Healthy Habits and Self Care

With the arrival of a brand-new year, many of us are making resolutions for better habits. I am all about making healthy changes, and over the years, have found that it’s more about making small changes that are realistic rather than drastic things I don’t maintain. I have noticed many people are focused on self-care in their new year resolutions, which makes sense, with the last few years being pretty hard for most of the country! Here are some of our favorite healthy habits/self-care changes:

Source: Pexels.com

-Reading more books and less screen time; I have been enjoying plenty of non-fiction reads this year, and always find myself inspired by biographies and stories of people doing heroic things. I also love the idea of reading off of a screen and holding real, paper books this year. There is something therapeutic about old-fashioned reading. 

-Drinking more water: I make this resolution about every year, but I have found I am more likely to keep it when I have a super cute, accessible tumbler around the house. Of course, I always opt for something a bit more stylish, since it’s sitting on my counter or in my car. I have seen tons of influencers promoting the Stanley 40 ounce Adventurer Tumbler, and I love it! If you want something a little more affordable to ease yourself into such a big cup (it is definitely on the larger side), here is a great Amazon option. 

-Moving my body: I always feel much better when I’m getting Vitamin D and moving my body, so I’ve invested in great wireless headphones. Of course, there are the standbys (AirPods), but I have really liked the Beats wireless pros, too. They have an over-the-ear loop for when you’re exercising or doing activities like painting or cleaning (no one wants to drop an AirPod in the sink on accident!). 

-Making my space beautiful: As an interior designer, I always center my personal designs around feelings of relaxation and peace, and the way they make me feel. Investing in things like candles, bath decor and bath bombs, lofty towels, and beautiful linens, can be an investment in my own self-care. When I design my own home spaces, I believe they should feel welcoming and bring me joy!

I am enjoying making new habits and routines this year, and would love to help you refresh your own space. Reach out today to schedule your own design consultation!

Stylish Storage Totes for Summer

When it comes to toting around your stuff, you want something that is not only practical, but beautiful! Summer is one of those times of the year when you usually have way more stuff to carry around: beach towels, swimsuits, sunscreen, snacks, and water bottles…the list goes on! Not only are there amazingly beautiful totes available these days, but they are ones that you can use as storage IN your house or room which saves a ton of space! Here are some of our favorites:

SOURCE: World Market

-Apolis Global: One of our favorite companies, because they also employ women around the world at a livable and sustainable wage. We love that they are sustainable and also make gorgeous products. Their stunning bags wipe clean on the inside, and I’m sure that you have seen them on Instagram. They look beautiful in a mudroom or entryway, filled with fresh flowers, or to store things like extra shoes, towels, or books when you’re not using them for the beach or playdates. It’s rare that a gorgeous bag can double as storage, but it’s versatile and worth the money.

-Amazon market totes: If you can’t quite swing the Apolis totes, check out the dupes on Amazon (just type in market bag dupes) and find them for under $25. To be clear, the quality is not nearly the same, and they are not sustainable, but if you have little kids, you may want something that’s not as expensive to lose or stain. You could also try them out before you make the larger purchase.

-As you know, I am a big fan of market totes and baskets, because they are also able to be used as secondary storage in the off season. I like to load them up with fresh or faux greenery and add them to a counter or entry bench space for a pop of color and texture. If you want to find the best, authentic ones, check out small businesses and creators, or sites like Etsy. They can also be found at places like Estate Sales or Thrift Stores, but they’re pretty popular, so they’re harder to come by. Amazon has a nice version for under $50, if you are just testing out the trend.

-Although storage baskets aren’t something you would take to the beach as easily, they can be used for travel or toting things between houses if needed. They look amazing on the floor or shelves, filled with throw pillows or blankets, or to hide kid’s toys. If you’re looking for a great place to find those types of baskets, check out World Market for affordable pieces that will withstand the test of time. Try to display them in pairs for maximum impact

What to Do When Your Style Feels Stale

I have periods of time when I get a little antsy, and want to change up a ton of decor, and others where I am content with how my home or space is. I think we all have waves of inspiration when it comes to decor, and that’s fairly normal! Of course as an interior designer, I feel more inclined to be thinking about design and style more than a typical person, but I also want my home to be a peaceful space where I feel content. It’s always a balance! Today, I want to talk about what to do when you feel like your style doesn’t represent you anymore, and how to handle it:

SOURCE: PEXELS.COM

1. Figure out if it’s the decor, or if it is something else in your life: Sometimes, we can want to change our decor because something in our lives feels chaotic. I have definitely been there, and have found it’s really healthy to take a few days to assess what is adding stress to your life. Sometimes it’s not decor, but it’s a lack of organization and sometimes, it’s too busy of a schedule or a stressful family situation. Before making drastic decor changes, take a day to breathe and see if there are other factors at play.

2. If you decide something about your decor is bothering you and you still want to change it, begin with cleaning and decluttering: Purge things you don’t use anymore, put away laundry, and organize things into bins or into storage that you don’t need in that specific room or space. This will give you a nice, neutral canvas to start with, and let you see what you’re working with.

