Design Trends - The Inspired Home https://theinspiredhome.com/categories/home/trends/ Sat, 11 Feb 2023 05:36:30 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.1 https://theinspiredhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/favicon-60x60.png Design Trends - The Inspired Home https://theinspiredhome.com/categories/home/trends/ 32 32 Make Your Kitchen Feel Like the Holidays https://theinspiredhome.com/articles/holiday-kitchen-ideas/ Thu, 10 Dec 2020 19:44:06 +0000 https://theinspiredhome.flywheelsites.com/2020/12/10/holiday-kitchen-ideas/ A few little touches go a long way.

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By now, you probably have your tree out and your stockings all hung! But if you haven’t decked the halls in your kitchen yet, then take a look at some ideas to decorate your kitchen this holiday season.

Each year, I take my time and add holiday touches here and there! Most of them are subtle ideas like tying ribbons around my favorite everyday items or switching out my summer colors for those winter whites. Or just draping greenery over appliances and cabinets.

Check out how I dressed up my kitchen using some of my favorite items.

Add ribbons.

On our smaller island, I added some velvet ribbon in a dark green to our salt and pepper mills. These beauties are classic and a staple in our kitchen every day. So to make them festive, a pretty velvet ribbon in holiday green is just perfect.

  • Paris U’Select Salt Mill in White Laquer By Peugeot Saveurs Shop Now
  • Paris U’Select Manual Pepper Mill By Peugoet-Savuers Shop Now

I also added some greenery to a vase we had to make the look all come together. You can definitely do the same in your home!

Switch out your cookware.

As I said, I like to switch out my cookware with winter whites or even reds when I’m decorating for Christmas in the kitchen. Once you’re done cooking with it, wash it, and put it back on the stove for a beautiful little moment!

Display holiday cutting boards.

I also surrounded both sides with some mini Christmas trees and even a cute Christmas tree cutting board.

Get a festive baking sheet!

One thing we always have going on in the kitchen during the holidays is BAKING! Yep! We get out all of our favorite recipes and start to make our favorite treats! This adorable embossed cookie sheet is perfect to make sugar cookies on! It just gives you an extra warm feeling when you see all these beautiful ornaments ready to bake on.

  • Embossed Naturals Ornament Pattern Half Sheet By Nordic Ware Shop Now

Check out some of our favorite cookie recipes.

Dress up your dining table.

Over on the dining table, I dressed everything up with plaid placemats and then placed a set of Gibson dinnerware on top. I’m a sucker for dinnerware and this set by Gibson has the perfect little details for a Christmas dinner table. Not to mention this set comes with SO many pieces!

  • Regalia 46-Piece Dinnerware & Serveware Set By Gibson Home Shop Now

I also added some pretty drinking goblets which make everything you drink out of them seem a little fancy and special! I usually don’t keep our table dressed up like this every day, but during the holidays, I feel just a little bit extra!

  • Trestle Glassware Ornate Goblets, Set of 4 By Fitz & Floyd Shop Now

Need more holiday ideas? Click through.

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Everything You Need to Give Your Kitchen a French Makeover https://theinspiredhome.com/articles/give-your-kitchen-a-french-makeover/ Thu, 27 Aug 2020 17:39:50 +0000 https://theinspiredhome.flywheelsites.com/2020/08/27/give-your-kitchen-a-french-makeover/ It's an iconic je ne sais quoi vibe.

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There is something uniquely charming about french kitchen décor. When I went to France two years ago, my most anticipated stop was E. Dehillerin. It’s a grand French cooking specialty store lined with copper cookware, Dutch ovens, and every French pastry tool you can think of.

People from all over the world stop by this magnificent, yet chaotic, French specialty shop to bring home a French treasure for their own kitchen. The likes of Ina Garten, Julia Child, and more have all walked the aisles.

After spending what seemed like hours and way too much money, I was determined to bring a little slice of French kitchen décor into my own little rental kitchen. Being a renter, I love switching up my décor in small ways every few months, check out my pastel kitchen makeover.

Since we can’t do any intense renovations I love swapping out different decor items to give my kitchen a refresh. Not only is french kitchen decor extremely chic, but it’s also super functional when it comes to cooking. French kitchens are all about great functional cookware and an iconic je ne sais quoi.

