Nordstrom has a big anniversary sale every August and I love a sale, don’t you?
But sometimes it can be really overwhelming when it comes to sale shopping. This year is a bit different with the events happening globally – it might feel a bit limiting or strange. But for this year’s sale I have done some “window shopping” for you and found some great home decor pieces!
As you may know – if you have been following me on Instagram – I have been making some changes in my own home (mainly my family room – new sectional sofa and pillows ) so I have definitely been in overdrive when it comes to finding decor pieces!
My Nordstrom Home Decor Picks…
This curated list consists of pieces that are really versatile. They are neutrals and really transitional (meaning that they can work with many styles). I have found pieces that add texture to a space and visual interest. These all work beautifully together but also can easily be added to your current decor.
Nature accents is the home add a certain serenity. There is no more elegant and tranquil approach to decor than to incorporate nature itself in your interior design. Extending on the work of Outdoor Art Pros, there are limitless ways to bring the exterior into the interior tastefully. However, this doesn’t mean stuffing rooms with pot plants and reupholstering everything in brown. Subtlety is essential, and to that end, we have compiled a list of top tips to invigorate your home with natural accents.
#1 Natural Mimicry
In the name of good taste, we recommend you never implement any form of animal print in your home. This suggestion has nothing to do with a political statement or agenda but instead because animal prints are exceptionally bold and often overpower elegant details as a result. It is, not to put too fine a point on it, always tacky. If you do have any, we recommend replacing such prints with more subtle prints. However, this does not mean that patterns from nature can’t be added tastefully. A subdued floral design in your window treatments can go a long way. We recommend thinking creatively, though.
Consider ways to implement more subtle patterns, like the elegant patterns of a delicate leaf or a subtle visual reference to the texture of a feather. Going beyond pattern designs, you may also consider natural textures used in striking ways. Woven raw hemp fibre material replacing conventional throws; Coasters of varnished woodcuts; raw pottery items used to replace standard vases. There is a lot of joy to be found in looking for unique and exciting ways to replace everyday items with attractive, natural solutions.
#2 Extend The Nature of the Garden To The Interior
By this, we mean to say bring complementing plants and features inside that reflect your exterior designs. If you have a rock garden, try implementing similar textures in wall and floor treatments. Plants that thrive both indoors and outdoors can be used to create visual continuity.
Water features are one of the most appealing ways to bridge the disconnect between exterior and interior. A natural water feature creates a fantastic sense of tranquillity and relays a clear understanding of nature to any living space. Our absolute favourite water feature is the glass floor fountain. A translucent cascade of water, creating a subtle distinction between interior and exterior, placed to be an inspired conversation piece from all vantages.
#3 Natural Forms
Few things communicate a sense of nature as vividly as natural forms. Natural forms refer to decor items mostly taken straight from nature. A lacquered tree stump as the base for a glass dining table makes for an extraordinary dining room conversation piece.
Another example, a tree branch pendulum lighting is another truly breathtaking application. Our other favourites include sheer cut rock floating shelves and a shrub inspired floor lamp. There are few limitations if you set your mind to it. Look to inspiration from your garden, paying mind to ways that you could create pieces that reflect your garden in a personal sense.
Keeping houseplants is a great hobby – but there’s a difference between a hobby and a decor statement. A weird assortment of greenery in even more assorted pots isn’t going to cut it – even if the plants themselves are really quite pretty. If you hope to combine arty decor withindoor gardening, here are the tips you need to make your plants into indoor features that will be noticed!
Indoor Kitchen Gardens With Flair
Food gardening and urban farming are enormously trendy right now, and there’s a special something about being able to pick fresh herbs, berries, and greens right in your kitchen and fresh for the pot.
There are some truly awesome and innovative high-tech indoor planters out there. They’re good-looking and they even look after the plants themselves! That’s great if you have a busy lifestyle and don’t have much time to care for your indoor kitchen garden. There are even planters that you can hang on walls like pictures! Just remember that most edibles like good light, so choose a site near a bright window or use grow lights.
Choose the Right Plants and Pots for Visual Effect
Think of plants in interior decor much as you would sculptures or paintings. One big, truly striking one will look way better than a ton of little ones dotted around all over the place. Sure, that one plant is going to cost more, but you can go big and beautiful!
