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  • Our Top Luxury Home Must-Haves

    To Elevate Your Home and Give You More Time to LIVE. Are you looking to elevate your home and make it do the heavy lifting for you? Then you have come to the right place! Today we’re covering our Luxury Must-Haves when renovating or building a new home. The list includes high-end kitchen appliances, custom millwork, and other items that can add more sophistication and functionality to your living space. Whether you're looking to update your existing home or start from scratch with a new build, our tips and insights will help you create a space that's as functional as it is beautiful. Double Islands If space allows, we HIGHLY recommend a double island. It gives the chef plenty of space to cook and prepare while still entertaining. Additionally, it's great for children, as it gives them a designated spot and keeps them out of the main cooking zone. Built-in Microwave/ Microwave Drawer Keep bulky appliances off the counter! Great for kitchens with less countertop space, it’s also visually appealing. In Lieu of a microwave, we also highly recommend a built-in warming drawer. Warming drawers help keeps all the dishes warm until its time to serve! Double Dishwasher ESPECIALLY if you have kids or you're a big entertainer, a double dishwasher will make your life a MILLION times easier. No more handwashing the last of the dishes until your hands prune up, a dishwasher flanking each side of the kitchen sink will cut down on clean up and give you extra time to spend with loved ones, especially if you're the one who hosts the holidays. Bonus points for paneling the fronts like we did above! Automatic Glass Rinser We’ve been told by our sommelier friend that the best-tasting wine comes from glasses that aren’t washed with soap. Great for fragile glassware that can’t make its way into the dishwasher, the glass rinser uses hot water to sanitize your glassware in a flash. Of course we all had to take turns playing with it once installed! It’s as fun as it is functional. Refrigerator Drawers Keep the drinks for guests and kids away from the cooking zone for an easy grab-and-go drink option. You can also use it as an extra snack spot for kids. This allows everyone to help themselves, and it clears up fridge space! Win-win-win! ALL THE JETS Why have one shower head when you can have all the shower heads? For a truly luxurious and spa-like experience, jets, rain showers, shower heads, and hand showers will get you CLEAN (lol) and relaxed! Built-Ins For your Shower The tiny niches for your shampoos are NEVER ENOUGH. Give yourself all the room for your lengthy skincare routine by having a built-in in your shower. Want to take it to the next level? Have your AV guy set up the tv in the shelf and you’ll never miss an episode of your favorite show again! Don't want to miss a minute of the big game? Then you definitely need the built in shower tv. Built-In Step Stool Want your bathroom for the kiddos to grow with them? Do a custom built-in stool under the vanity. It slides out when you need it and tucks away when you don’t. It will always fit the look and remains nice and discrete when you want it out of view. Custom Rail System Have tall ceilings but can’t reach the top of the closet? Add in a custom rail system so you can utilize the height but keep the space functional. Great for seasonal items that you don’t reach for every day, or small spaces that need to utilize the height. Bonus Must Haves: Temperature/Humidity Controlled Wine Cellar Because what is a better form of self-care than making sure your drinks are always stored appropriately for optimal enjoyability ;) High-End/Designer Light Switches Because you’ve upgraded every other item in your house, why not make your light switches and electrical outlets look pretty?

