Have you taken a good look at your bookshelves lately? Do you have a…gasp…unsightly mess? Could it be time to take inventory and overhaul your bookshelves?
Here are some things to think about:
- Decide what kind of bookshelves you need. Do you have books only on your shelves or do you have a collection of media and other items displayed on your shelves?
- First thing to do is go through and remove everything that isn’t pretty or attractive. Tuck these things away somewhere else and do not display them on your bookshelves.
- Make an interesting mix of what is left. Perhaps you have a collection of pictures, CDs, books (old and new) and display items. Find a few attractive containers to corral your CDs and other small items and allow these containers to add interest to your shelves.
- Keep some free space on your bookshelves to avoid a cluttered look. Some experts recommend one-quarter of each shelf free to keep an attractive balance.
- Place books both vertically and horizontally to add interest and variation to your shelves.
- Add a few empty frames at the backs of the shelves to spice up your arrangements.
- Don’t forget to add a few unexpected items, like pottery or striking statues.
Do you ever wander through the stores looking at the many decor items that you could add to your home? Do any of these items really *pull* you to purchase them? Do they feel like YOU? Or…do you get the feeling that these assorted items are generic and not really anything that truly represents YOU.
I was in Hobby Lobby this week…my first time ever in this store, believe it or not. I enjoyed the extensive array of everything crafty you could ever want or need under one roof (including fabric!). I was surprised to see the huge area of home decor items–was not expecting a section of this type in a crafting store, I guess. I couldn’t help myself…I did wander through, looking at all of the different pretty things for placing on shelves, tables, walls, etc. Nothing really PULLED at me, though and I did not purchase anything more than the felt I had been searching for in the first place.
It got me to thinking, too…how do you create a home that is uniquely yours?
- If you are starting from scratch, go ahead and wander through a home decor store like that and purchase a few “starter pieces” to start building from.
- Choose a color or a theme and start building slowly. For example, if country red is your passion and you want to build a bathroom around this color, start with a shower curtain or towels and then accessorize slowly incorporating your color throughout everything.
- Choose one more complementary color and start adding this color in slowly to mix it up a little bit. Try using lighter and darker variations of your colors to mix it up even further.
- Branch out your decor shopping to the unusual. Don’t be afraid to hit the estate sales, flea markets and rummage sales. You can find amazing and unusual items hiding in places like this.
- Take your time. Don’t feel like you need to decorate your home in a week…or a month…or even a year! Make it an ongoing process that continues to evolve as you find new things that really PULL you.
- Don’t buy anything that you do not truly LOVE.
This is the way to create your own unique style and create a home respite that is truly YOU.
I began the annual task of covering some of our old leaky windows with shrinking plastic today. As I usually do, I used this opportunity to remove all of the curtains and give them a good dusting (air cycle in the dryer with a damp towel). I also removed the blinds and gave the whole bow window trio a good vacuuming.
Then……as I was contemplating putting the whole thing back together after the window plastic was on……one thing led to another and I ended up ordering three new pleated curtains for the trio of windows. I never intended to…one thing led to another and before I knew it, it was a done deal.
We are expecting a houseful of people in a few weeks for Thanksgiving and I haven’t done any redecorating in quite a while…so I figure I was due. Plus, when hubby asks how much the gorgeous curtains I got were, I can tell him I used shop.com to find a great deal.
I can’t wait until my new window coverings come…honestly. They are going to look awesome with the new bolster pillows I also ordered. Gasp! Yes…I told you one thing led to another!
During times that I am healthy and on top of my game, I would normally give significant consideration to ceramic tiles for the home. In fact, I would love to replace some aging tiles I have in my upstairs bathroom. They have been through many years of messy people and I would love to update the colors up there. At this point, I will longingly dream about such things and hopefully soon I will have more energy to pursue something fun like this.
A comment I received the other day got me to thinking. It’s really quite interesting to take a critical look at one’s home and see if you can determine how your tastes in furnishings have changed over the years.
I know that my tastes have definitely evolved as I have matured. I think this is a natural evolution due to the fact that most people’s furnishings get nicer as they have more money to spend. However, in examining my own tastes I can definitely see a subtle shift toward more modern furniture…and I really never thought this would happen!
