Category: fireplace

How To Decorate When The Christmas Decor Is Put Away
Transition Your Decor For Winter

Feeling uninspired when it comes to how to decorate when the Christmas decor is put away?

Decorating after Christmas can be a great way to transition your home decor from the holiday season to a fresh and inviting look for the rest of the winter – all while keeping it cozy! Here are some ideas for how to decorate when the Christmas decor is put away:

Photo by Hans Isaacson on Unsplash
- Cozy Textiles:
  - Add warm and cozy textiles like throw blankets, pillows, and rugs in rich textures and colors.
  - Choose fabrics in cold-weather materials such as faux fur or knitted blankets to create a snug atmosphere.
- Candles and Warm Lighting:
  - Use candles and warm-toned lighting to create a cozy ambiance. Consider flameless candles for a safer option.
  - Opt for string lights or fairy lights to add a touch of sparkle and warmth to your space.
Photo by Andrea Davis on Unsplash
- Nature-Inspired Decor:
  - Bring the outdoors in with natural elements like pinecones, twigs, and evergreen branches.
  - Consider creating a centerpiece with winter foliage or a bowl of pinecones as a simple yet elegant decor piece.
- Transitioning Holiday Decor:
  - Keep some elements from your holiday decor that can easily transition, such as silver or gold accents, neutral ornaments, or winter-themed figurines – I leave out my deer statue and pinecone candles until spring!
- Seasonal Artwork:
  - Change out any holiday-specific artwork with pieces that represent winter or the upcoming season.
  - Consider prints or paintings featuring snowscapes, winter landscapes, or seasonal motifs.
Photo by Andrea Davis on Unsplash
- Muted Colors:
  - Transition from the vibrant holiday colors to more muted tones. Think about incorporating soft blues, grays, and earthy tones.
- Organize and Declutter:
  - Take the opportunity to declutter and organize your space as you transition from holiday decor. This can give your home a fresh and clean feel.
- Potted Plants:
  - Introduce greenery with potted plants like winter-friendly varieties or succulents to add life to your space.
Photo by Andrea Davis on Unsplash

So, how to decorate when the Christmas decor is put away? Remember to personalize your decor to suit your taste and style. Whether you prefer a minimalist look or enjoy a more elaborate design, the key is to create a space that feels comfortable and inviting for the winter season.
January 5, 2024
The Art of Tile: How to Choose The Right Tile for Your Space
There is so much tile to choose from these days and for the average homeowner finding something for your application and in your budget can be extremely daunting. Choosing the right tiles for bathrooms and kitchens involves considering both practical and aesthetic factors. Below I’ve laid out clear and concise considerations to help with your selection – as well as some beautiful inspiration photos!

via The Tile Shop 2023 Look Book

1. Consider the Usage:
- Bathroom: Look for tiles that can withstand moisture and are easy to clean. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are popular choices for bathroom floors and walls.
- Kitchen: Choose tiles that are resistant to stains, spills, and are easy to clean. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are also suitable for kitchen floors, while glass or ceramic tiles work well for backsplashes.
2. Durability:
- Both areas are high-traffic zones, so opt for durable tiles. Porcelain is known for its strength and resistance to wear, making it a popular choice.
via The Tile Shop 2023 Look Book

3. Water Resistance:
- Bathrooms and kitchens are prone to water exposure. Ensure the chosen tiles have a low water absorption rate. Porcelain tiles, in particular, are excellent for this purpose.
4. Style and Design:
- Consider the overall style of your home and personal preferences. Choose a tile style that complements your design vision. Ceramic tiles offer a wide range of designs, including patterns and textures.
5. Size and Layout:
- Larger tiles can make a room feel more spacious, but smaller tiles may offer more grip in wet areas. Consider the size of your space and choose accordingly. Additionally, the layout of the tiles can impact the visual appeal of the room.
via The Tile Shop 2023 Look Book

6. Color Scheme:
- Choose colors that match or complement your existing color scheme. Lighter colors can make a space look larger, while darker colors may add warmth and coziness.
7. Texture:
- In wet areas, consider textured tiles for better slip resistance. However, keep in mind that textured tiles may require more maintenance when it comes to cleaning.
8. Grout Color:
- The color of the grout can significantly impact the overall look. Dark grout can highlight the pattern of the tiles, while light grout may provide a more seamless appearance.
via The Tile Shop 2023 Look Book

9. Budget:
- Set a budget for your tile project. There are various price points for tiles, so find a balance between your preferences and what you can afford.
10. Test Samples:
- Always take home tile samples before making a final decision. This allows you to see how the tiles look in your specific lighting and how well they coordinate with other elements in the room.
11. Maintenance:
- Consider the level of maintenance each type of tile requires. Some tiles may need more frequent cleaning or sealing than others.
12. Long-Term Trends vs. Timeless Designs:
- Balance your desire for current trends with the desire for a timeless design. Trends come and go, so consider how your tile choice will age over time.
via The Tile Shop 2023 Look Book