Choose plants with a strong sculptural effect. A stately potted palm can change the entire atmosphere of a room. Or, you can go for beautifully groomed Yuccas or Dragon Trees for an up-to-the-minute look. Round off your indoor gardening choices with stylish containers. Plain-Jane plastic pots are out. Choose attractive ceramics, terracotta, or brass.
What to Do About Drainage Water
Back in the day, drainage water presented a huge problem for indoor gardeners. Traditionally, you’d have a pot with a drainage saucer. The alternative was no drainage at all. For the former idea, you had to empty the excess water from the saucers before it turned into a stinking mess. In the latter case, watering became a fine art with root rot as a real danger to your success.
Nowadays, you can get beautiful hydroponic systems that recirculate water or semi-hydroponic containers that store it in a reservoir beneath the plant. I’d suggest the first of these for kitchen gardens and smaller houseplants, while the semi-hydroponic pots will work well for the big, showy house plants we talked about earlier. Most of them come with a nifty little watering indicator that tells you just when you need a top-up. It’s low tech, but it works!
Indoor Houseplants Make You Feel Good: Try It!
If the idea of having an indoor oasis doesn’t excite you, the psychological benefits might! Research into our natural affinity for plants concludes that they reduce stress, make us more productive, and can even help to keep us in healthier physical condition. And, let’s face it, you’re going to feel awesome about adding a sprig or two of fresh, homegrown herbs to your cookery even if that’s all you grow!
Neutral rugs – let’s talk about one of my favorite decor items. I am a big fan of neutral decor – I know it sounds a bit boring but I love mixing textures and playing with pattern and all within a neutral palette. A rug with pattern or texture (or both) is a perfect addition for any room in your home. My own home has neutral rugs throughout and I have found some great options – and I’m sharing my favorites with you…
Neutral Rugs Inspiration…
Let’s get inspired ! – Here are some of my favorite rooms with neutral floor coverings…
This room is a combination of so many neutrals! I love the pillow combination – that green colour is so rich and dramatic. The texture element with tassels and pompoms – add some whimsy to the room. And the brass metallic accent is subtle but adds another textural element. And this rug…love it! I love the versatility of it – plus a mix of neutral tones with pattern and texture, it adds a subtle statement to the room.
I love the distressed look of this rug – it adds so much character to this bedroom. This dreamy bedroom is layered with neutrals – I love the black night stands and the small black accents in the bench and ceiling fan. I love the linen texture on the bed – it is so soothing, fresh and relaxing. This rug is a big statement piece – it’s like having a big art piece that pulls it all together!
So why decorate with neutrals?
Neutrals are easy to decorate with – you can mix them with bold colours or with other neutrals – they are so versatile!
Neutrals are timeless – sure trends come and go but neutrals are never out!
Neutrals can be in a cool palette or warm palette – so you do have options…
Neutrals work with different styles – modern, farmhouse, boho, traditional etc…
Decorating with neutrals allows for you to play with and feature other design elements such as texture and pattern
All of these rugs are so versatile and they very in terms of pattern, texture and detail. But these could work in many rooms and many decor styles. I love what a rug can do for a room, too!
Modernize your home with some change – and as the proverbial saying goes:” change is as good as a holiday”. While there is great beauty in antiquity, we live in a perpetual, technological evolving world. Just as our cell phones, cars and computer systems continue to modernize, so too can our homes. For those contemporary, modern thinkers amongst us, here are some ideas to turn any rustic home into a modern marvel.
Create a Smart Home
Just like your smartphone, you can create a smart home. Home automation is the perfect project for the technically inclined. It allows you to remotely control your homes lighting, electronic devices and heating via your smartphone or computer. The benefits of this are numerous, providing security, energy efficiency, comfort and convenience.
In today’s modern, fast-paced world, the less you must worry about, the better. A smart home setup allows you to achieve this convenience. You can manage all your home devices from one central place.
A smart home is also a way to enhance your home’s security significantly, ensuring you and your loved ones are always safe. Smart home security systems to connect to a WIFI network, meaning you can control and monitor your security devices with your smartphone. This ensures your home is safe even when you are not there. There are many fantastic DIY smart home projects out there, making them affordable and easy to set up.