  • The Only Spring Tablescape Guide You'll Need

    Need it in a pinch? No worries! We've got it all in time for Easter! We're trying new things here! How about this fun gif??? Spring is the perfect time of year to celebrate new beginnings, fresh blooms, and warmer weather with a lovely gathering around the table. However, if you're short on time and haven't had the chance to plan ahead, creating a last-minute spring tablescape can still be a breeze. We were so inspired by the nice weather, we created this tablescape in a matter of days! Most of the items were purchased from Amazon Prime (we love a next-day shipping) and it came fast! We have all the links at the end so you can have your perfect tablescape in time for Easter! As for putting it all together, here are some tips on how to create your own beautiful tablescape in no time: Make a Moodboard (or use ours!) Here's a look at how we create our tablescapes, or any design really. We love to start out with a moodboard because it's such a great way to visually see if all the parts and pieces will work together before you make any purchases! Below is our spring tablescape moodboard: For our spring tablescape, we used a lot of floral or garden-inspired elements, pastel colors, and natural materials like wood, linen, and woven textures. Kind of a no-brainer, right?? A simple, yet elegant design will make you look like an effortless Martha Stewart. Utilize Items You Already Have Don't stress about going out and buying new items for your tablescape. Look around your home and utilize items you already have. We did this a LOT with our tablescape. We pulled one of our favorite items from our FOUND collection, our gorgeous vintage vase, and threw some branches we got from Whole Foods right inside. The glass candlestick holders, taper candles, tea light candles and holders, napkin rings, and coup glasses were all pieces we pulled from Kim's personal collection! Kim's dog, Tucker, was a great addition to our setup as well ;) Create A Centerpiece A statement centerpiece can take your tablescape to the next level. Use flowers, foliage, or greenery to create a stunning focal point. If you're short on time, a simple vase filled with fresh flowers can do wonders. We purchased our branches from Whole Foods, but I urge you to look around in your yards/gardens. We have a pink magnolia tree that's just starting to bloom and we think items like that could make a beautiful statement as well. Or try your hand at your own floral arrangement! A few days prior to this photoshoot, we created this fun arrangement (pictured below) to celebrate our very own Lisa Crossen's birthday, with no prior experience with arrangements! Find an inspo picture straight from your Pinterest feed and give it a go! We found one that utilized fresh fruit and knew we had to try it! Add Finishing Touches Small details can make a big impact on your tablescape. Add some finishing touches like fresh linen napkins, candles, or fresh decorative elements, like the sprigs of thyme we stuck in the napkin rings. Using simple yet thoughtful elements can add charm and personality to your tablescape. We went with two different types of candles to create a nice variation in height. Alternatively, we suggest using different size bud vases to trail down the table with fresh florals. Creating a last-minute spring tablescape can be a fun and stress-free process. Start with a theme, utilize items you already have, create a centerpiece, add finishing touches, and don't forget the lighting. With these tips, your spring tablescape is sure to impress your guests and make your gathering a memorable one. Below we're tagging all of our sources for you, and click here for the link to our Amazon shop so you can be sure to get all your items in lightning fast!

  • Mirror, Mirror on the Wall...

    Or Mirrors on mirrors on mirrors. Who are we to judge? We've done it all! Mirrors are a versatile and essential element in any interior design, as they can add depth, light, and style to any space. However, selecting the perfect mirror for each room and hanging it correctly can be a daunting task. In this blog post, we will provide you with some tips on how to choose the right mirror for your space and how to hang it. Consider the size and shape of the mirror: The first thing to consider when selecting a mirror is its size and shape. A large mirror can make a small room appear bigger, while a small mirror can add a decorative touch to a larger room. Additionally, the shape of the mirror can influence the overall style of the room. Ornate mirrors work well in traditional-style rooms, while sleek and minimal rectangular or square mirrors are perfect for conveying a modern touch. Determine the purpose of the mirror: The purpose of the mirror will also influence its size and shape. If the mirror is intended to be a functional piece, such as a bathroom or dressing room mirror, it should be large enough to provide a full reflection of the person using it. On the other hand, if the mirror is intended to be a decorative accent, it can be smaller and more ornate. Mirrors can also be used to make a smaller space appear larger by reflecting a light source, whether it be natural light or artificial. If the purpose of the mirror is to make a space seem larger, consider a longer mirror, such as a floor-length mirror. We like to place longer mirrors above nightstands with lamps to achieve the illusion of higher ceilings. Consider the style of the room: The mirror should complement the style of the room. For example, if the room is decorated in a bohemian style, a fun, fringed mirror makes a statement. Alternatively, if the room has a modern, minimalist style, a simple slim-framed mirror would be a good choice. Determine the placement of the mirror: The placement of the mirror will also influence its size and shape. If the mirror is intended to be functional, for use to check one’s appearance, we recommend hanging it at eye level. Take into consideration all parties in the home that would use the mirror, and make sure everyone is able to see their reflection (We have seen many a tall husband unable to get the full view from the height of a floor-length mirror). As mentioned previously, if the purpose of the mirror is to make a space seem larger, consider placing the mirror opposite of a natural light source. This also helps bring more natural light to a room, making the space feel lighter and more inviting. Now that you've chosen the perfect mirror for your space, it's time to hang it. Here are some tips for hanging your mirror: Use the right hardware: Make sure you use the appropriate hardware to hang your mirror. For heavier mirrors, use heavy-duty picture hangers or wall anchors. For lighter mirrors, use picture wire or sawtooth hangers. Determine the height: The height at which you hang your mirror will depend on its purpose. For functional mirrors, such as bathroom or dressing room mirrors, the mirror should be hung at eye level. For decorative mirrors, the mirror can be hung higher or lower, depending on the desired effect. For instance, a decorative mirror can be placed above a fireplace to create a statement, as if it’s a piece of art. If you’ve got the room, go for two to make the room feel like it goes on forever. Talk about a statement! Use a level: Make sure your mirror is level before hanging it. Use a level to ensure that your mirror is straight. No clown mirrors in here! In conclusion, mirrors are an important element in any interior design, and selecting the right mirror for your space can enhance the overall style and functionality of the room. By considering the size, shape, purpose, and style of the mirror, and following the appropriate steps for hanging it, you can create a beautiful and functional addition to any room in your home. Below is a round-up of some of our favorite mirrors. Shop the full collection here!

