Showing posts with label Interior. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Interior. Show all posts
The one thing inherently stable in my life at the moment is my love of organizing. If there's anything I can control and manipulate in this current moment, it's the four corners of my bedroom. As a kid, I was always in love with feng shui and the power of transforming a space that fits your comfort, creativity, and mentality. I have always loved interior design. It's a hobby of mine that I haven't quite been able to pursue, but within my personal space, I have found that there's power in the ability to create a space that fills you with joy. Scratch that. "Sparks joy".
However, I've also noticed that this sense of control over my surroundings has become toxic at times. When something isn't quite right within my space, I tend to dwell on it: clean it, reorganize, or move things around at a ridiculous rate. My mom will ask me, "didn't you just vacuum?". And while those are probably words that every mom would prefer saying to their child, I have found myself rearranging or cleaning things just to cope with whatever is happening in my head or things I want to avoid. It's a blessing and a curse really.
So, I've come to terms with my love of organizing and catering the space to my needs. I love the way my room looks and how I've been able to express myself within it. It has truly become a place of solace over the years, and while I do not plan on living in my parents house in the future, this is where I am in my life and so I feel it is best to reassess how this room—this space—has molded the person I am today.
Whether it be the mindfully stacked books on my shelf, the color coded closet, my mini botanical window sill, or the perfect trio of pillows on my bed. It all serves a purpose. I know that not many people think twice about what shade of blanket they have on their bed or what white space is filled perfectly on their wall, but to me it signifies balance, cohesiveness, creativity, and well—me.
Perhaps creating an aesthetically pleasing room is just a facade, but to me it represents so much more. It's my safe space, my happy place, and where I can cope with everything else that needs to be organized in my head. Having a type-A personality has allowed me to feel structured, but at times, I am in need of that release from perfection, from clean lines, and from comfort.
I guess that's what being stuck in a room for over a year does to you. There are things we have to let be and we can't control everything. But if it means living in a space that I love and where I can find some sort of control—well, I'll just be here re-organizing my bookshelf.
Fall is finally here and I think the majority has been waiting for this time of year since January. The leaves have finally started to show some amber and maroon shades, there's a bite to the wind, and you already know I've had a Pumpkin Spice Chai or two. What I love about this season is making my place cozy, warm, and inviting—much like I set out this blog to be! I know decorating can be a great seasonal hobby for some, but for college students on a budget (and for those who might not feel like going to TJ Maxx or Home Goods for the 20th time this week), here are some extremely budget friendly ways to get your place feeling like Gilmore Girls without breaking the bank.
Switching Out Textiles...
A simple reshuffle of pillows and throws can make all the difference on the coziness meter of your space. Whether it's changing out a pillow case or flipping over a blanket, it is so easy to make a space feel more inviting and warm with tons of textiles and fuzzy cushions. You can't go wrong with more pillows! Pulling out a fun wicker basket to store them in for friends and family is also a nice considerate touch.
At Your Local Dollar Store...
The best way to gather inspiration for fall decor on a budget is at your local Dollar Tree or Dollar General. I always find the most inexpensive decor pieces and craft items, more specifically, to create unique and intricate seasonal pieces. I was inspired to create this fall wreath by my cousins who had a wreath making night, so I decided to recruit my good friend to try and create a small one with things I could find either around the house or only from the Dollar Tree. All of the leaves, pinecones, ribbon, string, and even the foam wreath itself were found for less than $10. Instead of gluing everything, we were able to cut the pieces and stick them right into the foam. Here are 32 Easy DIY Fall Wreath ideas! A mini wreath like this will get any door or candle looking festive.
Walls can use a little spruce with updated art and prints! I think the color and patterns on the walls can really impact the warmth of a room, so why not use prints to amplify it even more? No need to go out and buy new prints when you can either draw or paint, reuse, or update old pictures on the walls.
I love to save my old Rifle Paper Co. calendars and cut them out so I have an array of prints to cycle through and ones that can be perfect for every time of the year. I've never been to Copenhagen, but this print sure makes me want to go! You could even try newspaper or magazine covers to create a collage on my bulletin board as I have with my old film photographs for a vintage and eclectic type of look.
