Seasonal Decor

Tissue Pumpkin Craft

I’ve shared this tissue pumpkin craft several different times over the years because it’s such a fun way to customize pumpkins to match your decor and style!

I have a 45 second how-to video in this post, but I’ve had a few mention that they weren’t successful on this project, so I created a VERY detailed (and long) video for those who want ALL the tips and tricks!

View the full-length video tissue pumpkin craft tutorial here:


Supplies Needed:

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

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Step 1:

Cut a hole for the pumpkin stem near the center of the tissue paper.

Step 2:

Cut off any excess tissue paper. You may want cut out sections of paper up towards the stem as well as extra paper around the bottom. It is helpful to not have too much overlapping paper.

Step 3:

Add Mod Podge to the entire pumpkin – be generous.

Step 4:

Add the tissue paper to the pumpkin. Notice in the sections that are cut out of the tissue paper in the image below. You can play around with the best solution for your pumpkin, but try not to bunch the paper too much. Use your hand to smooth out the tissue paper as much as possible.

Step 5:

Once the tissue paper is adhered to the pumpkin, add Mod Podge to the outside. Continue to smooth out the tissue paper.

Step 6:

Allow to dry fully – this usually takes 12-24 hours depending on the thickness of the Mod Podge.

Optional Step: I have found that the Mod Podge melts when I store these pumpkins in the attic. I added a finish spray (after the Mod Podge was completely dry) to try and prevent this from happening.

I also have a tutorial for these fun spray painted pumpkins, and you can see that HERE!

Go create something!

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Decor

Home Decor Project Ideas

Home Decor Project Ideas

It’s been awhile since I shared a home tour, and I wanted to share a summer home tour before fall comes to inspire you with some home decor project ideas!

This is one of my absolute favorite views in our home. We remodeled our kitchen several years ago, and you can see more on that remodel HERE. We had originally planned on taking the wall back further, but found some water lines we didn’t want to mess with moving. So, we added a thin base cabinet and kept the top open. I was going to add some open shelving but last minute decided on the silhouettes (which are an easy DIY project).

The hood is painted to look like wood (it’s actually plaster), and you can see that easy faux wood painting technique here.

Home Decor Project Ideas

Our photo wall gallery is still a favorite, and you can recreate it several different ways. I share the inexpensive IKEA way as well as the easy splurge way.

I love using rugs in our home, and most are fairly inexpensive. You can see more on the rugs I used in our home HERE.

This room is now going to become my office, which I’m excited for since this space has plenty of natural light. The piano is gone and being replaced with my desk. My daughter will use a keyboard in the guest room instead. I am obsessed with the mural, and you can see more of that here in this post.

I love bright spaces, and I also love dark, moody spaces. So, I use both in our home.

Home Decor and Project Ideas

We still have the traditional dining room, and we love having it to host. You can make your own paneled wall with this tutorial.

We used to have white tile in this space (with really dirty grout that was once white). We replaced it with LVP – luxury vinyl plank and have loved it so far. You can see more on my flooring selections HERE.

Here’s another moody space in our home, and you can see tips for decorating a space like this without natural light.

I used wall lamps throughout our home to add additional lighting without needing to hire an electrician.

This bathroom remodel was the first big project in our home due to a leak, and you can read more on that HERE.

Over the past year, I’ve been working on updated the upstair landing.

I added a wall treatment and a fun, bright color to greet anyone who walks up the stairs.

This hallway is one of my favorite transformations.

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope this home tour inspired you with some home decor project ideas your own spaces!

Go create something!

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Decor

Tips for Brightening a Room

Now that we’re all spending a lot more time at home, we are all looking for ways to make our home more inviting. One of my favorite ways to make a home more inviting is by brightening rooms. Obviously knocking down walls and adding windows can help, but remodeling is often not an option, here are some tips for brightening a room:

  • Declutter
  • Paint
  • Lighting
  • FlooringWe recently added new STAINMASTER flooring, and it’s made a HUGE difference in brightening our home. I share all the details on the carpet later in this post.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of STAINMASTER®. All opinions are 100% mine.

Tips for Brightening a Room:

Declutter

I’m only sharing a small snapshot of this room because it is still a work in progress (stay tuned). However, this summer I spent a lot of time decluttering our home – specifically this room. We had so much junk in it. If we didn’t need it, I either tossed it, donated it, or sold it.

Here is a before photo of the space:

Paint

Paint can make a huge impact without the high price tag. Our upstairs landing lacks natural light and was fairly dark and dreary. I painted all the walls an off-white (Behr’s Swiss Coffee) and painted the stair railing an off-white as well (Oyster White by Sherwin Williams).