Copper Everything

Your first step in adding in a bit of French flare: copper pots! Copper pans and pots are not only beautiful but they are some of the best to cook in. They hold and spread heat distribution evenly while cooking. It’s an iconic sophisticated piece to have in your kitchen that will last you a lifetime. Follow this easy guide to keep your copperware in top shape.

You can also add some copper with these hanging copper spice racks. How cute are these?!

  • Copper Lincoln Spice Rack By Design Ideas Shop Now

Neutral Décor

While there are some more eclectic French kitchens, a vast majority of them are French-ified with neutral, farmhouse tones. Think taupes, creams, black, and white (and copper!). These wooden utensils are perfect to keep on the counter.

  • 5-Piece Utensil Set By Epicurean Shop Now

For the most part, I love the neutral color palette but adding in a pop of color like my pink GreenPan set. If you love the look of hanging pots in your kitchen, use this tutorial.

  • Blush Padova 10-Piece Set By GreenPan Shop Now

Baskets

Not only are straw baskets useful for trips to the farmers market, but they are a great décor item. Grab a few in different shapes and sizes and use them as plant holders, organization vessels, or even just hanging up on the wall as an artistic statement.

  • Maiz Baskets (set of 2) By Design Ideas Shop Now

Farmers Market Fresh

A simple way to add an extra French touch to your kitchen is having farmers market fresh flowers and produce. It’s customary to stop by a market 1-2 a week in France for fresh ingredients and the flower selection is usually epic.

Timeless Pieces

In many French kitchens, you’ll find timeless pieces like Dutch ovens, copper pots, and a set of Peugeot salt and pepper mills. Peugeot’s intriguing design is iconic and it allows you to use them in the kitchen and bring them right to the table when serving.

  • Paris USelect Pepper & Salt Mill By Peugeot Shop Now

Other timeless pieces include Staub French ovens. I have a variety from petite pieces for rice and sauces, to my 3.75-quart French oven for stews, braises, and soups. They last a lifetime and cook like a dream.

  • Petite French Oven Stovetop Rice Cooker By Staub Shop Now

Knives

One of my favorite classic knife brands happens to be French. Laguiole knives are perfect Parisian pieces to have in your kitchen. Laguiole knives are known for their amazing French craftsman and style; they are my go-to steak knives and make the most gorgeous gift set.

  • Jean Dubost Steak Knife Set By Laguiole Shop Now

Linen Striped Towels

One of the simplest ways to add some French into your kitchen is with a few linen striped towels. They add a nice farm-style neutral textile into your kitchen. Be sure to choose your favorite color stripe for a bit of personality.

  • Brooklyn Stripe Poppy Teatowels By Now Designs Shop Now

Coffee Maker

When you go to France, you’ll be having delicious coffee and espresso at least twice a day. Pretty much all over Europe, the coffee culture is insane. There are so many different ways to brew a great cup between French presses, pour-overs, or even a regular cup of coffee.

  • KBG Coffee Brewer in Brushed Brass By Moccamaster Shop Now

We like to keep it simple around here and switch between espresso and drip coffee but lately, I can’t stop using my Moccamaster. It makes 10 cups of coffee in just 6 minutes and stays warm without burning on its unique hot plate. Perfect for an early morning cup or an afternoon pick me up.

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Overhaul Your Kitchen with These Remodel and Organization Tips https://theinspiredhome.com/articles/overhaul-your-kitchen-with-these-remodel-and-organization-tips/ Tue, 09 Jun 2020 16:34:43 +0000 https://theinspiredhome.flywheelsites.com/2020/06/09/overhaul-your-kitchen-with-these-remodel-and-organization-tips/ Now's the time.

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Raise your hand if your kitchen is filled with a hodgepodge of things you acquired over the course of your 20s. There are a million ways this happens: from college room shares to first apartments, Ikea budget items to Anthropologie splurges, from Grandma’s hand-me-downs to things you’ve taken from your parents’ kitchen, from your wedding registry to blending your partner’s kitchen with yours. Raise your hand if your style has evolved since those early days and you’re ready to hone it in and make it your own.

