Paint

How to Clean Paintbrushes

Before we discuss how to clean paintbrushes, the quality of the paint tools you use is just as important as care and technique.

Good quality brushes will cost more than standard-grade brushes, but investing in quality brushes will make a huge difference in a smooth paint job and last longer with proper cleaning and storage.

This post is a sponsored post by Purdy. I take pride in reviewing only products that fit my brand and will be beneficial to my readers. While this post is sponsored, all the opinions are my own.

Paintbrushes come in two main bristle types: Synthetic and Natural.

Synthetic Paintbrushes

Synthetic paintbrushes are best for latex or water-based paints and stains.

Synthetic bristles are made from nylon, polyester, or a combination of both. These bristles are stiffer than natural animal hair and do not absorb water and offer shape retention and a smooth finish.

Natural Paintbrushes

Natural paintbrushes are best for oil-based paints and stains.

Natural bristles have split ends which allow the brush to hold more paint and release it evenly. They readily absorb water which means they can quickly become limp.

It is always best to clean paint brushes (and rollers) as soon as possible post-painting. Paint is harder to clean once it dries, so proper cleaning and storage of paintbrushes are important.

Tip for Storing your Paintbrush in the middle of a paint job:

If you’re not able to wash your brush right away, try wrapping it in cling wrap or put it in a baggie (clip off the corner and stick the handle out). You will avoid the brush drying out.

How to Clean Synthetic Paintbrushes:

Wash Brushes

Use warm water and soap or mild detergent to clean the paint from your brushes, gently working the soap through the bristles until the water runs clear.

Soften dried-on paint with hot soapy water and work quickly.

Once the dried paint has softened, work the soap or detergent through the brush bristles and rinse. Continue to repeat the process as necessary.

For best results, use a Purdy® Brush Comb or Brush and Roller Cleaner to straighten bristles and place the brush in its protective keeper.

Dry Brushes

Once clean, hang them to dry before reusing or storing them.

Store Brushes

The best way to store paintbrushes is by replacing their original protective cover. This helps keep the bristles intact and helps the brush to maintain its original form.

*You should never use natural bristle brushes for latex or water-based paints and stains. If you make this mistake, clean the brush with warm soapy water and let it dry completely. Then, use a dime-sized amount of linseed oil and work it into the bristles. You may need to repeat this step several times to completely repair the brush. Once soft, comb out the brush and place it in its original keeper until you’re ready to use it again.

How to Clean Natural Paintbrushes:

Wash Brushes

Clean your paintbrush immediately after use and check the back of the can label for the manufacturer’s recommended *cleaning solution. Using a lined paint tray or another disposable container, work the solution into the bristles to remove the coating by dipping and swirling the bristles against the surface. Change the solution periodically when it gets too dirty and do not soak.

*Read the cleaning solution’s label instructions on how to properly dispose of the used cleaning solution.

Dry Brushes

Once the bristles are clean, use a Purdy Brush Comb or Brush and Roller Cleaner to straighten the bristles and ring out extra water.

Store Brushes

Store your brushes in the sleeve they came in so that the bristles remain flat and protected. Keep the cardboard covers with which costlier brushes are sold and put them back on for storage.

If properly cared for you will get many services from a good brush. Taking the time to clean and store them properly is important to their longevity.

Are you new to my blog? Go HERE to see my home tour and HERE to shop for items I use in our home.

Find me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Pinterest

Shop the Post
Home

Modular Sectional Sofa 

We recently added a three-seater modular sectional sofa from Ecomfy to our home, and so far, it’s been fantastic!

This post is a sponsored post by Ecomfy I take pride in reviewing only products that fit my brand and will be beneficial to my readers. While this post is sponsored, all the opinions are my own.

Modular Sectional Sofas – Ecomfy Review

Modular Sectional Sofas allow you to create the perfect sofa for your space since they are easy to move and change. Because the seats act individually as well as with a group, you can take them apart and easily move them. Additionally, the sofas will grow with your family as you can enlarge and add more seats.

