Decorology

Category: entertaining

  • Guest Rooms You Won’t Want to Leave!

    Guest Rooms You Won’t Want to Leave!

    Our spare bedroom has been on my mind lately since warm weather is on its way and tends to bring visitors with it! I’m excited to be hosting since we have a home and space to do it now. Here is some guest room eye candy that I might not want to leave if I got the chance to stay:

    Don’t fill a guest room up with too much furniture unless it’s furniture they can use to spread their stuff out on.  A chair or bench is nice to have.  Floor space or a luggage rack gives them a place to keep luggage.  You don’t want them putting luggage on the bed.

    Stunning! via Honeysuckle Life

    Using two twin beds means you can accommodate couples or non-couples.

    Most of us probably don’t have space like the home above, so tighter quarters can make the most of square footage by utilizing a daybed that looks and functions as a sofa, but also as a bed for visitors.

    I think a guest bedroom is a great place to try an accent color, wallpaper, or other design trend that you’re nervous to use in the rest of the house.  Since you aren’t necessarily in your guest room everyday, it isn’t an element you’ll have to live with constantly if it proves to be too much.

    Generally in my book, futons are a no-no, but this one is looking pretty chic.

  • Super small spaces inspiration

    Super small spaces inspiration

    Small Spaces

    Small spaces can pose a lot of challenges. You don’t have to give up great decor just because you live small! These tiny homes (mostly camper, rvs, and caravans) prove you can live stylishly, conveniently, and efficiently!

    On old school bus turned super awesome RV...unfortunately for it to save you any money you'd HAVE to convert it to bio-diesel.
    Sometimes the most difficult small spaces are the most exciting to decorate. It can be a challenge but you will be forced to come up with more creative ideas.

    Yes, this is a French Caravan…
    via Tiny Houses Swoon

    I remember some of our best family trips were when we were crammed in a small space together. It’s amazing what living simply can do for a relationship.
    tiny house, tiny house interior without a loft This is a cute nook space for reading a book and drinking some coffee, and eationg a small brunch. I can see myseld now....
    via tinyhouseblog

    I would love to have the opportunity to design and decorate my own little home on wheels!

    via BuzzFeed

    What would you put in your home on wheels?

  • Functional over frills.

    Functional over frills.

    When you talking about home decor some would assume that it’s more about the fun of decorating than the functionality. That is where I disagree. Decorating isn’t all about the frills, its about function too. 
    :
    There’s no point in spending money on a room just to decorate it without considering how it’s going to function and if it’s going to need the need of the person using the space.
    Navy + White:
    You wouldn’t spend the money for a high quality stunning kitchen with multiple seating if you weren’t interested in cooking or entertaining!
    5 tips for updating your bathroom with the Crate and Barrel Gift Registry on 100 Layer Cake:
    Each room needs a sense of functionality to make it worth living in! That should be a major factor before you even decide to decorate. Make sure what you pick is going to serve your needs.
    Project H Bedroom Reveal: Before and After by Avenue Lifestyle:
    Do you decorate with purpose?

  • 4 Must Have’s

    I get a lot of questions on what are my must have’s in a home and my list is surprising small!
    Natural light and large windows are my number one priority! 
    Switch things up in 2016 with these pattern trends to try in your home. Plaid, herringbone and floral are all in the spotlight this year. Add little accents of these trendy patterns or go big and completely redecorate a room using these trends.:
    via bhg
    Since I work from home, a dedicated work space is a must! It doesn’t have to be huge, just something that is functional and well lit. 
    Beautiful backyard living space courtesy of Brooklyn Limestone:
    Outdoor space to entertain! I love having family and friends around me as much as I can!
    In a perfect world. I love that the doggy door and food bowls are included.:
    An extra bonus would be a mudroom that is pet friendly! I love the idea of a doggy tub to wash off muddy paws. 
    That’s pretty much it! I don’t need fancy expensive things. A floor plan is more important to me than a finished home. You can always update things as you need to! What are your must haves?
  • Living with a Loft

    Living with a Loft

    When I was apartment hopping, I always pictured myself living in one with a loft. Just the thought of it gave me so many design ideas that I probably wouldn’t know where to start. Now with the tiny home living you see a bunch of little lofts with bedrooms and I wonder, how would I have decorated my loft apartment?
    Since the loft is usually visible to the rest of the apartment, would I get frustrated with always having a view of it and keeping it clean for when guests come over?
    The 18 Most Beautiful Lofts You’ve Ever Seen via Brit + Co.:
    via brit.co
    Or maybe I could love it being up and away from the rest of the world.
    Would I keep the same design style and color scheme throughout the apartment so it didn’t look choppy?
    Frankfort, Germany | Built from a recycled barn, one entire side of the house is built from the old barn brick, each of which have been washed with a brush. Beams have been recycled as structural support for the mezzanine where there's a family room (with a lovely wicker swing!) and study. Love the stairs and the multi-angled ceiling as well.:
    via curbed
    If it was partially hidden, would I create it as a little getaway?

