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Winter nights call for the warm glow of candles, and what better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than by gifting someone you love with a sweet, handmade candle, poured and scented just for them? Candle-making is such a rewarding, peaceful, and creative outlet, perfect for cold days inside! Just like fingerprints, no two pieces are exactly alike, making it a gift of art. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer, you’ll enjoy creating these simple, fun, handmade candles that are perfect for everyone (literally, teachers, partners, parents, friends, everyone LOVES hand-crafted candles!) In this post, I'll share five creative DIY candle-making ideas, a basic candle-making recipe, and I'll give you my trusted source for everything you need, (from cheap supplies and insider tricks to how to profit off this sweet hobby). Let's dive in! 1. Glam Girl This one is for my bestie. Start with the basic candle-making recipe (near bottom of post) Add fine glitter to the wax for a touch of glamour. The flickering flames will catch the glimmer, creating an enchanting atmosphere! Scent with cinnamon fragrance oil for some aromatherapy spark. Dye lipstick-red, and present a crystal or glass candy dish for maximum eye-catching glam! Budget tip: local thrift stores are a great source for crystal candy dishes. 2. Floating Valentine Floating candle molds are specifically designed for creating candles that float on water. (You can find these at craft stores like Micheal’s and Hobby Lobby. See my source for a cheaper alternative). For real eye candy layer your wax colors in pink, white, and red. Place on top of water-filled, clear column vases. Treat yourself: make a half dozen minis in solid colors for the bathtub, and add lavender oil for a relaxing Valentine's bath! 3. Sweet Hearts Start with the basic recipe dye your wax in classic conversation colors: yellow, pale blue, mint green, and pink. Add vanilla fragrance oil to make this treat extra sweet. Use heart-shaped silicone molds. The flexibility of silicone makes it so easy to release the finished candle. Carve your sentiment in caps with a nutpick or carefully with a toothpick, and fill in with a permanent marker. 4. Sweet Tea These handmade candles are the ultimate in vintage charm! Add dried rose petals or lavender to your wax (optional) Scent with almond fragrance oil. Let set in thrifted dainty teacups. I love this double-good gift: the cup can be used for anything once the candle is gone. 5. KISS (Keep it super simple) If you have a bigger batch of gifts to make (or sell!) just dye your wax, scent if you like, and pour into these sweet little heart tins. The tins come with a lid, so it’s perfect present packaging. Sign with a little message on the back of the tin with a permanent marker. Save time by printing out “Handmade by” on address labels, with a special name for the candle. I love that you can see the candle from the outside! And as promised, here is my trusted source for EVERYTHING candles: It’s the best resource I've found if you want to do this right, find out what mistakes to avoid, and get the inside scoop on the cheapest suppliers or make some serious cash with candles. BASIC CANDLE RECIPE DIY CANDLE RECIPE: Supplies You'll Need: Wax (soy, paraffin, or beeswax) Wicks Fragrance oils (optional, but oh-so-lovely) Dye or crayon for coloring Double boiler Thermometer Stirring utensil Molds or containers Prepare Your Craft Nook: Lay down some newspaper or a disposable tablecloth. Gather all your goodies in one spot. 2. Measure and melt the wax: scoop out the amount of wax you need and melt it using your double boiler. Keep an eye on the temperature: aim for 120-165 F. 3. Prep the wick: snip the wick to your preferred length, giving it a quick dip in melted wax before sticking it in the center of your mold or container. Be sure to leave a little extra for trimming the finished product. 4. Add scent and color (optional): add a few drops of fragrance oil or essential oil to your wax. Add dye to your preference.  Give it a good stir, making sure it is spread evenly. 5. Pour the wax: gently pour into the mold or container, keeping the wick centered. 6. Cool and trim: let those sweeties set and cool. Once hardened, trim the wick to the desired length. Label or package to your heart's desire. Learn how to make all sorts of different candles- I love the beeswax the most (smells so good!) it's all in the the how-to guide Also in the guide: ➔ Secrets of the PROS techniques and tricks ➔ Cheapest Suppliers ➔ Troubleshooting candle-making problems ➔ Endless scent blends ➔ Number one mistake novices make ➔ How to make beeswax candles, hurricane shell candles, rolled candles, therapeutic candles (tons more) ➔ Easy, cheap & beautiful packaging ➔ Step-by-step guide on how to start your candle-making business from home Enjoy and have fun lighting up the love in your home this Valentine's Day! this post contains affiliate links

The holiday season is the perfect time to show your friends and family how much you care by giving them lovely gifts handmade by you. But let’s be easy on ourselves and go the simple way: handmade is handmade- it doesn’t matter if the gift took five minutes or five months; they will enjoy it equally. In this post, we'll explore 10 unique and homemade gift ideas that will knock the fuzzy winter socks off your recipients. These ideas are creative, uncomplicated, budget-friendly and beginner-easy! this post includes my affiliate links which cost nothing extra for you but may help support my blog if you decide to purchase 1. Customized Photo Calendar Create a personalized photo calendar using pictures of the favorite moments you two shared throughout the year. Here’s how I did it the simple way this year: instead of uploading to Walgreens or Shutterfly, I found this on Amazon and made the calendar in five minutes! Pick 12 photos