Designs by Shoshana

My Man & My Kitchen

Thursday, January 26, 2012

My man is back and that means my kitchen renovation is closer to getting completed.  P had been away for 5 days and I was counting down the days for his return.  Crazy enough this is the longest we have been apart in 11 years (gasp!).   After 2 minutes of hugging I was back talking about our endless kitchen project.  I busted out the lighting catalogs to share the lights I dig for our new island, showed him the billions of shoe molding I painted for him to cut and nail, and we walked through our next steps.

My kitchen has been a work in progress; and at a slow turtle pace.  And our vision has taken on a whole new feel.  Here is the update:

After busting down the wall between our family room and kitchen, and the new wood flooring went in, we had our cabinets painted a creamy gray shade.  We let the cabinet doors cure for about two weeks.  During that time I realized I am not a big fan of open cabinets-I just can’t handle it.

Our next step was to tackle the island. I wanted a huge island but P was concerned about the size.  Of course, I got my way……..

So instead of an island we purchased a cherry red corvette!   We laughed the whole way home with our new island in the back of our SUV.   As P assembled it we laughed harder-how dare we do this to our light kitchen palette.  He did an a-mazing job fitting all the pieces of the island together so I am now nicknaming him ‘p-mazing’.

It is 5′x6′ and can store more of my ‘never use but need’ kitchen food maker stuff.  We even have a garbage can pullout drawer.

P did get something he has been asking for, a butcher block top.  It was the perfect topper to tone down the red corvette.

P cut two 8′ wood tops down to the size we needed, then glued them together.

So here we are.  And with one turtle foot in front of the other,  we will get kitchen wallpaper pasted up (hey Jim, when can you fit us in?)

And new island lighting (did you notice they are in the wrong spots right now?)

So P, if you are reading this, I just sketched out twenty foot built ins-care to get started on them (laughing inside).

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A Downtown Loft Apartment Bldg Goes Chic

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

When this downtown Allentown brick warehouse building was converted to loft style apartments my team and I were hired to ‘glam up’ the lobby, two empty model apartments, along with the main hallway, and a community atrium- to help potential tenants visualize how they could live there.  Loft living can be very cool if designed right.  You have high ceilings, great concrete floors and exposed pipes to work with.  But you have to worry that the spaces do not end up looking cold and uninviting.

Our goal was to create a warm, contemporary urban vibe for young hip professionals in this urban area.  We got to work right away.  Once our design plan was approved we had three weeks to complete the project on a budget.  Our paint crew rolled on the colors while SJ and I, in baseball caps and sneakers, purchased, assembled and placed all the furniture and decor.  And with some help from a contractor from heaven, all of our wishes came true (minus the broken mirrors and stressed out moments)!!

THE LOBBY

To dramatize the unique curves of the lobby’s walls we painted stripes in two shades of grey to keep it serene and fresh.

I fell madly in love with a rockin’ red orange paint color and used it to dramatize the lobby’s fun niches.  It is very unexpected for such a clean gray palette.

HALLWAY TO MODEL APARTMENTS

From the lobby, prospective renters take the elevator up to the hallway where the model apartments are.  We wanted to create a ‘wow’ moment as soon as the elevator doors opened up.  To do this, we focused on the main wall directly across.  Finding inspiration in this contemporary large chocolate and cream wallpaper, we had it glued on, then wrapped the rockin’ red orange paint color all around it, giving it a big bold dose of personality.

THE UPTOWN MODEL APARTMENT

The Uptown model apartment is a rich blend of bold color and shiny finishes.  A place for a young sophisticated executive to host after work happy hours and .  We brought in that red orange, along with deep grays, to play off the shimmering finishes and exposed pipes.  Warm deep colors can bring down the size of tall walls, to make room feel comfortable.  To keep the space from feeling overwhelmed with color we broke it up with some white walls in between.