The best way to instantly make your house feel and smell autumnal is to bake to your heart's content. I made cinnamon banana-nut bread this weekend and even made some extra loaves for later. There are many simple recipes, so here is an inspired banana walnut bread recipe that I love to refer to. I've seen people drying orange slices, roasting cinnamon almonds, and making all of the pumpkin spice flavored baked goods you could dream of. Find the ingredients laying around and you might be surprised at what you can concoct.
This time of year brings so much joy as the seasons change and it shouldn't have to cost you. There should be no pressure to "update" your fall decor because there are so many easy ways to refresh and revitalize what you already have laying around your house. I've even made a #fallfeels2020 Spotify playlist to set the mood and that's really all you need.
This time of year is meant for big changes and also letting go of things that are built up inside us. If there's one thing I know well, it's reorganizing and redecorating a space, which can always be a mood booster. Don't let the seasonal blues get you down and be inspired to create the coziest abode you desire! What are some budget friendly things you do to make your space feel more autumnal?
I have been seeing an abundance of dinner tables converted into home offices, "soft offices" or just people's beds converted into offices, some really killer home offices that were built for actual work, and some really creative set ups, so I was inspired to share my at-home office. Which I'm actually quite proud of.
What has evolved from a makeup vanity now into a dual-purpose vanity and desk has become my place of production and zoom meetings. As a kid I'd use it to play school, pretending it was the teacher's desk, but now I get to live out my 10 year-old fantasy and write all of my assignments, blog posts (even this one I'm writing), and participate in class at my desk.
I keep my productive spaces pretty organized, and I think a lot of my friends from school can abide by that. I am the most focused when I know where everything is, the main tool, my MacBook Pro, has been my saving grace through all of this. As a matter of fact, my camera has been broken for the past month, so Zoom meetings have been less awkward to say the least.
As you can see, I have a small gold tray that I bought from Target's Project 62 line, wouldn't we all love to go back to Target? I linked a similar one I found and I love to keep my makeup brushes, perfume, or Q-tips at hand because you never know when you need a quick Zoom session touch up. I also have this really quirky eyelash mirror. Folder organizers are also the way to go, I mostly love them because they hide all of my legal pads I use for notes.
Next to me, I usually have some type of liquid. I have been loving citrus infused water and hot tea. It gives me a boost and isn't something sugary or overly caffeinated. I'll have my AirPods handy, as well as, a note pad or a weekly to-do list to keep track of my online assignments and meetings. Rifle Paper Co. makes a lot of pretty ones that are functional and pull off like a sticky note.
I have also been really into these blue light glasses, although I don't know if they actually work or if I'd just gave into the trend. Staring at my screen all day does strain my eyes, but I've not worn them enough to find out if they have lasting benefits. All I know is that I feel more productive wearing them, so maybe that's a hidden plus.
I think everybody needs a sufficient desk lamp. I brought this one back from school and I use it every day. The lighting in my room is nice, but during the afternoon or when Chicago decides it'll be cloudy and snow, I feel like I could just take a nap and not do work. This one was also purchased at Target (who could have guessed).
Above my desk is usually a wall calendar. I always buy the Paper Source ones that have pretty landscapes or national parks on them. Once the year goes by, I cut off the bottom calendar part and keep them as wall art instead. All of their calendars are more than 50% off, so I would highly recommend giving them a quick browse!
I know this is a weird time and a very different adjustment to our every day routines, especially for those who have never worked from home. I am hopeful that this will not be the normal routine forever, but uplifting each other by showing the ways we get productive and maintain our daily routines always helps me stay motivated when times are hard and confusing.
Trying to stay engaged online as a college student has presented its challenges, but remembering that I have a support system of professors, advisors, family, and friends makes it just a bit more doable. What has your work-from-home routine looked like?
I am an ever-so faithful Gaines family fan and a lover of their former HGTV show, "Fixer Upper". I watch it religiously. Chip and Joanna Gaines, proud Waco, Texans are probably one of the most well known interior design couples across America. Joanna just came out with her new "Homebody" interiors book and I have just recently finished their autobiography, "The Magnolia Story," about their backgrounds and creation of their, now famous, Magnolia brand.
