Home Inspiration from Decorati

I always enjoy coming across beautiful interiors by manufacturers who have a great sense of style and sophistication and Decorati has exactly that. They are now joined with Gilt Home, which makes a great pairing for these two well-known home interiors brands. Let me show you some of my favorites from their collections.

Neutral pairings

It is a true art to pair up neutrals in a room without it feeling stale and monochromatic. Decorati has collections from different designers, as well as styles based on your home interiors characteristics. The pairings of neutrals like camel, gray, brown, and white are used throughout these spaces beautifully.

Modern sophistication

Classic styling, clean lines, and traditional dark hues are what I love about these spaces. The furniture has sense of urban chic, with its very metropolitan feel, yet still staying warm and inviting. In this living room, I love the separate conversational areas that make the fireplace a focal point of the room.

Commanding attention

Decorati has always had a good sense of proportions and scale in a space. With this fireplace, the bold sculpture and unique planter in the fireplace makes for an eye-catching space. The simple furnishings and pops of caramel color in the bookshelves, creates an inviting room. Who wouldn’t love to read a good book in this living room?

Attention to detail

While it’s always easy to only look at the furniture, the accessories that adorn the space are equally important. Whether you love a clean and modern aesthetic in your space, like the bold pendant lights below and simple vases at the dining room table; they make this space speak for itself. While the decorative starburst mirror above this fireplace is a beautiful detail that doesn’t compete with the traditional mantle and fireplace surround. Gorgeous details!

Color at its best

There is always an apprehension about using strong colors in interiors, and when executed well, you have to wonder, “Why was I so afraid of color?” Decorati has two examples here that show color done right! From the bold tangerine sofas to the playful green in this kitchen island, each room has it’s own flair. What is fun about color, is it gives the room personality and helps your creativity shine through. Find an inspiring color that you love and bring it proudly into your home!

Now that you have seen some of my favorite inspiration ideas from Decorati, you can use many of them in your home. There is always room for adding your own interpretation when you have beautiful furniture and decor to choose from! Let me know what your favorite is, I’d love to hear your ideas, and feel free to share on our Facebook page.

Happy Decorating!

Renia

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Holidays... By the Beach

I was always amazed with the idea of having Christmas holidays in a warm climate country. I dreamed of this, but I always believed, it would stay just a dream, like many other thoughts we make in our lives.

I was sitting in an Emirates jumbo airplane, flying to Malaysia and still thought I was dreaming.  

The trip excursion (10 hours of flying with Emirates Air is quite an experience) the exotic places I have seen and my dream to have Christmas in short sleeves and being sunburned…were absolutely great!!!

So in memory of last year’s Christmas, I share some Christmas decorating ideas for those who live in countries with warm climate at the Christmas holiday.

I hope you enjoy your Christmas as much I did last year.

Renia

Christmas time at the beach is beautiful and laid back aesthetic. A Lighter color palette for your holiday home is one of the characteristics of a beach holiday. Light and fresh color tones make for festive details throughout your house, from silvery whites, and creams to touches of cranberry red sprinkled throughout!

Pinterest

Christmas time at the beach is beautiful and laid back aesthetic. A Lighter color palette for your holiday home is one of the characteristics of a beach holiday. Light and fresh color tones make for festive details throughout your house, from silvery whites, and creams to touches of cranberry red sprinkled throughout!

 

 Pinterest

Christmas time seems to always be a time of hustle and bustle, and people moving around frantically to get last minute details done. Christmas at the beach has a relaxed atmosphere, and crafts and decor reflect the sediment. Simple crafts, homemade details, and flowery blooms are often a common scene around holiday homes.

 Pinterest

 

Cues from the beach are another characteristic of beach living at the holidays. Seashells, starfish, and nautical cues are beautiful interwoven amongst traditional pine garland and festive greens. 

I love this nautical rope hung on the stair banister to give a beach theme, but still create a festive holiday backdrop for the starfish!

Christmas by the beach has such a relaxed and playful tone to it, who wouldn’t love bringing these ideas into their home? Whether you are basking in the sun this holiday, or you are in a blustery wonderland of snow, these Christmas beach ideas can inspire. After all, the season is about warm thoughts, family, and beautiful surroundings.