Although it’s not the same angle, here’s a shot of our upstairs landing before I painted the stair railing (and before the new carpet was installed which I will talk about in a minute).

Lighting

Lighting makes a huge difference in brightening a space – especially in the darker evening hours. In the winter, it gets dark here in Indiana around dinnertime which makes for a long, dreary evening. We don’t have enough overhead lighting in our home (which was built in the 90’s), so my favorite way to add inexpensive lighting it through wall lamps.

I have these wall lamps (which you can install yourself, and I have a cord hiding trick HERE) I used all over our home. They work great for adding additional lighting to any room and work well for reading lamps.

Flooring

My last tip for how to brighten a space is an investment, but it is a fantastic way to brighten (and update) your home. We recently installed new flooring throughout our home and went fairly light to help lighten all the rooms. It is amazing the difference it made – especially in the spaces without natural light.

We selected STAINMASTER® carpet for our home:

All of our carpet selections brighten up our home, and we can rest easy knowing all STAINMASTER® carpets include a lifetime warranty on stain, soil, static shock and pet urine. As always, please refer to the STAINMASTER® carpet warranty for more details.

Here’s a shot of our stairway with painting stair railing and new flooring:

And here’s a shot of our stairway before the changes:

Are you struggling to choose the right flooring for your home? Go HERE to see tips for selecting flooring.

Go create something!

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Paint

Favorite Interior Paint Colors

Our home’s interior color palette consists of lots of off-whites and deeper blues (you can see a full home tour HERE), and I’m sharing my favorite interior paint colors. Although I tend to keep to similar wall colors, I add pops of color in other ways through accent pieces, pillows, rugs, and wall art.

Here are my current favorite interior paint colors:

  • Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
  • Behr Swiss Coffee
  • Benjamin Moore Storm Cloud Gray
  • Valspar Night View
  • Valspar Coconut Milk
  • Clark+Kensington Pine Grove

Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore

Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore is a beautiful navy. It is bold and makes a gorgeous statement. I used it on the wall treatment in our half bath. There is a reason this color is so popular.

Swiss Coffee by Behr

Swiss Coffee is a gorgeous off-white. It’s not too creamy and not too white. Our carpet has a gray undertone, and this white works well with it. It will brighten any space without making it feel stark.

Storm Cloud Gray by Benjamin Moore

Storm Cloud Gray by Benjamin Moore is one of my favorite new colors. It is definitely more of a green than gray so don’t be confused by the name. I used it in our dining room on our paneled wall, and I would love to use it other places in our home.

Night View by Valspar

Night View by Valspar is my favorite navy. It is just a little more muted that Hale Navy, and it is stunning. I love to pair this color with pops of pink.

Coconut Milk by Valspar

Coconut Milk by Valspar is a true cream. I have replaced this color in several spots throughout our home (mainly the spaces no natural light) with Swiss Coffee, but it looks gorgeous and cozy in spaces with lots of natural light.

Pine Grove by Clark+Kensington

Pine Grove by Clark+Kensington is a gorgeous, deep moody green. I painted our dining room buffet with this color and would love to add it to a smaller space like a bathroom.

Which is your favorite paint color?

Go create something!

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Paint

How to Use Chalk Paint

How to use chalk paint

Both the wood and fabric was painted with chalk paint on this headboard.

Chalk paint eliminates the prep work and does not require stripping, sanding or priming! It adheres to most any surface, and chalk paint dries quickly and cleans up easily with soap and water since it’s water-based. Chalk paint has low odor, is very durable, and it dries to the flat chalky finish seen on antique pieces.

Chalk paint only requires a quick washing of your piece with a cleaner like Simple Green to remove dirt and dust. Chalk paint is so great because it eliminates the need for prep work.

HOW TO USE CHALK PAINT

  1. STEP ONE: PAINT


    Paint the entire piece with chalk-type paint. I often use a brush (although for larger areas I sometimes use a small roller), and a little paint goes a long way. Only one coat may be needed, but I almost always find that I need two. This paint dries really fast, and it is easy to tell when it is dry. Apply the second coat of paint AFTER the first coat is dry.

    You can water-down chalk paint and use it in a sprayer for a smoother finish. See more on that HERE.

  2. STEP TWO: ADD A SEALER


    After the paint is completely dry, apply two coats of sealer. I would suggest using either a polycrylic or wax. I’ll talk more later about when to use which.

    For a polycrylic (a water-based sealer), you can apply with a brush, roller or sprayer. Two coats should be adequate.