I get it. My style has evolved drastically over the last decade. And honestly, it’s even changed since I registered everything for my wedding (facepalm). It was only with my kitchen renovation that I finally had to look deep inside my cabinets and drawers and come face-to-face with the realization that it was time for an overhaul. I spend the majority of my time in my kitchen, and I wanted it to be a true reflection of me. Plus, it was time to get rid of the things I was holding onto for, honestly, no good reason.

The beauty of a kitchen renovation, outside of the obvious finished product, is that you are forced to empty absolutely everything out of the space. From old spices in dark corners that you’ve forgotten about to weird gadgets you were gifted one holiday from your quirky aunt. It’s an opportunity to cleanse and purge and bring back only things you love. It’s also okay to leave space for the things you know you want but need to wait to buy or find.

Our kitchen is an odd shape. I think the best way to describe it is an L or Z-shape. It’s not quite a galley kitchen, but it’s certainly not an open square or rectangle. When we moved into our home, the kitchen was filled with banks of cabinets, which in theory is great because of the storage space. But it instead left the kitchen feeling dark and overwhelming. When we renovated, we had a small budget to work off of so we decided to update what was there, rather than gut and start from scratch.

In order to help fix the overwhelming cabinet problem, we left half of the cabinets and painted them, and replaced the other half with open shelving or nothing at all. We picked areas that could use opening up to put open shelves and it worked perfectly. The room feels so much bigger and gets better light.

The downside to open shelving is that it is definitely a trend, and all trends come and go. Additionally, this meant that I wanted to decorate the shelves in such a way that looked aesthetically pleasing but also served some serious function for the overall flow of our high-traffic kitchen. In fact, my husband insisted that our shelves didn’t just serve as my styling board, but served the needs of our family, too. I laugh at this because he was not wrong, and I was happy to honor his requests.

Other updates we made were in the appliances, switching from textured white appliances to stainless steel. We switched our countertops, backsplash, and floors, too. We decided to put in a budget-friendly Carrera marble countertop (yes, in the kitchen counter world, this is the marble budget option in comparison to the trendy quartz!). We did the backsplash ourselves and put in classic white subway tile. For the floors, we splurged a bit and did a stone tile from an artisan company.

There were times throughout my kitchen overhaul that I felt guilty about getting rid of things. Donating feels good up until you realize you’re getting rid of too many items with monetary value. My advice is to donate the things that are mismatched, incomplete, or well-used. If you need to get some money back from your goods, try setting up an Instagram sale. Create a new handle dedicated just to your goods, or set up an Instagram stories sale over one day. I’ve done this before and completely sold out of everything I listed. You could even donate a portion of your sales to a cause near and dear to your heart.

One of my passions is to blend funky vintage wares with new, purposeful equipment. Some examples are that I love to find funky brass trivets and pitchers, barware, and antique ironstone serving plates, and mix them with their modern counterparts and new cookware. I specifically love brands like Dansk and Staub and make an effort to stock my kitchen with their goods.

  • Kobenstyle Pink 4-Qt. Casserole By Dansk Shop Now
  • 6-Pc Copper Bar Tools Set By Old Dutch International Shop Now

I’ll share a few examples of the things I parted ways with, to make room for things I love. One of the most obvious to me is scratched and damaged pots and pans. Don’t be afraid to make this change. Not only does this change make for a more aesthetically pleasing collection, it will also improve your cooking.

  • Copper & Stainless Steel Rondeau By Mauviel Shop Now
  • Duratux Open Frypan By Tuxton Home Shop Now

Another thing to replace is mismatched storage containers. Get rid of the broken, stained, or missing parts and replace them with a full set that will actually serve you without taking up unnecessary space.

I also replaced odd mixing bowls with a uniform set. I brought in a bamboo set for everyday use, and a beautiful hammered copper set for overall beauty and serving. The general idea in all of this is, if you can be more intentional with how you buy for your kitchen, you’ll wind up not only being more organized but much more satisfied with everything, too. Here are a few other items that I brought in, that you might like, too:

  • Thistle Nesting Bowls By Bamboozle Home Shop Now
  • Stone Hammered Solid Copper Mixing Bowls By Old Dutch International Shop Now

The beauty of a kitchen overhaul is you get to set the tone for how you want your kitchen to be when you are done. Your kitchen is meant to serve and inspire you. It’s the heart of the home and you get to decide the beat. Make it beautiful, make it functional, but whatever you do, make it yours.

