Holiday Gift Inspiration for the Home Decor Enthusiast

Whether you’re a home decor enthusiast or the person you’re buying for fills that role, there are so many possibilities for gifting during the holidays. But how do you find the perfect gift for home decor enthusiasts without clashing with their already impeccable style choices?

 Fortunately, we have some tried-and-true inspiration to relieve the stress. If you want to explore all of your home decor gifting options, let us make it easy to find something amazing for whoever you’re gifting to this year. Here are just a few ideas.

Cozying Up

You almost can’t go wrong with cozy, comfortable gifts no matter who the recipient is. So, for the home decor lover, holiday cozy should be a no-brainer. In terms of cozy gifts, there are so many ideas, from locally made candles to knit blankets that can bring a bit of comfort and personality into any space. After all, can you really have enough throw blankets on a cold winter’s night?

 This can be a great, easy gift that can blend into any space seamlessly, which makes it perfect for gifting. Aiming for wintery items that have a local or unique appeal to your recipient can add an extra personal touch.

Hidden Gems

Organization is one of the most critical art forms for a home decor enthusiast. If you know that your gift recipient enjoys a little surprise, one of the best things you can gift is something with a little hidden storage built into it. From fold-out boxes to art with cabinetry behind it, there are so many decor pieces with a fun little secret. Just check out a few on Etsy to get a feel for the options out there.

 Your friend or loved one likely receives a lot of trinkets — let your gift help them find a place to keep things while still standing alone as a great design item. Keeping an eye out for something with a little extra personality can sometimes be exactly what you need for that special spark in a gift.

Playing to Their Interests

If you want to combine a decor gift with another present that shows just how well you know your friend or loved one, why not combine home decor with something that plays into their other hobbies and interests?

 For example, if they’re a book lover, finding decorative books to add to their collection is a great choice. Likewise, finding some unique bartending tools or a special bottle for a friend’s hand-crafted home bar can be great ways to show that you know them on a personal level.

 Great home decor is all about letting your personal tastes and interests be reflected in your home. Mixing hobbies with decor gifts is a home run for any recipient who wants space to pursue their interests.

Aromatherapy

Home design isn’t all about the looks — it can also be about the environment as a whole, which includes the delicious smells that you can add to a space. If your friend or loved one is interested in essential oils or scented candles, those can all be a great idea for gifting this year.

 Not only does it give the person the space for their own style, but it also allows you to enhance a space they already have with a great scent. Sure, you may say, but gifting candles and diffusers isn’t the most unique — and to that we can only respond, have you ever been upset to add a lovely smell to your collection?

Something Sentimental

If this person you’re buying for happens to be a close friend or family member, you might want to go in a more sentimental direction with your gifting style this year. A reference to something you both love, a refurbished artifact of family history, or even a framed photograph of a great memory can all be wonderful ideas for gifting.

 Not only do they add to any space, but they also offer a little taste of sentimentality for you to share. Nothing draws loved ones closer over the holidays than shared reflections over your memories and history.

Coffee Table Books

If you know of a subject or a passion that your recipient is deeply interested in, why not go for the decor and education combination? A coffee table book can be the perfect gift for anyone who’s trying to fill a new space, as it’s both personal and stylish.

 These make great conversation-starters, too! We recommend Architectural Digest: A Century of Style or A Tale of Interiors for thumbing through some stunning interior design examples, but there are plenty of home decor inspo books from prominent designers and magazines.

Asking What They’re Missing

Lastly, one of the most familiar things you can do when picking out a gift for a decor-loving friend is to simply ask what they’re missing in their space. If they’re yearning for something specific, finding it for them can sometimes be the most appreciated gesture there is.

 For example, a plant-loving friend may always be in need of funky planters, while someone else may be struggling to give their bathroom that final touch. Keep these clues and prompts in mind to help them style these spaces with items both beautiful and practical.

Of course, this likely won’t be for everyone, but it can be great for plenty of circles. Only you will know whether your friend or loved one is the type to value surprises or the type to value practicality above all else.

Holiday Gifts for the Home Decor Enthusiast

There are so many options when it comes to gifting for your super-stylish friends over the holidays. From the cozy and comfortable, to the sentimental, to the truly stylish, there are plenty of ways to show that you care this holiday season. Which of these gifts are you excited to give?

For more design ideas visit Beasley & Henley Interior Design

Author

 Evelyn Long is a Baltimore-based writer and the editor-in-chief of Renovated. She publishes home decor advice and product roundups for readers in spaces both big and small

6 TOP Thanksgiving Table Decor Ideas You'll Love In 2021

I would like to start off by asking you a question. How often do you stand back and reflect on what you have to be grateful for? I ask this because this year has been big year of reflection for me. It's been a year of mindful contemplation and thankfulness that I carry forward from month to month. My soul is a little richer and filled with the joy that my mind has allowed me to feel how beautiful things really are. With Thanksgiving just a few weeds away I hope the thankful spirit spreads from my table to yours. You might think your turkey all or the fixings are the best part of your Thanksgiving , but it’s all in the atmosphere you create. Almost as important as the food itself, is the Thanksgiving table and I want to share some of my favorite dining table decor with you. Whether your reminiscing about Thanksgiving past or anticipating this years celebration, your dining table should reflect those memories. How much or little you decide to decorate is up to you, but your guests will undoubtedly appreciate the thought you put into creating a special place for them. Here are a few items you can add to your table settings as inspiration for you to create your own memorable design.

1. Turn Your Table Into A Chinoiserie Pieces of Art

   The blend of elegant European designs with intriguing, exotic East Asian artistic flair is whimsical, lush and worldly. Blue and white is fresh and timeless and pairing it with natural wood handled silverware gives it the right amount of appeal texture and grace.
   

2. All White With A Touch Of Greenery

There is something chic and modern with an all white tablescape and adding fresh greenery adds the perfect pop of color! White color is very sweet and exquisite, it’s classical and suitable for Thanksgiving. Add small decorative pumpkins to amp up the autumnal feeling, as well, your guests will love them!

3. Bring On The Drama With An Oversized Candelabra!

An elegant tablescape creates a romantic setting in which diners eat by candlelight and delight in a kind of winter wonderland. While this one is is reminiscent of the nature tablescape, the differences lie in the contrast between the natural and material world.

