Art Spotlight: Abstract Paper

 

We've probably all experienced art dilemmas; curating the perfect collection of art for our homes can be hard work and I'm sure I'm not the only one who has struggled to find the piece for the right place. Movement, texture, palette, story... these are just a few of things on the checklist I run through when deciding what makes the cut and it's easy to get stuck in a rut or bail on the endeavor all together. 

I recently discovered this top piece while working on a client  project. And while we didn't end up using it,  I really liked it so I started digging for other varieties and YOU GUYS! these are so good in so many places!!! Modern, bohemian, traditional with an edge--the texture of the paper and abstract forms are simply beautiful! 

Whether you need a large statement piece or the final piece in a gallery wall, check out this round up of abstract paper art and let me know what you think! 

| Target |

| West Elm |

| Z Gallerie |

Decorating For Fall Without Breaking the Bank

I have a confession -- I've never been much of a seasonal decorator. Often because I didn't have the money to spare on things with such a short window of use, or because I hate to store things I'm not currently using, or even sometimes just because I'm lazy and didn't see the point. There were years that we travelled for Christmas and I didn't even set up the tree that is tucked away in the basement--now that is the epitome of too-lazy-to-be-bothered. For much of my life, the only thing I rotated seasonally was candle scents and the types of food I cooked. (Soup is a winter food, people!)

Since having a little one, my perspective has shifted a little bit though. Growing up, I remember my mom's house always feeling cozy and seasonally appropriate. We loved dragging out the rubbermaid totes of Christmas decorations every year or bringing in fresh flowers from the yard in the summers. I want my little guy to experience that sense of coziness and being home. I want to signal the ebb and flow of changing seasons inside our home as well as pointing to their presence outdoors. It feels connected and important somehow. 

Buuut.... I still don't want to spend tons on short-lived decor, I strongly dislike kitschy things, and I still hate to store lot's of extra stuff. 

I decided to do a kind of trial run with some fall decorations and I have to say I'm loving it!
Let me share the strategy I adopted.

fall decor | gallery wall | leather side table

Decorate For the Seasons, Not the Holidays

I'll start with the disclaimer that for me, this isn't 100% true of Christmas. And I'm okay with incorporating a few things that are specific to a particular holiday. Mostly though, I skip things that are distinctly Halloween, Thanksgiving, Easter, etc and go for tones, textures, colors, and patterns that fit the time of year. I had some blush colored linen pillow covers on the couch throw pillows over the summer but I've since replaced them some black and white buffalo check, dark green velvet, and a chunky knit oatmeal colored cover.

(Tip -- pillow covers are AWESOME!! Much easier to store and way cheaper than rotating actual pillows.) 

 

Choose Items That Bridge Multiple Seasons

Did you see that gorgeous wooden serving bowl? It was $20 at TJMaxx and while that may not sound like a lot, it was more than spent on any other single item. But, it is also the most versatile!! In the fall is can hold apples, gourds, pinecones etc... in the winter I could fill it with some greens and berries or sparkly trinkets, and in the summer lemons would be perfect!

I haven't decided if the boxwood wreaths will stay up year round, but at the very least they will transition beautifully into our Christmas decor. (Don't they look great on those roman shades!? If you missed the tutorial, you can read it here.) Same for the buffalo check pillow covers and kitchen towels. The green vases were on clearance at Target and I while the green and gold are perfect for autumn, they will be beautiful for Christmas or anytime.

Fall Decor | Blue Sofa | Boxwood Wreath

I picked up that cotton ball wreath at the end of the season last year (the best time to bargain hunt for next year!) and I love that it works seasonally from mid September right through until February/March. 

open shelving | fall decor

Glass, ceramics, wood, metals, and greenery (real OR fake ;) ) are some of the best neutral statement pieces you can invest in! Collect things you love that aren't too squarely seasonal and then curate little vignettes mixing and matching some inexpensive items like mini pumpkins to set a festive tone. 

Sometimes seasonal decorating is just about adding or removing layers. Through the summer I've enjoyed the ease of bare tile floors in the kitchen but as the air got a little chillier, I found I wanted to add some coziness. I picked up this blue rug, and while the color has nothing to do with any particular season, I really like it. Something as simple as a small rug went a long way to adding a layer of warmth and texture to the whole kitchen.

kitchen rug | white and grey cabinets
Fall Decorations | Leather and Brass Bench | Coffee Table Styling

So my final tally of fall decorating pieces is this:

  • Two Green Vases | $5 and $7 respectively
  • Wooden Tray | $20
  • Two Buffalo Print Pillow Covers | $18/ea
  • White Ceramic Acorn | $6
  • "Be Thankful" Sign | $5
  • Buffalo Check Dishtowel | $3
  • Two Boxwood Wreaths | $15/ea
  • Kitchen Rug | $15
  • Orange and Tan Plaid Throw Blanket | $15 (not shown)
  • Assorted Pumpkins and Gourds | $10

