Photo via Oh Happy Day. Taken by Aubrey Trinnaman.

Photo via Oh Happy Day.

Happy Father’s Day!

Looking for a great gift idea for your own father? Check out this tutorial at Oh Happy Day to make the surprise envelopes above. Show dad you care with days of treats.

Photo via double g.

The vintage, rich pink rug serves as a focal point against white furniture and walls and imbues the eclectic space with a shot of glamor. The dark floors and black coffee table contrast perfectly.

Photo via Miles Redd.

Designer Miles Redd used pink to create a delicate touch, yet balances it with a dark, red tufted couch and metallic frames.

Photo via Christy Dillard Kratzer.

Light pink walls, once popular in historical homes, add a jolt to this living room. Black and gold accents prevent the color from appearing too candy coated. Traditional furniture appears aristocratic against the pink.

Photo via Marcus Williams.

Add depth and lessen the frill-factor of a pink sofa with bold prints. These fabrics, from Stout Brothers’ new Marcus Williams’ division, tone down the rose shade and introduce a contemporary feel through geometric and Scandinavian-inspired textiles.

Photo via Elle Decor.

Muted pink walls can act as a neutral in an eclectic home. The color works perfectly with the classic elements, antiques, and more masculine wood floors. While some may think black is harsh against soft colors, the black frames actually bring elegance into the space.

Photo via Abigail Ahern.

Use hot pink for an unexpected twist. The charcoal walls aren’t depressing when a hot pink coffee table is thrown into the mix.

Have you used pink in interior design? How do you keep it from calling Barbie to my mind?

A pop of color is a great way to give old furniture a fresh, new look. There are many reasons, sentimental or practical, why I hold on to old furniture. It could be a hand-me-down from a loved one, a keepsake from an important time of our lives, or simply a sturdy piece that still works well. While old furniture may appear a bit shabby or outdated, sometimes you only need to scratch beyond the surface to discover a real gem underneath. Painting old fixtures with bright, bold colors is easy and the results can be stunning. Making full use of a reliable piece of furniture not only saves you money, but also gives you a fascinating makeover tale to share with friends.

Dresser:

Photo via Natty by Design.

Breathe new life to a well-used dresser with a fresh coat of paint to give it some character and style. A painted dresser catches the eye and gives a room a friendly, welcoming ambiance. Natty by Design recently transformed a humdrum brown dresser into a dramatic piece.

Start off by wiping the dresser with a dry rag, then cleaning it with mild soap and water. Lay down some used paper or a drop cloth underneath it. Use fine sandpaper to smooth out rough spots. Lightly sanding the surface or applying a coat of primer allows new paint to stick better. Remove or cover any hardware or parts you don’t want painted. When the primer has dried, use a paint or foam brush to apply the first coat of paint. Apply the second coating after a couple hours or when the first coat is already dry. Feel free to replace old knobs with ones that you like.

Chairs:

Photo via BHG.com.

A chair that has lost its original luster can be revamped with a simple coat of paint. Debra Wittrup of BHG shows how a spray of bright paint gives an old chair a bright, cheery look. If you want something more in line with spring, you can pair the chair with a colorful patterned cushion.

Helpful Tip! Glossy paint tends to highlight imperfections in furniture much more than matte. For a smoother finish, try dipping 400-grit sandpaper in water and sanding between coats.

Chest of Drawers:

Photo via Norske Interior Blogger.

Furniture from the 50′s and 60′s have gorgeous clean lines that give them a timeless appeal. Transport mid-century fixtures into the future by painting them in various shades of a single color. A chest of drawers with a color gradient is an irresistibly cute piece that’s perfect for your little one’s room.

Helpful Tip! Painting the top of a piece of furniture requires extra care. What I do is work my way up from the legs first. I also use a roller for a smooth, even finish. To prevent sticking or unsightly marks, give your newly painted table top sufficient time to dry before placing objects on it.

Changing Table:

Photo via Lemon Drop Life.

Most of the time, we have pieces of furniture that are still in great shape but not really much to look at. Dacia of Lemon Drop Life transformed a drab changing table into a bright ray of sunshine in the nursery by sanding it down and painting it a happy yellow shade.

Helpful Tip! To keep a painted surface pretty, I coat it with a water-based lacquer finish to protect against stains, marring, and fingerprints.

