Things feel fresh in the New Year. It is time to make changes, and certainly, a time to stay hopeful.
The same feelings apply to our environments. The New Year strikes, and we are ready to renew our homes. Ready to have hope in our spaces again.
Fortunately, there are several easy ways to to renew your home’s look without much cost, or even commitment to an overall design plan. Here are just a few ideas:
1. Pillows
But of course.
Pillows are the single-most, easiest way to add change to our homes. Want more color? Want more pattern? Want less? Need to tie your colors together? With the toss of a pillow, you can alter the outlook of your space.
And, with pillows, there is very little commitment. So go out on a limb and try something new.
Here, two bright pillows add brilliant life and a touch of pattern to this calm space:
Today’s ditto * is an invitation to sit by the fire.
The room below, featured in an amazing spread in the September 2012 Issue of House Beautiful, is truly to be admired. All of it. But I want to chit chat about this perfectly wonderful corner of the room: the details, the warmth and coolness, the thoughtful touches.
*{What exactly is a ditto? :: The list below will break down for you many of the decorating concepts that are employed in this great space. As with all of our dittos, let’s study the DETAILS of what makes this space SO AMAZING, so that we can learn how to add more beauty to our own homes!!! And, as always, I look forward to hearing from you and finding out what you would ditto, too. So, be thinking!}
My favorite thing to put by the fire is a chunky basket filled with beautiful birch wood. Ditto!
2. TWO FULLY UPHOLSTERED CHAIRS AND AN OTTOMAN.
One of the main reasons this spot looks so welcoming is because of the upholstery. The chairs look cushy and welcoming and warm, and the finishing touch is the upholstered ottoman where you can put up your feet. Come, sit by the fire for a spell. Ditto!!
3. PIPING.
I am addicted to piping {true story. I even have an entire Piping Pinboard}. It takes any space from ho-hum mass-produced, to interior designed detailing! Definitely ditto!
4. WOOD PANELING PAINTED IN A UNIQUE COLOR.
I love the pale lavender gray on the woodwork. It is unexpected, yet soothing, and still works as a neutral spot for the eye to rest. It inspires me to try a soft, off-beat color for woodwork that is “en masse.” Ditto.
5. PLENTY OF SYMMETRICAL LIGHTING FOR READING.
Petite beautiful lighting with lovely shape and form – in pairs! Their impact – and usefulness – is all the stronger in this symmetrical pairing.
6. SIMPLE MANTLE DECOR WITH LIVE PLANTS.
I am immediately going to ditto this in my home. Ok, readers. Does anyone have an inkling as to what those ditto-worthy plants are on the mantle!???? I love their shape! Are they maple leaves? Oh, how I hope they are some kind of kill-proof plant…
7. A MIRROR ABOVE THE FIREPLACE.
This is one of many many rooms that have featured a lovely mirror above the fireplace. But for me, it just does not get old. I love how it looks, how they reflect the light, and the sophisticated touch mirrors add to a space. This mirror is small, but still works because it is well balanced by double-sconces and beautiful, lush plants.
8. TOUCHES OF COMFORT.
Don’t underestimate a soft carpet underfoot, a throw-pillow on the chair to adjust the comfort to your own back shape, and a throw blanket to keep on your lap as the fire dies down for the night. Ditto!
9. THE MAGENTA FLOWERS MAKE MAGIC.
Do not underestimate the beautiful power of the contrasting magenta-colored flowers on the mantle! Just cover them up, and see how the space is missing that punch of JOY!
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SO much goodness.
Love anything I did not mention? or…
WHAT WOULD YOUDITTO {STEAL} FROM THIS SPACE, 1-8? SOMETHING ELSE?
I LOVE HEARING YOUR THOUGHTS!
The perfect things to do as you sit by the fire:
SO, do tell: did you sit by the fire and watch Downton Abbey last night?
And, although not something I usually share here, I simply MUST share a book written by two friends of mine that is an essential.
The book debuts today, and if you know a mother {especially with young children}… this book is as essential as diapers and a crib. I will officially be getting this book for every new mom I know. I cried through it, even though my kiddos are 7 and 5. A weight the size of bricks {that I had long since ignored was even there} lifts from my shoulders with each word that I read. It is that good – and that essential. And it is NOT a formula or an instruction manual.
Take a moment to watch this video that had me torn open by the third sentence…
or just take my word for it and snag this book for everyone you know:
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Shop at one of my absolute favorites, Serena & Lily , and enjoy 25% off! Click via the image below for the discount:
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If you stretch yourself anywhere on your budget… may I suggest you do so with your lighting? Inexpensive fixtures can be glaringly so. Deals can be found though, but don’t be surprised if your hunt for a beautiful light fixture for a great price proves to be a bit frustration.
I did not check the pricing or availability on these gems. I simply put them in this list because I find them to be GORGEOUS! So, if you have a need for a gorgeous sconce, these are ones I would pick!:
Stop and smell the sweet smell of my children’s heads.
Invest in people. Not stuff.
Spend more time face to face with those I love.
Live with Beauty.
PURSUE JOY!
Happy New Year, Dear Friends!
May you have a JOY FILLED New Year.
So. What does this picture inspire you to do/feel/create/think……
What are you Inspired To this New Year?
A VERY special THANK YOU to my clients of 2012. YOU helped to support an orphaned child from Kenya named Brian to have clothing, medical care, love, and an education. YOU also helped women in Uganda be freed from the shame of prostitution by giving them a way out. YOU! God bless you!!
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Get your bling on and your sparkle on. Shop Stella & Dot
{via Country Living}
