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Small Lamps For Kitchen Countertops

January 19, 2023, in Decorating, Shop, Thrifting

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One reason why I love home decor so much is, you can recreate any atmosphere anywhere you like, simply by mixing vintage pieces, and lighting. Hello and welcome! I wanted to bring a bit of warmth to our white quartz countertops with a small table lamp, it's my favorite kitchen accessory trend for this year. This timeless trend of displaying a tabletop lamp on the kitchen counter is easy to do and will add character and warmth to your kitchen for the winter months and throughout the year.

I purchased a small vintage lamp years ago at a consignment store and recently placed it on our kitchen countertop to recreate the cozy aesthetic that we have in our living spaces.

The space between our countertops and upper cabinets is about 17 inches so this 8-inch lamp works beautifully. Beyond offering texture and color It's just so cozy! I like to keep the overhead kitchen lights off and just have a soft glow of light in the evening. This has become my favorite time of day because I love the cozy aesthetic the lamp brings to our kitchen.

Here are images from my archives of other lamps that I used on our previous kitchen countertop

SIMPLE NO SEW CAFE CURTAINS

SUMMER HOME TOUR

It's time for a cozy atmosphere and to open a nice bottle of wine. I put together a round-up with an assortment of pretty lamps that will fit most kitchen countertops without taking up to much counter space.

Small Lamps For Kitchen Countertops:

What do you think?

xx,

Julie

The Easiest Interior Design Trends To Follow For 2023

January 11, 2023, in Decorating, Thrifting

Hello friends, I've been meaning to write a post for a while now, but sometimes you just don't get around to things. Let's just say that I am happy to start a new year. With each new year, I like to find out what is trending in the interior design world, and thought it would be fun to talk about the interior design trends for 2023.

I find that the one thing that's really interesting with interior design trends is there is a bit of a slow incoming so we start to see it over time. You start to see things in design magazines, or online then you start seeing it more in the mainstream like in retail and corporate spaces or on tv then it whines down where it actually gets into our homes.

Because trends come and go I like to avoid trends that are way too trendy and instead focus on the trends that are simple to do, long-lasting, and work with my style. There are a lot of trends in the world of interiors and it would be impossible for me to cover all of them so I put together three that are easy to do and will get you excited to decorate your house this year. I hope this sounds fun to you because I know I definitely love to chat about decorating so let's jump right in.

NUMBER ONE

SHOP VINTAGE AND THRIFTED ITEMS

Vintage and thrifted items can bring personality and character to any space whether it be modern or traditional. They also have the added benefit of being readily available so you don't have to worry about a long wait to have your items shipped. To achieve this trend you can visit your local consignment, antique, or thrift shops for unique pieces. This is something that I've been doing for years and find it fun to mix the old with the new. Finding a piece of furniture that blends beautifully with the newer pieces in my home brings character. I also like thrifting small things like lamps, vases, and dishware.

the-easiest-interior-design-trends-to-follow-for-2023-love-my-simple-home

HOW TOR REFINISH A COFFEE TABLE

TWO

WOOD FURNITURE

Dark wood furniture is making a comeback. We are moving to deep and medium wood tones. One of the simplest ways to hop on this trend is to opt for natural furniture pieces in a dark wood tone. Think of rich walnut side tables or chestnut bookshelves. Also, think of the smaller touches of wood like chairs and sofas with dark wood-toned legs. Add a statement piece of furniture such as a dark walnut coffee table. Keep it balanced by having different wood tones throughout the design and avoid matching sets. Matching sets can look outdated in your design. Instead, choose lighter wood to compliment the dark wood furniture. Look for Wood furniture that has warmth and coziness like vintage and antique pieces.

THREE

SMALL KITCHEN COUNTERTOP LAMPS

Make your kitchen an extension of your home by creating a cozy feeling that you would get as if you were sitting in your living room or other areas in your home. Think about that warm and cozy spot in your living room or when you are at a restaurant that has a warm ambiance. One way to create that cozy feeling in your kitchen is with a small lamp. You can find small tabletop lamps just about anywhere. They will bring character to your kitchen and elevate it to that designer look. It's also the easiest way to be on trend in 2023. I have one on our kitchen countertop and I love the warm glow and character it brings to our kitchen. You can also place one on the kitchen island.