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3 Ways to Dress Up Your Porch for Autumn https://theinspiredhome.com/articles/3-ways-to-dress-up-your-porch-this-thanksgiving/ Thu, 15 Nov 2018 19:19:41 +0000 https://theinspiredhome.flywheelsites.com/2018/11/15/3-ways-to-dress-up-your-porch-this-thanksgiving/ Create a beautiful entrance.

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If you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year, chances are you are testing recipes and dusting off your entertaining sets! If you haven’t thought about décor yet, I’m here to help! Let’s talk about how you can dress up your porch for Thanksgiving by creating a beautiful entrance with these simple ideas!

Purchase a Few Staple Items

There are a few things I turn to each year to help me get ready for fall. I have a beautiful garland that looks real (I even add a few real clippings to it to make it a bit more full and organic looking), and a colorful fall wreath. These two staple items are my key fall pieces that set the mood for the season. After adding these things to my porch, I break out my favorite baskets and then head outside to finish things off!

Turn to Nature

Need a little inspiration? Look outside! Some of the most beautiful décor can be found in nature. Plus, it’s free!! Instead of sweeping away all of the leaves, gather them up and use them as décor! Clip a few branches and put them in a jar, or buy a few pumpkins and place them outside. It’s simple, natural touches that make a beautiful statement!

Use Transitional Décor

Thanksgiving is the grand finale of fall; so don’t spend your decorating budget on things that won’t work for winter too! My go-to items are baskets that can be filled with things like leaves and then swapped out with pinecones for winter.

Baskets of all shapes and sizes filled with odds and ends found in nature look beautiful grouped together. The beauty of this is that you can select baskets & containers that fit your style. If like a more modern aesthetic, go with something that is simple and classic. If you prefer a vintage look, look for organic or antique baskets and jars.

Once Thanksgiving is over, swap out the leaves and branches for pinecones and evergreen clippings without spending any additional money on décor. You can re-use this idea throughout the year for all of the different seasons! Doormats are also an inexpensive way to switch it up.

MORE FALL PORCH INSPIRATION

I hope you’re feeling inspired to decorate your porch this Thanksgiving with these simple tips. I wish you a very happy Thanksgiving filled with great food and family!

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4 Products for a Dream-Worthy Master Bedroom https://theinspiredhome.com/articles/how-to-create-a-dream-worthy-master-bedroom/ Tue, 04 Sep 2018 18:29:07 +0000 https://theinspiredhome.flywheelsites.com/2018/09/04/how-to-create-a-dream-worthy-master-bedroom/ Drift off to dreamland sooner.

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Have you ever wondered what it takes to have a really good night’s sleep? We’ve all heard the doctor recommendations. Get enough exercise, take your vitamins and eat a balanced and healthy diet. Lay off the caffeine at night and stop eating a few hours before your head hits the pillow. All great advice, right? But what about when you’re actually in the bed, ready to fall asleep and you can’t seem to settle down? Here are some of my favorite products to help me drift off to dreamland!

Diffuser

Diffusers might be THE product of the decade. Along with oils, diffusers are a must have item in your “dream worthy” room and I can see why! Diffusers are one of the best ways to use essential oils and can help you unwind after a long day. Keeping one next to your bed with the right blends of oils can help you skip counting sheep and shut down all those thoughts in your head. Stylish diffusers like this one are perfect for interior design lovers like myself who cringe at the sight of unwelcoming items on the nightstand.

Pilgrim diffusers not only take care of the stylish problem but add to the world of diffusing by offering a mix of essential oils that zone in on your sleeping patterns. This starter packed called REST helps with insomnia and fatigue.

This Zoe diffuser is multifunctional, low maintenance and elegant! Plus is comes with a remote that helps control the air flow, light setting and the length of diffusing.

Air Filter

There is nothing that has changed my sleeping habits more than plugging in the Blue Air purifier into our bedroom. I have allergies all year long and also suffer from asthma triggers. I alway felt that my symptoms would get worse at night even after taking allergy medicine recommended by my doc. After running the Blue Pure 211+ air purifier for just a few days I could immediately feel a difference in the air quality in our bedroom. The air felt fresher and the room didn’t feel as stuffy!

