Winter Decorating Ideas | Guest Post

The changing of the seasons offers the perfect opportunity to redecorate your home. As winter sets in, our thoughts turn to getting warm and cozy. Check out these quick decorating tips that will help you turn your home into a welcoming winter den.  

Welcoming From the Outside In
 Set the tone of your home by decorating everything, even your exterior doors. If you’re feeling festive, hang a home-made holly wreath on your front door to spread your cheer to the rest of the world. If you don’t have the time to make your own wreath, consider purchasing a synthetic wreath which you can re-use every year.

 

Via Pinterest

 

via Joanna Fabric

 

via Matt & Becky 

 Relaxing By the Fire
 There’s something special about relaxing in front of an open fire; the look of the flames makes you feel warmer, and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. If you don’t have a fireplace in your living room, why not invest in a wall-hanging, flu less fireplace to brighten up your room.

 

via Pinterest

Metallic Luxury
Natural colors are cozy and comfortable, but it’s easy to go too far with the rustic feel. Add a touch of modern glamor to your home by opting for some shiny, shimmering metallic colors as an accent. Consider painting your oak skirting boards in a sedate silver, and pairing that up with silver trim on your cushions and throws. Or, use subtle accents to bring out the warmth in a more traditional room.

 

via Pinterest

Easy Accents
Redecorating for the winter doesn’t have to mean completely re-doing the look of your living room. If you prefer clean and simple styled rooms, why not add a touch of winter fashion with decals which can easily be removed when it’s time for a change of scenery.

 

via Pinterest

Accessorize 
  During the winter, it’s natural to want to curl up in front of the fireplace with a good book. Why not make that spot as comfortable as possible. This time of year is the perfect time to bring out those stylish blankets, comfy cushions, and plush pillows. Pick the right color scheme, and they’ll be as fashionable as they are cozy.
 One side effect of spending so much time indoors with the heating running full blast and the windows closed, is that the air in your home can get a little musty. You can keep your home smelling fresh by making use of scented candles, or, even better, great home cooking. Mulled wine, cinnamon bread, festive fruitcake, and winter broths will warm your body, and spread beautiful smells around the house!

 

via Pinterest

Clean Up for Christmas
 If there’s one thing that will detract from the atmosphere of your home, it’s clutter. During the festive season, there’s a good chance your home will fill up with stuff. A preemptive decluttering session will make life a lot easier for you. Consider donating old books and clothes to charity, encouraging your kids to take some toys to charity, and spending a weekend cleaning out that stash of paperwork. It won’t take as long as you’d think, and the improvement will be amazing. This post was written by James Harper on behalf of UK Oak Doors who supply a great range of oak products from doors through to skirting boards.

 For more related post by Beautiful Habitat:
 Dreaded Decluttering
 Clearing Clutter in the New Year
 Easy Holiday Decor - Ribbons

Beautiful Habitat: Interior Design & Decoration www.beautifulhabitat.com

Valentine’s Day Decorating Ideas | Guest Post

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, you may be making dinner or hotel reservations or picking out a new dress for the occasion. Make Valentine’s Day that much more special this year by decorating a room for the holiday.

Flower Arrangements, Bouquets, and Centerpieces

A simple, floral centerpiece could add an extra boost of color to your dining table, if you’re planning a special Valentine’s Day breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Of course, pink or red roses are the Valentine’s Day go-to but they can be softened with a pale blue, art nouveau-esque vase that would accentuate their sensuality. We prefer shades of pink and white over the stereotypical and sometimes harsh red bouquets.

 
Candles

Nothing ignites the flame like decorative candles, which cast a flattering glow on the faces of lovers and friends. Wood and other rustic candleholders can add a flame to the dining table or bedroom, without looking over the top or strictly seasonal. We love the idea of flipping wine glasses upside-down, then placing scented candles on their base, too.
 
Banners and Wall Hangings

For the crafty among us, a heart banner, comprised of individually crafted valentine hearts, could blend perfectly in the eclectic home. Pink-tinted doilies can hang on invisible string over a dining table for a Valentine’s Day party.



