Cozying up to Fall

I've always loved the fall.We have lived all over but no matter what state we've lived in, I have always enjoyed the fall. To me when I think of Fall I think of crisp mornings, perfect weather days and cool nights but most of all (living down south) no humidity! I long for hot apple cider and outdoor fires.  Fall also brings beautiful outdoor decorating. I love seeing all the entry's dressed with pumpkins , corn stalks and mums. The other day I was over at the http://www.theyellowcapecod.com where  Sarah was showing her beautiful front door dressed for fall. The moment I saw it, I was reminded of my days in Michigan where my neighborhood went all out decorating their front doors. What a surprise to find out she was from Michigan!  Isn't it just lovely.

via theyellowcapecod.com

So with all that said if you're thinking of doing something special to warm your entry for fall here is some inspiration:

via fourgerationsoneroof.com

I love how the "Welcome Friends"is inscribed on the pumpkins.You could also do this using artificial pumpkins and add tea lights so it has a bit of a glow at night.

via armoniadecor.com

via homeedit.com

Hope you've been inspired! You can see more on my Pinterest page under my Fall board. Remember to Live Life Beautifully!

The Shape of Things to Come: In Ottomans

I have always had a thing for ottomans. The other day I was sourcing ottomans and came across these lovelies. They are so versatile:  add a tray and you have a table,  kick your feet up and take a load off, or use for extra seating.  Here are a few that caught my eye.

I love the shape of this one.

The natural feel of this one is nice as well, I like it in this setting, but could also see it in a casual beach setting, or a rustic space.

This one is my all time favorite! I love that it looks like a skirted ottoman but actually has hidden storage.

 This one also caught my eye. I love the nail head trim , casters and unique shape. 

Have you ever considered using an ottoman in your space?                 

Quick and Easy Bookends/ Easy Peasy DIY Project

 Paperbacks, paperbacks what to do with all those paperbacks!  Here's a quick and easy project  for some of your old paperback books. If like me you haven't donated them all to the Goodwill, Salvation Army or library here's another use for them. How about bookends for books!

 Here's What you'll need: Paperback books, paper clips or small stapler and patience!                                                                                                                      

Start by opening book in half .  Next you'll need to tuck the cover in along with a few pages and paperclip or staple them together.

 Next continue tucking a few pages at a time in towards inside of book. I like to alternate the pages from one direction to the other. (no particular reason, other than it seems to be easier to keep them together).  Continue this process until the entire book is done.

 Because these are not heavy at all they are really for decorative purposes .

Happy Tucking!                    
Live Life Beautifully!

E Design /First Apartment

Hi everyone,  I was planning on doing a DIY project, but o well. I thought this would be just as fun.  This E Design  was done using what some consider to be a difficult color: yellow. Yellow can be a little tricky but done right, can give a room a nice pop. This space is a very small  apartment and a temporary residence, but needed to feel fresh and livable. I also wanted to add pieces that could transition to other spaces later.  The nice thing about the selections used here, is that with a change of pillows and other accessories, you can create a totally different look.

E Design Board:

 The sofa is slipcovered so it's easily changeable.  You could also add some great trim to the bottom of the sofa to give it an little extra punch. (I'm especially loving Mary McDonalds trim for Schumacher,Gorgeous!)  A great way to give apartments some personality is with paint. Here, the accent wall was painted with Restoration Hardware's Slate.  The cabinet was purchased in a grey washed finished and the chandelier  when it arrives will add even more interest to the space.

Via Schumacher

So Here's the space now:

I chose this cabinet because i thought it could serve  many purposes e.g. a place for books, dishes,  dressed with towels in a bathroom, used in a guest bedroom bedroom etc. Right now it holds the t.v., but can serve so many other purposes. I did give an option for the table e.g. acrylic, or wood but an ottoman, is being used now for the time being. All in all the yellow gives it pop, wouldn't you say without being too much.

If you're in need of some design assistance and would like my help, please contact me.  Remember to Live Life Beautifully!