(Note: some of these are affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost to you.)
As summer nights stretch out longer, there’s nothing quite like gathering around a fire pit with friends and family. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows, sharing stories, or simply enjoying the warmth, a fire pit can transform your backyard into a cozy retreat. Here are the top five fire pits for summer fun, ranked in order of awesomeness, with the best saved for last.
5. Bali Outdoors Wood Burning Fire Pit
Why People Like It:
Versatile Design: This fire pit features a grill attachment, making it perfect for BBQs.
Durability: Made with sturdy steel, it’s built to last through many seasons.
Affordability: A great option for those on a budget without sacrificing quality.
A fire pit can be the highlight of your summer evenings, offering warmth, light, and a central spot for socializing. Whether you prefer the simplicity of a wood-burning fire pit or the convenience of a propane model, there’s something for everyone on this list. The Sunnydaze Crossweave Outdoor Fire Pit takes the top spot for its stunning design and ample fire capacity, making it the perfect choice for unforgettable summer nights.
Are you ready to transform your home with some of the best IKEA products recommended by top interior designers? In this blog post, we’ll reveal 21 hidden gems from IKEA that will elevate your home decor without breaking the bank. From stylish sofas to chic decor, these designer favorites are sure to inspire your next home makeover. We saved the most surprising IKEA hidden gem at the end, so make sure to check that out!
If you’d like to see the video I did on this same topic, check it out here:
The Morabo Sleeper Sofa is a versatile and stylish choice perfect for small spaces. With its sleek design and high-quality fabric, this sofa bed offers a premium look. It’s ideal for small apartments or guest rooms, providing both seating and sleeping options. This sofa is highly recommended by interior designers like Lone Fox for its functionality and elegance.
The SÖDERHAMN Sofa Series is a modular sofa with various configurations, allowing you to customize it to fit any living space. Its deep seats and comfortable cushions make it a highly desirable piece that can be tailored to your needs. Designers love its versatility and modern design, making it a favorite in many homes.
The HEMNES Bed Frame is a classic, solid pine bed frame with a white lacquered finish. Its traditional design fits well in cozy, country-style bedrooms, offering durability and timeless appeal. Designer Nick Lewis highlights the HEMNES Bed Frame for its solid construction and classic aesthetics, making it a favorite for creating a cozy bedroom vibe.
The Bondholmen Rocking Chair combines natural materials with modern design, adding a unique and cozy element to any living space. Its stylish and comfortable build makes it a standout piece. This chair is praised by interior designers for its ergonomic design and suitability for both indoor and outdoor spaces.
The VEDBO Armchair offers a high backrest and elegant fabric, making it perfect for living rooms or reading nooks. Its sleek design ensures it will blend seamlessly into various decor styles. Designers recommend the VEDBO Armchair for its comfort and versatility, fitting well into both modern and traditional interiors.
Available in vibrant colors like orange, the ÖRFJÄLL Swivel Chair is a stylish and functional office chair. It’s affordable and adds a fun touch to workspaces. This chair is a favorite among designers for its ergonomic design and playful color options, making it perfect for home offices.
The SKOGSTA Bench, made from solid acacia wood, is perfect for adding a rustic touch to your dining area or hallway. Its robust construction and natural wood finish make it both durable and visually appealing. Designers appreciate the SKOGSTA Bench for its sturdy build and natural aesthetics, ideal for rustic and farmhouse stylee.
The BESTÅ Storage Unit is a versatile piece that can be customized with different fronts and legs. It provides ample storage and looks built-in when multiple units are combined, blending seamlessly into interiors. Interior designers love the BESTÅ system for its flexibility and ability to be tailored to fit any room.
The IVAR Shelf Unit is a solid pine shelving system that can be painted or customized to fit any decor style. It’s ideal for adding storage and display space in various rooms. Recommended by designers for its DIY potential, the IVAR Shelf Unit can be transformed with paint or stains to match any interior theme.
The FJÄLKINGE Shelving Unit features a sleek and modern design with adjustable shelves, making it perfect for displaying books, plants, and decorative items. Designers favor this shelving unit for its minimalist aesthetic and practicality in various settings.
The TARVA Nightstand is made of solid pine and features a simple design. It’s easy to paint or customize, making it a versatile and affordable option for various bedroom styles. Interior designers recommend the TARVA Nightstand for its customizability, allowing homeowners to paint or stain it to suit their decor.
The BJÖRKSNÄS Chest of Drawers features a Scandinavian style with leather tab handles. This piece provides stylish storage for bedrooms and living areas with its timeless design and high-quality materials. Designers love the BJÖRKSNÄS series for its elegant design and functional storage solutions.