When I surveyed the living rooms and bedrooms in my home I could definitely see a more “grown up” taste coming through in our more recent additions to our home.
Have you noticed anything like this?
I admit I have a rather discriminating eye when it comes to home and garden decor. I really appreciate high quality items both inside and outside my home. This is especially true of anything that is connected with “curb appeal.” You know…the things that visitors see quickly and automatically when approaching one’s home. I like my home to be inviting and attractive to people who are seeing it as they approach.
One thing that I feel is very important to spend time considering is a mailbox. There are many mailboxes to choose from, but I definitely prefer something that is custom painted. I saw some lovely Whitehall mailboxes as I was browsing this site. Whitehall makes a high quality mailbox that will definitely
enhance the curb appeal of your home. What’s more, they are designed and built to last a lifetime! For additional interest, I would suggest adding an address plaque as well. This is a unique item that suggests attention to detail.
One thing about choosing simplicity is by doing so you are focusing your attention on only allowing those things into your life that are of your choosing. One of these things is the furnishings of your home. Some people will choose more austere surroundings and others desire a more full home.
Whatever your desires, make sure that the things you choose are of high quality. High quality furniture is an investment that you will appreciate for years to come. This furniture happens to come from Italy, Germany, Spain and Belgium and is guaranteed to be authentic. It may mean more of a financial outlay in the beginning, but this is an investment that you will appreciate over time when your designer modern furniture stands the test of time. Maybe modern furniture isn’t your style and another style is…it doesn’t matter what you choose as long as the quality is high it will last through years of happy living!
Technorati Tags: designer modern furniture, high quality furniture, modern furniture
Every week I spend a small fortune on fresh herbs from the produce section of my grocery store. Several weeks ago I happened to notice a display of potted herbs in the produce section and once I thought about it, it became apparent that for almost the same amount of money I could buy an entire plant instead of a package of basil or rosemary. Hence, an indoor kitchen herb garden became my latest project.
Several weeks later I have a nice little assortment of flourishing herbs sitting in my kitchen under a plant light. *grin!*
Now…for some fun! It’s time to shop for some pretty indoor planters! My herbs are growing nicely and they have earned the blessings of decorative planters. Herbs are such pretty plants to begin with, and it just makes sense to me that finding a perfect planter for a happy plant is a good thing to do.
Of course, I had to take a look at all of the planters on this site…and they do have some lovely ones. They also have free shipping today! That sealed it for me!
What would you say if I told you that there is an item that can help you work miracles in every room of your home? What’s more, it can even help you appear to be an outstanding housekeeper (even if you’re not). This item comes in lots of different shapes, sizes, colors and materials and you can buy one or many in local retail stores, craft stores, discount retailers, flea markets, and craft shows. You can even make these yourself if you are so inclined! Curious now? I’m talking about baskets! Not only will baskets give you the space you need to control clutter, but they do it beautifully and uniquely.
Kitchen:
- Try a series of a hanging wall pocket baskets (flat backs to lie flat against the wall) in the kitchen to store dry sponges, cleaning items, scrubbers, pot holders, hand towels, and clean dish rags.
- Give yourself more drawer space by putting silverware into a basket caddy on the counter.
- A lazy susan with a basket can be a great way to store condiments on the counter or table for easy access.
- Cloth napkins kept in a covered basket will be used frequently and this is a great way to get away from using so many paper products.
Family Room/Living Room:
- A great idea is a a round or cylindrical shaped wicker basket on the coffee table to hold assorted electronic remotes.
- Medium sized baskets make great storage for magazines and books that are on your reading list.
- An oversized basket is a good place for pillows and quilts to keep nearby for cozy snuggling
- Family games that are used often can be kept neatly in baskets.
Bedroom:
- A wicker hamper with a lid in the closet is a great option for storing extra pillows and keeping them dust-free. Consider lining the hamper with a sheet or large gallon trash bag to keep free of dust.
- Keep a basket near your bed with your current reading material tucked neatly away inside.
Bathroom:
- Guest towels can be neatly and attractively stored for easy access.
