Tag: home decor

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Valentine’s Day Floral Styling | Home Tips

There’s nothing like fresh flowers to set the mood for romance and Valentine’s Day floral styling is the perfect way to bring love into every corner of your home. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner for two or simply want your space to feel warm and inviting, floral décor offers a timeless, elegant touch that’s equal parts effortless and elevated.

Here’s how to incorporate roses, peonies, and other seasonal blooms into your home just in time for the most romantic day of the year.

 

Entryway Elegance

The entryway sets the tone for your entire home, so make it bloom with intention. A tall glass or ceramic vase filled with long-stemmed roses or branches of cherry blossoms adds a romantic flair the moment guests walk in. To keep it contemporary, opt for a monochromatic palette; think deep red roses or blush peonies in a neutral vessel on a console table, paired with a candle or a small stack of coffee table books. If you’re tight on space, a bud vase with a single stunning bloom and a sprig of eucalyptus does the trick beautifully.

 

Dining Table Drama

The heart of any Valentine’s celebration is the table, and your centerpiece should feel just as special. For a romantic dinner, go beyond traditional red roses and embrace a mix of florals; like peonies, ranunculus, and lisianthus in shades of pink, cream, and mauve. Add visual interest with textured greenery such as ruscus or dusty miller. Choose a low-profile arrangement, so conversation flows easily over the flowers.

For a high-impact tablescape, line the center of the table with a series of smaller vases or votive-sized arrangements. Add taper candles and linen napkins in coordinating tones for a look that feels straight out of a design magazine.

 

Bedroom Blooms

Bring romance into your personal retreat with delicate touches of floral styling. A small arrangement on a bedside table creates a sense of calm and luxury. Likewise, consider options such as three peonies in a rounded bud vase. Or try placing an arrangement on a desk or dresser. Stylings include clustering a few vintage bottles or mini vases with garden roses, dried lavender, or baby’s breath for a more relaxed, French-inspired look.

For a bold gesture, consider laying fresh rose petals on the bed or windowsill. Paired with ambient lighting and soft linens, it’s a beautiful way to create a romantic hideaway at home.

Pro Tips for Longer-Lasting Arrangements

  • Trim stems at an angle and remove any leaves that fall below the water line.
  • Refresh water daily and add floral food when possible.
  • Keep arrangements out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.

This Valentine’s Day, let your home speak the language of flowers. Valentine’s Day floral styling is a surefire way to invite warmth, beauty, and love into your space.

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Luxury Decor Ideas for VDay | Home Tips

February, the month of love, presents a perfect opportunity for luxury homeowners to infuse a romantic ambiance into their living spaces. With VDay at its heart, it’s the ideal time to consider elegant home makeovers that blend romance with opulence.

Creating an Intimate Setting with Lighting

Lighting can transform any space into a romantic retreat. Elevate the mood by adding dimmer controls that let you fine-tune the atmosphere to your liking. Opt for opulent chandeliers with crystal detailing to bring a hint of glamour, or use floor lamps to cast a warm, flattering glow in cozy nooks. And when it comes to setting the tone for a special dinner, candlelight is always a timeless favorite—try sculptural candleholders or softly scented candles for an added layer of allure.

Luxurious Textiles for a Sensual Touch

Bring in luxurious textures to elevate both comfort and style. Think velvet accent pillows, smooth silk bedding, and crisp Egyptian cotton sheets to give your bedroom a dreamy, indulgent feel. In the living room, a cashmere throw tossed over the couch invites warm, laid-back nights with a touch of romance.

Romantic Color Palettes

Color sets the tone for any room, and choosing the right palette can instantly infuse your space with romance. Shades like blush pink, crimson, and plum bring warmth and sensuality without overwhelming the design. Use them thoughtfully; whether through an accent wall, statement art, or a vase of fresh blooms, to create a space that feels both intimate and refined. The key is balancing bold tones with your home’s existing upscale vibe.