Today I wanted to talk about Joanna Gaines's collaboration with Target and her Hearth and Hand collection she came out with last year. I always gravitate towards her display whenever I walk into the place. The collection includes a wide range of home decor pieces, kitchenware, officeware, and home improvement items like paint and tools. It's evident that these products reflect Joanna's sleek, modern, and rustic style. She also continues to keep up to date on seasons and rotates product specifically catered to holidays and specific color palettes.
What I really appreciate is the fact that all of her items are affordable. I've read all of her blogs and clicked on all of the links to furniture and decor items that she's used in homes and they're just outstandingly expensive and ridiculously priced rugs or vases. So, it's refreshing and really nice that a college student like me can add a touch of Joanna into my space without having to break the bank. A lot of the decor probably ranges from $15-$50. Something a young person obsessed with interior design and decor can manage.
I haven't purchased a lot from her collection, though. My two items that I bought was this sage colored Storage Box and this Padfolio folder and notepad. Both of which I enjoy a lot. Coincidentally, both of them were on sale because they were rotating to the fall collection items and I happened to stroll upon them at perfect timing. This sage color is probably my favorite shade of green and the box was only like six bucks. It's perfect for storing anything and everything, while making your desk or shelf space look neat and put together.
My favorite item of all the things she has in her office collection is this little padfolio guy. I was looking for a more professional looking folder anyway to keep all of my important school documents, business cards, and notes in. It also comes in a bigger size! It was on clearance for only seven dollars and I had to have my hands on it—get it Hearth and Hand. Sorry, I just got excited over a folder. It's been great though. I take it to important meetings and it makes you feel professional when you pull this bad boy out.
Joanna has just launched the Christmas holiday collection and there are variances of texture with woods, metals, and warm fabrics. Flannel inspired stockings, lots of greens and earthy tones, and an overall feeling of "home" that makes her collection so inviting.
One thing I do have to say is that with her very eclectic range of items, there are many items that I think probably shouldn't have been added to collection. Obviously, ranges like these have certain items people really love and people don't care for as much. I noticed that a lot of the same product in multiple Targets were being marked down such as some of the small decorative candle holders and vases and goat statues and relics—also known as "crap". I know that Joanna put a lot of personality into the project, so I applaud her for staying authetic to her farm roots, but I don't think many people really cared for the metal goat bookends. At least I didn't.
However, many of her items are fully functional: the plates, dishes, towels, baking tools, paint, books, folders, lamps, and everything else is pretty much designed with intended usage. I mean, that's one of Joanna's motto when creating spaces anyway—keeping spaces tasteful and functional. So, I'm sure her intention behind the products were geared towards families like her own that just want a place that emulates the personality and coziness of home. I get the goats, alright.
She also competes with other Target interior decor brands that I've also purchased items from like Threshold and Project 62. Threhold has more of a traditional style and Project 62 is modern. So, Joanna's line definitely stands out with the farmhouse chic, industrial vibe. She's not afraid to mix patterns, texture, metals, foliage, but keeps her brand cohesive and individual from the rest I've seen at Target.
My support and devoted admiration for her comes from her value of family, as well as, establishing her own personality through a brand. She is fearless when it comes to design making decisions and that's what inspires me the most about her. I also adore her work ethic, creative intentions, authenticity, and realness when it comes to her idea of simply living and thriving at a place you can call home. Also, I'm in love with her cute family. I'm definitely a "Homebody" and I know you are, too.
The ever anticipated room tour post is now officially up for all to see. I know it was a long time coming, but with getting settled into school and adding some finishing touches to the space, I like how it's all come together and am ready to reveal it. I know it won't really stay the same, as I love to add pieces and touches here and there, but for the moment I really like how my room looks.
If you came here to see a full apartment tour, this is not it. For the sake of my roommate's privacy and a pretty underwhelming apartment, I thought it was best to skip the kitchen, living room, and bathroom. It's pretty basic and has everything I need—that's all you need to know. I thought it would be nice to at least show you all how my bedroom has turned out.