Whether you’re throwing a Valentine’s Day party or planning a dinner for two, decorate with flowers, candles, and hearts galore to celebrate romance this holiday.

About the Author: Ryan is a guest writer and interior designer who specializes in seasonal trends, especially in houses for sale Austin TX and Florence homes for sale.

Beautiful Habitat: Interior Design & Decoration www.beautifulhabitat.com

2012 | I Choose Happiness

Happy New Year!

I have honestly never been a fan of New Year's Resolutions. I prefer to think that if you want to make changes in your life, don't wait for a specific date on the calendar. However, this year I have taken some time to reflect on the year that has passed and what lies ahead. This reflection has raised a desire in me to strengthen a belief that I already have: to always choose happiness.

Many people tell me that I am a positive and happy person - and I am glad and grateful to hear that message. However, in our culture it is so easy to get sucked into the negativity that permeates modern life. Like anyone else, I can often feel the pull towards negativity, doubt, blame, judgement and ultimately unhappiness. But I have seen time and time again that feeling this negativity, and expressing it outwardly toward others, does nothing more than make me feel bad. So I always try to remember that in any moment of my life I have a choice and I'd like to Choose Happiness...every time.



In 2012, I've like to continue to strengthen this belief - and the frequency that I am able to choose happiness in my life. I'd like to cultivate happiness wherever I go, because it is a constant within me. In 2012, I Choose Happiness. I hope you will, too.

What are your goals for 2012?

A little video on Choosing Happiness: Choose Happiness

Beautiful Habitat: Interior Design & Decoration www.beautifulhabitat.com

Happy Thanksgiving

via Craftily Ever After

Gratitude

I love Thanksgiving! I love the meaning behind the holiday - a day to reflect on and celebrate the abundance present in life. It's a beautiful day and way to live. This year the holiday is touching me in a more profound way. I feel an enormous sense of gratitude for the life I live and the people with whom I share my life. This is certainly influenced by my recent trip to Africa. And before I ramble on with the meaning of the trip, I'd like to pause there. I feel gratitude for the ability (physical, spiritual, financial, etc.) to travel across and experience this amazing world in which we live. AMEN.Traveling to Africa was certainly a reminder of the abundance in life. I was heartbroken by the extreme poverty that we witnessed. Yet I was also struck that the people of Tanzania seemed so genuinely happy. It's quite a contradiction to what I see so often in our own country - people whose lives are so abundant with stuff, yet they are so deeply unhappy.

I don't have deep philosophical thoughts to share on the subject. I'm not suggesting that anyone give up their possessions in order to find happiness. It was simply a contradiction that I observed and has really stuck with me.Yes, I'd love to eradicate hunger and create lasting World Peace. I believe that we can.Today, I am simply starting with a deep and genuine sense of gratitude and thanks.

I am immensely grateful for my family and friends, who make my life the rewarding, vibrant and adventurous existence that it is. I am thankfully to my wonderful clients, who trust me with their homes and dreams, while simultaneously helping me to live my own dream. I am grateful to you for joining me today, and any day, to read this blog and find inspiration for your own home and life.

Thanks + giving

Following my gratitude will certainly be giving. I have ideas and I'll be sharing them with you during the season of giving. Will you be giving this year? Do you have a favorite way to share the abundance of this world? Share with us.

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Beautiful Habitat: Interior Design & Decoration www.beautifulhabitat.com

Happy Colors | Pink

Yes, we are still having fun with Happy Colors here at Beautiful Habitat! The Facebook survey revealed the mother of happy colors - pink. Yes, pink was voted most often as the color that just makes you feel happy. This post features several beautifully designed and decorated pink spaces to inspire you to incorporate your happy color into your interiors and your everyday!

That's a whole lotta pink...

Here is a fine collection of spaces that go all out with pink - walls, floors, furniture and more. Do you find your inspiration here?

 

Jonathan Adler

 

And how about Pink Hotel Rooms? This one is the May Fair Hotel in London.