BEFORE

To take advantage of the main space we floated a good amount of seating in the center of the room, utilizing as much floor space as possible that would other wise be unused.  Using light colored upholstery and a thin metal framed coffee table keeps the loft space feeling open and airy.   The oversized shiny chandelier above not only offers greater brightness when natural is limited, but offers an industrial chic addition, that now compliments the exposed piping.  We also used a buffet as the media center to get more storage out of it.

The foyer leading into the apartment is long and narrow, so to give it strong interest, we used horizontal stripes of the same paint color but in two different finishes- matte and semi gloss.  The silver framed mirrors grouped together become art work, but do not take away from the clean lines of the paint stripes.  Now it feels like its own fun space to have a conversation in.

There is something so soothing and happy about a light shade of purple.  Maybe that is why it is so popular these days.  We used a beautiful shade of it in the kitchen area to distinguish it from the rest of the bold palette.  We also introduced a tall piece of furniture in the small alcove, taking advantage of more storage using a ready made piece.

In these loft apartments there is a wall that divides two sides of a bedroom.  In order to help a perspective renter visualize how to use these rooms, we created a home office and reading lounge on one side.  We changed up the paint color to keep it relaxing, but still used bits of the red-orange in accents to tie it to the colors used in the living room.  The paper mache ceiling fixtures are my favorite and they were the most stressful.  When I ordered them no one could tell me how they hung from the ceiling.  When I opened the box and found a long wire and metal links I was relieved.

On the other side of the dividing wall is where we placed the bed.  The headboard literally came in the day the project had to be completed.  Tracking it became a daily ritual, but it was worth it.  The elephant colored leather adds the luxuriousness to this urban pad.

THE PRODIGY MODEL APARTMENT

The Prodigy model apartment has some unique spaces and niches so our goal was to showcase all of them, and create a warm, classic urban oasis.  Through a mix of materials and finishes, make this a home for relaxing and recharging.  The living room is the first space you enter when you open the apartment door.  The room is longer in width than depth, so we lightened up the walls to brighten up the space and instead, added bold color to the furniture and accents.  To get this room right I spent a lot of time plopped in the center of this room in the ‘thinking mans’ position.

Super cool space with such unique floor plan!  We had to be creative with it, and make it functional!!  First up, create stairs!

This was the most intriguing space that really needed to be furnished to visualize how great it was!  Like the other apartment, there is a dividing wall in this space so we treated one side as the bedroom and the other as a home office and library.  We took advantage of the upper niche which was four feet off the ground and five feet deep.  We created our very own staircase leading up to it.  Everyone that walks into this space loves to try out the staircase.  We used a bold golden yellow on the back brick walls to give it depth and importance.   This is a really great loft area!

On the bedroom side of the dividing wall we made the bed a focal point by placing it on the tall wall.  This new layout also gave it more privacy and left the rest of the space open for more furniture if you wanted a sitting area.

The bedding was a clearance find, and instead of using traditional table lamps, we placed utilitarian desk lamps that bring in that loft industrial vibe.

This apartment has a ton of natural light seeping down a hallway from the bedroom to the bathroom.  I was really attracted to this hallway. I wanted to soften the light but not take away from the view of downtown Allentown.  The windows were super tall so custom drapes was my top choice.  But I had less than a week so I bought ready made white grommet drapes, and had a sewer attach a limited supply of this silky orange fabric to the bottom to create a longer drape.   They turned out fabulous!

Another long hallway to the washer/dryer and bathroom made for an interesting new function.  To show possible renters how you could use the space, we set up a vanity station.

THE ATRIUM

BEFORE

The four story Atrium area is such a unique space, and needed to be spotlighted, so with our hot red-orange paint, Gerry and his team of painters spiced up the back brick wall.  It was amazing to watch them, four stories up on scaffolding, with cans of very bright paint rocking back and forth in their hands; yet painting steady as an arrow.  We then added three contemporary canvas art pieces vertically down the center to give it big colorful interest.