4. Gold & Plaid

I think the gold and copper accent colors are perfect for Thanksgiving. It adds warmth with a little sparkle. In keeping with the gold theme, add gold flatware and some vintage looking candles and a touch of plaid.

#5- The Monochromatic Farmhouse Styled Table

Whether you prefer a monochromatic color scheme or an assortment of colors within the same family, your neutral Thanksgiving décor is sure to be timeless. Neutral decorations can also be combined with any color scheme so you won’t have to worry about the decorations clashing with color of dining room walls or chairs. I do love the simplicity of the monochromatic look below, it screams elegant and classic!

6.. Edible Decor

There is no right or wrong place your edible decor. Just throw a bunch of produce on the table and see what sticks. And do you know what the best part of it is? Your guests will love furtively popping fruit in their purses as the meal stretches on. What a wonderful expression of love and appreciation for your guests!

Photo By: Hey Let’s Make Some Stuff

Everything You Need To Know About the 2022 Color of the Year

Are you wondering what the Pantone 2022 Color of the Year will be?

You’ve come to the right place!

In this ProPaintCorner.com guide, you’ll learn:

Why they started the Color of the Year (COTY)

• How they choose the Color of the Year

• What we predict the 2022 color will be

So, if you’re looking to get ahead of the trends and find ways to incorporate the color into your decor, keep reading!

For more than two decades, Pantone’s Color of the Year has influenced the development of products and consumer decisions in many industries. These industries include home furnishings, fashion, graphic design, product packaging, and industrial design. 

Pantone’s Color of the Year (COTY) has inspired other companies to release their own “color of the year” choices for exterior and interior walls that reflect the themes of the year. 

The Pantone COTY is unveiled every year in December by a group of color experts from different industries. This explains why the paint and color industry experts, bloggers, and influencers are starting to go into a frenzy attempting to predict the COTY for 2022. 

We took some time to follow the 2022 COTY predictions. This article will also summarize the history of Pantone's COTY, describe the color of the year selection process, how the winning color influences color trends, and how you can incorporate it into your interior design.

What Is the Pantone Color of the Year?   

When you hear that a company is a color company, it’s easy to think that we are talking about a design or paint company. However, regarding Pantone, this is not the case. The company provides a color matching system known as the Pantone Color System. 

An article published by Vectornator.io, the provider of graphic design software, calls the Pantone Color System “a sort of ‘color bible’ that ensures that people across the world are all using the same colors in their printed material and designs.” Adding, “This is especially crucial in the manufacturing and design industries, where color accuracy is a vital part of successful design.” 

Pantone owns a division known as the Pantone Color Institute. According to Pantone, this “is the business unit within Pantone that highlights the top seasonal runway colors, selects the Pantone Color of the Year, forecasts global color trends, and advises companies on color for product and brand visual identity.” 

Ben Barnhart writes for Vectornator.io. He advances the opinion that “The Pantone Color of the Year is a force to be reckoned with; creating many wide-ranging and trendsetting influences in the design industry and the product design world.” 

From Humble Beginnings 

The first Pantone COTY was unveiled in 2000. 

Pantone may have grown in the last two decades to become a “force to be reckoned with,” but a blog article published by the print solutions provider StrategicFactory.com tells the story of humble beginnings. 

StrategicFactory.com says, “What started off as an ‘afterthought’ that was discussed between a few individuals in the fourth quarter of the year has transformed into a 20-person team – the Pantone Color Institute – that begins global research early in the spring, looking for recurring patterns or colors in daily life situations.” Adding, “The process now takes nearly nine months.”

The idea of the COTY’s humble beginnings is supported by an article published by the home and decor site, ApartmentTherapy.com. The article reports that “The world first started paying attention to the COTY selection … in the earlier part of this decade.” 

ApartmentTherapy.com adds that “now the COTY really does drive trends and has spawned other color of the year franchises from paint companies to cosmetics and beyond.” 

Selecting the Pantone COTY

Pantone says that the COTY “selection process requires thoughtful consideration and trend analysis.” The company reports that “To arrive at the selection each year, Pantone’s color experts at Pantone Color Institute comb the world looking for new color influences.” 

According to Pantone, the new color influences that guide the decisions of those who select the COTY “can include the entertainment industry and films in production, traveling art collections and new artists, fashion, all areas of design, popular travel destinations, as well as new lifestyles, playstyles, and socio-economic conditions.” 

Other influences impacting the selection of the COTY could also emerge “from new technologies, materials, textures, and effects that impact color, relevant social media platforms, and even upcoming sporting events that capture worldwide attention.”

Incorporating COTY Into Your Interior Design

Pantone's COTY is more than an event that defines a trending color; it has become the standard that influences and inspires people as they design products and lifestyles. However, to fully take advantage of the COTY in your interior design, there are a few things you need to take into account. 

If you consider that we are talking about the color of the year and not the color of the decade, you would want to incorporate the COTY in a way that allows you to easily make changes later on. 

For instance, Lauren Edmonds uses an article published by Insider.com to advise interior designers “to avoid making a commitment” and to steer clear of applying the COTY in ways that make changing colors and design difficult afterward. 

The idea that less is more when it comes to incorporating the COTY in your interior design is supported by Melonee Hurt in an article published by Tennessean.com. She says, “But as with any statement color, a little can go a long way.” 

Referring to the 2020 COTY (Classic Blue), Hurt argues that “Just because everyone is talking Classic Blue right now doesn’t mean you need to paint the entire exterior of your home or every wall in your open floor plan a deep shade of midnight blue.”

COTY in the Last Five Years

To get an idea of the types of colors featured in the Pantone COTY, we look at the colors crowned in the last five years. 

2017: Greenery

Pantone described the 2017 COTY as “a fresh and zesty yellow-green shade that evokes the first days of spring when nature’s greens revive, restore, and renew.” Adding that it is “Illustrative of flourishing foliage and the lushness of the great outdoors, the fortifying attributes of Greenery signals consumers to take a deep breath, oxygenate and reinvigorate.”  