Buffet Table:

Photo via Funcycled.

Spare that poor forgotten buffet table a trip to the landfill. With a little elbow grease, Sarah from Funcycled turned a simple little hutch into a bright, beautiful addition to the dining room.

Incorporate her idea into your favorite buffet table that has seen better days by painting it a bold color that lets it stand out. Subtle distressed edges liven up the look even more.

Helpful Tip! Achieve the distressed look on paint quickly and easily by lightly sanding the edges and corners of your furniture with fine sandpaper.

Using bright colors to renew furniture can be fun and the results can be so rewarding. Show off your creativity while saving some cash with these inspiring DIY projects.

Jennifer Lutz blogs about home decorating at the Christmas Tree Market blog. The blog is part of Christmas Tree Market where you can choose an artificial Christmas Tree to suit your home décor.

Photo via Martha Stewart.

Happy Memorial Day! Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend to kick-off their summer. Looking for party decor? Here is a great tutorial for making patriotic fans.

Color Scheme:

Designed by Iris Interiors LLC.

Because the powder room is typically a smaller space, many people shy away from dark or bright colors. However, it’s a hidden gem where an aesthetic that may not work in a living room, for example, can come to life. When designing this powder room, the lack of humidity and limited size made wallpaper an affordable and realistic alternative to painting. The bold, damask wallpaper adds an air of luxury.

Photo via Tumblr user: The Bohemian Girl.

Paint a vivid color. The dark purple gives this Moroccan-style powder room a romantic ambiance. If you’re feeling crafty, you can even try your hand at stencils to create an elaborate pattern.

Photo via New Ravenna Mosaics.

Bring color in through the details, such as a tile backsplash or this incredible ikat glass mosaic.

Toilet, Sink, Fixtures, and Furniture:

Photo via Decor Pad.

Choose a toilet, sink, fixtures, and hardware that complement your color scheme. For a small powder room, a pedestal sink can save space. Not sure about the lack of storage? Consider adding a fabric skirt to the sink or filling a basket with rolled towels.

Designed by Jamie Herzlinger.

Extra room? A vanity provides storage space. Add a piece of furniture for a luxe look.

Accessories:

Photo via House Beautiful.

Plush hand towels, rugs, and pretty amenities tie a design together. The mirror is also a major focus. Try something ornate, unusual, over-sized, or even a grouping of small mirrors. The mirror above is truly unique, as it is covered in an antique Italian window grill.

Available via Shop.Iris-Interiors.com.

You can even surprise guests with a gallery wall showcasing your favorite artwork.

Lighting:

Photo via Apartment Therapy.

You want to have enough natural and artificial light so that guests can touch up their makeup and do other quick bathroom tasks. Incorporate an unexpected chandelier (photo above), flank a mirror with wall sconces, or hang pendant lights. A dimmer switch will allow you to adjust the brightness to your needs.

What ideas do you have for your powder room?

We hope you and your loved ones are safe and sound.

Despite what felt like a never ending winter for many, spring is finally here. It’s a time of rejuvenation and spring cleaning – the perfect opportunity to give your home a breath of fresh air. Plus, the spring look is a huge trend that comes back year after year; it’s a classic. Here are for some ideas for incorporating the season into your decor:

Light and color

The trademark of the spring look is and always will be a light and airy room with a carefully thought out choice of color. There’s two ways to infuse this feel with color, the first is to opt for pretty pastel tones – baby blues, candy pinks, chalky greens, and sherbet lemon yellows.

Or if you’d prefer to make a bolder statement in your living space, go for dazzling off-white walls complemented by a splash of bright color. When choosing your statement color it’s best to stick to the natural hues associated with warm weather – yellows and greens are a great choice.

Think French

The spring look is all about femininity and nothing says feminine like French furniture. The pronounced curves and traditionally white finishes make for a prefect way to tie into the trend. Mirrors are also a great choice, not only do they reflect light to keep your home looking nice and bright, they also help you create that airy feel by creating the illusion of more space. The Furniture Market offers some great French furniture pieces and mirrors to help you achieve this look.