 

Pink Kitchen! Could you do it? via Kitchen Clarity

 

I can hardly feature a pink kitchen without a pink bath. This is a modern update from the pink bathrooms of the early 1990's. Mauve toilets are not a good way to do pink bathrooms... ever. via Grant K Gibson Interior Design

 

I vote Designer Betsey Johnson as the queen of pink. Check out her home!

A little less pink, please

These well-decorated spaces have incorporated a little less pink, but still pack in the glamor and fun that pink provides.

 

If you've visited the Beautiful Habitat blog before, you know that I have a love of painted and papered ceilings. This room is certainly unique with pink ceiling and moldings to accompany white walls. Quite an interior design statement! via Apartment Therapy

 

Here is a great example of punching up a neautral room with color. Adding just a pink rug and pink pouf to an all-white bedroom makes an interesting and fun design. via Ohdeedoh

 

Following the white and pink room is a similar concept of adding pink to gray. This is a beautiful and feminine bedroom design! via Country Living

 

Why confine your happiness to the indoors? Take your decor, and pink, to the great outdoors. via House Beautiful

 

If you're not ready to commit to pink, or it doesn't work with other selections that you've made for your home, you can always get a shot of happiness from some fresh pink flowers.

Let's go all the way!

 

If you truly love pink and want to go well outside of the box, how about a pink Christmas? This room, via Toby Fairly, is not just a pink holiday, but on top of a very bold interior decorating plan of pink, pink, pink.

For more on the Happy Color Series, read on:

• Red
• Yellow
• Purple
• Orange
• Apple and Lime Green

Is your happy color missing? Drop me a line about the color you turn to to brighten your day, wardrobe or interiors, and I'll be happy to include it!

Beautiful Habitat: Interior Design & Decoration www.beautifulhabitat.com

Wishing you a Happy New Year

 I wish you happiness, health and prosperity in 2011.

Beautiful Habitat: Interior Design & Decoration www.beautifulhabitat.com

Merry Christmas!

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas (US) and a very Happy Christmas (EU)! Whatever phrase you use, I hope your Christmas is filled with joy, love, family, friends and beauty!

Beautiful Habitat: Interior Design & Decoration www.beautifulhabitat.com

Holiday Entertaining - Setting the Table

As Holiday Entertaining gets into full swing, I find myself inspired by some amazing table designs. Your table setting and decoration is a great way to set the tone for your holiday gatherings and to create parties to be remembered.

First a quick primer on *proper* table settings. To be followed, or completely ignored as YOU see fit for your own party...

Starting with your dinner plate, which looks more lovely and festive when layered over a place mat, charger, or both. A salad plate or bowl can be layered on top of the dinner plate, depending on your planned courses. Don't be afraid to mix styles, colors or vintage with new - get creative. Place cards are a great touch to a dinner party. Think out-of-the-box, use fruit or foliage, or a small gift.

 Next - forks to the left of the plate, knife and spoon to the right. Place silverware in the order of it's use, working from the outside in.

Glassware is at the top right of the plate. Water glass first, followed by white wine, then red wine glasses.

(article and photos from House Beautiful Magazine's Entertaining Issue)

And now some simply beautiful and creative table design and decorations that are inspiring me this holiday season. Courtesy of House Beautiful.

Michael Devine, Fabric Designer

Miles Redd, Interior Designer

Jan Barboglio, Home Furnishing Designer

And a final image from BBBCraft Sisters c/o Design Sponge. I love the incorporation of pomegranates and evergreen into the table.

Do you have a beautiful holiday tablescape? Share it with us! You can send me a link via the comments on the blog, or upload to the Beautiful Habitat Facebook wall.

Happy Holiday Entertaining!

Beautiful Habitat: Interior Design & Decoration www.beautifulhabitat.com

Easy Holiday Decor - Ribbons

One of the easiest and least expensive ways to spruce up standard Christmas decorating is with ribbon or tulle. Both can add texture, shimmer and color to your holiday scheme.

Use it on the tree.

Use it on the mantel.

Use it with the nativity.