and you’re done, for under $30. My kids’ grandmother loves getting these every year! This is a practical and nostalgic gift. If you don’t have a lot of pictures together, use your favorite photos of your kids or travels. Families love seeing these memories every day. 2. Homemade Bath and Body Products Pamper your loved ones with luxurious homemade bath and body products. Handmade is soo much better than the junk at the store. My simple favorites are bath bombs and sugar scrubs. Include a handwritten note with instructions or an inspirational self-care quote for an added touch. If you enjoy those nice little French yogurts (Oui), repurpose the cute glass containers by cleaning and filling them with homemade body scrub! Top them off with these under $10 gorgeous aesthetic bamboo lids (pic below) that include a rubber seal making them leak-proof for transport! Recipes to Try: Bath Bomb Recipe for Beginners Effortless and easy! Easy Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipe My favorite scrub, from Elaine with eatingbyelaine 3. Memory Jar Decorate a glass jar and fill it with slips of paper detailing the best memories you've shared. Cut out a photo of the two of you for the top, and finish with a ribbon around the neck. Make it easier by having the complete kit sent right to your door. I love that it comes with everything you need- including 180 blank tags. Currently on SALE $20 Ideas for your memory jar: What I admire about you... Lyrics from your shared favorite song. Inside jokes Dreams/Goals (one day we will...) Inspirational quotes Favorite personality trait Thank you for being there when:... Name and date of concerts you attended together A famous line from a favorite movie (Romantic interest): Favorite dates you’ve had Future date ideas Favorite charming attribute Top memory of the year Reasons why you are my person My favorite way to waste time with you... You get the idea! Revisit each one five times and you've got a nice collection that will have them grinning for days! 4. Handcrafted Jewelry Get creative and make unique jewelry pieces, even if you've never done it before! It's so easy to string bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. Use beads & charms, and personalize your creations by using your loved one's favorite color or their birthstone. Michael’s has jewelry-making supplies, but if you want to save some money I would get this 2,000+ piece kit (left) that has all the tools and beads you'll need for $26. complete kit. 5. Recipe Book This is perfect for your foodie friend or your adulting daughter (or son! Mine has called so many times, asking for childhood recipes!) Gifting a collection of your favorite recipes is a priceless and special gift that can be handed down for generations. Make a free ebook on Canva.com, including photos. They also have an option to print! Or handwrite your recipes on index cards and slide them into a photo album. Bonus: the recipes will be protected from food splatters behind plastic! 6. DIY Terrarium Here is the perfect present for your plant-mom friend! Create a mini garden in a glass container by arranging small plants, pebbles, and moss. Terrariums make stunning, low-maintenance decor gifts that bring instant peace and beauty to indoor spaces. I have a half dozen of these sweet hanging globes in my living room, displaying air plants...they are quite a conversation starter! 7. Hand-knit Scarf or Stocking If you have knitting or crocheting skills, make a cozy scarf in your loved ones' favorite colors. Handmade scarves are not only useful, but they also make the recipient feel loved every time they wear them. Talk about the gift that keeps on giving: knit them a stocking they can display and fill every year! Oh I would love this so much. It's officially on my wish list. The gift of your special touch in creating something like this lasts forever. 8. Personalized Cutting Board Engrave a cutting board with a favorite family recipe or a special message. If you have a dremel this is easy and satisfying. If we want it to be simpler: engrave their last name and Christmas/year. I love this for newlyweds! Everyone needs a cutting board. But this one will be a cherished keepsake. I recommend an heirloom-quality board that will last, to be handed down to the next generation, like this one: 9. DIY Artwork Create a piece of artwork using your artistic skills or explore different techniques. This sounds broad, but let me narrow it down with an example for you: I bought joint compound at Lowe’s ($4) and a framed art print canvas at Goodwill ($6) and went to town covering the existing art with patterns in joint compound. Another fun DIY is mixed media; I love this idea because you can personalize it with the gift recipient's favorite themes. Check out more ideas here, and have fun making something special for someone important. Don’t forget to sign and date! 10. Homemade Food Basket Put together a selection of homemade treats! Include Christmas cookies, jams, cupcakes, flavored oils, cookie-mix-in-a-jar, or whatever it is you know people love that you make. Attach handwritten or personalized labels to add an extra touch of love. Wrap the basket in cellophane and top it off with a big holiday bow. Or use a basket like this and wrap the bow around the handles. I love the sweet lining on these, they are a present themselves! Hand-woven Wicker Basket with Handles & Linen I hope these ideas inspire you this holiday season to explore more than store-bought gifts and opt for something a touch more personal and meaningful. By creating unique and homemade gifts, you not only showcase your creativity but also demonstrate the thought and effort you put into each present. Love and care are gifts of themselves that bless each person lucky enough to get something like this from you. These 10 ideas are just the beginning, so let your imagination run wild and make this holiday season extra special for your loved ones.

