CHRISTMAS INSPIRATIONS & DECORATING

Hi friends!

I hope your holiday season has been filled with so many fun gatherings with friends and family already! Seems like Christmas is fast approaching, and I was just thinking today how fast the season comes and goes! Seems like one minute we are thinking about Thanksgiving, then instantly Christmas... I would like to just slow time down a little bit more and take in every inch of gingerbread late this, and christmas movie that, wouldn't you?

As with any holiday, I've gathered fun D.I.Y's, and beautiful inspirations to get the creative gears in your brain going! Enjoy:

As you can probably gather from the images I post, I lean towards more of a "vintage" look and use of antique items. -Especially at Christmas. I love the bright, vibrant colors mostly. And mixed with a little mercury glass? LOVE IT! Are you wondering how you can pull this look off too? Honestly, I use E-Bay for all vintage ornaments and knick-knacks, and anything mercury glass or for table-top, I have found at Home Goods. You would be surprised what you can find! But as I always try to stress: decorating is not worth it if you end up breaking the bank.

PANTONE COLOR OF 2014 {RADIANT ORCHID}

Here's how the color was chosen!

(Unfamiliar with Pantone? Learn more from their site HERE!)

When I first learned that this next years color was radiant orchid, I immediately remembered a number of interiors done by widely-known interior designer, Jamie Drake. This designer knows exactly how to work with colors, and has been an inspiration to me since before attending design school. See below:

Jamie Drake is very bold with color as you can see from the above, and I believe that takes a real talent!

For even more inspiration, you can see here for Pantone's fashion forecast for Spring 2014. I am usually checking this site for what's trending, and what's on the forecast. This helps so much as an interior designer, when color is a huge factor in creating interior designs. 

Lastly, here are the previous colors of the year: 

  As always, 

DECORATE WITH WHAT YOU HAVE {ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE}

For many, the month of November is a month to practice gratitude, as most prepare for Thanksgiving. As for me, gratitude is a lifestyle I am trying to make happen.  What sparked the idea of this post is the latest book I am reading through; called "Choosing Gratitude", by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. This book has completely changed my mindset and I would love to share this quote with you:

“I have learned that in every circumstance that comes my way, I can choose to respond in one of two ways: I can whine or I can worship! And I can't worship without giving thanks. It just isn't possible. When we choose the pathway of worship and giving thanks, especially in the midst of difficult circumstances, there is a fragrance, a radiance, that issues forth out of our lives to bless the Lord and others.” 
― Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Choosing Gratitude



I love this point that Nancy makes. You just read this book and your response is like "YES! Amen!" And we can be and SHOULD BE grateful and worshiping in all things! That's abounding in thanksgiving.

So many thankful thoughts kept flooding my mind this morning thinking about my new book and this post, and how I might tie this in to interior design too! And then, an idea ran across my mind: What if I tried this year to decorate with what I already have?  It would be so much better to save money and it would save time for other things.  Read below for what I came up with!

I usually begin with Pinterest. Click the link for my board for Fall: CLICK HERE!

So that's all for now! Come back soon for Christmas ideas! 

INSPIRATIONS {FOR AUTUMN}

Over the last few years, my appreciation for the season of Autumn has grown immensely. Before I use to dread the Fall / Winter seasons only because of the cooler weather they brought. Now however, I love the colors these seasons bring, along with the (pumpkin) food and holidays of course. And the holidays should be any interior designer's favorite time, as there are three holidays in a span of three months that give you the perfect excuse to decorate you home, THREE different times! I definitely plan to give you all my tips and inspirations this holiday season, starting with my overall inspirations for Autumn. Halloween is coming soon too, so come back to see what I've come up with for decorating tips! 

Let's start with my inspiration board.... I usually start with what's called a "inspiration board" before decorating. It is a helpful tool to use when creating an over all "look" that makes sense. (Ladies, this is the real purpose for Pinterest... Besides recipes and work-out tips.) 

How does Autumn inspire you? .... Hmmm?

Lets get on with the decorating! I'm sure that's the only reason you've come to this blog post anyway! First, I would love to point out one thing were I find most inspirational for home decor, and that is weddings. Have you ever browsed though some wedding photos and noticed how amazing the floral arrangements are, and the tables, chairs... it goes on and on, but this is a great place to start! Just thought I would mention that! 

So, I will be starting with decorating a mantle, however these tips can be used throughout your home! This is one of my favorite spots in my home to decorate, as it has always been a great focal point. Since the mantel is usually a focal point, this is the place to "go all out". Really do something amazing here!  I've found some beautiful ideas that I think are worthy to mention. See below: 

 I really love this mantle. I think it's a great example for all my tips. And everything can be changed out too; for example, you can add different flowers, change the color of the pumpkins, use a mirror instead of a wreath. It's all about mixing and matching... I do like the use of books, its a perfect way to add height.