For more information on this apartment building located in downtown Allentown PA CLICK HERE.

CLICK HERE to see Shoshana’s TV interview about this!!!

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Shoshana’s Fave-O-Fave of 2011

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Last year I began an annual tradition of showcasing my favorite decor finds, trends I dig, and ideas in interior decorating that make me go ‘oh yeah!’ on WFMZ TV 69 News At Sunrise, then blogging about them.  It was so fun for me to share these joys, and many of you seemed to like it, so here we go again!!!  Below are this years delicious goodies incorporating my motto ‘Happy Living’.  So check out where I’ve shopped, how I’ve used these items, and why I adore them so very much.

CLICK HERE to see Shosh discuss her favorites with Eve Tannery.  Watch her explain, in her own words, why she chose the decor pieces below as her Fave-O-Faves!

Did you see something you liked after watching the video?  Get the lowdown below!!!

THE MOST INTERESTING FLOOR LAMP OF THE YEAR. I bought these West Elm Branches Floor Lamps for a luxury apartment building I recently decorated, Versailles at Eighth, in downtown Allentown, and wow, they are one of my favorite accessories. Everyone who has seen them has been impressed. They are contemporary and urban, a perfect fit for these loft style hip apartments, or any home.  Totally worth the money.

For information on the Versailles at Eighth apartments, contact Ken Palumbo of Paragon Real Estate Group (610) 216-9934 or visit the WEBSITE.

MONGOLIAN LAMBSKIN OBSESSION. I have been using these furry friends as throw pillows on sofas and as fun accents on beds.  I am leaning against one right now!! You can get them from Horchow, West Elm, and Target, to name a few.  And the price varies greatly, but I have had luck with all three of these retail stores.  Tip-Avoid keeping them in direct sunlight & use a wide toothed comb to freshen the fur (think of them as a hairy pet!).

MY FAVORITE WAY TO STAY ORGANIZED IN MY OFFICE. I am ‘serving up’ organization in my design studio by using serving trays to hold my ‘to do’ items and little essentials on my desk.  I love these trays that I bought at Target because they are shiny! I used to have wooden ones, but they weren’t nearly as fun.  And these are approx 19″x14″ which works really well on my rectangular desk.  You cannot get these online but here is the LINK to get the info on it, and see if your local store has it.  It comes in other shiny colors (bling bling.  oh baby!).

I also think Everglades 30″ square tray in faux leather croc is hot from ZGallerie!  If you have a large ottoman, this could be a beautiful and functional topper!

….pssst, the mongolian pillow and the blown glass lamp shown in my office above, are on this list!!

MOST CREATIVE TABLE LAMP. Glass blown lamp bases that are fillable allow you to show off your personality, and then change it as your mood changes.  I’ve been having fun with clients, coming up with limitless possibilities of lamp filler. Fill it with love letters, heirlooms, collectibles, and change out for every season and holiday.  I love my Atrium Glass Table Lamp from Pottery Barn.  I keep it on my office desk and showcase my love for my Grandfather and his passion for painting by filling the base with his acrylic paint tubes.  Most are older than me!  The one I showed on TV is from Target.  It is the Collectible Glass Lamp Base from their ‘mix and match’ collection.

I AM MAD FOR BLUE AND ORANGE!!!  In the picture shown above, I have paired two of my fave decor items this year using the blue and orange color combo that has me dancing and singing.  This lovely modern floral blue bedding and these vibrant chic martini tables look so juicy dressed in tangy red orange and a reflective deep pool of blue.

This color combo is fresh and hip and can go with multiple decor styles!  Here is info on the decor:

THE HAPPY COMFORTER. Your bedroom is your sanctuary and tranquil bedding is essential. For me, this Target Home Modern Comforter Set is relaxing because it has two fave-o-faves of mine- modern florals and fresh glistening pool color blue. Fabrics with florals are big and bold, and fun!   You can get with this trend of very modern take on flowers, and leaves and trees, by adding this comforter, or thru throw pillows, upholstered furniture, rugs, window treatments, and even art!

