BEAUTIFULLY SCENTED PLANTS FOR THE KITCHEN

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Smell is perhaps the strongest of our five senses. Aromas can alter our mood and bring out the scent-timental feelings in the most stoic of people. If only we could keep our homes smelling like freshly baked bread and clean laundry, we might feel more relaxed and content. Adding beautifully scented plants to your kitchen adds style as well as a pleasant aroma.

DIY Kitchen Garden

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You don't need a green thumb to turn your kitchen into a green, scented oasis. The only requirement? A window sill or sunny spot and a little bit of seed money.  You can add a scented garden to your kitchen for as little as $50. Not bad when you consider the cost of having a landscaper in Orlando plant an outdoor flower bed can reach $1,300. Placing florals and potted herbs in your kitchen are trending these days. See our blog about how to create a cozy BOHO chic home.

Herbs

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You'll find starter plants for herbs in nurseries, or you can grow them from seeds, which you'll also find in nurseries and online.  The benefit of having these plants in the kitchen? They smell great, and you've got spices at your fingertips when you're cooking.

 Just tear off a few mature sprigs, and use kitchen scissors to cut them up. You’ll find this easier than chopping with a knife on a cutting board. You’ll notice the chopping or snipping releases the essential oils in the plants to make your kitchen smell like a Tuscan vacation.

 ●      Rosemary

●      Mint

●      Lemon Balm

●      Lavender

●      Cilantro

●      Sage

 Over time, some herbs lose their fragrance. A little rub between the fingers, or brush of the hand will send the aromas outward again (and make your hands smell nice, too). Remember to prune back the herbs as they grow to keep them from looking leggy. If you have no use for the herbs right away, tie them in kitchen twine and hang them upside down to dry. Dried herbs make lovely decorations, and can also be used to season food or be ground into a tea.

Lilies

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Grocery stores and floral shops overflow every spring with several varieties of lilies. Stargazers, with their large pink speckled petals, are both eye-catchers and powerful room deodorizers. The so-called Oriental lilies are famous for their perfumed scents and showy blooms. Others you might like to bring home include:

 ●      Peace lilies: low maintenance plants that help purify the air in your home

●      Madonna lilies: produce fragrant white petals with a yellow base

●      Easter lilies: can be easily raised from seed and do best indoors

●      Lollipop lilies: look good enough to eat, but they are a toxic flower, especially for pets

Miniature Roses

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The scentsational and sweet chariot are the most fragrant of these hardy pint-sized plants. Both have touches of mauve and will fill a small room with a sweet smell, but there are half a dozen other fragrant minis in different colors to choose from. The cool thing about these roses is that you can transplant them outside, and they usually do well, returning year after year and growing larger over time.

 Cut Flower Arrangements

Cut flowers are an excellent way to add pleasing pungency and delightful decoration to your home, but they don’t last long. The ever-changing arrangements provide a cheerful, lively element you and others will appreciate, but you’ll spend more having to replenish your centerpiece every week.

 Save money with the gift that keeps on giving, an aromatic houseplant of two that will elevate your mood year-round.

Winter DIY Projects You Can Do During the Pandemic

Photo: Maya Kruchankova / Shutterstock

After months of living through COVID-19, your to-do list may have gotten much shorter. But now that we’re in the midst of winter and are continuing to stay at home, what are some good winter DIY home projects to tackle?

Home improvement projects

Let’s start with some home improvement ideas for winter. If you read about fall DIY projects, you may have already tackled painting your kitchen cabinets and accent walls and changed your lighting fixtures. If so, congratulations on that achievement! Now, let’s look at some other home improvement projects you can tackle.

Give a fresh coat to your interior trim

After painting accent walls, you may have noticed you also need to add a new coat of paint to the molding around your floors, ceilings, windows and doors. All you’ll need to get started is some paint, brushes and tape or a trim guard.

Repair your door and window screens

Photo By: Theera Disayarat / Shutterstock

It may be cold now, but come spring, you’ll want to open your doors and windows. But when you do, will you be letting bugs come into your house through holes or tears in your screen? This is a great winter DIY project because you can bring your screens into your garage or basement to repair them in the off season. If you want to replace the entire screen, you’ll need screening, spline and a rolling tool. You can buy these individually or, to get started, pick up a complete screen replacement kit. If you have a small hole that just needs to be patched, you could use either screen tape or pre-cut patches.

Organize your garage

Photo By: urfin / Shutterstock

After spending time in your garage, you may realize you don’t have much space with tools and sports gear everywhere. You can solve this issue with a few garage organization measures. Get you garden tools out of the way with a wall-mounted rack. A bike storage rack will get your bikes off the floor since you probably won’t be riding them this winter. Add some hooks to store other things on the wall. A sports rack can keep all your balls, bats, gloves, and rackets in one easy-to-find place. Stackable storage containers are great for all the other miscellaneous items you keep in the garage.

Organize your closet

Photo By: Kostikova Natalia / Shutterstock

Now that you’ve finished your garage, you’re ready to move on to your closet. Even if you have a small closet or no closet at all, these tips are for you.