    What would you do with a loft?
  • Narrow and Functional

    Narrow and Functional

    It’s rare that narrow and functional come together in one sentence! In this case, I’ve found a few narrow but functional spaces to share with you. 
    Narrow London Living Room - Small Living Rooms (houseandgarden.co.uk):
    There’s something about a living room being narrow that makes it feel impossible to entertain. It’s all about the layout. Move your furniture around and find a sense of flow that works for you.
    Make use of what you have! Creating storage and extra seating or a day bed can make any narrow guest room / office work for you.
    How To Make A Narrow Powder Room Feel Inviting And Comfortable – 15 Ideas:
    via homedit
    Narrow bathrooms are pain, but are totally functional! Here the motto is less is more!
    Babies don’t take up much space, but their things do! In narrow spaces, it’s important to have necessities only. 
    kitchen - wood counters countertops, white cabinets with glass doors over visible shelves, vintage oriental rug runner:
    via hgtv
    Narrow kitchens can still be “open”. Make use of all the wall space you have and create as much functionality by keeping the walkway empty. 
    Contemporary Loft Finds The Perfect Balance Between Cool And Elegant The loft has a very cool balcony. It’s small but very inviting and beautiful. The designer used Cumaru wood for the balcony seats and floor and he also designed the roof to match them. Overall, the loft is very beautifully balanced. The combination of cement, distressed leather, natural linen, rich wood and the perfect wall décor makes this space a dream home.:
    via homedit
    A balcony can go from standing room only, to very roomy with a simple bench seat. 
    How do you make your narrow spaces functional?
  • Small Backyards

    Small Backyards

    With downsizing our homes comes downsizing our outdoor areas. For those of us who love to be outdoors but have limited space, what are you supposed to do?
    It’s obvious square footage isn’t required for a stunning space. Some beautiful stone, some great plants, and a nice place to sit is all you really need!
    side yard idea - the curve of the path adds interest and takes the eye around the garden, not just straight down.
    via bhg
    What would you do with a small backyard?
  • Making a galley kitchen work!

    Making a galley kitchen work!

    For those of us who love to cook, we tend to look down at a galley kitchen as a non-functional environment. Here are a few ways you can make a galley kitchen work for you!
    For the long galley kitchens, consider taking away some of the upper cabinets so it doesn’t feel as cramped. Maximize your storage and minimize your items to only the necessities. You might also consider getting a hutch in your dinning room to hold the extras. 
    galley kitchen - narrow width, door at end and store cupboard
    Keep it clean! Make sure the counter tops are cleaned off and there’s nothing in the way of the floor. It will make your walkway look bigger and give you a roomier feeling.
    Keep it well lit! A bright kitchen is a happy kitchen. Natural light is always a better option but if you can’t get that, any lighting will work. Make it feel bright and airy!
    Small footprint but the stud height creates a sense of space. Like the white and wood together.
    via nytimes
    If you can, open up one wall to make it feel more open and easier for entertaining. 
    How would you decorate your galley kitchen?

  • GLAM New Year’s Eve Decor

    While we aren’t hosting New Year’s this year, we are hosting an “after-party” on the following day – my husband’s friends are serious about this stuff…

    Knowing me, I’ll be too exhausted from Christmas to actually decorate at all, but if I were the energizer-bunny type, I’d be all over some of these ideas.

    Love the photos hanging from balloons – so cute.
    via Pinterest via Carla Aston

    Love all the cakes stands to hold finger foods.
    via Savvy Events

    Love the ornaments hung like disco balls.
    via Southern Productions

    A super sophisticated approach.
    via Carla Aston

    These awesome “fireworks” are easy to make with styrofoam and toothpicks.  Learn how here.
    via Pinterest via The Examiner

    This gold brushstrokey look is so pretty -and easy!
    via Happywedd

    Adding some glitter to your hurricanes is a nice touch too.
    via The 36th Avenue

    Anyone here hosting a New Year’s soiree? What are your ideas?

  • Chic, affordable ways to get your home ready for guests

    Undoubtedly at some point this holiday season you will be invaded by at least one guest.  For me, the toughest part of hosting is having a place to keep the extra “stuff” that comes along with a guest, or all of my stuff that has accumulated in the guest room, which tends to become a storage room.

    Here are a few furniture storage solutions to help you solve these issues.

     A storage cabinet or shelving unit with baskets.  This one is an oldy but a goody.  During the winter/holiday season you need extra storage in the entryway to house scarves, gloves, and hats. A cabinet with bins or baskets provides storage space that attractively hides all of your/your guests’ stuff.

     via Pinterest via Country Living

    via Joss & Main in the “Tidy Up For Visitors” sale

    via Joss & Main in the “Tidy Up For Visitors” sale

    A wall cabinet/storage unit.  I don’t know about you, but my guest room is SMALL.  When a space is small you really need to take advantage of vertical/wall space.  Even a slim wall cabinet can be a thoughtful touch that gives guests a little bit more room to unpack and feel at home.  It’s also nice when it doubles as a mirror.

    via Pinterest via Shanty 2 Chic

    via Ideel in the “Furniture for every room” sale

    A rolling bar cart with trays is a multitasking machine.  It can follow you and your guests from room to room and encourage them to help themselves.  Also, when you are ready to take it to the dining room just remove a tray and use it on the table.

    via Pinterest via Crate & Barrel

    via Rue La La in the “Guest Ready Essentials” sale

    Extra linen storage.  Your guests should not want for clean sheets and towels.  That being said, our linen closet can barely fit enough for my husband and I.  A stand alone unit is an attractive and affordable way to add extra linen storage in the bathroom.

     via Pinterest via Flickr

     via Pinterest via Interior Magasinet

    via Gilt in the “Bath Organization and Storage” sale