Have you ever heard the term, "chinoiserie"? I hadn't until this week. If you asked me what "chinoiserie" was before I knew, I probably would've guessed that it was a French boutique that sells either lingerie or baked goods. Or both. I don't know. The French have some pretty crazy boutiques. I learned what "chinoiserie" was this week, and it is my new favorite thing that has also always been my favorite thing. Read on to see what it means (and no, it isn't lingerie or pastries!)
I said last week that the accent wall made such a difference that I would be happy to stop there and call it good. But I am so glad I kept going, because the new pillows and artwork add so much personality and warmth!
It was nice to have a minimal, blank slate in our bedroom, and I intentionally kept decor to a minimum in this room for the last two and a half years. While I still intend to keep things simple, I was longing for some contrast and warmth in a space that felt too grey. I decided to warm things up with a moody accent wall behind our bed!
While I was in NYC with Better Homes & Gardens, I went to Mood Fabrics and the Chelsea Flea Market and picked up a few souvenirs for our home. I planned to use the fabric from Mood to sew some new pillows for our bed, which snowballed into the decision to enter the One Room Challenge as a guest participant! This post contains my design plan for Week One.
Is there any thing cuter than a gingham painted pumpkin? I'll show you how to paint a gingham pumpkin of your own in three easy steps!
When @jordwatches inquired about partnering with Holland Avenue Home for a giveaway, I was a bit conflicted. I write about interiors- not watches! But it was already too late. I was captivated by their woodwork and charm, which reminded me of walking through this house for the first time.
Your home has a recipe (whether you know it or not!) The way your home looks and functions is a representation of your unique home recipe, which is made up of your unique list of ingredients. When you're cooking a meal, it is important that you use the right ingredients. You wouldn't try to make banana bread without bananas, but you shouldn't try to put bananas in a pasta dish. It wouldn't turn out the way it should, and it wouldn't taste good. The way your home looks and functions is no different.
You walk in to Target for toilet paper and mascara. You spend an hour and $15 in the home section but you get to your car and realize you forgot the toilet paper and mascara. (again? crap. maybe next time.) You get home and realize that the thing you bought for your home doesn't really fit with your decor, but it was at Target so it must be trendy... right? Does this sound like you? I know I've been there way too many times. There has to be a better way. I'd like to suggest that a better way exists.
“The Trash Chair” (as we are now calling it) found a home in our kitchen nook today.
Yesterday, Ben and I took on a project we are now very familiar with. We removed the carpet from our large guest room! The process took about two hours from start to finish. (I've thought about writing a post with instructions and tips for removing carpet, but it is so simple and there are already…