Ecomfy – the Sofa in a Box

Ecomfy is a sofa in a box – the entire sectional comes in boxes delivered to your door. The individual seats come in their own box. Assembly is easy and tools are not required.

Eco-Friendly

The sofas are eco-friends as they use Reforested wood and recycled fabrics. Undoubtedly Ecomfy is working hard to help save the planet by not providing customers with a product that ends up filling landfills.

Stress-Free

I now own my first ever light couch because Ecomfy sofas are completely washable, stain-resistant, and kid/pet friendly. The sofa fabric can be removed and washed – from the cushions to the pillows.

Ecomfy is a Sofa for Life

Ecomfy is a sofa for life. You won’t need to buy a new sofa every few years since the durability and quality of their materials are superior to their competitors. Additionally, if you change your decor style, you can replace the covers with a different fabric and color!

Family Business

Ecomfy is a family business with a passion to produce the very best in furniture for the last 26 years. I had the pleasure of meeting the owners here in the Indianapolis showroom. They impressed me with both their kindness and their amazing product.

Are you new to my blog? Go HERE to see my home tour and HERE to shop for items I use in our home.

Find me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Pinterest

DIY

How to Hang a Mural

How to Hang a Mural

I recently installed the most beautiful landscape mural from Belarte Studio and wanted to share How to Hang a Mural.

Belarte Studio brings life to unique art expressions through designed wall murals. They are based in Sweden and production is made on-demand (which means zero waste).

Belarte is the Italian word for beautiful art – which is exactly what this vintage landscape mural is.

This post is a sponsored post by Belarte Studio I take pride in reviewing only products that fit my brand and will be beneficial to my readers. And while this post is sponsored, all the opinions are my own.

How to Hang a Mural

Installation isn’t hard, but it does take some time and patience. Belarte Studio includes fantastic instructions for hanging with your mural.

Supplies

Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools for installation:

  • Belarte Studio Wallpaper (and included instructions)
  • Seam Roller
  • Smoothing Brush or Tool
  • Level
  • Sponge & Water
  • Razor Blade or Knife
  • Straight Edge
  • Pencil
  • Scissors
  • Brush/Roller for Paste
  • Wallpaper Paste

*For easier removal, I would recommend sizing the wall and using a wallpaper paste that is easily strippable.

  • Make sure the walls are clean and smooth. If you’ve done some repair work to the walls, be sure to have painted the patches.
  • Cut the mural into individual strips and place them in order.
  • Depending on the wall, you will need to decide where to start. Since my focal point was the top of the stairs (the left side), I began with my last panel.
  • Using a ruler, mark off the first panel so you know where to *add the wallpaper paste (and it helps you hang the first strip straight.
  • You will begin at the top of the strip and work down, removing any air bubbles along the way.
  • Since my pattern was in the middle of my strips, from the second panel on, I matched the middle. It was tricky but luckily the wallpaper paste gives (but you do have to work fast since dry time is quick).
  • Reat the process until the wall is complete and make sure to push out excess glue at the seams and use a seam roller to try and hide the seams.

*I use as little wallpaper paste as possible. I first applied with a paste brush and evenly smoothed the paste out with a roller.

And after an afternoon of installation, we now have a beautiful piece of art at the top of our stairway.

Need more wallpaper inspiration? Check out these posts:

Are you new to my blog? Go HERE to see my home tour and HERE to shop for items I use in our home.

Find me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Pinterest 

Shop the Post
Decor

15 Room Makeovers

Room Makeovers - Celebrating 10 Years

This fall, we will celebrate a decade in our home. I thought it would be fun to share 15 room makeovers we’ve worked on over the past 10 years.

Most don’t have the resources to remodel a home before moving in, and creating a home you love takes time, energy, and money. Patience is key, and I hope these spaces inspire you to create!

15 Room Makeovers

Home Office

When we first moved in, I painted the desk the previous owner left behind, painted the walls, and added curtains and furniture from our previous home.

Since then, I’ve added a mural, built-in bookshelves, repainted the room, and installed marble floors.

Dining Room

This dining room is a space I still haven’t quite figured out. But, this is how it looked for our first Christmas.

