Throw Pillows…Incorporating Color and Pattern

February 24, 2013

Sara Silver . Inspiration . Throw Pillows

Better Homes & Gardens

Throw Pillows should be your best friend when it comes to changing up the decor of your living room or bedroom. Why? Because they’re easily interchangeable and can instantly update the look of your room for little cost. If you have a light-colored bedspread or can invest in a white cover for your couch you have even more versatility; use the pillows to bring color into your space while maintaining the clean, streamlined look of a white or neutral base.

When you’re looking for pillows remember to keep things interesting by pairing different styles or patterns together…but make sure they share the same color scheme! Mixing colors and patterns can be overwhelming.

Here’s a little pillow inspiration…

West Elm

I LOVE these! They incorporate all the pattern and color you can imagine, although for sure you would need a white or light neutral background to show these pillows off. For a cost of $23 they wont break the bank and can finish off a shabby chic room nicely.

Cathycustompillows / Esty

Currently one of the most popular fabric patterns, Chevron is showing up all over the place. It’s a great choice for a modern look but make sure to shop around for the best price. A custom version like this will cost you $74.95 while websites like Overstock have them for around $28.

Mr. Kate

Don’t you love creative people? Check out mrkate.com … beautiful pillows and inspiring design. These pillows have so much personality you could build a room around them! Love it.

Kim Seybert Teal Brocade Throw Pillows decorative-pillows

Photo by User. See more decorative pillows designs

Personally, I love mixing patterns but there’s also something to be said for rich fabrics and matching design…beautiful.

Apartment Therapy

Don’t feel like switching out your pillows…why not embellish them? I see these crochet flowers all the time in little boutiques…pick a few up and safety-pin them to your pillows for texture and fun. Great Idea.

Aromatherapy…6 Things you Didn’t Know Your Candles Could Do

February 24, 2013

Sara Silver . Inspiration . Candles

West Elm

Candles can instantly change the mood in your home from cool and dark to warm and inviting…but did you also know that burning certain scents can change your mood, as well? Try keeping a few different varieties around your home for ambiance and aromatherapy.

Wallpapers HD

Vanilla: Comfort and relaxation.

Great companion to a warm blanket and good book, this scent is perfect for winding down at the end of the work day.

Source Unknown

Lavender: Stress and Anxiety Relief.

This scent is perfect for bedtime. Try getting this in tea light form and setting a small votive on your bedside table. Light it a few hours before you turn in and let the stress melt away while you fall asleep.

Designers Guild

Jasmine: Sensuality.

Light this on his side of the bed : )

Shelterness

Sandalwood: Assists in Meditation.

Get the most out of your yoga session at home or light this during your morning devotionals. Breath deep and let your mind and body relax.

Shamrock Candles

Citrus: Mood Elevator.

Try placing these around your home during a dinner party or book club meeting to encourage conversation and lighten the atmosphere.

The Yellow Cape Cod

Coffee: Awakens the Senses.

Perfect for the morning; keep a hurricane in your bathroom filled with coffee beans and light your candle as you’re getting into the shower.

Leave a comment and let me know if these scents worked for you!

5 Ways To Show Your Kitchen Some Love…

February 22, 2013

Sara Silver . Inspiration . Kitchen Love

Better Homes & Gardens

#1. COOK

There’s a certain sense of pride that comes along with serving your family a meal and utilizing that stainless steel jungle looming in the center of your home. You can’t truly love something you don’t fully understand, right? That might be a little deep when referring to the difference between the High and Low settings on your oven’s broiler but there’s some truth there…right? Reclaim your kitchen and get in there! If you’re feeling really ambitious break out the recipe book or turn on a cooking channel for some inspiration. I happened upon this recipe one Saturday morning when I bought myself an extra hour of peace and quiet by pretending I was still asleep (my husband…the wonderful man, made the kids breakfast).

‘Chickpea and Tomato Penne Pasta.’ It’s healthy, tastes amazing, involves the use of fresh herbs (which is always exciting) and can be modified by adding some chicken or an extra dash of crushed red pepper. Super cheap to make and so filling! Get inspired…try it out!

CCWID119_Ceci-Chickpeas-Sauce-with-Penne_s4x3_lg

http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/food/recipes/chickpea-and-tomato-penne-pasta/

#2. GET ORGANIZED

How many times have you stopped at the store on the way home from work for a jar of spaghetti sauce only to find one hidden in the back of your pantry when you get home? Get organized…disorganization leads to stress, stress leads to avoidance and avoidance leads to Chinese take-out. Fall back in love with your kitchen…find out what you’ve got hiding in there and fill it with things you love! Donate what you’re not using and throw out empty boxes and out-of-dates. One of the best ways to get organized and stay that way is to make labels…

Though you may think labeling things is “anal,” labeling is an effective means of communication. “Labeling gives items an official place in the home,” says Marrero. “When you are sharing a space, it’s important for everyone to know where things belong.” Even better, labels not only teach your kids to pick up after themselves, they can help with their reading skills, too.

Michele Borboa, MS/via Health & Wellness

GettyImages KB Home

#3. REDECORATE

Pretty things are more enjoyable to be around…no expert advice needed there. Undertake a DIY backsplash…maybe hit up IKEA for some cute cutlery holders or a new vase…and buy some cheap flowers to put in it (real ones girls)! Remove the door from one of your cabinets or replace one with a glass panel and show off some of your favorite kitchen things! Who wouldn’t love that!

Walking into the same kitchen day in and day out makes this important room in your house easy to ignore. Just like you would change the bedspreads in your bedroom or the throw pillows on your couch…update your kitchen in small ways to make it feel fresh and inviting!

HGTV, Southern Living, Better Homes & Gardens, Kitchen Building

#4. SET YOUR TABLE…AND EAT THERE!

So, this has been the hardest one for me but it’s been my most favorite part of the kitchen/dining room to show some extra love to…and has produced the best results! It’s your table; the place where you share food and indulge in conversation with the most important people in your life…your family! One of my favorite things about the holidays is sitting around a beautifully decorated table with the people closest to me, laughing…enjoying good company and good food…it’s literally feeding your soul as well as your body! Why not try an incorporate that feeling into everyday life? That doesn’t mean you need to pull out the fine linens and China but a new tablecloth…a brightly colored bowl and some chunky candlesticks? Make your table inviting…

Pottery Barn

Better Homes & Gardens

#5. CREATE A SPACE

If you have a home office, many times that space has been claimed by the man of the house. Why not take advantage of the kitchen…it’s close to the coffee pot (and the refrigerator) and often has enough unused space to accommodate a small desk. Don’t want to clutter the open area adding additional furniture? Try pushing the desk against an unused section of the wall and borrow a chair from your kitchen dining set when needed. If you have an extra small kitchen like I do, try converting a cabinet into an elevated home office. The shelves keep everything organized…slide your laptop inside and when you’re ready to sit down and pay some bills, pull up a bar stool and utilize the counter space. This is a great idea for apartment living!