The PERSHULT Shelf is a simple metal shelf bracket with a minimalistic design that can be paired with various shelf boards, making it versatile and affordable for creating custom shelving. Recommended by interior designers for its simplicity and versatility, it is perfect for creating personalized shelving solutions.
The MALM Dressing Table is versatile and features a clean design with a drawer. It’s perfect for bedrooms or as a stylish desk. This dressing table is a favorite among designers for its sleek design and practical storage.
The RANARP Work Lamp is an industrial-style work lamp with brass accents, making it a stylish and functional addition to any desk. Designers recommend the RANARP Work Lamp for its vintage-inspired design and excellent task lighting.
The KVARNVIK Storage Boxes are elegant linen storage boxes with labels, providing a sleek design that blends well with various decor styles and keeps storage organized. Designers appreciate these boxes for their aesthetic appeal and practicality in organizing space.
The DYTAG Linen Curtains are soft and available in a natural color. These extra-long curtains offer a designer look at an affordable price. Recommended by designers for their luxurious feel and ability to soften any room’s look
The MAJGULL Curtains are room darkening, providing privacy and blocking out light. Their stylish design enhances any room while offering functionality. These curtains are praised by designers for their excellent light-blocking capabilities and elegant appearanc
The VITTSJÖ Shelf Unit is a black metal and glass shelving unit that can be painted in gold or other metallic shades for a high-end appearance. It offers ample storage and display space. Designers like Nick Lewis recommend the VITTSJÖ Shelf Unit for its adaptability and stylish design, making it a popular choice for modern interiors
The MOSSLANDA Picture Ledge is a simple and versatile ledge designed for displaying photos, art, and other decorative items. It can be easily painted to match your wall color for a custom look, making it perfect for creating personalized gallery walls. This product is favored by designers for its versatility and ease of installation, allowing for quick and stylish updates to any room.
Lone Fox praises the MOSSLANDA Picture Ledge for its practicality and how it helps to create a dynamic display without taking up much space (The Spruce). Similarly, Nina Takesh highlights its simplicity and adaptability, making it an ideal choice for various decor styles (MyDomaine).
These endorsements underscore the MOSSLANDA Picture Ledge’s popularity among interior designers, who appreciate its ability to blend seamlessly into different environments while offering functional and aesthetic benefits.
The MARKFROST Table Lamp features a marble-effect base and a handblown glass shade, adding an elegant touch to any room with its warm LED glow. This lamp is perfect for creating a romantic and sophisticated ambiance.
Interior designer Nina Takesh highly recommends the MARKFROST Table Lamp for its unique design and luxurious appeal. She emphasizes its high-quality materials and craftsmanship, which make it a standout piece despite its affordable price (MyDomaine). Similarly, Lone Fox appreciates its versatility and how it complements various interior styles, from modern to traditional (The Spruce).
These endorsements highlight the MARKFROST Table Lamp’s popularity among designers, who value its combination of style, functionality, and affordability.
Conclusion
These 21 designer-approved IKEA products are perfect for transforming your home into a stylish and luxurious space without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for hidden gems, the best IKEA products, the best IKEA furniture, or IKEA favorites, these items will help you achieve a high-end look on a budget. From versatile storage solutions like the BESTÅ Storage Unit and IVAR Shelf Unit to elegant decor pieces like the MOSSLANDA Picture Ledge and MARKFROST Table Lamp, these recommendations from top interior designers ensure that you can elevate your home decor effortlessly. Happy decorating!
Imagine waking up every day in a bedroom that feels like a five-star retreat. The secret to achieving this luxurious feel lies in the latest bedroom design trends of 2024. Catch the YouTube Video here below, or read on for our full post…
Today we’ll explore innovative bedroom decor ideas that will give your space an elegant and modern makeover. From statement lighting to minimalist elegance, and bold wall murals, these trends will elevate your bedroom to new heights. Plus, stay tuned for three money-saving hacks at the end to help you achieve these luxurious looks on a budget!
Statement Lighting: Illuminate with Style
Lighting is a crucial element in setting the ambiance of your bedroom. Amber Lewis of Amber Interiors highlights, “A statement chandelier or unique bedside lamps can elevate the entire room and serve as a focal point that draws the eye and adds a touch of luxury.” Imagine a chandelier so beautiful, it makes you want to get dressed up just to go to bed. Good lighting can change the mood of your room entirely. Think about layered lighting – combining overhead lights, task lighting, and accent lights to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Even the choice of light bulbs can make a difference; opt for warm white LEDs to mimic natural sunlight.