Don't forget floral arrangements! Get creative with these. And pull some really bright flowers too. Why not mix in a little royal blue?   

(Psst... Have you ever thought you use vintage trophies for vases for your mantel? These are so fun! I'm obsessed with how these look. )

Moving on the table decor... 

I am in love with this rustic table setting. Absolutely beautiful. It's rustic, but look how they used the colored candles to bring in some pretty pops of color. Very pretty! 

I liked this arrangement because again it is rustic, perfect for fall, but I like the idea of using dark vases, and more maroon colors in the florals. See how they've mixed the maroon colors with light minty leaves? So smart, I love it! 

(Psst... Here's a cost effective tip. I am sure you might not have the vintage maroon vases/ cups in the above photograph, but however, this is something that can easily be found at your local antique market or try even Goodwill. I seriously have scored some great pieces there in the past!)

Last but not least, a pretty table setting using more whites and grey. I always love a light and airy look. And again I love the simple white roses with the soft grey leaves. (I should know what that plant is called, but I don't)

1) Flowers. I am all about beautiful florals in every room. So feminine and fresh, and colorful. I am in love!  

2) Garland. Garland isn't only for Christmas! Why not use some bright leaves, fake or real, and drape them across the top of the mantle. This is probably the most cost effective way to add that instant update. 

2) Change your artwork! Changing out artwork is a smart way to add Fall colors to your mantel. I think a rustic map or picture of leaves will be perfect. Also, I love the look of well worn and loved vintage frames empty, and layered on top of each other. I think it looks sweet.  If you don't have vintage frames, may I suggest some sand paper? Instant vintage! 

3) Use pumpkins! Gather a nice collection of pumpkins, in various colors and sizes for a natural looking mantle. I love the white pumpkins in particular... 

4) Add books, candles, and maybe a large monogram that stands for your family's name. This is how you accessorize a mantel. These details is where the fun comes in. As you can see in the above pictures, it's all about mixing and matching. I love to mix glamorous, with rustic, with vintage, with feminine, and by the end, you have an amazing unique look! 

5) Keep with a color theme. Use 3-5 colors that all go together and use that to tie in your overall look. 

Hope you've been inspired! Email or comment if you have any questions! 

HAPPY FALL-IDAYS!

Hi friends!

I am so relieved that Fall starts this weekend. How about you? I have been anxiously waiting for cooler days, warm clothes, and especially all the baking that comes with the holidays. I also am a huge fan of anything pumpkin. (Put pumpkin in anything and I will probably love it!) And I couldn't possibly wait any longer, so Ive decided to bake something this weekend. I found a recipe for pumpkin bread, which looks amazing. I will see if I can make it in a vegan version, or I just may experiment a little and do something from scratch. I can't imagine using 2 whole cups of sugar in a loaf of pumpkin bread? I always try to substitute when I can to make a recipe more healthy. Also, I am hoping my boyfriend likes pumpkin bread too! I plan to drop some off at his place so he will have a little treat while he is studying this weekend. I hope you're inspired to bake too! --It will make your home smell amazing and be the perfect way to welcome the Fall season into your home!









Here's the recipe I am planning to use. Sounds so delicious!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups whole-wheat flour

• 3/4 cup ground flaxseed

• 1 tsp. baking soda

• 1/2 tsp. baking powder

• 1/2 tsp. salt

• 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

• 1/2 tsp. ground allspice

• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp. ground cloves

• 8 ounces canned unsweetened pumpkin

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

• 1 egg

• 1 egg white

• 1/3 cup fat-free milk (I used almond milk)   

Directions:

1). Preheat the oven to 350°. Coat a 9-inch x 5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.

2). Mix the flour, flaxseed, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices in a large bowl. Whisk the pumpkin, sugars, applesauce, eggs, and milk in a medium bowl. Pour over the dry ingredients and gently stir together. If you’re using cranberries, fold them in. Pour into the loaf pan.

3). Bake about 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10-15 minutes, then remove from the pan to let it cool completely.

Ta-da!  Hopefully this is what it will look like!

With all of this fall baking, you know there is soon to be some fall decorating tips coming your way! Stay tuned! 

Happy Fall, Friends! 

xo, Tara

QUICK DESIGN TIP {LAYER YOUR ART}

Here's a quick design tip, inspired from Pinterest of course! Have you ever thought to layer your art work? If you're like me, and like effortless style, this is just the thing for you. Layering art can also be a wonderful way to express who you are when you create such a grouping! I just love the way these rooms look! Take a look! 

(Psst! Need more inspiration? You can check out the official FreeInteriors Pinterest, I've got just about the whole world of Pinterest covered.) 

DIY INSPIRATION {SHOPPING BAG ART}

Here's a fun and personal DIY I stumbled upon today:  

Have you ever thought to take those pretty designer shopping bags and use them as decor? I can't get over how fun I think they look, especially in a closet. It's a great way to show off your fashion tastes too! ;)