You can choose a closet organization system or select the pieces you need on your own. You may want to include space-saving collapsible hangers that let you hang four or five items in the same space as one regular hanger. Or, you could use an adjustable hanging rod, which gives you a two-tier system, doubling the number of clothes you can hang in the same space. Hanging shelves with drawers give you a great deal of flexibility, while a hanging shoe organizer will free up a lot of space on your floor.

Get your kitchen in order

Photo By: Myvisuals / Shutterstock

If you’re ready for more organizing, move on to the kitchen to find ways to create more space and make it easier to find the things you need. Arrange your silverware and cutlery with an expandable drawer organizer that will work in most drawers, narrow or wide. If your cans are always in the far reaches of your pantry, make them easier to find with a stackable can rack organizer. Take advantage of more space in your corner cabinet with a lazy Susan. Keep your flour, sugar and other food fresh in stackable airtight food containers. With a pot rack organizer, you’ll always be able to find the pot and lid you need without digging through your cupboard, while an over-the-door rack can be used for both spices and cans to save space in your pantry.

Rejuvenate your bathroom

Photo By: New Africa / Shutterstock

Ready for a new look for your bathroom? This may be a great time to spruce this room up with a new shower curtain, mat, and towels. Dress up your countertop with a new soap dispenser kit. Top it off by replacing your sink faucet and tub and shower kit.

Freshen up your door and drawer hardware

Photo By: Breadmaker / Shutterstock

Scrapbook

Photo By: Mostovyi Sergii Igorevich / Shutterstock

Sometimes you want all your memories from a special event of your life in one place. A scrapbook may be the way to go. You’ll need to start with a scrapbook album. Depending on the album you select, you may want to add more scrapbook paper. Then, you may want glue, decorative tape, scissors, markers, photo corners, and stickers to bring everything together.

Photo albums

Photo By: Andrew Angelov / Shutterstock

Wine bottle and cork creations

Photo: Ozgur Coskun / Shutterstock

Valentine’s Day cards

Photo By: Marina Nikiforova / Shutterstock

Valentine’s Day, February 14, will be here before you know it. This is a good year to try your hand at creating your own cards. The sky’s the limit in creating a special card. But some of the supplies you may need include construction paper or card stock, paint and a brush or markers, along with stickers.

Beer

After all of these winter DIY home projects, you may be thirsty. Rather than drinking mass-produced brewed beer, you could drink your own homemade beer, a trend Pinterest says will be all the rage in 2021. It’s best to get started with a beer-making kit.

The bottom line

Even though you may be stuck inside for a while, there are plenty of good winter projects you can do at home that will keep you productive and entertained while you’re also social distancing.

Blog: Original Source “Mymove.com”

5 Ways Home Design Will Forever Be Changed by COVID-19

Our lives have been changed due to COVID and even our homes are feeling the effects. Here are 5 ways home design will forever be changed because of COVID.

If there’s anything we can say about this pandemic is that life is likely to never be the same. We’ve had to adapt to a new way of life and how we socialize. We’ve had to change how we work, play, make purchases and even how we design our houses!

Real estate agents in Naples, FL participated in the HomeLight Q4 2020 survey and they shared 5 ways COVID-19 has changed home design - possibly forever.

1. Home offices that are stylish and functional

All over the nation, companies have decided that individuals whose work doesn’t need to be done in the office have allowed their employees to work from home. While this may seem like a windfall for some, folks with partners who are also working from home, children who are doing distance learning, or have small spaces are vying for a home office. 

Homeowners want a space where they can close the door and get work done without distraction. They want a space where they can keep all of the things they need for work (or school) in one place so they don’t have to search through the house for that all-too important project or report. 

The likelihood of remote work will become permanent is pretty high and 14.5% of surveyed agents believe that alone will be a catalyst for people who are considering relocation.

2. Family-friendly outdoor living spaces

Understandably, when you’re stuck at home because your area is under quarantine, you’re going to get bored! Who wants to stare at the same four walls day in and day out? Sure, you can go sit outside, but even that gets boring after a while - especially if your yard is… lacking. 

Homeowners are paying a lot more attention to their yards and viewing them as another living space. They’re building decks or patios so they can have a nice place to enjoy the weather, spend time with the family, and have meals. Homeowners are planting gardens, taking better care of their lawns and even creating play areas for the kids. 

3. Homeowners crave in-ground swimming pools

Along with outdoor living spaces, people are going the extra mile and installing in-ground swimming pools for an extra place to have fun. In fact, 65% of agents say homes with swimming pools are great because not only do they boost curb appeal and will increase buyer interest (especially if you’re located in a warmer climate). Just keep in mind that a pool may only add 7% of value to your home and there’s significant maintenance-related costs to consider, too.

4. Spacious areas to use for multiple purposes

Homeowners whose homes are short on space and they don’t have the means to move to a new house are looking for ways they can make one room serve multiple purposes. The most common example is combining a home office with a guest room. Or they may take to finishing the basement or attic so they have space for additional storage, a home gym, an office, entertainment, or whatever else they may need. 

5. Homeowners want multigenerational living spaces

With millions of people out of work or unable to live on their college campus, families are looking into ways to create multigenerational living spaces. Some families are just adding a bathroom onto another bedroom whereas some families are going all out and adding a complete addition with all the features of a studio apartment. 

If you’re considering adding a multigenerational living space in your home, you need to be aware that it’s not a cheap project! Adding a bathroom to a bedroom can range between $95 to $895, which isn’t too bad. However, a basic apartment addition can cost upward to $71,000 or more depending on how elaborate you choose to go. 

COVID-19 has caused so much grief and despair for millions of families around the nation. And we’ve had to change a lot of our lives to make the best out of a difficult situation. Homeowners are rethinking their home designs and are finding ways to make their homes fit this new normal. Right now… That’s all we can really do.

How a Visually Pleasing Home Contributes to Productivity

IMAGE: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1502945015378-0e284ca1a5be
Credit: Unsplash

The quick spread of the coronavirus has caused a sudden shift to remote working arrangements, and both employers and employees have struggled to adapt to a work from home lifestyle. Working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic has presented workers with problems, such as how they can maintain their productivity while working from home. For some, it was simply a matter of getting used to it; however, this has also caused many people to realize that their homes are not a conducive working environment.

The economic climate isn’t very sympathetic right now, putting employees and employers under intense pressure to deliver and be as productive as ever. This is especially true for partnerships and LLCs based in Florida, a state economy this is currently rebounding from the effects of lockdowns. With an excellent infrastructure for businesses, a talented workforce, and one of the highest rates of net migration, competition in Florida is fierce for businesses, and nobody can afford to slack off despite the shift in working arrangements.

Insider explains how interior decorating can affect your productivity in the workplace, and this can also be used to make your home office space as inspirational and motivational as possible. From small changes like using dedicated workspaces to improving soundproofing in your home, what’s good about a home office is that you can customize it according to what works best for you. With that in mind, here are a few interior decorating ideas that can help you improve your productivity:

Add the color green

The color green has calming effects, and is associated with nature. If possible, rather than just being in a green room or having green items around you, consider having an actual plant in your workspace. Science Daily discusses how plants can help lower stress. Plants are living things, so there is a sense of interaction in just being in the same room as small, potted greenery. Plants have a natural calming effect that will provide you a little respite amidst a busy day.

Use natural light

This point doesn’t really focus on decor, but natural light helps keep your eyes healthy, as there it will decrease the chances of eye strain while being in front of a screen. Boss Magazine also explains how it boosts your mood and gives you a sunny disposition, increasing your morale. “The theory behind this is that a lack of sunlight may have an impact on the hypothalamus – the part of the brain that impacts on the production of melatonin, serotonin, and the body’s internal clock,” the article states. This means that natural light improves your quality of sleep, thus making you more productive. Sunlight also improves your vitamin D levels, and having better health makes it easier to concentrate.

Have space for storage

A cluttered desk and workspace will only serve as a distraction. Matthew Encina of TheFutur describes how an organized work space can help you feel more comfortable and decrease the chances of growing frustrated from having to look for things, thus maximizing your work time. Organize your things according to how often you use them, and get rid of the things you've stocked up on but no longer need on a daily basis. Being organized improves your focus on work because an organized environment makes you feel in control. Cleaning your workspace also makes it healthier, so it decreases your chances of getting sick.

Whether or not your time of remote working is nearing an end, or you're one of those people who are likely to continue working remotely well into 2021, it’s still better to improve your productivity at home as soon as possible. Not only does this lower your stress levels, but it helps you become a more efficient worker as well. If you would like some help decorating your workspace, check out Interior Design Services for more inspiration.

Submitted by Heather Bell for beasleyandhenley.com

Planning a Move and Opening a Business? This Guide Can Help!

Are you a busy entrepreneur with a business that’s outgrown your home? If so, a move may be in your future! Managing a move and a thriving new startup all at the same time can be pretty stressful, but this guide from Beasley & Henley Interior Design can save you time and tension.

 Let’s Take Care of Business

 You don’t want to stress about your business while you’re managing your move. So before we get into planning those steps, let’s talk about some must-do professional tasks. Including:

 Forming an LLC

 If you want to protect your new business, you should think about whether forming an LLC is the right move. LLC’s help to shield the personal finances of entrepreneurs from liability while also setting these individuals up for additional tax savings. You can get started with your LLC paperwork online to avoid paying legal fees but be sure to research the requirements and regulations for LLCs in your particular state. Each state has its own rules.

 Designing a Workspace

 Before you move into your new home, you want to make sure you have a productive and dedicated workspace set up. This can be a major project to take on when you’re also trying to manage a fledgling business and a move. This is why you may want to enlist the help of experienced interior design professionals, like Beasley & Henley Interior Design.

 Flip through their interior detailing lookbook to see some of the many offices and homes they have transformed to get ideas for your own space. Then schedule a consultation to get more information on bringing this project to life for your new business.

 Hiring a Virtual Assistant

 Getting help with the design of your home workspace can relieve some pressure. Since you’ll be managing a busy schedule and to-do list, however, you may also want to consider looking for a virtual assistant. You can hire a freelance assistant just to keep you organized during the move, or you can keep this pro around whenever you need help in the future.

 Now, Let’s Work on Your Move

 Enlisting help and setting up the right entity can set your new business up for success. With these items checked off the list, you can start planning your move. Here’s what to work on:

 Hiring Professional Movers

 Your time is valuable. Particularly if you are a busy entrepreneur. Since packing and moving can take up so much of your time, it may be in your best interest to hire a professional moving company. A full-service move can come with higher costs, but the savings for your time and stress levels will be priceless. Give yourself plenty of time to shop around for the best rates but book your movers ASAP, so you won’t miss out on your preferred dates.

 Setting Up Internet and Utilities

 If you plan on managing a new business out of your new home, you want to be able to hit the ground running.  As soon as you close on that home, go ahead and begin to set up any utilities needed for your personal and professional life. There are resources available to help you get everything you need for your home and business connections.

 Staying Connected on The Go

 Now this one can be tricky if you’re planning a long-distance move. Internet service can be spotty in hotels and isn’t always secure. That’s why if you plan to drive or fly to your final destination, you may want to invest in a mobile hotspot. You could also use the hotspot feature on your phone, but this can drain your battery. Besides, if you want to travel and work in the future, having a top-rated mobile hotspot can come in handy.

 It’s not impossible to balance a move with a successful new business. However, it does take some preparation and planning to manage both at once. You can also relieve some stress and pressure by hiring professionals to help you with each of these projects. If you need help designing a new home workspace Beasley & Henley Interior Design is here for you.

Photo Credit: Pexels  

The Perfect Christmas Gift 2020

Yes, it’s the holiday season and like most of us this trying year I’m ready for a little joy and the anticipation of the old feelings brilliant electricity that fills the air this time of year. This year has certainly been exceptional and maybe not for the best for some of us. It has been a year that has brought us closer to our loved ones. A year of reflection and a year of learning the value of our precious time together. This year I wish for little miracles that seem impossible to achieve, but nothing is impossible this time of year, for those who just believe.  This time of year the infectious holiday cheer that reverberates from our home to the next. This wondrous season oozes magic, and it’s always been important for me to share this delight with my loved ones even if I cannot see them in person this year. I’m excited about purchasing that perfect meaningful gift for my friends and family, especially this year. I do know that finding the perfect present is a time-consuming task. Browsing online can take hours, even days and our time is precious. If you’re like me, you want the gifts to be unique and to provoke an emotion. Give a gift that says something about that person. Top it off with a glistening red bow, pass it along and make your loved ones feel a little more confident and special. The gift should say I was purchased with love and we have a connection and you mean the world to me. My curated list will make for a merry and bright holiday season. “My Favorites” make my heart pitter-patter at the thought of them. Be the best gift-giver you can be!

 Gifts For The Family

1. A 3D Jigsaw Puzzle

Amazon

2. Personalized Family Mugs From Uncommon Goods

3. At Home Escape Room by Uncommon Goods

4. Handwritten Recipe Personalized Maple Leaf Artisan Board

Gifts For The Women In Your Life

1. A Rothy’s Flat Shoe

2. Silk Robe By Lunya

3. Rifle Paper Airpod Case

4. Herbivore Calm Experience Gift

5. House of Marley, No Bounds Outdoor Speaker

6. Handwriting bracelet

For The Men In Your Life

1. Star Wars™ Ice Mold Darth Vader, Set of 2

2. Exotic Meat Man Crate

3. Intermediate Wooden Model Building Kit

4. Shaken & Stirred 6 Pack Of Socks

5. DIAMOND DECANTER From Groovy Guy Gifts

Moving During Holidays: Tips For Decorating Your New Home For Christmas

Moving during holidays can be very exciting, especially if you have to deal with the decorations. Although you’re busy with the moving tasks, you should always have time to deck out your new home with holiday decorations that’ll set the mood. Aside from spending quality time with your family and friends, one of the most enjoyable events during this holiday season is the decorations. Thus, if you’re looking to move to a house fill with the holiday spirit, below are a few decorating tips to consider from the get-go:

1. Add Christmas-Themed Pillows

Photo: Grandinroad

With all the stress associated with moving, you and your entire family deserves a new place where everyone can relax and rejuvenate. Because of this, adding Christmas-themed pillows can be a great decorating tip for this holiday season. These pillows in soft fabrics can encourage snuggling activities among your family members in the living room. This can help everyone recover from the hassles brought about by the relocation process.  Moreover, if you want these holiday pillows to create a signature look for the entire season, then, you may want to mix and match them with thick throw blankets in reds, greens, and creams. By doing all this, you can keep the Christmas vibe in your new home after moving. 

2. Display Mini Christmas Figurines

Photo: Scully & Scully

In most cases, you’ll surely want your new home to be filled with the Christmas spirit. Hence, if you have valuable collections of mini Christmas figurines in your old home, it can be a great idea to bring and use them in your new place.  And to ensure the safety of these collectibles throughout your cross country relocation, you can hire professional cross country movers to properly handle the job for you. With them on your side, you can make sure that all your Christmas figurines will be perfectly displayed in your living room or even near the fireplace. That way, you’ll maintain the holiday vibe in your new home once you get settled in. 

3. Set Up A Christmas Tree In The Living Room

Photo: Balsam Hill

If you’ve moved to a new home just in time for the holiday season, then, setting up a Christmas should always be included in your home design ideas. For instance, you may have kept your old Christmas tree and decided to recycle it for this year’s holidays. To make sure it’ll not be damaged while in transit, you can let experienced movers and packers transport this important item to your new place. Along with accessories such as baubles, striking lights, and other ornaments, you can beautifully set up your Christmas after moving in.  However, if you want your Christmas decorations to be new, then, you can go to a store near your new home and purchase an artificial tree coupled with balls, lights, and other accessories. In doing so, you can ensure the holiday spirit in your new place of abode. 

4. Add A Creative Advent Calendar 

Photo: Potterybarn

To strengthen the holiday vibe in your new home, installing a creative advent calendar can be an excellent idea. Instead of having the traditional kitchen garland, you can make a creative advent calendar to celebrate the holiday season. You can do this by attaching a ribbon around it and hang some little tin containers which are labeled with the day of the month. Moreover, if you want to make this decoration more exciting, you can fill the containers with Christmas treats that your family can enjoy throughout the season. 

5. Decorate The Different Areas Of Your New Home With Christmas Ornaments

In addition to your living room, feeling the Christmas spirit is also about decorating the other areas of your new home with ornaments. These areas can include your kitchens, guest rooms, powder rooms, and many more. Also, it’s important to note that accessories for this holiday season don't need to be huge. For example, you can add holiday pillows, holiday dish towels, scented bowls, and several glass bowls of Christmas ornaments. If you also want more personalized decorations, you can add various holiday family photos to add a festive touch. This will definitely make your first-holiday celebration in your new home enjoyable and memorable. 

6. Give Your Main Door A Festive Look

Amazon

To completely feel the Christmas spirit, you may want to consider giving your main door a festive look. For example, you can decorate your door with holiday ornaments and put up a playful mailbox near it. By doing this, you can make your kids happy by telling them to drop their letters for Santa Claus. This will be an exciting event for the whole family after several stressful weeks of relocating. 

Bottom Line

Realistically speaking, Christmas decorating is all about celebrating happy moments and memories with your loved ones during the holiday season. Therefore, you shouldn’t let your relocation vibe ruin the Christmas spirit in your new place by following the decorating tips mentioned above. 

6 Warm & Inviting Fall Kitchen Decorating Ideas

Photo Credit: West Elm

Summer has come and gone. Though unfortunate, it’s not like most people were able to get out and about to enjoy the summer energy of the sun’s rays, considering the current state of the world and the guidelines of social distancing everywhere.

Nevertheless, even though outdoor activities have been mostly limited to more solitary forms, such as camping and gardening, to reduce contact with other people, indoor activities, on the other hand, have seen a massive spike in activity.

Cooking, for instance, has been all the rage. As most people have been stuck inside their houses with nothing to do, they have taken to the kitchen to try out their chef skills, with many ordering the best cooking wares that they can find online so that they can test recipes, seasonal or otherwise.

On the other hand, people are constantly sprucing up their homes according to the season, be it spring, summer, and now, fall.

This article is here to assist you in decision-making for your fall-themed kitchen decorating. Were you hoping to try a couple of new recipes, but couldn’t find the mood to do so because of how your kitchen looks? We have you covered.

 Make a fall centerpiece

You can use a tray, or other platforms as the centerpiece for your decorations here. Get creative! You probably have a lot of untouched stored items and accessories with a lot of potentials to be used. Find them, whether it’s some fake pumpkins, brown kitchenware, or even a vase filled with fall-themed décor inside, and arrange them on said platform. Next, employ a staircase or spiral effect. Choose the tallest accessory piece you have and place it on the platform. Then, add pieces that progressively get shorter and shorter until you run out. It’s quite simple, and you can even make it from items you already have.

 Place a seasonal fruit basket

Photo Credit: Country Living

The beauty of a fruit basket is that it works in any season – not just fall.

You can owe it to the flexibility of the design here, as the fruit and other accessories depending on your own choice. Here, you can make a regular brown fruit basket even more enticing simply by adding fruit like apples or chestnuts. Just add some twigs and berries and you’ve got yourself an amazing fall décor!

 Use fall-themed linens

Photo Credit: Pottery Barn

How many towels do you have in your house right now? Probably more than you really use at any one time, I’m sure. So, here is an idea for you: Considering that it’s the season of fall, why not use more aptly themed towels? Even simply focusing more on specific towels, such as ones with leafy or pumpkin designs, or colors that lean more towards fall such as brown or yellow towels add a nuance to your house while you decorate. This applies to other parts of your home too. Your bed? How about going for some sheets with a reddish shade on them? It would make a pleasant view with the leaves fluttering about outside too. Your curtains? Orange and brown, to perfectly fit the feel of the colors of the field outside.

Actually, to add on to that...

 Prioritize fall colors while decorating

Perhaps you can consider using hardwood flooring for your kitchen. It fits great with the theme of fall, considering its rich brown colors (of which you can even change if you so desire) as well as the natural touch it gives to your kitchen. But it also has a practical use – hardwood flooring is amazing for any kitchen because of how much easier it is to clean in comparison to something like a carpet. Other than your flooring, you can decorate the kitchen by using different accessories with colors suited for fall, such as brown, yellow, red, and orange. Of course, it doesn’t have to be only one of these. A combination of all of them works well together as well.

Add mini pumpkins and gourds on trays and platforms

It’s simple, yet cute and worth it for your décor. Adding some tiny pumpkins (even if they are fake) on some unused trays in your kitchen will give it an additional taste of fall. You can also place them in multiple spots, such as the center of countertops, open cupboards, or ledges. They are just too endearing to be passed up!

 Hollow out pumpkins and combine them with other décor 

Picture credits: https://alicestable.com/blog/2016/diy-pumpkin-vase-centerpieces-to-spruce-up-your-fall

Pumpkins don’t have to only be used as they currently are either.

DIY enthusiasts tend to hollow out pumpkins to add in their own touch inside, such as lamps, vases, or flowers. It’s not just a Halloween thing with jack-o-lanterns! Plus, you can add that pumpkin pulp you scooped out to some of your other fall recipes. It’s a win-win!

Wrapping up

Fall reminds us of warm and cozy days, which is honestly just what we need, especially with the lockdowns in place in different parts of the world. With a nice decorating touch, you can make the artistic canvas for your meals, the kitchen, a lovely and comfortable place to be in as you cook. Remember to not concentrate the decorations on just one place, however, whether it’s the dining tables or the kitchen countertops. You want the entire place to feel roomy and comfy, after all, not just dump your accessories somewhere and call it a day. Instead, opt to spread them around, especially when you have a lot of room to work with. More space covered means that the spirit of fall can truly encapsulate as much of your kitchen as possible.

Designer Tips for Arranging a Gorgeous Living Room and 10 Examples

Designing a living is a daunting task that is best completed by breaking it down into easy steps. It’s best to focus on the largest pieces of furniture you will be adding and work your way down to smaller pieces and decor.

 Also, it’s important to take into consideration the needs of you and your family. Avoid making expensive mistakes or purchasing items you won’t end up using by reading this guide.

Living Room Design and Layouts 101

There are a few basics to keep in mind when designing a living room to ensure it’s a good space. Read these all prior to planning so you prevent and mistakes that are easily avoidable.

1. Start with The Traffic Flow

Choosing the wrong furniture that blocks out important pathways will ruin a room. Especially one as busy as the living room which often leads and connects to other areas of the house such as the kitchen, stairs, backyard, bathrooms and backyard.

Think of how your family comes into the space and gets around the house when planning. Leaving big open spaces naturally causes people to choose that path as we often go for the path of least resistance.

You can even sculpt how you want people to flow in and out of the space. If it’s connected to your kitchen and you know it’s a hotspot in your home you can leave an open space between the two sections.

The kitchen always tends to be a gathering place and leaving a good flow to the living room can make the difference between an okay space and a great one.

2. Where Will Your Conversations Take Place?

When laying out the furniture for your living room consider how people will be using the space to communicate. The easiest way to get this done is to have furniture that is facing each other.

You can easily achieve this with some accent chairs across a sofa or putting most pieces of furniture in a form that people will be face to face.

If you have a large living room you’ll need to consider multiple conversation areas.

Avoid people having to turn in awkward directions or shout at each other to talk to get this one right.

3. Make it Easy With a Focal Point

To get an easy and quick start with designing your living room layout, choose a focal point, and build around it. These will often be a fireplace, window, or one that you add to space like a coffee table or television.

Having a center to build around will make it easier for you to work around as building upon something makes things simpler. Pick out furniture that will layout well around your focal point.

4. Keep it All at Arm's Length

When laying out furniture ensure you keep it all at arm’s length or more from each other. If you pack the space too tightly you won’t be able to move around.

This also works well for tables as people shouldn’t have to get up or move to pick up drinks, snacks or items set on accent or coffee tables.

5. Play with Lighting

The right lighting can completely make or break a room, and more often than not it’s neglected.

To get this right mix in various types of lighting and different height.

Natural lighting will brighten up a room the most. The easiest way to manipulate it to your taste is by choosing the right curtains. If you prefer as much as possible you can just leave them open. If you want to soften it up choose sheer curtains that disperse and break up the light.

For artificial lighting, mix various levels of lighting. You can use recessed lighting for upper lighting or tall floor lamps.

Wall sconces and table lamps work well for lower lighting.

Mixing all types of lighting and various heights will be the most flattering to your furniture and to people.

6. Balance it Out

The easiest way to make a space balanced is to avoid putting too many same sized objects on one side of the living room, or any space for that matter.

Too many accent chairs and tables of the same size or height will cause a room to look uneven and heavier on the side with the larger pieces.

Always mix and match furniture of various heights and sizes throughout the space. Also, you can combine pieces to offset large ones. An example of this would be two accent chairs across a sofa.

7. Leave the Accents and Pillows to The End

I’ve found so many people will find one accessory or accent piece they love and purchase it before having the big items in a living room. They’re often left with pieces they find they can no longer use after they’ve purchased their furniture.

Sometimes we will find something we enjoy on it’s own to be disappointed when it doesn’t go with the rest of the room. For this simple reason it’s important to start big to small when laying out and planning a living room.

I always recommend starting with the biggest piece of furniture in the room, the sofa. After you have that work your way down to accent chairs, tables and other pieces of furniture.

Once the room starts filling out you can begin adding the accent pieces like throw pillows and table top accessories. This will help you save money by preventing you from purchasing decor you won’t be able to use.

8. Pick Rugs That Work

When picking a rug, bigger is usually better. The best scenario is having every piece of furniture sitting on top of it.

However, a large living room rug can get expensive. If it’s not manageable to get all the furniture on top of it try to at least have a piece of the furniture touching it.

This can be the front legs or a sofa, accent chair and tables. Doing this will still help the room look cohesive.

 9. Add Depth With Textures

As you’re arranging your living room and picking out furniture and accessories, always keep textures in mind.

If you stick to shades of colors that are too similar and add too much of the same texture the room can begin to look dull and uninteresting.

To make it more inviting combine different materials so keep things interesting. An easy way to do this is with accent items. Rugs come in many different styles and materials so something as simple as changing your rug to a jute one can make a big difference.

Accent and coffee tables are also made of materials ranging from metal, wood to concrete. Play with different materials that complement each other for the best living room.

10. Have a Plan for Storage

Keeping any room organized and clean is always going to help it look better. Adding furniture and decor with a purpose can help with this.

Try adding a coffee table with under storage to tucking away blankets and other items when they’re not in use. These can also be great for putting away decor items that sit on top of it when it’s in use to avoid accidents.

There’s also sofas and ottomans that come with built-in storage which are great for hiding away accent pillows and entertainment when not in use.

Quick Rule Guide for Living Room Furniture

Guest blog posting by Kate Diaz: https://swankyden.com/living-room-arrangement/

Ultimate Guide to Create a Cozy Boho-Chic Home

When it comes to interior design, the Boho-Chic trend is leading the pack. This eclectic décor style features a variety of colors, textures, and styles to give your home a fascinating aesthetic. Whether you’re new to the idea of boho-chic or you’re looking for some inspiration, this guide explores this hot trend and offers ways you can incorporate the boho style into your home. From the living room and kitchen to the backyard, read on for some ideas to help you transform your space.

What is the Boho Chic Trend?

The concept of Bohemian style as a home and fashion aesthetic has been around for over 200 years. This unique take on fashion and home design is usually associated with artists, writers, and intellectuals with a penchant for world travel and a laid-back lifestyle. A combination of bold colors and unique designs is what makes the boho-chic style stand apart from the crowd. This counterculture first appeared in France after the French Revolution, when wealthy homeowners started to invest in unique pieces for their homes like artwork and statuary. Eventually, these “new Bohemians” started to travel the world in search of more unique items and began wearing secondhand boho clothing. With a focus on creativity and world travel, the Bohemian trend began to take hold across the globe.

Many people associate the Bohemian style with the hippie movement of the 1960s. However, this style first got its start in France and modern Americans emulated it decades later. Today, boho-chic fashion and interior design are trending once again. One of the reasons this style is so popular is because of its relaxed aesthetic. Instead of a stuffy living space where everything matches, boho style allows you to express your creativity and your wild side.

Key Elements

If you’re aiming to recreate the boho-chic look in your own home, there are several key elements that will lay the foundation for your boho-chic décor. Here are some key components that really reflect the idea of living the Bohemian lifestyle at home:

• Vintage and antique furniture: While it’s perfectly fine to purchase new pieces for your boho-chic home, make sure you incorporate some older vintage items, too. New products reflect more of a modern style, while old, distressed furnishings help to create a more laid-back look that showcases an appreciation for older, well-made items. A vintage wood side table or an antique area rug are classic examples of how you can incorporate some boho-chic elements into your home.

• Bold colors: Neutral hues are great for a Hygge-inspired home, but when it comes to boho-chic interior design, you’ll want to bring in some bolder colors. Mix and match colors with tapestries, brightly colored rugs, or a funky sofa upholstered in a patterned print. The more colors you use, the more you’ll show off the idea of a boho-chic home. In addition to lots of colors, make sure you mix and match patterns for an eclectic aesthetic.