Balancing Bold Colors: Create Depth and Personality
Next up is the challenge of balancing bold colors. Emily Henderson, known for her mastery of mixing patterns and colors, says, “Bold colors add personality and depth, but it’s essential to balance them with neutral tones to maintain harmony.” Think of bold jewel tones like emerald green or sapphire blue paired with soft, neutral grays. It’s like a stylish superhero duo! When using bold colors, start with small accents like throw pillows or a statement chair. Gradually introduce larger elements, ensuring the room still feels cohesive and inviting. And don’t forget to play with textures – mixing velvet, silk, and linen can add rich layers to your decor.
Embracing Minimalist Elegance: Less is More
As our journey continues, we embrace minimalist elegance. Nate Berkus, renowned for his timeless designs, shares, “Less is more when it comes to luxury. A clutter-free space with clean lines and simple decor can create a peaceful retreat.” Imagine a bedroom with sleek, built-in wardrobes and a minimalist platform bed. It’s so clean and tidy, you’ll actually want to keep it that way – who knew that was possible? Minimalist design isn’t about having less; it’s about making room for more – more peace, more clarity, and more enjoyment. Invest in high-quality pieces that serve multiple purposes, like a stylish bench that offers storage. Keep surfaces clear of unnecessary items to let the beauty of your furniture and decor shine.
Choosing Art for a Luxury Feel: Personalize Your Space
Now, let’s talk about adding art to give your bedroom a luxury feel. Designers like Kelly Hoppen advise, “Choosing art is about finding pieces that resonate with you and fit the color scheme and style of your room.” For a luxurious touch, look for large-scale pieces or a curated gallery wall. Martyn Lawrence Bullard suggests, “Invest in pieces that you love and that will stand the test of time.” Imagine a statement piece above the bed or a collection of smaller artworks that tell a story. It’s like dressing your walls in designer clothes. Art can be a reflection of your personal journey and experiences, adding a deep, emotional layer to your decor. Don’t be afraid to mix different styles and mediums to create a gallery that’s uniquely yours.
Textured Surfaces: Add Depth and Warmth
Textured surfaces are key to creating visually interesting and inviting spaces. This trend includes materials like stone, brick, woven fabrics, and bespoke finishes such as Venetian plaster and fluted wall paneling. Texture adds depth, dimension, and a tactile experience to a room, making it feel more welcoming and warm. Incorporating textured surfaces can transform flat, boring walls into rich, layered backdrops that add character to your bedroom. Think of a textured accent wall behind your bed or a woven fabric headboard to give your room a cozy, luxurious feel. Additionally, use textured throws, pillows, and rugs to add layers of comfort and sophistication. Mixing different textures like leather, wool, and silk can make your space feel more dynamic and rich.
Latest in Headboard Design: Make a Statement
Let’s talk about one of the focal points of any bedroom: the headboard. In 2024, headboard design has evolved far beyond the traditional upholstered look. We’re seeing more built-in and wall-to-wall headboards that create a cohesive and sophisticated aesthetic. According to Homes & Gardens, integrated headboards made from materials like wood, rattan, and boucle are trending, providing a seamless look that frames the entire sleeping area. This design choice can eliminate the need for additional wall art, serving as a strong focal point that anchors the bedroom scheme. Abbie Naber of A. Naber Designs highlights that these headboards not only add value to your space but also offer a permanent design feature that’s both stylish and functional.
Stylish Nightstands and Dressers: Multifunctional Elegance
Another important aspect of bedroom design is your choice of nightstands and dressers. In 2024, the focus is on multifunctional and stylish pieces that maximize space and add to the overall aesthetic. According to Decorilla, nightstands with built-in charging ports and additional storage are becoming popular, catering to the modern need for both functionality and style. Dark wood tones are also making a comeback, as noted by Homes & Gardens, adding a touch of warmth and luxury to the bedroom. These pieces are paired with light, airy colors to avoid a dark, heavy feel. Think of a sleek, dark wood dresser that not only stores your belongings but also serves as a beautiful statement piece in your room.
Bold Wall Murals: Make a Bold Statement
Finally, let’s end with the most surprising trend: bold wall murals. This trend is about turning your walls into art. According to interior designer Bobby Berk, “A striking mural can completely transform a room, making it feel larger and more dynamic.” Imagine a serene forest scene behind your bed or an abstract geometric pattern. It’s like sleeping in an art gallery, minus the security guards. Wall murals can create a focal point that draws the eye and adds depth to your room. They can be custom-designed to fit your personality, making your space truly unique. And don’t worry, there’s a mural for every style, from contemporary to classic.
Check out my Amazon storefront here with some of my favorite bedroom decor items: https://amzn.to/3YmeSh0
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Bringing It All Together
As we bring all these trends together, our once ordinary bedroom has now become an extraordinary retreat. Each element, from statement lighting to bold colors, minimalist elegance to carefully chosen art, textured surfaces, integrated headboards, stylish nightstands, and finally, the bold wall mural, plays a crucial role in this transformation. Achieving a luxury look doesn’t have to be expensive. With a bit of creativity and smart shopping, you can create a stunning bedroom that feels both luxurious and personal. So, go ahead and start transforming your space today!