But the best part is I can really feel a difference when I wake up in the morning. I’m not stuffy or headed to the bathroom to blow my nose! I’m not waking up in the middle of the night or breathing through my mouth either! It makes a world of difference. So I’m a big believer! With cold & flu season coming up soon, I’m so excited to see if this helps ease any of those symptoms as as well! Oh and lets not forget. It’s stylish. That’s important people! It comes with a sleeve in your choice of color so it blends in nicely with the room!

Wake-Up Light

The Philips Wake-Up Light needs to be in everyone’s bedroom. Several independent studies have shown that this wake-up light “improves the quality of waking up, improves moods and makes you feel more refreshed in the morning.”

How you wake up is just as important as how you fall asleep! With the wake up light next to your bed, the light stimulates a sunrise as you slowly wake from your slumber in the morning. The light gradually goes from a soft red, to orange and finally a bright yellow light until you are awake. You can increase or decrease the light depending on how sensitive you are to light. You might need a BRIGHT light while others only need a little light to wake them up in the morning.

Along with that you can wake up to 5 different zen sounds as your alarm goes off! If you aren’t ready to get up just yet, just tap anywhere on the light and snooze away!

Are you ready for a good night’s sleep? I’m sure you will be after trying some of these products out! Let us know what you think!

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Transform Your Entryway for a Great First Impression https://theinspiredhome.com/articles/transform-your-entryway-for-a-great-first-impression/ Tue, 14 Aug 2018 18:37:58 +0000 https://theinspiredhome.flywheelsites.com/2018/08/14/transform-your-entryway-for-a-great-first-impression/ And maybe even some lasting ones.

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First impressions are great. Lasting impressions are even better. When it comes to decorating your entryway, BOTH should be considered. At first glance your entryway should be uncluttered and functional. Style-wise, it should reflected the aesthetic of your home! Sounds like a lot of pressure right? Don’t worry. With a few easy tips, you can have your entryway looking and feeling like the best room in the house!

Let me first start off by saying not all entryways are the same. I happen to have a mudroom right off the garage that serves as more of our “everyday” entryway. You’ll find a row of hooks, a bench, and tons of sand from the playground. This entryway is where we greet our guests. We also have a closet around the corner for their shoes and bags. So this entryway is more about a little moment of style that serves as an introduction into our home.

Choose a Theme

When deciding how to decorate your entryway, make sure you choose a theme. It should reflect the rest of your home. My home is a mix of neutrals, greens, blues, and wood tones. My style is also influenced by global pieces and I love a touch of black. So my entryway reflects that!

Anchor Piece

If you have enough room decide on a piece of anchor furniture. It may be a console, bench, chair, dresser or even a carved piece of wood with hooks. No matter what have one piece that gives the space a statement.

Scent

Entryways are THE perfect space to light a candle. So when your guests walk in they immediately can feel the love. During the fall season I love to light a few candles for that cozy ambiance. During the summer I keep things fresh with a few well-scented oils and a beautiful diffuser.

Storage

Entryway storage can come in many forms. Baskets, drawers and even boxes are just some of the many ways you can hide mail, keys or even a some cash for pizza tips! These storage boxes from Bigso Box of Sweden are not only great for the office but for your entryway. Store mail, flyers or even takeout menus in these clever drawers that are functional and stylish with that gorgeous navy finish.

Little decorative pieces like this bowl and basket from Design Ideas are also great storage pieces. The wooden bowl is cleverly carved out as a piece of fruit and the top can be removed for keeping items nice and tucked away.

Are you ready to tackle your entryway?

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Build the Perfect Guest Bedroom Suite for Just $500 https://theinspiredhome.com/articles/build-the-perfect-guest-bedroom-suite-for-just-500/ Fri, 01 Jun 2018 17:25:36 +0000 https://theinspiredhome.flywheelsites.com/2018/06/01/build-the-perfect-guest-bedroom-suite-for-just-500/ The best (and easiest) kind of "renovation."

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When your boyfriend casually mentions on the way to the airport that he’ll be returning from Spain with a European houseguest (who will be staying for TWO weeks), you pretty much go home, take one look at your guest bedroom and panic.

I bought this house 13 months ago. It was filled with filthy mattresses and abandoned iguanas. Smelled like a pet store and a dentist office had a baby. The only way my real estate agent could keep me from going catatonic at signing was by whispering the mantra, “It’s just carpet and paint. It’s just carpet and paint.”