Since that first year, I’ve added several wall treatments (I first tried a square wall treatment and later added the current paneled walls). It’s been painted several times and have a new table and chairs. We also installed an antique chandelier which used to belong to my grandparents and hung in their Iowa farmhouse.

Living Room

Our first year in the house, I got a little crazy with the walls. I painted the fireplace in stripes and used a stencil on either side of the fireplace.

Since moving in, I painted over the stripes and stencil with a deep navy. I added a unique paneled wall treatment to either side of the fireplace and replaced the furniture and rug we brought with us from our previous home.

Kitchen

When we first moved in, I painted our cabinets, but the layout of the kitchen was terrible. It was also very closed up from the living space.

After winning a competition with The Home Depot, we remodeled our kitchen five years ago and still love it!

Mudroom

Our back entry (the entry from the garage) is our mudroom. It was pretty boring with popcorn ceilings and some 90s white tile which showed every single spec of dirt.

Since then, I’ve painted the doors, covered the popcorn ceiling, added wallpaper, and replaced the floors.

Laundry Room

Our laundry room is gigantic, and at first I added antiques to add interest.

Since moving in, I painted the cabinets, installed subway tile, and replaced the white tile floors.

Main Bedroom

I am still trying to figure out our bedroom, but when we first moved in, we brought the furniture from our previous home.

Since then, I have painted the wall, replaced the furniture and carpet.

Main Bathroom

Our bathroom was very dates and the shower was unusable since it leaked.

This is the only remodel we hired out – mainly because we didn’t want to deal with the shower leak.

Main Closet

This is our most recent makeover, and it was a tough one! But the result speaks for itself.

It is so pretty now, and this remodel was one of the more time consuming remodels.

Bonus Room

Our bonus room (the room over the garage) is our family room.

We painted the walls, the carpet has been updated, and the biggest change is definitely the addition of skylights.

I have added an accent wall since I took the after photo.

Playroom

When we first moved in, the kids were young and we had a playroom.

Since then (and Covid), the playroom is now my husband’s home office since the kids are now teens and preteens.

Boys’ Room

When we first moved in, the boys were young so obviously their room has changed some as well.

My boys are both so tall, so we did switch out their twin beds for doubles, added a wall treatment, wallpaper, and new furniture.

Boys’ Bathroom

This room was bland and boring for several years.

I added wallpaper, a new vanity, had new floors installed and painted the walls.

Girl’s Room

When we moved in, my daughter was 2. She’s now a preteen, so she has an opinion on what she wanted in her space and helped me redesign the room.

I created a marquee sign, and we painted the walls and bought her a larger bed.

Girl’s Bathroom

This bathroom was boring and needed to be a little more fun.

I tiled the walls and floors, added a new vanity and installed wallpaper.

Are you new to my blog? Go HERE to see my home tour and HERE to shop for items I use in our home.

Find me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Pinterest

DIY

Closet Makeover

We spent most of January remodeling our closet, and although it was a big project, it was worth all the nights and weekends. The closet makeover is so beautiful, and it feels good to declutter a space that had become our catch-all for the past nine years – and the perfect way to start off the new year!

This post is a sponsored post by Whalen Furniture. I take pride in reviewing only products that fit my brand and will be beneficial to my readers. And while this post is sponsored, all the opinions are my own.

Last fall, I visited High Point Market, and one of the many showrooms I toured was Whalen Furniture. I was really excited about their closet systems in partnership with Scott Living (Drew and Jonathan Scott) and knew it was time to makeover our closet. I instantly fell in love with the sophisticated look of the Robin closet system.

I ordered seven units in total, and they were delivered straight to our home – four hanging/drawer systems and three glass door systems.

Besides our closet being ridiculously gigantic, the DIY to our dream closet took quite a bit of time and energy.

Demolition

Steve and the boys removed the previous shelving units in the closet.

Prep Work

I (with the help of my dad) did the prep work. I skimmed the walls, removed the trim, and painted the walls (and trim).