  • Wallpaper Love

    A Guide to the Perfect Wallpaper for Every Space Dream House Studios We are so thrilled wallpaper is making the “comeback” it deserves! For us, it never went out of style, but we love that it’s getting its moment to shine again! Wallpaper is a versatile design element that can add texture, color, and pattern to any space. Whether you're looking to add a bold accent wall, a stunning ceiling feature, or create a more subtle backdrop, there are many options available to suit your style and budget. In this guide, we'll explore the different types of wallpaper with examples from our own projects, how to choose the right one for your space, and tips for installation and maintenance. Types of Wallpaper: Vinyl Wallpaper - This is one of the most popular types of wallpaper, especially for high-traffic areas or homes with children and pets, such as this bathroom from Project Haute. It is durable and easy to clean, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. Textured Wallpaper This type of wallpaper can add depth and dimension to your walls. It comes in various patterns and textures such as grasscloth, linen, and faux brick. Traditional Wallpaper This is the classic type of wallpaper that has been around for centuries. It is made of paper and comes in a variety of patterns, from florals to stripes. We love extra bold wallpapers in pantries, like this one from Project Carefee! It certainly makes grabbing a snack more fun! Self-Adhesive Wallpaper This is a newer type of wallpaper that is easy to install and remove. It is ideal for renters or those who don't want to commit to a long-term design. This peel-and-stick wallpaper mural in Project revive was perfect for this sweet girl's room. It’s ready to change out as her style changes! Choosing the Right Wallpaper When choosing wallpaper, consider the following factors: Color Think about the color scheme of your room and choose a wallpaper that complements it. If you have bold furniture or accessories, you may want to choose a more neutral wallpaper to balance the room. This gold paper from Project Haute gave this luxurious office a fun 1920s vibe. Pattern Choose a pattern that suits your style and the mood you want to create in your room. For example, a floral pattern can add a romantic touch, while geometric patterns can add a modern edge. Wallpaper on wallpaper on wallpaper? We can’t think of anything better. This floral wallpaper from Project Vibrant made this little girl’s bathroom that much sweeter! Texture Consider the texture of the wallpaper and how it will add depth and dimension to your room. If you have a lot of smooth surfaces in your room, textured wallpaper can add interest and contrast. Bonus points if you use it in a bookcase as we did at Project Collected! It adds so much interest to this family’s living space! Installation and Maintenance Preparation Before installing wallpaper, make sure your walls are clean, dry, and smooth. Remove any old wallpaper or loose paint, and fill in any cracks or holes. Measuring and Cutting Measure your walls carefully to ensure you have enough wallpaper to cover them. Cut the wallpaper to the correct size, leaving a little extra at the top and bottom for trimming. Hanging Follow the manufacturer's instructions for hanging the wallpaper. Use a wallpaper brush or roller to smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles. Maintenance Once your wallpaper is installed, it will require minimal maintenance. Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to remove any dust or dirt, and spot-clean any stains with a damp cloth. Alternatively... And if all else fails, we totally recommend hiring out! We have a specialist who hangs all of our papers to perfection! Sources like Taskrabbit are a good place to start! Just make sure you do your research and read the reviews before selecting your installer In conclusion, wallpaper is a versatile design element that can add texture, color, and pattern to any space. With so many types of wallpaper available, it's important to choose the right one for your style and needs. Follow these tips for installation and maintenance, and you'll have a beautiful, wallpapered space with tons of personality!