Use Alternative Energy
Powering your home via means of an alternative electrical source is a great way to save on electrical bills, as well as contributing to the preservation of the environment. It also enables you to be self-sufficient and to “get off the grid’, not having to rely on the local power stations.
Installing solar panels is one excellent solution. A solar panel harnesses the power of the sun through solar energy to generate electricity and to heat your water. Your geyser is one of the most significant consumers of electricity. Using a solar panel to power your geyser can potentially save you thousands of dollars as a long-term investment.
Another way to generate clean energy for those living in windy areas is through wind turbines. Small wind turbines can be a cost-effective way to create renewable, clean energy for your home. They are incredibly durable too, with average turbines lasting for 20 years.
Install new Lighting to modernize
Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best. By adding modern lighting to your home, you can bring it to life and into the current century. A popular type of modern lighting are LEDs. LED lighting systems provide many advantages. In addition to generating high brightness intensity, they are highly energy-efficientand come in a variety of different colour ranges. Being extremely reliable and having a long life, LEDs also offer cost-effective lighting solutions.
There are countless modern lighting options you could consider. Replacing your old lights with contemporary lamps and chandeliers will liven up any home. Not only do they light up your home more effectively, they are aesthetically pleasing as well. You could turn your home into a masterpiece of artwork through lights.
Blank walls are a perfect blank canvas to show off your personality and style. One of the best things about moving into a new place is having a blank canvas to decorate as you wish.
Here I will share some ideas on how decorating bare walls…
There are two ways to approach a blank canvass: be intimidated by the possibility of filling it or be excited for the same reason. Whichever spectrum you fall on, one thing’s for sure: you can’t let a blank canvas remain blank, especially if said canvass is a wall in your new condo.
Furnishing and decorating a new apartment allow you to personalize your space and truly make it yours. However, it’s understandable how you might be intimidated, what with dozens of things to do and options to choose from, especially for wall decor. Fortunately, you don’t have to look far. Below, we have a few suggestions on how to dress up your apartment’s blank walls.
1. Tapestries and other textiles
Don’t have plenty of time to think of decor ideas? You can buy a large tapestry, hang it on your wall, and ta-da! Your
wall is filled. Keep the look cohesive with the rest of the design elements in the room by choosing a tapestry or other textiles, such as vintage quilts, with similar or complementing hues. Also, make sure to measure the dimensions of your wall so you can choose a tapestry that’s not too big or too small for your wall.
2. Trick the eye with a triptych
Triptychs are some of the most eye-catching pieces of wall art. They’re like a painting or a photograph, except divided into three parts. Triptychs come in different styles, from ones that form one image to others that can stand alone but are better viewed with its companions. Whatever you choose, it will be a good focal point meant to catch your guests’ eyes.
3. Floating shelves might float your boat
If you have plenty of books, plants, or knickknacks, then a blank wall is the perfect place to mount floating shelves on. Color-code your books, create a gallery of picture frames, display your jar collection-the options are endless as long as you have shelves mounted on the wall.
4. Passion for fashion
If you’re into clothes and accessories, you can show them off by sticking hooks on your blank walls and hanging fashion items on them. You can display your handbags, hats, or pieces of jewelry. This results in a functional wall art where your items of clothing have somewhere to hang while also making your walls look unique.
5. Living wall in your living room
Love indoor plants? Why not dedicate an entire wall to them? This is almost as simple as hanging a picture frame. All you need is a pre-made frame and your selection of plants. Some frames have built-in watering systems in them while others simply have hooks to hang your pots of plants on. With proper maintenance, your vertical indoor garden will be the focal piece of art on your wall.
6. Mirror, mirror
You might think, “Mirrors? How boring.” But if you choose the mirrors you will display correctly, not only will they give your place an illusion of bigger space, but they will also look like pieces of art. Raid thrift stores and garage sales to hunt for old, antique mirrors with interesting frames. Then arrange them however you want on one wall.
Filling up the blank walls of your condo unit doesn’t have to be an intimidating task. With the ideas above, you’ll hopefully be one step closer to furnishing your place.