    To apply wax, a wax brush is helpful (a rag can be used but I find a brush is well worth the investment since it makes the application easier and more even). It is not necessary to wait for the first coat to dry before adding the second coat. Also, for each coat of wax, remember LESS is more! You can add the optional dark wax if you like the aged look, but after all the wax is apply you will have to buff it with a lint-free cloth. Buffing helps smooth and removed extra wax.

  3. OPTIONAL: SAND

    You can sand at the end if you like the very distressed look. Sanding blocks with fine grit work best.

This bedroom furniture was painted with chalk paint and sealed with wax.

Tips for Using Chalk Paint

To Begin:

Make sure the paint is well mixed.
Tip the can over for 30 minutes and give it a good shake. Clean/dust the piece before painting.

While Painting:

Keep in mind the paint dries very quickly!
Do not load the paint brush with paint. The paint is thick.
Quick brushstrokes work best.
Most pieces take 2 coats of paint.
In-between coats of paint, put the brushes in baggies.
Keep the paint covered. It can thicken when exposed to air.
Use a roller for chalk paint.
Chalk paint can thicken over time, just add a little water to make it thinner.

While Waxing:

Do not overwax! Think about it like applying hand lotion – put on a small bit and massage until it is absorbed. Use a brush to apply the wax and a lint-free cloth to wipe off excess. USE CLEAR WAX FIRST BEFORE APPLYING THE DARK WAX. The dark wax adds dimension and age. Use the clear wax as an eraser if too much dark wax was added. See more on using wax with chalk paint HERE.

Painting Fabric with Chalk Paint

To paint fabric with chalk paint, do the same steps as before only water down the paintt. This can be done by adding water directly to the paint. When adding water to the paint, I suggest a 1:1 ratio: 1 part paint to 1 part water. Fabric really soaks up paint, so it will not go far on fabric. After the paint is dry, finish with a couple coats of clear wax. The result will feel similar to leather! Also, keep in mind that if your fabric is peeling, cracking or torn, paint will not fix this. See more on painting fabric with chalk paint HERE.

How to use chalk paint

When NOT to Use Wax as a Sealer:

I would NOT use was when sealing cabinets, desk or table-tops, or floors. I used wax years ago on my kitchen cabinets and had to repaint them, and you can see more on that fiasco HERE. However, I used chalk paint with a polycrylic sealer in our laundry room, and had great success. You can see more on the chalk-paint laundry cabinets HERE.

After Painting:

To clean brushes (paint & wax), wash with soap and water. (Dawn dish soap works well!) Buff the piece 24 hours after your last coat of wax if you want a shinier look. Keep in mind that wax takes awhile to cure. I usually allow the wax to dry a few days before I transport a piece or use a piece. However, keep in mind that it can take weeks for the wax to completely set.

Go paint something!

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How to use chalk paint
DIY

DIY Wall Treatments

I am obsessed with older homes because they have so much character and charm. Many of these homes have unique wall treatments, and I have tried to replicate those wall treatments in our home. I rounded up all my favorite DIY wall treatments (and tutorials) for you.

Before we move on to the projects, please realize I am not a professional. However, I love the character the wall treatments add to our home’s blank walls, and I enjoy the DIY process – even if they’re not perfect.

Also, when painting these wall art pieces, I would suggest painting the entire wall the same color – include the bottom baseboard. To easily paint baseboards on carpet, see this tutorial.

SQUARE PANELED WALL TREATMENT

DIY Wall Treatments

This square paneled wall was one of the first wall treatments we added to our home, and it’s one of my favorites.

As with any DIY project, it is a good idea to measure the space and sketch out a plan. You can also use painter’s tape to better visualize it on your wall.

I ended up drawing out the plan on the wall too, which was a great idea since I did tweak the sizes of the squares.

SUPPLIES FOR SQUARE PANELED WALL:

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

  • Primed MDF board
  • Sandpaper
  • Caulk
  • Wood filler
  • Nail gun (although we did this with a hammer and nails)
  • Chop saw
  • Level
  • Paint
  • Pencil
  • Wood Putty (to hide those nail holes)
  • caulk

We used .688 x 3 in x 8 ft primed MDF molding for most of the wall decor (I added a wider piece to the top and later tweaked that some) and butted the bottom piece right up to the baseboard.

We used a hammer and nails instead of a nail gun. After this project, we bought a nail gun, and it makes the process SO much easier. They are worth the investment.

We caulked and painted the entire wall, and lived with it for several years.

I later added cove molding to the interior of the squares, and it was worth the extra effort.

I also added a thin piece along the top to add a little more dimension and painted the wall in Benjamin Moore’s Storm Cloud Gray.