Art and Decor for Love

Art has a quiet way of speaking volumes, especially when it comes to creating a romantic ambiance. Opt for pieces that stir emotion, whether it’s a sultry abstract, a timeless sculpture, or a dreamy black-and-white photograph. These visual elements can anchor the mood of a room with grace and intention. For an extra layer of allure, display fresh florals in sculptural vases, long-stemmed roses or exotic blooms always make a statement without saying a word.

Creating a Spa-Like Bathroom Experience

Turn your bathroom into a romantic, spa-worthy escape just in time for Valentine’s Day. Think beyond the basics, a freestanding soaking tub sets the scene, while plush robes and aromatic bath oils infuse the space with calm and indulgence. Dim the lights, queue up some soft music, and add a little decadence with champagne on ice and a tray of chocolates nearby. It’s the kind of luxury retreat you won’t need to leave the house for.

Outdoor Spaces: Setting for Romance under the Stars

Show your outdoor spaces a little love this Valentine’s Day. A thoughtfully styled patio, balcony, or garden can set the scene for an unforgettable evening. Cozy seating, twinkling string lights, and the soft glow of a fire pit come together to create a dreamy, starlit ambiance. Add a faux fur throw and a couple of glasses of red, and suddenly your backyard feels like a five-star retreat.

Ultimately, designing a romantic home for Valentine’s Day is all about intention and atmosphere. Whether it’s with mood-setting lighting, indulgent fabrics, a rich, warm color scheme, or art that speaks to the heart, small touches go a long way. This February, turn your space into a celebration of love, comfort, and luxury.

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Late Winter Garden Upkeep | Home Tips

While most of the country is knee-deep in snow, gardeners in Southern California are treated to a milder, more forgiving late winter. That said, the transition from January to February is still a crucial time for maintaining your garden’s health and preparing for the vibrant spring ahead. With a little attention and the right touch, winter garden upkeep in Southern California can set the stage for blooming success.

Later Winter Pruning Tips for Health and Shape

One of the most important aspects of winter garden upkeep in Southern California is pruning. January is an ideal month to prune deciduous fruit trees like apples, pears, and peaches. Trim back any dead or diseased branches to encourage healthy growth and fruit production come spring. Roses also benefit from a hard prune this time of year—cut them back to about one-third of their size to stimulate fresh, vigorous canes.

For ornamental shrubs and perennials, light pruning can help maintain shape and remove any frost-damaged foliage. Always use clean, sharp tools to prevent the spread of disease.

Feed the Soil, Not Just the Plants

Your garden’s soil may be working harder than it looks. Enrich it now to ensure it has the nutrients it needs to support future growth. Add compost, well-rotted manure, or an organic soil conditioner to your garden beds. This is a great time to plant cover crops or add mulch around existing plants to regulate temperature and moisture as the weather fluctuates.

Remember, winter garden upkeep in Southern California is less about survival and more about preparation. A well-fed garden now means a stronger, more vibrant garden in the months ahead.

Plan and Plant Cool-Season Crops in Late Winter

January and February are ideal for planting cool-season vegetables like kale, broccoli, lettuce, and carrots. If you’re tight on space, container gardening works beautifully in our region’s temperate winter climate. Herbs such as parsley, cilantro, and chives also thrive during this time and can be harvested fresh throughout the season.

It’s also a great moment to assess your garden layout and start planning for spring planting. Take stock of what worked (or didn’t) in the fall and envision what changes you might want to make.

Watch the Weather, Water Wisely

Despite our reputation for sunny skies, Southern California winters can bring sudden cold snaps and sporadic rain. Keep an eye on the forecast, and be ready to cover sensitive plants if temperatures dip near freezing. Frost cloths or old bed sheets work in a pinch.

When it comes to watering, less is more this time of year. Established plants generally require minimal irrigation in winter. However, be sure to check the soil moisture regularly—especially for potted plants or newly planted vegetables.

Clean Up and Stay Ahead of Weeds in Late Winter

Finally, clear away fallen leaves and debris to prevent pests and diseases from taking hold. Tackling weeds now while the soil is soft can save you hours of backbreaking work in the spring. Consistent cleanup is a key part of smart winter garden upkeep in Southern California.

Last Leaf

With a little planning and proactive care, your garden can stay beautiful and productive through winter’s end. Whether you’re nurturing a backyard haven or a small patio plot, these simple steps will keep your green space thriving as we move from January to February.