I just love a black and white pillow! Black and white is a colour scheme that is a classic. If you have been following me on any on my socials you will have noticed that it’s my latest obsession. I have been making updates in my own home – especially the family room and I have added some great neutral pieces with contrast (tiles and pillows) to my room design. I’m waiting on orders to arrive but I wanted to share with you some of my inspiration and some great finds.
This living room loom really inspired my plan for my family room – which I’m so excited about. What I love about this look is the neutral scheme (of course) but the mix of the textures and the prints. I love the boho elements of texture and tassels, too! The look and feel of mudcloth has always been a favourite of mine. The pattern rug with the neutral sofa and walls with the mix of pattern pillows is the look I am going for in my space!
Shop pillows
I have found some amazing deals on pillows and pillow covers that can be used in a living room, entry, or bedroom. What I love with these neutrals is that you can mix them with any colour or other neutrals. I am also really into the texture and tassels – can you tell?
As you can see this is an extensive list with variety of styles and price points. When it comes to decorating I love to play with my budget and have a blend of splurge and save items. I really believe that’s how you can add your own twist on a design. Right now, I really love the boho elements like tassels and fringe. I have always been drawn to the organic texture of mud cloth and I love the visual interest that a pattern brings to a space. Add these in any combination of size to a neutral sofa or sectional or on a wood bench or paired with simple and neutral bedding.
Are you liking the boho trend? What about the black and white pillow – do you have any in your home? I can’t wait to share my family room updates with my new black and white pillows!
Shelf decor is a way to add style to your room and display your favorite things. I just love what a shelf can do for a space. There was a time when a shelf was just all about storage but now they are way to showcase your style and a perfect way to add decor to any room.
I have been working on a few farmhouse inspired projects and renovations and I have used shelf decor in all of them! I love the idea of layering great decor finds and displaying items with meaning (or just items I am drawn too) and of course mixing up shapes and textures. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases which further support the content on this blog.
I find that decorating a shelf works best when you follow these guidelines…
Stick with a consistent colour theme (lately for me it has been a mix of neutrals and woods)
Always add a touch of green. I know some of you have feelings about faux plant options but personally I do find that there are some incredible faux options that look like the real deal. And personally I love plants but just can’t keep them alive.
Play with odd numbers when it comes to styling. For instance stack 3 books.
Play with textures – mix metals (like a wire basket), wood (like a bowl or even a cutting board), and pottery (like a bowl or decorative piece).
Get creative! Does a round wood cutting board belong in a living room? No! But I love the shape and texture that it can add to a display.
Don’t add too much decor. Yes, you can overdo it when it comes to accessorizing. If a shelf (like a wall) doesn’t have any empty space (aka negative space) it looks and feels cluttered and you don’t get to appreciate the beautiful pieces you have displayed – it will be a mess!
I have put together this collection of shelf decor pieces that work well in small groupings or all together in one large shelf unit. You can follow me on Instagram to see the home decor styling projects that I’m working on I hope you find these tips and this shopping list helpful …
Have you ever encountered the anxiety when the doorbell rings and you realize it is someone who will expect to be invited in? You apologize profusely for the mess and make excuses as to why the house is in the state it is. Fear not, this is not something you have to continue to experience. There are ways in which you can make your house visitor-ready for all occasions. Continue reading for our advice.
Declutter
The first step is usually the biggest. Decluttering will help to get rid of any unnecessary stuff. As well as clearing the rooms, it can also help to clear the mind. Having fewer things within a room means that it is much easier to tidy up. It also means less dust meaning allergy-sufferers should be less unwell. It can be challenging to declutter in one go. Some people choose to do it in stages by focusing on certain categories or areas of rooms. For others, seeing that the clutter is not improving sets them back. Putting as many items as possible into boxes to store in the garage, for example, can be helpful. Then one box at a time can be sorted.
Tidy up routine
Spend ten minutes at the end of every day putting things back into their home. Get other members of the family to do the same. Once you get into a routine, you will find that you spend a lot less time tidying up. It feels like much less of a chore to do a little bit every day rather than it all building up and doing hours on end within the same period of time.
