Dreaming of sunny Florida home

HGTV is unveiling its 2016 Dream Home located in sunny Florida this time around. Designed by Atlanta's Brian Patrick Flynn, this 3,100 sq. ft. home is located on Merritt Island with awesome views of Indian River Lagoon. This house was the first time HGTV did a re-model instead of a new build for their annual Dream Home. For more info, you can check out their website or watch their special episode on Jan. 1 at 8 pm (EST) on HGTV.

Last minute decorating ideas

I always wait to the very last minute to decorate for the holidays. My all-time favorite question is... "Is your tree up yet?" (I'm being sarcastic) and my reply is the same every year,"I like stressing myself out so I usually wait until the day before Christmas!" (more sarcasm!). My tree is up but the rest of the house needs some serious decorating. So, next week, I will be making a mad dash to my storage unit to pick out a few holiday decorations for display. I'll be putting it all together just in time for arrival of guests and then sleeping the day after! In honor of procrastination, here are a few quick last minute holiday decorating ideas....

  Pinecones sprayed with mercury glass paint. Wood bowl from Pottery Barn (photo: PB)

 

 This is the cutest idea ever! Upside down wine glass with miniature snow scene.
I would suggest doing this for table setting. (photo/idea: HGTV)

 

This would make a great centerpiece. Limes with cherries skewed to florist ball.

Fresh fruit and fresh tree trimmings are my favorite decorating accessories for the holidays

(photo/idea: Architecture Art Design)

Who knew? Dollies and wooden skewer sticks make adorable white trees!
(photo/idea: 36th Avenue)

 

 

Serenity for 2016

My former design professor would laugh every year when Pantone would announce their annual color. He would say "No one should dictate which colors we use. That's ridiculous!" So why should we care about Pantone's color picks for 2106? Probably because this year's colors (Rose Quartz, a soft pink, and Serenity, a tranquil sky blue) are popping up EVERYwhere! I personally love the Serenity blue color. You can brighten it up with warm vibrant colors. It also pairs well with metallic gold. And, like its name, it really is a calming color. I think we could all use some of that! So, unlike my professor, I'm jumping on the Pantone bandwagon this year! Here are some of my finds for Serenity in home décor.....

Velvet blue tufted chair by Anthropologie

 Door and rug in Serenity Blue. This color pairs well with
natural hardwoods and bright orange.

A relaxing bedroom with all neutrals and light blue walls.

Vintage credenza in blue with gold handles from Chairish

Decking the door...

I am usually too exhausted to decorate my own home by now. However, since I'm not decorating store spaces this year, I 'm looking forward to doing a little more personal home holiday sparkle. And, I'm starting out with a wreath. I tend to lean towards a natural simple designed wreath....none of those fancy poofy burlap ribbon wreaths here. Below are a few of my favs.....

Love this idea of using wood discs to form a wreath (Finding Home Online)

Cotton wreath from Terrain. A timeless simple natural look!

 

Awesome yarn wreath with felt flowers from Etsy. Great contrasting colors!

 Pinecones sprayed white and made into a snowflake (Southern Living).

Reindeer moss from Terrain . Add a bright red ribbon!

Last but not least...a frozen berry and greenery wreath for the colder regions!

You're on the Guest list

Since the holidays are right around the corner and many of you will have family and friends staying with you over this time, I thought I would do a post on the little extras that make hosting an overnight guest comfortable. My family recently stayed with a friend while attending an "away" football game. This friend is a long time bachelor so my husband was expecting the worst! I am happy to report that my husband was dead wrong. When arriving at the "bachelor house", the welcome mat was out and their guest room was 4 stars! Here are a few of "extras" for your guests that go beyond the fresh sheets and clean towels list.....

 

 Monogramed robes from Etsy (Lovingly Ours) make a lovely take home
personalized gift for your guest. Also, extra slippers are also a great idea.
 

 

Fill a bar cart with cocktail necessities, coffee/tea or bottle water and snacks.
Vintage brass and glass bar cart from Chairish.
 

 

Cashmere throws from Restoration Hardware. These are my personal favorite! They can be rolled up and displayed nicely in a big basket at the foot of the bed or next to the couch.

Extra coat rack from Wayfair since most coat closets are packed full.

Wi-fi access sign from Etsy (Enchanted Prints). Guest can stayed connected and
write a Facebook post about their fabulous stay at your house!
 

What's your re-purpose?

I love to recycle, reuse and repurpose items instead of throwing them into a land fill. My previous painted furniture business was based on repurposing. I've written many posts on recycling cabinets doors into chalkboards, dresser drawers into shelves and antique chests into bathroom vanities. I recently found a few repurposed goodies on HGTV. Here are a few of my finds....

Old school house chalkboard recycled into a piece of artwork. Love this idea because of the size and its also a way to share a favorite quote.

This old window is not only used as a wall ornament by a great way to display flowers in vintage jars.

A wonderful idea to reuse old food jars and organize all those pens and pencils. Great alternative to those messy desk drawers!

One of my favorite ideas is taking a vintage soda crate and attaching wheels on bottom. Makes awesome toy storage for under the bed!

Painted pins attached to a yard stick is a great way to display school papers, to-do lists and artwork.