2018: Ultra Violet

When Pantone named Ultra Violet as the color of the year in 2018, the company described the color as “A dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade … [which] communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.” 

2019: Living Coral 

When Pantone announced that Living Coral was the color of the year for 2019, Banu Ibrahim wrote an article for CNN advising readers, “Get ready to see ‘Living Coral’ in your clothing, tech gadgets, home decor, and more come 2019.” 

In her approval of the 2019 COTY, Ibrahim says, “To us, Living Coral feels like that fresh, vibrant hue that we’re all looking for to kick off the new year, especially when we’re trying to escape from the cold dreariness of winter.” She adds, “Plus, it doesn’t hurt that it works well in your home, wardrobe, beauty cabinets, and office spaces.”  

2020: Classic Blue 

Introducing classic blue as the color of the year, Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, indicated that “We are living in a time that requires trust and faith.” She added that classic blue is a “solid and dependable blue hue we can always rely on.” 

2021: Ultimate Gray + Illuminating

In a selection that looks evocative of the pain we all had to go through because of Covid-19, Pantone selected Ultimate Gray as the COTY for 2021. 

The selection of Ultimate Gray + Illuminating was inspired by the desire to send “A message of happiness supported by fortitude” to encourage, motivate, and give hope. In what looks like a response to the tough times, Pantone adds that “We need to feel that everything is going to get brighter – this is essential to the human spirit.” 

Predicting COTY for 2022

With only a few months to go before the 2022 COTY is unveiled, predictions from all corners are being made regarding the color that will be crowned this year. However, we have noticed that most of the predictions are influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic, from which the world is slowly starting to emerge.   

A Journey Toward Something New 

For the paint and coating manufacturer Sherwin Williams, 2022 is likely to be dominated by “hues that embrace creativity, intention, and exploration to create a space of inspiration as we journey toward something new.” 

Mustard Is Going Nowhere 

Writing for RealHomes.com, a website that advises on creating a dream home on a budget, Millie Hurst predicts that 2022 will be a year to embrace mustard.

In a prediction that seems to be influenced by the hardships of the last two years, Hurst quotes the color curator Joa Studholme from Farrow & Ball. Studholme says, “In 2022, we will relish brighter colors that herald a return to normality.” 

Studholme also suggests that “The cheerful and uncomplicated Babouche … is the perfect tone for this task.” Adding, “While bold, it never feels garish or overpowering.”   

Promoting a Sense of Well-Being 

The home and lifestyle blog, LetsGetRizzy.com, predicts a world slowly emerging from the pandemic “running with the tried and true horses,” as reflected in the 2022 color choices. The site says that “Over 30% of the colors trending are carried over from former seasons as a more cautious approach is reflected in color choices.” 

These “tried and true horses” that LetsGetRizzy.com refers to will have “more pinks than reds.” According to the lifestyle blog, some of the specific contenders for COTY include Olive Green, Orchid, Butter Yellow, Mango Orange, and Atlantic Blue.         

It’s Olive Sprig for PPG

The Meredith Home Group-owned Better Homes and Gardens reports that the paint company PPG was the first to announce its selection for the 2022 COTY. The company selected Olive Sprig. 

Better Homes and Gardens writes that “Reminiscent of a soothing aloe vera plant or velvety sage leaves, the gray-green color was chosen to represent regrowth and the resiliency of nature as we adapt to new ways of living post-pandemic.” 

Guest Blog Post By: Phil Ash

After running my own painting business and 20+ years of painting experience, I’m still learning new things everyday about how to nail the perfect paint job. In addition to myself, I started Pro Paint Corner to connect you with painting experts to provide unbiased answers to all your painting questions.

How to Prepare Your Home for a Halloween Party

Jack-O-lanterns, skeletons, and witch’s brooms are about to hit front porches from east to west and north to south. The Halloween season brews excitement for pleasure seekers of all ages. This year, you may be gearing up for a special costume party and spooky festivities to enjoy with family and friends. 

Throwing a themed party is exceptionally fun, and there are seemingly endless ideas for Halloween decorations, snacks, and entertainment. We’ll outline some of our own ideas, inspiring you to transform your house for a ghoulishly good time, outfit everyone with unforgettable costumes, and plan a party that brims with freaky treats and spooky activities.

Plan your party

Planning any party takes careful preparation, but Halloween requires some extra-special considerations with costuming and ‘ghastly’ treat requirements. Before jumping head-first into black and orange crepe paper, you’ll want to consider some basics, so you leave no detail ignored. 

Budget

Think about how much you’re willing to spend on your Halloween party. Will you purchase or make your decorations? Are you thinking about serving a meal or party food? If so, how about having your food catered or potluck? Assign each aspect of your party (decorations, costumes, food, beverages, entertainment) and line in your budget, so you know just how much you’re able to spend. 

Invitations

After setting the time and date for your party, you’ll need to send out invitations. If you’re hosting a children’s Halloween party, you’ll probably want to deliver paper invitations. Otherwise, you can easily send out your invitations to family and friends online.

Decorating your home

If you love Halloween, you already know how fun decorating for this holiday can be. Because this is a popular celebration in the world, there is an immense variety of decorations and props available in stores and online. You’ll find items that are ideal for your home’s exterior as well as its interior. To throw a ‘proper’ Halloween party, you’ll want to decorate both inside and outside using commercial decorations or decorations you create yourself. 