Cabinet Build

While I was working on the prep by day, Steve and I spent our nights and weekends building the units. It definitely was a two-person job and took close to two hours per unit. We got faster with the builds as we went along, but we did find that we spent quite a bit of time leveling drawers and doors.

We used RTA (ready-to-assemble) in our kitchen remodel, so we had experience with leveling cabinets, doors, and drawers. If you aren’t familiar with this, it’s not difficult but it does require time and patience.

Install

We did not install any cabinets until we had them all built. This allowed us to move things around and play with the layout. Once we had a plan, we leveled the cabinets (there are adjustable feet on the bottom) and found studs to mount the closet systems to.

Here are a few before and afters of the closet:

For the first time ever, I actually love walking into our closet. It is so peaceful and beautiful!

A couple of tips we learned along the way with the closet systems:

  • The lower sections work well for shoe racks. I found some inexpensive black show racks on Amazon that fit perfectly.
  • The hanging rod sections are short. They worked perfectly for my clothes but we had to raise them for my husband. We added some additional hanging racks since my dresses and my husband’s suits were too long for the rod cabinet.
  • We were lucky that our closet was so large because it would be hard to get the closet systems into the closet already built. It’s doable but would be a little awkward.

This is definitely a project that required a lot of time and energy, BUT it was worth it for the end result. As my daughter said, I now have a closet fit for a Kardashian! 🙂

Are you new to my blog? Go HERE to see my home tour and HERE to shop for items I use in our home.

Find me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Pinterest

Shop the Post
Paint

Decorating with Moss Green

From kitchen cabinets to house plants, green is a home décor trend right now and today we’re going to talk specifically about decorating with moss green (but you can learn more about decorating with deeper greens here)

I partnered with Amy Howard Home to share their Color of the Month. This is a new monthly subscription where Color of the Month subscribers will receive a new color every month exclusive to the club. This month’s Color of the Month is Happily Ever After, and it is a warm, moss green – which is why we’re talking about all things green!

In nature, green symbolizes growth, harmony, and tranquility which makes it a great color to add to your own home and create a peaceful feel throughout.

The color of the month is a mossy green – the last color to shine before the air starts to cool in the fall. It’s a warm yellow-green that is a bit whimsical.

Because green is associated with nature and plants, it is an energizing hue. Even a touch of green can breathe life into any space. You can pair green-color home décor pieces with houseplants for double the impact.

Green is nature’s neutral. Have you ever brought a plant into a room and thought that it clashed? Probably not!

Green is one of those colors that can be both trendy and traditional. An earthy hue that evokes images of lush grass and fresh air, green is a color that easily brings the outdoors in and helps calm and balances a space.

COLOR THEORY

On the visible spectrum, green sits between blue and yellow. In painting and printing, green is a secondary color, meaning that it is created by mixing two primary colors—yellow and blue.

SHADES AND TINTS OF GREEN

Green can vary in both shades (in which the green is mixed with black for a darker green) and tints (which are mixed with white, to produce a paler result). But, there is also a broad range of green varieties that are mixed with other colors, such as yellow, blue, gray, and brown.

  • Yellow greens such as mossy green, chartreuse (named after the French liquor which shares the distinctive color), and lime green have a lively, energetic feel.
  • Blue greens such as sea green, aqua, and teal have more subtle energy which helps designs feel calmer and chicer. These colors are associated with emotional healing.
  • Gray greens like seafoam and sage are wintery and more somber than their yellow- and blue-green relations.
  • Brown greens like dark olive have a formal and dignified air, which explains why they are often selected for military uniforms. Olive green is the traditional color of peace.

Using moss green in your home can help you feel closer to nature and encourage relaxation and a serene environment – excellent qualities to have in your bedroom. Green is believed to be the easiest color for our eyes to process, and for that reason works to help calm us down.

Here are some of my favorite color combinations with green:

Green + Blue

These two colors often appear in nature together which is probably why they look so good indoors as well.

Green + White

Pairing moss green with lighter white gives it an instant tropical vibe, especially if you throw in a pop of yellow.

Green + Green

Just like in nature, layer hues of greens with each other for a fun look.