 

 

 

Meals and Memories are Made Here!

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house. It’s the room you and your family share everyday meals and special moments. Why not treat it as special, as it deserves?

The easiest facelift you can do to your kitchen is to change cabinetry handles and knobs. It is easy and can breathe fresh air into your kitchen.

Are you ready to take your kitchen to the next level?

You can change your kitchen’s wall color. It is not expensive and it is easy to do. People think that kitchen walls have to be white. This isn’t true. In fact if you let your imagination fly, you will be amazed at the world of colors just waiting for your kitchen. 

Another option other than painting, is adding wallpaper or vinyl wall art. This can give your kitchen a modern boost, without a lot of effort.

Now if your budget can handle it, you can change your counter top and backsplash as an added bonus to your interiors.


Kitchen backsplashes serve a dual purpose: They protect your walls from spills and splatters, and they add a surprising amount of visual interest to a relatively small area.

There are different materials you can use, depending on your budget. You can’t have a new counter top without a new back splash. You may also need a new sink and tap to go with your new counter top. Consider adding an island if you have the space to bring the entire food prep area into the same light. Countertops can be purchased or made and you can add granite, Corian or other countertop materials to compliment your kitchen space.

A nice solution I often use in my projects is the countertop and the backsplash to be the same material. It gives a nice picture of continuation and uniformity.

If you’d like to add more emphasis on your kitchen, consider changing the cabinetry color. This will really renew your kitchen…

Change cabinetry color by sanding and staining or painting.  You can decide on the colors, and finish which all can be a very exciting endeavor. If you are concerned about your budget, consider a coat of paint! It can do wonders to the look of your kitchen and it’s a lot less expensive than refacing. 

The most important aspect of your kitchen, I left for the end.

Lighting makes a huge difference to your kitchen. You can choose from a variety of options from strategic task lighting to ambient lighting.

Being a professional and also a cooking enthusiast, I can tell you for sure lighting above your counter, can really make your work easier, and your kitchen will look bright, bigger and better. The most important lights are the ones under the upper cabinets. It shines lighting on your cooking tasks, and makes the kitchen look fantastic. 

It is important to understand that you don't have to do it all at once. Or you can do some of these, and save some for a later time. There is no contractor on the time clock and you can choose which area to work on when. The only caution is that you set a time for completing the project and try to complete one project before moving on to another.

Enjoy your family moments in your upgraded kitchen!

Renia
 


  Note: Images courtesy of various sites

 

Easy Craft Ideas for Christmas

Only a month left till Christmas!!! Have you already started decorating your home for Christmas?

Here are some ideas to make your own Christmas decorations and to give you inspiration for bringing holiday cheer to everyone who enters your home.

Warm your home crafts

From your fireplace mantle to hanging decorative mistletoe above a doorway in your favorite location, these crafts can be customized to your style, decor, and coordinate with your interior colors of the season.

 

Martha Stewart

Copy Cat Crafts

Creativity in your Crafts

If you’re looking for creativity in your crafts, look to these ideas. From festive wall decor to playful one-of-a-kind delights, these crafts would be great to share with family and friends too!

The Violet Hours

 

B Kids  

 

Country Living

Non – Traditional Festive Colors

The traditional red and green of Christmas is still beautiful, but what about introducing pastels, and soft colors into your holiday crafts? From playful wreaths to adorn your front door, to cheerful ornaments ready for hanging or giving as gifts!

 Good Housekeeping

Craft Jr.

Tip Junkie

Easy crafts that double as decor

If you’re looking for crafts that are ‘no-hassle’ and will still look great, look at these ideas. Print and cut these shapes in wood and paint them. Then glue and add decoration of your liking or as shown in the above photo. Consider adding metallic paint, or embellish with beads, seeds,  you name it!

These ideas would look great hung on the wall or door.. you decide.

 

Christmas is that one time of the year when anything goes, and will be appreciated by all. Crafts made by hand or embellished with your kid’s creative touches make for fond family memories. Enjoy the holiday, and all that it brings.

I would love to see some of your creations. Please share them with us you on our facebook page.