It's time to give yourself and your guests an upgraded Thanksgiving table decor experience with a modern, stunning, setting. Does the 1962 decor of every single Thanksgiving table affect the dining experience? A resounding yes. Let's take that table setting up a notch and dress to impress. Here are my favorite distinctive, modern, table-settings that will transform your dining space into a captivating experience and knock the stuffing out of your guests. *affiliate links included Whimsical Woodland The Whimsical Woodland theme for Thanksgiving is fascinating and unusual. It does have a bit of a spring vibe, but the pumpkins and twinkling lights and candles remind us we're closing in on Autumn. Together, this blend feels like a breath of fresh air! The theme draws inspiration from a vintage, whimsical wonderland. Wood tones, greenery, and Robin’s egg blue are used as the color palette. How to Decorate the Table in Whimsical Woodland Centerpiece: Bring 4-6 inch houseplants to the table dressed in matching pottery bowls or simple woven baskets. Nestle fairy lights in and around the tablescape for a magical glow. Place small carved woodland animals (I used Christmas tree ornaments) around the greenery for an enchanting touch. Include tapered candles in crystal wood or porcelain holders. Color Palette: Vintage Robin’s egg blue, wood tones, green Tablecloth: Robin’s egg blue, or white. Runner Use a burlap runner for a natural and whimsical touch. Chargers: Wood chargers are perfect or go with seagrass placemats. Dishes/plates: Mix and match vintage-inspired dinnerware in the palette colors. extra sweet if they have delicate prints. Napkins: Cotton or linen If available, use matching pottery rings for napkin holders. Glassware: Vintage glass cups to add to the nostalgic atmosphere. Utilize small wood slices as drink coasters for the woodland vibe. Other Tips: Peruse thrift stores for matching extras you may need: enamel serving ware and utensils, vintage glasses, and cotton napkins. Place Cards: Attach delicate paper butterflies to the stems of mini gourds/pumpkins on guest's plates. "After a good dinner, one can forgive anybody, even one's own relations." –Oscar Wilde Modern Minimalist Modern minimalist decor portrays a sleek, clean, and contemporary look with a color palette of black, white, and green. It is drop-dead gorgeous in person. There's so much action and busyness with Thanksgiving, but when guests experience this tablescape, you can almost feel the room exhale. The optics of Modern Minimalism are endlessly satisfying. How to Decorate the Table in Modern Minimalist Centerpiece: Group small succulent plants, providing a natural and minimalist focal point. Add tall black or white candle tapers for a touch of height and elegance. Remember half of the theme is minimalism, so we want a very simple paired-down focal point. Tablecloth: Start with a clean, white tablecloth as the canvas. Chargers: Opt for simple, unadorned chargers that complement the clean look. Dinner Plates: Select matte black dinnerware and white salad plates to maintain the minimalist theme. Napkins: Use white cloth napkins for a clean and cohesive look. Silverware: Matte black modern flatware Glassware: Use clear glassware to maintain a clean and simple aesthetic Place Cards: Utilize sprigs of eucalyptus as both place cards and a natural decorative element. "This is what love looks like, if it were a table setting" Blush Luxe The quiet luxury of Blush Luxe is inspired by soft pink roses and the deep green of emeralds. It further elevates with warm brass or gold accents. This table theme immediately makes you feel royal. This dinner is, without question, something extra special. Imagine your guests seeing their name in gilded gold, sipping out of a crystal champagne glass. If you choose this tablescape, let me know what time to be there. How to Decorate the Table in Blush Luxe Centerpiece: Add glistening candleholders, and antiqued metallic vases filled with elegant blooms for a quiet luxury. Use several miniature gold frames placed around the table, each displaying a sentence of sentiment/what you are thankful for. Place votive candles in small metallic holders among the greenery for a romantic glow. Scatter small, polished gemstones or crystals for an added touch of glamour. Color Palette: Deep greens, soft pinks, and brass. Tablecloth: Pink Runner: Emerald Chargers: Opt for antique brass or brushed gold chargers to add a touch of vintage and elegance Dinner Plates: Choose bone china in white or pink! Napkins: Emerald Flatware: Gold or copper flatware for a touch of opulence Glassware: Crystal glasses, champagne flutes Place Cards: Write guests' names on gilded leaves or in a miniature gold frame Neutral Aesthetic The calm and understated palette of Neutral Aesthetic breathes peace and balance into your space, on a day you really need it. Clean and simple, soft and gentle, with natural materials like stone, wood, soft linens, and cotton, there is nothing but giving thanks vibes here. How to Decorate the Table in Neutral Aesthetic Centerpiece: Empty out a pale pumpkin place a vase inside, and fill the vase with a bouquet of white flowers. cluster pumpkins in muted tones, dried botanicals, and ivory candles in varying heights. Add texture with pinecones here and there. Place everything on a large wooden tray. Alternatively, line up the pumpkins in a row across the table and lay leaves along the border. Theme: Neutral aesthetic Color Palette: warm ivory, subtle gray, mushroom Tablecloth: warm ivory. Runner: subtle gray, linen Placemats: round, woven jute Dinner Plates: ivory Napkins: soft linen in any of the three tones Silverware: I get so many compliments on my wood flatware! (they are cheap and disposable!) Glassware: plain or stem Place Cards: write guests’ names on white polished stones. Use one of these fresh Thanksgiving decor ideas and get ready for a new holiday vibe . Let me know in the comments what you chose, and what you love the most about this holiday season. For fresh decorating ideas delivered right to you, sign up for the free the newsletter below!

