Thursday, September 21, 2023

Simple Fall DIY & Decorating Ideas From Walmart







Neutral fall decor favorites and simple fall DIY projects from Walmart! 


This post is sponsored by Walmart.


While wandering around Walmart the other day, I immediately noticed the aisles of fall decor.  

I tend to decorate for Halloween and then skip to Christmas, but I couldn't help but be drawn to the variety of pumpkins, cozy textiles, mixed metals, and yummy fall candles. 

Once the days get shorter and the weather drops, I like to incorporate additional natural and neutral elements into my decor. 

Walmart is the perfect one-stop shop for DIY supplies and decor staples to help cozy up and transition any home for fall!

Neutral fall decor

PUMPKINS 


Whether you're a traditional Fall decorator or prefer muted tones, Walmart has a variety of pumpkins in various sizes, textures, and colors.  I tend to paint faux pumpkins, so I pay more attention to the size and shape than the color. 

walmart faux pumpkins

Walmart has one pumpkin in particular that's a perfect mix of Cinderella and Knucklehead pumpkins. I would have bought multiple of them, but they must be popular because I only found one. 

textured faux pumpkins

They do have many other varieties of affordable faux pumpkins in many other colors, shapes, sizes, and textures.  

walmart faux pumpkins

Walmart faux pumpkins


I also grabbed a few $.98 faux acorn picks to paint and display throughout my home. 

faux acorn stems


SHOP WALMART PUMPKINS 






Painting the faux pumpkins and acorns to give them a neutral makeover was quick and easy.   I used an off-white paint for the textured pumpkin and then added a little antique wax for additional texture. 

Painting faux walmart pumpkins

The acorns were all painted dark brown, including the stems.   They're perfect for tucking into small crocks and vases or to combine with other natural fall elements. 

painting faux acorn stems


neutral fall decorating ideas


Painted faux pumpkins and acorns

Decorating with faux acorns

simple fall living room decor



simple fall decorating

warm leather amber candle from walmart


Of course, I also had to pick up a couple bags of faux skull heads to add a bit of Halloween.  They're a neat and unique filler for a natural wood bowl or clear glass canister

bag of faux skulls

faux skulls in glass jar


FALL DECOR FAVORITES

Along with the variety of pumpkins and acorns, Walmart has a wonderful selection of pillows, throw blankets, trays, candles, and other home accents perfect for fall. 

DECOR ELEMENTS TO ADD TO YOUR HOME FOR FALL:


Wood: Bowls, vases, trays, pedestals
Natural: Acorns, pinecones, antlers, dried florals 
Cozy: Blankets, pillows, and other textiles
Texture: Velvet, faux fur, plaid, baskets, wood
Metals: Copper, brass, gold, bronze
Scent: Candles, diffusers, stovetop potpourri (bonfire, sandalwood, cinnamon, apple cider, pumpkin)


wood oblong tray


Faux fur blanket


warm amber fall candle


You can shop additional natural and neutral Walmart fall decor favorites by clicking on the images below! 

NEUTRAL FALL DECOR 










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Monday, July 31, 2023

Simple Ways to Love Your Home








Simple and budget-friendly ideas to help you love your home, just the way it is!





It took me a long time to love our home.

We didn't have time to make updates before moving in, which meant we lived with the original 1970s fixtures and finishes. 

We took our time making improvements and worked room by room as time and money permitted.  Many years were spent living in renovation chaos and unfinished spaces.  

Simple ways to love your home

During that time, it was incredibly easy to feel stressed and overwhelmed.  It was important to slow down, enjoy the process, and focus on the aspects of my home that I did love. 

It's easy to pick apart our homes and dwell on the negatives.  I hope these inexpensive and simple ideas will help focus on the positives and love your home again. 

SIMPLE WAYS TO LOVE YOUR HOME




1.  DECLUTTER AND MINIMIZE DECOR



Unorganized rooms and piles of clutter can be overwhelming and cause unnecessary stress, anxiety, and depression.  Taking time to declutter the spaces in your home can improve your mental health and help you feel more relaxed in your home.  Clear off counters, keep your decor minimal, and only fill your home with things you love. 





Declutter and minimize decor


2. ADD HOUSE PLANTS



Plants not only help make a room feel brighter and cozier but they are also known to improve air quality and reduce stress.   So, grab a few plants, pick out some fun pots, and bring a little life into your home.