Add it to any greenery, wreaths or garland.

And to take it up another notch - use the same ribbon or tulle throughout your home, then use it in your gift wrapping.

It makes a beautiful statement and takes your Christmas decor to a new level. The best part is you can reuse the ribbon for many years before it wears out! The amount of average household trash increase by 25% during the holidays. You'll be doing your part to reduce that, while making your holidays beautiful.

Beautiful Habitat: Interior Design & Decoration www.beautifulhabitat.com

Pecan Pie Cookie Recipe

I don't usually include recipes on the Beautiful Habitat Blog. However, this is my very favorite holiday recipe and is much requested by family and friends. I felt the best way to share with everyone was right here. If you like it, recipes just may find their way onto the blog more often.
These have long been made by my grandma and mom for the holidays and have been my favorite cookie for as long as I can remember. I hope you and your family enjoy them as much as we always have!

Pecan Pie Cookies

CookieDough
1C butter, softened
1/2C white sugar
1/2C dark corn syrup
2 egg yokes (retain the whites)
2-1/2 to 3 C flour (I need 3 cups in Denver's altitude, but less may be needed elsewhere)

Cream butter and sugar together on low.
Add syrup and egg yokes and beat until well blended.
Stir in flour gradually.
Chill at least 30 minutes.


Pecan Pie Filling
1/2C powdered sugar
1/4C butter
3T dark corn syrup
1/2C pecans, coarsely chopped

Combine butter, sugar and syrup in a saucepan over low heat.
Stir occasionally until it reaches a full boil.
Remove from heat and stir in pecans.
Chill

Bake it
Preheat oven to 375
Grease cookie sheets
Beat egg whites
Roll 1T of dough into a ball, flatten slightly on the cookie sheet (degree of flattening required varies with altitude and flour).
Brush with egg whites.
Bake for 7-10 minutes, the dough should fluff, but not start to brown.
Remove dough from oven.
Roll 1t of filling into a ball.
Press the filling into the center of the cookie, making it look just like a mini pecan pie.
Return to the oven until dough lightly brown.
Cool on wire rack.

This recipe can be doubled - and usually is in our family. Enjoy!

I wish I had a photo to add, but the batch I made for my November book club are long gone. Guess I'll need to do another batch just for the photos...

Do you have a favorite holiday recipe? Share it!

Beautiful Habitat: Interior Design & Decoration www.beautifulhabitat.com

Setting Your Thanksgiving Table Round up

I have seen so many wonderful blog posts about setting your Thanksgiving Table. Here is a round up of my  favorites in case you need some last minute inspiration.
Send us photos of your amazing Thanksgiving table!

Before you begin to make a beautiful table, here is a quick Dining Etiquette 101 from Sun-Sentinel.com.

And on to the Decorations:
Thanksgiving Decorating with Gratitude! from Irene Turners blog "Little Bits of Beauty"
Thanksgiving Table from your truly at Beautiful Habitat
Thanksgiving Centerpiece Ideas: Blossom & Branch from Design Sponge
Thanksgiving Table Inspiration from Habitually Chic
Interiors to Inspire:Thanksgiving Edition from Coco & Kelley

Beautiful Habitat: Interior Design & Decoration www.beautifulhabitat.com

Give Design for Mother's Day

Yes, Mother's Day is only one month away.  Have you thought about how you will honor the woman that brought you into this world? If your mother is like the many I know, she has plenty of "stuff", but she doesn't have a lot of time. She has to prioritize her life and often keeping up with home improvements falls low on the list. Help her tackle those home project by bringing in expert help.
Interior Design and Decorating make a great gift. I have gift cards available and we can customize to meet your specific needs and budget. You can gift a consultation, a redesign, declutter and organizing, color selection, window treatments, real estate staging or any design or decoration project, from 1 hour up to several hours of time. See the Beautiful Habitat website or contact me for more information.

 I have been gifted for Mother's Days past it is is truly an appreciated gift by the busy mom's with whom I have worked.

Beautiful Habitat: Interior Design www.beautifulhabitat.com