  • Our Top Cabinetry Colors

    A Round-Up of our Most Beloved Paint Colors for Cabinetry Why does choosing a paint color for your cabinets feel like such a task? It doesn’t have to be! We’ve brought you some of our favorite paint colors, with examples, to help you with your decision-making. Especially if you’re looking for that perfect shade of white! We have a handful of neutral (and not-so-neutral) selections to help narrow your search. We recommend you get paint samples and bring them into your space before taking the plunge to ensure you like the color in every type of light in your room. (Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored by Benjamin Moore; we just seriously enjoy their paint colors!) Benjamin Moore, November Rain OC-50 This off-white beauty with undertones of green is sophistication made simple! Pair it with shades of green to really round out the look, just like we did with a pale green wallpaper in the Primary Bathroom for Project Vibrant. Benjamin Moore, Cloud Cover OC-25 Another sophisticated off-white with a hint of warmth, Cloud Cover is a great selection that stands the test of time. This creamy white pairs beautifully with many tones, so we find it's a great color for perimeter cabinetry when adding a contrasting island. Benjamin Moore, Silver Satin OC-26 An off-white with undertones of lavender/gray, Silver Satin has become a quick favorite of ours. As seen in the kitchen of Project Collected, this off-white pairs beautifully with warm and cool tones. Talk about a complimentary color! Benjamin Moore, Moonshine OC-56 Another off-white, you say? How’d you guess? Benjamin Moore describes Moonshine as an off-white that suits “tranquil and serene environments” and we couldn’t agree more. Featured in Project Rooted, this off-white provides an air of softness that is inherently calming. Pairs perfectly with that moment of silence during the first sip of your morning coffee. Benjamin Moore, Boothbay Gray HC-165, and Wickham Gray HC-171 So you want a blue but aren’t ready to commit to blue? Then Wickham Gray and Boothbay Grey by Benjamin Moore will do just the trick. These “grays” have lovely blue undertones that will provide a cool, laid-back look, just like it did in our California Cool-inspired kitchen in Project Revive. Benjamin Moore, White Dove OC-17 Looking for a nice, crisp white? Then White Dove is just the color for you. This clean white is reminiscent of crisp linen sheets, and what is more on brand than using it in a laundry room? We often use White Dove for walls, but it felt like just the right shade for the laundry cabinetry in Project Evermore. Benjamin Moore, Van Deusen Blue HC-156 If you’re looking to make a splash, then Van Deusen Blue will do just the trick. We love the vibrancy of the color, hence its appearance in Project Vibrant. The bold blue was exactly the powerful color we needed to make this bar pop. This color is not recommended for the faint of heart. Dare Devils only. Happy paint shopping!

