Color inspiration - Blush

I am determined to push myself out of this neutral colored decorating trend I have been in for too many years.  Color is calling my name....not BOLD color but muted understated color. Baby steps....

Not sure if blush is the color for me...maybe too feminine for my decorating tastes. But, I think in small doses it can be elegant, simple and light.

After seeing Cameron Diaz's living room in Elle Decor, I have a new perspective on blush...Kelly Wearstler can't be wrong!

Elle Decor

It gives a kind of calming effect, don't you think?

Decorative Books

I find one of the easiest ways to bring color and personality into a room is to decorate with books.  I picked up this beautiful book - The Great Gatsby -  from Chapters....just the right amount of bling for my front entry!

Here are a few ways to add your book collection into your decorating...

How do you add books to your decor?

Project // Back Entry

We live in a 40 yr old bungalow which has a very very tiny back entrance.  I'm not sure why they thought an entire family could get ready in an area the size of a matchbox....without a closet!!!  There are times when the girls and I are getting our jackets on and I'm afraid someone is going to fall down the back stairs in an attempt to squeeze by one another.

So, you can imagine the difficulty I have in trying to organize lots of shoes and jackets in such a tiny spot.  So, I figure it is high time to reorganize and redecorate this little corner....make it more efficient and pretty at the same time.

This is my plan.....

coat hook // pyrite key hook // door stop // mirror // shoe rack // rug 

 Now to get started!!  

Backyard Decorating

Its time to move outside!!  Our backyard has always been our oasis.  Yes, it needs some updating, but it has good bones and lots of potential. The best parts - Large open space and LOTS of privacy!  

So, slowly we are getting around to updating and decorating the backyard.  Starting this week I am going to give the fences some new grey paint.  The hubby has sanded them and they are ready to be beautified....stay tuned!

Also thinking about adding a few furniture pieces....

I think these chairs would be perfect in front of our chimnea.  Made of 100% recycled plastic so I wouldn't have to stain them every year.  I like that!

Maybe a few lanterns to set the mood...

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 And pretty cushions of course...

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Also need to figure out which plants to put in the pots....but that's another post!  Now to get started.....summer doesn't last long in these parts!!

How are you decorating your yard this year?

Holiday Decor // Easter

Easter is fast approaching and I am definitely not ready for it.  It always seems to sneak up on me!  I'm not one for decorating for this holiday, but my girls love any excuse to spruce up the house with color!  These are a few things I would like to add to our decor this season.

Pretty little flower arrangements set in egg shells.  Perfect for decorating the table at Easter dinner.

Love this idea for the table setting....bunny ears!

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And of course, we MUST do an Easter craft....this one looks like fun...and easy too!  Looks like we'll be taking a trip to the paint store....

How do you decorate for Easter?

Gallery Walls//New Life

Who doesn't love a perfectly curated gallery wall?  I have been wanting to change mine up for quite some time now. I have had this arrangement for 6 years now (yikes)! Hoping to get some inspiration and motivation soon!!

I love the way a gallery wall looks, but the planning involved can be daunting.  Symmetrical or eclectic?  Similar frames or different? Color photos or black and white? Lots to decide.....

all images via pinterest

Organizing // Jewelry

I am always struggling with ways to store/organize my jewelry.  I find having everything out in the open works best for me or I end up forgetting about the pieces I have.  Finding pretty little containers around the house has been one way to solve this dilemma.

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Pattern Play: Stripes.

One of the most versatile patterns in decorating and fashion for that matter is STRIPES.  I have always been drawn to this pattern for its simplicity.  Stripes have a way of blending into your decor using neutral colors or making a bold statement with bright, vibrant colors.

As with fashion, the direction of the stripe can change the entire look of your room.  When painted on the walls, vertical stripes can lead the eye up, creating an illusion of higher ceilings.  Horizontal stripes lead the eye from one side of the room to the next, making the room appear larger than it may be. And stripes on the ceiling is just plain fun!

Stripes are also a fail safe way of adding interest to your accessories   A stripe on your drapery or toss cushions will add a trendy little detail without taking over the entire room (unless you want them too).

And of course, the options for striped cushions are endless!!  These Designer Guild cushions are some of my favorite!

How will you add stripes to your home?