You can see more on the square wall treatment HERE, and I talk about the updates (inside trim work and green paint color) HERE.

Classic Board and Batten

Classic board and batten is timeless and a fairly easy wall treatment to create. I created this accent wall solo in an afternoon, and is there perfect addition to a kid’s room. If you’re looking for an easy DIY wall decor idea, this is it!

SUPPLIES FOR THIS BOARD AND BATTEN:

  • (9) 5 1/2″ x 8″ primed MDF board
  • (6) 2 1/2″ x 8″ primed MDF board
  • (2) 3 1/2″ x 8″ primed MDF board
  • Sandpaper
  • Caulk
  • Wood filler
  • Nail gun
  • Chop saw
  • Level
  • Paint

For this project, I began and the bottom and moved my way up. I added 3 1/2″ x 8″ primed MDF board to the base (right on top of the baseboard).

Once the bottom piece is up, layout the 5 1/2″ x 8″ boards and figure out how far to space the pieces.

The top piece is a 2 1/2″ x 8″ board.  Once that is in place (use a level to be sure everything is straight), add the larger (5 1/2″ x 8″) boards.  Begin in the center and then center a piece between the center of the wall and the corner on the right side.  Do the same with the left side.

Add another 2 1/2″ piece was added to the top (or you can use a thicker board instead of the two smaller boards – I was working with what I had on hand). To finish off the wall, add a piece of the 2 1/2″ x 8″ board.  I flipped it to create a finished edge (or ledge). 

To see a more detailed board and batten tutorial, you can see the original post HERE.

ELEGANT WALL TREATMENT

This elegant wall treatment is a little more ambitious than the other wall treatments I share, but I was able to create it solo – which means it’s doable!

Supplies for Elegant Wall Treatment

  • (4) 4.5″ corner blocks
  • (20) 1 3/8″ x 8 ft primed base cap molding
  • (15) 4.4″ x 8 ft primed corner-blocked square edge
  • (8) tubes of caulk plus some wood filler
  • (1) gallon of Valspar Reserve Paint in Night View.

You’ll also need a basic miter saw, nail gun, and compressor.

If you want to recreate this look, I would suggest going to my full tutorial HERE. However, here’s a quick rundown:

Begin at the top of the wall and work your way down.  Cut a piece of the corner block square edge to size and make sure the top piece is level while attempting to have it as close to the ceiling as possible.

Cut pieces of the corner caps and create a frame around the corner blocks. Next cut pieces of the corner block square edge to fit around the framed corner blocks.

Add a piece of the corner block square edge to the bottom of the wall above the existing trim and then cut more corner block square edge to frame in the lower portion of the wall.

Finally, frame in the rest of the lower portion with the block square edge and frame the inside that with the trim cap.

DECORATIVE WALL MOLDING

This decorative wall molding is a more delicate wall treatment and added a lot of character to our upstairs landing.

SUPPLIES FOR THIS BOARD AND BATTEN:

To see the full, detailed tutorial and instructions you can go HERE.

To begin, measure the wall and make a plan for the decorative molding.  I used grid paper which was really helpful for measurements. Once I had a plan and measurements, I transferred the plan to the wall and drew out all my frames.

Using 1.25″ trim, I mitered and framed various sized decorative molding.  Use a chop saw to cut the trim (45-degree angle) and a nail gun is very helpful when adhering the frames to the wall (you basically create picture frames). Finish with caulk and paint! It’s amazing how different colors transform these wall panels.

Which is your favorite DIY wall decor idea? Hopefully, you found inspiration here that helps encourage your creativity so you can create a DIY wall art project!

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Home

Second Nature Air Filter Subscription

Second Nature Air Filter Subscription

If you are like me and need to remember one less thing, consider automating your air filter changing needs through the Second Nature air filter subscription service.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Second Nature. All opinions are 100% mine.

Second Nature (formerly FilterEasy) is a smart and simple subscription service for home air filters. All you need to do is choose the sizes and type of filters for your home and select how often you want them replaced. They will show up on your doorstep when it’s time for a change, and Second Nature’s filters are the same quality or better than those you’ll find at your local hardware store.

There is a lot of false information out there regarding air filters, and I’m going to debunk a common myth:

MYTH: Air filters only protect your unit – they do not clean the air.

Air filters filter air. As your HVAC system pulls air from your home to cool or warm it, the filter intercepts that air in your ductwork. It acts as a barrier for anything carried by the air that you don’t want in your home. This includes things like dust, mold spores, pollen grains, pet dander, and a bunch more junk. That stuff gets caught by the filter and clean air moves on without it.