  • A Guide to Lighting

    Which Light Fixtures Are Best for Your Space, and How to Hang Them One of the most crucial pieces to the functionality of a home is the lighting that illuminates your space. It can evoke different moods, but it can prove essential to everyday routines. Additionally, lighting can be a piece of art to add to the design of your space. We like to take all of this into consideration when selecting light fixtures for our clients, to give a layered look that is timeless. Read on for a comprehensive guide on how to select the right fixture for your space and how to hang it like a pro. Sconces We love sconces in bathrooms. Did you ever have one of those Conair, double-sided mirrors growing up? They were life-changing (so long as you didn’t flip them around) because the direct light kept you from having shadows on your face as you were applying makeup or getting ready. Sconces provide the same type of lighting when placed next to your mirror in a bathroom. When used in conjunction with overhead lighting, they minimize glare and provide the optimal amount of lighting for a great morning routine. Sconces should be level with your face, just as your mirror(s) should, and should be no less than one inch from the side of the mirror. Generally, each sconce should be about 36-40 inches apart depending on the width of your mirror. We also like to take into consideration the size of the vanity when hanging bathroom sconces, as they shouldn’t fall outside the length of the vanity. Flush Mounts Flush mounts are great for providing a supplemental source of light. There are so many unique shapes and styles, they can add a lot of interest to a home’s design. Since flush mounts are a supplemental light source, we recommend using them alongside other light sources when ample lighting is important, in rooms such as bathrooms and offices. Flush mounts are on the smaller size of light fixtures, so we like to consider the space in which we are placing them. Flush mounts are optimal in homes with ceilings 8 feet or shorter. If you have taller ceilings, consider a semi-flush mount (flush mounts with a small extension rod that help distribute light in large spaces). We love adding fun flush mounts to pantries, closets, and long hallways. Pendants Pendants are great for adding warmth to a kitchen. Outside of recessed lighting, which proves essential for your most used workspaces, kitchen pendants add mood lighting for entertainment and gathering. Pendants come in unique shapes and sizes that can tell a story about you and the place you call home. A general rule of thumb when selecting kitchen pendants is to take in mind the size of the island. You don’t want your pendants to extend outside of the island. We recommend two feet of space between each pendant for ample breathing room. Two pendants are often the standard, but depending on the length of your island and the size of the pendant selected, you can add a third. Lastly, height: the bottom of the light fixture should hang anywhere between 30-36 inches off the surface of your countertop, allowing extra space on both sides of the island so you can still converse with your guests while maintaining your workspace. Chandeliers / Large Pendants The quintessential mood lighting for any evening gathered around the dinner table. Chandeliers and large pendants not only add to the ambiance of the dining area, but they are the statement earrings of your dining space. Do you prefer long and dangly with a touch of bling? Or simple with an understated elegance? Either way, we have a few tips on how to choose which works best for you. The main thing you should consider when purchasing a dining fixture is the shape of your dining table. The shape of your light should follow the shape of the table. For round tables, you want to select a round fixture. This ensures the light is evenly-distributed. A tip to selecting the correct size fixture for your table is to half the width of your table- that number is how large you want your light fixture to be. Once you have selected your chandelier/pendant, you want to be sure it is hanging in the center of the table. Similar to our rules for kitchen pendants, we recommend hanging the light 30-36 inches off the top of your table. For longer tables, such as rectangular and oval tables, the fixture should move with the length of the table. If you were to use a round chandelier in the center of the table, it could be very dark for your guests sitting on the outer ends. Therefore, we recommend a more linear fixture to flow with the shape of the table. If the linear fixture isn’t your style, you can hang multiple pendants above, following the same rules for the kitchen pendants. This still moves with the shape of the table while providing enough light for everyone seated. Again, we recommend hanging the fixture 30-36 inches from the bottom of the light to the surface of the table. We’ve pulled together some of our favorite sconces, pendants, flush mounts, and chandeliers; you can shop them here!