Add house plants


3.  SHOP YOUR HOME



Are you tired of the same decor?  Are you ready to change things up, but don't want to spend a lot of money?  I'm a big believer in shopping your home and swapping decor from one room to another.  It's the easiest and most affordable way to give rooms a new look and love your spaces.





Keeping a stock of home decor staples on hand will allow you to easily combine, rotate and mix and match home decor to create endless looks for free.


Shop your home




4.  FOCUS ON WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY


Do you have areas in your home that are dated, incomplete, or not fully decorated?   Instead of focusing on what you don't love about these spaces, try shifting your focus on what you DO love.



What drew you to your home in the first place?  What would you miss if you moved?  Did you just buy new curtains or throw pillows that make you smile when you walk into a room.  Focus on the positive aspects of your home and what makes you happy.  It will allow you to love your home even with all its quirks. 

Focus on what makes you happy


5. OPEN DOORS AND BLINDS




Sunshine and natural light can improve your mood and overall well-being, so open doors, pull back curtains, and allow natural light to flood into your home.   It will make your home feel brighter and larger and you'll be much happier.  

Tip: Hang curtains high and wide to maximize natural light.

Open doors and blinds

6. MAKE YOUR BED 



Getting up and making your bed right away not only gives you a sense of accomplishment, but it instantly makes your room feel neater AND is proven to reduce stress.  Even if the rest of your room isn't fully decorated, having your bed made will help your room feel more like a retreat and a place you want to relax.   

Investing in quality sheets, a comforter you love, and a few fun throw pillows can make all the difference in how you feel about your room. 


Make your bed, vintage modern bedroom

7.  DONATE UNUSED ITEMS



Grab a bag, walk through your home, and find 10 things that you can donate.  We all have items in our homes that we no longer love, use or need.  These items take up space and create clutter.  Get them out and only surround yourself with what you need and love. 




8.  MAKE MINOR REPAIRS



Do you have random nail holes that need to be patched?  A dripping faucet?  Molding that needs to be caulked?  Scuffed baseboards that need to be painted?  A loose doorknob or faucet that needs to be tightened?  Take a weekend and make all those repairs and fix minor annoyances that drive you crazy.  It won't take long and will make a big impact on the way you feel about your home.  

Make minor repairs







9.  CLEAN



I know, no one really likes to clean, but a freshly cleaned bathroom, mopped floor, or wiped down kitchen can have such a positive impact on our attitude and how we feel about our home.   You may not be able to control or change dated tile or light fixtures,  but keeping a space neat and tidy can improve how you feel about the overall space. 

Clean, vintage modern dining room


10.  STOP COMPARING YOUR HOME TO OTHERS


Theodore Roosevelt once said, "Comparison is the thief of joy."  

Don't get caught up in the comparison trap of comparing your home (and life!) to others.  Look at what other people have as an inspiration to you and be happy and grateful that you have a roof over your head.  There will always be people who have much more than you, but there are many others who have far less.  

Stop comparing your home to others

11.  FILL YOUR HOME WITH THINGS YOU LOVE

I've always said, creating a home takes time.  Don't rush, enjoy the process, and fill it with items you love.  It doesn't have to fit a "style" or make sense to anyone else.  All that matters is that your home is a place you feel safe, loved, and filled with everything that makes you happy. 

Display your favorite collection, paint the walls a color that makes you happy,  use the quilt your grandmother handmade for you, or hang the artwork a family member painted.  

Fill your home with things you love

Vintage decor, antique hymn board, antique apothecary jars








Shifting your focus and staying positive isn't always easy, but once you do amazing things will happen.  Not only will you have a better attitude, but you'll be happier and able to appreciate all that you have, perfect for not.








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Monday, June 5, 2023

The Best IKEA Home Decor For a Stylish Home





Give your home a beautiful high-end look with the best IKEA decor and furniture items! 


Last week, I traveled about two hours away to pick up a large lot of flower frogs that I won at an online auction.

Whenever I'm far away from home I always check out the area and spend the day exploring.  I usually end up finding new antique shops and thrift stores, but this time, I found an IKEA! 

I never pass up a chance to go to IKEA, so after picking up my auction wins and stopping at a few thrift stores I headed to IKEA.

The best IKEA home decor items for a stylish home on a budget

My plan was to grab a couple more sets of my favorite room-darkening white curtains, but I ended up walking out with a cart full.  

Some of their new items are just too good to pass up and considering it's been many years since I've done an IKEA decor post, I thought it would be helpful to round up my favorite budget-friendly decor items. 