With Halloween quickly approaching, your front porch is your prime canvas to display your style of scary. Too often this time of year we lose touch with good design. Instead of upscale our porches look yardsale. Let's update the front porch with a crisp contemporary vibe. In this post, you’ll learn 6 creative ways to decorate your front porch for a perfect modern Halloween aesthetic. Your stunning house will be a treat for the whole neighborhood. Bonus: it's all budget-friendly! Remember the only rule: keep the optics clean by sticking to a color palette. Chose three colors for this pared down theme. Alright Let's Dive in to the 6 Ideas! Orange Your Front Door Door Slipcover One of the quickest simplest ways to create a chic Halloween vibe is by changing your front door to match your color scheme. Get a 1 minute makeover with a DOOR SLIPCOVER Its like a fitted sheet for your door. This is a solid fabric (not the printed garbage bag we often see). Or DIY: Use front-door safe double mounting tape (this one) to affix solid orange contact paper to front door. In a pinch orange wrapping paper could be used however it's not durable. Bonus: use the door slipcover every year or the contact paper for a future craft project. If orange is not in your color palette, choose the most vibrant color. Porch Posse If your kids have giant plush animals (or you know someone who does) pose that posse on the porch. Dress them each in 1 or 2 accessories you have laying around (match your color scheme!) Ideas: A black tie, a cowboy hat, shawl, sunglasses, a scarf. Such a different showstopper! Keep a curated eye to avoid carnival. A trio is a perfect little Halloween porch gang. A Halloween Classic with a Twist Hanging bats are a Halloween classic, but we don't have to be basic. Flip them upside down and crease their wings slightly to their body -they will look like they are about to take flight when the wind comes! How-to DIY: Print vampire bat templates and cut out a colony on black construction paper. FREE BAT TEMPLATE Poke a hole in the the bottom of the bat with a toothpick, then thread with different lengths fishing line. Hang from the ceiling of the porch and enjoy all the reactions! No time to DIY? Buy this easy alternative It Doesn’t Have to be a Pumpkin The gorgeous sunset colors of potted Chrysanthemums are warm and alluring. The gradient hues imitate fall fire, drawing people in. Line the porch steps with them as a fresh answer to pumpkins. No green thumb? Trick everyone, treat yourself: with these realistic faux plants When choosing colors be sure to have your color palette handy. Creepy Cat Yard Who can forget panicking in the cult classic movie The Birds? Imagine instead, being outnumbered by an invasion of feral cats? Everyone will get chills seeing your yard full of unfriendly felines! FREE CAT TEMPLATES Insider tips: This was actually more cost effective to buy than DIY; mine were ruined when they got wet. 2. Put little solar garden lights around so people don't trip over the cats when it gets dark. DIY Version: (makes one) Cut two cat templates on black poster board. Place templates together and hot glue long skewers where legs pair up,. Leave at least four to five inches of skewer for poking in ground. Dead Tired Seating I recently painted my front porch rockers black. A pair of white skeletons sitting on the black rocking chairs would make a striking contrast! Painted pumpkins in black and white laying around their feet, and few large black furry spiders crawling up their arms or head will make a perfectly freaky scene! I hope these modern aesthetic Halloween ideas were useful or fun to explore. Let me know what you think in the comments! This post contains affiliate links

Modern Dark Academia aesthetic is the merging of two much- loved decorating styles: the traditional history-loving recluse we know as Dark Academia and our modern maven of clean lines and neutral palettes. It's a perfect partnership. How to Achieve Modern Dark Academia Think dark and cozy, yet streamlined and practical. Think Bogey and Bacall. It’s a look for everyone. Winter is the perfect season for a cozy try-on. Have fun creating a little cornerstone reading nook. Or, why not finally make the home office of your dreams? In this post you’ll learn five simple steps to achieve that modern dark academia aesthetic.  Let's dive in! 1. Blend Vintage and Modern Furniture Dark Academia's charm lies in the harmonious blend of vintage and modern furniture. It appreciates the textures and history of vintage pieces while embracing the sleekness and functionality of modern design. Try pairing a vintage leather armchair with a minimalist modern table, or mixing a sleek sofa with an antique coffee table. I'm gaga over this leather contemporary office chair with exposed stitching- it embodies the vibe all in one piece. 2. Embrace Rich, Dark Colors Immerse yourself in the cozy and sophisticated atmosphere of modern Dark Academia by embracing rich, deep colors. Old academia blues hues get a needed update: our modern maven keeps the optics tidy with neutral shades of black. This includes Black Forest green and Wenge. Behind the warm light of soft lamps and brass fixtures, it’s a glowing masterpiece. Learn more about shades of black here: 134 Shades of Black Color 3. Integrate Classic Patterns Add depth and visual interest to your space by incorporating timeless patterns like houndstooth or checkerboard. These classic designs bring a touch of nostalgia and elegance. Try these for an air of sophistication. Keep it contemporary: use patterns sparingly as the modern vibe will lose identity in Maximalism. If you're going checkerboard on the floor, then have two small items in the corners of the room as repeats, like a small framed print and a bud vase, with the rest of of the decor neutral and adhering to your color palette. 