  • Tour Kim’s Kitchen

    A Look Into Thoughtful Cabinetry Design Words by: Dori Mundt During a home remodel, we often see kitchens as the investment piece. It’s the center of the home where family and friends gather, and we find it’s the most utilized space. Therefore, when we design a custom kitchen, we design with intention through collaboration with our clients. It is of utmost importance that we take into consideration what pieces of their existing kitchen function well, and what needs to be adjusted. Once the new plan is formed, we use our expertise to select cabinetry that is bespoke to the client creating a thoughtful design that encourages connection. Kim has years of experience designing custom cabinetry, so who better to explore the craftsmanship of tailor-made cabinetry design than with Kim’s kitchen? One detail you will notice when you first step foot into her kitchen is the number of drawers versus doors. Even some of the lower doored cabinets have pull-outs inside. The reasoning is that doored cabinets consume a lot of valuable real estate. Have you ever found yourself digging into the deep, and often terrifying, depths of a corner cabinet? Especially one without a lazy susan? The horror, but it’s not a problem in this kitchen. Every cabinet door and drawer has a purpose: to function solely for Kim and her family’s lifestyle. Inside the drawers, you will find custom inserts and attachments that go as far as matching the interior drawer finish, bringing form and function to a new level. Why shouldn’t the interiors of your cabinetry be as beautiful as the exteriors? Inserts ensure that everything has a place and that every necessary item fits. Think of them as the blueprints for your utensils, pots and pans, and other essential kitchen items. Bonus: your family members will know where everything belongs 😉 At the center of the kitchen lies the matriarch, Rosa. “What the heck are you talking about?” you ask. The oven was selected with thought and care, as cooking is one of Kim’s passions. She wanted to be intentional with the kitchen’s design down to the appliances. “But who is Rosa?” Rosa is the oven named fondly after Kim’s grandmother, who was known to cook with lots of love. An homage to Rosa is one of the many pieces that bring warmth and personality to this beautiful and uniquely personal kitchen. Flanked on either side of Rosa are the pull-out spice racks. Rather than having one spice rack, Kim wanted to have all her most used measuring tools and small dishes accessible while cooking. Everything is always within arms reach, making meal prep a breeze. Rather than adding more traditional upper cabinets with doors, Kim opted for open shelving. This gives the appearance of a larger kitchen with additional breathing room, by creating vertical lines that draw your eyes up. It also adds a sophisticated style to the space, with brass brackets and stained tops to match the rest of the cabinetry. Open shelving allows you to add more personality to a space. Since the kitchen has maximized the amount of storage space with drawers for the lower cabinets, she could use the upper portion to showcase more of her design style. Kim has always been inspired by traditional European kitchens and homes. There’s a warmth to them that emanates a timelessness. They’re purposeful yet personal, which played a part in many of the selections in her kitchen, including the open shelving mentioned above. In traditional European kitchens, you will often see “curiosity cupboards.” Whether developed from an existing piece of furniture or built-in to match the rest of the cabinetry, a curiosity cupboard houses interesting and “curious” objects. In this case, Kim’s cupboard showcases her favorite china up top, followed by the most used glassware and plates on the shelves below. This creates an easily accessible storage space that incorporates yet another element of thoughtful design. Above: Kim is featured with her mother Diane, and her dog, Hazel in her bespoke kitchen. The main intention in the design of Kim’s kitchen was to create a central place to gather. Entertaining and fostering a connection with family and friends are deeply woven into her personal and familial lifestyle. Therefore, Kim wanted the center of the kitchen to feature a large island that provides sufficient space for her to prepare thoughtful meals while entertaining guests. With large, comfortable counter stools, guests can sidle up and converse while the chef creates her magic. If you ever have the opportunity to be a guest in Kim’s kitchen, you can bet it will be an experience that rivals most five-star restaurants. There’s a warmth that can’t be bought and an aura that will leave you saying, “I can’t wait to do that again.” She measures with her heart and remains attentive to her guests. The kitchen just happens to be the cherry on top, and that’s her intention in helping her clients design their kitchens and home: to develop a deeply personal space that embraces the hearts and souls of the people that live in them.

