Category: Design and Décor 101

There’s nothing better than curling up in front of a fireplace on a chilly winter night. It’s the perfect way to end a day, and an even better place to create memories with your loved ones.  However, you may be wondering how you can update your fireplace mantel as the season transitions from fall to winter, and it’s truly quite simple. Whatever your interior, whatever your style, here are some stunning fireplace ideas that will highlight the coziness of your interior.

Stick with Simplicity

There’s no need to overthink your fireplace mantel. The fireplace is already a statement in itself, so if you’ve been rattling your brain trying to think of awesome fireplace mantel ideas, don’t worry about it. There’s really no need for the mantel to be fully decorated with all kinds of home décor, different splashes of paint and a vast array of art. Simplicity is sometimes better, especially when decorating an area that is already vibrant and captivating. Just let the fireplace shine its magic throughout your interior.

The All White Winter Look

You likely associate your fireplace with the winter. Winter is often associated with beautiful flakes of fluffy white snow, depending on your location. The beauty of the season can be the perfect idea for your mantel, and it doesn’t have to relate to the holidays either. An all white winter look, decorating with fake snow, a white wreath and white décor items can tie the entire season together right within your interior.   It’s a chic, simple look that is inspired more by the season than the holiday.

The Classic Holiday Mantel

‘Tis the season for a classic holiday mantel. Hang your stockings with care, hang a holiday wreath, lay out some fake snow with your Christmas town figurine set, garland and a string of lights. Your fireplace mantel is the perfect place to channel the holiday spirit, and you’ll certainly be giving Santa Claus a warm welcome.

Add in Warmth with Rustic Wood Elements

The first thing people think about when they see a roaring fireplace is warmth. However, people don’t just think of warmth in terms of temperature. Fireplaces instantly add a touch of comfort and coziness into the interior, and some of the best mantel ideas follow en suite. Enhance the warmth of the room with other warming décor items, such as rustic wood elements. Old, reclaimed wood can be turned into décor, photo frames, mantel storage – you name it.

Illuminate a Relaxing Oasis

With the fireplace giving off so much light, people often overlook the idea of adding in even more. However, candles can be the perfect idea for your mantel, as they increase the relaxing, warmth, and cozy elements of the fireplace. Opt for candles of all different shapes and sizes, and let your mantel play into the elements of your fireplace.

Kicking up your feet with a warm cup of cocoa has never been better. With these fireplace mantel ideas, you can tie the season into your interior with a few simple décor items. It’s safe to say that your mantel is going to be the centerpiece of your household this season.

Curling up with a good book is the perfect way to relax.  Every bookworm can agree that where you read is just as important as what you read. We can all relate to reading the same sentence for 15 minutes as a result of being in the wrong place.  Noisy, crowded and uncomfortable are not adjectives one wants to use to describe their leisure spots. Reading nooks are little areas within a home that are comfy, cozy and free of distractions. Explore the must-have elements every reading nook needs.

Get Cozy in a Corner

You may think you need a lot of space or to rearrange for a reading nook. All you need is a little corner or any space that is secluded from everything else. Reading nooks can be anywhere; consider a corner in your bedroom, a bay window or even a shed.

Softness is a Must

Increase the coziness of your reading nook with softer fabrics. Invest in a plush blanket to create a welcoming cocoon. Paint the walls softer hues to ensure a cozy, distraction-free space. If a big rug beckons, consider faux fur or a great shag rug to spend a few hours with your favorite author.

Comfort with Cushions

Soft fabrics are great, but they won’t give you as much comfort as you need to finish a few chapters of your latest read. Grab some cushions and layer them on the floor, bench or bay window. They are a much cheaper alternative to purchasing a chair. You may also want to purchase larger pillows to line the wall for increased comfort.

Lighting is Vital

A reading nook in front of a big window is always a nice addition. You get an ample amount of natural light, fresh air and peace. The only catch is when the sun goes down, your reading nook will no longer be the ideal place. To get the best light possible, add a lamp or hang a few strings of white lights. Better yet, opt for a with a dimming option to set the mood as you please.

