How to Decorate A Mantel

September 4, 2025

When it comes to decorating your mantel, have fun with it! Try layering items of various heights and textures for a lively look. Mix in both functional and decorative pieces, and don’t forget to choose elements that match your personal style and the vibe of the room. Happy decorating!

 

1. Begin with a Base:

  • Mirrors: A large mirror placed in the center can work wonders! It adds depth and reflects light, making your space feel more open and inviting.
  • Artwork: Consider hanging some artwork or leaning it against the mantel for a lovely touch, whether you’re going for a classic or casual vibe.
  • Statement Piece: Anchor your display with an oversized decorative item, like a trendy sculpture or a unique vase, to make it stand out.

 

2. Layer and Build:

  • Mix Heights and Textures: Play around with various heights! Tall candlesticks, stacks of books, and smaller decorative items can create fun visual interest. –
  • Collections:  If you have a collection of similar items, like vases or framed photos, showcase them together for a cohesive and stylish look.
  • Layering: Don’t be afraid to overlap and layer your pieces! This will draw the eye in and add wonderful depth.

 

3. Add Functionality:

  • Candles: Lighting some candles can add warmth and a cozy ambiance, especially on chilly evenings when the fire is crackling!
  • Books: Stack some books on your mantel or include them in your display to introduce texture and a touch of sophistication.
  • Vases: Vases aren’t just for flowers! Use them to hold greenery or other decorative items to brighten up your space.

 

4. Incorporate Personal Touches:

  • Family Photos: Frame and display your favorite family photos to add a personal touch and make the space feel warm and inviting.
  • Decorative Objects: Bring in decorative objects or figurines that reflect your personality and style—they add character!
  • Seasonal Decor: Have fun switching your mantel décor with seasonal items like garlands, pumpkins in the fall, or festive Christmas decorations.

 

5. Tips for a Cohesive Look:

  • Color Scheme: Choose colors that complement your room’s decor for a harmonious look.
  • Balance: Mix your larger and smaller items to create a balanced display that feels just right.
  • Keep it Simple: Remember, less is often more! A curated display will have more impact than a cluttered one.
  • Consider the Size: Make sure your decorations match the size of your mantel; the correct scale can make all the difference! Embrace your creativity, and enjoy decorating your mantel!

Creating Your Bed Using Pillows

August 21, 2025

In my last post, I discussed the types of pillows you can use for your bed. Today, I will teach you how to use those pillows when making your bed. Of course, you don’t have to use all these pillows.

I love pillows and have to admit that I have quite a collection! I enjoy using them to brighten our home, especially in the bedroom. So go ahead and give it a try at your home!

 

 

 

  1. Euro pillows
  2. Standard shams
  3. Standard case
  4. Boudoir sham
  5. Neckroll sham
  6. Flat sheet
  7. Coverlet
  8. Duvet cover
  9. Fitted sheet
  10. Bed shirt

Types of Pillows For Bed

August 7, 2025

Choosing pillows for your bed is an art. You need to know what size, shape, and how many you want.

To start, it’s essential to know your pillow type. The image below serves as a helpful general guide to the various pillow sizes that are typically available. The second and more complex aspect is determining where to purchase them. Pillow type is a personal preference, so understanding if you prefer down, down alternative, memory foam, or even buckwheat pillows (yes, they exist) will help you make the right choice. If you’re a fan of down pillows like I am, aim for those with a max power of at least 600. Remember that quality pillows should be used for sleeping, while decorative pillows are meant solely for aesthetics. There’s no need to spend a lot of money on decorative pillows.

 

Choosing Paint Finishes

July 3, 2025

When I do a color consult, I am often asked this question. What type of finish should I paint the walls and trim? Here is a guide that will help you.

  • Flat—This material is great at hiding flaws. It dries completely flat. It is not washable. It doesn’t reflect light. It is often used on the ceiling.
  • Matte—This finish has just a hint of sheen for a durable finish. It gives the appearance of flat but is washable. It’s great for walls.
  • Eggshell – A very sublet, soft finish. It has some sheen to it. Great for walls.
  • Satin – A velvety finish with a smooth sheen. Good for walls. Good in high-traffic areas, like kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Semi-Gloss – A lustrous, beautiful sheen for extra durability. Great for doors and trim work.
  • Gloss – Brilliant, striking finish for maximum durability. Great for doors and trim.

Note: The higher the sheen in a paint, the more flaws you will see. Today’s trend is using matte on the walls.

 

The Don’t Of A Room

May 8, 2025

When considering a room’s “don’ts,” avoid common design pitfalls like cohesion, overdone symmetry, color gone wrong, and shapes, lines, and forms. 

1. Lack of Cohesion: The room can’t decide what it is. Contemporary? Traditional? Does the item serve a purpose? Pay attention to all the elements in the room. Place items purposefully (E.g., Floor lamp next to chair/sofa).

2. Overdone Symmetry: It becomes redundant and uninteresting. You don’t have to have two of everything. The only exception is the master bedroom.

3. Color Gone Wrong: Understand the saturation/value of the color. Saturation is the purest shade of that color, the highest level. Value is when you brighten the color by adding white. (Ex: coffee, add milk color lightens). Use colors that will compliment the furniture. If one color pops out more than any other color, chances are the color is to saturated.

4. Lack of Attention to Shape, Line, and Form: The lines all go in the same direction (E.g., all vertical, vertical lamp, vertical stripes, tall vertical vase).

Color Specialist

March 27, 2025

Most people don’t think too much about color when designing a space, but color is the fundamental building block of design. Choose the wrong color, and nothing will work.

Years ago, I took a course in color and learned quite a bit. The system I learned is based on science—yes, science!! It involves combining levels of color intensity to create perfect harmonies.

So, if you need help choosing a color for your space, contact me, and let’s talk. I would love to help you pick the perfect color.

 

Tub in Shower

January 9, 2025
Yes, your tub and shower are all in one area. This is very European in style and great for aging in place. I love the idea!!
 

Aging in Place

December 5, 2024
As I mentioned before, since the interest rates on home mortgages are high, more and more people are staying put in their homes. Since they have lower interest rates, they are investing in their current home. As such, aging in place has gone up quite a bit. They have a bathroom with better accessibility.

  • Aging-in-place bathrooms up 141%
  • Handicap-accessible bathrooms up 137%
  • Hand-held shower heads up 68%
  • Wet room up 56%
  • ADA-compliant bathroom vanities are up 43%
  • Curbless shower up 42%

Aging-in-place Bathroom

Handicap-accessible

Hand-held Shower Heads

Wet Room Bathrooms

ADA-compliant Bathroom Vanities

Curbless Shower