Only this house has turned into so much more than carpet and paint. In the little more than a year that I’ve owned it, the basement has flooded 4 times. Once when a pipe burst in the ceiling, twice as groundwater seeped in through a crack in the foundation, and only once with sewer water. Believe me, once is enough.

We’ve renovated 2 bathrooms, 1 kitchen, the countertops and flooring. Steadied the deck. Rewired the electrical boxes. And replaced one furnace. The other one is on it’s way out.

It’s been a revolving schedule of dust and drywall. At a late afternoon picnic last week, my general contractor walked inside, grabbed a hot dog and beer, mentioned casually that we needed to recover the can lights above the kitchen sink, then headed outside to hang with the fam. A year ago I didn’t even know the guy. Now he attends family parties and calls to check in on random Wednesdays.

Which is all to say: it’s been quite a year.

The things that needed the most attention have received it. Wet carpet and wet paint. Staving off leaks and making sure toilets flush. So you can imagine everything else has been a lot neglected.

Which brings us back to the guest bedroom.

The guest bedroom sits in a quiet corner of the basement. And has become a receptacle for all random furniture and linens that I can’t yet bring myself to drive to the thrift store. Thrift store donation drop-off and post office line-standing, two things I will avoid until the end of time.

We’ve had a few random guests stay in that room. Mostly family. All of whom have received the apologetic “please forgive the decor” tour. The room has been an mash-up of casual and contemporary modern furniture. Flea market finds and a few poorly picked pictured from my “maybe birds on every painting is a fun idea” phase.

In sum, in the spirit of Marie Kondo, little of anything in that room brings joy. It’s a discolored and sad and cold and unwelcoming mess.

In sum, in the spirit of Marie Kondo, little of anything in that room brings joy. It’s a discolored and sad and cold and unwelcoming mess.

So with countdown clock on, and a European guest arriving in no time at all, I set out to make the space modern, cozy and welcoming.

5 Space-Shifting Tricks

When renovating on a limited budget (or any budget, for that matter), having a few priorities helps you spend money on the smartest items. Here are a few of the styling ideas I kept in mind as I selected room accessories.

1. Pick a 3-Color Palette

Our guest room already had a giant king-sized bed. And as much as I wish I could start fresh, I didn’t have time or budget to toss it. So let that piece become the base for my color palette. The grey quilting on the backboard is clean, slightly formal and modern. So I limited my accessories to pinks, whites and grays with a gold accent. Narrowing down the options to a 3-color helps you limit the creative madness, and select basic items that coordinate on the color wheel.

2. Mix Textures

Forget the old-school approach to bedrooming, where everything must match, coordinate and be part of a set. Embrace your inner boho and select an eclectic, natural mix of woods, textures and patterns. A simple rule: purchase opposites. Large furs pillows pair nicely with simple burlap textures, big stripes pair nicely with teensy pinstripes, grey woods look beautiful with natural redwoods and big woven baskets. Don’t be afraid to combine a variety of items to create a cozy look.

3. Go for Greens

Instead of nailing frames to your wall, keep it simple and hang shelves, then decorate with succulents, greens and other plants. Greens always add welcome organic lines to a room. As with the rule above, pair big pots with little pots. Some with texture, some without, but keep plant holders mostly coordinated with your color palette.

4. Build a Bar

Give your guests the comforts of home by creating a sidebar of essentials. Snacks, drinks and a single serve coffee machine, so they don’t have to come rustle around in your kitchen whenever they want to nosh.

5. Hang Curtains

Forget the pricey drapes and try this trick: 15’x4’ painters drop cloths from your local home improvement store can be draped over a curtain rod (or pinned with clip-on drape hooks) for a super cheap, no-sew, beautifully natural looking curtain.

60 Minute Makeover

Total time lapsed: 67 minutes. From removing everything from the old room to tucking in the edges of the new duvet, this quick room renovation took just over an hour. T-minus 5 days until the guest arrives, and I’ve got plenty of time to sit back, relax and celebrate.

Now that’s my kind of renovation.