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Smart Home Upgrades for 2026 | Home Tips

If you’re looking to make your home not only smarter but also more elegant and energy-efficient, 2026 is bringing a new wave of smart home upgrades that blend beautifully with luxury living. Today’s technology doesn’t just make life easier; it enhances your space’s comfort, design, and sustainability. From intuitive thermostats to next-gen security, these smart home upgrades help turn your house into a sanctuary of modern convenience.

 

Smart Thermostats: The Cornerstone of Smart Home Upgrades

When it comes to smart home upgrades, a learning thermostat is one of the smartest investments. Systems like Ecobee and Nest now analyze your daily habits and local weather conditions to fine-tune your home’s climate. With touchscreen displays and voice controls, these sleek devices complement high-end interiors while saving energy and money. In luxury homes, they’re no longer just functional; they’re part of the design.

 

Smart Lighting: Stylish Illumination with Intelligent Control

One of the most transformative smart home upgrades is a custom lighting system. With setups like Philips Hue or Lutron Caséta, you can change the mood of a room with a voice command or app. Imagine waking up to gradually brightening lights or dimming the entire house for movie night, all without touching a switch. These systems are as beautiful as they are functional.

 

Voice Assistants: The Heart of Your Smart Home

Voice assistants are no longer novelty gadgets: they’re now essential components of the modern smart home. Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri serve as command centers for your connected devices. Whether you’re closing blinds, setting the thermostat, or starting your meditation playlist, voice assistants enhance both comfort and control. For high-end homes, integrated speakers offer a discreet yet powerful tech touch.

 

Advanced Security: A Smarter Way to Stay Safe

Top-tier smart home upgrades also include next-generation security systems. Today’s offerings feature AI-powered cameras, facial recognition, and app-controlled door locks that allow you to monitor and protect your home from anywhere. These systems are built to be sleek and subtle, offering serious protection without clashing with modern design.

 

Energy Monitoring: Smart and Sustainable Living

In 2026, smart home upgrades are as much about sustainability as convenience. Tools like Sense and Schneider Electric give you real-time insight into your home’s energy usage, helping you reduce waste and improve efficiency. Paired with smart plugs and timers, your home becomes more eco-conscious without sacrificing luxury.

 

Smart Home, Smarter Living…

As we move further into the digital age, smart home upgrades have become an integral part of efficient, stylish living. Whether you’re planning a full-home tech integration or just starting with a smart thermostat, these 2026 innovations offer endless ways to elevate your space. It’s not just about keeping up; it’s about living smarter, one upgrade at a time.

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Winter Home Wellness | Home Tips

As the days grow shorter and temperatures dip, our homes become more than just a place to escape the cold; they become a refuge for our well-being. The concept of winter home wellness goes beyond simple comfort; it’s about cultivating a space that nurtures your mind, body, and spirit. Whether you’re seeking stillness after a busy year or craving more balance in your daily routine, small changes can lead to big emotional shifts. Here are some holistic enhancements to help turn your home into a cozy sanctuary this winter.

  1. Start with Scent: Aromatherapy That Soothes

Scent is one of the quickest ways to shift your mood and create a sense of peace. Essential oil diffusers are a staple in winter home wellness, offering both functional and emotional benefits. Try grounding oils like cedarwood or frankincense to evoke calm, or energizing citrus blends to brighten gray afternoons. Ultrasonic diffusers also double as humidifiers, which can help with dry winter air.

  1. Let There Be (Soft) Light

Lighting plays a major role in regulating mood and energy levels. Swap harsh overhead lights for soft, warm-toned lamps and candles. Himalayan salt lamps are a favorite for wellness enthusiasts, said to release negative ions and improve air quality. They also emit a calming amber glow that enhances any room. Cluster them in reading nooks, bedrooms, or meditation corners for a gentle touch of magic.

  1. Breathe Easier with Air-Purifying Plants

Indoor plants are a year-round wellness win, but in winter, when windows are closed and heating systems run full throttle, they become even more essential. Snake plants, pothos, and peace lilies are low-maintenance options that naturally cleanse the air while adding color and life to your home. Group several together for a mini indoor jungle, or place one on your bedside table for a touch of serenity.