THESE MARTINI TABLES HAVE  GLORIOUS CONFIDENCE!  The West Elm Martini Tables would stand out in any room although they are small, their shape and bold choice of finish makes them stars.  And of course I adore the persimmon one.  I am staring at one right now.  It is for a client, but I might pick a few up soon.  I would use two or three as a coffee table in my living room.  I have been infatuated with garden stools for years (remember the white garden stools on my very first TV appearance?).  And ust like my everlasting love of wing back chairs, the garden stool is a classic idea, but variations of them keep me wanting more!!

MY SPARKLE ‘GO-TO’ ITEM. When I want to add something shiny in a room I always think of these little Hexagon Side Tables from West Elm that you see in the photo above.  When doing glam decorating I use shiny reflective surfaces to get sparkle in rooms.  The polished geometric design allows more reflective power increasing the ‘bling’ factor.  I have used these tables in living rooms often, including this apartment shown above, to give it a ‘Mad Men of 2012′ feel, which is the perfect mood for the young fresh vibe the rest of the Versailles at Eighth apartment building exudes.

For information on the Versailles at Eighth apartments, contact Ken Palumbo of Paragon Real Estate Group (610) 216-9934 or visit the WEBSITE.

MY WINGBACK OBSESSION! Each year I seem to fall madly in love with a version of a wing back chair.  This year is no different.  This chair is an updated version of the classic wing chair with a steam bent cabriole leg and side cut outs. It’S SEXY!!  The chair I showed you on TV has a back that is upholstered in a luxurious flame stitch chenille.  The inside back and seat is covered in full top grain leather that has been embossed in a snake skin pattern and fully aniline dyed in garnet to give the hide a deep rich color that is fade and stain resistant. This chair is available in over 600 different leathers and an infinite amount of fabrics.  For more info on this chair, contact Ebert Furniture Gallery at 3602 Broadway Allentown PA 18104.

HIT THE PET STORE FOR SEASIDE DECOR.  I love incorporating sea life into my home design.  And I have found a new place to look for accents-my local pet store and aquarium!  No need to wait until summer months for stores to carry nautical decor, to pay or to pay high end prices.  You can also find drift wood there! These are great natural elements to incorporate in a bedroom or bathroom.  I just picked up the bone white coral replica shown above and is not as chalky and breakable as the real thing or other replicas I have purchased that have crumbled before I even made home with them.  This one is called Cauliflower CoralReplica from Petco.

FAVE DINNER BOWLS FOR BIG BOY & THE PRINCESS OF DARKNESS.  Treat your pets to a chic eating experience without spending a bundle.  My two cats, Big Boy and the Princess of Darkness, have used the same metal bowls forever.  Not only are they unattractive, but they slide around although they have rubber on the bottom.   I found two beautiful black and white new bowls with a decorative damask pattern at Petco called Chateaux Print Ceramic Bowls.

And to keep them from sliding around I placed a Boots&Barkley silicone small placemat underneath them.  I found the placemats at Target in the pet aisle.  They had a few colors available.  I purchased red to really pop the damask pattern, and fit in with the other red accents in the room. I like them a lot because I just wipe them down, and they clean right up.  I can’t give you a link to the placemats because I couldn’t find it online.  But the store has them.  And ever since I began using the new bowls, Big Boy has been meowing in French.

“2011 was a fearlessly fabulous year!  I can’t wait to see what finds and designs will be uncovered in 2012!” – Shosh

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Featured On The Alluminare Homepage

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Went to one of my fave online lighting stores today and saw a Designs by Shoshana design on their homepage.  Made my day!  Check it out ALLUMINARE WEBSITE.

Shosh

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Foolproof Color Palette & Paint Answers

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

As seen on TV today (I will add the link to view the show when it is available)….