Green + Taupe

Taupe is gray-brown and has an earthy feel which makes it match well with moss green. It’s a very subtle color combination.

Moss green is a rich, vibrant earthy tone that will add grounding and depth to your home when used. There are so many different ways to incorporate this shade, from the most subtle to the most grandiose. When done the right way, this hue can give your home a relaxed, calming feel that makes unwinding after a busy day all the more enjoyable.

If you aren’t quite ready to tackle painting your room moss green or are looking for less permanent ways to incorporate the color through your home, then why not start with your home décor?

*This post contains affiliate links and is a sponsored post by Amy Howard at Home. I take pride in reviewing only products that fit my brand and will be beneficial to my readers. And while this post is sponsored, all the opinions are my own.

Are you new to my blog? Go HERE to see my home tour and HERE to shop for items I use in our home.

Find me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Pinterest

Shop the Post
Decor

Decorating with Pink

Today we are talking about decorating with pink and focusing on light pink specifically.

Now, before you run away from the idea of decorating with pink, remove any association with Barbie’s dream house from your head.

Pink doesn’t need to be treated with caution. Despite its reputation as a girlish color, it can actually bring sophistication when teamed with the right colors.

When it comes to home interior design, blush pink seems to be the most popular hue choice. This is probably due to the fact that it tends to act more neutral and combines nicely with so many different color choices.

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

I partnered with Amy Howard Home to share their Color of the Month.

The Color of the Month Club is a monthly subscription where Color of the Month subscribers will receive a new color every month exclusive to the club. This month’s Color of the Month is Vintage Rose, and it is a light, blush pink – which is why we’re talking about decorating with pink.

I used this month’s color on my daughter’s bathroom vanity, and it makes the space inviting and fun.

Pink in Nature

Pink occurs naturally in nature in sunrises, and sunsets, in the coloring of tropical birds, in some gemstones, and in a variety of flowers.

Color Psychology of Pink

In color psychology, pink is a sign of hope. This color represents love and compassion and has a naturally calming effect on the home.

Different shades of pink exude different feelings. A deeper pink will invigorate feelings of passion and more energy whereas lighter shades give off feelings of calmness, serenity, and hope.

Color Theory of Pink

Combining red and white is what gives us pink. The passion and strength of red are softened by white which is pure and untainted. Combining the two together results in the romantic and alluring color of pink.

As I mentioned earlier, light pink can actually act as neutral, so the color pairings can be endless.  However, I’ve narrowed them down to some of my favorites.

Colors to Pair with Pale Pink

Pink + Gray

Pink and Gray are a very sophisticated color combo. Blush or light pink goes well with a matched muted shade. Light touches of gray and pink make a space feel light and airy.

Pink + Beige

As with pink and gray, pink and beige can be sophisticated, but in a more natural way. It has almost more of an earthy vibe.

Pink + Emerald Green

If you want sophisticated AND moody, try pairing light pink with emerald green. It’s unique and stunning.

Pink + Navy

Navy is like a pair of jeans and can go with anything, but it does look extra special with blush pink.

Pink + Black

As with navy, the contrast is what makes this color combo appealing. This color combo has a very glam feel.

Pink + White

Pink and white are calming and charming.

Pink + Gold

Pink and gold give a space the feeling of luxury.

If you are not quite ready to dive into adding lots of pink to your home, try painting an accent piece light pink. You will find that something so out-of-the-ordinary can suddenly because extraordinary.

If you’re a neutral lover, light pink pairs beautifully with light wood tones, neutral linen fabrics, and copper accents.  The subtle tone of light pink adds a little bit of color without being overwhelming.

Decorating with Pink

There’s a reason for the saying, “everything is rosy.” Pink is seen as warm, loving, and romantic.  It is the color of hope and can have a positive effect on people as it’s a kind and gentle color.

*This post contains affiliate links and is a sponsored post by Amy Howard at Home. I take pride in reviewing only products that fit my brand and will be beneficial to my readers. And while this post is sponsored, all the opinions are my own.