  1. Design a Cozy Meditation or Reading Corner

One of the most impactful winter home wellness upgrades? Carving out a corner dedicated to quiet. Whether you meditate, journal, read, or just sip tea while doing nothing at all, having a designated space for stillness signals your brain to slow down. All you need is a soft floor cushion, a warm throw blanket, and perhaps a small shelf for candles or books. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s peace.

  1. Incorporate Texture and Warmth

Wellness is sensory. Add plush textures through faux fur throws, wool rugs, velvet pillows, or soft flannel sheets. These tactile elements not only look inviting but also engage your sense of touch, a grounding force during times of stress. Layering fabrics and materials also helps your home feel more intimate and cocoon-like, perfect for chilly evenings.

  1. Clear the Clutter, Clear the Mind

Lastly, give yourself the gift of space. A tidy environment can do wonders for your mental health, especially during the winter months when we spend more time indoors. Embrace small, manageable decluttering projects, like organizing a drawer or clearing off a countertop, to create breathing room for both your home and your headspace.

This winter, let your home support your inner world. By integrating elements of winter home wellness, you can create a space that not only protects you from the cold but also actively restores and rebalances you each day.

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New Year, New Home Refresh | Home Tips

There’s something about the start of a new year that makes you want to hit the reset button. And while we can’t promise a complete life overhaul, giving your home a refresh might be the next best thing. If you’re craving a change but don’t have the time (or budget) for a full-scale renovation, don’t worry, you can refresh your space with simple updates that make a surprisingly big impact.

From upgraded lighting to a strategic furniture swap, here are some luxe yet approachable ways to elevate your interiors as you step into the new year.

 

1. Swap Out Your Hardware

An easy, inexpensive way to refresh your space is by updating cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, and door handles. Matte black, aged brass, and even lucite options can instantly modernize your kitchen or bathroom without replacing a single cabinet. Think of hardware as jewelry for your home; the right pieces add polish and personality.

2. Reimagine Your Lighting

If you’ve been living with the same builder-grade fixtures for years, it might be time to let there be light; beautiful, flattering, conversation-starting light. A statement pendant in the dining room or sculptural sconces in the hallway can do wonders for a home refresh. For a cozy glow, layer in floor lamps and table lamps with warm, diffused bulbs to refresh your space with ambiance and intention.

3. Reupholster, Don’t Replace

Before you ditch that old accent chair or dated ottoman, consider giving it new life with fresh upholstery. A luxe velvet, textured linen, or playful pattern can completely transform a piece of furniture—and your entire room. Bonus points if you use this as an opportunity to add a pop of color or bring in a new texture.

4. Edit and Rearrange

Sometimes, refreshing your space simply means letting it breathe. Start the new year with a decluttering session—donate, store, or repurpose items you no longer love. Then try rearranging your existing furniture for better flow. Float a sofa away from the wall, angle your armchairs, or place your bed on a different wall to re-energize the layout without spending a dime.

5. Upgrade Your Soft Goods

New throw pillows, updated bedding, or a modern area rug can completely shift the vibe of a room. For a quick home refresh, choose a new palette or mix of patterns to layer in personality. Focus on plush, touchable textures to add warmth and make the space feel renewed and inviting.

6. Bring in Nature

Biophilic design isn’t going anywhere. Bring the outdoors in with leafy houseplants, sculptural branches, or even just fresh flowers. Natural elements help refresh your space both visually and energetically, adding life, movement, and mood-boosting properties to any room.

7. Accent Walls Without the Paint Fumes

If you’re not ready to commit to painting, try peel-and-stick wallpaper, wall decals, or even large-scale art panels. These can offer color and dimension, and they’re renter-friendly and easy to update when your tastes evolve.

8. Scent Is the Silent Decorator

Don’t underestimate the power of scent to refresh your space. Swapping out seasonal candles, diffusers, or essential oils can signal a new chapter and evoke a sense of luxury. Opt for uplifting scents like citrus, sage, or cedarwood to invite clarity and calm.

