl’s bedroom…so many places for these to land.

If these don’t say “welcome to spring!” we don’t know what does. These are the perfect shade of green to bring in some much needed color to any space. We’re happier just looking at them.

Which set is your favorite and where would you put it in your home? We love these so much, we might just have to show you some pillow pairings to finish off the refresh! Stay tuned!

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CLICK ON THE IMAGES BELOW TO BE TAKEN TO THE WEBSITE FOR PURCHASING.

A Fall Table, Part 2

Can you believe Thanksgiving is in two weeks?! I feel like each year goes by faster than the previous. Today I'm following up with my fall tablescape. If you missed Mallory's you can read about hers here.

This year I opted for a more muted look of light greens and whites. I had scored all of the velvet green pumpkins, the mini ceramic pumpkins, and the vases at Target's dollar section. The vases were $5 each! The white pumpkins I found at Joann's. I incorporated a couple air plants that I have. One of them is fake. Can you tell which one? And the big mama in the center I picked up at our local farmer's market.

Setting a formal table for the holidays isn't really feasible for us. We host our large extended family, which requires us to squeeze in as many people around the table. To be real, each year I just do a centerpiece down the table and keep the rest casual. However, if setting a formal table was an option for us than I would set the table with these pretty items below. Click on the images to be taken to the product's page.

Have a happy Thanksgiving!

Eight Essentials to Creating an Inviting Guest Room

With the holiday season upon us, many of you will have out of town guest staying the night. To help your visitors feel comfortable, here are a eight essentials to creating an inviting guest room.

The White Company

1. A Comfortable Bed

Ensure that the pillows and mattress are comfortable. You do not want your guest getting up the next day soar from a poor night's sleep. A memory foam mattress pad can make the stiffest of beds more comfortable. If possible offer two types of pillows. One soft and the other slightly firmer, since everyone has different preferences.

Helen Green

2. Crisp Clean Sheets

You would think this goes with out saying but I have experienced staying in a guest room that had remains from the previous guest on the sheets. It was gross and uncomfortable to say the least. Everyone appreciates crawling into a clean bed at the end of the day.

Martin Patrick 3

3. A Room Free of Clutter and Personal Photos

Otherwise, your guests will feel like they are intruding on your personal space.

DTM Interiors

4. Storage

Have a few hangers in the closet for your guest to hang their clothes.  A couple of empty  drawers is nice too. Especially, for those that are staying multiple nights.

If you have decorative pillows on the bed, have a place for your guest to store them; such as a bench at the foot of the bed or a basket. This will prevent the pillows from ending up on the floor. A bench can also double as a luggage rack.

Helen Green

5. Side Table

A side table will provide a place for your guest to charge their phones and place their jewelry and other small items.

6. Hooks

Consider a couple hooks on the wall or back of the door to hang items such as their purse, coat, and towel.

BHG

7. Personal Touches

Personal touches are thoughtful gestures that make your guest feel welcomed. Here are a few to consider. Fresh flowers, a welcome basket with toiletries and/or favorite snacks, reading material. A couple water bottles, so your guest do not have to walk to the kitchen in the middle of the night if they get thirsty.

8. Fluffy Towels

It is also helpful to place towels in the room for your guests so that they do not have to rummage for them or come find you when they are ready to shower.

With these eight essentials you are sure to have an inviting guest room.

Thanks for stopping by!

Mirror, mirror on the wall

Large wall mirrors can make a bathroom feel bigger but they tend to be pretty boring. If you are like the many who have these ubiquitous mirrors and have been considering ripping them out, try layering a decorative mirror on top. It elevates the look without breaking up the expansive feel that the larger mirror provides. Plus, it saves you from needing sheet rock repair work.

David Hicks

The images below take it a step further by installing sconces on top of the wall mirror as well. Not only does it make it more interesting, but it reflects more light into the room.

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J.K. Kling Associates

Source unknown

Decorpad

Tom Stringer

DIY Acrylic Frames

My husband and I recently hung a series of frames on a tall wall in our living room, and every time I walk by them, I smile.  It made SUCH a huge impact on the room.  The right artwork and frames can do just that—completely transform a space.

One type of framing that I’ve been swooning over for awhile now is acrylic frames.  They are so understated (letting the artwork take center stage) while also being complete showstoppers because of their uniqueness. 

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Love the idea of framing a scarf.  Image via Highland Hardware

There are several tutorials for DIY versions online, including this one showcased on Home Depot's website, but you can also buy ready-made kits.  Custom framing doesn’t ever come cheap but these are actually pretty reasonable considering the size you can use—Home Depot has sheets as big as 4x8 ft.  Talk about a statement piece! 

But if you do prefer to have the work done for you, Highland Hardware on Etsy is a great place to look.  They also sell the bolts needed, if you go the DIY route, in various finishes. 

Acrylic frames are great for keeping wallpaper uninterrupted.  

I contemplated framing a dress that belonged to me as little girl in an acrylic frame for Auden’s nursery a couple of years ago but in the end decided to use what I had on hand.  Now that baby number 2 is on the way, the idea is back in full force.  I think it would make such a beautiful piece in her room, especially on those charcoal slate walls.

Image via 6th Street Design School

What do you guys think?  What would you frame in your acrylic piece?

Bar Carts and How to Style Them

Now is the time of year when everyone is entertaining in their home.  Aside from having a beautiful dinner table (you can purchase our table setting packages here if you haven't already), I love a nicely done bar cart.  If your space and budget allow, I think these are a great investment for entertaining--they are fun, stylish and portable...what's not to like?  I've compiled a list of a few of my favorites below.  For smaller budgets, tray tables are a great option.

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1 ($499) // 2 ($249) // 3 ($349) // 4 ($399, also in polished nickel) // 5 ($299) // 6 ($129)

Once you have your cart, you need to set it up right.  This can be easily done with these essentials.  So grab the necessities and interject your personal style for a cart that you and your guests will enjoy.

How to style a bar cart:

• Small decorative bowl(s): For snacks or drink garnishes
• Straws: Paper straws are my favorite, and they come in every style/color you can think of these days.
• Florals/greenery:  A great way to add color and life to your cart.  You can keep everything else on the cart the same and simply change out the flowers for an entirely different look.
• Glassware:  Forgo the plastics and get a set or two of essential glassware.  West Elm is one of my favorite places to find these, and they just so happen to have their glassware on sale (with free shipping!) right now.
• Ice bucket (and tongs):  Because no one wants a hot drink.
• Cocktail shaker: Another no-brainer.
• Bar tools: Purchase a jigger, stirrer and bottle opener if nothing else.  You can often find these tools sold in a set.
• Mixers: Have your favorite mixers on hand for quick pouring. Swap juice containers for glass carafes and cohesive look.  
• Alcohol: Unless you prefer the virgin variety of course.  Serving liquors from decanters instead of cheap looking store-bought packaging is optimal (especially for style points).
• Decanters:  See above.  
• Coasters:  Protect your furniture and add your style with a personal monogram.  I love these options from Mark & Graham.
• Tray: They are a great way to corral your glasses and alcohol and keep your cart looking organized even when full.