6 Tips to Perfect Your Outdoor Space

With the right outdoor space, you have the ideal getaway when you’re feeling cooped up in your house — without actually having to leave your house. Whether you enjoy welcoming the sunrise with a cup of joe on the porch or reading in the garden hammock at dusk, there’s nothing like being connected with nature. Bring the indoors out with an enchanting space for outdoor living.

1. Create the Right Ambiance

If you love to entertain, especially in the cool evenings, don’t underestimate the power of lights — they can really transform your space. Whether you prefer lanterns, candles or string lighting, be sure to light up your patio.

Style and Cheek

2. Table Prep

Maybe you want to enjoy an amazing brunch with your significant other, or perhaps you’re hosting your girlfriends over for a dinner party. Either way, be sure you have a table to set down your cup of orange juice of glass of wine — with the right amount of seating to boot.

Better Homes and Gardens

3. Build Dimension

Take advantage of the walls and ceilings in your outdoor space; sticking to just the basic furniture will make your space fall flat. Hang a lantern or some wind chimes and add a shelf of potted flowers to add dimension; it will make the space feel whole.

Detalhes Magicos

4. Comfort is Key

If you’ll be spending a lot of time on your patio, really think about its function and comfort. How can you best use the space to fit your needs? Maybe you need a privacy screen from the neighbors, a fan from the hot sun or cozy pillows like those above so you can curl up with a good book. Always go for what makes you comfortable.

Plum Pretty Sugar

5. Go for Natural

When in doubt, let your outdoor space be inspired by, well, the outdoors! Using elements of nature will give it life. Plant a small garden around your patio or bring in plotted pants. If your space is accommodating enough and you have the budget for it, add a small fountain or fire pit. Who doesn’t love the soothing sounds of streaming water or crackling flames?

One Kindesign

6. Hone the Details
It’s the details that really add your personal touch and make a space completely yours. Take a step back and assess — what is your space missing? A woven rug? A few vases? A throw blanket? Include your favorite items and accessories to round out the look and make your space complete.

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Put Your Unused Fireplace to Good Use

Summer is soon approaching, which means that most people will not be utilizing their fireplaces for a while. In fact, many homes feature fireplaces that, unfortunately, are no longer functional at all. Even though you can't warm your hands by the fire or roast marshmallows, this unused space can be utilized in many different ways to make it a bold focal point of the room. And let's face it, every extra inch of space in our homes matter so make them count!

1. For the Bookworm
Use this small (but valuable) space to store stacks of your favorite books and suddenly you've created your very own reading nook!

Palm Beach Post

2. For the Green Thumb 
Filling your fireplace with greenery will add warmth and texture to the room. Mix lots of little plants or fill the whole space with one big, leafy one.

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3. For the Romantic
Even if your fireplace isn't a functioning one, you can still enjoy the cozy ambiance of firelight with candles. Add a mirror behind them to radiate even more light!

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4. For the Dog Lover 
This unused alcove is the perfect place for a furry friend to curl up and snooze.

Dwell

5. For the Collector
The fireplace can also be a great place to display art, knickknacks, and various personal memorabilia.

Brides 

6. For the Sommelier
Where better to store some of your favorite bottles of vino?

Apartment Therapy

An unused fireplace can act as a perfect frame to display things that showcase your personal style. No matter what you choose to fill your fireplace with, adding your own personal touches to this space is sure to add character to your home.

How to Make Your Home Look Luxe on a Budget

We all want our homes to look nice. Yet, sometimes we wonder if our budgets will restrict us—are our Pinterest dreams just pipe dreams? Not even close. Below, I'll show you five ways to make your home look expensive without blowing your budget.

1. Start Neutral
When you start with a neutral color palette, you're not only creating a sophisticated space but also allowing the room to grow with you. If you decide that you want to give the room a makeover later, all it will take is swapping out the smaller furniture or accessories.

Bliss at Home

2. Splurge on Investment Pieces
Think about how you shop for clothes — the things worth investing in are classic and timeless; think shoes, handbags, coats. The same goes for your home! Invest in key pieces that are worth spending a bit more on to complete the look you're going for. Some splurge-worthy items? The sofa, dining room table (and chairs), bed headboard/frame, and rugs.

Victoria Solomon

3. Less is More
Operating with this philosophy in mind is so important in our homes. When a designer is hired to create an interior space, each piece has been carefully selected. It is either functional or beautiful, and usually both. When we can eliminate the things we don't really need, we give the important things room to shine.

Afternoon Tea

4. Make it a Treasure Hunt
Sometimes we look up from our Pinterest boards only to realize that our dreams come with a steep price tag. Maybe that Barcelona chair (I know you're guilty, too!) we love threatens to blow our living room budget. With a little digging and patience, you may find that you don't have to give up those dreams.

Joyelle West

5. Layer in Details
You've bought all the furniture; your house is technically furnished, but it doesn't feel complete. A luxurious home always has layers: books and candles decorating the coffee table, a rug covering hardwoods, floor to ceiling curtains framing the windows, throw pillows or a cozy blanket laying on the sofa and bed, crown molding marrying the wall and ceiling—the details are what make a home feel personal and complete. Pay attention to layers and details that could make a big difference in your space. Tip: Changing the hardware in your home is a quick, inexpensive, and instant upgrade.

Anna with Love

5 Ways to Use Fashion as Décor

Your favorite fashion items don’t have to be relegated to the confines of your closet; they can also serve as home decorations if displayed in the right way. Not only does it bring your own personal flair to your space, but it helps achieve that “lived in” look. Even better, this trick saves you money from buying new décor — and it’s a great way to show off bulky accessories taking up too much room in your closet! All you need to do is rethink the way you’re currently organizing or displaying your accessories. Take a look at these five tips to incorporate fashion items into your home décor.

1. Create an Accessory Wall

Accessories make for interesting wall art. Nail hooks to your walls and hang your hats or handbags from them. This is your chance to show off those pieces you don’t wear as often. Think of it as a twist on the gallery wall.

Urban Outfitters

2. Display Shoes on Shelves

Who needs books when you have shoes? Use a bookshelf (I recommend Ikea’s Expedit Unit) to turn those killer pumps into display pieces. You can have a dedicated bookcase just for the shoes, or mix them in with other items, whether they’re more accessories (handbags, anyone?) or books and vases. Plus, you’ll feel less guilty if you splurged on some of your shoes; not only did you buy something functional for your feet, you also bought an art piece — what an investment!

The Glitter Guide

3. Frame Your Scarves

There’s no need to splurge on a pricey piece of art. Whether it’s a sentimental scarf passed down from your grandmother, a gorgeous piece of material you found rummaging through a flea market bin or your favorite piece that’s seen better times, scarves look great anywhere in the home, from over the couch to over the mantle. Frame them or use two hooks to display them. Who knew it was so easy to become Picasso?

Sadie + Stella

4. Utilize Dress Forms

Find a dress form at a sewing supplier or antique store to highlight your favorite dresses and outfits. You can pick an outfit that goes with the color scheme of your space or pops against it, or one that mimics your décor style. For example, a mod dress with a swing silhouette would go great in a minimalist interior. The best part about a dress form is that you can easily swap out the pieces when you’re in the mood for something new, always keeping a fresh look to your place.

Decor Me Happy

5. Hang Your Jewelry
Make your walls sparkle and shine by hanging jewelry in a picture frame with the glass removed. Cut corkboard to the frame’s dimensions and spray paint it or cover it in fabric to add some pizzazz. Hang your bracelets and necklaces from it using pretty thumbtacks. It not only keeps your jewelry organized and untangled, but decorates your walls.

Hative