THE BEST IKEA HOME DECOR ITEMS FOR A STYLISH HOME ON A BUDGET!


1. MERETE ROOM DARKENING CURTAINS

IKEA is one of my favorite places to buy curtains!  Not only are they great quality, but they come in 98" lengths, which makes them perfect for hanging high and wide.  

I have a set of 100% cotton Merete room darkening curtains in my office, my bedroom, and my vintage booth.

IKEA Merete Curtains, Ikea Home Decor

Vintage office, IKEA curtains
Functional Vintage Decorated Home Office

2. FEJKA ARTIFICIAL POTTED MAGNOLIA PLANT

I prefer real plants over faux, but there are a few spots in my home where it's a bit too dark for real plants to thrive.  One of those places is the corner of my bedroom.  It's in the back of the house and barely gets the evening sun.  

I knew as soon as I saw the artificial potted Magnolia plant at IKEA that it would be a nice change to the Fiddle Leaf that was currently in my bedroom.  It's larger, brighter, and something a little different. 

Fejka artificial Magnolia tree, Ikea tree

IKEA magmolia tree

Bedroom decorated with IKEA Decor


3. FEJKA KENTIA PALM

The artificial Kentia Palm is another option that I thought was a great buy for the price.  It's full, the palms can be adjusted, and it has a nice realistic look.   

IKEA artificial palm



4. REAL PLANTS 

If you're a real planter lover like I am then definitely check out the plant section next time you visit IKEA.  I find that their plant prices are super reasonable and cheaper than comparable big box retail stores. 

IKEA real plants


5. VARELD BEDSPREAD

I've had the dark gray waffle weave bedspread from IKEA for a few years now.  It's the perfect lightweight addition to spring/summer bedding.   

Vareld bedspread, ikea bedspread

Can you spot all the IKEA decor items in my bedroom? 

Bedroom decorated with IKEA items
Rug / Gray Blanket / Upholstered Platform Bed / Curtains / Faux Tree / Sconces (I painted them gold) / Ceiling Fan / 


The curtains, gray bedspreadartificial Magnolia, and the small frame on my nightstand are all from IKEA!


6. VATTENKRASSE WATERING CAN

I would have bought this adorable ivory and gold watering can if I didn't already have a brass watering can that I love.  The size and style are the perfect combination of stylish and functional.  

Vattenrasse watering can, IKEA watering can


7.  MOJNA PENDANT LIGHT 

IKEA always has a large selection of stylish and affordable lighting.  I was immediately drawn to the Mojna white pendant light.  It doesn't really fit the style of my home, but it would make a fun addition to a playroom or kids' room. 

IKEA lighting

8.  KAMPIG SWIVEL HOOK


I'm a big fan of mixing metals and the brass color hooks from IKEA are a great way to incorporate a touch of gold into your home. 

Kampig swivel hook, IKEA wall hooks

9.  WOOD CUTTING BOARDS 

IKEA has a great selection of affordable cutting boards in a variety of wood species and sizes. 

Two of my favorites are the small beech and large oak cutting boards.   The small one is the perfect size to leave out on the counter and grab to cut up an apple or a small portion.

Ikea cutting boards

Best Ikea home decor, ikea cutting board

Kitchen with IKEA cutting board

10. Pillow Covers

IKEA is hands down one of the top sources for affordable pillow covers.  They have a nice variety of colors, styles, and textures that are perfect for mixing and matching.

I loved the various shades of green textured tone-on-tone covers so much that I bought them all! 

IKEA pillow covers, IKEA textured pillow covers


Textured IKEA pillow covers

the best IKEA home decor items


11. HORNMAL THROW BLANKET 

This lightweight throw blanket comes in three great colors (green-yellow, light pink, and off-white) and is perfect for adding a touch of texture to any room. 

Hornmal throw blanket, IKEA throw blanket


12.  FLINSHULT ARMCHAIR

Dark gray is a color I'm always drawn to and I noticed two fantastic armchairs right away.  They were very different styles, but both were comfortable and could work with a variety of decorating styles. 

Flinshult armchair, IKEA armchair


I love that IKEA is affordable and offers a variety of styles that are easy to mix and match to appeal to everyone.

If you have had the chance to wander through the styled IKEA showroom then you know this is just a small selection of the many fabulous home decor items they offer.   

Which IKEA home decor item is your favorite?



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