4. Feature Luxe Textiles Elevate your space with opulent and luxurious textiles like velvet curtains, cashmere throws, wool or silk rugs. These sumptuous fabrics bring depth and interest, and create a sense of indulgence. The result is a space that feels irresistibly inviting, compelling you to curl up in cashmere, and read a rendition of Rasselas. Make it modern: The nod to modern cues a less-cluttered and optically organized presentation. so keep your textiles neutral or in the same color family. 5. Decorate with Books Books are the heart of the Dark Academia aesthetic, symbolizing a profound love for knowledge and literature. Make books an integral part of your decor by displaying them in vignettes alongside reading accessories, or stack them elegantly in corners. Create a cozy reading nook with a comfortable chair, a soft lamp, and a stack of your favorite books. Alternatively, adorn bookshelves with carefully arranged books, plants, candles, and other accessories. By embracing the presence of books, you infuse your space with intellectual allure. Make it modern: stacking the same size books and colors together. Modern won't have books strewn about, they must be intentional. Incorporating these 5 decor ideas into your home allows you to express your passion for academia, literature, and history with contemporary style and charm. The result is gorgeous, tempting, and practical…and a feast for the eyes and soul. This post contains affiliate links to items I use and love, a small commission may go to the generator if you purchase through the link. It is no extra charge to you and helps support my writing. Thank you.

Your home is your personal canvas for self-expression, reflecting your own story and style. But where to begin? In this easy guide you'll learn the four super categories of interior design home decorating styles, what identifies them and where you fit in. Armed with tips and design ideas, we'll have fun finding your personal decorating thumbprint! The Easy 4: Home Decorating Styles First, we need to establish the timeline of Interior Design. Obviously, we were decorating our caves with art back in the day. Interior Design, however, as an established reference, began in the 1870’s. Back then our style was mostly Traditional;  we wanted to emulate the Royal Family digs, and carry the traditions we knew so well to our new homes, and new countries.  More on this! So the first up in our easy guide to interior design home decorating styles is: Traditional Style: Timeless Elegance Traditional style exudes timeless elegance with classic design elements like rich woods, intricate detailing, and warm color palettes. Symmetry creates balance, and substantial furniture with luxurious fabrics like silk and velvet adds opulence. Perfect for those who appreciate formal comfort in living spaces. Some Subcategories English Country Embrace English cottages’ cozy, charming aesthetic: think floral patterns, warm colors, and antique furnishings. French Provincial Experience the elegance of the French countryside with ornate details, pastel hues, and a mix of rustic and refined elements. Victorian Create opulence with intricate detailing, dark woods, layers of textiles, and striking patterns. Colonial Appreciate this early American design: weave together craftsmanship, an earthy color palette, practical furnishings Explore Other Traditional Decor Styles Eclectic Style: Personal Expression at its Best By the 1920s and 30’s things started changing. Moving pictures inspired a more artistic thumbprint. We came to Art Deco. Hollywood Regency. This is the original glam.  This is actually under the umbrella of Eclectic Design in interior design home decorating. It’s a mix-and-match approach that draws inspiration from various styles, eras, and cultures. This style encourages you to showcase your unique personality. It’s about breaking free from conventional design norms and letting your creativity run wild. If you’re someone who loves to curate a space that feels uniquely “you,” then the Eclectic style is the perfect match. Some subcategories: Bohemian Create a free-spirited, artistic expression with a mix of colors, patterns, and textures from different cultures and eras. Art Deco Embrace bold geometric patterns, luxe materials, and a sense of glamour inspired by the Roaring Twenties. Global Fusion Combine handmade elements and artisanal pieces from different world cultures for a rich, diverse aesthetic. Vintage Revival Celebrate nostalgia with a mix of retro furnishings, unique finds, and special thrifted treasures from days past. Want more? Dive into Eclectic Decor Modern/Contemporary: Interior Design, Streamlined In the 1950’s as our population grew (ok boomer) our interior design home decorating style took their own paths with many trailblazers. But one design road many embraced at this time was Modern. We were done with gold inlay and fancy aesthetics. We wanted clean, purposeful, natural. Modern design, also referred to as Contemporary is a less-is-more aesthetic that makes use of natural materials like wood, glass, metal, and concrete. Functionality, uncluttered spaces, and subdued color schemes are the main focuses. Furniture is streamlined and sleek.  The Modern/Contemporary style may be your best option if you are drawn to a more purposeful, clutter-free style, with natural materials and a unadorned appearance. Some Subcategories Mid-Century Modern Inspired by the 1950s and 1960s, embrace simple lines, organic shapes, and a combination of natural and man-made materials. 