An air filter helps remove pollutants and particles that would otherwise freely float about inside your home which is a huge win for me. Two of my kids deal with allergies, so we want as many of the things that cause my boys problems removed. Second Nature filters act as a barrier to help protect my family.

Second Nature air filter subscription service sends me filters when it is time to change them.

Filters catch allergy inducing pollutants like pollen and dust, but they also catch pathogens like bacteria if you’re using a sufficient quality filter. According to a NAFA Foundation Report, the use of a high MERV can significantly reduce the risk of contracting infectious diseases such as influenza, rhinovirus (common cold), and tuberculosis. According to the study, upgrading from a MERV 4 filter to a MERV 13 filter can cut the risk of contracting influenza almost in half. So pick a quality filter and get started protecting the air in your home.

Keep in mind that a higher MERV rating may put more strain on your HVAC system since these filters capture more particles. The more particles the filter captures, the more often you’ll need to replace it to prevent it from overworking your HVAC system. Second Nature hit the sweet spot of MERV 8, MERV 11, and MERV 13. These filters keep you home well-filtered without the expensive energy bills.

  • MERV 8 (Catch Some)
  • MERV 11 (Catch More)
  • MERV 13 (Catch All*)

*”Catch All” means it collects all the particles you could worry about in an average household while still providing proper air flow. These are not medical grade HEPA filters.

If you suffer from allergies, own pets, or deal with various pollution issues, upgrade to a MERV 11 (which is what I use) – or even to a MERV 13 filter.

Second Nature is so convenient. The air filters are delivered straight to your door with the exact size you need when you need them, and your first shipment is FREE!

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Decor

Bathroom Closet Organization

Bathroom Closet Organization

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Duck Brand Easy Liner. All opinions are 100% mine.

Need help with bathroom closet organization? See how easy it is to tidy up your closet and keep it that way!

Bathroom Closet Organization

When organizing a bathroom closet, it is best to remove everything from the closet. Once everything is out, you can begin sorting it into three separate piles:

  • Keep
  • Donate
  • Trash

When trying to decide what to keep verses donate or trash, consider expiration dates and the last time anyone had used the item. If you haven’t used the item for the past year (or two), it is probably a good idea to consider adding it to the donate or trash pile.

Here is a BEFORE photo of my bathroom closet:

Once you have a plan for what is going back in the closet, it is helpful to use shelf liner, containers, and labels for keeping the closet tidy and organized. I also added some removable wallpaper to brighten up the closet. Our bathroom is very monochromatic, and I thought it would be fun to add some pops of color in the closet (and it is so much more fun to open now)!

Shelf Liner

I used Duck Brand® Fabric Top Easy Liner®. This liner is fabulous for lining shelves (They also offer Clear Classic® Easy Liner®). The previous homeowner widened the shelves in our bathroom closet, but it always bugged me that the addition was never painted.

Although I could have painted the shelves, in less than five minutes I transformed my shelves using the fabric liner. The liner was WAY easier and much more fun. One of my favorite features of the fabric liner is that it is machine washable – which is fantastic for lining bathroom shelves where bottles that are prone to leaking are stored.

Bathroom Closet Organization

I am already scheming where else I can use this liner next – like in my pantry where I am constantly battling things slipping through the wire shelving – anyone else fighting that battle with me? This fabric liner would help solve that problem!

The fabric liner is so easy to cut. I laid out the line on the shelf. Using the end of my scissors against the wall, I scored the liner. Once scored, I cut the liner perfectly to size.

Uniform Containers

I prefer using uniform containers since the cohesive look makes everything feel more organized. However, uniformity doesn’t have to cost a fortune. I found all of these containers at a local hardware store, and they ranged from $2 – $5 each. Containers also help organize bathroom necessities so easily access the item the next time it is needed. I have several containers for medicine (I separate the adult and children’s medicine), first aid supplies, and dental supplies.

Labels

I love labels because they help encourage things going back to where they belong. My personality naturally wants to put things back where they belong, but I found the rest of my family is not the same way. However, by labeling my containers, they have no excuse it not returning the item to the correct bin.

Are you ready to tackle your closets? It is an easy project that makes a huge difference!

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Paint

How to Paint Stair Railing

How to Paint a Stair Railing

We have lived in our home for six years, and I have wanted to change the glossy cherry wood from day one. We are getting new carpeting and flooring, so that was enough to push me to finally update the stair railing, so I created a tutorial for How to Paint Stair Railing.

Here is a before photo of the stairway BEFORE I painted the stair railing. This is also the old carpeting and tile flooring.