The least costly way to change a rooms look and feel is by changing the paint color.  Are you ready to freshen up a space, or your entire home?  Are you also frustrated with choosing the right colors and the sheen of paint?  Below are common questions and answers I hear a lot from homeowners.

“What paint color should I use?  I have a whole house to paint and want the colors to look good together?”

There are so many color choices that it can make your head spin.  And with more and more homes built or renovated using an open floor plan, it can be frustrating to find, not just one, but a number of paint colors that can be used side by side in the common areas of your home.  To keep you from getting overwhelmed HGTV has recently selected a number of Sherwin William paint colors that work well together. They grouped the colors into eight different collections that can be combined or used by themselves.  CHECK THEM OUT HERE.

Elizabeth Battjes, the Assistant Manager at the Sherwin William store at the Tilghman Square Shopping Center in Allentown PA was kind enough to sit and answer my questions about the new paint line and give me paint tips! Elizabeth, an artist herself, thinks highly of the the new color line and says they have become popular with homeowners.  Each color was selected by the interior design team at both HGTV and Sherwin Williams.  Benefits to using this line of paint include:

-they are Sherwin William durable

-easy to apply

-have zero VOC (volatile organic compounds);

-and are sold at a very economical price.

** VOC- Paints and finishes release low level toxic emissions into the air for years after application. The source of these toxins is a variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). New environmental regulations, and consumer demand, have led to the development of low-VOC and zero-VOC paints and finishes. Most paint manufacturers now produce one or more non-VOC variety of paint. These new paints are durable, cost-effective and less harmful to human and environmental health.

This line of paint is a great option for most rooms except for spaces like full bathrooms that need moisture resistant, stain resistant paint that is as washable as a semi gloss.  Elizabeth recommends using a higher durability paint for this type of room.

“Is there a FOOL PROOF way to choose paint colors?”

YES! Try my ’5 PAINT COLOR STORY’ strategy -

Create a color story for your home.  Sticking to the colors you choose, and building on them throughout, keeps your home looking well put together, just like a good story!

How to create a ’5 Paint Color Story’:

-Choose 5 paint colors that will create the color story for your entire home.  With these 5 colors you have enough selection to define each area, yet keep it cohesive as a whole.  Here’s how to choose your 5 colors -

1. Choose a neutral color for main areas like foyer and hallways.

2. Choose a cool color for areas you want to keep bright and relaxing like bedroom, laundry room, sunroom.

3. Choose a warm color for areas you want to feel cozy and comforted in like the kitchen, office, family room.

4. Choose a bold color for areas you want to build drama in like dining room, living room, transitional walls (I will get to that next).

5. Choose a molding & trim color that you can use on all trims and doors with the other four colors you selected.

Using these 5 colors throughout your home in different combinations, your paint colors will always work together beautifully!

EXAMPLE of a ’5 Paint Color Story’ I love

(plus these paints are part of the HGTV line)

*this color is one of Sherwin Williams Top 50 Most Popular Paints for 2011

*this color is one of Sherwin Williams Top 50 Most Popular Paints for 2011

TIP - Before purchasing a gallon of paint, sample the colors on your walls using Sherwin Williams ‘Color to Go’ containers.  It is very inexpensive (around $5).

TIP - Once you decide on your colors, grab the paint chips (samples) from the store and place them all on a keychain.  CARRY THEM AROUND WITH YOU so whenever, whatever store you go to find furnishings for your home, you will know how it will look with your paint color.

Ways to tie your 5 colors together throughout your home

Now that you have your 5 colors, decide what color will go in each area of your home.  Then, either after your paint is up, or beforehand, think about how to layer one or a few of the other four colors in each area.

For Example:

-Pull the neutral foyer/hallway color into your kitchen by adding stripes of it onto one wall!

-Pull the bold color from the dining room, the neutral from your hallway, and the cool color from your bedroom, to your warm family room, through multiple sized stripes along one wall.  It will be a true eye catcher.  I designed a wall like this for a client’s kitchen.  It gave the room an interesting vibe, turning that wall into a focal point.  HERE IS HOW I DID IT.