Money-Saving Hacks
And as promised, here are three money-saving hacks to get these luxurious looks without breaking the bank:
Statement Lighting: Search for vintage or second-hand fixtures online or at local thrift stores. You can find unique pieces that just need a bit of cleaning or a new coat of paint.
Bold Colors: Start with accessories like throw pillows, blankets, or an accent chair. You can also paint one wall in a bold color to create an accent wall, which is less expensive than painting the entire room.
Wall Murals: Consider using removable wallpaper or wall decals. These options allow you to create a stunning mural without the cost of a custom paint job. Plus, they’re easy to change if you ever want a new look.
With these tips, you can achieve a high-end look on a budget! Until next time!
When it comes to renovating your home, it can be difficult to decide where to put your money. While you may want to make updates that reflect your personal style, it’s important to also consider which renovations will add the most value to your home. Here are the top 5 renovations to add value to your home:
Adding square footage: The most sure-fire way to add value to your home is to increase the legal, permitted square footage. Homes are valued in dollars per square foot, so you will force appreciation this way. Adding a permitted bonus room, extra bedroom, or living area will appeal to people that want a larger home.
Kitchen renovations: A well-designed kitchen can greatly increase the value of your home. Updating cabinets, countertops, and appliances can make a big difference in the overall look and functionality of the space. Additionally, adding an island or open shelving can add functionality and charm to the kitchen.
Bathroom renovations: Like kitchens, bathrooms are also a major selling point for potential buyers. Updating the tile, vanity, and fixtures can give the room a fresh and modern look. Adding a double vanity or a walk-in shower can also be appealing to buyers.
Basement finishing: Finishing a basement can add value to your home. Whether you create a cozy family room or a fully-equipped home theater, a finished basement can increase the overall square footage of your home and make it more appealing to potential buyers.
Landscaping and curb appeal: First impressions are everything, and the exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see. Updating your landscaping can make a big difference in the overall appearance of your home. Planting a few trees or flowers, or adding a small garden can add character and charm to your home. Investing in a new front door or repainting the exterior can also make a big impact.
It is worth mentioning that these renovations may vary in their impact according to the real estate market of your area, the condition of your home, and your budget. It is always a good idea to consult with a real estate agent or a home appraiser to determine what renovations will add the most value to your home.
When considering a renovation, it’s important to keep in mind that the goal is not only to increase the value of your home, but also to make it more livable and comfortable for you and your family. The key is to strike a balance between personal preferences and what will appeal to potential buyers. By focusing on these top 5 renovations, you can be confident that you are making smart investments in your home that will ultimately pay off in the long run.
Preparing your house for sale can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little effort and some simple changes, you can make your house more attractive to potential buyers. Here are 5 quick and easy ways to prepare your house for sale:
Declutter and depersonalize: The first step in preparing your house for sale is to declutter and depersonalize. Remove any unnecessary items and personal items such as family photos and personal collections. This will make your house look more spacious and open, and will help potential buyers to envision themselves living in the space.
Make repairs and updates: Fixing any repairs and making updates to your home can increase its value and make it more attractive to potential buyers. Consider painting, replacing old flooring or updating light fixtures.
Clean and declutter inside and out: Cleaning your house inside and out can make a big difference in how it looks to potential buyers. Make sure everything is clean and tidy, including windows, carpets, and even the exterior of your home.
Stage your home: Staging your home can make a huge difference in how it looks to potential buyers. Consider hiring a professional stager to help you make your house look its best.
Highlight the features of your home: Highlight the features of your home that make it special. If your home has a great view, make sure to showcase it. If it has a unique architectural feature, draw attention to it.
By following these tips, you can prepare your house for sale quickly and easily. Remember, decluttering and depersonalizing, making repairs and updates, cleaning and decluttering inside and out, staging your home, and highlighting the features of your home are key to make your house more attractive to potential buyers.
Another option to sell your house, is to sell to a local home buyer such as Penny Modern Properties. We will give you a fair offer for your house or condo, WITHOUT you needing to make any repairs. No staging, no cleaning, and you can even leave any unwanted items behind.
Call today at (619) 719-1820 to get your offer before spending your hard-earned cash on a bunch of repairs and upgrades.
Well, how would it help you if I told you the 5 biggest mistakes I made when remodeling our TWO bathrooms last year?
It would totally help you out right? I’m sure it would give you more confidence in doing your own DIY bathroom remodel, so you can create the bathroom of your dreams (on a budget of course).