You don’t need to demo walls or install custom cabinetry to feel brand new in your space. Sometimes, the simplest updates are the most impactful. So as you toast to new beginnings this year, take a moment to refresh your space and set the tone for everything you’re manifesting in 2026; one stylish corner at a time.

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The Best Neutral Decor Ideas For Your Home | Home Tips

When people think about neutral decor ideas, they usually picture boring tones of beige, but with the right combination of colors, contrasts, and textures, you can end up with absolutely fantastic results. When you start considering a palette of neutral colors, try not to stick to the most obvious ones. Neutral colors include shades like browns, grays, whites, and even metallic hues! So, with this in mind, let’s move forward with our favorite decorating ideas for awesome neutral decor.

1. Getting Started on Neutral Decor : Choose The Color For The Walls

One of the best ways to get started on neutral decor is to remember that “neutral” doesn’t mean you must use a single color. When you go for a neutral look, simply choose a range of colors that “go” with everything else. You’ll want to achieve a down-to-earth, relaxing space. With this in mind, the first step should be to work on your room’s background. By background, we are referring to the walls of the room you want to decorate. Choosing a pale ivory color can create the illusion of a room that is airy, fresh, and filled with light. Likewise, and in many cases, a few well-placed mirrors can help to make your room look larger.

2. Up Next: Your Windows And Floors

The most important part of neutral decor is your flooring and the color of your window treatments. These two will set the stage for everything else you place in that room. In addition, they are flexible enough to allow you to stray from the color of the walls. In the case of flooring, a nice earth tone will help your room look clean and fresh. Make sure your window treatments provide a contrast to your floors in order to make your room feel warm and welcoming.

3. Furniture: The Icing On The Cake

When you are looking to achieve the perfect neutral decor, you should consider using colors that contrast with your flooring. A great look is achieved by using a darker brown color for your furniture. Additionally, you should keep in mind that you can add throw pillows in a variety of tones to add an even more welcoming sense of warmth to the room.

4. Wrap It Up With Awesome Seasonal Neutral Decor 

While it is understandable that seasonal decorations will add a bit of color to your neutral decor, it is possible to maintain a wonderfully classical look all year round by selecting decorations that are crafted out of natural materials, such as wreaths made out of twigs or dry branches, and even a beautiful ceramic vase with colorful flowers that will give a touch of life to your space. It is at this point you can highlight a certain accessory by using brighter colors in a neutral room. Remember that a neutral decor doesn’t require overloading but can achieve a perfect look with a few great accessories in the right places.

5. Playing With Pastels

One of the most beautiful things about neutral decor colors is that they can be paired with certain shades of pastel to create a welcoming environment you will always love coming home to. Adding pastel-colored accents to your neutral setting will result in a sophisticated look that is hard to achieve any other way, especially if you have chosen the earthen range of neutral colors for your decor.

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Home Tips: Incorporate Pantone’s Color of the Year in Your Home

The “it” color of the year has been announced, and it is Pantone 19-4054. Otherwise known as… Classic Blue. Classic Blue is a color that is both genderless in look and seasonless in endurance. It is a color that we respond to viscerally as being trustworthy. Because of this, it is the ideal color to incorporate into any home renovations, home re-designs, and more in 2020. Check out a few ways to include Pantone’s color of the year in your home!

Paint an Accent Wall

A fun thing to do every few years is spruce up the color energy your home creates. Classic Blue is a great choice of an accent wall color because of it’s tradition and elegance. Unexpectedly, it is an incredibly bold color as well.

Get a new couch

How long have you had the couch that is currently sitting in your living room? Is it time for a new one? If so, this Classic Blue couch is incredibly clean and inviting. Your living room will be sure to include an everlasting impression on your guests.

Add a rug into the mix

Whatever decor you currently have in your home, a rug will always tie in the furniture in any given room. Elevate your home with a Classic Blue rug that even your furry friends will love!

Get Crafty through Art

Include pops of Classic Blue through prints on your home’s gallery wall. If you do not already have a gallery wall, this is the perfect chance to incorporate Classic Blue in your home. For those of you who already have a gallery wall, switch out the prints that are currently in the frames to inject creative confidence onto your wall.