My first plan was to strip the wood and restain a less red color. However stripping was SO hard, and I gave up after an afternoon.

I realized I would spend way too much time stripping the wood, and since I’m fairly sure it is actual cherry wood, it would still look red after the new stain.

The new plan was to paint the stair railing. It would brighten up the space which has no natural light.

How to Paint Stair Railing

STEP 1: Clean the railing with a cleaner.

I used this TSP substitute. It was inexpensive, and I can use the leftover to clean my house. There are instructions on the bag, but you dilute it with water. Make sure you wear gloves for your protection.

STEP 2: Use a deglosser to give the paint something to adhere to.

This deglosser is just pour (no diluting) and go. Again, be sure to wear gloves for your protection.

STEP 3: Sand to loosen up whatever surface the deglosser had pulled away.

I used a fine sandblock and went through several of them.

STEP 4: Use a strong primer.

I used Sherwin Williams Multi-Purpose Latex Primer and made sure to everything a good coat using a paint brush.

STEP 5: Paint over everything you primed.

I used Sherwin Williams Pro Classic which is specifically made for doors and trim. In has a gorgeous strong finish that should last and is worth the money, and I used Oyster White on all the trim.

The result is a much brighter stairway that highlights our new flooring beautifully.

You can see I’m always changing things. The wallpaper and picture in the first before photo at the beginning of this post never transitioned well with the upstairs landing.

So, I removed the wallpaper on the stairway and added some chinoiserie murals from Urban Garden Prints.

They gifted me with the Vintage Bird Mural Trio, and I love the way they tie the office wallpaper and the new brighter stairway landing color.

Go create something!

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Decor

Decorating a Windowless Bathroom

Decorating a Windowless Bathroom

Decorating a Windowless Bathroom

Decorating a windowless bathroom has been one of the more difficult spaces I’ve designed. Between the lack of natural light and the tight space of our half bath, it has been a journey to get to where we are now. However, I’ve learned a lot along the way, and I’m sharing several tips and tricks for making the most of a windowless bath.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Signature Hardware. All opinions are 100% mine.

Add Personality

A windowless bath already doesn’t have much going for it, so give it a little personality. One of the first things I did to the space was add a wall treatment. It added a character and interest to the space. Here’s a before image of the half bath:

You can also consider wallpaper, which is what I ended up adding in the most recent design of our half bath.

Use Light Paint Colors

Originally I painted the bathroom a light color to help reflect light in the space and make the room feel bigger. However, it just felt boring, and I wanted more drama. I added dark color – but only to the top of the walls.

Here’s another before image of the half bath:

It bothered me since the top felt so heavy, but I loved the dark moodiness of the color. I ended up jumping all in with our current dark, moody bath – which I love!

This current bathroom remodel was prompted when we had new flooring installed throughout our back entry, laundry room, and the half bath. In order to prep for the installation, we had to remove the toilet and the pedestal vanity. Once those were removed, it was game on and my chance to really give this half bath a true, full-blown makeover!

Add an Open Vanity

This 24” Cierra Console Sink with Acrylic Stand is a win-win for a windowless bathroom. The open, longer legs makes you feel less boxed in, and since the legs are clear (lucite), it feels less cluttered than a traditional vanity.

I love timeless sophistication the Victorian Centerset Bathroom Faucet brings to the space. She definitely is a centerpiece.

Use Mirrors

I kept the previous mirror since it was long and mirrors can help make the face feel larger. Don’t underestimate the power of mirrors.

Add More Lighting

We didn’t add more lighting, but we did add better, brighter light bulbs. You can play around with the warmth of the light, and I chose to add daylight bulbs to the space. It made a huge difference!

I discovered Signature Hardware several years ago when we remodeled our master bathroom and have been a fan since then. We used their vanities and Lindsey Acrylic Freestanding Tub (the most amazing tub ever), and they have all held up so well.

Go create something!

Are you new to my blog? Go HERE to see my home tour and HERE to shop for items I use in our home.

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DIY

How to Build a Fire Pit

How to Build a Fire Pit and the Best Adirondack Chairs

We have been wanting to add a fire pit to our backyard for several years, and we finally did it! I’m sharing how to build a fire pit (it is easier than you think) and the best adirondack chairs (these things are amazing).

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of POLYWOOD. All opinions are 100% mine.

The Best Adirondack Chairs

Before I share the tutorial for building this fire pit, I have to talk about the MOST AMAZING adirondack chairs ever. We added POLYWOOD’S Modern Adirondack Chairs to our fire pit area, and it is now the hotspot of our backyard. The chairs are beautiful, comfortable and most importantly long-lasting.