Well today I am going to cover 5 different mistakes we made when we did our own DIY bathroom remodel last summer. Some of the bathroom remodeling mistakes we’ll cover are:
Not budgeting enough time
Not building a solid budget
Improper planning for storage
Dim vanity lighting
Choosing too trendy of features.
We learned a lot, and I wanted to pass on the biggest bathroom renovation lessons I learned to you. So read on, and let’s get started droppin’ knowledge.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at NO extra cost to you.
Mistake #1 – Underestimating how much time everything takes to DIY
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We are not hard core DIY’ers so everything took longer than expected, and we only took 1 week off work for remodeling TWO small bathrooms (except for the shower/tub area).
We built a little timeline at the beginning (based on loose estimates), but the DEMO day took way longer than we thought. We did find asbestos flooring almost immediately so that put us a stop on one bathroom, so we switched to working on the other one.
More tile = More time
Another thing we underestimated on our timeline – tile!
Tile requires TONS of prep work: leveling the floor, laying backerboard (which has to be mortared then dry), laying the mortar and tile (which then has to dry 24 hours before grouting), then applying grout.
Here are a couple of awesome YouTube videos about prepping and laying tile, they should totally help you budget enough time:
Anyways – make sure to budget AT LEAST an extra day in your timeline to cover for any unexpected delays. Maybe more if this is your FIRST time remodeling a bathroom.
Mistake #2 – Not building out a solid budget
Changing the design plan can blow your budget
We definitely spent more money than we thought we would. Part of what threw us over is we decided to do a pocket door mid-way through the project. That really threw us over budget.
Sometimes you get going on your project and a contractor might say, “it’s better to do it now, while the wall is open.” Or at least we did.
Maybe you’ll find something nasty that you have to fix: dry rot, termite damage, water damage, mold, asbestos, etc.
Or maybe you want to change something at the last minute, or someone suggests a better finish or newer gadget halfway through the project.
So to stay within a set budget – add at least 10% contingency to your bathroom remodeling budget for the unexpected. Running out of money (or going into major debt) is a major bathroom remodeling mistake.
No towel bars for bath towels in our guest bathroom
Storage is super important in any bathroom – especially if it’s small. Make sure you plan storage solutions for all your grooming supplies, makeup, cleaning supplies, etc.
In the shower/tub area – make sure you plan a spot to put shampoo, body wash, and so on. Just putting stuff on the floor is no bueno.
When we re-did our tiny guest bathroom we left one thing out – somewhere to hang our bath towels! The previous owners had a towel bar above the toilet and I hated it. I just think it’s gross to put your towel over the toilet but there is literally no other good spot to hang it.
We previously had a hook on the back of the door for towels. However, when we decided to put in a pocket door, that option went away.
I did find some suction cup hooks from Amazon that work pretty well for towels. I just stick it to our acrylic shower wall. These are similar to what I bought:
My advice is to think about wall your storage solutions well in advance when you plan out your space – even down to placing towel hooks and bars.
Towel bar above the bathtub is a good spot
Mistake #4: Dim Vanity Lighting
Make sure lighting is bright enough for grooming
So we decided to use a “sconce” in place of a traditional vanity light. This sconce has 2 light bulbs with a crystal clear globe shade. When I put the first light bulbs in, it was WAY too bright. So I had to use 40 Watt equivalent warm light bulbs to avoid searing my eyelids off.
Anyways, these “naked” bulbs are not the most ideal light to see to do makeup, grooming, etc. A more traditional “frosted” lamp shade (like below) would help diffuse light properly, and might have been a better choice.
More traditional vanity light helps diffuse light properly
Mistake #5: Choosing too trendy features
So we all want our bathrooms to be “in style” right? Well, I love embracing trends, but I am a firm believer that choosing classic, timeless features will not only improve the home’s resale value, but will help your bathroom design stand the test of time.
I mixed classic and more trendy features with my bathroom design
One bathroom remodeling mistake I made was buying a more trendy mirror and vanity light (above) that are black metal finishes. I mixed this with my more classic vanity in marble and white.
My thought process was, if the mirror and light go out of style, they are MUCH easier to change than an entire vanity.
So if you want to embrace trends – pick items that are easy to change out: mirrors, lights, faucets, paint, etc.
Patterned tiles can be trendy – choose wisely
Pick more classic, timeless finishes such as your vanity, countertop, flooring, and shower/bath design. The patterned tile floors I see so often today make me cringe as I fear they will be out of style quickly. Changing out tile is a huge pain!
Wrap Up
Like this post? Pin it to Pinterest to help others find it…
Well I hope this “reveal” of my biggest mistakes helped you out in designing your bathroom of your dreams.