Total: $137

*If I'm being honest/generous in "what counts as fall decorating purchases" I would tell you that I recently bought those leather and brass stools ($25/ea on clearance) and the white ceramic faceted vase ($14) bringing my total to $201... but I'm choosing not to count those as "seasonal." ;)

While I'm confessing, I feel like I should also tell you that we are currently sporting some pretty sweet vinyl window clings these days... because you know, a toddler lives here too and as parents we have to sacrifice certain things. Like our front doors. 

Kids Fall Decor
Fall Decor | Holiday Styling

How about you? Do you change up your decor for the seasons? What is your favorite way to stretch those dollars? I love hearing about how you make your home your own--comment below and tell me about it!

Bohemian Living Room Refresh

When Shauna sent me a note saying she needed help refreshing her living room, and that she loved the vintage bohemian vibe, I was super pumped for this project! She already had several pieces, both furniture and art, that she wanted to continue using, but was looking to freshen up the space and incorporate some pink. 

Inspirational Images

Before Pictures and the "Keep List"

From these "before" pictures, she wanted or needed to keep the following: 

  • Sofa
  • Coffee Table
  • Beige Chair and Ottoman
  • Art over Sofa
  • Black and White Syracuse Street Name Art
  • Blue and White Cabinet (open to painting)
  • Starburst Mirror
  • Vintage Rug (not shown in pictures)

The client also had a pink heart print she wanted to use and requested a silhouette of her puppy, Abe, be incorporated.  

Achieving Bohemian Style 

When trying to achieve an eclectic, bohemian feel the key is to layer things in a way that feels collected and accumulated but not cluttered. To accomplish this, quality and authenticity are incredibly important! While rattan and kilim patterns are en vogue right now, choosing vintage items rather than reproductions helps to establish a rich, storied environment. A few original paintings balance the pop art and adding plants is a must for any bohemian inspired room. 

When searching for vintage furniture, art, and accessories, Craigslist, Etsy, Chairish, and 1st Dibs are all great places to start.

The mood board we sent the client shows new and "new vintage" items mixed with the furniture and art from their "keep list". Rearranging, painting furniture, and some new textiles can go a long way in updating a room!

I can't wait to share pictures of the finished room once it all comes together, but for now, here are some links to shop this look for your own home!

Shop the Look

Styling Secrets and Quick Tips: Wall Decals for Nurseries, Kid's Rooms, & Playrooms

Wall decals are tricky, tricky things and it is so easy for these to go real bad, real fast. BUT, they can also be really fun, budget-friendly ways to add personality and character to a room. Here's a quick roundup of six of our favorite wall decals and adhesive murals from Etsy.

Black Triangle Wall Decals

These would look awesome in a modern, minimalist, Scandinavian inspired room.  Great for a nursery or kid's room and they come in a variety of colors. The surest bet would be to use them on a single accent wall from floor to ceiling. 

Ballroom Wall Mural Decal

Classy and fun, this soft black and white mural is the perfect backdrop to hours of pretend play. This would be best suited for a full wall mural, but could also be used at a smaller scale to highlight a particular play area. 

A Rooftop View Wall Mural Decal

The black lines on a white background create the feeling of a life-size coloring book. For a crisp look, use on a single wall and paint surrounding walls so the details don't become overwhelming. Best for a playroom or older child's room (age 8+).

Colorful CityScape 

If your preschooler loves building blocks, trains, and cars this decal of a bright city skyline might be just right in their playroom or bedroom. Pair with this road motif rug and light colored walls ( try white or very light blue). This color combination would look great with light natural wood tones or a bright colored furniture.  

World Map Wall Mural

This world map mural would be more appropriate in a playroom than a bedroom, but with subdued colors it could even work in shared space such a finished basement or tv room.  Go all in on the map theme and accent with a collection of vintage globes displayed together on a bookshelf or mantle. 

Airplane Wall Decals

These airplane decals are incredibly age-versatile and work nicely with neutral or americana color palates. Keep the planes generally clustered together rather than placing one on each wall of the room and mix in some non-airplane related decor to keep things fresh. 

Summer Art

I recently picked up a few new pieces of art that have a decidedly summer feel to them, and while I plan to leave them up all year, they are making me especially happy paired with all the sunshine we've been enjoying. 

I love the trend toward using coastal inspired elements (in moderation!) and a few beach-y prints or paintings are the perfect way to incorporate that summer vacation feel without getting kitschy. Here is a round up of some of my faves! 

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