Keep it Simple

Too many distractions can take away from your reading experience. There’s no need for tech gadgets, save for an e-reader. An abundance of framed photos, home décor and other distractions can also take your attention away from the page. Keep it simple by sticking with basics to get the most out of your reading nook.

Create your own style tale with a perfectly decorated reading nook.

When it comes to finding new styles to decorate your home, consider following the yellow brick road to the chicness that is Australian home decor. The distinct style has the type of international flavor that should be displayed around the world – including your home! Australia is known for its stunning coastlines and laid-back attitudes that inspire its designs.  Many believe that Australia’s innovative approach to décor comes from its relative isolation and the rebellious spirit of its founders. Australia frequently ranks in the top 10 happiest countries in the world. Perhaps the look of effortlessly casual sophistication has something to do with it. Read on to discover if the Australian look is right for your home.

Layer, not clutter

Layering is key to Australian style. Do away with heavy drapery and upholstery. Instead, embrace textures, patterns and colors. Focus on bold, clean accents like statement lighting or patterned rugs. Take care not to go too wild and avoid cluttering the space with unnecessary accents. Ask yourself which pieces will have the most visual impact and only use those. Items can be as ornate as you would like, but the eye can only take in so much before growing overwhelmed. Choose a color or motif to weave into your rooms. If you like the boldness of fuchsia, make a patterned rug of that color the focal point of the room, with additional touches of the bold pink color to enhance, not distract.

Bring the outdoors in

Mother Nature might be the ultimate muse when it comes to your home’s style. Australians pay homage to their coastlines and landscapes when decorating their spaces. Bring light and fresh air indoors to highlight coziness. You might have to bring furniture closer to the windows or do away with curtains; however, family and guests will appreciate the refreshed views. Natural fabrics such as cotton, wool and linen are a stellar way to bring simple touches of nature indoors.

Look down

Residents and visitors alike take part in outdoor activities ranging from scuba diving to skiing. Their interiors must be able to handle an indoor/outdoor lifestyle. Sand and dirt can make their way indoors, resulting in the need for easy, forgiving flooring. Timber is a common choice for Aussie interiors. It is visually appealing with its soft color and texture. Find out which materials work for you and your climate.

Invite sunshine

Light is integral when setting the tone for interiors. The land down under is known for its spectacular natural light. Aussies invite sunshine in as much as possible. Natural wood furniture plays with brightness and complements windows. Consider making a dining set the statement piece of your home.

Get coastal

The salt-fresh look is popular in Australia. Try focusing on decorating the walls with images of the ocean as many Aussies do. Add sandy neutrals and natural materials to your interiors. Beautiful scenery abounds in Australia.  Colors from the Outback and oceans offer inspiration for a unique coastal look. Think of deep blue, white and gray, or the earthy tones of the country, including tan, charcoal and rusty orange. For an unexpected touch, consider painting ceilings in these outback-inspired colors.

Creating a gallery wall is not only a great way to stay on trend, but creates a customized home. The Better Homes and Gardens Vintage Gallery Wall is ideal for the living room, entryway, or hallway. With just a few frames and nails, blank walls will transform into a beautiful focal point. The key to pulling all the pieces together is a balance of framing, mapping, and spacing. Although gallery walls have a reputation for being difficult, we have provided a few easy steps that will prevent any mishaps or unnecessary holes in your wall.

Frame Them Up

Frames are a great way to get creative or go for a more classic look. Selections can be uniform or eclectic to set the right tone for your statement. Just make sure the frames you choose do not leave an abundance of white space, which can give off a less than designer vibe. These BHG cover prints have been formatted to fit 11-by-14-inch photo frames that include matting for 8-by-10-inch photos. White matting works, but take care not to use cream as it may not be as pleasing to the eye as white. Select black frames with edges at least 1-inch wide. Frames of this type are inexpensive and available at Target, Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Walmart, etc. The frames shown here are the Black Belmond Frame with Mat by Studio Décor® from Michaels.com.