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These Pastel Kitchen Products Will Be the Envy of All Your Friends https://theinspiredhome.com/articles/pastel-kitchen-products-that-will-be-the-envy-of-all-your-friends/ Thu, 24 May 2018 18:18:38 +0000 https://theinspiredhome.flywheelsites.com/2018/05/24/pastel-kitchen-products-that-will-be-the-envy-of-all-your-friends/ Add a bit of color.

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Welcome to the warm weather everyone! In my efforts to try and change things up for the spring/summer season, I knew pastel would be the way to go! I love pastel colors and I think there are so many amazing décor and product options.

Pastel colors are so present in the world of design right now that they almost act as a neutral! They are no longer designated for nursery rooms and children’s play areas anymore.

These pastel tones are perfect for people who want to add in a bit of color to their kitchen but don’t want to fully commit to colored cabinetry or a semi-permanent painted accent wall. Each season I love to swap out smaller décor items like pastel topped canisters, glassware on my open shelves and textiles for a subtle thematic tone.

I know what you’re thinking… seasonal décor for all four seasons, that’s crazy! But the key to seasonal décor is to not go overboard! I’ve seen many rooms blasted with so much red and green for the holidays that I have anxiety just looking at it all. With seasonal décor always remember that, less is more.

My second rule is to choose more than one color! Whatever you do, don’t make EVERYTHING mint green. You will end up turning your kitchen into a seasonal department store display. Pick 3-5 colors that compliment one another to have some balance.

As soon as I laid eyes on this toaster I was in love. I think the moment we started to put pastel refrigerators in our kitchens (thank you, Smeg!) that the kitchen palette was changed forever.

Swapping out a few neutral throw pillows, kitchen towels and everyday neutral glassware are also great items to start with. I’m such a sucker for the seasonal department at Target and similar locations that it gives my shopping binge a purpose! Talk about win, win.

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Creative Planters You Can Find in the Kitchen https://theinspiredhome.com/articles/creative-planters-you-can-find-in-the-kitchen/ Thu, 10 May 2018 18:56:45 +0000 https://theinspiredhome.flywheelsites.com/2018/05/10/creative-planters-you-can-find-in-the-kitchen/ Upcycle your kitchenware.

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I’ve never had a green thumb. Completely unfussy cactus? I can’t keep them alive for a week. Those air plants that they swear never need to be watered? Mine dried up in a matter of days.

So if you would have told me the day would come when I’d be writing an article on ways to fill pots not-made-for-plants with ideas for turning those containers into pretty plant keepers, I would have fallen flat on the floor giggling.

But something happened last year which turned me into a plant lover. A plant shopper. A plant hoarder. A plant talker. (I actually find myself talking to my plants as I water them, “Hello little one, keep up the good work.” And “Oh dear, looks like you were thirsty yesterday, I’m so terribly sorry about that.” My plants make me terrifically tender and polite.)

The thing that happened is nothing out of the ordinary. We walked into a Mexican restaurant for date night on a random Thursday. It was late. We were there to get margaritas and tacos.

Instead, I fell in love with the lush mellowness that is a space full of fresh, live plants. Up until now, I’d relied on cheap little plastic fakies. Bright green grass that never needs to be watered. Sugar-frosted succulents that stay the same size forever.

But being in this restaurant, a space full of life and color and green-green-green, I realized I’d been missing out on the organic lines of real live leaves. Woke the very next morning and purchased 6 giant terra cotta pots, 6 houseplants from the aisle marked “indoor plants,” grabbed a bag of indoor potting soil, and spent the day dotting my surroundings with angel plants and ferns. Two palms and a tiny patch of pretty mixed succulents.

Water once every other day, and one year in, everything is thriving.

Which got me totally addicted, and quickly turned into me seeing every container in my home as a possible place where pretty little greens can be planted.

All of which is to say: whether you’re a plant lover, or a budding enthusiast, filling your home with fresh earth and wild vines is surprisingly simple. Chances are, you’ve already got containers that would make for perfectly lovely plant homes.

When repurposing existing containers, anything that is food safe is plant safe. So the kitchen is the perfect place to start hunting. Look for glazed ceramic or glass bowls, mugs and pitchers. Have a favorite piece of dinnerware that is chipped or outdated? Tuck a little plant inside, and give it new life.

Here are a few of my favorite kitchen containers turned plant keepers:

Turn Teapots Into Centerpieces

Vintage meets boho when a little houseplant is tucked inside the Now Designs Radiant Teapot.