POLYWOOD has so many color options (the modern adirondack chairs come in 14 colors), and they are easy to assemble. My kids helped assemble ours, and we did all five in a few hours.

POLYWOOD was the first to create outdoor furniture from recycled plastic materials. Their mission is to recover and transform landfill-bound and ocean-bound plastic (POLYWOOD recycles an average of 400,000 milk jugs per day) into durable outdoor furniture that will last for generations, and their product comes with a 20-year warranty.

We also have POLYWOOD adirondack chairs in our front yard (see more on the front yard HERE), and they look as good as the first day we got them.

POLYWOOD offers beautifully designed furniture to fit every style from traditional to contemporary to modern farmhouse. Our harsh Indiana weather doesn’t even phase them, and they are completely worth the investment – they last and require no painting, staining or waterproofing.

The firepit we added to our backyard is around 4′ in diameter and like assembling the adirondack chairs, it is a project the kids can help out with.

How to Build a Fire Pit

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

  • (64) Wedge Wall Block (3.5″ x 7″)
  • (92) Small Wall Block (3.5″ x 1.75″)
  • (5) Fire Pit Adhesive (outdoor fireplace blog adhesive)
  • (6) Paver Base Bags
  • (4) River Rock Bags

A solid foundation is important, so you will need to dig approximated 8 inches into the ground for the fire pit.

We laid the first round of pavers and dug around the exterior. Once we had a template for digging, we moved back the pavers and dug out the fire pit area. We added paver based and made sure the base was level before we began adding the blocks.

Adhesive was added in between each layer of block.

After the fire pit was built, we added the river rock to the interior, and we were done!

We love our new hangout area and will be spending a lot of time this summer enjoying our fire pit and comfy POLYWOOD chairs.

We’re looking forward to enjoying many evenings around our fire pit in our POLYWOOD chairs!

Are you new to my blog? Go HERE to see my home tour and HERE to shop for items I use in our home.

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Paint

Moody Blue Paint Color

Clark-and-Kensington-Shimmering-Sapphire-Moody-Blue-Paint-Color

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Ace Hardware. All opinions are 100% mine.

One of my favorite ways to makeover a space is with paint. It makes a huge impact with little cost, and I am so excited to share a gorgeous moody blue paint color.

Our loft space at the top of our stairs was fine, but it was far from exciting.

I knew I wanted to add more color to the space so I went to The Paint Studio at Ace Hardware to scheme about paint colors. I love Clark+Kensington paint – both for the high quality paint at a great price and the huge color selection. Last year, I painted our dining room buffet with Clark+Kensington’s Pine Grove, and it is still one of my favorite paint colors.


My friends at Ace Hardware directed me towards the “Remastered Home” color trends by Clark+Kensington. It is a gorgeous palette consisting of the following:

  • Tea & Biscuits
  • Island in the Sun
  • Frost
  • Chilled not Frozen
  • Black Chiffon
  • Simmering Sapphire (my personal favorite)

These paint colors embrace heritage and history and give traditional looks a new twist – which I love!

Ace Hardware sent me a box of goodies to help inspire me.

One of my personal favorites is an antique painting that boasts classic florals and a hint of luxe shine and captures some of the remastered home colors. I framed it and added to the space (along with the candle and secret book safe).

Wanting the moody vibe I had created with my dining room dresser, I selected Simmering Sapphire.

I took this photo with the lights on in the evening, so please note the paint color is much deeper than it looks in the can. After an afternoon of painting, I had what appeared to be a completely new space thanks to Clark+Kensington’s Shimmering Sapphire.

This paint color brings the popular inky blue trend toward a slightly warmer, darker spectrum. This blue become closer to black yet retain a rich green undertone to create a mysterious and royal atmosphere.

With a single can of paint, I was able to completely transform the space.

If you want to transform a space in your home, check out your nearest Ace Hardware. They have over 5,000 stores around the world, and I love the small-store feel and personal shopping experience.

Clark+Kensington’s Premium Interior Paint is Paint+Primer in one and offers superior coverage and an ultra-smooth finish.

Go create something!

Are you new to my blog? Go HERE to see my home tour and HERE to shop for items I use in our home.

Find me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Pinterest

We're On Instagram
I love this chair and side table from @zgallerie that I decided to try it in my office/library. I’m not sure where I love it more - here or my bedroom! It adds so much elegance and charm to the spaces. Use my code SY5 at checkout for 5% off your entire purchase.
Shop My Favorites by commenting LINKS or through the link in my bio #ZGallerie #MyZgallerie #Zgallerie #ModernLuxury #LuxuryInterior

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31 11
We waited 13 years for this - and our house looks happier with her glow-up!