The biggest bathroom remodeling mistakes we reviewed were: Not budgeting enough time, not building a solid budget, improper planning for storage, dim vanity lighting, and choosing too trendy of features.
Which mistake makes you cringe the most? I’d love to hear in the comments below! Also feel free to ask me any questions if you think you are making a mistake in your own bathroom design – I’d love to help!
So, it’s almost Mother’s Day – are you still thinking about the best gift idea for your mom or mother-in-law?
Does she happen to be a home decor enthusiast (aka freak like me)?
If so – read this post now for 7 awesome home decor Mother’s Day gift ideas to help you look like the bestest, most thoughtful daughter or daughter-in-law in the world. We will cover decorative and useful gift ideas such as vases, throws, serving dishes, and baskets.
I’m uniquely qualified to create this list since I’m A. a mom, B. I’m a home decor freak, and C. I’ve been buying Mother’s Day Gifts for both my mom and mother-in-law for many years now.
Bonus – all clickable links are included for your shopping ease – and most items are from Amazon so shipping is fast and easy.
Pin it for later!
Read on for the best home decor gifts to arrive just in time for Mother’s Day!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at NO extra cost to you.
Grow: Ceramic Vase or Planter
Photo: Norwood Themes (Unsplash)
A unique ceramic vase or special planter is great whether she has a green thumb or not. You can fill w/ fresh cut flowers, a pretty plant, or even an artificial plant, if she’s like me and kills every plant she touches.
Here are a few from Amazon (each photo is a clickable link to shop now) all under $40.
Drink: Pretty Teapot or Coffee Maker
Having a nicer quality teapot you can also use to decorate your kitchen is always a win. For coffee loving mother’s – a French press is a great gift that not everyone already has. Plus it can help her craft a stonger brew just for her, if that’s what she wants. Both are under $40 from Amazon.
Smell Good: Diffuser and Essential Oils
A diffuser is great Mother’s Day gift idea to have mom try out aromatherapy. These diffusers on Amazon are amazing and have amazing ratings. I love how they look beautiful and are functional too. Plus they are very affordable, each under $40.
Comfort: Luxe Throw
OK, so I definitely love a good throw, and most mom’s probably won’t mind the extra warmth a beautiful throw brings to a room. I chose these Mother’s Day gifts because they are stylish, and look very soft and warm. Plus, they are all neutral so will go with almost any home decor.
Eat: Wood Serving Dish
Photo: Tatiana Rodriguez (Unsplash)
So this may seem a little odd but having a beautiful wood serving dish will help her make a great display or focal point in a room.
A great wooden tray can help her display anything from bathroom decor, to kitchen items, and even create a catch all for things like her watch, jewelry, and water glass on the bedside table.
Serving bowls or fruit bowls are also great ways to display things like lemons, apples, or decorative items to add a little warmth to her dining room or kitchen.
Carry: Basket or Picnic Basket
A nice basket is a great way to give her a DIY Mother’s Day gift basket type arrangement of her favorite wine, cheese, crackers, etc. She can use it in her home to store blankets or just about anything.
A picnic basket is a great idea since it’s not something that everybody already has on hand. Might be handy too if she takes the kids to the park on outings.
Read: Design Books
I, personally, would LOVE to get a new design book, not only to read, but to display on my coffee table. Any design lover in your life would love one of below books…
If you like this post – pin it to Pinterest to share with others
Well that about wraps things up. I hope you found this list helpful to get your mother something fabulous for Mother’s Day. We covered everything from baskets to bowls, to vases, and some other Mother’s Day gift ideas in between.
Which Mother’s Day gift idea do you think your mom would love? Let me know in the comments below.
Do you love coffee, but are starting to hate your Keurig (or maybe it recently went kaput)?
Do you already have a coffee maker, but are thinking about getting an espresso machine or iced coffee maker?
Well I have a great solution for you: the Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker.
This baby is epic. It is four machines in one: Single cup maker, it makes multi-serving carafes, specialty foamed coffee drinks, and even iced coffee. This product review will give you all the pros and cons of The Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker CM400 and CM 401.
Check out my full video review (and Demo!) of the Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker CM400 on YouTube:
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at NO extra cost to you. I did not receive any compensation for reviewing any of these items, all opinions are my own.This is NOT a sponsored post.
Makes both single cups and full carafes of coffee.
You can use any type of coffee you want, not just coffee available in K-cups.
Has a milk frother and specialty concentrate feature to make coffeehouse style drinks like lattes.
Fairly quick brew time, especially for single cups.
Not overly expensive, at around $150 or less for models CM400 and CM401.
Comes with a scoop to tell you exactly how much coffee to use for both cups, carafes, and half carafes.