Julie

Simple Thanksgiving Decor Ideas

November 14, 2022,

I'm so happy it's autumn because I get to share with you a few simple Thanksgiving decor ideas. If you are hosting Thanksgiving this year and are scared to take design risks use this holiday to get creative with dressing your table and shelves with pretty decor. They're only going to be out for a little bit of time so get creative and have fun. These simple Thanksgiving decor ideas can work for a large dinner party or even just for two. Be fearless and just try it. You can't go wrong because it's your home and there is no right or wrong.

simple-thanksgiving-decor-ideas-love-my-simple-home

I love to make a seasonal bouquet of something😀 It could be faux or real and it's easy to do. Every year I come up with something different. One year I made an arrangement with dried leaves in a DIY tin can vase. As an alternative, I like to use fruit centerpieces. They are pretty and edible and what's not to love about that!

DIY Tin Can Vase

It's so much fun to explore putting branches, plants, candles, and food, in the middle of the table. You're going to have to set your table so why not have fun with the items you are selecting. Start playing by getting a tablecloth in a pretty pattern or one with texture. Buy beautiful dishware and glassware and actually use them. Or bring out those inherited pieces which I think are always the best.

Make your shelves festive by creating small arrangements with things found in nature. Look for pine cones, branches, and acorns, and have fun displaying them to make your home warm and cozy. Stack dishware and have fun styling up a pretty drink station.

This autumn has been unusually warm and the oregano is still growing in our garden. I like to display fresh herbs on the kitchen counter because for me, this makes cooking for Thanksgiving so much more fun.

Place settings made by hand represent love and are a simple way to add that decorative touch to the dining table.

NATURE INSPIRED THANKSGIVING PLACE SETTINGS

During the holidays I remember when I was a child my parents would display pistachio nuts in a pretty container on the coffee table. They were red back then and the red dye would get on my fingers and I just thought that was so much fun. Now I use this simple decor idea in my own home but without the red dye.

Thank you for the visit.

Julie

A Cheerful Autumn Corner

October 25, 2022, in Decorating

With autumn in full bloom, I thought I'd share with you some of my tips and design ideas on styling a cheerful autumn corner in your home.

A cheerfully decorated room for me is uncluttered but filled with items that inspire me to feel happy, calm, and relaxed. I do this through color, artwork, texture, and with natural and artificial lighting. I mixed the warm colors of beige, cognac, and brown in the furniture and brought in my favorite color pale blue with the accessories. The patterned pillows and my favorite throw blanket that I had for years add softness to the corner of the sofa.

I get really excited when I look at the photograph on the wall! It inspired me for the color palette and pattern mixing for this space and I thought why not make it the story and available to purchase. The beach is the happiest place for us and even though the temperatures are cooler we still like to hang out there. We don't even mind if the weather isn't the best because there's nothing better than to arrive home to a cozy cheerful spot to sit and relax. On the coffee table, the oyster shells collected on the beach have a resting spot on a stack of design books that I am currently reading.

Whenever the autumn season would come around I always felt pressured to purchase new decor and fill an entire room using all the fall colors one would think of. Now I only focus on subtle tabletop decor using naturally found elements. I could have just popped a mum plant here and called it a day but to me, that would be boring. In my opinion, there is no better way to seasonal decorate your home than by just going outside and clipping what you have in your yard. On the narrow strip of the drop-leaf table, next to the sofa is a bouquet of flowers. How can you not feel cheered when you come into a room and are greeted by a colorful flower arrangement. I clipped the dahlias and lavender from our patio garden to create this early autumn bouquet. When I arranged the flowers I didn't want them to look stiff and forced so I mixed varieties and colors and bunched them loosely in a black vase. This creates a beautiful natural feel to the corner which is so much better than a theme look that you can go out and buy.

Furniture & Home Accessories

Framed Prints

Pillow Covers

Pale Blue Throw Blankets

Taupe Curtains

Cognac Leather Ottomans

This corner just feels like us right now and it's really nice to have this cozy space. I encourage you to display who you are no matter what the season is and just look for things that make that happiness come alive and give you that place of cheerful calm. Thank you so much for the visit!

xx,

Julie

Drying Oregano + Garden Finds

September 09, 2022, in outside, Shop

I like my garden to look full, not perfect, and always well-manicured. You could say I'm a very laid-back gardener and in the summer I let things go a bit and it's nice to just enjoy it. The oregano is beautiful right now and it's getting really thick. I'll hang out on the patio sofa with a cold drink and just look around the garden and see how things are doing. I find having a garden is very therapeutic because when I'm digging in the garden I'm just looking at what's in front of me and not thinking about anything else.

btw the mint is especially refreshing in a summer drink OR tea.

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One of the routines I started to do is to preserve the oregano from our garden. Having the ability to mosey to the patio and clip my own herbs, vegetables and flowers is a dream come true. Last spring I purchased a small oregano plant from the produce section at the grocery store and set it in the garden to grow.

Drying Oregano

The simplest method for drying oregano is to hang dry it. I know there are several other methods out there but for me, this is the best.

Hang to Dry

Using twine I simply tie a few pieces of oregano together in a bunch at the stem. Then I hang the bundles on a hook in a warm place inside that gets some direct sunlight. I wait about 3-6 weeks for the oregano to dry before taking the bundles down and getting them ready to store in containers.

Removing the Leaves

I slide my hand down the stems emptying the leaves into a bowl. This part can get a bit messy but I don't mind because the aroma is wonderful.

Storing

Then I crumble the leaves so the dried oregano can be stored in jars.

During this time of year, I cook with fresh herbs. I'll clip a bunch and display them on the kitchen counter for easy access. In the Winter, when I can't grow my own I'll use the dry oregano that is currently dried and stored. I used my DYMO hand-held label maker to create the label on the mason jar.

SHOP WALMART DEALS

I have a collection of mason jars and store-bought herb jars that I like to refill. You can buy your own herb jars to create your own herb display. Remember to keep them in a dark corner of the kitchen or in a cabinet or drawer to preserve their freshness.

Before I had a garden I used my kitchen windowsill. A kitchen windowsill is enough to have a mini herb collection. You can buy oregano, basil, parsley, or sage already potted and keep them for cooking. A window box or a DIY vertical planter are other small-scale options that are simple and inexpensive. Below are some of my DIY planter ideas that are easy to make.

DIY Herb Planters

How To Decorate With Herb Plants

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Miracle-GRO Cedar Raised Garden Bed

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Volcom Women's Throw Shade Straw Hat

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Amagabeli Garden & Home Decorative Garden Fence

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xx,

Julie

Creating A Serene Outdoor Living Space

July 11, 2022, in outside, Shop

The patio is finished and I've truly never been happier! It's exactly what I envisioned for this small space; a serene extension of our home to sit and relax when the weather is nice. If you saw my previous post about WHAT I PURCHASED FOR OUR SMALL PATIO then you know this post is all about the decor.

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Our patio definitely needed some cleaning, especially after the pollen season. It was nice to empty the patio, give it a good scrubbing, and get started on creating a serene outdoor living space with the beautiful items I purchased.

I arranged our four-year-old SOFA on the patio and did a little styling and tidying up. Then I added a couple of new pieces. The first item is this sweet BISTRO SET from Amazon, it's such a great table for two and when we have guests there is plenty of seating on the sofa. I love the idea of summer entertaining that feels special, but without a lot of fuss. I set the table with classic blue and white and I clipped early hydrangeas from the lush bush on the side of our house. I will clip more again after they turn blue and bring them inside to display.

OTHER SOFA OPTIONS

I wanted colors for the patio that would make the surrounding garden and trees pop and I am just loving the black and white color palette I picked. It's just so beautiful and so classic you can't go wrong with black and white, especially in the summer.