Are you new to my blog? Go HERE to see my home tour and HERE to shop for items I use in our home.

Find me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Pinterest

Shop the Post
Decor

Gorgeous Custom Art – Lindsay Skinner Studio

I discovered the most Gorgeous Custom Art – Lindsay Skinner Studio on Instagram a while back and instantly fell in love with her beautiful artwork.

I am not typically drawn to abstracts since they typically have a more modern feel, but Lindsay’s work is dreamy, elegant, and colorful – exactly how I love to decorate our home.

Lindsay reached out and asked if she could create a piece for our living room, and I was ecstatic. For years, I have had a mirror hanging over the sofa because I never found a piece of art that really worked. So the mirror just hung there waiting until the perfect piece was found.

Lindsay created that perfect piece of artwork. Her whimsical piece was inspired by the colors in the room and playfully mimics both the floral art and the floor rug and transports you to a dreamy wonderland.

Gorgeous Custom Art – Lindsay Skinner Studio

Lindsay is a self-taught artist living in Springfield, Missouri, and you can purchase her artwork online or request a custom piece at her site: Lindsay Skinner Studio.

Lindsay’s husband made the custom gold frame for the artwork, and I love that they make the perfect team for her small business.

What do you think of Lindsay’s artwork? She also will create custom bridal paintings of a bride’s wedding flowers and sells floral pieces on her site.

Want to see more of our home decked out for the holidays? Go here to see our Christmas-decorated home and here to see how I decorated our Christmas trees.

Are you new to my blog? Go HERE to see my home tour and HERE to shop for items I use in our home.

Find me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Pinterest

Shop the Post
Seasonal Decor

Christmas Tree Decor Ideas

Every year I get excited to decorate our Christmas trees in our living room and wanted to share some Christmas Tree Decor Ideas.

For me, there are three important things to consider when decorating a Christmas tree:

  • Color
  • Repetition
  • Texture

Color

I love to match the color of our trees with the room they’re in. For these trees, I used shades of pink, green, and blue.

Repetition

Repetition helps a tree appear more professional – like it has its act together. Most of the things on my tree are repeated at least 10 times.

I do have a tree dedicated solely to our vacation and homemade ornaments. It’s absolutely charming and has a beauty of it’s own, but I do like the uniformity for our more formal space.

Texture

Texture helps make the tree more interesting, and I added everything from shiny to beaded ornaments as well as various faux floral stems.

I loaded our Christmas tree with warm white lights and began by adding various floral stems I found at our local Hobby Lobby.

I break them up into much smaller pieces so I don’t have to buy as many stems and they don’t overwhelm the tree.

I added faux pompeii grass in a pretty rose color I found in the wedding decor section.

I love this faux silver dollar eucalyptus. It not only looks great as Christmas decor, but it’s perfect for vase filler year-round.

Play around with your shades of colors like I did with this more yellow-green faux fern.

These candied berry stems are as festive as you can get!

I wanted to add some blue, so I found these frosty blue branches.

After the floral stems are added, begin adding ornaments.

I never tire of the classic round bulbs in rich hues.

These candied pears were a Hobby Lobby find several years ago, and unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find anything similar (and as affordable) yet.

I added more classic bulbs in different shades, shapes, and textures.

And the result is the perfect tree(s) for our space!

Are you new to my blog? Go HERE to see my home tour and HERE to shop for items I use in our home.

Find me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Pinterest

Seasonal Decor

Christmas Decor Ideas

Christmas Decor Ideas
I found this beautiful floor mirror at Hobby Lobby. Wait for their 50% off sale on mirrors, and it is a great deal!

Today I’m sharing a holiday home tour in hopes of inspiring you with some Christmas Decor Ideas.

Once Halloween is over, I begin pulling down all the holiday decor from the attic. If it is our year to host Thanksgiving, I leave the dining room fall but deck the halls everywhere else.

Christmas Decor Ideas

I bought this outdoor garland after Christmas several years ago. It was a fantastic price, lights up, and I hang in using rip ties.

The urns, lanterns, wreaths, and door garland are all from Balsam Hill. Their product is more pricey, but it lasts for years and is worth the investment.

I kept our dining room decor simple this year. I hung a couple of plain pine wreaths using black velvet ribbon and added a garland across the back of the buffet (which lights up).

I love my flameless battery taper candles and found the candle log centerpiece at Tuesday Morning.

For my office, I added a large Christmas tree to the front window. I bought some silk ribbon and added bows, and bulbs in gold, white, and various shades of blue. The larger pink bows are ornaments I found at Hobby Lobby.

I love having two trees in our living room. They aren’t exactly the size, so one of the trees sits on paint cans but you’d never know thanks to the tree collar (which is from Big Lots).

I added a green garland across the mantle from afloral and the stockings are from Kirkland’s.

I will share how I decorated the trees in our living room very soon.

In the kitchen nook, I added three wreaths I found at Joann’s and hung them from a thick, silky burgundy ribbon.

I love hanging my Lindsay Letters art every year, and you can find the Lamp Post and the Glory to God on her site.

Are you new to my blog? Go HERE to see my home tour and HERE to shop for items I use in our home.

Find me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Pinterest

Shop the Post
Decor

2023 Decor Trends

I had the honor of joining the High Point Market Design Influencers tour this fall where we saw firsthand the 2023 decor trends.

If you’re not familiar with High Point Market, it is the largest home furnishings trade show in the world. There are 2,000 exhibitors throughout 180 buildings with over 10 million square feet. There are two shows every year – one in April and one in October with around 70,000-80,000 attendees from over 100 countries. 

(L-R) Barry & Jordan (Brownstone Boys), Laquita Tate, Eneia White, Megan Molten, Alvin Wayne, Sara Davis, Shauna Gleen, Will Brown, Ariene Bethea, and Erin Wheeler.

I had heard so much about High Point Market, but nothing prepared me for how huge this event is.

Unfortunately, I didn’t take many photos outside the showrooms, but there are blocks and blocks of showrooms. It’s incredible!

We toured the following sponsor showrooms:

  • Crypton, Inc.
  • Anna Elisabeth
  • Rowe Furniture
  • The MT Company
  • Debrah’s International Co, Ltd.
  • Dorel Home
  • Hooker Furnishings
  • IMC InterHall and Suites at Market Square
  • Jaipur Living
  • Sherrill Furniture Company
  • The MT Company
  • Theodore Alexander
  • Universal Furniture
  • Varaluz
  • Whalen Furniture

2023 Decor Trends:

Vintage-look

Not everyone can afford vintage pieces, but there are many gorgeous vintage reproductions that can provide similar charm.

Hooker Furniture had an entire room dedicated to the charm of Charleston and had vintage decor and furniture reproductions (top left). Jaipur Living had gorgeous rugs that mimicked the look of vintage rugs (top right).

Hooker Furniture

Neutrals

Neutrals are still everywhere, but there is a rise in “pseudo neutrals.” Pseudo neutrals aren’t limited to white, creams, and tans – instead, they add a subtle touch of color like pale pinks and lavenders.

Theodore Alexander

I think it’s a way to subtly train the neutral lovers to slowly embrace color.

The Color Green

Many of the showrooms were filled with color – especially the color green.

Sherrill Furniture Company

Green is a color of balance and harmony. It lends us a clearer sense of right from wrong since green incorporates a balance of both the logical and emotional. Green is one of the most-seen colors in nature reflecting life, rest, and peace. It is also a sign of growth, whether that’s in a physical object like plants or in our income and wealth.

It’s a beautiful color, and it’s not surprising it is making a resurgence in home decor.

If you want to learn more about decorating with the color green, go here.

Art Deco

Jaipur Living

Art deco is back – a style that first appeared in France in the 1910s (just before World War I). It flourished in the United States and Europe during the 1920s and 1930s. I saw circles and geometrics in everything from furniture to lighting to rugs.

Hooker Furniture

Curves

Curved furniture was all over the market this fall. Curves and playful and fun and make for a happy home – something everyone craves after the past few years.