Exterior Halloween decorations

When decorating your exterior, you have lots of fun options to consider. You can add a diverse range of spooky decorations like ghosts, jack-o-lanterns, and skeletons to your porch, patio, and even your front lawn. Or, you can even stick to a theme for your exterior, choosing decorations that are reminiscent of books, TV shows, and movies such as:

• Sleepy Hollow

• Dracula

• Friday the 13th

• Stranger Things

• The Harry Potter series

• Frankenstein and others

You can use lots of harvest-time decorations to enhance your exterior for Halloween. Set up hay bales, create pumpkin topiaries, and pop a witch’s hat on your backyard scarecrow. Some other fun exterior decorating ideas include:

• Skeleton’s Chess Match (set up two skeletons playing chess on your bistro table set)

• Hang ghosts (made from white plastic tablecloths) from your trees

• Create a door wreath decorated with plastic snakes and spiders

• Cover your front door with a green plastic tablecloth and create Frankenstein’s head

• Add giant eyes in upstairs windows

Interior Halloween decorations

Similarly, you can decorate your interior with traditional Halloween imagery like bat garlands, skeletons, witches, vampires, and other ghouls. On the other hand, you might want to decorate with a theme in mind such as:

• Mad scientist laboratory

• Dracula’s castle

• Werewolf’s lair

• Zombie apocalypse

• Victorian masquerade

• Witch’s haunted house

Again, you can purchase Halloween decorations in stores or get creative and craft your own props and decorations for each room of your home. Here are a few decorating ideas to inspire you:

Living room

• Hang bats or ghosts from light fixtures

• Spooky candles and candelabras

• Witches capes and hats on a coat rack

• Cover chairs with spooky Halloween-themed fabric

• Mysterious prints in your photo and art frames

• Garlands of crepe paper, skeletons, or bats

• Decorate your mantel with scary stories crawling with plastic rats and spiders

Dining room

• Central gothic candelabra

• Macabre centerpiece (skull filled with red grapes)

• Halloween tablecloth

• Spider web decorations on windows and walls

• Bats dangling from the ceiling

• Witches cauldron filled with punch

Kitchen

• Witchy potion bottles labeled ‘poison’ (could be filled with fruit punch or soda)

• Carved pumpkins and gourds

• Gothic bottles filled with classic Halloween candies

• Spider webs or witches hats

• Plastic rats with red eyes

Restrooms

• Bathroom door sign ‘Mummy’s Tomb’

• Halloween shower curtain

• Skeleton toilet tissue holder

• Spooky face in a mirror

• Fake spiders and webs

You can find loads of decorating ideas on Pinterest or other online locations. The more elaborate your decor, the easier it will be to inspire your guests to get into the Halloween spirit!

DIY costumes for the whole family

Although it’s always an option to purchase a ready-made costume, you can get creative and put together fun costumes for the whole family. In fact, you might mix and match costume items you make and buy to create genuinely unique costumes. Be sure to check your local thrift stores to find costume items and accessories. 

Consider creating costumes inspired by:

• Addams Family

• Alice in Wonderland

• Classic paintings (Mona Lisa, Girl with Pearl Earring, The Scream, etc.)

• The Wizard of Oz

• Circus

• Pirates of the Caribbean

• Zombies

• Harry Potter

• Lord of the Rings

• Marvel villains

Food, snacks, and drinks for the party

What’s a party without great food and beverages? You can create a tasty yet cringe-worthy menu filled with Halloween treats. We’ve got a few menu items to inspire you!

Main Courses

Spaghetti and Eyeballs (cover meatballs with mozzarella and a black olive slice)

Zombie Meatloaf 

Stuffed Jack-o-lantern Peppers (carve faces into peppers)

Mummified Hotdogs

Spiderweb Quesadillas (create spider web atop quesadillas with sour cream)

Snacks

• Charcuterie Head (foam head pinned with toothpick beef sticks, imported meats, and assorted cheeses)

• Witches Fingers (pretzel rods dipped in white chocolate with green food coloring)

• Jalapeno Popper Pumpkin Cheese Ball

• Witchy Broomstick Hats (pretzel sticks stuck onto cheese blocks)

• Spider Web Taco Dip

Healthy snacks 

• Veggie Skeleton

• Jack-O-Lantern (made from the whole orange peel) fruit cup filled with berries

• Watermelon Monster Fruit Tray

• Fruit Bat Skewers

Treats

Jack Skellington Pops

Candy Corn Cupcakes

Monster Bundt Cake

Bowls of gummy worms

Beverages (with alcohol)

Black Widow Halloween Cocktail

Halloween Sangria

Poison Apple Cocktail

Beverages (without alcohol)

Bubby Witches Brew (served in a punch bowl)

Hocus Pocus Potion Floats

Bottled Fruit Punch (with homemade label: Vampire’s Blood)

Green Soda (Labeled: Embalming Fluid)

Remember, you can always have fun with labels if you plan to have your Halloween foods catered or you want to purchase store-bought items. You can find lots of printable Halloween labels for products like soda bottles on Pinterest. 

Best Halloween party games and activities

Ensure that your guests have a ‘spooktacular’ time at your Halloween party by featuring some entertaining games and activities. 

Games and activities for adults

Keep your adult party guests entertained with these fun ideas:

• Monster Corn Hole Toss (decorate your boards like monsters)

• Murder Mystery Game

• Costume contest

• Invite a fortune teller to the party

• Host a seance

• Host a horror movie marathon

Games and activities for kids

Choose these games for school-age kids. Some are perfect for preschoolers too!

• Pumpkin Ring Toss: allow children to throw rings around pumpkin stems from a distance. When they land a ring, they earn a small prize.

• Halloween Pinata

• Pin the Spider on the Web (Inspired by Pin the Tail on the Donkey: the goal is to get the spider into the center of the web)

• Halloween Bingo Game

• Candy Jar Guessing Game

Games and activities for families

Consider these fun activities for the whole family to enjoy.

• Mummy wrapping contests

• Monster movie and Halloween trivia

• Halloween scavenger hunt

• Pumpkin decorating contest

• Create a caramel apple bar (everyone can decorate and enjoy their own caramel apples)

Don’t forget to pick up or make prizes for your game participants! Oversized candy bars are an easy option, but you can also get creative with plastic trophies from The Party Store decorated with Halloween-themed accents. 

Halloween ambiance

Don’t forget to set the mood for your Halloween party with eerie music or spooky sound effects playing in the background. You can also make a Halloween playlist with songs like:

• Monster Mash by Bobby Picket

• Ghostbusters by Ray Parker Jr.

• Haunted by Beyonce

• The Addams Family Theme

• Thriller by Michael Jackson

• Bury a Friend by Billie Eilish

If you want to really spruce up your front or backyard with a cemetery ambiance, rent a fog machine for your party! 

A lot of planning goes into creating a Halloween party, but the effort is sure to be worth it if your guests enjoy themselves. Use these ideas as inspiration to create your own Halloween extravaganza. Knowing the history of Halloween can also help! Remember that you don’t have to choose a particular theme, but picking one may help you narrow down all your great Halloween ideas. 

5 Wonderful Cities to Live in the Southeast (+ Steps to Moving!)

Source: f11photo/Shutterstock.com

If you are thinking about packing up your things and starting a new adventure in the Southeastern United States, you’ve made a good choice. The Southeast is a beautiful place to live, full of historic, laidback, family-friendly and affordable cities where you can lay down your roots and live out your dreams.

 Whether you are looking at family starter homes in Mt. Pleasant, SC, or chic living accommodations in Music City, Tennessee, the Southeast is full of towns and cities that are great places to live. Check out these five wonderful cities in the Southeast and get some helpful tips on moving there.

1.     Greenville, South Carolina

Greenville, South Carolina, is a lovely town with a population of about 62,776 people. Greenville is an affordable city with a family-friendly atmosphere. It is known for its high-quality schools, local food joints and mix of colonial-style homes, bungalows and modern Craftsman-style ranches. This is a good place for millennials to buy their first home and grow a family.

 Downtown Greenville offers a lot of green space, pedestrian walkways and a free trolley. Greenville Zoo is a family-centered attraction where the kids can see lions, pandas and giraffes. The Liberty Bridge offers residents a spectacular view of the downtown area and overlooks the Reedy River. Several delicious establishments in Greenville serve classic Southern fare that you’ll grow to love once you call the city home.

 2.     Raleigh, NC

Raleigh, North Carolina, the capital of the state, boasts a population of 474,069 residents. The city was established in 1792 and is named after Sir Walter Raleigh, a famed English nobleman and explorer. Raleigh is big enough that you’ll feel like you’re living in a city, but it still feels small enough that raising a family here is ideal.

 Raleigh is home to a 180 mile stretch of greenway that gives residents trails to jog, walk or bike. The city has a robust shopping culture, making it an excellent place for young singles who shop in trendy locations.

 There are plenty of sporting events in Raleigh, including hockey games featuring the Carolina Hurricanes and women’s pro soccer. The city also boasts several historic sites and museums that residents and tourists visit often. The North Carolina Museum of Art and the Kids Marble Museum are educational attractions that your family can enjoy when you live in or near Raleigh.

Source: Kristi Blokhin/Shutterstock.com

1.     Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

South Carolina has many lovely cities in which to live, but Mount Pleasant truly earns its name. There are only about 77,907 residents in this laidback coastal town, and it is ranked as one of the safest cities in South Carolina. It is located minutes from historic Charleston, but it creates its own small ocean town vibe.

 The schools in Mount Pleasant offer rigorous academic programs for children of families living in the city. Mount Pleasant provides residents with clean, safe suburban homes within close range of the Isle of Palms County Park and Sullivan’s Island, both fantastic beaches in the area. Additionally, military history buffs love this location because of the nearby tours of the USS Yorktown and USS Laffey.

 Mount Pleasant is popular with retirees looking for a calm place to settle down and young professionals seeking a safe place to grow their families.

2.     Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville, better known as “Music City,” is a mecca for country music stars and fans. With a population of 643,771 people, this is a city with a rich history steeped in country music but also the culture of the American Southeast. Nashville is an excellent place for students embarking on their college careers as it is home to Tennessee State University and Vanderbilt University. It’s also a great location for young professionals and families.

 The best thing about Nashville is that you’ll never be bored living in the city. There are events year-round and a thriving local music scene, including the historic Grand Ole Opry and other country-music landmarks. Sports fans can attend a Tennessee Titans game or a Predators hockey game. There’s also plenty of delicious grub in Nashville to sample, mainly at venues owned by some of the biggest stars in the country music genre. 

3.     Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina, is one of the best cities in the Southeast. It has been named the “South’s Best City” by Southern Living at least three times in recent years. Charleston is full of a special kind of southern charm that its residents enjoy and help to culture.

 The city is lined in palm trees. This beautiful fauna highlights the city’s uniqueness and offers residents a spectacular experience as they walk down the city's main streets.

 Charleston is home to all types of people, so no matter your reason for moving to this city, you are sure to find a property and community that meets your needs. There are great schools in the city, it is close to gorgeous beaches where the family can play and there is a bustling city life full of art, music and food for those who crave excitement.

Steps for Moving to the Southeast

When you’re looking to move to another location, especially if it is another state, there are several steps you can take to make the transition as smooth as possible.

 1.     Make a Visit

If possible, visit the city where you want to live before your moving date. Take a tour and get to know the areas where you’ll be looking for housing. Get a feel for where you’ll be living.

 2.     Research Schools and Employment

Start researching schools in the location where you’ll be moving to find out where you want to look for properties to live. Check out employment options. Look for homes that are close to a good school and your job.

 3.    Start Looking at Properties

Begin looking at properties in your desired city. If you are planning to move to Charleston, work with a local realtor to view downtown Charleston houses for sale so that you can see what is available and start budgeting. Apply for a rental unit or make an offer on a property that fulfills your wish list.

 4.     Figure Out Moving Logistics

Figure out how you will get your things from your old home to your new home with as few hiccups as possible. Book a moving company and plan the route from your current home to your new one for moving day. 

 5.     Update All Information

Switch over your address on all your bills. Change banks if necessary or update your address. Get a new driver's license and register your car title. Place a forwarding address at the post office so your mail makes it to your new home.

 Enjoy Your New Southeastern Home

There are so many beautiful cities to consider moving to in the Southeast. From historic Charleston to gorgeous coastal Mount Pleasant, each Southern city has a charm and aura all its own. Just remember to follow the helpful tips for moving to a new state to make your transition go smoothly. Then, settle into your new home and start living your new life in the Southeast.

 

Fall Decor Trends To Watch Out For In 2021 ~ Colors~Candles~Cozy~Warm

As we prepare for the leaves to turn and the nights to chill, the time has also come to deck every corner out in the coziest of fall décor! Although trends change from year to year, fall often brings around some constants that everybody can return to, mixed with the year’s newest trends that can liven up any space.

 Whether you want to overhaul your home’s style with all-new décor for the year or you’re looking for a few staple pieces to make your space feel autumnal, here are some of the best fall décor trends of 2021.

Pumpkins and Gourds

Pumpkins and gourds have always been trendy for the fall season, but in 2021, many people are taking things a step further and going for the all-natural angle. While it’s still totally all right to go for fake pumpkins and gourds, the real thing can help connect your home to nature.

 Plus, picking out natural décor can make for a nice autumnal bonding activity with friends or family. Head to the pumpkin patch and see what you find!

Lots of Candles

Candles are another trend that can work anytime during the year, but they’ve been especially in trend this year. Specifically, laying out a bunch of candles on the various surfaces of your home can create a warm, luxurious feel to any room.

 This is especially important after a rough year — who isn’t ready to be soothed by twinkling lights and soft scents? Whether you plan to go with a scented candle in your favorite aromatherapy variety or you’d rather keep things simple with plain ones, the aesthetic is still simply perfect for cooler weather.

Dark Neutrals

One of the trends more specific to this year is the introduction of dark neutrals during the fall season. Although colors tend to shift towards the darker side in the winter months anyway, there has been a more defined shift towards black, navy blue, forest green, and coffee browns this year.

 While you can still explore your favorite beige hues, of course, going a bit deeper and darker seems to be on trend for 2021.

Getting Outdoorsy

One of the best ways to transition your living space from summer to fall is by utilizing the outdoor space you have available. Specifically, if you have a partially outdoor space to decorate and spend your time, transitioning it for fall and winter can be a great way to soak up the wonderful weather, even when it’s a bit chilly.

 Switch out throw pillows and blankets for more seasonal choices, including fuzzy materials and plaid prints. Aim for richer red or brown colors to accent the outdoor space. Bring in a cup of tea, and you’re all set for chillier, but still sunny, mornings this season.

Pillows From Woven Nook

Natural Wreaths

The all-natural trend is back again. In addition to real pumpkins and gourds, you can also turn to the florals of the season to get a more vibrant and authentic wreath.

 Of course, there’s nothing wrong with the fake ones, but finding a natural wreath can give you the opportunity to use whatever’s in season. Plantlife isn’t just for summer decoration — it can also bring real natural warmth to your fall and winter looks.

Warm Throw Blankets

We know this is no surprise, but if you need an excuse to invest in more blankets, here it is. Throw blankets aren’t just fashionable, they’re also functional! There’s nothing like cozying up in a warm, fuzzy throw blanket that also brings a bit more texture and layering into your space.

 Go for autumnal colors, or even simply go for colors that match your space. You can easily carry this trend into the winter season, too.

Floral Prints

Whether you’re thinking about replacing the wallpaper, bringing in some new art, or tossing on a throw pillow or two, muted floral prints are all the rage this season. Specifically, darker and more vintage-inspired floral prints seem to be the star of the show.

Photo: McGee & Co.

 Trying out florals for fall is an exciting update to the traditional autumn leaf look. If you love that vintage, patterned aesthetic, try this trend out this year and see how a richer twist on florals can work for you.

Vintage Books

One specific accessory that’s been gaining a lot of traction in the past year is the curated bookshelf, and what better way to furnish that bookshelf than specifically designed decorative books?

 Lots of online shops and vintage retailers are leaning into the trend of curating stacks of books specifically for decorative purposes. If you love the bookish, cozy vibe, this trend could definitely be for you.

The Best Fall Décor Trends for 2021

Whether autumn is your favorite season or you’re looking for some ways to brighten up the chilly weather to come, decorating your home with cozy, comfortable accessories is sure to bring a little cheer.

 From natural pumpkins and wreaths to dark neutrals and vintage books, 2021 has a lot to offer in the way of interior design. Which of these trends are you excited to try out this year in your home?

Author

 Evelyn Long is a Baltimore-based writer and the editor-in-chief of Renovated. She publishes home decor advice and product roundups for readers in spaces both big and small.

The Inside Story- What Interior Designers REALLY Do

WHAT DO YOU DO ALL DAY?

Back by popular demand we are reposting our "What Designers Really Do" blog today. We found  a deep interest in our design process and are happy to share it with you again.

I recently met with an intelligent reporter who focuses on architecture and engineering in the media.  We had a good conversation that eventually came around to the subject of interior designers.

Turns out that this well-meaning woman had almost no idea what interior designers actually do.  She knew about furniture and fabrics, which is great, but little else. As interior designers, we live and breathe our work, so it is always a surprise to us when people assume we spend every day picking paint colors and sofa fabrics. Most of our projects go on for more than a year. The important ‘furnishings and fabrics’ part takes place in the last 3-6 months of job. So what could we possibly be doing the rest of the time?  Here is a glimpse into a ‘day in the life’!

1. The first stop for any project is a review of the architect’s Floor Plan. 

We work with good architects so we are always thrilled to get their good floor plans. But designers and architect’s don’t look at spaces with the same eyes. We start with a general furniture layout using typical features or even specifics (like, a client may say I need room for my Baby Grand or I have a huge collection of antique books). We make sure things fit and that the floor plan flows per the furniture plan. We make sure the doors swings won’t hit the furniture, the windows are aligned to the furniture layout, the walls make sense and are long enough for the client’s fantastic huge sofa or California King bed. We also look at the bathrooms and often make suggestions for changes there as well.

TIP: The sooner we are involved in the floor plan the better. It is a lot cheaper for the client to change things on paper and make sure they are built right, then to change things in the field where every alteration costs money and time. Cha-Ching!

2. Lighting and Electrical. We receive the lighting plan from the architect and make sure it works for what the client told us and how the house flows. Again is easier to work out problems on paper then with the electrician standing there, waiting for decisions, charging by the hour. Lately, there is often an additional expert, the lighting consultant, on the project.

3. Reflected Ceiling Plan (RCP).
The RCP is the project’s ceiling details, beams, coffers and other interesting details. Usually the architect gives us the RCP with very little on it. They know we will create the designs to match the other aspects of the interiors. This is a huge part of the project and when we create it, we are also consulting with the mechanical, electrical, engineering and HVAC specialists, plus we make sure the new lighting plan works as well.

4. Flooring Details. We determine what flooring will go where, like carpet, tile wood, etc. It may not be the exact tile, but at the early stages we determine the concept of what the material will be.  These are decisions that need to be made very early, even before the slab is poured, because the final flooring material will affect the thickness of the slab the builder needs.  And believe it or not, the Flooring Plan goes with the Electrical Plan, because floor outlet locations have to be decided before slab is poured to avoid a loud guy with a huge saw cutting concrete months later.

5. Wall Elevations and Details. At the same time the other design work is being done, we are also creating the details for the walls; creating special detailed features, niches, making sure walls meet up with proper, trim, baseboards, fireplace design and all built-ins and media centers.

6. MEP (Mechanical Electrical and Plumbing). We also consult with the Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing professionals to make sure things like AC chases and mechanical closets are detailed in. If not, we re-draw the plan and make them work.

7. Wall textures and base paints. Walls that are to be painted need a different treatment than those that will get wallpaper or faux or decorative treatments. All these details go on a spreadsheet and are sent to the builder and painter.

8. Then comes the ‘Specifications’. Such as, the exact plumbing fixtures in the project including toilets, showers, faucets etc.; the exact flooring materials and detailed patterns for them all drawn out so the installers can follow the plans; cabinetry and hardware in kitchens and baths are determined or custom designed; countertops decided on often after visits to the marble yard to select exact slabs; lighting fixtures, paint colors, wall textures, faux or decorative treatments; wall paper, etc etc, all set up on detailed spreadsheets for the builder, the client and anyone else who needs a copy.

9. During all this, an introductory color and furniture plan is presented to the client. This way we know the colors and general style of the home. All the details, ‘specs’ and drawing are all geared toward the meshing with the final vision.

10. Then we do furniture. :)THAT is what all the fuss is about. That is why only a talented interior design firm with dedicated resources and a talented team of professionals aimed at completing all these important steps should touch your design project! And that, is what we do all day!

How to Create a Welcoming & Fun Outdoor Living Space

With summer upon us and the best days of autumn around the corner, many homeowners are looking forward to getting together with their friends and family once again. However, your outdoor space may need some TLC in order to restore it to its former glory. The good news? Sprucing up your outdoor space for summer and fall gatherings is fun and simple with the right inspiration. If you plan on using your outdoor living space more frequently to entertain, here are some excellent tips on how to create a welcoming and fun outdoor living space!

Improve Your Outdoor Kitchen By Incorporating a New Product Into Your Space

 Your outdoor kitchen is the most important part of your outdoor living space. This is where all the magic happens as you prepare mouth-watering dishes for your guests. But if your outdoor kitchen hasn’t been renovated in a while, why not go above and beyond by adding a new tool like a smoker?

 Smoker barbecues leverage low temperatures to create a flavorful, more tender cut of meat that your guests are sure to enjoy. This is perfect if you love to make crowd-pleasing dishes like pulled pork or ribs that fall right off the bone. Whether you buy a dedicated smoker or a hybrid product where you can smoke and barbecue your dishes, this is an excellent way to enhance your outdoor living space.

 Once you’ve added new tools like smokers to your outdoor kitchen, you can turn your attention to refrigeration units, refreshment centers and coolers, and other items like additional burners for cooking. When it comes to your outdoor kitchen setup, the only limit is your imagination!

 Consider Remodeling and Adding a Deck to Your Backyard

 If you don’t have a space in your backyard that is reserved solely for gathering and resting, chances are that your outdoor space can feel jumbled and disorganized. After all, we want our backyard to be built to suit the needs of ourselves and our guests. Fortunately, this can be easily fixed by creating a space yourself, such as an outdoor deck.

 Outdoor decks are an excellent project to pursue as they give you the perfect space for seating guests, enhance the overall look of your backyard, and give you the potential to decorate further with decking walls where you can keep additional plants or incorporate lighting or heat sources for year-round enjoyment.  No matter what your ideal deck looks like, getting started on it now will help you create an outdoor living space that you and your guests are sure to love.

 Keep Plenty of Fun Games on Hand for When Your Guests Want Something to Do

 No outdoor space is complete without games. No matter whether you’re hosting a barbecue or a birthday party for a relative, games give your guests something to do besides standing around and chatting. But what types of games should you be looking for?

 If you want to make the most out of your outdoor space, you should consider looking for unique outdoor games like boules. Boules is a game that’s similar in nature to pétanque or bocce, with players aiming to get their balls as close to the target point or ball as possible. Even though the rules of boules are simple, it can provide hours of fun for friends or family members.

 Some other ideas for outdoor games include croquet, cornhole, or even more simple options like water gun fights! Whatever your friends and family enjoy doing, having these games and items on hand makes it easy to keep your guests entertained and having fun whenever they come over to enjoy your outdoor living space. Stay fully stocked to give them plenty of options to choose from!

 The last thing you want when you’re looking to entertain is an outdoor space that provides little in terms of fun or excitement. Your outdoor living space should be tailored to your needs and lifestyle. If you know that your backyard could use something extra to make it better suited for family gatherings and parties but don’t know what it is, you can use the suggestions above to gain some insight and ideas into what you can do to craft the perfect backyard space.

How to Get the Rustic Modern Look for Your Home

The rustic modern look is warm and inviting with just the right amount of edgy charm to keep it intriguing. It’s also an easy decor theme to work with regardless of your budget. It lends itself well to DIY projects and improvements, especially painting and refinishing. The next time you want to update your home decor, you can consider going with a modern rustic theme that makes use of shabby chic items you currently own and new treasures that you discover at garage sales, yard sales, and estate sales. Here’s how to get started with redecorating your favorite spaces.

 Keep an Eye Out for Wooden Pieces

Wooden accents and other pieces are a hallmark of the rustic modern look. As you’ll come to see, natural elements are a mainstay of the trend, and it doesn’t get more natural than wood. Consider refinishing wooden pieces that you already have, whether it’s a bookcase or a coffee table. Instead of putting down new flooring, which can be expensive, see what’s under your current floor – maybe there’s wood hiding under there. You can also comb yard sales and garage sales for pieces that you love. Don’t pay attention to scuffs or chipped paint. Those are easy fixes that you can do yourself. You can refinish any type of wood furniture on your own by sanding it down and staining it or perhaps painting it with chalk paint.