Get chintzy

A spring home or room just isn’t complete without florals – integrate them into your room with soft furnishings, such as cushions, curtains and throws, or even ornaments. Cath Kidson prints are an obvious choice but can be a little pricey, so why not get adventurous and have a bash making your own pieces? Haberdasheries (craft or fabric stores) usually have a large selection of patterned textiles to choose from and online you can find a whole host of tutorials on how to make every day homeware items and soft furnishings such as laundry bags and cushions.

Bring in the great outdoors

Photo via Kay Loves Vintage.

Yes, literally. There are some beautiful bulbs and flowers to be had at this time of year, so bring them into your home to add those finishing touches. Hyacinths, Narcissi, Crocuses, Snowdrops and Bluebells are all great choices and can often be found beautifully presented at florists, as well as your larger supermarkets and a low cost – or you could grow your own!

How do you welcome spring in your home?

Photo via Bubbly Nature Creations. Check out the tutorial.

Happy Mother’s Day! Have any exciting plans?

While my pets certainly don’t care about aesthetics, they do like to be pampered and I love to incorporate some plush pet furniture and unique accessories into my decor. Arcadian Home is currently featuring my “Pampered Pet’s Collection” on their website, so feel free to check out the sale!

Photo via Apartment Therapy.

Show your love for your furry friends through artwork that complements your style.

Available via Arcadian Home.

Add a splash of color with bright prints.

Photo via Witt Construction.

Reclaim your own bed by adding a complementary pet bed nearby. Find one that plays into your design scheme.

Available at Arcadian Home.

This would be the perfect addition to a traditional space.

Photo via Karr Bick Kitchen and Bath.

Avoid spills and mess with an out-of-the-way pet feeding station.

Available at Arcadian Home.

Store dog food in vintage-style tins for an even more organized feeding nook.

Photo via Vogue.com.

An animal statue gives an art collection dimension.

Available at Arcadian Home.

A chic, yet unexpected accessory.

Photo via Home Workshop.

Bring your love of pets into the nursery with an animal theme.

Available at Arcadian Home.

This whimsical dog lamp would fit right in.

How do you keep your home pet-friendly or show your animal-loving side? For more ideas, be sure to check out our Pampered Pets Sale.

Photo via Roger Davies Photography.

This is one of the best outdoor living spaces I’ve stumbled upon. The woodsy retreat features a patio among the trees, a huge modern stone fireplace, chic black furniture, and garden stools that provide a splash of color. I could envision myself lounging here on every single sunny day.

Photo via C. Marie Designs, LLC.

A perfect combination of purple and tangerine. The eclectic Chicago rooftop garden is set up for relaxing or entertaining. Durable outdoor upholstery really allows you to channel your favorite indoor design elements.

Photo via Copper and Vine.

Rich neutrals, texture, and lighting create a romantic ambiance. The wrap around porch has plenty of seating and I love the addition of the cozy bench.

Photo via Sanctuary Decor.

This tiny balcony nook proves that you don’t need a sprawling backyard or a rooftop for an outdoor oasis.

Photo via Desde My Ventana.

DIY idea? Fashion your own light and airy reading spot. All you need is outdoor cushions, fabric, a rod, and sunshine.

Photo via the Marion House Book.

Another example of a small balcony turned into an inviting sitting area. The ample amount of blankets, pillows, and textures make for a comfortable place to unwind.

Photo via Vogue.

Tory Burch’s pool area is the epitome of sophistication. The pavilion even houses a dining area.

Photo via junegir.com.

Create a plush and dreamy vibe by adding an eclectic mix of pillows and blankets to a hammock.

Photo via Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture.

The Mediterranean-influenced backyard is an extension of a Spanish bungalow. Peach flagstone, funky stairs, lush plants, and a blue tiled pool lend themselves to a cheerful atmosphere.

Photo via Home Depot.

Designer Kristin Jackson won Home Depot’s Outdoor Challenge with this re-designed deck. The vibrant space includes a painted floor, dining table, colorful textiles and accessories, modern chairs, and a vintage lantern. Love the unexpected touches.

Photo via BHG.com.

This multifaceted outdoor space has separate areas for swimming, al fresco dining, and enjoying conversation under the shade of a vine-covered pergola.

Photo via Tumblr.com.

If you happen to live in a tropical locale, turn your dock into a swing set! Amazing.

Do you have any plans for creating an outdoor space? Which photos do you like the best?