2. Industrial For a clean, urban aesthetic, incorporate unfinished, raw materials like exposed steel, concrete, and brick. 3. Scandinavian Use light, neutral colors and natural materials to achieve simplicity, functionality, and a sense of connection to nature. 4. Minimalist Focus on simple shapes, spacious layouts, and a “less is more” philosophy regarding furniture and decor. Can’t get enough? There’s more: Discover Modern Decor Styles Transitional Style: A Blend of Design’s Best We like a little something about each style, and blend our favorites in a balanced cohesive way; that's Transistional. I think a lot of us fall in this category, and it brings us up to date in our timeline. We explore different interior design home decorating styles we gravitate towards, gather and arrange them, regardless of timelines or design rules. We are in a very creative, fun era of Interior Design! The goal is to create a warm atmosphere that is at once traditional and modern with little pops of interest. If you appreciate a versatile and balanced approach to decorating, the Transitional style might be the one for you. Some Transitional Subcategories: 1.Coastal Transitional Combine relaxed, coastal aesthetics with classic elements for a light, airy, and timeless atmosphere. 2. Rustic Transitional Blend warm, natural materials with clean, refined lines for a comfortable yet sophisticated look. 3.Contemporary Classic Marry contemporary design with classic elements, creating a timeless yet up-to-date style. Learn More About Transitional Decor We can niche interior design home decorating down to super subcategories, but going back to the beginning is a good place to start in order to identify your path and style. If you want to have fun with styles and “try things out” without the expense or a mess in your house, try a realistic design home app/game: They are free to download, so play around! Pick one HERE! Your home is a reflection of how you want to feel. Decorating in your particular style is the biggest step towards making it truly yours. Remember that there are no strict rules in decorating—the goal is to create a space that brings you joy. To discover more about your style, try this style quiz: https://www.arieandco.com/find-style-quiz/ Regardless of your design style, stick to a color palette for to flow and cohesion Check out our free design style color palettes for reference! #AnEasyGuide #HomeDecoratingStyles #InteriorDesign

The newly crisp Autumn air signals the change in seasons, and we hear the call: It’s time to transition out of late summer and decorate for fall! We love celebrating the start of the new season! We also value being intentional and smart with Mother Nature's resources -and our own! So I've bundled my favorite tips for you in this list of cozy and sustainable ways to decorate for fall, on a budget. Let’s dive in! 1. Decorate Like a Mother Mother Nature, that is! Take a look around your yard or the neighborhood for colorful pine cones, acorns, and leaves. Use them to add to a natural wreath form, which you can create or purchase from a craft store (look for grapevine). Hang one wreath for your front door and lay another on your dining room table as a centerpiece. If nature isn’t an option, this is a great budget-friendly wreath tutorial: https://youtu.be/g3M-tbEtXRU 2. Add Cozy Textiles -Blankets Add layers to your fall decorating: sofas and armchairs adorned with textured throws in earthy tones inspire us to curl up and get cozy. If you’re like me, you have a stash of blankets. I bring mine out this time of year. If you are just starting, see what your local thrift shop has in natural materials. I’ve scored nice cotton throws for $2! Mix cotton, wool, cable knit, and even faux fur if it’s good. Combining different textiles adds interest, warmth, and fall sumptuousness to your space. -Pillows Save money by resisting the urge to buy the seasonal pillows pushed on us by stores. Most do not have removable covers. How do you launder, and where do you store them when the seasons change? For much less waste, instead, buy pillow covers in the colors of the season for a third of the price. Just change out your covers when the seasons change. I swear by these (pictured): Favorite Cushion Covers 3. Decorate Within A Color Theme You want your fall decorating to look and feel intentional. Right? The designer’s trick is to match your decor within the same color family. See our  2023 Fall Colors Palette for inspiration and reference. Keep your decorating colors in this palette, and you will have seamless cohesion in your home. 4. Add Seasonal Scents Candles Light-scented candles with fall-inspired fragrances like cinnamon, apple, or pumpkin not only add warmth but also create a delightful aroma. Aromatherapy Essential oil blends with nebulizing (cold-air) diffusers are my home-elevating best friends. Choose from a variety of seasonal oils that lend an authentic feel to the atmosphere.  Get into it here:  https://thegingerhome.com/fall-essential-oil-ideas-to-keep-you-cozy/ Oil Diffuser For the diffuser, I’ve tried out 8 (I need to write a review post!) This is the WINNER I use: https://amzn.to/4881O19  I honestly have so much to say about this.  The bottom line is, that using a clean natural fragrance that capsulizes the charm of the new season is more elevating than probably any of these other tips I’ve shared. 