3. Begin by deciding what color scheme or decor you are going for. If you are struggling to decide what might go together, consider building a storyboard or a Pinterest idea board to find things that you love. Look for common themes in things you “pin”, such as if you always gravitate towards a farmhouse style, or that you love the color blue. If you’re looking to make a large change, consider hiring someone for a consultation and help. Here at AWD, we would love to help guide your choices to build a space that reflects your needs.

4. Set a budget: If you are on a tight budget, begin looking at what you can use that you already own. If you hate the style of your photo frames or a gallery wall, maybe you can paint them to one neutral color and reuse them, or use chalk paint to cover an ugly nightstand into something more usable. You’ll never regret giving a piece second life with paint, and if you don’t love it, you will be more likely to sell it on Marketplace or Craigslist with a fresh coat! If you have the budget, consider high quality items that will last, from estate sales or higher-end furniture stores.

Changing your decor can feel overwhelming, but that’s where we come in. We love working with our clients to bring their vision to life. Call us today! 

Cooking for a Crowd (Post Pandemic)

Around the holidays (before a pandemic), we would fill our home with lots of friends and family during the months of November and December. We loved a cozy home filled to the brim with good food, good friends, and an abundance of laughter. Certainly this year is different, but I wanted to share some of my best tips for entertaining a large group! Maybe in a few months, we will all be back to a bit more normalcy!

Source: pexels.com

1) Choose a menu that has room for extras. The thing about a big dinner party of celebration is that sometimes extra guests show up. Whether they changed their mind last minute, or someone brought along a “plus one”, it’s nice to be able to pull up an extra chair and welcome them in without stressing about how much food you have. Recipes like pasta and soup are safe bets, and can be easily stretched just a little bit to accommodate more mouths to feed. If you’re doing something fancier, such as a ham, turkey, or intricate side dishes, aim to make at least 2 extra servings or plates, to allow to surprise visitors. If you’re struggling to increase your main dish, try bulking up your sides (think carbs) that can fill up more plates.

2) Consider accessibility when seating: If you have a dish or meal that requires getting up and down a lot (things with toppings, or things that require a few trips back to the buffet for butter, sauce, or gravy), make sure you can allow your guests to easily refill their plates or add their sides. If your seating is cramped, put toppings or sides onto the main table so they are easier to reach, and remember to seat the elderly or those who may need additional assistance in places where they won’t have to be jostled or moved repeatedly during the meal.

3) Make as much as you can ahead of time: This really applies to any dinner party, but when you’re feeding tons of people, you want your prep work to be done ahead of time because of the volume. Chopping things like onions and vegetables can decrease the amount of time you have to be in the kitchen, and also lower your risk of running behind on the day of because you didn’t realize how much time it would take. Salads can be pre-made and set in the fridge without dressings, and sides can be made and put into warming trays or crock pots until your guests arrive.

4) Remember it doesn’t have to be fancy to be meaningful: Even if you’re serving something simple like spaghetti, it’s okay! Light candles and set your table beautifully to add ambiance, and remember that your guests likely are not there for a fancy dinner, but rather for great company. If you’re inviting lots of people with small children, remember that they may be more frazzled or need to eat fairly soon after arrival, and try to be more relaxed with the timing. Simple is okay, and is always appreciated, because the effort and invitation matter the most.

I can’t wait to be cooking for a large crowd again!

The Inspiration of the Five Senses

Source: pexels.com

Have you heard of the concept of grounding yourself using your five senses? It’s something that many people recommend when you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious, and it’s a great thing to focus on in these uncertain times. Here are the things that are livening up my five senses, and helping keep me positive and energetic while I am home with my family. 

Smell: There’s nothing I love more than citrus. It is always uplifting and makes my house feel clean and happy. I love the mixture of lemon, bergamot, and orange. You can blend these oils together in a diffuser in your main living areas for a fresh scent. If you feel overwhelmed, take some deep breaths of your mixture as it wafts through your home. It is also a safer alternative to the candles or scented air fresheners that many use for a pretty scent. 

Touch: I am such a fan of great bedding, as you know! I LOVE pretty neutral sets, and believe in your bedroom being a sanctuary where you feel safe, relaxed, and comforted. Pure linen bedding is an investment, but it is the perfect thing to come home to (or during quarantine, to be at home with!)  Add in some gorgeous and luxurious sheets and prepare to snuggle in for a Netflix marathon!

Taste: I think I’ve baked more in the last few weeks than ever before, but I am soaking up the extra time with my kids, and baking is a great way to get everyone involved and to teach them a new skill. There is nothing more pleasing to the tastebuds than a fresh loaf of homemade bread. If you’re looking to try your hand at homemade sourdough, you can check out this awesome tutorial! 

Hear: We have had a few family dance parties around here, and it’s nice to have some music playing in the kitchen and living areas to boost our mood. I love putting on my favorite music in headphones when I am feeling stressed or need to relax (I personally love country!), or cranking up the music through a bluetooth speaker. 