-In a powder room using a warm color, add the cool color to the upper 1/4 of the wall and the ceiling for a great contrast!

-In an office using the warm color, pull in the bold color by painting it on the door and moldings.

“What sheen should I use? I want it to be washable.”

Sheen refers to how shiny it will look on the walls.  The shinier the paint, the more washable it is, but the shinier the walls, the more imperfections show through.  So when asked what sheen to use, the answer depends on two things:

1. what room is it going in?

2. how often do you re-paint your walls?

If you change wall colors every three to five years and the room you are painting does not have high moisture (like a full bathroom), I recommend a SATIN sheen for the walls and semi gloss for the trim and doors.  More washable than flat or matte, but not as shiny as semi-gloss.  If you will go over five years without painting again, try a higher durable paint that is more washable.  This could mean going with a more expensive brand with a higher level of shine.

Tip - For ceilings, I typically use a flat sheen if applying white paint.  BUT if I am using a deeper color, I prefer satin so it has a reflective value.

Tip - Paint companies offer different levels of satin finishes.  Some are shinier than others so compare sheen samples they have to get the finish you want.

Tip - For a traditional look, choose a different sheen on the trim and moldings than on the walls.  For a contemporary look, use the same sheen on all.

POPULAR PAINT TRENDS

-Elizabeth says ‘Grays have become the new Beige!’ We are seeing more and more grays used as neutral colors in the home.  Sherwin Williams HGTV color Fawn Brindle SW 7640 is a beautiful gray tone.  If you use a gray Elizabeth strongly suggests not to forget adding another color through accents and furniture so it does not look stark.  I personally love how orange and purple tones feel with grays (two other popular 2011-12 colors).

-Paint the ceiling a color other than white. Choose a lighter or darker tone of your walls for beautiful contrast in any room.

-Keep your wall color light but paint your moldings and door a deep warm contrasting color.

PAINTING TIPS

Proper paint coverage is all in the strokes:

Elizabeth recommends dividing your wall into 3′ sections.  Per section:

1. cut in using an angled brush.

2. using a roller, roll out a ‘W’ starting at the top of the wall, working your way down.

3. using a roller, roll straight down the wall, top to bottom over the ‘W’.

Tip - Use at least two coats of paint on your walls to get the best looking color.

Tip - 1 gallon of paint should cover 350 square feet

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13 Ways to Paint an Interior Door

Monday, November 14, 2011

You can change the way your home looks by simply painting your interior doors. Add life to them, show off architectural detail, or make a door less noticeable. Go a little dark on the paint, or take it to the next level, using a bold or deep color. CLICK HERE for ideas!

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Dress Up Your Hearth for Fireplace Season

Monday, November 14, 2011

You can find some really great tips on dressing up a fireplace’s mantel, but the hearth is often overlooked.  Increase the “wow” factor of your entire fireplace with these tips- CLICK HERE.

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Hang the Perfect Light Over Your Holiday Table

Monday, November 14, 2011

Are you hosting a small or large gathering of friends or family for the holidays? The right light makes everything look better! So lets review some simple lighting tips. CLICK HERE.

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DIY: Make A Dream Tree

Friday, September 23, 2011

Fall begins Friday, and with this new season you may be hoping new dreams come true for you. Whether that wish is for peace on Earth, finding love, finding a new job, or something else that would make your life happier, this DIY Dream Tree is a fun way to keep those dreams near to remind you of who you want to become and where you want your life to go.Every leaf on each branch will contain a dream (wish) handwritten by you. It is easy (you can do it in a day) and inexpensive, and it adds a warm feel to a room.  CLICK HERE.

I have received many great comments on this fun DIY project that you can do with friends and family.  It is very kid friendly and you can actually turn the tree into a ‘Thankful Tree’ where kids can write what they are thankful for.  Check out step by step instructions HERE.