Cultivate a Collection of Antiques

You don’t have to trawl the antique shops to find antiques. On the contrary, it’s surprisingly easy to find treasures at the local yard sales. To incorporate antique pieces that will enhance your rustic modern décor, look for eye-catching items that fit in with your theme. An antique camera on a tripod can look at home in your corner, or maybe you could place an old globe on your mantle. You may also be able to find pieces that you can repurpose, such as an old window frame that you can turn into a chalkboard or a barn door that can become a headboard.

 Work with Natural Elements

Natural elements are a must in a modern rustic room. We already know that wood is one of the go-to materials for your new decor, and you can incorporate other natural materials, as well. If something appears to come from nature, then it will fit in with your theme. Stone items are ideal for this. Better still, stone is a perfect complement to wood. Keep in mind that you can also paint it. For instance, applying a whitewash to exposed brick will change the entire look of your space.

There are modern elements to introduce into your room, too. Stainless steel will instantly take rustic decor to a modern level. Wrought iron can do the same.

 Stick to Neutral Color Palettes

Rustic modern decor typically focuses on the rustic aspect. Bright colors detract from the theme. It’s better to search for items that fall into a neutral color palette. Warm browns, greys, soft whites, and subtle pops of green will create cohesion in your space. Bear that in mind as you scope the sales for couches, chairs, and accent pieces. Don’t worry, though. You can add pops of color to bring brightness to the room. Think about vivid throw pillows or lush plants.

 Decorate with an Eye Toward Vintage Accents

Anything vintage will go with your rustic modern decor. We already mentioned looking for antiques, but vintage decor goes beyond that. You can look for vintage items that will boost the appeal of your space. That might be an old tea kettle that you display on a shelf or an old picture that tickles your fancy.

 Score Mid-Century Modern Finds

We’ve been focusing on the rustic, antique aspect of this trend, but we can’t forget about the modern edge. The key is to make sure that nothing you choose is too modern. Mid-century modern designs can save you there. This era is characterized by sharp pieces in stark neutrals. The pieces you find will strike a contrast with the vintage-inspired aspects of your design. That will transform your room into a dramatic, dynamic space. It also gives you the opportunity to outfit your room with practical pieces, such as a leather settee or an interesting side table.

There are many ways to design your rustic modern room but following these tips will give you the perfect foundation. What’s your favorite aspect of the rustic modern design theme?

8 Top Tips for a Summer-Ready Garden In 2021

It’s that time of the year again, with summer getting fully underway and when you need to start thinking about preparing your garden for the season ahead. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to neglect their gardens during the winter (it’s winter, after all) and perform no more than cursory spring cleanups (it’s spring, after all). But summer is usually when you’ll want to invest some time in your garden to keep it looking lush and create that designer outdoor space for hosting epic summer dos.

 Here are a few tips to ensure your garden’s in top shape for the warmer months ahead.

  1.     Inspect Your Garden

Before you dive headlong into the bushes with your tools and gloves, take some time to get a sense of everything you need to be done. Look out for rodent and animal damage to your plants, as well as the presence of pests, animal burrows, and the like. Make a note of any flower beds, fences, and trellises that need to be repaired. Prioritizing everything on a list will help you get more done and avoid replicating work.

 2. Ready Your Equipment

Equipment is everything. Spend some time cleaning and sharpening your tools, or even acquiring the right ones so that you’re all set to begin prepping your garden. Working with the right tools will help save you a ton of time, as you’ll discover when you get down to it. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to spend large sums buying everything from a tiller to other fancy gadgets. Make sure you have the essential hand garden tools and you’re good to go.

 3. Weed Your Garden

Admittedly, this is not the most interesting job when it comes to gardening. However, it’s still very important if you want your flowers and vegetation to bloom as planned. The summer heat usually causes a massive proliferation of these pesky plants, and the bigger they get, the harder they are to pull out. Start weeding early in the season, while they’re still young and haven’t produced as many seeds. Use a bottle of weed killer to prevent them from reappearing. While you’re at it, also clear out dead foliage and pests and slugs.

 4. Prepare the Soil

You’ll want to do this correctly. Analyze your soil with a soil test kit to see the nutrients it lacks. Consider starting a compost heap if you don’t have one. Getting your soil recipe right can be a very rewarding activity, especially if you want minimal hassle when tending to your plants later on. Spread a layer of mulch, two inches deep over your soil, once it’s prepped. This’ll help shield it from the sun and keep your plants cool.

 5. Prune Your Shrubs

Trim your hedges and prune some of the summer growth from your plants to keep them looking neat and tidy. With pruning, there’s usually no “one-size-fits-all” approach. A little bit of research is advisable to see which plants need a little extra attention.

 6. Plant Some Summer Favorites

Pull out the faded spring blooms and plant in some heat-loving annuals. Try out some succulents to add a little variety to your garden, especially if you’re in a dry or drought-prone area. These are plants with thickened stems or leaves that love the sun and don’t need excessive watering. Some Aloe, Crassula, or Euphorbia will make for great summer additions to your garden while adding a pop of color to the surroundings. Mixing in some Callas, lilies, and miniature roses will lend a pleasant scent to your garden.

7. Attract Fauna

Don’t be afraid to invite nature in all its glory into your garden. Some nectar-rich blooms like columbine, asters, and echinacea are great for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds in your garden. If you really like birds and the idea of waking up to the sound of chirping robins in the morning, consider adding a bird table and some bird seeds as well. 

 8. Stay on Top of It

Now that you’ve put in the effort, maintain your garden with regular work. Watch out for pests and diseases, your plants being particularly prone to those in midsummer. Water your plants adequately and mow the lawn to keep it looking pristine.

Summer gardening isn’t just fulfilling in that you’re creating something — it can be a very relaxing activity to power down in the afternoon, or even to start your day on a fresh note. A well-maintained garden can be a pleasant retreat from a stressful day or even your everyday workspace. If you don’t have a huge front lawn or backyard, an indoor garden is a great way to add some warmth to your interiors and make your home cozier.