Good luck in your creation and lots of fun.

Renia

 
 

 
 

 

French Style - The Art of Elegance

 French Style

"I like to think that in France there is a sixth sense - a French sense... French sense is simple - it is chemistry, a magical mix of the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and textures... As a nation France has chemistry, as individuals the French have spark."

--Vicki Archer, FRENCH ESSENCE, 2010

French style is a timeless look that combines a welcoming, cozy aesthetic with the elegance of French culture.  From the simple colors and alluring details, many admire French elegance style and here are simple ideas to bring the French aesthetics into your home.

FINE DETAILS:

One of the many qualities of French  decorating is the detailing is steeped from the tradition of French history. Ornate detailing in furniture, wallpaper, even down to the crown molding and trim throughout interiors are classic French country accents.  

ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS:

French history is known for its artisan crafted architectural elements on the exterior and interior of buildings. For an authentic flair to your interiors, use elegant engravings, faux plaster additions, and wall appliqués to create an aged and historic look. Then tie together furniture, molding, and accessories in to the architectural details with playful coordination of elements, style, and colors.

BOLD DETAILS:

Bold details such as the oversized lamp that acts as furniture and a grand statement to the room, along with bold colors, coupled with neutrals makes this room come together in grand style. To get the look in your home, find a few grand pieces of decor or furniture, and make it the focal point of the room. Then surround the rest of the room with subdued colors that draw attention the focal point. The mix of the two creates a beautiful harmony in French style interiors.

  

GORGEOUS LIGHTING:

French country design pays special attention to details, and gorgeous lighting is one of those fine details. From ornate crystal chandeliers to romantic side table lamps and graceful wall sconces, lighting is just as an important accessory as the decor around it.

MODERN MEETS THE CLASSICS

While traditional styling is one of the fine characteristics of French country design, there is a modern edge to it that combines an eclectic, but still sophisticated tone. Whether it adding modern colors, a splash of pattern, or a piece of artwork that ties it all together, French country can marry the old with the new beautifully.

OUTDOOR TOUCHES

While the interiors of your home are graced with French country design, so should the exterior of your home. Outdoor touches to your patio, pool, or deck area can reflect the relaxed styling of the French Riviera, with simple and sophisticated color palette. Embellish your outdoor home with beautiful plants, leisurely fabrics, and a relaxed atmosphere that will be enjoyed by all.

French country living and design is all about marrying traditional elegance and culture with beautiful details. Bring the lifestyle of modern sophistication to your home with these inspirational ideas. There is something about French country design that makes you want to slow life down and savor the fine details!

French Style for a Small Home

 

Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things!

Decor Ideas

When decorating for Thanksgiving, think of the festive autumn cues you can use for the table and around the home. Here are some table decoration ideas for this special meal.

 

Savvy/Chic

Chic and Clever Holiday Table Displays

When it comes to decking out the table, sometimes simplicity is best. Check out three sweet and stunning displays that give the holiday table a lovely natural flair. 

Above: Dark, rich pomegranates make the perfect addition to the Thanksgiving table. With a little gold paint, this fall fruit becomes a brilliant placeholder.  

 Via Apartment Therapy

Painting pumpkins white is an unexpected way to bring a Thanksgiving staple to a chic new level of display. Mixed with ceramics, they become a sculptural tableau. 

Via DigsDigs

By simply cutting off the tops and hollowing them out, these colorful gourds are now festive vases and candy dishes.

Via CraftZine

Most of All

Thanksgiving Day brings to mind
the blessings in our lives
that usually go unnoticed:
a home that surrounds us
with comfort and protection;
delicious food, for pleasure
in both eating and sharing;
clothes to snuggle up in,
books and good entertainment
to expand our minds;
and freedom to worship our God.
Most of all we are thankful
for our family and friends,
those treasured people
who make our lives extra special.
You are part of that cherished group.
On Thanksgiving, (and every day)
we appreciate you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

This Thanksgiving enjoy all that your family and home has to offer with these beautiful decorative ideas. Greet your guests with a gorgeous wreath at the front door and grace your dinner table with the inspiring centerpieces shown here. Your Thanksgiving memories can start with warming the hearts of those you love!