Sight: Of course, as an interior designer, I am all about finding the beauty in the everyday, and I especially love a fresh bouquet of flowers. If you are struggling to find fresh blooms during this pandemic time, ask around to friends who may have fresh flowers they’d be willing to share, or you can order them online for delivery from small businesses (like Penny and Lulu). Consider sending a bunch of blossoms to a friend who could use a little bit of cheer at the same time!

Warming up your Decor

photo: timelesswroughtiron.com

Like clockwork, December’s rolled around again, and with it came the bitter cold. I don’t know about you, but I love the snow, and the whole season! One of my favorite things is a landscape covered in a perfect blanket of snow. But I can only handle the cold for so long, until I have to retreat back indoors to warm up by the fire. During the winter months, our homes become our heated safe havens, but heating them can be incredibly expensive. Instead of turning up the thermostat, I like to use some of these inexpensive but warming decor styles to help me deal with the cold.

Farmhouse decor has this style integrated very well. Every time I walk into a house boasting the style, I feel so warmed, surrounded by the woodsy interiors and the rustic color schemes. The style has been making a comeback for a while, but its roots are in the rustic cabins and lodges out in the woods, and those that built them knew just what they needed to shield themselves from the cold. Today, we’re not in a fight against the cold as much as a century or so ago, but we can take some cues from their decor and translate that into modern style. The most obvious one is wood itself! It has an insulating effect, keeping in the heat, and the woodsy look has an ambient effect that just warms you up from the inside out.

photo: havenly.com

One of my go-to’s when the snow starts to fall is an age old solution: a warm blanket. Turns out, just the sight of an afghan or a knit has a warming effect in the home, cozying up the whole room. Spread around a bunch of cozy blankets to warm up your decor instantly, and having a knit close by means you never have to be chilly again. Pair it with a nice reading lamp and a comfy chair in your favorite corner, and you have the coziest place to snuggle up with a good book. Work on the whole room by layering fuzzy or warming rugs, if you have a hardwood floor, and use pillows to lighten up the room and give it a very inviting, snuggly feel.

photo: havenly.com

Leather is another one of those farmhouse staples. Back in the day, it was entirely practical to furnish your home with natural leathers, as farms were often self-sufficient and used every part of an animal. Today, there’s many options for those who have qualms with leather, and you can still get that heart-warming look no matter what you go with. A leather furnishing inherently has a sense of character to it, and that brightens up any spot it’s put in. Pair the rich color of the leather with a cooler gray or neutral palette, and you get a great mix that’ll warm you to the core. It’s easy to use some pops of green to really pull it all together, if you like having plants around the house. If you like a more southern rustic theme, use some cactus or desert flora to really sell the mood.

Lastly, take a look at how your home is lit. If you have access to a lot of natural light, either through your windows or through a skylight, utilize it! Light, of course, is naturally warming, so keep those curtains open during the day to heat up your house for free. Also, take a close look at your windows to make sure no air is escaping through them. You want to be able to retain as much heat as possible, and it’s no good if all of it is being sucked out from cracks in your window frame or a door draft. You wouldn’t expect it, but you can really feel the difference when you make sure your home is leak-proof. If you don’t have a lot of natural light, use some warming, brighter light fixtures, and make use of candles. Not only will your home smell great if you use them, but you’ll feel cozier just gazing at the flicker from across the room.

The winter season is one of my favorites. Snuggling up with my family around the fire is one of my favorite pastimes, it makes my heart so warm. Coming in from the snow when your whole home is full of cozying decor makes life so much easier, and adventuring out in a frozen wonderland much more enjoyable. Here’s to snow outside and warmth inside!

Elegant Florals and Brass | Style Inspiration

Florals have always come into design in various forms, through the years, but I am loving the soft elegance of this season’s vintage inspired florals. I dream of these soft floral in a neutral, chic office, playing off simple solids and shimmering brass. You can find some of the prettiest floral accessories at one of my favorites, Rifle Paper Company. We love their recipe cards and vintage recipe boxes (cooking has never looked so good!), and these beautiful notebooks. 

View fullsize

Office Photo from Target.com

This season has also brought us lots of watercolor inspired florals, and their soft, whimsical styles are beautiful in just about any room in the house where you want to incorporate color and print in a delicate way. We even love them in furniture, like the chair below, which has a neutral front and an unexpected, colorful printed back (similar here). A floral chair is a great way to add fun and youthfulness to a room, and can easily be swapped out later on for a completely different look. 

Watercolor florals also look beautiful when framed, as statement pieces on a wall. Etsy is an awesome place to find prints, and you can find brass toned frames at places like Pottery Barn and Michaels Craft Stores. Try hanging smaller ones in pairs, or go for a statement piece with a large framed art print. 

View fullsize

Floral Pillow | Society6.com            Watercolor Wallpaper | Project Nursery.com Monica Hibb

It’s also super fun to balance out the florals and prints with other textures in neutral hues. Think woven baskets (above), and interesting wood stains/textures. It will add visual interest without adding another complex print. 

View fullsize

Floral Chair | Horchow.com