Thanksgiving Table

Every year the "Thanksgiving Season" seems to be eroded away by the "Christmas Season". Soon Halloween will morph to Christmas, beginning sometime on July 5th. Sadly, that sacred boundary of Thanksgiving is losing ground. On this point, I am one for tradition. So to help hold off Christmas just a little longer, why not create a Thanksgiving table? Here are some ideas to get you started.

For a traditional Thanksgiving table you must have a cornucopia, or pumpkins and gourds, all available at Pier 1.

For a little whimsy, turn to turkey's. These place card holders are available at Wrapables.

Or for a modern twist, try this Berry Wreath in Orange, also at Pier 1, or the Baroque Salad Plate in Orange from Pottery Barn.

How are you celebrating the Thanksgiving season this year?

Favorite Things - Cable Knit Throws

As the Denver weather finally cools and gives us real glimpses of winter, I am reminded of my favorite winter items - chunky cable knit sweaters. I love to spend the cold days bundled in my favorite cable knit and would choose it over cashmere any day. Now I have the same choice in throws. Wouldn't you like to snuggle under one of these with a favorite book? West Elm cable knit throws ans pillows. Enjoy!

A Note on Design Trends

As we embark on this journey of the Beautiful Habitat blog, I want to articulate my view on home design trends. I will often advise not to follow the trends and instead to focus on what you love; what makes you happy. Yet, I will be featuring trends and products in my posts. So what exactly is going on in my head? Inspiration seek.


Home Design: Fashion Design
The home industry has become much like the fashion industry, where magazines and TV shows are continually forecasting next season's trends and declaring "what's hot, what's not". This boom in the home industry has its pros and cons. On the upside, there are more home products on the market than ever before, giving us more choice and sources for inspiration.
Unfortunately the media focus on "trends" is predominately to get you to buy more stuff, more often. This is often done through messages that imply your home is somehow out of fashion or otherwise inadequate. A friend recently asked if I would help her redecorate a room because she had read a magazine trend report that browns were out and grays were in. Sadly, she was perfectly happy with the room until she read this little blurb in a magazine.


Seek Inspiration, Not Dogmatic Truths
My point is to look to the trends and media for inspiration and creative stimulation, but be true to yourself, your lifestyle, and the things you truly prefer. Rules of fashion can mirror rules of home design.

• In both, it is wise to invest in basics for a longer term and to change out accessories for an updated look.
• Pieces you love can outlive any trend.
• In fashion, you should honor what suits your body-type and lifestyle. Likewise, in the home it's best to honor that which suits the structure of your home and your lifestyle. I love a skinny jean, but don't have the hips to pull the look off. I also love luxuriously layered bedding, but don't have the lifestyle or desire to support multiple coverlets and pillows. I am happiest when I am honest with myself on both fronts.

And to my friend who worried about her use of browns, here is some chocolate-inspired design just for you.



Boheme wallpaper, burkedecor.com






























Monari stripe fabric, romofabrics.com

Mission and Beliefs

The mission of the Beautiful Habitat blog is simple: Helping others to make their home more beautiful and functional by offering advice, inspiration, and connecting them with resources to spark creativity.


Beliefs:

• A well-designed space can improve the quality of life for those living and working in it.
• Everyone should have a home or room that truly suits them and their personality and lifestyle.
• Good personal design doesn't require a large budget, it requires inspiration and creativity.
• When designing their space, one should follow their passion and intuition, and not the latest trends.