Map It Out

Planning is essential to achieving the right look for your gallery wall. Consider the best location for your frames and make sure the gallery fits in with the surroundings. If your home has a fountain or a spectacular view, try not to compete, as a gallery wall might seem out of place there. Pick the grid formation that best fits your space from the options shown below.. Choose a horizontal or vertical orientation for all of your frames. Outer dimensions of the frames should be the same, and take care that mat openings are proportionate. Take the time to map out what works best with the other elements in your space. Use 12 prints over a sofa, or flanking a large mirror. If space is limited, either by windows or ceiling height, use only six or nine frames in your grid.

 Hang Them Up

To plan out the grid on the wall, start by making templates. Trace each frame onto craft paper and cut it out. Mark each template with a dot showing where the picture hanger lies. Use painter’s tape on the back of the templates and stick them to your wall so you can see the layout before nailing. Rearrange as needed and experiment with different spacing options between frames. When spacing frames of this size in a grid, leave about 2-3.5 inches of space between each frame. By using craft paper and tape, you’re not damaging the walls with the nail holes from trial and error. Before removing your templates, double check the alignment with a bubble level. Add nails or screws where you marked the picture hangers, then remove the templates and hang your frames.

Make Adjustments

If you have a large blank wall such as a hallway (as in the photo to the left), you can fill the whole wall. Don’t be afraid to have some frames lower than eye level. When hanging a gallery above a sofa or console table, the bottom row of frames should start 8-10 inches above the back of the sofa or the top of the table. Nails or screws provide the greatest stability but if you need to avoid making holes in the walls, try 3M’s Command™ Large Picture Hanging Strips.

If there’s one piece of bedroom furniture everyone needs, it’s a nightstand. This bedside furniture piece may seem like nothing more than a table, but it serves an abundance of purpose from day to night.

A bedroom nightstand can be a charging station for your tech gadgets, a makeshift library for your favorite nightly reads, a storage compartment for your remotes and so much more. It’s a little nook within your room that says a lot about who you are. As such, your nightstand table deserves to look fabulous. Here are some unique bedroom ideas that keep the practicality within your bedroom nightstand, while also enhancing the aesthetics of your bedroom design.

Make the Wall Part of the Nightstand

The bedroom is inarguably one of the most important rooms in your home. It’s where you start your day and where you call it a day before catching some shuteye. Therefore, it deserves to have some personality. However, there’s nothing chic about a cluttered bedroom nightstand and too many distractions can actually interrupt your beauty rest. So, instead of piling personality onto the limited surface space, extend your nightstand aesthetics up the wall.  There are all kinds of bedroom décor such as hanging décor items, photos and art that can be removed from the surface of your nightstand, and hung up on the wall. It’ll emphasize the appeal of this little area that you call your own, and it’ll allow you to embrace a clutter and distraction-free appeal.

Stage to Perfection

With a quick swipe through Instagram, you’ll see that the aesthetics of a bedroom design have a lot to do with the staging of décor. You can essentially have whatever you want on your bedroom nightstand, as long as you learn how to place it perfectly to keep the look chic instead of looking cluttered. All it takes is a little experimenting with the different positions of your nightstand décor. Rearrange your books and magazines from big to small, position décor elements so that nothing is hidden by clutter, and match different color schemes and textures. Staging to perfection is really that simple.

Take Advantage of the Floor

If you take a look at your bedroom nightstand, you’ll see a few small slices of what look like unusable space. It’s the areas between your nightstand and wall, and nightstand and floor that are rarely taken advantage of. However, these little areas can help clear off the clutter from the surface of your nightstand, while also adding a spark of chic personality into your bedroom design. Start by removing the table lamp, and replacing it with a floor lamp where the base can fit behind and underneath the nightstand, or a lamp that is hung on the wall. It’ll give you more viable space, while also taking advantage of areas that were otherwise deemed unusable.

A Breath of Fresh Air

A touch of greenery can be the ultimate way to spruce up your bedroom as a whole. Cacti are a popular trend within interior design, and they require very little maintenance while still giving you the fresh air and stunning bedroom appeal of other plants. However, flowers can also be an excellent touch that has the added benefit of emitting a sweet aroma. Whatever kind of plant you like, it’ll be sure to give you and your entire bedroom design a breath of fresh air.