So, my apartment is actually an on-campus apartment that was once an old condo building, so it has a lot of history and character. Every door in my apartment is different and we probably have five different types of door knobs throughout the space. This year I have my own room, instead of sharing it with two other people, so I got very excited to have the freedom to just do whatever I wanted with this little square space.
While I had kept a lot of the decor I had from last year, there were some more things I brought from home. If you know me, then you know I always change up my decor a lot and spend excessive amounts of money on textiles and pieces. It's just something I love. This year, I wasn't feeling the pink and green floral comforter I had from last year. I needed something a bit more practical, sophisticated, and neutral.
I know that I probably won't change my bedding after this, but I was inspired by Kate Spear's tufted comforter and love the minimal texture of the design. It actually took me the entire summer to find one like it that wasn't over fifty bucks. I was really bargain hunting guys because bedding is so much money nowadays.
This bedding was the Lauren Conrad Swiss Dot Comforter from Kohl's and I'm not sure it is still available in grey, but the time I got it I was able to apply so many coupons on it, so it was definitely a great deal. The cozy knit throw was from HomeGoods and I can't remember what brand it was, but here is one similar.
I had inspriation of what sheets I wanted and some throw pillows I imagined to go with it. The long embroidered and embellished throw pillow is from HomeGoods. The mustard box pillow and cover are from Ikea. I'll just plug in my favorite store, Target, for their incredibly soft blue microfiber sheets. And then my very fluffy bedrest pillow I bought from Target last year, as well.
As for my desk area, I knew I wanted to stick with my gold wall grids again because I just love them so much. They're the perfect way to take up some wall space without having to really damage the walls and make hanging up pictures so much easier. I added this pom pom garland for an add of texture. Pom poms are coming back into interior design and I think I'm obsessed.
By the way, I decided I needed something over my bed and I was originally going to put the pom pom garland on the wall above it, but realzied that my wall is kind of beat up, so this Vintage Washed Tapestry did the trick. The great thing is that it was on clearance at Target and I think it fits in the space really well.
It was pretty easy finding places for everything and I managed to know exactly where to put my Rifle Paper Co. Yucatan 2018 calendar. I absolutely adore how artistic and detailed these calendars are and I ask for one every year for Christmas. Along with my calendar above my dresser is a basket with my makeup mirror and some products, a jewelry tray, and a canvas that says "explore".
Something that I added this year was this eyelash mirror to my desk. Mainly because it was a bit too heavy to hang on the wall with a Command Strip. I love the way eyelashes look and how they're coming into a lot of designs lately. And it's gold, so what more could you need?
I also have this pom pom dream catcher that I just randomly found at Five Below. I needed something to fill up the wall space above the radiator, as well as, something to cover this awful pole that takes up space in the corner of my room. I opted for a fake garland and some fairy lights to make it more appealing and cozy.
I know my little room is cozy, and I apologize for how poorly lit it is, but it's my little space and I'm proud with how it came out. I know that I'm probably an ad for Target, but I have to say they have some pretty amazing stuff. I hope this has inspired some of you guys living in dorms and apartments because I know sometimes the spaces at school can be hard to decorate or fill when you have no idea how to.
I've seen many dorm room tours and how intricate people make their spaces, but keep it true to yourself because not everyone has the "perfect looking" dorm room and it can become pretty costly. I know I'm always changing things up, but I'm content with how it is now and it makes me even more comfortable living here.
There's something about having a fully decorated place to call yours really satisfying and gratifying. When I was 7 years old, I was changing and organizing this very room probably three to five times a day. It might seem like I'm overexaggerating, but if you ask anyone that knows me, I love to organize and decorate.
I would spend hours trying to figure out where I liked my cute Target baskets on my shelf or how I wanted to place my Zac Efron poster next to my hot pink butterfly chair. My neighbors even paid me to organize their kid's rooms. They would be relieved when I came over because they knew I would change something or help clean up my friend's rooms. It was just something I loved and continue to love.
It started with lining up my Bratz dolls on my bookshelf and limited to the half of the room when my sister and I shared it. I had a small twin bed, the current dresser and side table, the Ikea shelf I still have, and a small cherry print rug. My design ideas were very censored by how much space I had and what my sister would and wouldn't allow me to add to it. You can say I was pretty flustered.
