It’s that time of year again when pumpkins are appearing everywhere.

Nowww I ‘m well aware that in many areas of our country, Halloween is pretty much DOA- due to this ongoing Pandemic & social distancing. But, that certainly doesn’t mean that we can’t add a some  PUMPKIN PANACHE  to your PORCH.

Pumpkins are so affordable and available at every grocery, craft store, farmers market and roadside stand.  Not to mention the bevy of decorating options you can use to primp your pumpkin to perfection.

Since we may just have a little extra time on our hands because in most cases you won’t be scrambling to put a costume together. perhaps take that creative mojo and put it into making your pumpkin selections extra pretty this year. Goodness knows we could all use a little does of HAPPY and Pumpkins are one of those Decor items that bring joy! Below are a few pumpkin pairings that  I hope will inspire you to “pretty up” your pumpkins for Fall. Happy decorating!

Glue on the Glitter. Gems from the Craft store glued on make this a fast and easy project.

*Image courtesy of Sue Hesson Hallmark Magazine

Image Courtesy of Plaidcraft.com

Hand Paint your pumpkin *Image courtesy of Betweenthepagesblog.com

Carve, stack and add some Halloween Decor from the craft store.

Today’s tip is all about black and white. (not the cookie by the same name- although that does sound yummy) but the stripe story of black and white. There’s really no other color combo that packs a punch like black and white. Anywhere and everywhere you look, this combo keeps the eye moving and adds interest. Take a look and perhaps this is something you might want to consider- should you need to put a little bit of POP in your day!

We’ve all been hunkered down eating “IN” for months during this Pandemic and if per chance you’re in the mood to upgrade your dining room or just looking for some quick tips to elevate your space -today’s post is all about taking your dining room to the next level…Translation-adding a bit of GLAMOUR .

#1. Dining Room Table.   It doesn’t matter if the table  you choose is large  or small, square or round… dining room tables must first and foremost fit into your space.

• If you’re looking to replace your dining room table or perhaps purchase something in a different style but have a “modified budget “have no fear- consider scouring thrift and second hand stores to find some pretty amazing pieces that will cost you a fraction of the cost  People have been cleaning and getting rid of items that oftentimes look brand new. If your new found thrift item  needs a little updating -a little imagination mixed with a  bit of elbow grease, some staining or paint- and whah lah – gorgeous new table that is tailor made for your space.

#2. Seating Every hostess worth their salt knows that a party always starts in the kitchen and ends  with guests seated at the dining room table where food,drinks and conversation can linger for  hours. It goes without saying that comfort is key to keeping your friends and family  happily seated at the table no matter what the occasion. One more important note to be mindful of is to make  sure that whatever size table you choose seating allows one to move their chairs in and out from the table without being restricted. You don’t want to make anyone squeeze into their chair space.

*When it comes to  family: Dinner time in America has had a resurgence since the Pandemic and this is “a very good thing. “We have reconnected at the dinner table since we are all home due to the shut down and  have been able to reconnect .with each other without the use of  our cell phones. I am a firm believer that the more comfortable the seating the longer the dinner hour can extend and hence families can get closer together through sharing a meal and conversation.

#3. Lighting is KEY! Nothing elevates a room  more than a well placed lighting fixture. There are so many beautiful lighting options to choose from these days at a wide range of price points. This should be the statement piece in the room and well worth going a little over budget on.

4. Rugs : Rugs in your dining room are always an added bonus to set the space apart and to help muffle sound.

Rugs should not be bulky but lay flat and chairs should be able to move back and forth without grabbing on the rug. 

Original image source provided when available

Are you in the mood for a little Chair Whimsy?

Wellll-I just might have a site for you to see that will quell those craving. Chair  Whimsy just so happens to be the name of the ETSY shop owned and operated by  Wendy Conklin. Her design eye and color combos are so vibrant and the reviews are 5 star! If perchance you’re  looking for a little chair inspo or perhaps perusing for a new side chair or looking to upgrade the chairs in your dining room -take a peak at her offerings. All her designs are custom and made to order.

.

Customizable French Chair from Chair Whimsy (Etsy Shop)

French Chairs form Chair Whimsy

Eclectic Frida Dining Chairs

Eclectic Boho Chairs @ Etsy Shop Chair Whimsy

If you read my blog on any sort of continuous basis you KNOW I have a major penchant for black.  As of late I can’t help but notice that this basic black obsession has made it’s way into Interior Decor. Call me crazy, but I don’t recall seeing so many black accent walls in the past in terms of Interiors. It goes without saying that this “Basic Black”  trend is not so basic  and  I must say at the same time it is beautiful.

Soooooo if you’re in the mood to change things up a bit (since  let’s face it we’ve been quarantined for so long- the basic white wall is starting to close in on us) might I suggest that you consider putting a splash of black in your home. It’s not only a  wonderful accent statement BUT black is known to ground a room which is always a good thing. Enjoy!

*To source original site(s) just click on the pic

“Mirror Mirror on the Wall” 

Today is all about Mirrors. If you’re looking for a one stop shop to make a room look larger or perhaps add a bit of GLAM (which in my mind is always paramount in any room) the addition of one spectacular mirror  or mirrored anything for that matter is the absolute way to go!

Image Courtesy of Horchow.com *Check out this site for some pretty fabulous mirror decor.

