Special nooks in your home

My home is filled with great cozy nooks.  One of these days I am going to figure out how to sit down and actually relax in one of them! I adore surrounding myself with things that make me smile. Photos of loved one, and my dogs, a great saying to keep me motivated or plush throws..layers of love are what I call them.

The intimidating large wall in my family room demanded attention.  But what to do, artwork...hmm not quite right, a great cabinet or antique armoire...No money in the budget.. I decided to tackle the wall the way I tackle my life.  When something is overwhelming divide it into smaller pieces.

It started with the fantastic mirror from Target.  The round shape balances out the straight lines of the large wall. Next came the wonderful quote.  I love fonts, words of inspiration and great quotes.

Next, the sconce, vintage post card photos from a vacation in Hawaii, and the initial "S" came from an old sign.

My home is in the desert so it's only natural to have various shades of tan, but gray is the new "it" color. I decided an easy way to update tan was to add two cute gray herringbone side chairs.  They add color, interest and texture to the space.  I think they add interest to the space. (Chairs - Target) The red throw adds an important pop of color to the neutral space.

A round side table softens the lines of the chairs and provides a space for a reading lamp and photos that make me smile. The gray herringbone shade continues to layer the new "it" color, adding interest to the space and layering the love. The last finishing touch is a wine charm for whimsy. Because a space without a touch of whimsy is like a cup cake without icing.

What is your favorite space in your home, and how do you make it comfortable?

Making room for the possibilities

Sometimes our energy gets stagnate. In order to move forward we have to make room for the new and wonderful things to come into our lives. Our closets, offices and bedrooms can be symbolic of what is going on in our lives. So it is out with the old to make room for all the possibilities. Last weekend over a lovely three-day holiday I spent most of it cleaning out and organizing my closets....essentially my life.

My closets are small, and like most girls I dream of a Carrie Bradshaw closet. But my day job working for a school district on a tight budget is not allowing for the fantasy closest of my dreams....just yet anyway. However, with creativity, little by little I am turning a spare bedroom into a dressing room that makes me smile.

I turned an old dresser into a quirky girly piece. The crackle finish adds texture while, the stenciled bra and hosiery add a whimsical touch to the space. Above the dresser is a crown molding bulletin board (TJ Max) adorned with things that make me smile a vision board, photos of my dog and a card my nephew made for me.   I believe it is important to fill your space with things that are important to you. I love to read so it only made sense to have a collection of books.

I decided to make the top drawer a home for some of my jewelry. I purchased foam from Michael's and cut it to fit.  It makes finding my earrings a breeze in the morning.

These cubes are from the Better Homes and Gardens collection at Walmart. I wanted my shelves to resemble a shopping experience at some of my favorite boutiques. These cubes showcase my clothes and make it so much easier to see what I actually have in my wardrobe.

Next I added a comfortable over-sized chair. It's the perfect place to sit down and pull on my boots, or relax with a book and a glass of wine. Continuing to layer texture, cushion and comfort I added a chocolate velvet throw, tons of throw pillows and a little side table for my wine.

Now when I pass by this room it makes me smile. Actually, my dressing room speaks to me and invites me in to spend time in this space. I will continue to add small touches. As the budget allows, I will add a mirror and maybe a foot stool.

Everything is at my finger tips, organization feels so good!

Reprogram the Sparkle

Reprogram the sparkle

I am one of those gals that believe a little bit of sparkle makes everything better.  Keep in mind we are talking just a touch because too much of a good thing isn’t necessarily a good thing…if you know what I mean. 

Years ago I purchased a sequined tank.  I loved it when I made the purchase, I am convinced stores have magic mirrors.  Because once home it never quite looked the same. My mirror doesn't  hold the same magic. 

Yet, I held onto the tank and then I finally realized I was going about things the wrong way. I needed to reprogram my thought process. Once I stopped looking at it as a tank and visualized it as a layering piece, the lights clicked on for me.

During warmer weather, I paired the sequined tank (Express) with a crisp white blouse from Ann Taylor, and black capri dress slacks from Stein Mart.

 

Once the weather cooled down, I added a long sleeved dress blouse, my trusty denim jacket, jeans and boots. Blouse - Chicos Outlet, Denim Jacket - Nordstrom,  Boots - Vince Camuto Outlet

Do you have an item in your closet that you are just not sure what to do with? Change ho you see the item, can you repurpose it? I would love to hear your successes stories!

Creating A Comfortable Nest

Creating A Comfortable Nest

My friend recently relocated to another state for an incredible opportunity with her company. This monumental act meant leaving behind all that was safe and comfortable to embark on new and exciting adventures. Over the holidays I had the opportunity to help her turn her new town home into an environment that is welcoming and comfortable. It was an unforgettable week of magic!

When a person relocates to a new city it is a smart move to rent a home while you get to know the area. You may have to over look some creative challenges, such as paint colors. But it is still possible to transform the space into your own, while you get to know your new city.

It all starts in the entryway or foyer of your home.  This stage setting space is the first area that you and your guests will experience in your home. This important but often overlooked area communicates important messages with your guests about yourself. We all have experienced walking into a home or business that have spoken to us.  The positive is that we feel as if we never want to leave the space and the negative is that we feel unwelcome, cold or want to run screaming from the space.

Marge has a fairly large entry to beckon one into her home. We wanted to make her new home comfortable and inviting. Just as the eyes are the window to one's soul, the entryway sets the stage to enter a home.

We had fun playing with color and texture. The first thing she added was a plush rug to softened the space. A cute leather bench welcomes one to sit down and take their boots off.

The lack of a hall closet was an easy remedy with a metal coat rack, not only does it add interest, its functional!

The addition of a sofa table made a great back drop to personalize the space with photos of friends and loved ones. Coffee table books lend to the feeling of travel and adventure in the room. 

The artwork is special because not only is it her brother's work, but it continues the theme of travel in her home.

Her entry way wraps into the kitchen, and we continued to layer her spaces with special photographs and cherished objects. This wall in her kitchen can be viewed from her entire lower space, and made it the perfect spot for special keepsakes to greet her everyday.

At the end of a transforming day Kitty and I decided to hang by the fire place. 

Where thou art, that is home. 

~Emily Dickenson