Showing posts with label decorating. Show all posts
Showing posts with label decorating. Show all posts

Thursday, December 27, 2012

NYE Perfection!



Last week’s post about throwing a perfect holiday soiree got a lot of good feedback, so I’m going to write one for New Year’s as well! If you’ve decided to throw a party at your place instead of waiting 20 minutes for drinks at the bar, you’ve come to the right place. I have five simple suggestions to make your New Year’s Eve bash unforgettable.

1. Get organized.

If you missed last week’s post on preparing to throw a holiday party, here’s another chance. In it I suggest making a list, prepping food and drinks the day before, having an outfit pre-chosen, and appealing to the five senses. Those tips are very much applicable to getting organized before your NYE soirée.


Auld Lang Syne might just be the most popular NYE song, so don’t forget to play it for your guests!

http://etsy.me/Ub72wE


2. Sparkle

There’s no way around it: if you’re going to have a NYE party you’ve got to make it shine. From decorations to champagne to clothes, NYE is the time to get glitzy. Think bubbles, sparkles, metals, candles … the list is virtually endless. This dress should give you a good idea of what I’m thinking!

http://poshposh.com/2011/01/adam-black-silk-organza-sleeveless-dress-with-dark-purple-sequins/

  
And both of these images of streamers fit right in with the sparkly concept. Their bubble shapes tie in the champagne as well!

http://www.marthastewart.com/856543/decorations-new-years-eve/@center/859874/new-years-eve

http://www.marthastewart.com/273592/hanging-bubbly-ball-decorations

3. Pop some champagne.

The clock doesn’t strike midnight on New Year’s Eve without some hugs, kisses and champagne cheers! Make sure you have enough champagne flutes for all your guests, and don’t forget to chill it before you pop it. You can have simple flutes like the ones below and jazz them up with strawberries.

http://theartofbottledpoetry.wordpress.com/2010/03/19/how-sparkling-and-champagne-wines-are-made/


4. Don’t lose track of the time.

And how could you with a fabulous collection of clocks like this? If you don’t want to spend a fortune on these timepieces, check out Good Will or Salvation Army. I’m sure you’ll find something there that you can spray paint to make as awesome as these.


http://ritzybee.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/12/new-years-eve-party.html


5. Have fun!

The most important part of a New Year’s Eve party (or any for that matter) is to have fun. Enjoy the people you’re with!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

The trendiest Christmas!


If you caught last week’s post on spicing up your Thanksgiving table, you know I like to steer clear of traditional holiday colors. Bringing in new, punchy colors will make your Christmas tree all the more lovely!

Along with fun colors this year, birds are all the rage. Whether you decorate your tree with owls, ostrich or peacock feathers or even bird ornaments, you can be sure to have an über trendy Christmas tree this year by accenting your tree with ornaments like these:

These owls are absolutely adorable and, even though they aren’t green and red, they really bring about the Christmas spirit!

diggardensnursery.com/shop/holiday/botanic-owl-ornaments/

I love the organic look of the birds in this tree. They are hand sewn with burlap (which makes it perfect for the natural elements trend), and its neutral color can blend with any other color combinations.
ballarddesigns.com/burlap-bird-ornaments
These beautiful peacock feathers add some pizzazz to the greenery and will make a wreath or tree look extra festive. 

thisnext.com/item/B5E8794E/Mixed-Regal-Peacock-Feather
Don’t be afraid to stray away from green and red! These winter whimsy ornaments look beautiful with the combination of blues and green. Make it a cool Christmas using all cool colors.

macys.com
I love the grays, golds and silvers combined in this ornament collection. The metallic colors make for an edgy modern Christmas theme!

cocokelley.com
And finally, this vintage pink and black ornament epitomizes holiday spirit without screaming traditional. Imagine what adding some feathers, birds or unconventional colors could do for your Christmas tree!
etsy.com/listing/84704153/pink-and-black-christmas-ornament-ball
Whatever you choose to decorate with this season, have fun and happy holidays!

Design the life you love.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Are you currently renting? Here are some inexpensive strategies to make your apartment your HOME!

Wall coverings are a great way to add some visual texture or a pop of color to your space. If you are currently renting a space, you probably have some guidelines that need to be followed to avoid any lease violations. Adding fabric to an accent wall or multiple walls can be a great alternative to wallpaper or paint. Be strategic on what type of fabric you select or where you purchase the fabric in order to avoid spending a large amount on the fabric. There are various ways to accomplish this, and the link below is just one way to achieve a crisp wall fabric application that is removable.

http://www.rentaldecorating.com/quick_fix_fabric_on_walls.htm

http://www.archiexpo.com/prod/phillip-jeffries/wall-fabrics-4420-214848.html
 
 Adding Fabric to a wall can also help absorb sound which will help lessen the transfer of noise from one apartment to the next.

Whether your don't have pretty floors, your apartment is cold, or you are just looking for a way to infuse some style into your place, here is a great solution. Carpet tiles can be arranged to create great looking rugs that come in great graphic patterns and textural solids.

www.flor.com


www.flor.com
 Maybe you have found a great wall paper or fabric that you love and would love to showcase it. Selecting various frames and similar paper or fabric patterns can create a nice collection of wall art. For a larger visual impact, select one pattern or print and display it in a repeating pattern along your wall.


 Most apartment wall fixtures are permanent. If you have a mirror that is removable, replace it with one that has more character and store the existing mirror away. If the mirror is not removable, Mirror Mate is one company that provides great framing options that can simply be put around an existing piece.

 If you want to create your own, measure the area around your mirror and create your own frame to add a fun design element to your space. Custom framing is available at many art supply stores and the framing options are endless.

Most apartments are pretty basic. Adding crown molding to your place can add great visual interest. Since this is a rental, the key is to select a crown molding product that is lightweight and can be installed with a removable adhesive or installation method causing little or no damage to the walls or ceiling. There are many inexpensive foam or PVC options available that are lightweight, look great, and can be painted for more personalization.

www.homedepot.com
 Here is an example of painted crown molding that complements the space and fits in seamlessly.

Artwork and murals can add a great visual impact to any space. Murals Your Way, a website where you can even create your own murals, sells murals that can easily be applied. Below are just a few examples to inspire you.

www.muralsyourway.com


www.muralsyourway.com
Sometimes just small touches can add that little extra you are looking for in your space. Hopefully now you are inspired to add some personality to your rental or apartment, and make it your HOME! Design the life you love!