5. Set the Scene with Soft Lighting Swap out harsh lighting for softer, warm bulbs. I aim for 2–3000 Kelvins. If you don’t know about Kelvins, check out this simple chart. If your lights are on a dimmer, that’s a plus! If not, you can buy lightbulbs that dim with a remote. I have these in several rooms, and I love that I didn’t have to mess with installing dimmers, just had to screw in a lightbulb! A link is here if you want to check them out. Soft lighting is the definition of cozy ambiance!  Warm low light reflects the season in its hues. Makes you want to start up the fireplace! 6. Display a Rustic Table Setting To create a fall mood/natural vibe aesthetic for your dining room table, skip the tablecloth and use wooden or woven placemats. Add a canvas or cotton table runner. Set out your linen napkins and anchor the tablescape with a wooden bowl, filled with fruits of the season: apples and pomegranates, which look gorgeous with their jewel tones! 7. Rearrange Furniture to Reflect the Cozyness of Autumn Moving your furniture can help set the mood for a welcoming fall. Scoot armchairs closer to each other. Scan your room for an empty little corner you could make into a nook by adding a chair, blanket, and books. Move the sofa or bench a little closer to the windows to take advantage of the fading natural light. Pair a couple of little stools next to the fireplace and lay a sheepskin rug under them. I made a little side table of stacked thrift store books (see pic) that is so fun and inviting! 8.  Swap Out Artwork For a Seasonal Theme This doesn’t sound budget-friendly, but trust me, it is. Buy an autumn-themed set of art prints from Amazon or Etsy—they are less than $20 for a set—and swap out the artwork you already have. If you don’t already have framed prints, then write down the sizes of the print set you purchased, take it to the thrift store, along with a mini measuring tape, and buy vintage frames. I did this, and all my frames were less than $12 TOTAL. They have more character than the typical off-the-shelf new stuff. I cover it here in a TikTok Decorating your home for fall on a budget is easy and so fun with these 8 great tips. Getting your home ready to welcome the new season is a celebration in itself, showing gratitude for your home and for change. I love that. What you are excited to try and what do you look forward to most this fall? Let me know in the comments; I’ll see you there! Download the shoppable post! #budgetdecorating #fall #falldecorating #waystodecorate #budget #decorate

Welcome to our list of top 5 Home Design and Decorating Games: Unleash Your Inner Interior Designer! If you like home decorating and interior design, you will love these house-designing virtual games that get your creative juices flowing and unleash your inner interior designer. We include pros and cons for each game, from the players themselves! Unleash Your Interior Designer Through Home Decorating Games These interior design games are not only entertaining, but they help elevate your design style; along the way, you become a better decorator. They include storyline-based games, free play, and competitions against other designers. They are compatible with your mobile device, PC, or Mac. Most are free to download and have in-app purchase options. Top 5 Interior Design and Home Decorating Games In this post, we’ll take a look at the top five most popular game apps and their pluses and minuses, according to players! Let’s dive in! “If I were a superhero, my power would be to make any space look fabulous.” – Unknown 1. Design Home Design Home is one of the most popular home decorating game apps. You begin with a budget and a blank canvas and build your personalized dream home. Along the way, you learn about different types of styles and what goes together. What sets this game apart is its endless catalog of real furniture and decor brands, making your designs incredibly lifelike. Positives: realistic designs with a vast catalog of furniture. perfect creative outlet, and users say it’s relaxing. Negatives: In-app purchases are required for more detailed customization. Design challenges can be time-consuming. Download free app here 2. Design This Home Design This House! may have a more familiar simulation for some players This home decorating game is a less life-like simulation and some people prefer that. You can own and decorate up to 11 houses, customize your residents, share your house with your friends, clean and fix up your home, and earn rewards by completing tasks. What Players Love: The extensive creative freedom to design and decorate virtual homes according to their preferences The game is relaxing and enjoyable What Players Don’t Love: Excessive in-app purchases or pay-to-win mechanics Lack of innovation or new content updates leads to monotony in gameplay Download free app here 3. My Home: Design Dreams If you enjoy puzzle-solving while decorating, My Home: Design Dreams is the game for you. This puzzle game combines gameplay with decorating, making it a fun and addictive experience. Solve puzzles to unlock new furniture and decorate different rooms in your virtual home. Unfamiliar with match-3 games? Find out more here What players love: Engaging home design puzzle gameplay with decorating elements Fun and addictive design challenges for casual gamers What players don’t love: Virtual gameplay interruptions due to in-game ads Interior design tools may not satisfy players seeking a more realistic design experience Get it here 4. Home Design Makeover! Home Design Makeover! is another engaging match-3 puzzle game with a decorating twist. Help clients transform their spaces by completing challenging puzzles and earning rewards to purchase new furniture and decor items. It’s a perfect blend of gaming and interior design creativity. What players Love: A fun blend of puzzle-solving and interior