If you have specific concerns or an unusual situation regarding your planned tile application, it’s best to speak with a pro, or even visit a local tile shop to get some information. When done right, your tile’s beauty and durability can last a long time!
December 1, 2023
Fresh and clean – interiors that scream spring

Spring Interior Inspiration

Is it spring yet?!?! I don’t know if I’m ready for 90 degrees and the Maryland summer humidity, but I am soooo ready for that first warm spring air that makes the house smell so good when I open the windows. We still have a little while to go before Spring is officially here, but it is nice to imagine and gather inspiration for how I will decorate once it’s time for a refresh

Never in a million years would I think to paint a ceiling golden yellow, but I think it really works here.

via Pinterest via BHG

Dark wood floors

via Pinterest via Domaine Home

Dark wood floors don’t need to be dreary…counter balance them with light reflecting metallics, like the console table.

via Pinterest via BHG

Cozy Porch

via Pinterest via House of Turquoise

Oh the summer evenings and mornings I could spend on this porch with a tall iced coffee!

via Pinterest via Lovely Life

via Pinterest via domaine home

What do you guys do to get your home ready for spring?

via Pinterest via thedecorista.com

February 15, 2019
Modern Farmhouse tour

Modern Farmhouse

Talk about bright and airy! The overall white walls in this home and amazingly high ceilings say anything but dark old farmhouse. I would have loved to see images of this home prior to the renovation. The house is in New South Wales. The couple fell in love with it’s character and decided to give it a modern coastal feel while paying homage to it’s farmhouse roots. I’ll stop talking and let it speak for itself.

Love this outdoor dining space. The rustic table with the white chairs is dreamy.

Simplicity at it’s best

I love it all! How about you guys?

All image via Adore Home Magazine

December 12, 2017
Ideas for Expanding Your Home

There is nothing quite like having your own home. Your house is your castle and you are free to make whatever changes you see fit. This allows for all sorts of customizations which add value to the house, but mostly make it more livable. Most people will remodel the kitchen or knock down walls, but why stop there? Adding new rooms or additions to the house will help give it a unique charm, expand interior floor space, and offer new customization options. Here are just a few ideas for ways you can expand your home.

First: Consider Your Property Lines

Obviously, when thinking about making an addition to your home, you have to keep the property lines in mind. You do not want to completely obliterate the back yard, and even if that is your goal, taking up too much space can mean no more room to grow in the future. You will want to keep some space between property lines and your home regardless, as this provides room for contractors to work in. Not just builders, but any future contractors you may need to bring in for whatever reason.

Second: Consult with a Professional

When considering an addition to your house, consult with a professional architect. They can take a look at the layout of your existing home and make recommendations to keep your addition aesthetically pleasing while delivering what you are after. Note that we cannot guarantee that everything you want is possible with your existing home, but if it is – a professional will figure it out.

Start from the Back

The most common starting point for additions is to look into the back yard. Patios, pavilions, or a simple entryway in the back can help connect your home to the yard. In fact, depending on how you structure and organize the addition, you may even be able to create the sensation of your home spilling out into the yard. This can be an excellent addition for a kitchen – creating an outdoorsy space to enjoy your meal.

Consider Building Up

This depends on your foundation and local building codes, but other than those there is nothing stopping you from building up. This idea can be especially good if you are running out of room to expand. You have a number of design choices available if you choose to add a second floor to your building. Balconies are popular additions once you have some living areas constructed. It can also be a way to feel on top of the world when working from a home office.

Keep Function in Mind

When making any additions to your house, keep the function of these additions in mind. Having an idea of what you want that you do not have will inform your architectural decisions. Let your mind go wild when thinking of these additions, and only take the time to temper them down when it comes time to plan out the addition.

Do Not Neglect the Basics

When you are planning an addition to the home, it can be easy to forget the basics. Remember that you want any comforts available now to remain available throughout the home. This means remembering the electrical systems, cable systems, and of course climate control. Speak with your service providers to get recommendations about how to make sure these services remain available with any addition to your home. This is especially the case with climate control – consider a mini-split system so you do not have go through the trouble of installing potentially expensive ductwork. Cable lines should be run to the new room if it is closed in, along with electrical outlets. Though obviously, an outdoor room might do better without if it is not water-tight – consult with your local contractors when thinking about your addition to make sure your new room is as comfortable as the rest of the house!

this post in consideration with adamsairconditioning.net

December 8, 2017
Transitional interiors, a marriage of modern and traditional

Transitional interiors are my favorite because of their emphasis on clean lines. I think they also make for a happy marriage of both modern and traditional design. It isn’t about fluff or frills. Transitional interiors focus more about quality finishes and furniture. That is a philosophy I can get behind!

It’s okay to take a breather.

Also, It’s a battlefield out on the internet these days, and everybody needs a happy place to breathe and decompress. My happy place includes this eye candy – amazing transitional interiors.