Playroom
If you have a room which could be used as a playroom, we highly recommend this. Children’s toys strewn everywhere five minutes after being sorted can be frustrating and demotivating. Of course, this is a natural part of a child’s development. However, keeping it out of the living room is ideal. Having a separate room especially for your child or children can be great. Just don’t forget to tidy in there regularly. It can be easy to subconsciously forget about an area until it is too late and a deep clean needs carrying out.
Finishing touches
Being proud of your home is essential to feeling comfortable and confident about inviting a visitor in. They always say that when people view homes, the smell of baked bread is important as well as the sight of fresh flowers. Flowers can boost your mood too as well as making a statement about how positive you feel about your home. Fresh bouquets, such as these gorgeous ones from thislocal Houston florist, can make a huge impact. Ensuring that your décor is up to scratch is vital too. Yellowing woodwork and grubby walls can be off-putting and embarrassing. A quick lick of paint can solve these problems. In fact, you could always consider employing theservices of a painter to do it for you. Finally, a selection of photographs framed and some homely additions like bright, colorful cushions can also help you to feel more confidence in your home and keep it visitor ready!
Sure, minimalist spaces are beautiful and elegant, but there’s just something missing about them, especially when it comes to bedrooms. Sleeping rooms should be cozy and warm—places that encourage relaxation and even hedonism, and there’s no better way to promote both of those than with a Bohemian design. Want to learn how to turn your boring bedroom into a chic Bohemian paradise?
Here are some tips to follow…
Mix and match patterns and colors
You might think you know a few fool-proof tricks for matching and mixing patterns and colors, but make sure to forget them before you start decorating your Boho space. Bohemian style doesn’t do well with rules, so feel free to experiment and be yourself. Matching florals and paisleys with tribal patterns looks surprisingly interesting. Clashing colors can also look amazing if you know where to stop—even though the Boho decor style is maximalist, it doesn’t mean you can overburden the space.
Go wild with textures
Textures rule in every Boho space. Even if you don’t like a super busy space and overly bold colors, you’ll achieve that interesting and cozy look with textures. Luckily, textural interest can be introduced into a space in various ways: Think baskets, terracotta planters, macramé wall hangings, shaggy rugs, wood furniture, books…The good thing about textures is that if you notice you pushed things too much, you can always pair things back and create a space you can relax and fall asleep in.
Add a few bold touches
Boho style is bold and daring, so make sure to look outside the box when it comes to accessories and decoration pieces. If you love the mysterious and witchy vibe, add some interest and spookiness to your bedroom with unique Skull Bliss art. Their pieces look very traditional yet modern which is everything Boho decor is about. Combine your skull art with a few interesting prints and you’ll have a perfect accent wall in your bedroom.
Don’t forget books
Bohemian style is very cultural and there are no Boho spaces without art and books. If you’re a book lover, feel free to fill your bedroom with rows of books and they will look right at home in your space. No shelf space? Stack your books on the floor and achieve that coveted chill and effortlessly chic look. You can even use piles of books instead of your boring nightstands—it’s a great upcycling idea. Books equal good vibes, so welcome them to your bedroom!
Add some relaxing seating
Your bed is probably the most comfortable spot in your home, but don’t let it be the only seating spot in your bedroom. Boho bedrooms are not only for sleeping—they are safe havens where you can escape from the world. A low-level armchair or a corner filled with throw pillows will make your space perfect for enjoying a good book or a short meditation session and fully embracing boho decor.
Green up the space
You won’t find a Boho room that has less than three plants. While you don’t have to imitate what others do, plants are a must-have when it comes to Bohemian design, and for all the right reasons. The green color is very relaxing, plus, your green friends will supply your bedroom with fresh air without toxins which is ideal for a good night’s sleep. And don’t hesitate to go big and exotic with hanging plants and large palms. If you’re aiming for a desert look, cacti will look amazing in your bedroom (just keep them away from your bed to prevent accidents).
Now, all you need to do is add a few cute light sources (fairy lights and lamps) to illuminate your Boho spaces and get ready to spend some seriously relaxing moments in your chic bedroom. A space that’s filled with good vibes will bless you with happiness and health for sure!