Two years ago we added this tiny garden next to the patio. My husband built it and I planted vegetables, it was great to have but the tomatoes outgrew the garden space and intruded onto the patio. This year I planted the tomatoes in GROW BAGS and placed them on the other side of the yard in a sunny location. Some of the tomatoes are starting to ripen and I can't wait to pick them. Now our garden is filled with lavender, herbs, leafy greens, and flowers. I love sitting in, staring at, and relaxing in this serene living space.

On a breezy day, all the leaves rustle and dance around. It really is a beautiful sound. We also enjoy the sweet sound of the birds.

I brought my indoor pillows outside to make the sofa, even more, relaxing with a coastal vibe. These pillow covers are designed by me and can be found right here in my SHOP. I don't worry about them getting dirty because they are machine washable, however, if there is a chance of rain I will bring them inside only because I don't want the inserts to get wet. Featured are the SHORE pillow covers.

The second item I purchased is this beautiful BLACK AND WHITE PARASOL UMBRELLA. I love how this umbrella provides shade from the early afternoon sun and how it completes the cafe-style look that I envisioned. We love having a meal or snack among the vegetation of the garden.

The bistro table set and umbrella make this space really cozy, relaxing, and enjoyable. It's such a great place to sit with a book and a cold summer drink. Or just stare at the splendor of the blossoming flowers and herbs in the garden and think of what needs a little nip, tuck, or clip.

Today I clipped oregano and will gather the leafy stems in bundles to dry. I will share this with you in an upcoming post.

This simple outdoor refresh project was a total joy! Every single thing is totally custom and reflects what we need in this season of life we are in right now. We love feeling a connection with nature and having a serene outdoor living space to hang out in during the summer is one of the best comforts of home.

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What I Purchased For Our Small Patio

June 27, 2022, in outside

Happy summer everyone! Just a few weeks ago my husband cleaned up our patio space and now all it needs is some decorating love. That's where I come in!

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For our DIY bluestone patio, my plan is to maximize the 10'x10' space by setting up two different zones. One for dining and one for lounging.

Our Patio

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I purchased a black and white patio sofa about four years ago so I thought I would make it simple and use these colors as my inspiration for the design. For me, these timeless colors add elegance and make a space look crisp and neat without much effort.

Here is what I purchased for our small patio

BISTRO TABLE SET

This bistro table set is elegant, simple and the perfect size for just the two of us and our small patio. If you love this set as much as I do you can find it at my Amazon shop under Home Favorites. It comes in 8 different colors if you're not so keen on the black set.

Amazon

UMBRELLA

I've had my eye on a black and white striped umbrella for a long time and this one stole my heart. I love the cafe vibe it will bring to our patio.

Amazon

SOFA

This patio sofa purchased four years ago is in good condition and will go back on the patio.

Target Threshold-Fernhill Patio Sofa

Other Patio Sofa Options

PILLOWS

Decorating with pillows is the simplest and most cost-effective way to enhance a patio. I plan on bringing some of my indoor pillows outside to amp up my space. The covers are made from durable cotton and have a zipper so if they get dirty I can easily pop them off and toss them in the wash. I just have to remember to bring them inside when it rains to protect the insert. The pillows below are from My Shop.

GROW BAGS

We have a tiny garden next to the patio, last year I planted two tomato plants and they took over the garden and part of the patio. So in order to prevent that from happening again this year, I will grow the tomatoes in grow bags. I purchased THESE from Amazon.

And that about wraps it up so hang tight because I'll be doing a full blog post on how I decorated our patio with all of these fabulous items.

Please come back and Thank you for stopping by

xx,

Julie

Small Lamps For Kitchen Countertops

The Easiest Interior Design Trends To Follow For 2023

Simple Thanksgiving Decor Ideas

A Cheerful Autumn Corner

Drying Oregano + Garden Finds

Creating A Serene Outdoor Living Space

What I Purchased For Our Small Patio

Here is what I purchased for our small patio

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