There is little more beautiful than exquisite millwork isn’t there?

via BHG

This entryway has so much that I love! Between the dark hardwood floors, the oriental rug, gray walls with wainscoting, tailored drapes, and a velvet settee, I’m hooked. How about you?

via Studio McGee

Stainless steel counters and backsplash? What do you think? I’m also a sucker for large format photography. It’s so impactful.

via Pinterest via Instagram

A simply beautiful bedroom. The color scheme is soothing, and the upholstered headboard looks comfortable and elegant.

via BHG

Lastly, this shot is from Erin Fetherson’s home (okay, I admit I don’t know who she is). It looks like such a romantic but sensible place. Layers of texture gain visual interest in an otherwise staid palette. How gorgeous is the fireplace?

via Domino

February 2, 2017
Early American Colonial interiors that we could still live in today

I grew up in an 18th century farmhouse, and we just went to Annapolis yesterday, so I was feeling inspired to look up some colonial interiors. Here are some gorgeous examples of colonial exteriors and colonial interiors. Some are authentic and others were renovated or new builds made to capture the colonial aesthetic.

I love this color palette. It’s quiet but rich at the same time. The wide plank flooring is also amazing.

via Pinterest via Busyboo

A classic colonial home.

via Pinterest via Steppingstone Journey

The wainscoting, wide plank floors are gorgeous in this Pennsylvania museum house.

via Location department

This house has a modern look due to the clean lines and monochrome palette even though it’s early American!
via Pinterest via Amazon: Early American Country Interiors

An 18th century NJ farmhouse with a red dutch door. It was for sale last year but was snatched up pretty quickly.

via Pinterest via Content in a Cottage

This home along the Hudson was renovated. Reclaimed wood planks are the flooring, and hand-hewn beams with plaster fill in are the ceiling.

via jbmarchitect.com

I think what’s so appealing to me about colonial interiors is that it harks back to simpler life. No cords, TVs, phones beeping, etc. I imagine that life was no piece of cake for early Americans though.

via Pinterest via The Vintaquarian

September 26, 2016
Small living room ideas and inspiration

Inspiring small living rooms

Most of us don’t live in vast estates, and we don’t even live in a two story home. Just a humble rancher for us – but we love it. That being said, living in a smaller space requires more creativity on your part to find solutions to seating, decor, and storage issues.

Strong lines that are clean and modern keep attention on the moulding and ceiling, making the room look taller. I love the fresh color palette too.
via House

Take decor all the way to the top. Don’t be afraid to hang artwork all the way to the ceiling. It draws the eye up and creates the illusion of a higher ceiling.
via Domino

Even if your living room is small, you can furnish it as you would a large one if you keep the furniture at a smaller scale. Two benches serve as seating when the living room is used for conversation, and tuck under the TV console when it’s used for watching TV.
via Domino

This small living room doesn’t lack in furniture because furniture is kept small, and the chairs and sofa have narrow arms. The console on the back wall is also narrow and doesn’t obstruct the view of the wall, helping the room look more open.
via Domino

This small living room is cozy and inviting through the use of warm colors and layering textures.

via Domino

The illusion of height is created in this super small living room by hanging curtains at the top of the walls, and a light reflecting mirror above the door.

via House

July 18, 2016
A bright Brooklyn home filled with light and airy layers

Fashion designer Ulla Johnson’s Brooklyn home tour

Ulla Johnson’s Brooklyn home is sure to inspire you to rethink the way you use textiles and texture. Similar to the garment’s that she designs, every piece in her home needs to be globally minded, comfortable, and chic.

White paint and neutral colored furnishings create a peaceful environment throughout the entire home.

I’m really crushing on the vintage Swiss midcentury leather and chrome chairs!

Johnson is well traveled and lived in various countries growing up with her archaeologist parents. Souvenirs abound everywhere, including on the shelves. I love this bookcase because it doesn’t take itself too seriously!

Macrame curtains, muted pinks, and a basket full of stuffed animals make for a sweet little girl’s room.

Even her son’s room is decorated with artifacts from around the world. I can’t get over how light-filled the spaces are.

The master bedroom follows the theme of serene by utilizing white paint and neutral textiles.

The fireplace in the master bedroom. Even the master artwork is calming.

See more pictures and read more about Ulla Johnson at Domino.

June 6, 2016
Beautiful ways to include brick into your design

When you first purchase a home it’s often that the first thing that comes to mind is that you can’t wait to put a touch of you into the home. Everyone seems to agree that changing just a few things makes it feel like their home.

via norske

What if that one touch of character you wanted was brick, but there is no brick in sight? There are ways to add a touch of brick yourself. You can wrap a walk through with brick.

via summerfielddesign

You can replace flooring with brick!

via nicety

You can add brick as a back splash.

via rafterhouse

Maybe you stick to the traditional and brick a fireplace that catches the eye!

via houseofturquoise

Or you can make an outdoor brick getaway. Just because you walk into a home and you don’t see a certain thing that you are looking for, doesn’t mean it can’t be something you add!

May 11, 2016