- Pretty soaps and other toiletries look nice in a pretty basket.
- A large covered basket makes a great looking laundry hamper.
Office/Desk:
- Keep correspondence supplies all together in a nice basket that can be taken with you wherever you are writing.
- Keep your printer ink tucked away in a basket for easy access and management.
- Keep a low, flat basket on your desk to catch the items that need to be managed each day and go through it every evening before bed.
Kids Clutter:
- School supplies, math manipluatives, stickers, art supplies, crayons, markers…these items all work great in baskets!
- Puzzles and games with small pieces can be managed neatly in baskets.
- Sort toys into similar groups and store them in large baskets.
- Off season clothing can be stored away in baskets also.
Baskets are great for saving space and storing your items attractively. I don’t know of any other storage option that is so practical and useful or beautiful. A fun idea is to add creative decor to existing baskets to make them even more attractive and personal. You can add buttons, ribbon, flowers, or even miniature figures to create exactly the look you desire.
There are so many neat places to find neat baskets! You can find them in online stores that solely specialize in baskets, from flea markets, from yard sales, from home decor stores, from home decor online retailers, even from friends who are discarding empty gift baskets!
Baskets are a great way to not only save space but organize your space as well and they allow you to do it in exactly the way that suits your taste and decor.
Just because we may be having to pinch those pennies a little harder this year does not mean that we shouldn’t make an effort to decorate and make things special for Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is a wonderful opportunity to gather with family and friends and show our gratitude and appreciation for the many blessings we have in our lives.
There are many long-held traditions on this day…one of which is a menu that stood the test of time through the generations. The turkey, stuffing, carrots, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, beans, pumpkin pies, cranberries, and fresh-baked rolls all make up the traditional meal that we are looking forward to right now!
Thanksgiving decorating has also withstood the test of time. It is steeped in harvest bounty. From the cornucopia spilling over with harvest goodness, to Indian corn and colorful apples, and squashes. Wreathes made from fruits, nuts, and ribbon are a lovely addition to any door this time of year.
Here are a few ideas for decorating and bringing in some seasonal decor on a budget.
- Table Centerpiece: Search for natural material outside. Some ideas of things to look for are seed pods, leaves, pine cones, acorns, and lightweight twigs. From the store buy walnuts (in the shell), apples, squash, gourds, corn, and colorful vegetables. Thanksgiving is a harvest celebration so food items fit perfectly! Choose one to three types of natural materials to use in your Thanksgiving centerpiece. If you use too many it will look cluttered. Choose a base for your centerpiece. A natural branch, a low basket, a tray, or even a glass plate or mirror are good items to use. Add the natural material you’ve chosen and glue it in place using a hot glue gun. Add some ribbon in a fall color to complete the centerpiece.
- Table Runner: Buy an inexpensive table runner in a light cream color. Provide fabric markers for your guests and have each person write down something they are thankful for. After Thanksgiving, pack the Thanksgiving table runner away until next year. It will be interesting to see what changes a year bring.
- Fall Candlesticks: Buy some apples that will stand up straight with the stem directly on the top. Core each apple. Make sure your hole in the apple is vertical. Stick a tall candle in each cored apple. Put a candlestick on each end of your Thanksgiving centerpiece.
- Autumn Leaves: Buy some inexpensive silk fall leaves. Scatter the leaves around the house – on the mantle, on tables, in the bathrooms, and in your Thanksgiving centerpiece.
- Candles: Buy fall colored candles inexpensively at a dollar store and place them around the house.
- Potpourri: Mix dried pumpkin slices and pieces with nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries, bay leaves, dried orange peel, etc. Place in a decorative bowl. Consider adding dried hydrangea blossoms or marigold petals for beautiful fall color.
- Baskets: Rustic apples tucked away on beds of straw and placed in colorful baskets with a shaft of wheat tied in a plaid ribbon will add beautiful decor to a mantel.
However you spread the bountiful cheer around your home this year, the most important thing to remember is to take the time to be mindfully thankful for all of our blessings!
Technorati Tags: Frugal Thanksgiving Decorating, Table Centerpiece, Thanksgiving decorating