When my sister eventually moved out of my room (thank the lord), I had some very important decisions to make. My room has been three colors throughout my childhood. That's a lot of paint for a kid. However, each color was a stage in my life and I grew out of them and tired of staring at banana yellow and dark periwinkle. I recently painted it this mint or seafoam and have decided that it will stay for awhile.
I added my personal touches with cheap Dollar Tree knick knacks and crap that I've either donated or sold at garage sales by now, but at the time, I didn't have any money and it gave me something to do—hound my dad to go to the Dollar Tree all the time. I probably have spent more than the average kid on room decor. Even in my dorm room. There's just something about the little details that make me love designing and getting to call a space my own.
My style has definitely developed over the course of my childhood. When I was little, I used to love rainbows and bright colors. When I got into my young teens, I was all about Parisian style. Paris prints everywhere, hot pink and purple, a black and white baroque rug, matching pillows, a metal Eiffel tower, everything. I think in High School I really got sick of it all.
I got obsessed with the "millennial pink" and rosegold phase, glad I didn't paint my room pink and wanted something more modern and mature. As my mom calls my room the "spa" room, for reasons I don't know why it's definitely different than what it used to be. I love metallics and minimal touches. Geometric pastel prints, industrial-looking decor, furniture, and just a more modern feel. I know my style will change in the future as trends change, but that's okay with me because it means more trips to Target and Home Goods.
People ask me what I want to do when I get out of college and to be honest, anything in Interiors would be a dream. If I could design spaces or get into any field of recreating spaces, I know I would love it. I took interior design in High School and would go past due dates to perfect floor plans and dream boards. My sister even says I should just become a professional organizer, but something with a little more "oomph" might be better for me.
My ideas go as far as my wallet will allow me. As a college student on a budget, I've found it hard to finance things I want to create or make, but Youtube and other bloggers have reimagined inexpensive and practical ways to find pieces and interior accents for pennies less, and that might be something I want to do in the future as well on the blog.
Even if you are just getting into interiors or are just fascinated by it and want to redecorate, it truly is not as hard or as costly as you think. Even just a can of spray paint can go a long way. I will always be changing my mind about the rooms I'm in and get to change, but because living in a space should be more than just living—it's a direct expression of yourself and that's something I will never forget when I decorate and design.
My dresser in my room has been a constant art project. I'm always changing my decor around and it definitely will change in the future. There's a lot of potential when it comes to decorating a dresser. Dressers or dressing tables are what holds all of our "goods" and is a place where most people drop off their keys and things when they first enter the room.
I've utilized mine as a jewelry and perfume holder. I usually have folded laundry or beauty products laid around on top of it, but when it is clean for most of the time, I have this tray displaying some of my precious things!
Not surprising, but this marble and copper tray is from Target. I have this silver necklace tree that I love and I might spray paint it gold now that I think of it. I'm not sure where it is from because my sister gave it to me, but I will link a similar one, here. I like to lay some products that I use every day and I put this little fake plant stem on here to add some green.
I also have this little vase that I got in a mini set of three from Target and put this eucalyptus stem in it that I bought from Ikea. I think eucalyptus is trending so much because it's a dusty green and goes perfectly with pinks, marbles, and metallics.
I have some of my Jo Malone perfumes, my Tarte eye cream, my Glossier hand salve, a nail polish and some products that I reach for every morning and night.
I love how a simple interior piece like this tray literally transforms the dresser and makes it functional and very sophisticated. Growing up, I was always buying pieces like this and I had so many trays. I know that my dresser will probably change as my style evolves, but right now I am pretty pleased with how it looks and hope this sparks some inspiration for people who don't know where to start or what to do with theirs! What's on your dresser?
I've switched up my room about a million times since I have lived in this house and my style keeps evolving every year. Aside from the fact that my old duvet cover had paw prints and scratches on it from Cooper, I wanted to change up some interior pieces in my room this year that I am so obsessed with. It's refreshing to switch things up a bit and I am always looking for new home pieces and accents to add to my room.
I was in sort of a desperate need for a new duvet cover. What I love about duvet covers is that, well, they're just a cover and are easily replaceable. I had my blue and white one before, but I really wanted one that had more color to it and that would bring in some of the pinks, greens, and greys around my room. I found this one at West Elm and it was actually on sale, which was a score. I love the geometric print and think it pulls everything together.
I was searching around for a really nice and minimal side table lamp. I wanted something that had an arm and wasn't just a lampshade. A lot of the desk-lamp style lamps I found were pretty pricey. However, Ikea had some really nice ones. This was one of their "work lamps", but I think it adds a really nice look to the side table. The gold accents tie in the other gold accents I have around my room.
On my opposite side table, I added a wooden tray from the Target Dollar Spot section and my gold clock and some small vases I also found at Target. I just love having trays around because they add depth and texture. This tray has a mirror on the base of it and gold handles, which are really elegant touches.
I also wanted a smaller rug in my room because the baroque, black and white area rug wasn't doing my room justice. It was far too big for my space and I opted for this one I found at TJ Maxx for less than twenty bucks.
I also felt like my bookshelf needed to be rearranged and I just wasn't feeling the basket I had on it. So when I was at TJ Maxx, I also picked up a gold jewelry box and I think it was the perfect addition to the shelf. I love how you can see the jewelry and I've actually never really owned my own jewelry box before.
Finally, I added a new "fake" plant that I also bought from TJ Maxx. I love it because of the concrete vase that's dipped in copper paint and I decided to put some cute copper fairy lights around it, too. I just think even if you add fake botanicals around you're room, it makes it much more homier and balances everything out.
I also added some fake eucalyptus branches around my room. I love their soft green color and leaves. They're definitely trending in many interiors. What's a change you made to your space recently?
It has been requested by many of my friends and fellow blog readers to do an official dorm tour--so here it is! Might I first disclaim that I am a walking Target ad and pretty much everything I bought for my dorm was from there because it was convenient and Target is life. Over the past three months I have compiled my "aesthetic" for my dorm because life is too short to live in a drab dorm room. I love to express my personality through interior design and I was really excited to decorate a new space to call mine for the next year.
I felt like my desk should be very minimal and have mixed metallics. I also wanted something to cover the bland chair and so I found this faux fur pelt at Five Below which I love sitting on. I also knew I wanted wall grids and found these perfect ones at Target for ten bucks.
I also needed a print of some sort on my bed, so it would be a bit more different than just plain, neutral white or blush. My theme was blush, green, metallics, and grey. Of course, I had to pack my Pillow Pet.
It was a bit extra of me to get this little furry stool, but it was probably the best thing I bought. It functions as a seat, a step stool, and a foot rest. I found it at Hobby Lobby and am really happy I have found uses for it.
I had an image in my head of a cute drink bar area on top of our fridge and I am so content and satisfied with how it looks. I bought this cute Target mug and put all of my hotel Starbucks cups on it for my roommates to enjoy.
I have seen many different bloggers decorate their wall grids in many ways and I was experimenting with what I should put on it. I knew I wanted my Rifle Paper Co. calendar and this little inspirational card. I also decorated it with polaroids and fairy lights which is the perfect mood lighting.
On my desk I have simple stationary items and really cute metallic school supplies. I love the black and gold. This is probably one of my favorite lamps I own from Target.
As far as my wardrobe goes (I was given one because I live with two other girls and brought the least amount of clothes), I kept it neat with white hangers from home.
I bought these awesome wired baskets from Five Below and they really hide my clothes and extra stuff I don't need to be out. They're cute and very functional.
My side of the room is next to the window and I get the ledge to put my vanity. Since I plan on using my desk a lot, I found it easier to put my copper vanity mirror from TJ Maxx there with my brushes.
I also love banners and found these cute gold pineapple ones and the tropical leaf one from Target. I think it adds a very cute and personal touch to my space without making the wall look crowded.
I am sure that my dorms in the future will all be different and I hope this gave some inspiration to people who want to spruce up their dorm as well. I am having a lot of fun and am finally comfortable in my dorm. It was hard transitioning, but adding my own touch to the space has made all the difference.
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