• Layers of texture: A melding of materials and textures is what really makes a home boho-chic. Think jute area rugs, woven rattan chairs, and wooden tables accented with a gauze tablecloth. The more layers you add, the more boho-inspired your home will be. Try to choose natural and organic materials whenever possible, then add in some accent pieces made of metal or glass for a fun finishing touch.

• Keep it low: Low-profile furniture is a hallmark of the Bohemian trend. Add some comfy floor pillows or patterned poufs to your living room and bring in low-profile sofas and chairs. Pub tables or overstuffed sofas don’t work quite as well with the boho-chic theme. Stick to low lying furniture whenever possible, which encourages your guests to chill out, relax, and stay awhile. 

• Artistic: Showcase your boho-chic fashion sense with a variety of fun art pieces. Whether it’s an abstract painting or a whimsical sculpture, try to incorporate as many different décor objects as possible. Create a gallery wall filled with an assortment of artwork and framed objects. Fill a bookshelf with seashells, animal sculptures, and woven baskets that will demonstrate your appreciation for the artistic.

Room by Room Decorations

Now that you know a bit more about the history of Bohemian style and its key components, let’s explore some ways you can decorate every room in your home in this whimsical, colorful style:

Living room:

There are endless ways you can fill your living room with boho-chic décor. Add a tropical tree nestled in a woven basket to the corner of your living room, and hang a large, oversized vintage mirror with a metallic frame over your fireplace. Shop for vintage Bohemian furniture that’s comfortable and worn in. An antique velvet sofa or a kilim patterned ottoman will add bold color and global style to this space. Keep your focus on patterns and textures, like a carved wooden cabinet or a multitextured area rug. Toss lots of different throw blankets and pillows on your furniture and fill a vase with fresh flowers to round out the look.

Dining room:

Unlike a classic formal dining room, a boho-chic dining space has a laid-back look and feel. Instead of purchasing matching dining chairs, look for an assortment of comfortable chairs in different colors, sizes, and styles. Bring in a raw-edge wooden dining bench to give this part of your home a relaxed vibe. Dress up your table with a vibrant tablecloth and set the scene by adding a mixture of glassware, plates, and silverware in different colors and finishes. If you don’t want to go overboard with color in this room, simply add a fun set of curtains or a lively area rug to give it a boho-chic finishing touch.

Kitchen:

Give your kitchen a classic Bohemian look with a colorful Moroccan tile backsplash. Replace traditional cabinets with some exposed shelving made of reclaimed wood. You can also paint your cabinets in a bright, fun color if you prefer to leave them as-is. Place potted plants in the windows and on countertops to bring an organic element into this space. Add some colorful floral boho-chic curtains in bright colors to the windows, and scatter area rugs throughout the kitchen floor. Your rugs can be in different patterns for an eclectic touch. The goal is to make sure your kitchen is fun, vibrant, and relaxed without being stuffy.

Bedroom and balcony:

You can have fun decorating your bedroom in the boho-chic style. Add boho-chic bedding that features a myriad of colors and patterns like a duvet cover in a vintage patchwork or mandala print. A leather pouf at the foot of your bed will give you a place to put on your shoes in the morning or sit and relax before you start your day. You want your boho-chic bedroom to be cozy, so place a thick shag area rug under your bed. Hang a full-length mirror with a bamboo frame to incorporate some organic elements into the room. A few houseplants hung from the ceiling on either side of your bed will give this room a nature-inspired, cozy feel. If you have a balcony attached to your bedroom, place a metal bistro set with a table and two chairs outside. An outdoor runner rug with a Persian pattern is a great accent, too. Use a set of twinkling string lights to create a relaxing ambiance, which can be enjoyed on the balcony or in the bedroom.

Backyard:

Finish your free-spirited home with a boho-chic backyard. It’s easy to add this style to the outdoors with just a few simple tips. Start by placing a large outdoor area rug on your patio featuring vibrant colors and a funky pattern. Woven outdoor furniture like a bamboo Papasan chair topped with a round tufted cushion is a great choice for seating. An egg-shaped wicker swing hanging from your porch will make chilling outside relaxed and fun. Don’t forget to hang the string lights outside, too. Spruce up your backyard by adding a variety of vintage footed planters and fill them with an assortment of trees, flowers, and shrubbery. Make this space as organic as possible while incorporating lots of colors, patterns, and textures. Hang a birdhouse or hummingbird feeder from a branch to enjoy a bit of nature in your newly decorated boho-chic backyard. 

With some creativity and a little treasure hunting, you can design a beautiful boho-chic home. It doesn’t matter if you have a tiny house or a big home. Look for unique pieces that feature colors, organic materials, and lots of texture and mix and match everything to round out that laid-back Bohemian look. Don’t be afraid to mix things up, and display lots of artwork and global-inspired décor in every room of your home. With a few updates, you’ll have the stunning boho-chic home of your dreams.