decorating Offers a unique virtual design gameplay experience What players don’t love: The energy system limits playtime Encourages in-app purchases for quicker progress Check it out here 5. Redecor Redecor is a popular and unique home decorating game that puts your skills to the test through design challenges. Compete against other players by redecorating rooms based on specific themes and constraints. It’s a fantastic way to test your creativity and get inspiration from fellow decorators. Players Love: Competitive design challenges add excitement. A great resource for design ideas Players don’t love: Limited customization compared to some other apps. Competitive stress might not be for everyone Download the free app here These top five home decorating games offer a creative way to explore your passion for interior design and home decorating. Whether you’re a professional designer or just a creative soul looking for a fun pastime, these apps will help you unleash your inner interior designer. What you will enjoy most depends on the type of game you like best. Personally, I like realistic interior design apps, so Design Home and Redecor are my favorites. If you like 3D puzzles and Sims-like graphics you may favor Design This Home! Download a few today and see what you like, start decorating your dream spaces without making a mess at home! Want to sharpen up your style skills first?  Check out our guide to Interior Design Home Decorating Styles and find your perfect place! This post contains affiliate links #InteriorDesigner #Top5HomeDecoratingandDesignGames

Home improvement projects are the act of cherishing your space- and self-creating a loving imprint on each person who enters. Home Improvement: D I   WHY? Have you ever found yourself torn between hiring someone vs. tackling those home DIY projects? Why DIY When You Can Buy? The Home Improvement Dilemma! Sometimes the convenience is tempting. Right now my entryway foyer is begging for a new coat of paint. It is TWO STORIES TALL. If I stood on the top rung of the ladder, wearing stilts I don’t think I could reach high enough. Instead of getting paint,  I’ve been getting quotes. “I prefer being IN this quote than obtaining one”- me. Pretty soon we are going to find out how high the ladder will go. Because in the end,  we always choose DIY.  It may seem daunting at times. But it’s always worth it. Home Improvement DIY:  Three Whys DIY home projects don’t get a lot of air time other than tutorials. In this post, I’m going to share three significant ways this life skill rewards you. If they inspire you to try something new, I’ve got just the thing at the end of the post. 1. The Confidence in Creation Years ago when my son PJ started high school, he was assigned to make a catapult. He was not a DIYer!  We all jumped in to help: stepdad buying the wood, sister measuring and spotting, and grandparents advising. The end result was something the size of the Trojan horse…with an air compressor!  I saw a transformation in this shy bullied 14 yr old boy.  PJ proudly took that six-foot catapult *that really worked* to 9th grade- and came home beaming with A+.  He volunteered with my husband to rebuild the neighbor’s porch.  There was a belief growing in him. He could do things. He could even take control of the bullying. 2. The Magic of the Moment Have you ever felt 100% present in the moment of creating, where it all makes sense? You weren’t aware of it making sense. Because it just was. (Am I making sense?). All things are all right. Contentment swirls around us. We are focused, relaxed, and inspired.  In that space, there is just peace. Peace acts as a catalyst that unveils the magic of our true selves. I discovered that through DIYing. It’s not an original thought. Studies and experts have long linked mental health benefits and DIY/home improvement. The Man himself endorses it 3. The Home Improvement Caused Self Improvement Because you cared enough to nurture something that matters, the result is felt by not only you but by everyone in your piece of the world, who comes in your door. The place is elevated in energy. Enjoy it. Share it. Every time you walk by, you admire it. I bought those peel-and-stick tiles to cover the ugly kid’s bathroom floor (sorry, the kids aren’t ugly). Hubby had never done it before but he you wouldn’t know it. He cut them so nicely, perfectly pieced together, as a surprise for me.  And my gosh!  Everyone that walks in there says “Wow!”- It’s an inexpensive “tile” but the care and intention turn it into a showstopper. He also learned out to to use subway tile (this was real ha) and did all the kitchen walls to the cabinets. As your experience becomes your history, your skills sharpen and you find you start accomplishing things you had no idea about before. And what about my boy PJ? He ended up improving more than just the neighbor’s deck- he did it day by day, his entire life. Now he’s running things on the other side of the world. He’s actually a big dill. Now, it’s not always a dream.  This is real life. There will be weird frustrating moments when we say “What the hell have I done!” when we can’t see how good it will turn out. It always turns into something we cherish. Or fix. More DIY! So I think I’ll go get that paint this weekend. If you are new to DIY, here’s a simple way to start (how I did, myself!) Also, check out: 55+ Easy Weekend DIY Home Projects That Are Budget-Friendly For our seasoned DIYers, I’d love it if you left a comment sharing your experience or insight about DIY and what your favorite projects are. #DIYtips #DIYhomeimprovement #creative #WhyDIYWhenYouCanBuyTheHomeImprovementDilemma #DIYinspiration