The decorating ideas are endless when it comes to mirrors-a well placed mirror can:

• Make a room look larger
• Reflect pieces in a room you want highlighted more than once (Hence the term-“Mirror Mirror on the wall”-(reflection from a mirror allows you to see it twice in a space). 
• Adds depth to any room
• Adds sparkle ( my personal fave)

That’s quite a task for one design item.

Here are a few images I hope will inspire.

Louis Phillippe Gilt Lean Mirror (Restoration Hardware)

*If you’re  thinking that a large ornate mirror is not in your budget never fear-it’s an easy solution when you buy a  plain large mirror  and purchase molding (be it ornate or with simplified lines) and frame it out yourself. (see example below)

Inexpensive mirror framed in simple molding and painted-whah lah instant mirror decor)

                                                                            Mirror Back Splash detail

As this Pandemic lingers -our time indoors is starting to take a toll.  If you’re anything like me you’ve probably been cooped up and taken  some of that extra time to do a bit of decluttering, organizing and basic beautifying of your space.  But that was months ago and now the question bears to be asked: What are we to do as we find ourselves still in STAYCATION mode?

If you’re searching for some other creative ideas to add some style to your space -might I suggest something easy, affordable and super stylish  for upgrading  of you’re drawer decor. Yep, you heard me-Drawer Decor-it’s a thing (or did I just make that up-I don’t know)but suffice it to say that you do pull drawers in and out several times a day and isn’t it a little added bonus to find some pretty in place to beautify your space?

There are so may options out there to get this job done and it takes a matter of minutes to do. I mean literally-a matter of minutes. Below are  a few suggestions to get you inspired.

Materials that you can use to “Put some Pretty in your Drawer Decor” or add some STYLE to your Shelves:

Wallpaper

     Contact Paper

Gift Wrap

Fabric Remnants

Remnants (Fabric & Wallpaper) Work perfectly for lining drawers

Gift Wrap

Contact Paper

If If you’re looking to spruce up your shelving for the 4th of July- how about a little redo in red checkered -so festive and fresh and a steal of a deal here! (P.S. they have a large assortment of other styles to choose from – just try a search to see a bevy of beautiful and fun patterns and solids).You can also source under shelf liners and drawer liners to beautify your drawers, shelves and more.

Happy crafting!

Summer is just around the corner and I for one LOVE being outdoors. There’s  really nothing better than enjoying the soft breeze of warm weather days in addition to appreciating all those extra hours of  extended sunlight.

Bearing in mind that we will be “taking IT outdoors” as they say- it’s time to pretty up your patio space. I thought you might enjoy a glimpse at some of my favorite outdoor spaces just to get your inspiration going. Now if you’re thinking GREAT show me all these amazing spaces and NOW what am I to do to get something to look even remotely like any of these images.?Not to worry that this “patio prep” is going to be arduous… because it CAN be easy and affordable -all you need is a bit of resourcefulness and your imagination. If you have an unlimited budget-then by all means HAVE AT IT! If however you  need to keep the budget in check there are soooo many resources and ways that you can spruce up your outdoor area for next to nothing. I have found some amazing finds via Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Letgo and the usual obvious sources of  thrift shops and yard sales. If you’re willing to do a little leg work and some possible DIY-ing… you can pull together an outdoor area that is absolutely beautiful.

Enjoy and be inspired.

Passover & Easter  are basically cancelled this year due to the continuing quarantine. We’re unable to gather in our collective congregations and celebrate these spiritual milestones.

Sooo,what can we do to bring some sort of significance to the holiday at hand?

The answer may be as simple as  setting a beautiful bouquet of flowers  on your table in pretty pastels and gathering our quarantined family together. Flowers can be found at your local grocery store at very affordable prices.  Basically- a doable and easy way to bring some PRETTY into your day. Then you just gather the family together-(which will be a total snap- because we are quarantined) and take a moment of prayer and gratitude together… surrounded with the smell of fragrant flowers.

Peaceful… Prayerful and Pretty.

Here are a few centerpieces that I hope will inspire you to go out and purchase some pretty petals for your family to enjoy.

Be well, stay safe and healthy.

Happy Passover & Happy Easter to all my lovely readers.

I am grateful for you and wish you a beautiful celebration together.

xo

T

Click on  each image to be directed to original source.

Here’s a little decor upgrade that I have a feeling you will  absolutely be able to participate in -without having to purchase anything….

If you’re over a certain age, you most likely have more than a few items around the house made of silver or silver plated .  If I’m guessing WHERE those items are-it would probably  be in storage. Am I right?!  Soooo here’s a thought..why not take those items out of storage, clean them up with a bit of elbow grease and silver polish and display  them in a multitude of  glamorous ways around your home.

For Example:

Silver Trays :Perfect for display. Put out a tray as decor- simply on it’s own or group items together (books, perfumes, candles etc)  and whah lah-instant glam.

Mary McDonald Desk Accessories via Chinoiserie Chic Blogspot

Silver Tray used as a Back Splash

Silver pitchers,Urns,Tea  Sets:.Fill with any assortment of items: Kitchen  Utensils, Make up brushes,  Flowers & Plants (*Quick tip-When working with fresh flowers or any type of living  plant that needs to be watered:put  growing item in a clear container or vase /add water and only then insert into your  silver container .

Below are a few examples of creative ways to re purpose all that beautiful Silver you have in storage… Display Away!!!

Image Courtesy of The Fuller View.tumblr.com