The MT Company

In the past century, curves appeared in the 20s with Art Deco and then again in the 70s in funky and chunky designs.

Bouclé

The word bouclé is derived from the French word meaning “curled” or “ringed.” Bouclé can refer to a yarn (made from a series of looped fibers) or the fabric made from it.

It looks and feels like a lamb or poodle, and I have to admit that it is relaxing and cozy. But, this is one trend I’m ready to see leave sooner than later.

But based on the amount of bouclé at the market, it probably is here to stay for a bit.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper has been on the rise for several years now, but I have to mention it since it was visible in almost every showroom.

The MT Company

Sustainability

I didn’t take any great photos that are good visuals for this, but I have to mention sustainability as a trend because it is something that almost every showroom mentioned on our tour. Companies are becoming more interested (because their consumers are as well) in knowing about the processes involved in making the product as well as the sources.

And before I sign off, I have just a few more photos to share with you (I have so many it is hard to narrow it down).

I love a grand entrance and Theodore Alexandar did it perfectly (top left) while I couldn’t help but be obsessed with this chesterfield sofa that RECLINES from Hooker Furniture (top right).

Are you new to my blog? Go HERE to see my home tour and HERE to shop for items I use in our home.

Find me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Pinterest

Shop the Post
Paint

Geometric Wall Mural

I was inspired to create this Geometric Wall Mural after seeing the 2023 FrogTape® Design Trends. Travel is the trend for 2023 (we are all ready for some change of scenery), and here are the four design trends:

  • Redrock Renewal
  • Bohemian Bazaar
  • Nordic Nature
  • Midtown Modern

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of FrogTape® . All opinions are 100% mine.

You can see more details on these design trends HERE, and I chose to add the Midtown Modern design trend to our home.

The Midtown Modern trend is all about a “rich” urban lifestyle using saturated hues like black or navy. Accent with bright brass and use plush fabrics like velvet and satin.

I added the look to our home by creating a unique geometric wall mural. I painted the base coat in a high-gloss finish and l created a design using FrogTape® I painted over the wall with flat paint, removed the tape, and I had a unique and gorgeous accent wall.

To create your own Geometric Wall Mural, here are the supplies you will need.

Supplies for Geometric Wall Mural:

  • 5 rolls of FrogTape® Multi-Surface Painter’s Tape – Green, 0.94 in. x 60 yd.
  • 2 rolls of FrogTape® Multi-Surface Painter’s Tape – Green, 1.88 in. x 60 yd.
  • Drop Cloth
  • 1 quart of high gloss finish paint
  • 1 quart of matte finish paint
  • Level
  • Paint Brush
  • Paint Roller
  • Paint Tray
  • Scissors
  • Exacto Knife

How to Create a Geometric Wall Mural

  • Paint the entire wall with a high-glossy finish paint.
  • Plan your design. I found an image online and decided to begin with a grid pattern to create the geometric design.
  • To create the grid pattern, I used .94-inch tape for the lines and used 1.88-inch tape for the spaces. Begin at the center of the wall – use a level to make sure that the first line is straight. Continue to proceed across the wall.

If the wall was recently painted (less than a month), use FrogTape® Delicate Surface Painter’s Tape.

  • For the horizontal lines, begin at the top of the wall and continue down the wall repeating the taping pattern.
  • Once the wall is a large grid, begin to work on the details. Using the printout I found online, I drew out the pattern in sections.
  • Once the pattern is drawn out, take the Exacto knife and cut away what isn’t needed. Be careful not to press too hard – you need just enough pressure to cut the tape and not damage the wall.
  • Next, create the diamond pattern using fresh tape and cut it with scissors.
  • Once the pattern is complete, make sure the FrogTape adheres wall to the wall. I went over the entire wall with a dry paint roller.
  • Finally, it is time to paint the matte finish paint.
  • Once the paint is dry, carefully pull back the FrogTape.

  • Enjoy your new accent wall!

Watch the entire process of creating the geometric wall mural here:

Are you new to my blog? Go HERE to see my home tour and HERE to shop for items I use in our home.

Find me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Pinterest