We went from a drafty single door (with a 90s glass inlay I poorly covered up) to double doors that allows in more light and feel right for our home.

What do you think?

...

90 38
My patio is all ready for warmer weather thanks to the new launch with @livabliss + @galeyalix! I’m LOVING the checkerboard outdoor rug. Comment “PATIO” and I’ll send you the links! #Livabliss #LivablissHome #GaleyALixxLivabliss #HomeDecor #Rugs

...

41 16
I’ve been slowly refreshing our bedroom and recently added this beautiful swivel chair and side table from @zgallerie! They add the perfect elegant modern touch to the space. Use my code SY5 at checkout for 5% off your entire purchase. Shop My Favorites by commenting “LINKS” or through the link in my bio. 
#gifted #ZGallerie #MyZgallerie #Zgallerie #ModernLuxury

...

21 16
What started as a leak turned into my dream bathroom ✨ I partnered with @wayfair and found everything - from checkerboard tile to the vanities, mirrors, and faucets. Comment “LINK” and I’ll send you all my favorite finds! *Shower glass coming soon! #ad #wayfaircreator #homereno

...

70 34
@wayfair is helping us turn a disaster into something beautiful ✨A leak from our upstairs shower led to a full remodel, and I can’t wait to show you the AFTER! Bathroom remodel reveal coming soon. Comment “LINKS” and I’ll send all my Wayfair favorites! #ad #wayfaircreator #wayfair #homereno

...

48 15
*TWO THINGS that make wallpaper removal easy* Wallpaper has come a long way and there’s no need to be scared of it anymore! Before I hang wallpaper, I size the walls and often use pre-pasted SureStrip wallpaper that is activated with water! Comment WALLPAPER for easy to remove wallpaper links!

...

41 29
What a difference pattern can make in a space! 

Are you ready to try wallpaper in your home?

...

131 46
2016 didn’t seem that long ago until I dug through my blog for old home photos. 😳

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112 13
Dreaming of spring days while winter does its thing.

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63 14
We're On Instagram
I love this chair and side table from @zgallerie that I decided to try it in my office/library. I’m not sure where I love it more - here or my bedroom! It adds so much elegance and charm to the spaces. Use my code SY5 at checkout for 5% off your entire purchase.
Shop My Favorites by commenting LINKS or through the link in my bio #ZGallerie #MyZgallerie #Zgallerie #ModernLuxury #LuxuryInterior

...

31 11
We waited 13 years for this - and our house looks happier with her glow-up!

We went from a drafty single door (with a 90s glass inlay I poorly covered up) to double doors that allows in more light and feel right for our home.

What do you think?

...

90 38
My patio is all ready for warmer weather thanks to the new launch with @livabliss + @galeyalix! I’m LOVING the checkerboard outdoor rug. Comment “PATIO” and I’ll send you the links! #Livabliss #LivablissHome #GaleyALixxLivabliss #HomeDecor #Rugs

...

41 16
I’ve been slowly refreshing our bedroom and recently added this beautiful swivel chair and side table from @zgallerie! They add the perfect elegant modern touch to the space. Use my code SY5 at checkout for 5% off your entire purchase. Shop My Favorites by commenting “LINKS” or through the link in my bio. 
#gifted #ZGallerie #MyZgallerie #Zgallerie #ModernLuxury

...

21 16
What started as a leak turned into my dream bathroom ✨ I partnered with @wayfair and found everything - from checkerboard tile to the vanities, mirrors, and faucets. Comment “LINK” and I’ll send you all my favorite finds! *Shower glass coming soon! #ad #wayfaircreator #homereno

...

70 34
@wayfair is helping us turn a disaster into something beautiful ✨A leak from our upstairs shower led to a full remodel, and I can’t wait to show you the AFTER! Bathroom remodel reveal coming soon. Comment “LINKS” and I’ll send all my Wayfair favorites! #ad #wayfaircreator #wayfair #homereno

...

48 15
*TWO THINGS that make wallpaper removal easy* Wallpaper has come a long way and there’s no need to be scared of it anymore! Before I hang wallpaper, I size the walls and often use pre-pasted SureStrip wallpaper that is activated with water! Comment WALLPAPER for easy to remove wallpaper links!

...

41 29
What a difference pattern can make in a space! 

Are you ready to try wallpaper in your home?

...

131 46
2016 didn’t seem that long ago until I dug through my blog for old home photos. 😳

...

112 13
Dreaming of spring days while winter does its thing.

...

63 14