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Add Fall Fun Into Your Home Decor

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Fall begins Friday friends!  Can you believe it?! If you are ready for knit sweaters, suede boots, and a home that has festive fall spirit, check out my fun finds and ideas below AND these tips EASILY transition into the winter months!! If you want to see me demonstrate these items on TV CLICK HERE!

Warm up the walls using a creative approach to woven baskets.

Pick them up off the ground and hang them from the walls!  Maybe you have a collection of Longaberger baskets that are piled up somewhere, or mismatched wood and wicker pieces. Hang deep baskets with their back to the wall, and shallow baskets with their bottoms to the wall-place branches in them, or showcase small décor that go with the current season or holiday. Here is an example of this very warm look.  I shot this photo at the Lehigh Valley Mall Pottery Barn.

I have been using these West Elm Decorative Bowl Art pieces a lot.  They have been selling out online.  And yes, I used the big one in some of my own photos on this blog post!

Warm up your furniture with fur – faux fur that is!

Faux fur is everywhere and there is no other fabric that makes you feel so warm!  Add furry pillows in a snowy white, smoky grey, or hot chocolate looking brown.  They have a great texture and soft look.

Layer on a throw.

Use it over a worn sofa, chair, or at the end of a bed to change up the look.  Pick a warm color.  For ideas about how to drape a throw with ease, CLICK HERE. The one I used on TV was Sonoma Super Soft Throw from Kohls (great buy).  I picked it up in the chocolate color and it measures 50″x60″ so would be great at the end of a twin to full size bed.

Get on ideas on decorating with a throw – CLICK HERE for lots of photos and info.

Get cozy with a shag rug.

The shag is back looking hot this year in neutrals.  You can’t go wrong with creams, mushroom grays, and tans.  Its densenes and plushness looks and feels so warm in cooler months.  There are many to choose from.

TIP-If your shag is 1 inch or higher  you can vacuum them, just make sure you use a vacuum that does not have a rotating beater bar (thoses little bristles that hair wraps around) bcse your fibers can wrap around them and tangle.  You need a canister that has good suction.  Many vacuums have a hand attachment that works. If the shag is not your style, try a chunky knotted wool rug.

Table Top Warmth inspired by the worn old time feel of a classic lantern.

I like to group a few together in different sizes.  You can place candles in them, or get creative with seasonal décor.  For fall and winter, wind up twigs in them, fill them with nuts, berries, or pine cones.  And for winter holidays, replace the filler with ornaments or anything else creative!

Lose the candle in the candle holder.

A couple of candle holders can be an easy accessory to work with.  Whether you like modern or traditional holders, line them up, space them out on a mantle, buffet or down a table. Make them fun, changing out the candle with seasonal accents like pumpkins and gourds for the fall, or place a glass on top and fill with ornaments for winter.

Bring the outdoor wreath inside.

Add A Beautiful knob to hold your fall wreath.

You know that a beautiful knob can take a piece of furniture or cabinet and turn it into a ‘wow’ piece.  Well same goes for a wall knob (aka hanger)!!!  I use them for holding framed photos and mirrors, BUT during the holidays, you can switch out the frame or mirror for a wreath or other seasonal hanging accent.  Get creative with what you can hang.

If you use the oversized hanger within a collage of framed pieces like the photo below, during the fall and winter season, trade out the artwork hung by the hanger with a small wreath or holiday decor like a group of different sized ornaments or corn tied in jute.

Create a Dream Tree.

Start the fall season off with a tree full of new season wishes.  This is a DIY project that will add natural warm beauty to your home and hopefully bring you luck.  Each branch on the Dream Tree literally holds one of your dreams so you can imagine it everyday into reality! The Dream Tree project is easy to make and inexpensive.  CLICK HERE to see step by step instructions on how to create a Dream Tree.

You and your family can turn it into a Thankful Tree (see instructions at bottom CLICK HERE)!!

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