Perfect for sitting on a table or windowsill, this uncommon container adds the perfect amount of whimsy to any room in the house.

Rethink Bakeware

That 9×13 pan you can’t live without in the kitchen? Time to get a new one! Because how CA-UTE is that classic pan planted with rows and rows of teensy succulents. A little bit of potting soil into your Staub baking dish – white, ten varying shaped plants, and you’ve got yourself an indoor Zen garden. Wouldn’t this make the nicest gift for your foodie friends, too.

2018 04 Iha Creative Planters You Can Find In Your Kitchen 2 E Resize
2018 04 Iha Creative Planters You Can Find In Your Kitchen 3 Resize

Pretty Pitchers

For plants with long roots and winding vines, a tall pitcher makes the perfect home. I can’t wait for the ivy in this Pioneer Woman pitcher to spill out of the container. A few weeks of watering and waiting, and this will look stunning sitting in the center of our kitchen island.

Upcycle Canisters

Ever find a pretty storage container or canister that you just don’t need anymore? Turn them into planters! And if you love the look of grey stoneware and simple lines, order one (or a million) of these Now Designs Canisters and place them all around your front room, dining room, bedroom, bathroom, and outdoor dining area, and… you get the idea.

Designer Mugs

We collect mugs by the millions. And I was about to toss them to a thrift store, but realized they were the perfect teensy pots for small plants. For a bit of pop and color, grab the bright patterned French Bull mug, and make every day a day when breakfast in bed makes perfect sense.

Make your home, and the world, a little greener by upcycling kitchenware and turning it into planters and pots that will dot your home with a touch of whim. What in your cupboards is waiting to become a plant keeper?

Tried this idea? We’d love to see how it looks in your home! Snap a photo and send up a shot. Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram @theinspiredhome_com.

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Create a Tranquil Spa Bathroom to Bliss Out at Home https://theinspiredhome.com/articles/create-a-tranquil-spa-bathroom-to-bliss-out-at-home/ Wed, 25 Apr 2018 15:20:08 +0000 https://theinspiredhome.flywheelsites.com/2018/04/25/create-a-tranquil-spa-bathroom-to-bliss-out-at-home/ Get zen.

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Keep it simple.

The reason a spa is called a spa is because it’s tranquil. It’s a relaxing experience that’s needed for your body, mind and spirit to unwind after a long day or season in your life. So when it comes to making your own bathroom into a spa, keep things simple and uncluttered. Only leave out things you need and everything else can be but in drawers, baskets or cabinets. I use this gorgeous cart in chrome right next to my tub to keep all my essentials for bathing. You can do the same and stock up on all your pretty soaps, oils and salts.

White

This is not a rule or anything but if you are trying to make spa like experience with every color of the rainbow, you might have a hard time. White is a great base to your decor because it’s clean and it’s also not distracting. Using white with a large or small window in your bathroom triggers some great feelings and takes your relaxation to a new level. Every heard of the color spa blue? That’s a great color to compliment any white bathroom! Try other colors like greens or neutrals that compliment nature for your towels and accessories!

Bamboo

Something about wood in the bathroom gives off an eco friendly feeling and echo friendly makes you feel like you’re doing something right! A bench like this one from Honey Can Do, makes showering a lot easier. Water resistant bamboo is perfect for shaving your legs, storing shower essentials or just having a seat while the water hits your back.

Towels and Robes

No spa is complete without the warmest towels and robes. Use hooks to hang your robe and a bench to stack towels so you have access to them right after the shower or bath. I don’t know about you but I dread stepping out of my warm bath into a cold breeze. My hubby and I were so excited to use this towel warmer from Conair. Right before your bath fold or roll your towel and put them in the warmer. It keeps your towels warm for up to 50 minutes so it’s nice and toasty when your shower is over! It’s a luxury we didn’t know we needed!

Florals and Plants

Flowers in a vase or pot help create a natural relaxing feel. It also helps keep the bathroom fresh. I keep a live plant in my shower for that very reason. I also love to keep flowers in the bathroom too! Fresh rose petals are great for the bath but even faux florals in a cute bubble vase can lift your spirits too!

Are you ready to add a little spa to your bathroom? Even if you don’t have a big budget, these small changes can transform your space into one of your favorite places to be!

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