Pops of color through statement pieces

If you can’t commit to painting a wall, or purchasing new furniture, you can purchase Classic Blue decor like flower vases, pillows, etc. This way you can incorporate the “it” color of the year without commitment. Transform your space through creating unique color combinations and tonal statements by intertwining Classic Blue with pieces you already own.

 

 

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Home Tips: 10 Home Décor Crafts to Turn Your Home Into an Autumnal Oasis

Transforming your home into an autumnal oasis could be as simple as focusing on the small accents you’re bringing into each room of your home. When it comes to the changing of seasons, there is nothing more exciting than when summer fades into fall. The leaves are changing, the weather is cooling down, and your coffee order changes from iced to hot. Fall is a time to put your beach towels back in storage, and get back into regular routines. Thus, making it the ideal opportunity to return to your crafting room with these 10 Fall DIY crafts in mind.

1. Fabric Pumpkins

Fabric pumpkins are a fresh way to display seasonal gourds. You can pair sewn faux pumpkins among real ones (some of which you can spray or sponge paint) during this fall season. Imagine — spare branches, scattered leaves, and these pumpkins displayed in your home. Autumnal oasis dreams.

Home Décor Craft: Sew linen, silk, and velvet into adorable faux pumpkins that can be displayed and reused every year.

2. Wheat Cluster

For an easy, lightweight decoration that still evokes the glorious fall harvest, try these dried wheat bundles.

Home Décor Craft: Begin by bundling together three to ten stalks of wheat. Then, wrap the stalks of wheat together in twine. Leave about three feet of twine hanging off the bunch in a tail. Next, cut the stalks to approximately three-inches in length. Repeat for as many bundles as desired. Then, push the separate tails on the twines through a chosen bead, loop all at the end, and tie it into a knot. Hang it upside down on your front door as a creative way to say hello to the fall season!

3. Rustic Woven Lanterns

Thinking of dressing your dinner table with fresh center pieces this holiday season? Look no further with this eco-friendly and chic way to upgrade your dinner table.

Home Décor Craft: Upcycle old mesh placemats by cutting & rolling them into tubes and stitching them along the seams. Place cylinder shaped votives around candles. Wax, soy, or electric candles – your guests won’t be able to spy the difference! Candlelight will gracefully flicker through the loose weave of the hurricane lanterns as you entertain over dinner.

4. Soft Seats

With this DIY craft, dinner isn’t going to be the only warm thing at your table. With these simple slipcovers, you can instantly reinvent dining chairs at your formal dining table over the holidays.

Home Décor Craft: To start, simply drape a finished sheepskin over the back of the chair before securing it with Ultrasuede-tape or cord. Extra fall points for choosing a contrasting cord color. Next, finish securing them to the chair by threading the tie through the sheepskin on each side with a tapestry needle (that will help you create a cuff over the chair’s top). Knot the ends and let them hang loose. Voila!

5. Gingham Knit Blanket

Believe it or not, you don’t need to be an expert knitter to tackle this DIY project; you can make this cozy throw blanket with quick-to-knit strips.

Home Décor Craft: Gather scarves in the colors you want, and sew them together. That’s it! Below, scarves of alternating stripes are sewn together to create a unique gingham pattern.

6. Harvest Branches

We love how easy these fleeced branches are to put together. Specifically how they have the power to add a touch of warm color to any setting you place them in.

Home Décor Craft: Simply pull a bit of fleece roving off a ball, and then press the end of the fiber against the branch. Start wrapping tightly, gently pulling the fleece apart (without tearing it) as you go. Wrap the branches until the piece of fleece runs out. Add more fleece as needed to cover the branch. When adding, wrap over the last inch of wrapped fleece with e.

The friction of your fingers on the fibers and the natural oils form your skin help the fleece stay on the branch and adhere to itself.

7. Pumpkin Spice Scented Candles

If you’re among the camp that counts down the days until you can sip a classic pumpkin spice latte once again, these homemade candles are for you. Poured into orange-tinted mason jars, they throw off an especially autumnal glow in any area you might have in mind.