Your bedroom nightstand may seem like nothing more than a table. However, it’s a little slice of who you are. It’s there when you’re sick with a cold and need tissues and medicine close by, when you’re in the mood for some reading, or when you need to recharge your tech gadgets. So, treat your nightstand to a bit of revitalization with these unique bedroom ideas.

You always know a luxurious bathroom when you see one. It sparkles, shines and looks like something straight out of the Better Homes and Garden magazine. However, a luxurious bathroom makeover doesn’t have to be expensive. You can increase the value of your home and achieve the effects of a luxurious bathroom makeover by implementing these unique, budget-savvy home renovation tips. You get all the beauty and benefits without breaking the bank. Now that’s something to get excited about!

 1. Pay Attention to the Decorative Details

The details in your bathroom will always make a powerful statement. Ignoring them can keep the space looking mediocre and plain. To achieve the effect of a luxurious bathroom on a budget, place important on the small things, instead of the large costly items.

Ornamental items, such as artwork, statues, candles and other décor items can change the appeal of the entire space into a more luxurious one. Think about the tones that are often associated with luxury, such as gold, silver, chrome and sparkling, shiny elements. Focusing your decorative details on the fancy materials and colors will add a spark on contrast and luxury.

Additionally, the color of your bathroom holds great power within your bathroom, as it can create an astonishing visual affect that impacts the entire ambiance and aesthetics. Keep this in mind within your decorative elements, even if the materials aren’t luxurious.

2. Add in Character with an Accent Wall

When you’re not looking to do a complete renovation, focus your luxury design aspirations an accent wall. There’s no need to start adding paint tape to everything in your bathroom. Instead, pick one wall and focus on adding crucial details that will take your bathroom to the next level of luxury.

Finishes and textures can be expensive if you’re adding them to the entire room. They’ll also blend in, and not make the powerful statement you want to achieve. However, focusing on an accent wall does quite the opposite. It’s an affordable alternative that adds an impactful appearance that reflects well throughout the space.

Add textured wallpaper that has the appearance of luxurious materials, such as stone or marble on an accent wall. It’ll instantly add dimension and extravagant elegance into the space.

You can also combine the previous tip to creating the effect of a luxurious bathroom makeover with this one. Add large decorative details onto a wall to turn it into an accent wall. Large mirrors with a gold frame, or large art pieces can turn a plain wall into a fancy masterpiece.

3. Natural Materials are Timeless and Luxurious

If you take a look at any luxurious bathroom, you’ll see one thing in common – almost all of them have incorporated natural materials into the space. Whether it’s on the walls, floors or in the small details, fancy spaces take advantage of the natural aesthetics the world has provided. They’re timeless, elegant and can instantly increase the value and style of your bathroom.

Marble and onyx are certainly amongst the top natural materials used in luxurious bathroom makeovers. However, they’re also one of the more expensive options. The good news is that any natural materials will work wonders when trying to achieve a fancy ambiance.

New wood flooring, wooden vines and green plants can add a spark of nature, ambiance and luxury into the space for a fraction of the cost. You receive all the benefits of natural stone within the big price tag.

4. Lighting is Everything

If there’s one thing you’ll continuously hear being associated with a flawless interior design, it’s lighting. Lighting holds the power within any space. It can make a small room appear larger; a dark room appear livelier and a boring room appear more luxurious. Lighting will also affect the ambiance and design of your home, which is why it’s so important when creating the effect of a luxurious bathroom makeover.

There are two options available; you can go grand and extravagant with large, statement lighting fixtures; or you can go with a subtler approach with strategically placed accent lights. Both will have a similar affect when used properly.

Place large lighting fixtures, such as gold-toned chandeliers to achieve that powerful statement of luxury, or place spotlights throughout the space for a sweet, softer glow.

Since the bathroom is one of the most important rooms in your home, it’s time to give yours a little TLC. Bathrooms are a huge selling point if you decide to list your home in the future. Creating the effect of a luxurious bathroom with these home decorating tips, and increase the value, aesthetics and enjoyment of your home.