  • Warm Up Your Home This Winter

    A Guide on Selecting Items That Embrace Your Personality and Make Your Space Uniquely Yours Homes are a book of who you are and showcase deeply personal pieces of your life. At Dream House we believe your home should be a collection of your personality, your history, your present, and your future, so we are here to help you select accessories and items that will help translate through design. Adding meaningful items bring interest and warmth to a space. Below we’ll show you pieces we help clients select that make them want to hunker down and cozy up, especially in the winter. Image Credit: Haus Love Interiors Art Artwork is deeply individual. We take time to listen to every detail a client provides in meetings and conversations to develop an understanding of their personality to select art for their space. The great thing about artwork is that there is no right or wrong, it’s how the individual resonates with the piece, but it does help to take in a few considerations when selecting. Which style speaks to you? Do you prefer bold lines? Do you enjoy bright colors, or do you tend to lean toward black and white? Is the piece you’re looking at trendy, or do you see it as something that can be passed down in years to come? We like to look at color schemes in the current interior design to help with our selections and then read into the “theme” of a space. If the client prefers a more traditional home, we may look at still lifes and portraits. If they enjoy a more modern look, we may help select something more abstract with bold strokes. Needless to say, always go with your gut and select a piece that you feel tells your story. If you need help deciding which style of art you prefer, look at our Pinterest board titled “Artwork.” It’s highly curated to give you plenty of inspiration. You can view it now by clicking here. Greenery Don’t have a green thumb? Don’t be scared! There’s a lot of really amazing-looking faux greenery out there. Plants and florals breathe life into a home (some plants, like snake plants, literally breathe life into the home in the form of converting Carbon Dioxide into Oxygen- they clean the air!). Is the weather outside making you gloomy? Plants can help transform your home into a lively and thriving environment. They are known to take a space from being cold to feeling warm and inviting (did we just come full circle already??). By bringing natural elements into a space, greenery can liven things up. But how can a faux plant bring life to a space if it isn’t alive? They make faux florals and plants so realistic now that neither you nor your guests will know if it's real. Our favorite destination for purchasing faux greenery is Afloral. Another reason we enjoy adding greenery is that it can add visual height to a space. When adding decor, we want to ensure there are levels to the items we style. It’s a way for our mind to process each element. It’s like a visual journey. If you have a beautiful antique jewelry box that your grandmother gave you and you place it next to a vase of similar height, the jewelry box can get lost. It can appear almost dull and two-dimensional. Above you’ll see how adding height and dimension through greenery and florals can help create visual interest and allow you to take in each piece. Image Credit: Urban Outfitters Mirrors Have you ever heard how lighting can change the mood of your space? People often recommend dimmers for dining rooms to create a warm ambiance, but there's something special to be said about natural lighting and how it does an incredible job of bringing life into a home. That’s where mirrors come in. Mirrors can be used to naturally bounce light from outside around a room. Not only that but have you seen some of the mirrors on the market lately? *Chef’s kiss* Consider adding a mirror that emulates your tastes. Are you a little more on the eclectic side? A wavy would look amazing! Do you prefer traditional decor? Maybe try something more ornate like a gilded mirror. Wavy Mirror: Lulu and Georgia Mirror Ornate Mirror: Chairish Lighting As mentioned above, lighting can change the mood of a space. This can be achieved with overhead lighting or task lighting, like table lamps and floor lamps. Follow the similar rules above: select something that speaks to you and your personality. If you lean more modern and minimalist, consider a fixture with clean lines. If you prefer something with more of an outdoors-in, natural vibe, try adding a fixture with rattan. For maximal coziness, select a lightbulb that lets off a warmer hue, such as a warm white, rather than daylight. For more lighting ideas, check out our blog: A Guide to Lighting. Image Credit: Chris Loves Julia Pictures Last but not least, personal pictures. How else can you tell your story without adding some pictures from your life? A space can be beautiful and lack warmth and personality if it doesn’t have any photographs inside. Family photos and pictures from travel create a, say it with me, warmth, that is so very personal. So we suggest taking the time to go through your phone and computer and print out those special memories. Printing photos seem antiquated, but they will do all the work in making your house feel like a cozy haven.

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