Home Décor Craft: Hot glue candle wick to bottom of festive colored jar. Bring water to a boil in a pot (filled half way). Reduce to a simmer. Place a different jar with broken up candle wax inside into the pot of simmering water. Water should be about 1/2 way up the side of the jar. When the wax becomes liquid add a heaping tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice. Mix. Carefully pour the liquid wax into the festive colored jar. If the candle wick starts to tilt, secure the wick between two sticks or pencils. Set aside to cool overnight. Trim the wick. Light it up!

8. Nut Wreath

Celebrate fall’s abundance of almonds, hazelnuts, pecans and walnuts with this festive decoration. Use any hard-shelled nuts, including acorns you gather from your own backyard.

Home Décor Craft: Gather all your nuts, small and large. Begin hot gluing the large ones together to form the shape of your wreath. Add in the small nuts as you go to fill in the spaces. Let cool, and hang on door. Ta da!

9. Embroidered Throw Pillows

Upgrade a pair of store-bought wide-weave cushions by tricking them out with bright neutral yarns sewn directly into the weave.

Home Décor Craft: Grab some of your favorite colored yarn and sew in fun patterns and fringe with a tapestry needle. That’s it. Truly. 

10. Block-Printed Linens

Block-printed linens are costly to buy, but surprisingly simple to make. With some textile paint, muslin fabric, and woodblock stamps, you can create linens that are exclusive and unique.

Home Décor Craft: Begin by layering a paper towel on top of a foam sheet; lay pre-washed muslin fabric on top, and smooth out any wrinkles. Then, pour your choice of textile paint on a plate. Next, dab a sponge in the paint and smooth it evenly onto a wooden printing block with a unique pattern. Stamp it on the muslin fabric. Let dry. Pictured are indigo shades, but you can substitue for any color of your choosing.

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10 Simple Curb Appeal Secrets

Boost your home’s curb appeal without draining your wallet. These simple, budget-friendly fixes—like adding a wreath, painting the front door, or tending to the landscape—will make your home look like a million bucks.

Refresh a Planter

 

Pay attention to your planters. Add character and interest to your home by planting flowers in salvaged or repurposed containers, like barrels, birdbaths, and wheelbarrows. Look for inspiration in items you already own and at flea markets.

Have a Seat

 

Seating can add major curb appeal without much cash. Look for something simple and eye-catching, like a pair of chairs found on Craigslist or a repurposed wooden bench. Add color with cushions and bright pillows—just be sure to use durable, weather-resistant fabrics.

Lantern Light

 

 

Flea market finds—like these majestic lanterns—add rustic beauty at little cost. Keep your eyes open at thrift stores, flea markets, and garage sales for statement pieces that can flank a front porch.

Add a Wreath

 

Wreaths aren’t just for the holidays. Dress up your front door year-round with wreaths in a variety of fun textures and designs. Snag decor at a discount by planning ahead and buying items well in advance. Fall wreaths, for example, go on sale in November and December, so buy at a reduced price, then store until September rolls around.

Keep It Bright

 

Make a statement with a colorful front door. A fresh coat of paint can work wonders on any surface, and a bright hue ensures that your home will stand out in a sea of neutral colors. Simple materials you likely already have on hand—paint, primer, and brushes—keep costs low.

Light It Up

 

Warm lights and lanterns give off a homey vibe without much effort. You likely already have some sort of porch lighting, but consider adding a spotlight on a favorite tree or lanterns along a walkway.

Simple Symmetry

 

Symmetry is pleasing to the eye, but it can be difficult to obtain in home design—especially if your home wasn’t built with balance in mind. Capture the effect without a remodel by creating a symmetrical front porch or walkway. Matching potted plants flanking a set of stairs or identical rocking chairs on each side of your front door will do the trick.

Build Character

 

High-end curb appeal lets your home stand out—in a good way. The key is to play to your home’s strengths and architecture. If you’re on a budget, pick one feature to home in on—like shrubbery, lighting, or the front door—and make it the focal point of your exterior.

Courtesy of: Better Homes & Gardens
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