Easy to clean with a cleaning button and some household vinegar (no special cleaning solution required). The cleaning cycle takes 60 minutes, then you brew one carafe on “classic” with only water (no coffee grounds) to rinse.
Takes the place of 4 kitchen appliances: K-cup maker, Traditional Coffee Pot, Espresso Drink Machine, and Iced Coffee Maker.
Requires a little more prep thank K-cups since you have to measure the coffee out into the filter.
A little more cleaning than K-cups since you would have to clean the carafe if you make a full pot.
Is a little bigger than your typical Keurig classic K-cup machine.
Is a little more expensive than a bare bones Keurig K-cup machine at around $150.
Recommendation
Overall, if you can’t tell, I would highly recommend getting the Ninja over a Keurig K-cup machine.
The fact that it’s 4 types of coffee makers all rolled into one provides an exceptional value. We use the carafe feature during the week. Then on the weekends, or when we have guests, we bust out the “fancy” specialty coffee drinks like lattes and espresso shots.
If you would like to buy, and use my links below or above, I would get a small commission as an affiliate. But this is NO extra cost to you.
Want your kitchen to look fresh and clean for spring?
Not sure where to start when it comes to the perfect decor for your kitchen countertops?
Look no further because I have got just the thing for you. I’ll show you fresh ideas to decorate your kitchen counters for spring, or really any season.
Don’t have time to read now? Pin it for later!
Winter’s almost over, and my own kitchen was looking a little drab and sorely in need of a spring makeover. So, I gathered a ton of my favorite kitchen decor pieces (mainly from Target and Amazon) and created a bunch of different options to show you the freshest kitchen decorating ideas for spring.
This post will give you kitchen counter decor ideas and sources for:
Focal points
Cutting boards and trays
Cooking stuff
Sink stuff
Greenery
If video is your thing, check out my YouTube video where you can decorate with me in my kitchen, plus get a full kitchen tour:
Let’s get cookin’!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at NO extra cost to you.
If you have a large island or peninsula, or maybe an eat-in kitchen with a table, a focal point may help create a more beautiful kitchen. A focal point can be a larger vase (like above stonewear pitcher, from Hearth & Hand at Target) with flowers or olive branches in it, or a large fruit bowl with delicious fruit. Even large jars with cookies or fruit in it could be a focal point.
Here are some ideas for focal points:
Cutting Boards and Trays
Cutting Boards
First off, my kitchen is white and grey so is in the more “cool” color palette. A great way to “warm up” a white kitchen is to add real wood elements. Cutting boards and trays are perfect for warming up a cool toned kitchen.
Cutting boards add warmth and natural elements to your kitchen counters
Trays are an excellent way to “corral” smaller items to make things look purposeful and planned. They help organize items into groupings instead of having a counter look cluttered.
Some excellent wood cutting boards and trays to add warm, natural elements to your kitchen:
Cooking Stuff
Ok, so cooking stuff is pretty broad. But think of it as useful stuff you might put around the stove to use while cooking. So the perfect kitchen decor would be: wood salt and pepper shakers, pretty olive oil jars, a ceramic spoon rest, and a pretty crock for your cooking utensils.
Use crocks, vases, and trays to decorate around the stove
I have a cute potted (fake) plant and a pretty crock (Stoneware Genesis Stripe Utensil Holder – Threshold™, from Target) to put my utensils, but you could add even more pretty (and useful) details like below:
Sink Stuff
OK, so this is more utilitarian, but we want our sink area to look nice too, right? We can’t leave the sink area out if we are talking kitchen counter decor, right?
Getting a pretty soap dispenser and place to put your scrubber is a great kitchen counter decor idea. I got an amazing clear glass soap dispenser from Target – $12.99.
The little gray stoneware vase and faux flowers are also from Target – from Hearth and Hand with Magnolia.
I like to “hide” my scrubber in a suction cup sponge holder in my sink. It helps minimize clutter on my counters.
Getting some pretty tea towels or kitchen towels for spring is a great way to freshen up your kitchen. Some beautiful options from Amazon:
Greenery
OK, this is probably my favorite kitchen counter decor idea for spring. Who doesn’t want pretty plants or flowers in their kitchen? It just screams “fresh” and helps adds natural elements to your space for character.
My kitchen sports fake plants only, as I am not blessed with a green thumb. The vases are all from Target: Hearth and Hand Tall Ceramic Pitcher, Threshold ceramic plant pot, and Hearth and Hand Grey Ceramic Vale.
Here are some excellent artifical greenery options below, all from Amazon.
Conclusion
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We covered a lot of ground here covering all things kitchen counter decor. I showed you ideas for focal points, cutting boards, cooking stuff, sink stuff, and finally, greenery.
Thanks for hanging with me and I hope this makes your kitchen feel fresh and ready for spring. Want more ideas to makeover your kitchen? Check out: 7 Best Cheap Kitchen Makeover Ideas next!
Let me know in the comments below if you have any other great ideas for spring countertop decor. I’d love to hear what you do to celebrate spring in your own home.
Is your laundry room more utilitarian than bohemian, and in desperate need of a makeover?
Do you want to freshen up your laundry room to make it a “destination” spot versus a depressing place you have to go every weekend?
Then look no further, this blog post will have 5 affordable and easy laundry room makeover ideas to try out this weekend. I’ll take you through my own laundry room makeover and give you the best ideas that I learned from my own laundry room transformation.
If you’d rather watch the video version of this post, check it out here:
The laundry room ideas I’ll be covering are:
Before we get started, here’s a sneak peek at the before and after of my recent laundry room makeover, full reveal down at the conclusion.
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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at NO extra cost to you.
Shelving
Shelving is a must-have for your laundry room
Ok, so in my humble opinion, shelving is one of the most important features in a laundry room makeover. You need a place to put detergent, stain sticks, dryer sheets, whatever.
I chose the Rubbermaid white closet shelves from Home Depot, that I cut to size. They are super cheap (ranging from $6 – $15 depending on the size) and come in a ton of sizes and colors. I paired it with these inexpensive white brackets to make a very affordable and cute shelf for my stuff.
For the top shelf I used a wider 12″ shelf from Rubbermaid, but chose shelf brackets that also hold a closet rod. I wanted a place to hang my drip-dry stuff and this was perfect!
Closet rod was essential to hang delicates
Cabinets
Cabinets are a great way to hide bottles and stain sticks
Cabinets are a great laundry room makeover idea because they add storage for all your bottles and junk, but hide it so it still looks nice and organized.
The laundry room cabinets I chose are in stock, pre-assembled pre-painted 15″ Hampton Bay white shaker cabinets from Home Depot. Super easy for my hubby to install, you just screw them into studs.
We added cute brass handles from Amazon, which are a great value and match the brass ones in my kitchen. They are only around $16 for 5 handles, so a great deal.
Utility Features
Hooks, Rods, and Racks
Ok so I knew I needed plenty of hooks, rods, and racks for drying my drip-dry clothes. I installed an adjustable closet rod under my top shelf, then added two peg boards from IKEA.
I love the IKEA Skadis peg boards because they have a ton of useful accessories – everything from hooks, to shelves, to clear plastic containers. I wanted to be able to put a few useful tools, as well as hooks for brooms, dustpans, or even clothes. IKEA came to the rescue.
Ironing Area
The other super basic thing I did was gave my washer/dryer a good cleaning. I used a magic eraser to get off all kinds of mark, drips, and rust. It wasn’t in the budget to get new ones, so I made my existing machines look nice.
I bought this magnetic ironing pad for the top of my dryer to hide a bunch of scratches and dings.
Storage Ideas
Laundry room storage ideas
Ok so cute storage is essential in a laundry room makeover since you want this to be your zen place. I chose some beautiful hyacinth woven baskets to store random stuff so I didn’t have to look at it all day.
Here are a few similar style woven baskets:
Decor
Now we are at the fun part! Making your laundry room a zen place requires a little pizazz.
Paint
Before and After painting our laundry room
First things first I had to paint my laundry room, and chose the same color paint, stone white, as the rest of my first level (the previous owners had never painted it, so mine was an ugly brown color). You could go wild here but I recommend a color the same or similar to other rooms in your home for harmony.
Create a focal point
To create a focal point on the wall with my washer/dryer, I chose this beautiful marble look herringbone peel and stick wallpaper by Threshold from Target. It actually almost matches my real backsplash in my kitchen and is a fraction of the cost.
You can pick literally any peel and stick wallpaper or peel and stick backsplash for your own laundry room makeover, feel free to do something whimsical – this is for you after all! Check out my post, Peel and Stick Wallpaper Pros and Cons for more options.
Decor elements
Natural decor elements like woven baskets and signage help make your space unique.
I also added the hyacinth baskets to add a more natural element, along with some fake plants, and a little sign I had. Some cute plants and laundry signs from Amazon are below to help you add some fun elements to your laundry room.
Just click on each image if you would like to check it out on Amazon.
Conclusion
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Wow that was a lot but I hope that helped inspire you to create the laundry room of your dreams! We covered shelving, cabinets, utility features, storage, and of course, decor.
Here’s my full before and after laundry room makeover reveal:
What do you think? These are all really easy ideas to execute, and most options are very affordable. Plus, I did the whole project in 1 weekend.
What do you want to try this weekend to spruce up your space? Leave a comment below and let me know.
If you are looking for more easy and affordable home makeover ideas, check these posts out:
